Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from me and my cousin Joey!

Gingerbread and Candy

Mom and I decorated a gingerbread house today. I say "decorated" because we didn't bake it, we bought a kit, and just decorated it all Christmas-y like.

Lock, stock, and barrel,
HAJ

Taking Flight

I fly through the air with the greatest of ease.

HAJ

Free Style

Let me show you how its done.

HAJ

Toot Song

Rooty toot toot and a' rum a tum tum, Henry is a farting...machine.

HAJ

PS - Mom taught me this one!

They're All For Me!

Someone left all these presents under our tree! They're all for me!

HAJ

Tailgating Before the Cowboys Game

Tailgating before the big game!

At the Races

Nothin' beats chocolate milk at the track!

Winter Swimming

Swimming outside in November.

Cowboys Helmet

Today I went to the new Cowboys stadium in Texas! Romo for president.

Check Out My Choppers

Yesterday was my first dentist appointment. I'm going to be honest with you, I was scared. And I mean scared. I hate it when grown ups try to tell me, "Its not scary, its fun!" Whatever. Have they seen that huge chair, or the big bright lights, or the weird metal tools they use? Anyway, after a bit of warm up time, it actually wasn't too bad. I got to brush the teeth of a crocodile, I showed the dental assistant how I brush my teeth, and I even opened up my mouth so she could count my teeth. At the end I picked up a prize from their treasure chest. It really wasn't bad at all. Dare I say, it was even *fun*. Well, at least its over for another 6 months.

Well, that beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick,
HAJ

Safety First

Harder than Chinese algebra,
HAJ

Halloween Revealed

Turns out, Daddy took a couple pictures of me and my pals at our Halloween party at school last week. I'm not saying I kept this information from Mom, but she also didn't ask. Its a two way street people. I wasn't exactly thrilled with wearing this costume, as you can see. But check out these crazy kids!

Quit while you're ahead,
HAJ

Froggy Witches

Thank you Gammy and Gpa Jack for the singing Witchy Frogs! I love them, and listen to them all the time. I also took them to school to show all my friends. Thanks again for thinking of me, and I'll see you in a couple weeks! Wahoo!

See the light at the end of the tunnel,
HAJ

Hallow-What? Who? Where? Why?

Well, Halloween was kind of a bust for me this year. I just wasn't interested at all. And quite frankly, its just down right scary. I mean, have you seen all those pirates and ghosts running around out there? Not me, man. I'm staying far, far away from that whole deal. Maybe next year.

That'll turn your head,
HAJ

PS - Since I wouldn't put my costume on, we don't have pictures to share. But Mom is still trying to get me to put it on, so maybe one day...if you're lucky...

Pumpkin Patcher

I got to go to my first pumpkin patch the other day. There were pumpkins as far as the eye could see. I refused to pose for a nice photo while picking out my pumpkin. But others were more cooperative. We'll be carving that puppy up today, and showing 'er off for the big day tomorrow! More pictures to come of the after product.

From the word go,
HAJ

Traveling

Travel day!

Adventures In Gator Driving

Is It Time Yet? Is It Time Yet?

Me: Mom, it's snowing! Is Santa coming?
Mom: No.
Me: Tomorrow?
Mom: No.
Me holding up three fingers: This many days?
Mom: No.
Me: You show me how many.
Mom flashes her ten fingers around about a million times and mumbles something about how telling me in June that Santa comes after it snows made sense at the time.

HAJ

Who Doesn't Love a Parade?

I.....love a parade! Especially when its 29 degrees and 15 degrees wind chill! Thankfully I come from hearty stock. Hey, we made it an hour. That's respectable people!

Empty as your head,
HAJ

A Different Drummer

I live my life to the beat of a different drum(mer),

HAJ

Lazy Morning

It costs a little extra for this view every morning.

Potty Break

Had to pull over for a pee emergency.

Look At This Cool Hat

We're Up and Running

Figured out how to blog from iPhone! We're back in bid-ness!

HAJ

Look Out Lance

Guess what I did today? Mom and I went for a bike ride together. Well, she ran, (and I use the term "ran" loosely. She basically jogged in place) while I rode my bike next her. The plan was to go a mile. Is that a lot for a three year old? I'm not sure. Well, I made it 3/4 of a mile before I told her I was tired. So she pushed my bike home and I ran the last 1/4. Honestly! It was great. Now I just need some running shoes because these Crocs just aren't cuttin' the mustard.

I can just see it now. Fifteen years from now I'm going to be on Oprah, and she's gonna ask me, "So when did you start biking?" And I'll say, "Well Oprah, its actually a funny story. My mom decided she thought maybe she wanted to be a runner, and she hated pushing me in a stroller while she ran. So at THREE, she started me out biking a mile while she ran. Child abuse? Maybe. Fun? For sure!!!!"

Crunch time,
HAJ

PS - I rode my big boy bike, not my trike as shown above. Hey, let's get together and try to think of a better name for my new bike. Its draggin' me down typing "big boy bike" all the time.

Sometimes Its the Brakes

You aren't going to believe this, in fact that what I told Mom: "I can't believe I have a big boy bike, Mama. I can't believe it." But Daddy found this bike in some one's yard and it had a "FREE" sign on it! So he picked that right up, took it to the bike shop to get it fixed up and surprised me with it yesterday! I really love it, but with my old trike, when you pedalled backwards, the bike went backwards. With this thing, it puts on the brakes. It gets to be a little more than frustrating sometimes, but Daddy says to stick with it and I'll be going as fast as Mommy one of these days.

He stuck to me like a fart in a phone booth,
HAJ

Month 39 Archives

Dear Henry,

Today you are 39 months old. You are a rambunctious, crazed, energized three year old. You've grown more challenging now that you're three. You have more opinions, and you're not afraid to pass them on to anyone who will listen.

Your shyness is really getting a lot better. I still wish you didn't need quite so much warm up time, but you're really coming along. A few funny phrases that are part of your every day language includes: "Oh man!", "I'm going to bust you!", "Don't freak out!". You're sassing off a little. You want to put me or your dad in time-out all the time. I've lowered down the hammer and have put YOU in time-out every time you say it. And amazingly, it almost never happens anymore. I've also starting incorporating yoga breathing, (for you AND me) when you're starting a tantrum. We do 10 deep breaths, and again amazingly, afterwards every body is calm.

You are really into riding your bike. Unfortunately for you, we live on a giant hill, with a giant hill drive way, and no sidewalks on our street. So you're a bit limited as to where you can ride. Daddy and I will back our cars out of the garage so you can ride around in there. Fortunately, you're still on a trike, and you don't mind the small quarters. In fact, you really seem to enjoy when I am sitting in a chair in the middle of the garage and you ride circles around me all day long. I love it how, (and so does your Grandma), you never get on your bike without your helmet. You say, "I have to be safe, Mom." Keep it up Buddy.

Besides horses and baseball, you do like watching a little TV. OK, maybe a lot, but you'd still always rather be outside, so I'm OK with it. Your favorite shows right now are Imagination Movers, Scooby-Doo, and Phineas & Ferb. I love P&F too, so its fun to watch it with you. You laugh at some things, and I laugh at somethings. Its a perfect match!

Well, that's a pretty good wrap up of your life these days Kiddo. The weather is getting cooler, so we'll be inside more. I'm looking forward to going to the pumpkin patch, going sledding, and putting you on a plane for a couple vacations to Texas this winter. Even though you've done them all before, its going to be like the first time, and I'm looking forward to hearing your play by play account.

Love you Boogie,
Mama

Want Fries With That?

I just love to pretend that I'm working at a fast food restaurant and take people's orders. I ask them if they want hamburgers or tacos. Would they like ketchup? How about mustard? Any ranch? I really could do it all day long. Hmmm, maybe this is my calling. Watch out Ronald McDonald.

mind your own business,
HAJ

Biker Boy

Mom said I have to practice, and when I get good, she'll buy me a big boy bike!

Nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs,
HAJ

PS - Happy 29th Birthday Uncle Addison!

Now, More From Back At the Ranch

Life wasn't meant to be easy,
HAJ

Nine Nine Nine

Nine #1 - Happy birthday to my GREAT Gpa W! He is 86 years young this year and I love him very much. When I visit him he always lets me check out all of his baseball stuff, and more importantly he lets me ride his scooter. Love you Gampa.

Nine #2 - Happy birthday Big J! While he is one of my most favorite people in the world, and super fun and a great coach, the best thing he ever did was marry my cute Auntie M. So even though its your birthday Big J, maybe you should take your cute wife out for dinner just cuz.

Nine #3 - Happy birthday to Brookie! She's the greatest! She always has time to spend with me. She is always thinking of me by setting up play dates and always bringing me a toy or a treat. I hope she knows how much I appreciate every little stitch of it. She's so fun and thoughtful, and I just really hope she has the best day ever!

Love,
HAJ

Gastrointestinal Review

Welcome to my Minnesota State Fair 2009 Gastrointestinal Review! The tradition continues with the Johnston's and the Willegalle's, including the new little shooter at his first fair - Griffin. Grab your bottle of Tums and hang on:

We started out this year with Martina's favorite, shocker, fried cheese on a stick! So yummy and creamy. It really tastes like a grilled cheese sandwich. We then headed over to Juanita's Fajitas for a breakfast burrito. Daddy said it was just "OK" but I loved it. (See photo above). We washed it all down with a little German Root beer (think Barq's without the bite) and headed straight on over to the Mini Donuts! This is where Griffin really got to shine!

Next was the only new thing we tried this year, yes, we're growing a bit lame in our old age: Pickle Dog. Its pastrami and cream cheese wrapped around a pickle spear. It was good, but how about if it was SALAMI?! Mom got her favorite soft pretzel dipped in mustard next, and it was off to every body's favorite Turkey To Go. Brian couldn't keep his mouth off that one!

After a brief intermission of Palmer and I saying we wanted to go on rides, and then actually really not going on rides, well I didn't anyway, we headed back over to the food. Mom tried the Shaved Hawaiian Ice, pretty good, but really sweet. The day was then rounded out with fried pickles, a quite large pickle on a stick, and the always yummy caramel apple. We really had another great day at the fair this year! Thanks again to the Mitsch's for the best parking spot in town!

Burp,
HAJ

We Were FINE!

Tune in next week for a gastrointestinal recap of the Minnesota State Fair!

HAJ

Boating With My Daddy

HAJ

Pman - Another Year Older

I'm spend all of my free time organizing all of the vacation photos that I got from Grandma and auntie Chris yesterday. Thank you, thank you. In the mean time, I have to tell you about Palmer's birthday. We were out of town for his actual party, so Mom and I decided to take him out to lunch on his big day instead. We took him to the Machine Shed. Remember that awesome place where all they have is John Deere tractor stuff?

It was such a great time! There were presents! And - you probably won't believe this, but my mac n cheese and Palmer's hot dog were served in tractor trailers! AND - we drank water out of JARS. Who has ever heard of such a thing? Hope you had a great birthday Pman...I sure enjoyed it.

A piece of the action,

HAJ

Everybody Needs a Break Every Now and Then

After a brief hiatus, I'm back baby! We spend the last week on our annual vacation in Brainerd. As I'm going to the photos that Mom took, I realized that she didn't do a very good job and she didn't take very many photos. So, I'm begging, pleading to Grandma and Auntie Chris: Please send my mom some pictures so I have something to show the people. Please.

I do have a few...like me in the lake and actually having fun. Joey eating his first lemon. And another of Joey on his first boat ride. In all fairness, whenever anyone wanted to take my picture for most of the week, here's how they turned out.

Keep your fingers crossed,
HAJ

Update On Everything

There's a lot going on around here, and I need to bring everybody up to speed:

1. Potty Training...is going awesome. I'm at about a 90% success rate. I told Mom yesterday that I am done potty training. And, I've also graduated to standing when I pee. Less mess.
2. Poison Oak...is getting better. As of today I am off all of my drugs, including the devil inducing ones. I only have to apply an antibiotic ointment (I love that word) twice a day.
3. Check out Brookie's blog today and see me and Palmer big strong men who hug.

Honest as the day is long,
HAJ

Tornado Tourney 2009

This year's bocce tournament (our 12th annual!), was quite the hum-dinger! It ended up being on one of, if not THE hottest day of the year. And everybody who is anybody was there! We even had so many people, that we needed a Biffy this year. The heat didn't seem to keep the crowds away, and don't worry, we all stayed hydrated. At least until the tornado hit. Check out a few pictures here, here, here, here, and here. Please note that during this time I was with my cousins playing down stairs, and my mom and Auntie Gina were ready to grab us and throw us under the pool table.

Score one for me,
HAJ

PS - Thanks Eamonn for the tornado pics!

Devil Child

I interrupt this program to bring you a special announcement. Let's just call this my own personal bloggy "PSA". To all you moms and dads out there, grandmas and grandpas, caretakers, if at all possible, do not, I repeat do not give your child prednisolone. I am currently hopped up on this drug, and according to my parents, I've turned into the devil. I have turned red and grown horns. I have a tail with a pointy end and am holding a pitch fork. Hopefully this too shall pass, sooner than later. And remember its NOT ME, its the DRUGS....Mom.

My goose is cooked,
HAJ

Another Crazy Pair

This past weekend, the other set of "crazies" from Texas came to visit us: Annie and Jasper! We had the best weekend, and it was so sad to see them go. It was great to play with them all day long. We spent the days playing, and the evenings having movie night and eating popcorn. It was great too because Patrick came over everyday too! More on the weekend tomorrow!

Thin edge of the wedge,
HAJ

First Entry For the Icky File

Well, its finally happened. I made it three years, 1 month, and 19 days before I had to be taken to Urgent Care. Apparently I got into some poison oak, and got myself some blister and some rash. They put me on tons of medicine to help take care of it, but looks like I'm going to be hopped up on the drugs for the next three weeks. WARNING: Prepare yourself before opening the next photo. It will be put in the Icky File.

An ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure,
HAJ

IT'S DONE - Bathroom Reveal

The bathroom is finally finished and we've already broken it in! We've all showered numerous times and we really love it. Mom likes the body sprays on the shower. Me? Not so much. The only thing missing is the glass door for me to draw on, but the walls are a dark enough color that my shaving cream "paint" shows up perfectly!

Mom loaded up the shelves with junk, but I am diggin' the Buddha! Thank you to Gammy and auntie Niki for the great towels and rugs....awwww. I almost can't wait for the weather to get cooler so I can take a bath and spray the whole bathroom with water.

Never underestimate the power of a woman,

HAJ

Archives - Month 37

Dear Henry,

I woke up in the middle of the night, and realized that it is July 30th, and I didn't do your monthly letter. For shame! I mean, this was one of the most important months of you life. What with your potty training, and not to mention you attending your first parade! Things are a happenin'!

Potty training is going *pretty* well. I guess I didn't really know what to expect, as far as accidents go. You have a few here and there. The other day you pee'd in your carseat, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't do that one anymore. Although, the poops are the worst. Its just too hard to try to get your undies off without getting poo all over everything. Everyone tells me to just cut them off and throw them away, but your undies are just too darn cute, I couldn't bear it. On the bright side, you have not pee'd your bed (knock knock on virtual wood).

It was fun to watch you at your first parade. You loved the marching band, the fire trucks, and the John Deere tractors. I think you were a bit shocked that people were throwing candy out there, for free, and no rules about how much you could take. And I think you were a little intimidated by the other kids who had been to parades before and were attacking that candy. But in no time you were out there and ended up with a full bag of your own. Which, by the way, you didn't eat even one piece and I ended up throwing it all out the other day. Its all about the chase, really.

We had our bathroom remodeled this month, and you loved spending time with our contractor/friend Cameron. You called him "Camera" which he loved and so do I. You watched him work all day, got in his way, pulled out your tool box whenever he showed up, and followed him wherever he went. I think you miss him now that he's gone, you keep asking if Camera can come over for "One second. Mom, just one second." Maybe that means you'll follow your daddy's foot steps and we can rename the company "Today's Exteriors and Son."

Here's to yet another great month. I can't decide which phase or age I like the most kid, but its just so fun watching, listening, and hopefully influencing you in a good way so you don't grow up to be a serial killer.

Love you so much it hurts,
Mama

Horse Of Another Color

In keeping with getting caught up on my life, I need to tell you guys about when we went to the track a few weeks ago. I know you're saying to yourself, "What's the big deal HAJ? You go to the track all the time." But this is different. This time it was Running Aces Harness Park . This is a type of horse racing where the horses trot while pulling the riders on a harness. It was actually really fun, but much different the regular race horses.

The horses start out getting into the "gates" that are attached to a Cadillac. Then they all line up, while still trotting, and then they let them go. Only they don't really go, they just continue trotting. I'm not sure why they just don't put a whip on 'em and let take off, but I guess that's not the way it goes. and eventually there's a winner. I recommend taking some time to go visit this park, its grounds are beautiful and it was a something fun to do on a nice summer evening.

Hop on over to my house,

HAJ

First Fish - Trust Me

Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the lake with my mom and dad. Mom was catching some rays and doing Sudoku, and Dad and I were doing some serious fishing. I have been working on my casting for the last few weeks, and, if I do say so myself, have gotten pretty darn good. So Daddy decided I was ready to put a hook on the end of my rod so I can do some real fishing. Exciting!!! And I'll be darned if I didn't catch a blue gill on my first cast!! My first REAL FISH I REELED IN ALL BY MYSELF!

I bet you're asking, well HAJ....where's the photo documentation? I'll tell you, there is ONE photo of that fish, but I didn't want my picture taken at the time and Daddy doesn't want the photo put on the Internet for reasons that involve that maybe he's eaten too many cheese burgers in his lifetime. So, you have to take my word on this one, and just remember I caught my first fish when I was 3!

Pleased as a pig in mud,
HAJ

Bathroom Update #689414

After having a water fight with my dad this morning, I thought I better a minute to update you on the bathroom progress. This week has been nothing but exciting! The tile and painting is ALL DONE! Of course, per usual with any construction project, it has taken longer than expected, BUT its amazing! We just need to get the plumbing fixtures installed, seal the tile, final paint touch ups...and I think we're in business.

Here's the shower with the walls, ceiling, floor, and new glass wall installed. Daddy's sink is done, and here's Mama's sink (note the hint of the new faucet!). The floor has been installed and grouted, and the tub is done except for the front panel which is drying in the garage as we speak.

We couldn't be happier with how this project is turning out. And if you any of you people out there need a great contractor, who is very particular, immaculately clean, and down right lovely to have around the house, please call my mama.

What do you mean overdrawn, I still have checks?

HAJ

PS - Happy anniversary to my mom and dad...6 years ago today my dad asked my mom to marry him....aaaawwwwww!

Sand Hurts My Feet

I'm trying to play a little catch up here. We've been busy this week, so posts are not coming as much as I'd like. Plus, Mom got a new phone and for some reason she's having trouble blogging from her phone, but she's getting her IT guy (by IT, I mean Brian Willegalle) on it. I remembered there were a few more details about the 4th of July I wanted to share with you so here goes.

Since it was the 4th of July, they held a boat parade at the lake. Professional wrestlers and even Elvis showed up! I really like lake living, oh wait except for the sand. Yeah, I still have sand issues, even when I'm wearing shoes. In order to get to the dock I had to walk across the sand, so I'd just sit at the bottom of the stairs and wait for someone to carry me to the dock. But, by the end of the 2nd day, I was so excited about the prospects of movie night, that I completely forgot about my fears, and helped the other kids clean up the beach. IN MY BARE FEET!

I spent most of the time fishing. I really am developing a love for fishing and Daddy is so happy about that. I even showed the girls how to cast, and now they love fishing too. Griffin, well, he wasn't so interested. We really had a great time, and now I couldn't be more excited about the annual vacation with G&GE!

Between the cup and the lip,
HAJ

Sinclair Lewis Would Be Proud

Well, after two days holed up in the house potty training (Friday and Saturday - no accidents, Sunday - 2 accidents), we all got a touch of the cabin fever, and decided to take up the Willegalle invitation to drive up to Sauk Centre for Sinclair Lewis Days. (He was a big deal, look it up.) There were promises of a parade and an evening at Cactus Flats, I mean, who could pass that up?

The parade was great, considering it is the only one I've seen. And despite some older kids honing in on my candy territory, I ended up with a full bag. It took me a minute or two, but once I learned you have to fight for your right to the candy, I was all game. I just have to show you a picture of this kid across the street from us at the parade. He's doing this all the time and his mom keeps hollering at him, and then she finally took the bag away. It was so funny, great entertainment.

The evening ended back at Cactus Flats at Grandma Lulu and Grandpa Turtle's house. Dad and Brian were having fun, Martina was all bundled up, and there was even a glass blowing project happening. Amazing what you can come up with in the wee hours of the night.

Are you showing your Blond?

HAJ

Potty Training - Day 2 (Plus Bathroom Update Bonus)

Day one down, the final score was Toilet - 4/Undies - 3, so we came out ahead! I woke up dry this morning, but that's not really a surprise since I've been dry in the mornings consistently for about a year now. But one never really knows. This morning I woke up and had a great morning pee, followed by Nemo fruit snacks. If one thing is true, I'm really diggin' havin' treats in the morning.

Mama is learning, just like my birthday, I don't like a lot of fanfare when I go pee in the big potty. I don't like to be told that she's proud of me, or for her to hoot and holler, or for her to do any sort of celebratory dance. Just be cool man. Act like you've been there before. Today we hope to have a better record than yesterday...just to do my best...Mama says as long as I do my best she's proud of me. Just stop saying that.

As far as the bathroom remodel is going...its SO CLOSE we can taste it! Of course we're running a day or two behind, but the job is looking so good it really doesn't matter. Since we last spoke, the sinks have been installed, the shower has been tiled, the back splashes of the sinks are done, and the tub is in the works. The floor tile is next, followed by grouting, installing the plumbing fixtures, and painting. We're hoping for the middle of next week for the final reveal!

The rocky road to success,
HAJ

Potty Training - Day 1

We're finally going to attempt potty training this weekend, and today is day one. A couple days ago, as per Baby Wise, Mama and I went to the store and bought a new stool, what I like to call a "potty train," some new undies, and most importantly TREATS! The book said treats were OK to bribe me, the book said do what ever it takes.

So this morning, Mom laid out all my new undies, and I got to pick out the ones I wanted to wear. I first picked the firetruck ones (of course) but in the end settled on the orange ones with bulldogs on them. Mom helped me put them on, and then explained to me that these are pants are special and that we don't got potty in our pants when we're wearing them. Well, that just didn't sound like a good idea to me, so I decided that I don't want to wear big boy underwear. We had a bit of a struggle, and then admittedly, she bribed me with orange juice and a sucker to keep wearing them.

We're holding up at the house today. No other plans. If you want to see us, you better come here. Mom has the timer set to go off every 15 minutes to come and ask me if I have to go potty or poopy. At the time of this publication, we're 45 minutes in, and so far so good...but nothing has happened yet.

Opened another can of worms,

HAJ

The Crazies

We just got off of another great weekend with my cousins Presley and Cody, aunt Niki and uncle Larry, and Gammy from Texas. We had a great time and during their stay, my cousin Presley celebrated his 8th birthday. He really wanted to go fishing so we rented him a pontoon and spent the day at the lake. It was a success because everyone caught a fish! Presley caught the first one, then Aunt Niki, then Cody, then Daddy, and then uncle Larry. Then we went out for burgers and came home to eat his disc golf birthday cake that Mama made for him.

We had a great day, and Presley said he had the best birthday. I think Cody really liked it too.

Cottage by the lake,
HAJ

Joe Mauer Wanna Be

HAJ

Cabin Song and Nicki Song

I know this isn't me, but I just wanted to show you my friend Palmer singing to my mom.

HAJ

I Told Them I Didn't Want To Go

HAJ

4th of July

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July!

HAJ

Vacation Plan and Bathroom Update

Happy day before the Fourth of July! Everyone has the day off today, except for my dad. But don't feel too sorry for him, he's actually working briefly today, then heading off to his favorite local fishing hole. Then we're all headed up north to do a little celebrating of Independence.

Time for the weekly bathroom update, I know you're all waiting anxiously. This was a short week due to the holiday, so again, the real flashy stuff hasn't gotten done yet, but all the inside workings are getting worked. New dry wall has been hung in the shower, over the tub, and over the sink areas. Also on the wall that needed to be rewired because we're adding in-floor heat. Oh yeah, you heard me right. No more freezing your tootsies off in the middle of the night in January around these parts. This might be my favorite part of the remodel.

As cool as the other side of the pillow,
HAJ

40/40 Club

Well, I had my three year check up the other day, and seems I am in the 40/40 club. That means 40lbs - 97th percentile, 40" tall - 87th percentile. And you know what that means? BOOSTER SEAT! I'm in a booster seat baby, because I'm not a baby anymore! I went straight from the doc's office to the store and got me a new booster. I really am enjoying my new chair. I thought I'd miss not being able to turn the back lights on and off, and kick the temperature controls in the back seat. But the thrill of rolling the windows up and down, and hollering at people on the sidewalks is much better than some dumb lights. By the way, why do you people call it "rolling" down a window? It isn't rolled. All I do is push a button.

Social butterfly,
HAJ

Confession

My name is Henry, and I pooped in the shower today. Mama said that's not a good idea. I asked her if we only go poopy in our pants and she said, "yes...for now. Until this weekend. Look, its complicated, just don't go poopy in the shower anymore."

I'll gut it out,

HAJ

Hank Aaron

HAJ

Garage Snuggling

Sleep Over and Bathroom Update

Cartoon breakfast! My pal Patrick got to stay over night with me last night! His mom and dad had to go out of town, so we were lucky enough to be able to have him stay at our house. Right now he's teaching me the joys and intricacies of Scooby Doo!

The bathroom remodel is trucking along, after a break last week. Our contractor, Cameron, had a brand new baby boy last week so he took the week off to enjoy the new addition to his family. This week has been a behind the scenes week. You know, one of those week where its electrical work and plumbing and it doesn't look like anything has happened but really, a lot of things have happened. For example, the tile has arrived. The sinks have arrived. Instead of one fan that doesn't work, we now have two fans that work. Mom got an outlet by her sink with 4-plugs now, and the hole has been cut for her new medicine cabinet. The shower and tub have all been "plumbed", whatever that is, and the drain has been moved on the shower floor so its centered in the space. So far we're loving all of it, and impressed with the progress!

Nothing great, nothing gross,
HAJ

Movie Night!

Sleep over with Patrick!

Cheezy Horsie Cups

HAJ

OK - But Make Sure No One Is Looking

HAJ

Archives - Month 36

Dear Henry,

Happy 3rd birthday Buddy! You're three now. Gotta stop telling people you're 2. This could take a while. I know its hard to get used to. I even told someone I was 36 the other day. Ugh.

For your monthly update this month, I'm going to recap your birthday for you. This was one to remember...or forget...depending on how you want to look at it. I had the day planned to perfection, and was confident it would go off with out a hitch. I mean, why wouldn't it? I made you a tractor cake, with hay, just like you wanted. That was your only birthday request. Well, besides also wanted no one to acknowledge your birthday, or even say the word birthday in your presence. In fact the whole week before your birthday you would get mad if someone mentioned birthday, you told me you didn't want anyone to sing to you, and that you didn't want to blow out your candles. When someone asked you who's birthday it is, you would say, "It isn't any body's." Why I didn't listen to you, why I didn't heed these warnings you were sending me...I'll never know.

We took all your pals, including Patrick, Palmer, Frannie, Lucy, and Rosaleen, and your cousins LC, Presley, and Cody to the Hennepin County Fair. You loved it so much last year that we decided it would be a great place to celebrate your birthday. When we arrived we went straight to your favorite thing...fire trucks! But you wouldn't get too close, and you didn't want to sit in them, and you wanted to be held the whole time. Dude, you're knockin' on 40lbs. I physically can't hold you for extended periods anymore.

Then you said you wanted to head on over to the petting zoo area. But when we got there you wouldn't go in, you wanted to be held, and you screamed in terror (no exaggeration) when a goat stuck his head out of the fence in your direction. So then we headed to get something to eat, but you said you didn't want to eat anything. This was about the same time I remembered you wouldn't eat breakfast either, and that you haven't eaten all day. You don't have blood sugar issues, but who doesn't get extremely cranky when they're hungry?

So then you wanted to ride on some of the rides. And I thought great, let's do a few rides. Surely you'll ride the boats around and maybe even want to drive the cars. As all the kids were getting measured to make sure they were the correct height, and loading into the ride...you walked away and completely, totally, 100%-ly melted dddoooooooowwwwwwwnnnnnn. There went that perfect day...flying out the window. Then, Mommy (me) looked over at you, picked you up, and proceeded to melt ddddoooowwwnnnn. We left all your pals with plenty of ride tickets, and headed out to the parking lot, got in the car, and drove home.

Upon our arrival, you headed straight for two rounds of time out. During the second round, I walked in and you immediately told me you were sorry. No prompting this time. I also brought you a PB&J. We sat up there, and relived what just happened, and talked about how that just wasn't a good idea. You promised we could be friends again and that you would be a good boy the rest of the day. We than came back down stairs, and you even told auntie Niki you were sorry. I was so proud of you, and you kept that promise the entire day.

After about an hour or so, the gang came back to our house from the fair for some cake. You said you didn't want anyone to sing, so there was no song. You said you didn't want to blow out candles, so there were not candles. You even said you didn't want your presents, but thankfully your cousin Cody and Palmer talked you off the cliff on that one, and you enjoyed each and every gift. You exclaimed, "Oh my gosh!" every time you opened one up. It was hysterical and ended up being a great day. You and I even snuck off in the corner and you blew out candles on your slice of cake. It was a great moment.

So far, we're 2 for 3 on birthdays. But like Martina said, if crazy stuff hadn't happened, we probably never would remember your third birthday at all. One day we'll think it was the funniest thing that's ever happened. For the record, next year if you still don't want to have a birthday, I promise I'll listen. We'll spend a quite day at home. Maybe invite just a couple of your buddies. But I promise, no singing, no candles, and no attention. None. But maybe just one present.

Love you booger, Mama