Quote of the Week

"Oh my God! My toenail fell off!!!"

"Should we call 911?"

"I'm serious, this is baaaad! I may throw up."

"Does it hurt?"

"No, but I think it should, so I limp a little."

HAJ

Ride 'Em Cowboy

I'm 5 months old now and I'm finally big enough do the ride on the shoulders thing. This is great because now when I go to a parade or ball game I will be able to see what's going on over all of the tall people. What a view from up here!! Thank you Grandma!

Last night we went out to dinner - Dad said after spending two days with me, he could use a drink. Today I'm back at daycare with all my pals. I miss hanging out with Daddy, but its fun to be back at school. Darlene is tan from being in Florida - she missed me! Tomorrow I'm back home with Mom. She has all kinds of plans for shopping tomorrow - so I'm sure I'll get drug around town, all over creation. At least I don't have to drive.

HAJ

How You Doin'?

I don't know much about cute, but how about this photo? I'm surprised some young little filly hasn't snatched me up yet! Look out ladies!!

Yesterday and today I have been staying at home with my dad since Darlene is on vacation in Florida. Dad has been driving me to jobs, we check on his crews, and meet homeowners. Its been really fun. I just nap in the truck, and then flash my toothless grin to the homeowners every now and then, and suddenly I'm the hero! Easy as pie.

We don't have big plans for tonight. We've been laying low after the craziness and travel from last weekend.

HAJ

Rollin' Old School

How's this for rollin' old school? I mean honestly, check it out. This is my mom's old high chair. It's a Stroll O Chair. It's a high chair, stroller, carseat, bed, and converts into a high powered garbage disposal at the blink of an eye. Honestly, who keeps this stuff?

Its good to be home, but we had a great time on our vacation. Sorry about no posts on Saturday or Sunday. Those were travel days. First we went to Sinai, SD to visit my Great Uncle Severt and he is building a HUGE new cow barn! He said the next time I'm there he'd let me hang out with the cows. I just loved being out in the country on that visit. I can't wait to go back. Then we were off to Volga to see Great Grandma Nelson - she showed me off to all of her friends and then I had a minor melt down and we had to leave. I think they still loved me though. Then off to Great Uncle Butch and Great Aunie Jodi's in Brookings. I immediately went down for a nap, and then Great Grandma & Grandpa Johnston, and Great Great Auntie Kay were there when I woke up! We had a great time and had Nick's Hamburgers. I know there are a few of you out there who are jealous. You know who you are.

HAJ

Sweet Manna From the Gods

Whipped cream??? Whipped cream??? Who needs stinking whipped cream??? STRUDLES!! OH YES!! STRUDLES are where its at. I've heard silent rumblings about these things they call strudles. I've heard rumors of my mom eating 25 at a sitting. Now I understand. Now I shall join them. Now I know I am my mother's son. But, in all fairness - the whipped cream is nothing to sneeze at.

HAJ

Gobble Gobble

So, here I am at Thanksgiving. I was so excited I woke up at 5:30 this morning!! Mom and Dad weren't cool with it though, and they made me go back to bed. I thought this day was supposed to be all about eating and we still haven't seen the bird yet! I mean, I've eaten twice, but these other people here are starving. The house is really starting to smell goooooooood! I just can't wait until next year when I can really partake. But, Grandma said that she's making me homemade whipped cream later - so I'm livin' for that!!

Have a wonderful day everyone, and eat an extra helping for me!!

HAJ

Star Spotting

I forgot to mention yesterday, that while at my cousin Annie's birthday party on Saturday night, I saw a few movie stars. I know, I couldn't believe it either. I mean, I knew Annie was a popular girl, but I had no idea. The first person I saw was Elton John! I was just shocked! All the way from England. He sang English Rose for Annie. The crowd was stunned.

Then - out of the blue (I figure she carpooled with Elton from London) - you aren't even going to believe who comes sauntering in - Madonna!! She even had a little spit up on her shirt from her new baby David. But she said she would never miss a party thrown for Miss Annie (that's what she calls her, and we all know, what Madge says goes.) Anyway, she sang Like a Virgin. A little inappropriate yes, but you know how she's always pushing the envelop.

So we were all hanging out eating Strawberry Yummy Cake (formal culinary name) and chit chatting, when we hear this band start playing! Where is it coming from? We searched the house and ended up finding Paul Schaffer and the Late Night Band in the garage playing Tomorrow, from the Broadway play Annie. Well I just started crying because he's my all time favorite side kick to my all time favorite late night host, David Letterman.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
HAJ

Month 5 Archives

Last night we got to babysit my cousin Annie! We played and wrestled with Daddy! I love it when she comes over, but she keeps pinching my cheeks all the time. One of these days I'm going to pinch her cheeks and see what she says! Overall, I really like her, even though she's a girl.

Mom and Darlene are thinking maybe I'm going through a growth spurt. Yesterday I had a melt down at about 5, and needed to eat AGAIN. So I got an extra 4oz. And with all the napping I'm taking, they think I'm just getting bigger - or teething. Whatever that means. But I think it has something to do with polishing off cake when I get older.

HAJ

BONUS ARCHIVES - Month 5

Dear Henry,
Today is your 5 month birthday. I just can't believe you're 5 months old already. Everyone said, and keeps saying, to enjoy this time because you'll grow so fast. You really are growing so fast, and I wish you'd slow down. You are becoming the most fun and funny little guy. No one has a bigger smile in the mornings. Daddy won't even let me wake you in the mornings. Its his favorite time of day, you two have your special little meet and greet as the sun is just breaking. He sneaks into your room, and then wakes you with a big "Good morning, good morning!" And you just laugh and grab your toes and hug and hug when he picks you up. It just couldn't be cuter.

You're giving hints of rolling over and teething, but we haven't seen anything yet. You're also starting to get stronger and sitting up just for a few seconds by yourself. As much as I want you to hit these milestones, it wouldn't be all bad if you just stayed the way you are. Daddy and I feel like we're finally starting to figure you out. You only cry when you're hungry (especially when you see that bottle) or when you need a nap. And your napping has really come along little one. This last month you've really become a pro. We're all very happy and proud you've discovered the joys of napping. Never lose that.

I'm sorry this is the first time I've written you a monthly letter, but sooner is better than later. There are a few things I want you to know about your dad and me. Before we had you we were careless and fancy free. We hopped in the car and took off wherever we wanted at a moment's notice. Now we have to plan, and carry a small freight liner's worth of equipment. We talk about how big your poops are, how funny you are when you start talking, and how cute all your little clothes are. Some people have even told me I've lost my edge. MY EDGE, Henry. But you know what? I admit it. You have turned me into such a softie. Between you, your brother, and your dad, I have never felt such a love. There's nothing like it. Everyday I feel it gets stronger. I can't bear to be away from you for more than a few hours, then I feel so guilty that I was gone. I just don't want to miss anything. The rolls on your legs are so big you could hide half of next week in there. And any squirrel would be jealous of the storage capacity in those cheeks. But when you smile, Hen, that's what does it. Any edge I may or may not have had is lost.

I love you, Mama

Weekend in Review

Its crazy how fast the weekend goes and then I realize that I haven't updated my blog, and Grandpa E is calling and wondering what's going on. I'm sorry AGAIN Grandpa. We had a busy weekend and there just wasn't time. Again, forgot the camera today too, so I don't have new photos but you just wait until tomorrow. You just wait.

This weekend Dad and I got to hang out a lot! Mom spent Saturday getting her hair and nails done and Daddy let me come with him to check on jobs! I got to meet some of his customers and everything. Daddy says he likes to bring me to work, then he gets out of helping clean up and stuff. Maybe I'll get to tag along more!! Then we went to my cousin Annie's birthday party. She's 2. Check out photos here www.mypumpkinjuice.blogspot.com - there's even one of me with my friend Laurie. I got to have a lick of the frosting on Annie's birthday cake. Its was strawberry flavored. I just can't wait until I get my own cake. And there won't be any of this sharing stuff. People kept taking pieces of HER cake. No way Jose. And my mom kept sneaking "bites", like she didn't end up eating a whole piece anyway when you add it up. She's crazy.

Yesterday, I spent a lot of the day napping. I actually took 3-2hour naps, and still slept throught the night!! I actually slept great last night because Mom put me into size 3 diapers when I sleep because I keep peeing through the size 2's. Best nights sleep I've had in weeks. Mom made Swedish meatballs to take to Grandma's for Thanksgiving. Look out Shally, Daddy said they were pretty good! Mom thought it would be nice if Daddy had a little tradition from his family for his Thanksgiving. The house was full of yummy smells because Dad made homemade bean with bacon soup. Now I guess that was really good too! I don't know what's gotten into those two, but I think they might be watching too much Food Network. I can't wait to partake in their little experiments.

Today is an exciting day at our house. Daddy's guys are putting on a new roof at the house. They're very noisy, but at least I got to leave and go to school before anything got too crazy. AND - we finally got our new furniture delivered for our family room. REAL FURNITURE! Mom is so excited, but seems to want to get even more new things now. Dad said, "Slow down." I can't wait to get home and lounge around in the new digs.

HAJ

Something You Don't See Everyday

Last night my best pal Palmer came over and hung out. His mom and dad went out to dinner, so we got to play. We hung out for a while, and then we put our jammies on, and then we ate, and then we went to bed. No problem.

Ok - so the real story of the day.....Mom and I were driving down the road, heading north bound on 494 this morning. The car in front of us decided to make an illigal u-turn on the interstate and headed into the turn around area. You know the one that only cops can use? Anyway, he turned around but did not stop or slow down or anything and pulled right into on coming traffic. Mommy witnessed him get SMASHED by the on coming dump truck. The windshield just exploded. It was like a movie, only real, and scary. Another car hit them, and we're not sure about how many others there were because there was so much traffic building up. Mom grabbed her phone and called 911 right away and reported the accident. She gave a good description because she saw the whole thing happen. It was the craziest thing she's ever seen. She was pretty shook up so she called Daddy to tell him what she saw, and then she started to cry. I mean, it could have happened to anybody. Like Mom said, she feels she's a good driver and aware of her surroundings and is careful. But this guy in that car just pulled out into traffic that was going at least 65mph. It all happened so fast. There was nothing that anyone could have done to get out of the way. It just really makes you think. I'm so glad we were heading north. God bless everyone involved.

Be careful out there,
HAJ

Extra Large and In Charge

Does it bother anyone else that someone called me "sturdy" the other day? We were at the gas station getting coffee and a paper, and this woman came up to me and said I was cute and all that. Then she said, "Boy, he' s a sturdy little one isn't he?" What in the *&#$ is that supposed to mean? Does she think I'm funny? Am I here to amuse her? Am I a clown to her? Whatever, she had bad shoes and bad hair, so we're even.

I'm already mentally checked out at school. All I can think about is Thanksgiving vacation coming up. I can't focus. I'm only half-assing tummy time, I'm phoning in the babble talking, and all of the drooling I do is in preparation for the pumpkin pie!! I just KNOW Grandpa will sneak me a few licks of that pie! Oh you know it!! Its consuming all of my thoughts. Mmmmm.....whipped cream.....nutmeg......cinnamon.....pumpkin filling.........

HAJ

We're Back!

First of all let me just start out by apologizing for being delayed on my postings. My mom has been really sick the past few days, and she just hasn't had the energy to do a post. Saying that, there hasn't been much to write about anyway. The best thing that's happened is that my dad is back from his hunting trip. Between 8 guys and 2 days, they ended up with 5 birds. Honestly. I don't know what's the matter with them. But that's what you get when you go hunting for pheasants in Colorado. Wha?

On Saturday all of my friends came over to hang out and party, but the rest of the weekend was spent playing/napping on the floor with Mom. She's feeling better today and returned to work, but forgot her camera with the new photos of me. So she will send out new photos tomorrow, but in the mean time you can see a new photo of me on my cousins' Annie and Jasper's blog - www.mypumpkinjuice.blogspot.com. Check it out.

HAJ

Cough, cough

You're not going to believe this, but Mom got my cough. I feel bad for her. I think it bothers me more than it bothers her though. Hence, we don't have much on our "to do" list this weekend. We did run a quick errand this morning, but otherwise we've just been hanging out around the house. G&G E were going to come visit for the weekend, but considering Mom's cold they decided not to come. We were both pretty disappointed, but that's what happens when you're sick. NO FUN! Hopefully we can resume fun and games tomorrow.

HAJ

Where's My Daddy?

This morning was kind of a hard day. I had to take Daddy to the airport so he could go to Colorado to go hunting with his buddies. I'm going to miss him a lot. I haven't been away from him before for this long. "Hi Daddy!" I know he'll be reading this.

So to deal with my saddness I went out to lunch with my cousin Jasper, uncle Addison, and auntie Gina. Thank you Uncle Addy for lunch! Oh - and Mom thanks you for the glass of wine too.

Last night all of our friends came over and hung out in our new screened porch. We ordered pizza and hung out and talked, and I played with Annie, Patrick, and Jasper. I got to spend a lot of time with Bergan. He even fed me dinner. He's an old pro.

Not much else planned for the rest of the week. Just Mom and I. We're just going to try to survive these next few days together alone! If we can get through this, we can get through anything.

HAJ

I Want To Share This Story

The most interesting thing happened to me this morning. When Daddy was dropping me off at Darlene's, she told Dad that there was a story that she'd been meaning to tell him:

A long time ago, there was another little boy that came to Darlene's Daycare when he was about 4 months old. The boy is in college now. But he looked exactly like me. Darlene kept going on and on about how much I remind her of this little boy, and how much I look like him. Then she told Daddy that his name was Charlie. And she mentioned that she accidentally calls me Charlie all the time. (of course I knew she was doing this, I just didn't quite know how to tell Daddy yet.) Well, Daddy was shocked of course! He told Darlene that I get called Charlie a lot at home too, and then he told her the story about my big brother.

I think that was a little sign from my bro to let me know he's watching and that everything is OK. I think it was a sign for Darlene too, to let her know everything is OK. She recently lost one of her grand sons. His name is Oliver. (He has a brother named Henry.) I think Charlie is showing him around, and introducing him to all the important people up there, and of course taking him fishing every now and then.

I really wanted to share that story with you because is means a lot to me and my mom and dad. And its another reminder of my big brother and how much he is missed.

HAJ

While the Cat's Away.....

My mom's bosses are out of the country for a couple weeks, so I dropped by her office to make a few copies!

The other day my dad was talking about how he hasn't changed a poopy diaper in weeks, because I always poop at daycare or when I'm with Mom during the day. So, my new favorite trick is that I poop in the middle of the night so that when Dad comes to get me up in the mornings, he's sure to have a little treat from me! I've done it about 5 times so far, and they're really stinky ones too! Dad's a good sport about it.

My cold is still hanging on, but my cough seems to be getting a little better. Not quite so "juicy". Ick, I know. Daycare was good yesterday. I pee'd out of my outfit though, but who cares? Mom is the only who cares because she hates to see me in my "out of style" back up clothes she leaves for me to wear in just such an occasion. Then Mom, Dad, and I went out to dinner at Champps. Kids eat free on Tuesdays! Gotta save every buck! Its supposed to get up to 70 degrees here today, so we're planning on hanging out in the porch tonight! Can't wait!

Keep on Truckin'
HAJ

Experiments in Whipped Cream

I'm still sick. I slept throught the night though, and I had a great 3 HOUR nap yesterday at my new daycare!! Mom thinks its crazy how long I slept, when I never seem to nap that long when she lays me down. But I'm tellin' ya, I'm just tired from this cold and it was nice being in the house of a grandma and with all my new friends. We even got to play outside. Darlene (my new teacher) said that I had the best burp she's ever heard anyone have!! It was such a great day! I really like the new digs.

Dad's cure all remedy for my cough is whipped cream, so all weekend my parents were giving me licks off of their desserts. I'm not complaining. I've just been thinking, that if I took that chocolate that Grandpa gave me last week, and the whipped cream from this week, and put them together, I would really have something.

Don't forget to vote!!

HAJ

Old School, New School

Sorry I missed yesterday, I am still sick. I actually woke up at 1am this morning all in a fuss. I was having trouble breathing and just decided that I needed a little love from my Mama in the middle of the night. I totally threw her for a loop - since that's the first time I've woken up in the middle of the night since week 6! It took her a minute or two to compute what was happening. But she came and hugged me and fed me a little, and you know how it is....nothing's better than a mama's lovin' when you're not feeling well.

Today is yet another big day for me. I'm starting a new daycare and I'm a little nervous. I hope they like me and I'll try to make a good first impression. I hate starting out my time with them with a cold, but what are ya gonna do? My new teacher's name is Darlene and I'll be at her house, as opposed to a center like my old school. I'll get you the low down on the new place tomorrow.

HAJ

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

So, I've had a runny nose for the last couple weeks, nothing major. Daddy suctions out all my snot in the mornings, and then I'm good to go the rest of the day. But today, oh today. I woke up with what they call a "wet" cough. Seems my cold has moved into my lungs, and now I have to try to cough to get the crud out. I really just don't feel well at all. I don't have a fever though. If I do, its very low, but Mama is monitoring that. I'm just so bummed because I had a play date with my best bud Palmer, and I had to opt out. You know, I don't ever want to miss a party, and there I was, calling him and telling him I had to stay home. I don't even want to think about how much fun they're having without me. Oh well. Right now I'm napping again. Well, not napping, but just laying in my crib resting. Mom came in my room to try to take my picture as I was sleeping, and I surprised her that I was awake. But, I think I'll just lay here and try to fall back asleep. Sucking on my two fingers is always comforting.

HAJ

Once Upon a Heartbreak

Is anyone out there? Does anyone read this except my Grandma E? You guys know you can make comments on what you think about my adventures right? Just click on where it usually says "0 comments." It will let you tell me what you think of my blog. Your likes, dislikes, what you had for lunch...anything!

Sorry to go on a rant like that. I was just wondering who's out there.

Today we went to visit my new friend Rosaleen. No that's not her above, but that is her sister Frannie! I had a great time having lunch with them, and their mom Bridget, and my friend Martina. She didn't bring my best bud Palmer, he was stuck at daycare. Sucker.

Speaking of daycare, I had to go to my school today to say goodbye to all of my teachers and friends. Mom is making me switch daycares starting on Monday. Mom had to lie to them because she felt so bad taking me away from them. We just told them Mom was staying home full time. (not the truth - they were just WAY too expensive.) They are so nice and I'm going to miss them. They were all sad today and some cried. It was really very sad. Mom's tummy hurt.

I am going to Darlene's Daycare on Monday. Some people call her Snookie! I figure anyone called Snookie can't be all bad. And she has roots in Aberdeen! She has a great back yard and she said she's already fallin' in love with me. But how could she not? Look at me! I'll let you know how Monday goes.

HAJ

He's Not Heavy, He's My Brother

I'd like to start by saying that I'm NOT in a good mood today. I started out in a great mood. Today my mom doesn't have to go to work, so I got to sleep until 7:30, then we had breakfast in bed. Then I learned some new wrestling moves from my dad. Take down = 2 points. I had a wonderfully luxurious bath, and then we loaded up the car headed into the city. Little did I know what was in store for me. We stopped at Dr. Goel's office for my 4 month check up. I weighed in at - wait for it - 15lbs 13oz!! That's in the 60th percentile, which is lower than mom was thinking. I am now 26.5" long, which puts me in the 89th percentile. This is not surprising considering my long and lanky parents. My heads is coming in at 16 3/4", and that is in the 48th percentile. Again, lower than Mom was thinking since my dad's head is, well, you know. So all of that was going well, I had a great poop while waiting for the doctor, I couldn't have been happier. Then the nurse came back in with some weird pointy things, and the next thing I know, he's poking me!! Not once, not twice, but THREE times. I screamed bloody murder! I even did the "I'm Not Going To Take a Breath" cry. That one always freaks mom out, but I don't care! Are you kidding me?!?! They gave these Snoopy bandaids, like that's supposed to help. I don't even know Snoopy yet. Then when it was done they said giving me Tylenol BEFORE sometimes helps. Thanks for the tip. Anyway, I'm better now. Mom took me to her office to pick up some stuff she left at work, and then I went out to lunch with my cousin Jasper and his mom, and my friend Laurie. I'm actually napping now, don't ask how I'm able to type at the same time.

HAJ

You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three

Last night was a blast! I only went out trying to score some loot at one house, but it was so fun! They took my picture and gave my mom tips on which houses to hit next year. Apparently there are a few houses in the neighborhood that hand out special treats for the parents. My friend Patrick stopped over too with his mom and dad and we gave them candy. I don't really understand this whole "Halloween" thing, but I think I like it. I get to dress up in a fun costume, run around like a crazy person, and people give me candy!?!?!? It just seems like a dream.....

Tonight we're going to check out a new daycare, so Mom says I need to be on my best behavior and make a good first impression. I guess that means no projectile vomiting. Boo.

I'm out - HAJ