Until the Cows Come Home

This weekend while at cousin Andrew's graduation, Daddy took me out to the barn to check out the heifers. Needless to say, I wasn't real thrilled with the idea. And I'm not a chicken either, but did you check out the size of this beast?! I love dogs and cats and all that, but a giant cow is a whole different story.

Today we're hanging out at home, probably going to go grocery shopping and doing some cleaning, maybe mow the lawn. Its nice to be home and relaxing. Its finally stopped raining here too, so maybe we can get out a play for awhile. I bet if I'm real good, Dad will take me out for a ride in Miss Barbara Blue later on.

Beggars can't be choosers,

HAJ

And the Band Played On

Yesterday at school, I continued to work on my crawling and when Mom came to pick me up I went over to a chair and pulled myself up to my knees. Not standing yet, but getting closer and closer. I am really good at moving around, whether it be by rolling or by scooting. I seem to make it to all corners of a room. As you can see, Mom thought her shoes were out of my reachable area, but no way! My parents are in for a rude awakening.

On the way home from school, it started pouring rain like cats and dogs! I mean buckets and sheets of rain were coming down like crazy. It was kind of a bummer because the local high school marching band was supposed to be practicing on our street, but they got rained out. I guess they pick one graduating senior every year, and for one day they march up and down that street and then have a big party. They played for a little bit, but then finally stopped. I think the tuba sucked in about a tuba's worth of rain and they had to called it quits. So we went in the house and had a tickle fest.

From the mouths of babes,
HAJ

So Close I Can Taste It

This is what Mom & Dad woke up to this morning. It might look all fine and dandy to the untrained eye, but the more experienced know that this is the first time I have sat up by myself anywhere, much less in my crib! That's what must have happened, because they certainly didn't help me. And, those of you will also notice that the mattress is still in the upper position, which will be lowered this evening. Once I was here, I couldn't figure out how to lay back down, so I just laid forward with my head between my legs and fell asleep again until they got me up!

The weekend with Gammy & G-pa Jack was so much fun! The graduation party was great, and I got to see so many people I haven't met, and who I haven't seen for a long time. Thank you Auntie Shally for inviting us and putting on such a rockin' party.

While at said party - Mom was changing my clothes and she let me play on the floor for a while. As I was sitting there, I noticed my box wipes on the floor. So I performed a new trick called the "spin move." Then I leaned for it, and got up all fours...... and then I tried to grab it. And fell to my tummy. I'm getting so close I can taste it. Sounds like were going to spend the weekend shopping for an entertainment center - again - I guess they don't want me diggin' into the CDs, DVDs, cords, and what not. And there was talk about buying gates for every doorway. Sounds like they plan on keeping me corralled like a I'm a cow or something. Sheesh. A guy's gotta be free.

Clean up your plate,
HAJ

Photo Finish

Yesterday I spent my very first day at the horse track! Wow! The thrill of betting, picking horses, eating corn dogs, and screaming and cheer for your horse to win. The last race we saw had a horse named Hank 'n Ace, and we all put all our money on this horse, but he came in second, by a nose mind you. It was so exciting, and I love it, and I wanna come back often.

Today we're off to Brandon Valley, SD for cousin Andrew's graduation. I may not be making a post tomorrow since I don't know when we'll be home on Monday. Please have wonderful Memorial Weekend and spend it with those you love.

Skinny as a rail,
HAJ

Livin' By the Lake

Yesterday was such a fun day! We went out to the lake for lunch and we all ordered the same club sammies. I've never seen five people order the same thing before, but if its good, its good. What are ya gonna do? Then we went grocery shopping and then we had a big party. Led by Rockin' Roll Gammy making her world famous pork loin, cheezy potatoes, and (oh my God the best!) brownies.

Auntie M, Big J, my cousins Casey and Kyle and new cousin-in-law Elise came for a quick visit, and it was so nice to see all of them. And my bestest pal Palmer came too. You guys remember Palmer right? He's a good guy, but he keeps showin' me up. Yesterday he was showing off the fact that he has 5 teeth, to my two. Don't worry, I let him have it.

And how,
HAJ

They're Here!

They made it! They made it! Gammy & G-pa Jack are here!! They got in finally at around 7. You're not going to believe it, but their flight was delayed again in TX. And then, the pilot got on the intercom and said their landing gear may or may not be down so they have to brace for a landing! Are you kidding me? That's the freakiest thing! But low and behold they're here, they're safe, everyone is happy and we're having fun!

We're going out to the lake for lunch today then we're having a BBQ tonight. Even my Auntie M and Big J are coming to visit tonight too! So we're off to lunch and then to the store and then we'll be ready to party it down! I'll have lots of photos for you tomorrow. Wait until you see Gammy....she looks like a rock star!!!

If you expect to soar with the eagles during the day, you can't hoot with the owls at night,
HAJ

I'm Your Next Idol

Well today has started out as a bit of a bummer. Gammy & G-pa were supposed to be here at 10:30, but their flight was cancelled, so now they aren't getting here until like 6 or something. We just couldn't be more bummed out, we lost a whole day! No sense getting all in a huff, but we're just bummed.

Did you guys watch American Idol last night? Jordin Sparks won, and I still think her dad, the ex-NBA star pulled some strings. I'm more of a Blake guy, but maybe if I woulda voted things would have been different. What do they say.....if you don't vote you can't complain. Sure. At least we got to see Smokey and there was an actual sighting of Ruben. Where has this guy been? He got first place and everything, but you never hear a thing from him.


Oh my gosh, I almost for to tell you! Yesterday day I lived through my first tornado. OK it wasn't a tornado, they're calling it a "down spout", but we had to truck our butts to the basement at school! Thank goodness Lini makes us do tornado drills all the time so we all knew exactly what to do. There were tons of trees down and I even saw a trailer flipped over on its top, wheels up. Its was very scary, but thanks to the smart thinking of my Lini, we all survived. Shhhh - don't tell G-ma E what happened. You know how she is about storms.

It just goes to show,
HAJ

Beyond Cranky

Can you see anything coming in? I feel like maybe I'm getting a new tooth, on the top. Maybe. Dad thought he felt something, but Mom didn't. Yesterday I was just so crabby and I refused to take a nap all day at school. Lini said she was so glad to see Mom come to pick me up yesterday! She's never said that before! All I did was holler and yell and demand to be held all day. Lini had had it with me. Then I got a big lecture from Mom about how she's disappointed in me, and that I should try to do better next time, blah, blah, blah...

Today are the final preparations for the arrival of Gammy & G-pa Jack! There will be vacuuming (I hate it!) and mopping happening today. The big deal is that I haven't seen them since before Christmas! I know! And, they haven't been to our house since I was born! I know! So we all want it to look good for them and make sure they have a ton of fun so they'll come back often.

A few fleas are good for the dog,
HAJ

I'll Gladdly Pay You Tuesday....

I've decided to not say "ah-choo" anymore. Its seems that's the only thing Mom and Dad say to me. I want to have real conversations like we used to. Now they just say, "hi" and "ah-choo" over and over. I'm trying to tell them they're beating a dead horse, and I'm not doing it anymore.

Tonight is the night Daddy's going to make us hamburger's on the grill for dinner. I can't stop thinking about them all day. They're my favorite, well except maybe the bite of grilled cheeze I had last night. Mom might be on to something with those. Or on something.

By the sweat of my brow,
HAJ

Month 11 Archives

Dear Henry,

I took this picture of you last night when your dad and I checked on you before we headed off to bed. It was just too cute with your little Twins sock on. You are now sleeping on your tummy a lot. Daddy is still really uncomfortable with that idea, so when he catches you doing it, he'll flip you back over. I'm OK with it now, I think it's cute. Although if you knew you were doing it, I think you'd be mad at yourself. You still hate tummy time, but you're getting slightly more tolerant of it.

Seems like this last month and particularly this weekend you've learned in leaps and bounds. So many, many things. Things that just amaze me. Like your peek-a-boo books that you lift the flap yourself to see what's behind them. To me that is the smartest thing in the world. And you DID get in the crawl position by accident on your own, and you screamed, and you rocked back and forth. And then I screamed and clapped and went crazy to try to make you forget how much you were hating it, and then....you rolled back over. I really thought something was happening. You're getting closer.

You still mostly like to stand. You've started letting go of things because you think you can stand on your own, and then you land on your bottom. You're getting tougher because you don't cry anymore when you fall so much. You're such a bad ass.

Here's the biggie - you've given us your first words. Just yesterday, so its all so new to your papa and me. We couldn't stop laughing, but you absolutely were talking. Guess what your first word was? Guess? You won't believe it, and it would only happen to our child....it was Ah-choo! Yes, ah-choo! A fake sneeze. We kept doing it to you, and all of a sudden you were doing it. And we all died laughing, and you did it again, and again, and you still were doing it this morning. There's nothing funnier ever in the universe. You also are officially saying "hi" too! When we pick you out of bed in the morning or after naps, you say "hi". Sometimes you even kind of sing it - "h-iiiiiiiiiii." This whole thing is getting really fun and funny! You can tell when someone says a joke. If we're all laughing, you will start laughing too. I hope you get your Dad's funny. He's SO funny.

Oh - I've kind of, sort of, very inconsistently been trying to teach you sign language and this month you caught on with "more". Its very good, and you really do it, mostly and especially when its something you really like to eat like sweet potatoes or any fruit. Which brings me to your food. Just this week I moved you up to Stage 2. So you get twice as much fruits and veggies and you seem to be surviving and you didn't blow up. Who knew? But I think I'll hold off on regular food until we get the official OK from the Dr and when you get more teeth. Two teeth still aren't cutting it, Babe. Literally.

Eleven months. That means only one month left. Do you even really understand the thrills of being one year? You get to face forward in your car seat. That's HUGE. You don't even know. And you get to move up in foods, and sippy cups, and regular cups, and you'll start walking and talking and you stop being a little baby. Its really very sad for me. Everyone says, oh he's almost a year, how exciting! And I say, yes, but its really so sad. I thought we had an agreement that you would never grow up? I thought we had a pact? No? OK.

I love you so much it hurts me physically,
Mama

Choco-Stout

Eating on the road. Sometimes there just isn't time sit down and make a decent meal, so you gotta take it on the road.

We had a great time at the BBQ last night. It was so fun to see everyone and play. Mom made a really good chocolate cake, and it was so yummy. It has beer in it. Apparently that's the secret ingredient to a good cake. In case you were wondering. G-pa E is gonna die when he eats this one.

We're off to buy flowers today, we didn't get them yesterday, just tomato plants. And Mom needs new tennies, because I guess her "true age" is 104. Since she's been running her joints have been hurting her and now she walks around like a crooked old woman. Its pretty funny. You should see her.

After 'while crocodile,

HAJ

Laziness Runs In My Family

Sometimes its just easier this way. Hey, it was Friday night and I was tired from a long hard week of not crawling and screaming in the middle of the grocery store. These things are very tiring, you'd know this if you tried.

Today we're going to the flower shop and get some flowers for the house, and some tomato plants for Papa. Tonight we're going to my friend Patrick's house for a BBQ! His grandma is in town and we are going to hang out with her. Oh, I forgot to tell you too, that Patrick just interviewed at my school, and he's going to start going there to on June 6th! This is the best news I've heard in a long time. It will give me a chance to really get to know him better. He seems like a really cool guy and he has a lot to teach me about Thomas the Train.

See you later, alligator,
HAJ

Peas and Rice

Its amazing what a little rice does to plain old peas!

Have a great weekend everyone!

HAJ

Henry, Be Serious

Doesn't this just want to make you say, "This is see-wee-ous!", like Ming-Ming on Wonderpets? I know some of you don't know that show, but its my new favorite. Well, maybe not, but it is Mom's favorite. She runs around singing the team work song all the time. Grown-ups?!?

Today is the start of over hauling the house to get ready for Gammy and Grandpa Jack to come! They're coming a week from today, but apparently its going to take that long to get everything ready. I'm glad all I have to do is nap and play. I don't want to vacuum. I hate it. Its too loud and it makes me very uncomfortable.

First and foremost,

HAJ

Mirror Mirror

Freaky...I'm not looking at you but I can see you! Its like witch craft or something. I love mirrors. When I look in them, I can't control myself and I have to kiss it. In my favorite mirror book, I kiss every page.

Tonight we're going out to dinner, can't wait. I love Wednesday's. Mom seems to be in a particularly good mood, and we tend to go out to dinner. I'm hoping for sushi, or really anything Asian inspired.

Love bites,
HAJ

A Blog About Nothing

I know, I know, its a cork. From Mama's wine bottle. I love to bite on anything. And I thought this would be a good way to get another fruit in my diet. You know, the grapes, right?

Seems that Tuesday's are the toughest to write about. They're like hump day. And yesterday was just Monday, and nothing really exciting happens on a Monday. Like yesterday, nothing happened. And then now its Tuesday. We have no plans. And nothing exciting to talk about. We don't have any plans for the weekend. So, I can't tell you to be sure to tune in. Although we always seem to come up with something fun. NEXT week, now that's another story. Gammy and G-pa Jack are coming! THEN I'll have some real good stories.

Been there done that got the T-shirt,
HAJ

Walleye Chop

As I had mentioned, Saturday was the walleye fishing opener in Minnesota. So, after Mom finally got her book case delivered, we headed out to the lake. Things were much better this time around. I was fully napped and eaten and Mom loosened the straps on the life jacket for me, so I wasn't quite so smooshed. I would still rather not have to deal with it, and I have my people checking on alternatives.

As I'm sure most of you know, I will eat about anything you put in front of me. So Dad thinks he's all funny and tries to get me to eat a fish. He said he needs to start me early so I will enjoy sushi! Don't worry I came to my senses.

On top of the world,

HAJ

Happy Mama's Day!

Today we celebrated Mother's Day by doing the Race For the Cure breast cancer walk. It was amazing. There were 60,000 people there. I've never seen so many people in my life. We walked in memory of my great grandma Marie, and in celebration of Gammy Lola. It was so much fun and it always feels good to do something to help this particular cause and to talk to the families and learn their stories.

Afterwards Daddy and I had a mini party and got lunch for Mom. We gave her a Mother's Day present and cards. She was so excited I think she pee'd a little. Dad says this gift is really a gift for everyone and we're so excited for her to get to using it! Don't you suddenly have a craving for a cake or some fresh baked bread?

I want to wish a happy Mother's Day to both of my grandmas and all of my great-grandmas today. Remember today is a free day on your diet! I love you!!!

Youthful exuberance,

HAJ

FEED ME!

Apparently Mom has been starving me. I know what you're all thinking, "Henry, do you know you? Have you met you? Just look at your kankles. You get plenty of food." That's what I thought too. But what a revelation I had at Palmer's house last night. We get there and he starts having dinner. Remember, he's 2 months younger than me. He gets chicken fingers, steak fries, and real peaches. I got a bottle and a stage 1 container of carrots. Palmer has been eating stage two for months. For those of you who don't know, stage two is twice as large a serving as stage one. Here's the kicker, you couldn't pay Palmer to have a kankle. He's as skinny as a bean.

I guess Mom was feeling pretty bad for me. She said she was sorry and that she just doesn't know how to raise a baby, and she didn't realize I could have real people food. I mean, we all know I've had food, but just bites here and there. Not for a meal. So anyway, Palmer shared and let me have a chicken nugget and one of his steak fries, along with my bottle and carrots. IT WAS SO GOOD! Mom said she's never seen me so excited to eat! Who would be excited about creamed carrots? This morning for breakfast, along with my cereal and peaches, I had TOAST! Sweet, yummy, glorious toast. I think times are a changin'.

Today is a big day here in Minnesota. Its the walleye fishing opener. It's 9:37am right now as I'm writing this and guess who's already been gone for 3 hours and 37 minutes? That's right, Daddy got up bright and early and hit the lake. We're going to grab him some lunch and head on out there when I get up from my nap. I'm really looking forward to it, and I plan on enjoying myself this time.

We're going backwards and forwards,backwards and forwards and ain't getting no eggs, nohow,
HAJ

PS - remember how we waited around all day for Mom's shelf yesterday? Well, they never showed, but promised to delivery this morning. This is why we're not on the lake yet. Grrr....

Workin' For the Weekend

Happy Friday everyone! I thought it would never get here. Tonight I get to hang out with my best pal Palmer. We're going to his house and probably out to dinner. The usual. We haven't done much today because we're waiting around for the delivery guy to drop off Mom's new book shelf. You don't even want to know. She's been digging out all her old books - yes she can read. And also bring out old picture frames and stuff to load up the shelf with. I will let you know how it goes. The part that's going to be "if-y"is that she has to put it together. Good luck Martha.

Here's the picture of the crab apple tree yesterday. And here's Charlie's tree too.

Whatever rings your bells,
HAJ

What If.....?

Six years ago on this day in May, it was Thursday too. But it was grey outside, and cool, and rainy. Mom and Dad got up, and checked on Charlie and something about him seemed off. So Mom and Dad decided not to go to work. Dad called Uncle Addison and told him that they're staying home today, not for any real reason, but just because they had a feeling. Within the next couple hours all of our friends left work too, and came over. To this day, we still don't know how they all decided to come over, but they all did. Charlie's nurse, Susan, came over too, and she confirmed every one's thoughts. It was time.

As the day went on, everyone tried to cram in everything they felt Charlie needed to do before he left us. Mom and Dad already taught him to fly a kite, eat Mom's world famous spaghetti, a sip of beer, he was in the snow and the rain too. On that day though, Molly quick read him The Little Prince. Frannie sat and played with him for as long as she could. Everyone passed him around, arm to arm, all day long. I don't think he was ever put down.

Around four o'clock the strangest thing happened. The clouds separated, the sun beamed like crazy, the birds chirped, and a little bee buzzed around the porch in Mom and Dad's backyard. The most spectacular part was when the crab apple tree went into full bloom with its bright pink blossoms. You've never seen anything so beautiful or anything that's smelled so sweet.

Charlie finally decided his work here with us was done around 5 o'clock. Mom told him it was OK for him to go, and that he didn't need to stay here with us anymore. He finally closed his eyes and his struggles were over.

What Charlie left behind, for only being here 2 months, is still unbelievable. We still here stories of lives he touched. People we don't even know. The lessons he taught us about living everyday, and counting your blessing, and taking life as it comes. Most importantly he taught us to have fun and stay positive. What are ya gonna do? Are you going to be mad? Are you gonna hate everybody? No way. Get out there, and have fun everyday, and be thankful for the things you do have and time you did get to spend.

Today is Thursday, May 10th, 2007. Today its bright and sunny and going to be 85 degrees. We're going to go visit my brother today, and then go drive by the old house at 5. Daddy checked it all out yesterday, and the crab apple tree is in full bloom.

Now go have some fun, for Char,
HAJ

Wanted

I hope this black and white striped outfit doesn't give me away. I finally used a spoon and dug my way out of the tank. AKA - slammer, clink, big house, pen, joint, pokey, lock up. So, I'm on the lam. I was doing hard time in Alcatraz, murder one. I'm a hardened criminal. Don't even try to apprehend me without the help of law enforcement officers. I could be armed and dangerous. These hands are certified leathal weapons. And I just might scream in your ear, or bite you with my two teeth. Approach with caution.

Weasel your way out of trouble,

HAJ

PS - Thank you Uncle Derek for the cool "Alcatraz Swim Team" outfit!

Tiny Bubbles

Bubbles, tiny bubbles. Now these bubbles are pretty neat. We were given little containers of bubbles at the wedding to blow on the bride and groom as they left the church. I think its for fertility or something. Then everyone surrounded me and I was under bubble attack. If its really for fertility, Mom and Dad are going to be having quite a few grandchildren.

Later on at the reception, I got to hang out with my Great Grandpa W. It was so good to see him and Great Grandma too! Here's a picture of me, Great Grandpa, Grandma, and Mama. Its the four generation photo. The rest of the night we spent eating the yummy dinner and cupcakes, and playing with knives. It was a really fun wedding, my first one at that! I have another one coming up in June, so I'm very excited to do it all again!

The only down fall of the weekend was the weather. Although we didn't actually encounter anything bad, the wind was blowing so hard it about blew Mom's truck off the road. Then when G&G got home, they found that it rained 11" in their town! So everything is flooded and I guess its crazy there. So, keep all those families your thoughts everyone.

The eye of the tiger,
HAJ

Look Who's Getting His Water Wings

Hey everybody! I'm back from my mini vacation. We had such a great time in South Dakota, that I have to tell you in two entries. Be sure to check back tomorrow for part two of the story. There's just too much to show and tell.

The first night we stayed in Sioux Falls at this great hotel with G&G E. We went out to dinner, and you know how my parents like to have a little vino now and then, well, the hotel let us use this to get to the restaurant!! For free! I know! It was my first limo ride! Mom said she had to wait until she was 31 before she ever rode in one.

The next morning we got up and Dad took me to the indoor pool/water park they had at the hotel too. I mean this place was snazzy. At first I wasn't into it. But, after almost getting eaten by a frog, I got up enough courage to try the slide! I ended up having a blast in the pool.

So that was day one, stay tuned for day two.....manana!

With heart and soul,

HAJ

Socks.....Not So Much

Today we're off to South Dakota for cousin Bona's wedding reception. She got married in Jamaica in January, so now we're having a big party to celebrate! I can't wait to go there and meet all my cousins. I haven't met most of them yet.

So you won't hear from me for a day or two. Enjoy your weekend and don't party too hard. Stay cool. Never change. We'll party this summer.

In the blink of an eye,
HAJ

Screamin' For Ice Cream

This is me in the Caddy, aka Miss Barbara Blue, heading on out to get some ice cream! Oh yeah, its that time of year again folks! Its the whole reason Daddy bought the car. Just to go get some sweet ice cream and go for a nice drive while you enjoy it. (Oh, and maybe a little golf.)

Today we've been busy, and I know you guys aren't going to believe it, but Mom and I went for a run today. Yes, I said run. OK - not that far, but its a start. We walked most of it, but decided to kick in the last half mile or so. It was fun, and I think we'll try it again tomorrow.

Bottomless pit,
HAJ

Snap To It

I learned how to snap my fingers! Really! No, not really. But I want to. Clapping will have to do for now!

Today is the last day of school this week. Whew. This one seemed to drag on, and on, and on. Three days is a long time to be away from my parents. But its finally Friday Wednesday, I'm free again. Time to get ready for a wild weekend. Let the good times roll! Is that a song?

Pillar of society,
HAJ

Pumping Iron

So, I've been hitting the gym lately trying to pump up my pipes. I like to roll my sleeves up and show off my 8" pythons. The girls go wild.

I was cranky again yesterday. Even though I took all my naps. Even Daddy couldn't get me to relax, so early to bed again. Which means early to rise, but I was in such a great mood it didn't matter if the house was awake a little earlier. Maybe its a growth spurt.....every Monday?

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,
HAJ