Hi Mama!

This is a video of me and my Mama. Grandma took this at the restaurant when I saw her for the first time after their vacation! As you can tell, I was VERY excited to see her!

Last night was a blast! It rained all night, but we still grilled brats for everyone. I got to play with my buddy Patrick and we watched Thomas the Train. Patrick also was trying to teach me to crawl and walk. For the first time, I actually took a few steps while someone was holding my arms. I'm telling you, crawling is for the birds, walking is where its at. I'm going to run in fact, walking is too slow!

Tonight we're going to dinner with Brooke & Jared, a friend of Mom's from work, who is also Lini's niece! I can't wait to hear all the dirt on Lini and then I'm going to tell all the other kids at school.

Break a leg,

HAJ

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

I finally have the time to update you all on Mom and Dad's vacation to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. They had a great time, are relaxed, and very tan. Although they seem to be looking more and more Minnesotan now that they're back. The kicker for the entire story to come, is that Dad told Mom to bring a certain memory card for her camera, and she did. This card ended up holding TEN photos. Yes, ten. So, if you thought you were about to have to sit through a butt load of someone's boring vacation photos, rest assured, it is a very small butt.

The hotel was very nice. They had a suite with two rooms and two flat screen TVs. Dad loved that. A great view, and a hot tub out on the terrace. Gotta love that. They took the trip with a guy named Rick that Daddy works with and his family. Mom always thinks he looks like Dad, only 20 years older. This is the best she got of them together.

Mom had great visions of me doing an entire blog entry dedicated to "towel art". But again with the "only ten photos". Their maid made them little creatures she formed from their bath towels everyday. There was a giant swan, two swans kissing, a doggie, and then a little Eskimo person (we think) and a heart with rose petals on it. No photos of some of these but thank God they saved this one!! I swear, if I'm not there to supervise these two, everything goes to pot.

They had great adventures also like deep sea fishing. Although they didn't catch anything and the sea was very angry that day.... Mom couldn't speak through the whole 4 hour boat ride because she was scared that if she opened her mouth, puke would come out. Lovely. Another day, Dad and some of the others took the ferry across the water to Cozumel and spent the day on scooters "touring the island" (AKA - bar hopping.) Mom had enough with boats, so she stayed back with Rick's wife, Dani (again, sorry, only 10 photos) - and they went to the marina. They saw all kinds of dolphins, manatees, seals, sea lions, and a sloth. One of the ever cherished photos is of a sloth with a baby sloth on its tummy, making its way down a rope. There were dolphins that followed it all the way down - you'll see what I mean here. That is a pretty cool picture.

So, that about sums it up. A good time was had by all. I'm looking forward to tonight. We are having some friends come over to BBQ, but its been raining all day. Poor Dad will have to stand in the rain and cook. Oh well, just glad its not me! I already spend a good deal of my time in the rain today. We went with "New Auntie" Chris to have Mom get sized for her bridesmaid dress, then lunch at TGIFridays, where I got an AWESOME balloon from Corey, our waiter. I should have taken a photo of him; we had the same hair do. Then we went to Target. It was raining that whole time. I'm sick of it and need to see the sun!!

Bottoms up,

HAJ

Life Lessons

I've been meaning to write about my cousins that moved to Texas. I miss them so much already and its only been a couple weeks. Its just a bummer that I can't call them on the phone and see if they want to play. At least I got to hang out with them all day on the day they moved. We had one last hurrah!

Before they left, I wanted to give them something to remember me by. I worked with Jasper all afternoon trying to teach him how to sit up all by himself. He was doing awesome, but there were a few slip ups. All in all, I think it went well and these skills will definitely be something he'll use in the future.

Annie was a bit more complicated. If you remember back, I was taking some medical classes, and I thought if I taught Annie how to be a doctor, she would be able to find a good job and help support her family in Texas. I taught her how to check a baby's temperature and change a diaper. I think, if nothing else, she's going to be a great help to her mom and dad with taking care of her little brother.

I hope they are having a great time in their new town. And we'll be there soon enough for them to teach me the ways of the world at the Alamo.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder,
HAJ

Sashimi Please

Good morning! I hope this entry finds you all well on this rainy, gloomy day in the Twin Cities. At least its still warm; in the 50's, it could be worse. There isn't much going on today, besides that its my last day at school this week. I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with Mom this weekend. I just feel like we haven't had a real chance to catch up after our vacation. And, Dad mentioned we might be going out to dinner tonight! I'm really hoping for sushi. I just love that spicy salmon roll!

To each his own like the man who kissed the cow,
HAJ

Private Dancer

How mean are my parents? They keep calling me Flash Dancer, I'm not sure what that means, but I just know they're laughing at me, and not with me.

Guess what, guess what?!?! I got another tooth yesterday!! I know! So I have my two front, bottom teeth now. I can almost taste the t-bone steak in my future. I think I actually got it on Sunday, but no one noticed until yesterday. Lini said she noticed it first thing in the morning yesterday. Speaking of, school was so great yesterday. I missed hanging out with all my friends. Megan, my friend at school, learned to walk when I was gone. Now I'm the only one lagging back. She promised to teach me her new skills, so I shouldn't be too far behind.

Tickle your fancy,
HAJ

Happy To Be Home

I'm home! I'm home! They came back! Mom & Dad came back! I wasn't sure if they would or not, it was 9 days! When I first saw them, I bet it took me a full minute for it to register in my head who they were. I just stared and stared at them for the longest time and then it clicked! I had a perma-grin the rest of the day. We played the whole day yesterday and I even got to stay up until 8 playing. Its nice to be home in my own bed with own stuff.

Not that I didn't have fun with G&G E! They were a blast! As you can see from my entries last week! I just wanna thank them SO much for taking care of me, the new clothes, the adventures, all of it! Mom and Dad think I got a lot smarted staying with them too. I learned clapping much better, I learned to kiss my reflection in the mirror, and I learned how to point to things! My parents said that they think I really grew up while they were gone. I don't know, I feel the same. Hmmm.....

Finer than frogs hair,
HAJ

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Hello to all, This is the last blog that Grama will be helping me with. I GET TO GO HOME TOMORROW!! I'm so excited to see my Mama and Papa. Not that I didn't have fun with Grama and Grampa, but there's no people like my parents...they are my favorite. Like I said, I did have fun with Grama and Grampa. For example, today we went out to Wylie Park and I got to swing for the first time. As you can tell, it wasn't my best time. Then I tried the slide and that didn't work out so well either. I did like watching the other kids though. They made me laugh!! We got to look into Storybook Land, but it was closed. I have to come back in the summertime so I can go on the rides there. Tonight we went out to dinner with Darnell and Nettie. I really like them. Darnell made me giggle so much. There were a bunch of cute waitresses too! I'm so tired now and am so anxious for tomorrow to come. So I'm going to go to sleep and dream....

There's no place like home....no place like....(night-night)

Good bye from Aberdeen,
HAJ

Play Date

I had a really fun day today. I went to visit my Grama's friend Reenie's house and I got to meet Emma and Claire (and Jim & Sara). Here they are. Claire is just 6 weeks old, but she's really smart and smiles already. I loved Emma. She made me laugh. We watched Bambi together and she brought a bunch of her old toys for me to play with. I hope we can play together again soon! Today was a really nice day. Grama and I went for a walk this morning and I found out that you can see her from the stroller if you turn around and look up. I also played in the sunlight and met my shadow. I had a great time bobbing up and down with him. Tonight Grampa fed me chocolate AGAIN. Only one more day and I will be with Mama and Papa again. I really miss them. Grama was hoping that I would learn to crawl while I was here, but it doesn't look like that will happen. I do scoot on my butt when I sit. I've also been seen pushing myself backwards when they make me lay on my tummy. All in all, I'm doing great and love my life.

A place in the sun!

Just me, HAJ

Food is Fun

Hi gang, Today I thought I'd dedicate the blog to food. I LOVE MY FOOD. I love fruits, cereal and vegetables...I love snacks & juice and of course my formula. Sometimes Grama laughs so hard at my love of the food that she can't keep the camera straight. She's kinda weird sometimes. Grampa thinks I'm blowing on the food to cool it off. I get so excited that I can hardly stand it sometimes. Grama bought me a cake for my birthday yesterday. Of course I couldn't eat it, so I had a cookie instead. Grampa thinks I should be eating meat by now. He also thinks I should have just a little sugar in my cereal. These are things I know are out there, but I will wait until my Mama says I can have it. I should tell you though that Grama fed me prunes yesterday and before the day was out, she swore she will NEVER do that again. I loved 'em anyway....Ha! Today we went to Subway for lunch with my Great-Grama E and Great Uncle Larry (I also have an Uncle Larry and cousin Larry too!). I ate peaches there. Anyway, I'll leave you for today as I wait for my next meal.

Waste not, want not.

Love to all,

HAJ

9 Month Birthday

Today, Henry, you are nine months old. Because your Mama is on vacation, your GramaE will do your monthly tribute. Here's my take. You are getting so big and so smart and so cute and, to top it off, you are the best baby on the planet. People will say I'm prejudiced...so what?? Because this is your blog, we can do/say/brag all we want, right? Last year at this time we were anxiously anticipating your arrival in 3 months. We knew you were going to be healthy and your name was Rex or sometimes it was Cadillac Catfish. Your GrampaE and me weren't sure if either of those names were permanent, but your uncle Derek assured us that you would have a beautiful name. And yes, indeed, you do....Mr. Henry Aaron Johnston...couldn't be better. Words cannot express your Grampa and my joy and absolute delight every time we see you. We thank the good Lord for the beautiful gift of you. We also feel such happiness for your Mama and Papa. How they deserve a perfect baby such as you! We hope and pray that you will grow up safe and happy. Our family has been blessed.

Babies are such a nice way to start people!

Love, hugs and kisses to HAJ
Grama and Grampa E.

P.S. Shout out to Gammy Lola, Great Grampa and Grama Wingen and Great Grama E who all called today to wish you a happy birthday.

Piano Man

Hi again, I'm still here in Aberdeen. This is me playing the piano. I found out I might have musical talent. My Great-Grampa Wingen will be proud of me. I actually composed this piece as I played it!! I know...pretty amazing. Yesterday we went shopping at Target and Mom was right when she told GramaE that everyone looks at me and talks to me. GramaE usually likes to be in cognito, but she can't do that with me in the cart!! Then we saw Grama's friend Nettie. Can you believe it? There she was in Target!! So I got to meet her...she's nice. Then we came home and played another new DVD. I watched it when I was sitting in my wagon. It was fun! Today I took a bath in the BIG TUB. It was great....I can splash and Grama doesn't scream. Before I got in the tub I saw this kid that looked just like me. We did a Madonna and Brittney....HA! Last night I was so happy to get a phone call from Mama and Papa (gotta love 'em). It was so good to hear their voices. I even talked and impressed Mama a lot. When I wake up from my nap, Grama and I are going to Presentation College to help clean up the gym after the workshop today (Grampa babysat me at noon so Grama could run out there for a few minutes....we had fun!) I love Grampa...he makes me laugh so much that I got tired and had to turn in early.

Don't pour the baby out with the bath water!!

Bye for now,
HAJ

Traveled West

Hello Everyone, I had a great night's sleep and am rarin' to go. As I was sayin'....here I am at great-Grama E.'s house in Bowdle, SD. I played with her birthday balloons...so fun. I was a little shy with her until she started feeding me with vegi-puffs. Great Aunties Lydia and Eleanora came to see me too. So did great-Grama's friend, Verna, she really made me laugh. I liked her fancy wheelchair...cool!! We ate the chocolate cake there. I tried to nap afterwards, but just couldn't find the ZZZ's. On our way home we stopped at G & G E's friends Esther and Greg. I was sleeping when we got there, so they let me nap in the car seat until I woke up. I felt great then. They have a grandson too and so Esther found some snacks for me while the rest of them had artichoke dip and wine. We had fun there. So much fun that I didn't want to leave and cried almost all the way home and that freeked Grama and Grampa (Ha...note to self, might be useful in future). When we got back to Aberdeen, all I needed was to snarf my food and then I was fabulous!! Anyway, it was a fun day and now today we are going to Target to buy me some stuff. Grama E. left my formula holder at great-Grama's. She's so forgetful when I'm with her. I find I do that to people!!

Hand to mouth existence.

I'll check in with you all again tomorrow,
HAJ

I Keep Practicing

Grampa makes me practice crawling all the time...but what I like best is standing. It's my favorite thing to do. I LOVE IT!!! I only fell once, but right on the carpet so no biggie. I didn't even cry. This ottoman is the best. Perfect height for me. I'm even learning how to run the remote. Grampa and I watched a new DVD on learning sign language. I liked it a lot. Mama wants me to learn sign...I will try real hard to do good. Remember I told you about the chocolate cake? I helped Grama and then Grampa gave me a treat. We had a big day today and it's time for me to go to bed. We went to Great Grama E's and I will show you her picture tomorrow and tell you all about our trip, but I'm so tired now. I couldn't nap the way I should.

Take the bitter with the sweet.

My Butt's Dragin'

HAJ

PS - Shout out to Mama and Pappa. I miss you so much too. Grama shows me your picture every day and I get soooo excited to think about being home with you again. Meanwhile though, I'm doing good here. Keep having fun. Hope Mama is feeling better.

Top O' the Mornin' to Ya

Grampa said I'm no more Irish than ?/&%. Oh well, I thought I'd at least acknowledge the day. Grama dressed me in green too!! As you can see I was up early cleaning (that's what Grampa does on Saturdays), all before my 9:00 AM nap. Then we went to Kessler's and saw some people there. A lady named Tammy (Grampa's secretary) was there and she scared the begeebers out of me. I started crying right there in the dairy department. There was another guy there that commented on my weight. Rude!! Then we went straight home so I could nap. Grama's has been pointing that camera at me all day. She got an accidental shot that really shows my new tooth good. I know some of you were not able to see it in my earlier post. This afternoon, Grama is going to make a chocolate cake and she promised I could help by licking the beaters if I was good. We are going to go see Great-Grama E's tomorrow.

So knock me down with a shillelagh! It's a grand day!

Until next time,

HAJ

Group Hug.....

Hi Everyone, this was me, Momma and Daddy doing a group hug when I was about to leave to go with Grama & GrampaE so Mommy and Daddy can go on a much needed vacation. I miss them so much already! I also was sad to have to say goodbye yesterday to my cousins Annie and Jasper who had to go with their Mommy Gina and move to Texas. Just too many goodbyes! Grama is helping me do my blog tonight. She's not the best at it and this is her 3rd try as she is having technical difficulties. Anyway we're gonna publish this right now and not do anything fancy until tomorrow, when I'll give you all the lowdown on life in Aberdeen, SD.

"That went over like a pregnant pole vaulter!"

Bye! HAJ

Missing In Action

Good morning! I'm sorry I was MIA yesterday. My mom got really sick, and she wasn't able to help me get on the computer. She's feeling a little better today, but still not 100%. Its totally a bummer, because we didn't get to play together at all yesterday. Dad wouldn't let me anywhere near her. She was BAD though, so I didn't want to get close to her either. She keeps blaming me for these illnesses that she gets. Dad and her both say that the only time they were ever sick, before I came around, was when they'd have the 3.2 flu.

Today is my last day at school for almost 2 weeks now. I am really looking forward to going to stay with my G-ma & G-pa E for a whole week! I know they have lots of things planned and lots of playing to do. I promise to be on my best behavior. I will miss my parents, but sometimes I just need a break from them. This will be good for everyone.

How do you like them apples?
HAJ

PS - I wanna send a shout out to Gammy! Happy Birthday!! Can't wait to see you in a couple months, and thank you for the box of new clothes! I love them!!

New Ride

Check out my new wheels! Have you ever seen any thing like this? You can only find them at your local Slumberland super stores. It had a steering wheel and everything! Too bad Mom hated all the furniture, so my ride was brief. So long, reptilian automobile.

My day back at school. Lini said today that there will be no more screwing around and she's going to really buckle down and get me crawling! I can't wait. I bounce up and down, trying to get places, sometime so hard that I flip myself forward and fall right on my face. I'll keep you posted. She was very impressed with my new talent of CLAPPING! Yes, I'm a clapper! Now I can patty cake, and show how excited I am, and most importantly, help Mom with her cheers! Go. Big. Green and Gold!!

Just wait till your father gets home,
HAJ

Quote of the Week

Older Gentleman: Oh, I bet he's a good sleeper!

Daddy (proudly): Yes! He sleeps through the night. Ever since he was 6 weeks old.

Older Gentleman: The big ones always do.

Mom and Dad look at each other and suddenly realize why they've never needed Ambien.

For what it's worth,

HAJ

Haute Cuisine

I went to my friend Palmer's house the other night. We played and played, and then had dinner together. I love to go to his house for a meal. His mom, Martina, is a great cook! She knows just the right temperature and consistency for my formula. I always leave her a big tip, like...don't eat yellow snow!

Today we plan to run all kinds of errands. Not sure what those are yet, but its going to be almost 50 degrees outside today and we need to get out and enjoy it. Mom and Dad are going to go tanning so they don't get completely fried on their vacation. The best part of the day is that my uncle Derek and New Auntie are coming over for dinner and playing and I can't wait! Maybe we should invite Martina over to cook.

Soak up the sunshine,
HAJ

TOOTH!

It's finally happened! I got my first tooth! I can't believe it! I'm already practicing chomping down on the spoon when Mom feeds me. This is so exciting!! Just think of all the doors this opens up for me! MEAT! Well not yet, but SOON! I really tried getting a good photo for you to see my one, glorious pearl, but this happened, then this. If you look really close you can maybe see it here. I'll try to get better shots for you as it reveals itself.

Other than gazing at my new chopper, we're not doing much today. Mom started packing for her trip. Although the whole thing could blow up because she still doesn't have her passport! I know, duh. She called to check on it today and its still in Seattle. She had to pay way too much more $$ to get it "expedited" and then have it sent "express air" by Friday. Jill, at the passport office didn't seem real concerned, but of course my mother the worrier is worrying. Keep your fingers crossed!

The be-all, end-all,
HAJ

99 Luftballons

My first balloon. I don't know how to put into words the excitement. The thrill. I mean, what is this large blue orb that squeaks when I touch it? That doesn't hurt when it bonks me in the head? That floats above me? I love it. I can't get enough. I need more.

Today I'm home with Mom. Its nice to have a day at home to relax after the big trip and then school for two days. Whew. Good thing I have a vacation coming up. Today we're going to go to the grocery store. This has become my new favorite thing to do. I've recently graduated to sitting in the cart! I know, right? I just love to look at all the people and the things on the shelves. The view from the cart is SO much better than the view from the car seat. Hey, its the little things that keep me going.

You only live once; but if you do it right, once is enough,
HAJ

The Great Adventure of 2007

I'm back, I'm back! I know you've all been wondering what happened over the weekend. You didn't hear from me, there were blizzard warnings, but no Hank! Well, call off the search party. (Although we almost needed one, but that story is coming, so stay tuned.) My brilliant (cough) parents decided, over diet Cokes (no alcohol involved) on Friday that it would be a great idea to take a road trip to South Dakota. Keep in mind, it was the day after the biggest blizzard to hit in around 9 years, and the most snow fall MN has seen in one week since something like '82. This is my story:

We hopped in the car around 1:30 on Friday afternoon, heading south on 169. The temperature is around 8. But everything is just great. The roads are wet, but not slippery, so we're thinking no biggie, what's all the fuss about? We then hit Belle Plaine, apparently these smaller towns don't have the big budgets that the city does for salt, chemicals, and plows, and now the road are snow packed ice. Dad says, "Its just bad in these open areas." Mom and I look at him like he's nuts. Where does he think we live? We get to St. Peter. Mom says, "Do you think they have a hotel here?" But Dad talks her into forging on. We then hop on 99. The longest stretch of 12 miles this side of the Mississippi. Snow packed and for some reason lots of traffic. Dad says, "Henry, I think your grandpa E would punch me in the face if he knew we were out here." We all agreed.

After many mini -heart attacks from Mom, Dad wiping his hands on his jeans to get the palm sweat off, three hours, and a chat with the local police in New Ulm, we decided to stop in Sleepy Eye. After all, we hear they have a new hotel with a pool! We got the suite and everything! The view outside our window should tell the whole story. You can see Dad's truck in the parking lot. Not cool. We had a nice dinner at a local establishment, and I was a hit with all the grandpas in the place. Mom had a realization that if she lived in this town, that she probably would've married someone that wears a "Ski-Doo" jacket. Sweet. She thanked Dad for marrying her again.

We were off again the next day, but I have to apologize, there are no photos documenting this leg of our journey. Mom was too freaked to take photos. If we thought the roads were bad the day before, we didn't know what we were in for on Saturday. We headed out around 9:30, and we thought, slow and steady, we'll get there when we get there. It was 8 degrees again, but nice and sunny. Which only blinded us, and camouflaged the higher-than-our-truck-snow-drifts that were in our lane. We needed a pilot car as we waiting for cars to pass, so then we could drive on the one lane of highway available to all that wish to risk life and limb for no reason except "cabin-fever."

All drama aside, we made it, we stayed an extra day because none of us had the mental fortitude to get back on the road again the next day. We promise to all to never do that again. Ever. We'll just hop on a plane and go somewhere warm like smart people do. Take it as a lesson.

It goes without saying,
HAJ

PS - Since its been a while since my last posting I have a few shout outs to get caught up on:

• Most important shout out to Gammy - DONE WITH RADIATION!! She's done with all of it, and has been declared cancer free!! Can't wait to see you again, and I love you!!!
• Happy Birthday to Great G-ma E, and Uncle Larry E! Maybe I will see you guys when I go to Aberdeen next week.

Happy Birthday Big Bro

Today would have been my big brother, Charlie's 6th birthday! Wow. I wonder what it would be like to have him around. I'm sure he'd be a big help to Mom and Dad taking care of me. He'd be a great distraction and would keep me busy while Mom tries to get her cleaning done! HA! I'm sure he'd teach me all kinds of bad habits like making mud pies, and climbing dangerously high trees, and sledding down hills that would make Mom have a heart attack. I would love that! I also bet he'd be a great protector too. No one could mess with me cuz they'd have to go through Charlie! I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mess with him. He'd probably want to hold me, and read to me, and go grab diapers when Mom needed one. I'm sure he'd be such a good helper. I really wish I had a chance to meet him, but I know I will someday. Happy Birthday Big Bro! Mom and Dad miss you to pieces.

Love, Henry

PS - I want to send another shout out to my mom and dad - Happy 3rd Anniversary!

Snow Daze

Well, we made it through the worst of it! We ended up probably a foot of new snow. The hill on our deck is taller than I am. It looks like bread dough that rose out of control! Mom said we might get to go out and play in it later. I'll let you know. Dad is out plowing AGAIN. I think he's over it too! Someday I'll help him and then he'll feel better about it.

We fared pretty well, but I can't say that much for the pheasants. Here they are yesterday afternoon. Here they are later in the evening. And this, this is last night. Poor boogers. And then the sweet happy Buddha...he's doing the best he can.

Here are a few other pictures - Our Mail Box. Same picture, but larger. And the always fun and warm and inviting - Screen Porch. Good thing we have a ceiling fan in there!

Tighter than the skin on a wiener,
HAJ

PS - Shout out to my sweet girl Tasha in Portland! Happy Birthday and I can't wait to meet you!

Snow Again, Snow Again

Hi. Is anyone out there? Is everyone snowed in? It just won't stop. I'm so worried about my little pheasant family. They thought things were bad last week. I'm going to keep an eye on their progress, as I know you are as concerned as I am. (I took a photo of them but the computer is malfunctioning, I'll post a picture later.)

Earlier there was even a school bus stuck in in front of our house. Blocking our drive way, but he got out. He just put it in reverse and SLID all the way down the street! Scary! Everyone has school cancelled, highways closed, even Mom's office closed early today. Dad's office sounds like its closing early today too. He mentioned something about beer:30 earlier. We all pretty much have cabin fever around here.

Youth is wasted on the young,
HAJ

PS - I wanna send a shout out to Auntie Niki & Uncle Larry! Happy Anniversary! (I think its today. That's what Mom has on her calendar.)