We All Knew He Was Alive Somewhere

Happy Halloween everybody! I decided to dress up as The King himself! The King of Rock & Roll! Here's a better look at my costume, and you may notice the flaming guitars on my shoes. They're new by the way. So I celebrated with the "new shoe dance", which is what everyone in my family does when we get new shoes.

Last night we had a pre-Halloween and tried on my costume and watched The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Mom and Dad couldn't believe how I sat there through the whole show and just watched it. I was really rooting for Linus to see the Great Pumpkin. Next year I'm going to sit out in the pumpkin patch with him and wait.

Boo!
HAJ

PBJ Me, ASAP

The thing that's nice about eating peanut butter and jelly samwiches, is that no one bugs me while I'm doing it. They just let me be, do what I want. If I want to put it in my hair, its cool. If I want to smear it on my face, no one's to blame. I can even holler at my samwich for no reason, and Mom won't call the people in the white jackets to take me away.

No rest for the weary,
HAJ

Happy Blog-iversary To Me

Happy blog-iversary to me! Yesterday was my one year anniversary of doing this blog! I can't believe its been a year already. A lot sure has changed since then. I thought I'd do a little trip down memory lane to commemorate the occasion.

Click here to take a gander at my first post. Short and sweet. Kinda like me. Remember this day? Seems like so long ago. And this day was a good one too!

I'll leave you with my personal favorite of all the posts....my first dance.

Thanks for stickin' with me!
HAJ

Miss Rosaleen is 1

I forgot to mention yesterday that it was Rosaleen's first birthday! And you know what that means.....CAKE! We went to her house last night for her birthday party, and was treated to pizza and broccoli. Broccoli still remains the only veggies that I haven't found the love for yet. I took it in my hand, and then promptly put it right back into Mama's hand. I just can't, not yet.

Rosaleen got a ton of great gifts. Its fun to see the new toys out there. It helping me start compiling my list for Santa. What? Its coming up, I have to plan. I'm not a procrastinator. For instance, I really liked this thing. And this seemed very interesting, considering my rock star dreams. The party was so fun, well, all except for the dogs. As you can see from the photo above, there's that love hate thing going.

Turn it around the horn,
HAJ

Sleep Over

Last night I went to dinner with P-man (Palmer) and his cousins Abbylee and Briella. We had a nice dinner at Maynard's. I had grilled cheese, Palmer had walleye fingers, Abby had spaghetti (and most of P-man's walleye fingers) and Briella had, well, I can't remember because she ate it so fast, you'd think she was starving. Its just nice getting together with my friends and enjoying a night of fine culinary delights.

Then we went to P-man's and had a sleep over, only I left at 11:30. Don't tell. Abby read us all a story before we went to bed. I tried to make a break for it, but they caught me. And the whole time P was just lounging out. He's used to hanging out with these girls.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever,
HAJ

Farm Party

I finally have a little time to sit down and tell you about the shower that Mom and my friend Esther threw for New Auntie. I know you've been waiting, hoping, wishing dreaming that the recap of the day would come, and now your wishes will all come true!

Per usual, I spend most of my time with Gpa E, I know your jaws are all agape at the shock. They had little tea sandwiches, champagne, and my personal favorite, pineapple. I ate a lot of the pineapple. They were served on toothpicks. Yeah, see, toothpicks. The theme of the party was New York City, since that's where New Auntie and Der are headed for their honeymoon. They played one game that tested how much New Auntie really knows Uncle D. She did OK, but I think she learned a little more than she wanted to with that game. Who knew D's favorite food is an Egg McMuffin?

They got LOTS of presents and all in all, they seemed pretty happy with everything they got. Wow, I can't wait to get married and get presents. Maybe Mom will let me register to get gifts for Halloween this year? Here's a shot of all the girls: Gma E, Mama, New Auntie, Esther, and Auntie M.

A fine time was had by all,

HAJ

Kitty Caution

I'm not sure if I've talked about my love/hate relationship with animals. Seems like I have a lot of love/hate relationships, but you have to remember that all this stuff is new to me, and I'm still trying to figure things out.

When we were in SD last weekend, we were out at my friend Esther's farm house. She has a ton of little kitties running around the yard. I thought they were cute, and I genuinely like cats in general. I can even say "meow". But there were so many of them, I kept my distance in the house, on the other side of the glass door. Plus, I didn't want to get my new shirt full of cat goo.

Better than a slap up the side of the head with a dead fish,

HAJ

Warming Up

Here it is everyone! Actual footage of me with, well - real shoes on my "footages"! These are my Crocs, and I'm cool with it. Mom was so excited that the bottoms of me shoes are actually getting dirty. I cannot only stand in them, but I can bend, walk, and demand to be lifted! All the stuff I usually do without shoes on. Who knew?!

Old habits die hard,
HAJ

Graphic Photo Ahead

Sorry for the graphic nature of this photo, those of you with weak stomachs may not like it. But my daddy was hunting this weekend while we were in SD and he got his limit both days! Unlike last year when they didn't get anything.

We had a great weekend over in SD. I got to hang with my grandparents, and got to meet a bunch of my great-great aunts at New Auntie's shower, and then on Sunday we went to the church bazaar and I won a stuffed animal in the fishing game! There was just so much going on all weekend with parties and wearing shoes and wearing socks and walking and talking, that I'm pretty much worn out today.

Day in and day out,
HAJ

PS - Happy Anniversary yesterday to Nesa & Michael! Can't wait to see you 4 weeks!

Month 16 Archives

Dear Henr,

Today you turned 16 months. This month you walked! Officially! Yesterday was your first official day in shoes. All day. No fussing. I'm not going to say you are over this hump, because you've only worn your little monkey Robeez from Auntie Niki. But, now I'm going to get online and order every pair of Robeez I can find. Its so different to look for you at a higher elevation, since I'm so used to looking for you crawling on the floor. All of a sudden I see you're little head walk behind a chair or table. Ya little midget.

I can't believe how much you are talking. My favorite word you say is "catch" when we're playing ball. It took a little time to figure out what you were saying, since it sounds like "sss-aaa....ts". I couldn't be prouder that you picked such a hard word too. I mean the "ch" is hard to pronounce, especially when you only have six teeth. You are such an over achiever. And you really do know what a monkey says, it couldn't be cuter.

You also have learned a few more tricks. When I tell you to go close the door, you close it. When we say, "get your juice and bring it to me", you do! You have such a great little demeanor and are such fun to hang out with. People tell us that you are such a sweet kid, with a great attitude, and the usual - "He looks just like his daddy!" - "He's a little clone of his daddy isn't he?"

Of all the concerns I had about having a baby, about whether or not I was even capable of parenting, or dealing with the sleep deprivation, or the expense, or really trying hard not to raise a serial killer, having to deal with a one year old that HATES shoes was not even on the list. Its been the hardest challenge so far. I know. You sleep like a log, always have. You eat like an elephant, always have. You're cute, you're funny, and seem to be relatively smart. But the shoes, the shoes! The shoes are your first official arch nemesis, absolutely out to destroy you.

Loves you boogie,
Mama

The Art Of Distraction

Well I'm here hanging out at Gma & Gpa E's. Don't worry grandpa remembered me, whew! I know you're all dying....you see what's on my feet.....now they won't take them off of me. I'm distracted. There's so much that's new here to explore and eat, that I just don't have time to concentrate about what my feet are doing. Sounds like the plan is to leave them on me all day. I mean, once they're on, boy, you don't wanna take them off and start over. So I'm napping with them, they're going to put my jeans on with them. At least they're comfy, and they have monkeys on them. I know what a monkey says: hoo, hoo, haa, haa!!

Chewin' the cud,
HAJ

Tummy Chewing

I thought I'd leave you with this hilarious video of me laughing! I really get going when Daddy chews on my tummy!

We're off to SD this weekend for the pheasant opener, and for New Auntie's shower! I haven't seen Gpa E for so long, I hope he remembers me.

One sandwich short of a picnic,
HAJ

Another Spoiled Dinner

Attack! Attack of the pear! I see you over there....don't even try to come over here and take it away. Its my pear! I'm going to eat the whole thing, center weird part and all! And I'm going to ruin my dinner and leave my mom lurching in the corner, worried that I'm not eating enough because I only had a few bites of my grilled cheese sandwich and a few bites of my carrots. After all, I am a growing boy and I need sustenance, not just PEARS!

Forbidden fruit,
HAJ

Another of Life's Mysteries

One of the great questions of all time. Ever since the dawn of man, one question has tortured even the most brilliant of minds. From Darwin to Einstein, from Freud to Edison, the answer to this dilemma has eluded all. The question you ask, is Cheese stick or beef stick? Even in our house, where every night at dinner is a meeting of the minds, we can't agree on which is best. Here's my choice, what's yours?

Free and easy,

HAJ

Dad Needs a Hobby

Did you ever wonder what I look like when I sleep? Well, my dad did the other night. He took shots of me from every angle. How about this one? Or this one? Here's a personal favorite. How about this one, stretching and sucking on my fingers? Butt in the air. Through the slats on my bed. All the while here's Mom, not paying attention to the flashing camera going on in my bedroom at 11 o'clock at night.

Take the bitter with sweet,
HAJ

My New Family

Today I'm dedicating my post to my new auntie Chris. Saturday was her bachelorette party, and my mom attended the festivities. The evening started out with dinner at Buca, every one's favorite Italian restaurant. Lot's of gifts were exchanged, and most that cannot be mentioned here, nor seen or heard about by some one's new nephew.

After dinner they were off to Shamrocks bar in St. Paul. This is where it started getting interesting. The first shots of the night were purple hooters. As you can see, things were still very sophisticated. Then they had pixie sticks shots, and then some kind of Irish bulldog something shots, and that's where we lost count. Even Chris' mom Cindy was getting into the act. Ahhh...mother/daughter bonding. Then there was some kind of grape shot next, and then a face on Chris that I've never seen before. I think its devil shot taker woman. She following that up with a really bad rendition of Delta Dawn with her mom and sister. Here's the tail end of that - warning - listen at your own risk. (I know that's a bad video, but I just had to add it for embarrassment purposes only.)

This is the point where Mom decided she better head out, and come pick me up. I was with the Val's that night. (Yay for me!) Anyway, after talking to Chris today she told us that she ended up making it to closing time at the bars, and she didn't release any other information besides, "Let’s just say there is a potted bush outside Brit’s (Pub) that will never be the same."

The good old days,
HAJ

Trickery

Notice anything different about me in this picture? Mom took it at breakfast this morning. I know you all know what it is, but don't tell me. Mom's trying to keep it a secret, and keep me distracted with pears and peanut butter toast. Well, I have my own little secrets too. Shhhh....I'm "napping" up in my crib right now pulling these suckers off!

Time is of the essence,
HAJ

College Boy

Last night I went to my first college party. OK, well it wasn't really a college party, but it was at a house with a bunch of college guys living there. There was beer pong and jello shots, like any typical college party. But the guys were quick to point out that it wasn't an official college party because they didn't charge us to get in and they served food.

It was actually my dad's friend Rick's birthday. Remember him? He's the one my parents went to Mexico with in March. Anyway, it was really fun, and there were lots of other kids there. And they had roasted a pig for dinner. Now that's yummy! Mom felt bad because some of the other moms were talking about this "poor baby" who didn't have any "shoes on", and it was "cold outside". She tried to explain to them my mental block, but I don't think they believed her. She should have brought yesterday's video with her.

Today my dad left for Chicago. He is flying on a private jet to Chicago, hanging out with the guys, eating at Ditka's, and then sitting in box seats at the Vikings/Bears game tomorrow. Mom and I are very jealous. But the rule was no wives and no kids. BO-RING!

Street smarts,
HAJ

PS - Thank you to Mr. Gunkelman for this cool shirt. He brought it all the way from Italy for me. I'm so stylin'.

Not Even Crocs

I don't know why this crazy woman we all know as my mother keeps torchering me?! If there were any doubters out there - proof is in the puddin'.

Achilles' heel,
HAJ

Caramel Apples

My gammy sent me caramel apples to start the celebration of Halloween. I've never had a caramel apple before, so I was a bit leery. And they were the most beautiful apples ever, so I didn't want to ruin them. Daddy cut one up, and gave it to me. I didn't want it, but then I took a bite of the yummy sweet, caramely, chocolaty goodness....mmmmmmm....it was so gooooooood!

Poetry in motion,

HAJ

Someone Call Milton Bradley

I have developed a new game. I know you're all going to enjoy it and we can play it together whenever you come over to my house. I bet we could even play it at your house. Its just that all the official equipment is at my house. Here's what you need: (1) corner in a room, (1) cow chair, and (1) or more people sitting on a sofa or chair across the room. First I go and hide behind the cow chair. This is required because when I can't see people, they can't see me, and I know they don't even know where I am. Then I peek out from behind the chair and say "Boo!" Then the people sitting across the room scream and laugh, and then I scream and laugh. Repeat. This game could go on for hours, or at least until nap time, and I always win.

Don't rub where there's already a rash,
HAJ

Long Sleeves Are Torture

The days are getting colder here already. The high today is in the mid-50's. I have to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants. These I do not like. I tug at my sleeves and whine, and wonder what these things are. Thank goodness they haven't started putting socks on me yet.

A-OK,
HAJ

PS - I almost forgot!! Its NEW AUNTIE'S BIRTHDAY TODAY!!! Happy Birthday Chris, and make uncle Derek buy you dinner!!

Dance Fever

Who says a little white boy can't dance?! So I think its officially not summer anymore here, finally. After being 87 this weekend, I got my final day in the pool. But it is Minnesota, so anything can happen.

We were in Park Rapids for the weekend, and my uncle John took a bunch of photos. He is going to email them to me, and then I'll pass them on to you, so sorry for the delay on those. Mom was not into taking picture because everyone else was. These are what she came up with - here, here, and here. See? Worthless. Looks like we didn't have any fun at all, but boy did we ever.

Nine-day wonder,

HAJ

Ok, now THIS is the last pool day.

Road trippin'

Bell Keeper

We're off to Park Rapids today for the weekend. We're hooking up with all the Johnston's for a little family vacation up nort'. We're hoping to visit Zorbaz's, my parent's favorite restaurant. They have a mean Colorado Green Chili and the most savory bloody mary this side of the might Mississippi.

I thought I'd leave you with this video of that Mom sneakily snapped of me playing my bells (?) and doing my fake laugh.

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

HAJ

Official Declaration

I guess we're making an official announcement today - I'M WALKING!! If it was up to me, I would have declared it last Tuesday, but trying to get my mother to actually throw me a bone and admit that I've hit a milestone is like pulling teeth. And not just the front easy ones, its the really hard and big back molars.

Receive my just rewards,

HAJ

I Spy With My Little Eye

Unfortunately for my parents, this photo is deceiving. You probably think I hate Barney from the looks of it. Actually, I was giggling incessantly when this photo was taken and who know how it ended up this way, but Mom thinks its funny. For whatever reason, I'm finding out a lot of grown ups out there find the little dinosaur annoying. Whoa!?

Mama blames it all on Gammy. Last Christmas when we visited her, we couldn't bring all of our gifts we received home with us on a plane, so Gammy shipped them. When we got the box, there was a Barney Celebrates Easter book in it, that isn't even ours. I think its my cousin Cody's book. Anyway, now I walk/crawl around the house carrying this book saying "Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama, etc...." until Mama reads it to me. I do this several times a day. First thing in the morning is my favorite time. And I like to read it, over and over and over again. This book actually has not one, but two stories in it. I like the first one because it rhymes and I dance while she reads it. The second one repeats the phrase "I spy with my little eye a (some color) Easter egg!" I like to read it over and over and over and over again.....

Go like the wind,
HAJ

Sauk Weekend '07

I spent my weekend in Sauk Centre, playing in the leaves and hanging out with my friends. It was fun to eat together, and play together. We're all between 17 and 13 months old, and so its nice to be with people my own age.

Our favorite thing to do in Sauk, is to hangout at Cactus Flats. Remember last year? Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate with me to get my photo taken by the sign again, but at least it worked out for Daddy. Maybe next year. And maybe next year they'll let me stay up late enough to hang out by the campfire with them. Seems like there's all kinds of craziness that happens there.

Bird's-eye view,

HAJ