Bon Voyage!

Remember the good times we used to have together? You know, times like this, or this, or even this. Well, sadly and happily those days are over. Check it out....my new boat bed! I even have a life preserver pillow! Grandpa and Daddy took apart my baby crib, and then put together my new big boy bed! I was a little sad about it at first, but now I love my new bed. I love to make Daddy crawl in with me, and then I tuck him in, kiss him on the forehead, and tell him stories about my day. I have slept through the night each night so far, and I don't get out of bed until Mom and Dad say its OK. Something that is really helping me get through the transition, is that Little Baby E is going to be using my crib, and I love that I can pass that down to the little peanut. I just love family tradition.

Proud as a parrot,

HAJ

Sick Day

Well folks, I'm sure you noticed I was not here yesterday. I had my very first official sick day. I even missed school. I guess almost 18 months is a good run without being sick, but it finally happened. Just to ease your minds, I was really only sick on Sunday. No fever or puking thank goodness! I felt great yesterday, and today I'm a million bucks. But Mom didn't want to expose me to the other kids at school, so we played hookie.

I was weird being sick, and I didn't like it at all. I would walk over to Mommy and want to be picked up, and then when she did, I would do the "back arch" move, and want down. Then when she put me down, I wouldn't put weight on my legs, and I would lay on the floor and whine until she picked me up. Then I would do the "back arch" move......do you see the pattern? The whole day was filled with those kinds of actions. I just mostly was tired and had a bad cough and I think a sore throat.

But today I'm great! Don't you like how I'm learning to smile for the camera?

Colder than a Midwestern Minnesota Welldigger's gizzard,
HAJ

PS - Thank you all for your readership. If you notice my little ticker in the bottom right corner, we finally have 10,000 hits! What an amazing milestone!

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

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

First Steps

We all knew it was coming, I just didn't know I'd like it so much! The next step is doing it by myself. Have got to keep up with Palmer!!

Random Achievements

I'm looking at a usual boring Tuesday today. Not much going on; not much to report. It would be nice to get a full nights sleep and not be woken up by a storm at 3am tonight. Jeez.

I've started crying now when Daddy drops me off at daycare and then he leaves. I never used to do that but now I do. I also grab my nose when someone says "stinky", and if you ask me where my nose is, I'll stick my finger right up one nostril. Photos forthcoming.

Hopefully those bits of information will get you through this Tuesday.

The coast is clear,
HAJ

PS - Happy Anniversary to Bridget & Will! Here's to many more!

My first trip to Cabellas

Real chocolate milk at a real resturant

First time learning on a straw

Street Music

Anyone wanna guess how I got here? Yep, its happening. Lini's been telling Mom that I have been pulling myself up for weeks now, but I've never done it at home. Until now. Its started out like this. The I thought, why not? And this was the final step. So, there ya go! More milestones, whether you're ready or not.

Yesterday's birthday party for Mr. Gunkelman was crazy! Like nothing I've ever seen before. We were all sitting there having cheese and champagne, all of a sudden a bunch of street performers came in, playing bongos, guitars, and honking horns! They even sang a happy birthday song. I was a little scared of the clown guy, but he made me a dog balloon, and Tom a balloon hat, so I thought, well, he can't be all bad. They were so fun! We had a great time, and here's the card I made for Tom. It is my first piece of artwork, and will probably be worth millions.

Fall for it,
HAJ

PS - Shout outs today to again, Mr. Gunkelman (Happy 78! Shhh, don't worry, you're secret is safe with me.) And to my cousin Andrew - 18 baby! Time to buy a lottery ticket and hit the casino in Flandreau! And last but not least to G. Auntie Jodi, I know this is a big one, but trust me, you're more beautiful now then at 30 anyway.

Wheels On the Bus Go Round

Check out my new ride I got for my birthday from my cousins Presley and Cody! I just love it, obviously. And Dad and Mom love it too because that song will not be annoying at all. (cough, cough). It has all kinds of buttons to push and horns and a compartment in the seat I can put things in and take things out.

Lately, since I've been crawling, people are coming up to me and telling me I'm thinning out. Like, what? Are you calling me fat? What must I looked like before? No, seriously, though, its true. Mom noticed it yesterday on my thighs. The rolls just aren't as deep as they once were. Just look at this picture from March. Times are a changin'. I, personally, think its great. I'm sick of shopping in the "husky" section at all the stores.

True blue,

HAJ
PS - I have got to send a shout out to my cousin Presley! Happy Birthday!! I can't wait to see you in August and I wish I was there to party it down with you today! Also, to my pseudo-auntie Kari - have a great birthday and make Dan buy you dinner.

Cruisin' For a Bruisin'

It finally happened today. We all new it would and quite frankly, I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner. I remember when Palmer did it months ago, and I'm not sure if Jasper has done it yet. I fell off the bed today. My parent's bed, that's unusually high. As you can see, I'm doing just fine, but I think I almost gave Dad a coronary. Mom was in the bathroom and Dad was doing push ups (?). I peeked over the edge, and then lost my balance and boom. It really didn't hurt as much as it scared the crud out of me. You can see the nice red mark next to my right eye, and another one above the bruise from yesterday. This getting older thing is for the birds.

As if that wasn't bad enough, at the grocery store today, I was gnawing on a Pillsbury Crescent Roll container, when it "POPPED"!!! Speaking of coronary. Mom made me take it to the customer service counter and apologize for breaking it. They were very nice and didn't make me pay for it. Mom threatened to take it out of my allowance. But she's the one that gave it to me, so it can't be all my fault. Right?

Wham, bam, thank you, ma'am!
HAJ

Blast From the Past

Mom is always spying on me and Dad. She's just got to know what's going on at all times. Sheesh. Can't a couple of guys get a little privacy?

Darlene, my teacher, let the cat out of the bag yesterday. I've been keeping a secret from Mom and Dad, but she spilled the beans. I've been standing up in my crib at school and shaking the bars! I only have done it at school and not at home, (that anyone knows about anyway. Again with the need for some privacy.)

I'm excited for school today too because my buddy Patrick is starting his first day there today too! I can't wait to hang out with him all the time!

One last thing, I want to put this video on my blog. Its an oldie but a goodie, and it isn't on any of my posts. It was before I figured that all out. So enjoy a little blast from the past.

Another cliche,
HAJ

PS - I want to send a shout out to the Pat and Kelly Fairbanks...Happy Anniversary kids! And they said it would last.....hmpf!

Breaking News!!

What I wouldn't do for a 'Nilla Wafer!! Dude, check the dismount. Killer.

Haven't seen enough? Check out how its done here.

Like a man on a mission,

HAJ

I'm Very Busy Office-ing

Today we went to Mom's office for lunch! Here's me with my main man, TG. He's so much fun! Today he shared his chocolate chip cookie with me! I know. He definitely knows the way to my heart is through my tummy. He's a smart man! We ordered in lunch from Chipotle, and we all had a yummy lunch. I got to sit at the table with my own chair, and my own NEW (for ages 1 and up!) sippy cup.

Guess what else? While I was there, Mom finally made it official that I know how to wave hello and goodbye. I've been doing it for a day or two, but there was no more denying or thinking it was a coincidence today. I've been trying to tell her I know what I'm doing, but she never listens.

There's no defense like a good offense,
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

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....

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

Stand By Me

I'm getting closer and closer to this walking thing. I can even take a few steps now, as long as someone is holding my arms of course. I really like standing though. If I'm cranky, all you have to do is prop me up next to the ottoman or coffee table, and I'm good to go.

I don't know for sure, but I either have a cold, or I have allergies. My nose is running, I'm coughing, and I'm very tired. Believe it or not, I've actually lost a bit my appetite the last couple days too. I love all foods, but the squash had me gagging last night. Next time Mom needs to put butter and sugar on it and I'll eat it right up.

Don't be a tattle tale,
HAJ

Rubber Ducky, You're the One

I hope you guys enjoyed the videos over the weekend. It was such a great time and I just had to share. I thought I'd give you a few more shots of the bath yesterday. We always have the most fun in that tub! I love this action shot of the water. I bet if there was an award for splashing I would get it. And then Mom gets the award for fastest clean up after.

My parents, especially my mom, are very happy that I love the water! I think maybe Michael Phelps better watch out....I'm comin', I'm comin'. I practiced floating on my back. And getting water on my face. But mostly I played with my ducky!

My newest trick, which will make G-ma E so happy, is that now I LOVE to roll from my back to my tummy and back again. I do it all day and giggle. AND - yesterday I scooched over to the stereo thingy, and got into some wires and some DVDs. Yes, I'm totally starting to "get into things" and Mom and Dad are going to have to start "putting things away." Here we go!!

Ace in the hole,

HAJ