Jack will never be able to use the "peer pressure" card with me. If, at 1, we are unable to make him do anything he doesn't want to do, then he sure as hell won't be able to convince me at 16 that his friend, "made him do it."
Today at school they had an "IDENT-A-KID" program visit. It's a great idea. For $10, they take a mug, fingerprint, weigh and measure the kid. Then they put all his information on an identity care to keep in your wallet. That way if, God forbid, you get separated the information will be easy to collect for authorities. We bought a package of four cards... we can each have one, give one to the g-rents and have one for visiting sitters.
Today when I called school to check on my baby, they told me Jack wasn't really interested in providing any sort of cooperation.
In fact I think her exact words were: "He was a stinker."
Each child is required to get his or her picture taken -- it took several tries.
Each child must stand still so they can measure him or her -- it sounds like it took several people to assist on this goal.
Each child must get weighed -- he was not interested at all.
Each child is fingerprinted -- that was the easy part.
Secretly, I am a little happy he decided to show this side of himself because I think those girls just thought I was a sh*tty mom.
31 August 2005
30 August 2005
Day XLVII -- 17
Want to say Happy Birthday to Jack's godmother and Aunt. She's officially older than I am (until January) and I know someday I am really going to like that fact.
***
Thanks to generous donations from family, friends and co-workers I am just dollars away from my grand total of $2,100! Great news here! Now I just need to step up on my training. (Get it? Step up? Not funny, I know.)
***
Jack continues to go through the "SCRREEAMING" stage. Hopefully this ends soon because his high-pitched-hasn't-gone-through-puberty-yet screech is slowly destroying everyone around him. Although at school he is apparently an angel who gets all the other kids to play together. Thanks, kid, for saving the best for the 'rents.
Yesterday when I went to school to pick him up, I spotted him playing in the kitchen with the one and two-year-olds. (He isn't permanently in this class yet because he refuses to walk.) There he was standing with only socks on (refused to wear shoes) playing away with plastic fruit. When he noticed me he threw both hands above his head and yelled, "Hiya MA!!"
And I immediatley said back, "Hiya Jack!"
And when I scooped him up, he immediately gave me a quick hug. Then he pushed away to wave furiously to all his little buddies.
Today when Husband dropped himoff, the kid was excited before he even got out of his carseat. He was cheering and clapping as they walked through the door and took off to his friends as soon as they got in the nursey.
Husband has decided Jack likes it there better than home.
***
Thanks to generous donations from family, friends and co-workers I am just dollars away from my grand total of $2,100! Great news here! Now I just need to step up on my training. (Get it? Step up? Not funny, I know.)
***
Jack continues to go through the "SCRREEAMING" stage. Hopefully this ends soon because his high-pitched-hasn't-gone-through-puberty-yet screech is slowly destroying everyone around him. Although at school he is apparently an angel who gets all the other kids to play together. Thanks, kid, for saving the best for the 'rents.
Yesterday when I went to school to pick him up, I spotted him playing in the kitchen with the one and two-year-olds. (He isn't permanently in this class yet because he refuses to walk.) There he was standing with only socks on (refused to wear shoes) playing away with plastic fruit. When he noticed me he threw both hands above his head and yelled, "Hiya MA!!"
And I immediatley said back, "Hiya Jack!"
And when I scooped him up, he immediately gave me a quick hug. Then he pushed away to wave furiously to all his little buddies.
Today when Husband dropped himoff, the kid was excited before he even got out of his carseat. He was cheering and clapping as they walked through the door and took off to his friends as soon as they got in the nursey.
Husband has decided Jack likes it there better than home.
26 August 2005
Day XLVI -- 22
Tonight kicks off a weekend of fast-paced fix-ups... bathroom still needs to be painted, stairs to basement, basement door, kitchen touch-ups, fix two electrical sockets, repair a hole in the wall on the landing... ahhhhh... Thank goodness Ga and Grandma are coming up.
Oh, and we'll be playing "Capture the Cat" so we can sadly put him to sleep. I borrowed my bosses live-trap which I couldn't figure out and had to bring back to work so several co-workers could show me how to set it up. I will be interested to see if the kitty even gets near the contraption.
Jack is liking school more and more it seems. He has so much fun, he's declining on the nap. That makes him a little crabby when he gets home. Last night he took a nap from the time I picked him up at 5:15 p.m. until about 7:30 p.m. That was great. When he woke up he was hungry, wet and confused. Tried to feed him, no go. Tried to change him, that was laughable.
Then a neighbor's door slammed and he got excited. He thought Daddy was home. And when he realized it wasn't Husband, he became a mess and was thrashing around. I decided to stand by the door with him so we could wait and watch. One car pulled in, he began to pant. His lower lip plopped out when he realized it wasn't Dad. Another car in. Not our man.
Just when I thought he couldn't handle it anymore, I saw Husband's black car come around the bend. Jack saw it too.
His face slowly spread into a smile.
He immediately started messing with the screen door trying to get it open, panting in delight.
"Who is it? Who is there, Jackie?"
Squealing from him.
"Is it Daddy?"
"Da-da,'' Jack whispered, eyes glued to the carport. "Da-da."
Husband seemed to be taking his sweet time to come in. He had no clue the trauma his family had been through waiting for him to arrive. We saw his head bob along the top of the carport.
"Da-da,'' Jack said a little louder, smiling.
Husband came around the carport and started heading to our porch.
"DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAA!!" He screamed out the screen.
"Hi, Buddy!" Husband called back.
Jack pressed his face up to the screen and watched his dad walk up the porch. When Husband opened the door, he shrieked in delight.
"Hi!!" Husband said reaching for his only son. "Can I have a hug?"
Jack leaned in to let Husband hold him. Just as Husband was putting his hands out, Jack quickly whipped around and squeezed my neck, burying his head in my neck. Peeking at me once and smiling.
Stinker.
Oh, and we'll be playing "Capture the Cat" so we can sadly put him to sleep. I borrowed my bosses live-trap which I couldn't figure out and had to bring back to work so several co-workers could show me how to set it up. I will be interested to see if the kitty even gets near the contraption.
Jack is liking school more and more it seems. He has so much fun, he's declining on the nap. That makes him a little crabby when he gets home. Last night he took a nap from the time I picked him up at 5:15 p.m. until about 7:30 p.m. That was great. When he woke up he was hungry, wet and confused. Tried to feed him, no go. Tried to change him, that was laughable.
Then a neighbor's door slammed and he got excited. He thought Daddy was home. And when he realized it wasn't Husband, he became a mess and was thrashing around. I decided to stand by the door with him so we could wait and watch. One car pulled in, he began to pant. His lower lip plopped out when he realized it wasn't Dad. Another car in. Not our man.
Just when I thought he couldn't handle it anymore, I saw Husband's black car come around the bend. Jack saw it too.
His face slowly spread into a smile.
He immediately started messing with the screen door trying to get it open, panting in delight.
"Who is it? Who is there, Jackie?"
Squealing from him.
"Is it Daddy?"
"Da-da,'' Jack whispered, eyes glued to the carport. "Da-da."
Husband seemed to be taking his sweet time to come in. He had no clue the trauma his family had been through waiting for him to arrive. We saw his head bob along the top of the carport.
"Da-da,'' Jack said a little louder, smiling.
Husband came around the carport and started heading to our porch.
"DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAA!!" He screamed out the screen.
"Hi, Buddy!" Husband called back.
Jack pressed his face up to the screen and watched his dad walk up the porch. When Husband opened the door, he shrieked in delight.
"Hi!!" Husband said reaching for his only son. "Can I have a hug?"
Jack leaned in to let Husband hold him. Just as Husband was putting his hands out, Jack quickly whipped around and squeezed my neck, burying his head in my neck. Peeking at me once and smiling.
Stinker.
24 August 2005
Day XLV -- 23
Apparently Jack is the class clown. His teachers tell me that he will do anything to get the other kids to laugh. And when the babies cry, he takes it upon himself to calm them down. Every person I have shared this bit of info with have had the same reaction, "Gosh, I'd love to see that!"
Today was his first full day at his little school. Between football season and the book, Husband needs at least one complete day without the child. As it is, he's planning to stay at work until 1:30 a.m. for the second night in a row. He's been up and working since we left at 7:30 a.m.
I am very torn about this decision to put Jack in all day -- even if it is for only one day. I declared before having him that I never wanted a daycare kid. And even though they have a steady curriculum and he usually only goes for half days, I still worry. I debated hiring a in home nanny-type for one day a week now that both sitters we used this sumer are going back to school but do I really want some stranger taking care of him? Of course the girls at his school were strangers six months ago. Would it be better for him to be home all day (sitting around or watching his tapes) or playing with other kids (and being exposed to dirt and germs)?
I hope we are making the right decision.
Today was his first full day at his little school. Between football season and the book, Husband needs at least one complete day without the child. As it is, he's planning to stay at work until 1:30 a.m. for the second night in a row. He's been up and working since we left at 7:30 a.m.
I am very torn about this decision to put Jack in all day -- even if it is for only one day. I declared before having him that I never wanted a daycare kid. And even though they have a steady curriculum and he usually only goes for half days, I still worry. I debated hiring a in home nanny-type for one day a week now that both sitters we used this sumer are going back to school but do I really want some stranger taking care of him? Of course the girls at his school were strangers six months ago. Would it be better for him to be home all day (sitting around or watching his tapes) or playing with other kids (and being exposed to dirt and germs)?
I hope we are making the right decision.
22 August 2005
Day XLIV -- 25
As my life gets messier and crazier, the blog gets shorter and less creative. Deal.
Jack is continuing to prove to be a gem/hurricane.
Last night around 3 a.m. he decided it was time to get up and play for the day. In my stupidity, and delirium from walking 15 miles yesterday, I thought a quick snuggle with what used to be "the magic hold" would send him quickly to sleep. I told Husband to go back to sleep and I would take care of it.
At 4 a.m., Jackson was taken downstairs to get him away from pulling my hair, poking my eyes, smooshing my cheeks together as he attempted to kiss me(but it's really more like biting) and singing in my ear.
At 6 a.m. I woke up to find Husband was not in bed and Jackie was not in his bed either. I stumbled downstairs because 1) my vision is poor and 2) my body is poor to find them both spread out on the loveseat snoring in rhythm. In another moment in time I may have found the whole scene heartwarming. This morning? Not so much.
I had 45 minutes that I fully intended to spread to a full hour and 15. Luckily, I had showered the night before and my clothes were already laid out. That gave me even more time. After hitting snooze for about 11 times, I snuck outta there quickly the boys sleeping in the bed.
At 9 a.m. Husband called. Jack got up at 8 a.m.
We both agreed today at lunch: caffeine isn't a strong enough stimulant.
Hey, did I tell you that I just bought a house and I need to sell mine by Sept. 30? Funny, don't you think? And did you know that Husband starts traveling next month and I have two out-of-town conferences and a 60 mile walk?
Really looking forward to my 7.5er tonight. REAL excited.
Jack is continuing to prove to be a gem/hurricane.
Last night around 3 a.m. he decided it was time to get up and play for the day. In my stupidity, and delirium from walking 15 miles yesterday, I thought a quick snuggle with what used to be "the magic hold" would send him quickly to sleep. I told Husband to go back to sleep and I would take care of it.
At 4 a.m., Jackson was taken downstairs to get him away from pulling my hair, poking my eyes, smooshing my cheeks together as he attempted to kiss me(but it's really more like biting) and singing in my ear.
At 6 a.m. I woke up to find Husband was not in bed and Jackie was not in his bed either. I stumbled downstairs because 1) my vision is poor and 2) my body is poor to find them both spread out on the loveseat snoring in rhythm. In another moment in time I may have found the whole scene heartwarming. This morning? Not so much.
I had 45 minutes that I fully intended to spread to a full hour and 15. Luckily, I had showered the night before and my clothes were already laid out. That gave me even more time. After hitting snooze for about 11 times, I snuck outta there quickly the boys sleeping in the bed.
At 9 a.m. Husband called. Jack got up at 8 a.m.
We both agreed today at lunch: caffeine isn't a strong enough stimulant.
Hey, did I tell you that I just bought a house and I need to sell mine by Sept. 30? Funny, don't you think? And did you know that Husband starts traveling next month and I have two out-of-town conferences and a 60 mile walk?
Really looking forward to my 7.5er tonight. REAL excited.
19 August 2005
Day XLIII -- 28 days
So why did we think buying a house (oh, 'cause it's bought pending the sale of our current house) just before football season when Husband is also writing a book, the babysitters are back in school, I'm working full-time, I have my walk and two conferences in September and we still have many projects to complete was a good idea? Just wondering.
Guess this nixes my trip to C-town this weekend. Grreat! Responsibilities ROCK!
I hope Jack is ready for three months of hustle bustle and clearing everything out and just plain old craziness. I think he'll appreciate all our hard work next spring and summer when he's just a few yards from a lake and huge park. That's what has to motivate me.
Cleaning, trashing, painting, trashing, clearing, cleaning. Anyone want to come visit? May have some things you could help me with...
18 August 2005
Day XLII -- 29 days
So we put a bid on the house. We of course low-balled which makes me nervous. They called last night to say they needed a night to sleep on it. I hope they get back to us soon so I don't have to think about it all day.
Friends from LA made an appearance in the H last night. We went to the Blue Gill Grill which is never a disappointment. I was walking around the lake when they arrived so I never got to go home and change before going to dinner. Fairly disgusting, I know.
Jack did well on the walk -- mostly because he was entertained by the passing cars and the water. It was only 4.5 miles so he didn't get too frustrated. He just laid back and munched on cheese and crackers as we huffed and puffed.
Lately he hasn't been doing as well in restaurants. Once you put him in the high chair he feels he immediately needs to clear the table tossing the menus and utensils down onto the floor. He may then bang his hands down for a while and howl -- just for the hell of it. Last night was no exception. I found myself juggling him until the waitress could get a fresh glass of milk to refill his bottle. I felt like an ass as I tried to rationalize with a 1-year-old about why it wasn't necessary to scream at a piercing pitch and then laugh when I sushed him.
So I am desperate to entertain him in these situations.
I have discovered that he's really trying to curl his tongue. (And thankfully he can't practice and scream at the same time.) He really studies me when I do it. You can see his brain trying to send the directions to his mouth. His face gets serious. He furrows his brow and his little baby tongue works at it. So far, it's not happening. He ends up just wiggling it around and then laughing.
Another new and a exciting game we play around here is reverse "peek-a-boo". These days he likes to cover his eyes with the back of his hands until one of us notices. (Last night in our chatter, those little hands were hanging for a while.)
Then we make a big deal with, "Where's Jackie? Whhhhhere's Jackie?"
His arms shoot down. "There he is!"
Laughter around.
Now repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
Friends from LA made an appearance in the H last night. We went to the Blue Gill Grill which is never a disappointment. I was walking around the lake when they arrived so I never got to go home and change before going to dinner. Fairly disgusting, I know.
Jack did well on the walk -- mostly because he was entertained by the passing cars and the water. It was only 4.5 miles so he didn't get too frustrated. He just laid back and munched on cheese and crackers as we huffed and puffed.
Lately he hasn't been doing as well in restaurants. Once you put him in the high chair he feels he immediately needs to clear the table tossing the menus and utensils down onto the floor. He may then bang his hands down for a while and howl -- just for the hell of it. Last night was no exception. I found myself juggling him until the waitress could get a fresh glass of milk to refill his bottle. I felt like an ass as I tried to rationalize with a 1-year-old about why it wasn't necessary to scream at a piercing pitch and then laugh when I sushed him.
So I am desperate to entertain him in these situations.
I have discovered that he's really trying to curl his tongue. (And thankfully he can't practice and scream at the same time.) He really studies me when I do it. You can see his brain trying to send the directions to his mouth. His face gets serious. He furrows his brow and his little baby tongue works at it. So far, it's not happening. He ends up just wiggling it around and then laughing.
Another new and a exciting game we play around here is reverse "peek-a-boo". These days he likes to cover his eyes with the back of his hands until one of us notices. (Last night in our chatter, those little hands were hanging for a while.)
Then we make a big deal with, "Where's Jackie? Whhhhhere's Jackie?"
His arms shoot down. "There he is!"
Laughter around.
Now repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
16 August 2005
Day XLI -- 31 days until 3 Day
My cancer walk is only a month away now. I still need about $700! I am training my buns off. Jack no longer likes going for a walk.
Mom and Dad are coming up again to go through the latest house we found. It's a tad smaller than what we want but a hop-skip from the lake which would be pretty awesome. I am sure there's something wrong with it. Our ignorant eyes never seem to notice things like a faulty foundation, huge cracks in the ceiling, a leaky basement. But I could tell you what color the room is painted! This will be the third house in two weeks they have driven from D-town to review. Cross your fingers!
Jack is out-of-control with the hating on the sitters. Today when Husband dropped him off at his little school, he freaked out again. I don't know what to do. He's never like that! He usually loves his teacher more than us.
Lately he is only happy when it's just me, Daddy and him. He doesn't like us to ever leave the room and doesn't want any visitors.
Ba hum-bug.
Mom and Dad are coming up again to go through the latest house we found. It's a tad smaller than what we want but a hop-skip from the lake which would be pretty awesome. I am sure there's something wrong with it. Our ignorant eyes never seem to notice things like a faulty foundation, huge cracks in the ceiling, a leaky basement. But I could tell you what color the room is painted! This will be the third house in two weeks they have driven from D-town to review. Cross your fingers!
Jack is out-of-control with the hating on the sitters. Today when Husband dropped him off at his little school, he freaked out again. I don't know what to do. He's never like that! He usually loves his teacher more than us.
Lately he is only happy when it's just me, Daddy and him. He doesn't like us to ever leave the room and doesn't want any visitors.
Ba hum-bug.
15 August 2005
Day XL
This is a candid from Jack's photo shoot the other day. Notice how full his mouth is and then look at his left hand. And it seems he's going for more with the right.He blatantly thinks no one is watching and you can tell he's grabbing quickly.
Very tired. Weekend consisted of walking more than 15 miles Saturday and seven miles Sunday; house hunting; organizing to move. New baby update: Jack now hates babysitters. Hysterically hates. Screams bloody murder.
12 August 2005
Day XXXIX
Today I went home for a while to try to get the cat in his cage to take him to the vet to put put to sleep. I was already upset about it but I don't know what else to do -- we can't find anyone to take him.
So tell me, how many people does it take to get a fat cat in his carrier?
Apparently more than three adults and one baby. The cat now remains a troll in the basement. If
anyone wants him please shoot me an email because otherwise we are calling animal control... I am not joking either.
While I waited for Husband to take a supposedly quick shower so he could help me, I had a chance to sit back and really watch Jack play. It's amazing to me to see how much his fine motor skills have improved and how observant he is now.
His godparents/aunt&uncle got him this contraption that involves balls, a maze, and a small motor that blows the ball around for his first birthday. He loves it. The toy has several balls that it came with and Jack will not hit it to go until he has all the balls.
I watched him gather them all -- under the kitchen table, in the toy box, under the couch, under the chair -- and diligently drop each one in. He'd slam down the start button, laugh and cheer as they blew back and around the maze. He'd then begin the process again. (In the middle of this all he noticed the wipe box was open so he made sure to stop and click it closed.)
After watching him for a while, I noticed that he'd forgotten the orange ball. Everytime he was refilling the ammunition on his toy, he'd not include the orange ball. So, I got down on the floor with him and tried to show him his mistake. He ignored me and continued to reload the machine with the other balls. I handed him the orange one and he tossed it away. I couldn't understand why he didn't want the ball. Then I realized. It wasn't a ball that came with the toy. It was a ball to one of his walkers. Very smart.
I figured, who cares if it's not the right ball? It would still be fun. So I tried to put in the machine. He shook his head no and grunted.
Guess what? It didn't fit.
So tell me, how many people does it take to get a fat cat in his carrier?
Apparently more than three adults and one baby. The cat now remains a troll in the basement. If
anyone wants him please shoot me an email because otherwise we are calling animal control... I am not joking either.
While I waited for Husband to take a supposedly quick shower so he could help me, I had a chance to sit back and really watch Jack play. It's amazing to me to see how much his fine motor skills have improved and how observant he is now.
His godparents/aunt&uncle got him this contraption that involves balls, a maze, and a small motor that blows the ball around for his first birthday. He loves it. The toy has several balls that it came with and Jack will not hit it to go until he has all the balls.
I watched him gather them all -- under the kitchen table, in the toy box, under the couch, under the chair -- and diligently drop each one in. He'd slam down the start button, laugh and cheer as they blew back and around the maze. He'd then begin the process again. (In the middle of this all he noticed the wipe box was open so he made sure to stop and click it closed.)
After watching him for a while, I noticed that he'd forgotten the orange ball. Everytime he was refilling the ammunition on his toy, he'd not include the orange ball. So, I got down on the floor with him and tried to show him his mistake. He ignored me and continued to reload the machine with the other balls. I handed him the orange one and he tossed it away. I couldn't understand why he didn't want the ball. Then I realized. It wasn't a ball that came with the toy. It was a ball to one of his walkers. Very smart.
I figured, who cares if it's not the right ball? It would still be fun. So I tried to put in the machine. He shook his head no and grunted.
Guess what? It didn't fit.
10 August 2005
Day XXXVIII
Jack and I spent the morning at a photo shoot for a carpet cleaning website.
Need I say more?
Need I say more?
09 August 2005
Day XXXVII
Since starting JWJ, I have received a fair amount of feedback. Some say it's hilarious and cute, some offer funny stories about The Kid, some bitch if I don't fulfill my daily entry.
Thanks for the encouragement. Thanks for the recaps. Let's nix the crabbiness.
Here's a story from my mom:
She's noticed that Jack's all about making sure things are in the proper place. If the lid of the wipes are open, he'll stop what he's doing to shut it. If something that has a lid isn't covered, he'll cover it.
Last week she watched J for us with my grandpa. The two boys were on the floor playing with oversize pop-beads and foam blocks. G-Grandpa started to clean the toys up when they were finished and accidently mixed the beads in the block container. Jack quickly noticed and fished out those items that weren't supposed to be there and put them in the correct container.
To follow that:
Last night while he was toddling around with his pops, he noticed a loose battery on the floor. So he grabbed a remote control and put the battery in the right spot.
Now that's genius.
Sleep update:
I will swear by Spock until the day I die. The kid has slept in his bed since I found that article online. Apparently it clicked for all of us -- even Husband who now realizes it's OK for Jack to cry for 30 seconds. (That's what it's down to... 30 tops. Mostly he just rolls over and sighs.)
Thanks for the encouragement. Thanks for the recaps. Let's nix the crabbiness.
Here's a story from my mom:
She's noticed that Jack's all about making sure things are in the proper place. If the lid of the wipes are open, he'll stop what he's doing to shut it. If something that has a lid isn't covered, he'll cover it.
Last week she watched J for us with my grandpa. The two boys were on the floor playing with oversize pop-beads and foam blocks. G-Grandpa started to clean the toys up when they were finished and accidently mixed the beads in the block container. Jack quickly noticed and fished out those items that weren't supposed to be there and put them in the correct container.
To follow that:
Last night while he was toddling around with his pops, he noticed a loose battery on the floor. So he grabbed a remote control and put the battery in the right spot.
Now that's genius.
Sleep update:
I will swear by Spock until the day I die. The kid has slept in his bed since I found that article online. Apparently it clicked for all of us -- even Husband who now realizes it's OK for Jack to cry for 30 seconds. (That's what it's down to... 30 tops. Mostly he just rolls over and sighs.)
08 August 2005
Day XXXVI
After almost two weeks of jetting around the state and extended family, I think everyone at my house is beat. We got back from K-Zoo last night and immediately flopped in the family room and just sat.
Even Hurricane didn't feel much for playing. He'd spent the weekend with his 8-year-old cousin dancing and pushing buttons all over the house. He's been entertaining many generations of family for a while and he was pooped.
All he wanted was to sit in the chair with me and flip channels. Every once in a while he'd sigh and smile at Husband and then at me and then back at Daddy.
We all agreed it was great to see everyone but getting back into routine sounded good. (I assumed Jack agreed by the content sighs and smiles.)
And just when we think life will get back to normal, we've decided to house hunt seriously. Why do we do this to ourselves?
Even Hurricane didn't feel much for playing. He'd spent the weekend with his 8-year-old cousin dancing and pushing buttons all over the house. He's been entertaining many generations of family for a while and he was pooped.
All he wanted was to sit in the chair with me and flip channels. Every once in a while he'd sigh and smile at Husband and then at me and then back at Daddy.
We all agreed it was great to see everyone but getting back into routine sounded good. (I assumed Jack agreed by the content sighs and smiles.)
And just when we think life will get back to normal, we've decided to house hunt seriously. Why do we do this to ourselves?
04 August 2005
Day XXXV
I know I've talked about the dancing. I've discussed the actual moves. I've discussed his preferred music. But did you know that no matter what he's doing -- laughing, crying, playing, reading his books, breaking stuff -- he will pause for music?
Last night he was in a rigous game of tag/hide-n-seek with his grandmother when that I-POD commerical came on. I'm sure you've seen it. It's black and green and has a bunch of kids rollerskating to hip-hop dance music.
The moment before it started, Jackson was flying around and around the coffee table (slammed his head twice by the way). He was laughing and cheering but when the song started he literally put his hand out toward his grandma as if to stop her, quickly got into position and started jamming. When the commerical was over, he went back to chasing as if nothing had happened.
Hilarious.
Last night he was in a rigous game of tag/hide-n-seek with his grandmother when that I-POD commerical came on. I'm sure you've seen it. It's black and green and has a bunch of kids rollerskating to hip-hop dance music.
The moment before it started, Jackson was flying around and around the coffee table (slammed his head twice by the way). He was laughing and cheering but when the song started he literally put his hand out toward his grandma as if to stop her, quickly got into position and started jamming. When the commerical was over, he went back to chasing as if nothing had happened.
Hilarious.
03 August 2005
Day XXXV
Jack and I fell asleep on the couch last night. When I woke up at 4 a.m. the house was dark. I walked upstairs to find both my boys safely tucked in each of his beds -- each with the same facial expression.
It felt good to have everyone safe at home.
It felt good to have everyone safe at home.
02 August 2005
Day XXXIV
Is it Friday yet?
I have driven to the D too many times in three days. Jack is at the G-'rents and I have been commuting back and forth the last few days rather than just leave him there all week. The good news is that Husband is coming home from his Chicago conference today. The bad news is I still may have to drive down there again because he may not be home until late.
Jack reigns king at their much, much bigger palace so he just may be a wee bit disappointed to come home to reality in our teeny townhouse.
Don't worry about poor little Jack though this weekend will be spent in K-Zoo with Husband's family.
Hopefully I will get sometime to do laundry between now and then. I need a vacation from this summer.
New development from the weekend: "Ga"
Meet my dad now referred to as "Ga" -- loudly and often.
Go to the 'rents house and you will see a one-year-old shrieking in delight everytime "Ga" enters the room and breaking down into hysteria if Ga has the audacity to go potty. He chases after him if he leaves the room.
"GA-GA-GA"
I know it sounds like I am making something out of baby talk but I have witnesses. You ask Jackie where "Ga" is and his little index finger points right at my dad.
Mom and I tested him too many times apparently because yesterday he sighed and rolled his eyes when we asked and then leaned into Ga to take him away.
I have driven to the D too many times in three days. Jack is at the G-'rents and I have been commuting back and forth the last few days rather than just leave him there all week. The good news is that Husband is coming home from his Chicago conference today. The bad news is I still may have to drive down there again because he may not be home until late.
Jack reigns king at their much, much bigger palace so he just may be a wee bit disappointed to come home to reality in our teeny townhouse.
Don't worry about poor little Jack though this weekend will be spent in K-Zoo with Husband's family.
Hopefully I will get sometime to do laundry between now and then. I need a vacation from this summer.
New development from the weekend: "Ga"
Meet my dad now referred to as "Ga" -- loudly and often.
Go to the 'rents house and you will see a one-year-old shrieking in delight everytime "Ga" enters the room and breaking down into hysteria if Ga has the audacity to go potty. He chases after him if he leaves the room.
"GA-GA-GA"
I know it sounds like I am making something out of baby talk but I have witnesses. You ask Jackie where "Ga" is and his little index finger points right at my dad.
Mom and I tested him too many times apparently because yesterday he sighed and rolled his eyes when we asked and then leaned into Ga to take him away.
01 August 2005
Day XXXIII
It’s been four days since I last wrote. For the people who read this (or person) sorry for the delay but as you know, it’s been a Jack jubilee all weekend. In fact so much went on that driving back this morning I wasn’t sure how I was going to cram everything into one little entry.
But really, past the pizza and fist in cake scene everyone knows what happens at a birthday party. Screaming kids, too much food, maybe a little bochi ball and wham it’s over.
Last night, as the AARP crowd (me included) all tried to recover from the whirlwind, Jack finally had a chance to realize he got tons of great new stuff. He was putting on a show for the Colorado family, great-grandpa and grandparents and his Mama. He was singing; he was dancing; he was throwing balls and building legos and just being Jack.
Eventually my Grandpa got up to go to bed. The instant he his hand fluffed my Jackie's cornsilk hair we all realized that 80 years spanned between them. And I think we were all shocked by the realization. Grandpa has lived an incredibly full life and is still going strong. My little son has so much to experience. It was an unexpectedly amazing moment.
“I wonder what Jack will experience in the next 80 years,” my dad said to no one in particular. “I wish I could be there to watch it.’’
I thought about what my dad said all night and into my trek back to work at 6 a.m. this morning.
I thought about my grandpa’s life so far and how incredible it has been. And I wondered how similar their lives will be.
Will Jackie have to go to a foreign land as a teenager and risk his life to protect his country?
Will he marry the love of his life and stay loyal to her more than a decade after she passes away?
Will he have children? Will he experience the tremendous loss of losing a daughter and the immense joy of watching his living children have children and those children have children?
Will there be inventions that change the face of society like: cars, commercial airplanes, microwaves, televisions, VCRs, CDs, and COMPUTERS? I can’t even comprehend how much more advanced life will be for him.
Will he realize the power of having faith? Will he carry our family traditions at Easter and Christmas and incorporate Christian holidays into massive family festivities?
As I’ve realized what is ahead for him, a wave of emotion has tidal waved over me. And I have been caught in it all day.
I’m so excited to watch him grow and develop and make decisions and be his own person. (One down, 90 plus to go.) I am can’t wait for all the sporting events, homework, school dances, girls, college years, his wedding, his babies.
I’m already missing him as a baby.
I’m so frightened for him and what he will face and the future pain he will experience. I couldn’t imagine surviving should anything tragic ever happen to him and I can’t imagine being a mother of a solider at war.
I’ve been sad knowing that I won’t always be there. My dad saying he wished he could be there as Jack grows old really struck a cord with me. I won’t meet his great-grandchildren. I won’t be there when his grandson screams in delight just at the sight of him like he does now with Dad.
I guess all I can do is swim parallel to the beach.
***
On a side note: Thank you notes from the party will be slightly delayed because I am waiting for something extra special to send to all of you. They should be in your mailboxes within the next 2.5 weeks. Thank you all for your love and support to my Jackie. He is a very, very lucky boy
But really, past the pizza and fist in cake scene everyone knows what happens at a birthday party. Screaming kids, too much food, maybe a little bochi ball and wham it’s over.
Last night, as the AARP crowd (me included) all tried to recover from the whirlwind, Jack finally had a chance to realize he got tons of great new stuff. He was putting on a show for the Colorado family, great-grandpa and grandparents and his Mama. He was singing; he was dancing; he was throwing balls and building legos and just being Jack.
Eventually my Grandpa got up to go to bed. The instant he his hand fluffed my Jackie's cornsilk hair we all realized that 80 years spanned between them. And I think we were all shocked by the realization. Grandpa has lived an incredibly full life and is still going strong. My little son has so much to experience. It was an unexpectedly amazing moment.
“I wonder what Jack will experience in the next 80 years,” my dad said to no one in particular. “I wish I could be there to watch it.’’
I thought about what my dad said all night and into my trek back to work at 6 a.m. this morning.
I thought about my grandpa’s life so far and how incredible it has been. And I wondered how similar their lives will be.
Will Jackie have to go to a foreign land as a teenager and risk his life to protect his country?
Will he marry the love of his life and stay loyal to her more than a decade after she passes away?
Will he have children? Will he experience the tremendous loss of losing a daughter and the immense joy of watching his living children have children and those children have children?
Will there be inventions that change the face of society like: cars, commercial airplanes, microwaves, televisions, VCRs, CDs, and COMPUTERS? I can’t even comprehend how much more advanced life will be for him.
Will he realize the power of having faith? Will he carry our family traditions at Easter and Christmas and incorporate Christian holidays into massive family festivities?
As I’ve realized what is ahead for him, a wave of emotion has tidal waved over me. And I have been caught in it all day.
I’m so excited to watch him grow and develop and make decisions and be his own person. (One down, 90 plus to go.) I am can’t wait for all the sporting events, homework, school dances, girls, college years, his wedding, his babies.
I’m already missing him as a baby.
I’m so frightened for him and what he will face and the future pain he will experience. I couldn’t imagine surviving should anything tragic ever happen to him and I can’t imagine being a mother of a solider at war.
I’ve been sad knowing that I won’t always be there. My dad saying he wished he could be there as Jack grows old really struck a cord with me. I won’t meet his great-grandchildren. I won’t be there when his grandson screams in delight just at the sight of him like he does now with Dad.
I guess all I can do is swim parallel to the beach.
***
On a side note: Thank you notes from the party will be slightly delayed because I am waiting for something extra special to send to all of you. They should be in your mailboxes within the next 2.5 weeks. Thank you all for your love and support to my Jackie. He is a very, very lucky boy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)