Ami Stone Bhatti

Bye Bye Miss Jeni

2010-09-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Remember when I told you about the doctor freaking out on momma about me not having a 10-18 word vocabulary? Well, I guess I never told you about the whole situation, did I? Oops.

So, back about a year and a half ago, the doctor was worried that I may have a speech delay so he made momma call a speech therapist. I was one of the lucky ones and got to have the COOLEST speech therapist ever, Miss Jeni. The first time she came to my house I was super shy but I warmed up quickly. She made me take tests!

Ugh, seriously, tests and I was only 18 months old. Well, I passed all of them with flying colors except the speech part. I could understand and was ahead of my age in that part but I just could not get the words to come out of my mouth. Miss Jeni thought I may have Developmental Apraxia of Speech. In other words, my brain and my mouth muscles just couldn't work together. Miss Jeni was very cautious when talking to momma- saying things like well, I have some kids that improve a bit and others that need a lot more therapy. So...

Miss Jeni told momma about sign language, gave momma tips to help me communicate AND gave me homework! Seriously, homework! Did I mention that I was only 18 months old?!?! Anyways, Miss Jeni came over to my house and "played" with me about two times a week for just over a year. We played A LOT but we also worked on my homework- ugh! Sometimes things were rocky and I just couldn't concentrate and sit still but mostly I was a great student for Miss Jeni, making amazing improvements every couple weeks. I even ended up meeting Miss Jeni out in the driveway by her car so I could help her pick out the toys I wanted to play with that day!

Well, to make a long story short, Miss Jeni calls me her "STAR" student! I am so thankful that I was one of the lucky ones to make such great progress! I am talking up a storm now! Momma says I am still a whine bucket (but its a different whine than when I couldn't talk!) And, even though I like to talk, I LOVE even more to sing! My favorite songs right now are veggie tales songs which momma and me rock out to in the car!

I just want to say a big THANK YOU to Miss Jeni! Thank you for helping, encouraging and playing with me! I will never ever forget you! And I know momma won't either :)

Today I was discharged from Early On...

next step is Pre-school!!!

I love you Miss Jeni!

Prayers

2010-08-31T18:20:00.001-07:00

This is an old video of me saying the table prayer!

Rainforest Adventure

2010-01-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

The day I turned two, 11-06-09, daddy was flying home and momma and I had to pick him up in Chicago. Not only was I excited to be at the airport, but I got to ride the moving stairs and daddy was waiting for me up at the top! How could my day get any better? Well, mommy and daddy surprised me with my first trip to the Rainforest! Not the real rainforest but you know, the safe one, where you can watch the animals and listen to the storms AND eat! The animals were pretty cool, we sat by the elephants which were fun to watch, but the most fun part of the rainforest...was my frog cup! I love that thing! For my next birthday, instead of water (seriously!??!) I would like a fruit smoothie in my froggie cup, otherwise Rainforest Cafe rocked! Thanks mom and dad!

Snow Days

2010-01-27T19:43:00.001-08:00

2009

2010

2 years of haircuts!

2010-01-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

So, two years ago I had my very first haircut...

And today I had another one! I can't remember how many I've had in the last few years- way too many to keep track of. But here is one when I was Einstein. Here is a pic of me before another trim. This day in July I had my fourth haircut and here is me after! My fifth haircut is here. And this is when I got a big boy haircut and looked just like grampy!

Here are today's pics!

2009

2009-12-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

I like lemons!!

2009-09-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

Ok grandma Ruth and Aunt Becky ;) this is for you!
It's not a true update because this video was taken back in February when I went to Florida, but I think you'll like it!

Must run in the family...

2009-05-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Here I am on my Uncle Derek's motorcycle when I was about 10 months old. (Daddy was sooooo jealous!) But if you think I'm cute, check out my cousin Gloria and my other cousin Carson! Now, Uncle Derek is a couple months away from having his own "biker dude" so I guess daddy and I will have to stick together and convince mom to let us get our own bike. (Wish me luck!) Can't you just see us all in a few years??!! Well, mom just told me its more like 30 years until I can ride one. Now, I'm not too good with time yet, but 30 years sounds like FOREVER...

Car seat adventures

2009-05-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how many adventures I had in my "baby" car seat. Of course my first adventure was the ride home from the hospital. I started to think I may never make it home considering the way daddy kept checking and re-checking me to make sure I was secure!

Later that month I spent a good share of Thanksgiving in my seat. It was so cozy and comfy and I was just too tired from watching mom and dad make so much food.

That third picture up there (with all the dangles) is me sitting haphazardly on a coach bus seat. That was a wild ride mom, grandma and I took while we were out in California, Feb 2008.

The next picture is happy me, clueless that I was about to go the doctor for some shots. I really wish I still fit into that hoodie and those slippers, ugh, I barely got to wear them! Anyway...

See me sound asleep? Have I mentioned how cozy and comfy my seat is??!! There I am at Tosi's taking a snooze. It was daddy's (30th!!!) birthday dinner, May 25th 2008, and all the partying made me tired. Plus I was being nice and letting them have a peaceful cup of coffee and dessert because I'm nice like that ;)

That next picture...on my way to go swimming!! I love swimming!

And the last picture, ahh yes, drinking my muscle milk last June. I've since ditched that stuff and started drinking good old whole milk...tastes much better and I don't have to share with daddy!

So there you go. Just a sampling of the many adventures I've been on in my "baby" car seat. I wish I still fit in it but I'm a big boy now, SEE...........

May 2009

18 months old...

2009-05-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

May 6, 2009 I officially turned one AND a half!! I had my 18 month wellness check with the doctor or otherwise known as the day mommy-was-mean-to-me-day because she made me sit still so the doctor could check me out AND she let the nurse give me a shot. Yeah, not fun.

Other then the doctor visit (which really wasn't too bad because I actually got along with the doctor this time), I had a really fun-filled day! I woke up, momma and I had our crack, I mean I had milk and she had coffee. We ate breakfast and then played outside for a bit. Momma decided to try to wear me out before my doc appt. so she took me to Lions Park Beach to play. I met a little guy around my age (I say little because he was! I was like a sumo wrestler compared to him!) and we went down the slides. Then it was time for lunch so momma thought she'd feed me and then make me nap for an hour before my appt. Well, I was NOT tired so I just played for an hour in my crib, talked to my monkey friend, read my book and watched my fishies. I think momma tried to rest for a bit...which was good for her because of what I had in store for the rest of the day!

After my doc appt we did some errands, had a snack and played outside until dinner time. Ugh, here's me at dinner-

I was so tired from the day that I just couldn't keep my eyes open. Of course it was only 5:30 and momma wouldn't let me go to sleep so early so as soon as she asked if I wanted to take a bath, I popped awake and ran to the bathroom. Are you kidding, bath time is my favorite part of the day! (Well, anytime I get to play in water is my favorite part of the day!)

My bath recharged me and I was ready to go until 8:30 when I finally crashed for the night. I think I better stick to taking my naps for a little while longer because momma got a little cranky with me. Of course I don't know why because I was an angel all day...bwah, ha ha ha!! :)

-------------------------------------

Oh, so that brings me to today. The doctor said I should have at least a 10-18 word vocabulary and since I don't she's sending me to have a full hearing evaluation at 3:30. I can hear...I'll show them! I'm saving up my words to break out in full sentences... he, he, he!

I am momma's "Rock Star"!!!

2009-05-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

Playin' blocks.

2009-04-02T20:26:00.001-07:00

I have the coolest blocks ever! Daddy and I can build an awesome tower and smell good at the same time. I have noticed that my blocks keep disappearing...and the bathtub does have that familiar smell good smell...hmmmm.

Random q's at 16 months

2009-03-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

What are your nicknames these days? Chillsie, Chilly-bob, Chills
What are some of your favorite foods? I am a dairy boy. Milk is #1, then cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs and yogurt. I usually don't pass up fruit either. Oh and last night I was digging mom's beef stroganoff and the noodles!
What's your all time favorite thing to do? Take a bath!!
When is your bedtime? around 8pm I am ready for sleep!
Do you like to take a nap? I almost beg momma to put me in my crib!
What did you do last night after dinner? Played at the park, Walked around the hospital on their new path and took a bath.
Do you like to fly? On airplanes? Only if grammy and grampy are with (momma is too strict.)
Who do you miss right now? My great grandma...she's been gone for almost 5 weeks now!
What do you do when nanna comes over? We almost always go outside, play in the dirt, go to the park and get really really messy! She let's me go down the slide as many times as I want!
What is your favorite stuffed animal? My monkey!
What is your favorite DVD? My Thomas the Train sing-a-long video!
Do you help mommy around the house? Yes. Today I helped her vacuum. (yes, I did for real, with the attachment!)
Do you like to brush hair? Ha, ha, ha...do you not know me? I am the master hair brusher! I can brush mine or your hair with a spatula...that's how good I am!
What do you like to do with daddy? Wrestle and go to the pet store.
what are you doing today for St. Patty's Day? Who? What day? All i know is I'm eating dinner with mom and dad, grandma and great grandpa and we get to do it at grandma's house...Yes! Maybe she'll let me spend the night????!!!

Those boys...

2009-03-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Caught you guys!!

Every time that dad opens the refrigerator, I go straight for the bottle of whipped cream, point and say "dat". Yes, I want some!! It's so yummy...but please don't tell anyone that we eat it from the can ok. (Jukka gets his on the floor!)

Chicka Chicka ABC video

2009-01-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

Here I am...

2009-01-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

Hi there everyone!

It's been a long time (again!) but I've been up to some really cool stuff.

I have to tell you about today first though.

A strange occurrence was happening in the kitchen this afternoon and I had to check it out...momma was cleaning out the pantry!! I'm not sure I have ever seen the floor in that pantry in the 14 months I've been in this house. I thought momma might need my help so I brought my firetruck just in case. I checked everything out and it looked good (she's even up to code with her fire extinguisher!) and decided that the pantry was my new firehouse. My fire engine fits perfectly in there and if there ever is an emergency I can hop on my firetruck, grab an extinguisher and off I go!!

Momma's new addiction...

2008-12-06T20:32:00.001-08:00

She tells me digital scrapbooking is so fun AND easy with Scrapblog!!

Some things never change...

2008-11-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

Daddy and I love to nap together...

and momma always seems to catch us in the act!

May

November

Today is my birthday...

2008-11-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

I am one!!!

2008-10-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

I love chairs...

2008-10-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

a folding chair, a wooden chair, my jumpy chair, my highchair...I love chairs! I like to push them, crawl under them and even hang from them. Yes, I am turning into quite the monkey on my highchair...ooo-ooo ahhh-ahhh, weee!

Time to update my blog!

2008-10-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

2008-10-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

I'm flying...

2008-10-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Great grandma found this awesome airplane...I can sit on it and walk behind it! And if that's not cool enough, the propeller on the front actually spins when I push a button and has really cool lights! Last night daddy was zooming me all around the living room...I'm so glad he's back!!!

A 3 month difference...

2008-10-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

Look!

2008-09-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I thought the mohawk was cool too but Carly (my stylist) ended up cutting it off. So now I have a big boy haircut almost as short as grandpa's! Aren't we just too cute!

Haircut #5

2008-09-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here is me with all my hair!

Here's me getting ready to get my mohawk!

That's me with my mohawk....Cool Dude! :)

Hey everyone!

2008-09-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Thursday) I am getting my mop cut off.

I was thinking about a mohawk...what do you think?

Remember all the rain we had?

2008-09-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

Momma let me play outside in the mud! Both of us had fun hopping around like frogs while my brother, Jukka, watched us like we were crazy! CrAzY, no. SiLLy, yes!! :)

My fort!

2008-09-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Actually it was more like a tunnel and boy did I have fun crawling back and forth through it. You should have seen momma and daddy trying to crawl through...I should have charged them a toll because they half wrecked it each time they passed through!

She caught me!

2008-09-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Momma walked in the kitchen and I was busted!

Toofers...

2008-09-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

That's right!! I have 1 and a half toofers! Thank goodness that first one finally came through...momma says now maybe I can change out of my "cranky-pants". Well she just doesn't remember how it feels getting teeth...it hurts! (and then she thinks that putting that nasty tasting gel in my mouth will give me some relief but it really just makes my tongue, cheeks and lips numb and then I feel even CRANKIER! RAARRR!)

Crawling...

2008-09-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I was still having tons of fun crawling all over and exploring. Now, while I still like to crawl and explore, I am way more excited about pulling up on everything, practicing taking steps and then trying to fall gracefully.

Momma messing with my pictures!

2008-08-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Trying to escape!

2008-08-26T17:34:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's me! I pulled myself up so I could see out the front door!

Now, if I can just get Bobby-Jo to help me figure out how to get the door open, we could have lots of fun!

A long time again...

2008-08-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, this time I really did get lost...lost in my crawling!! That's right, I can go where ever I want now (at least until momma comes and gets me!)

Here are a few pics of what I've been up to besides crawling...

So right before I got the hang of crawling, I managed to perfect getting from my tummy to sitting. This is how momma found me after my nap about a week and a half ago.

See, no cord!

And then one morning momma came in my room and dun, dun, dun...she caught me! I didn't want momma & daddy to spy on me anymore so I grabbed the monitor cord and ripped it out of the camera. I was having fun wrapping myself up in the cord until momma came in the room and freaked out on me. Well, geez, just stop spying on me!

Here momma and I are just hanging out taking pics of ourselves- that's why momma looks kinda funny...she has a hard time holding me, looking normal, taking the picture & keeping her eyes open. I helped her out by changing it to sepia. And then I thought adding some blur might help us both look like little angels :)

And then before daddy had to leave again, we managed to all get to the pool for a swim. Watching the Olympics gave daddy the itch to see if he could swim like Michael Phelps...he, he, he. Well, he did make it one length of the pool before having to take a break- Go Daddy! But, I think just maybe he should stick with Tae Kwon Do and let me be the next Michael Phelps! Hey you never know, at the 2028 Olympics you might just be cheering "Ami Stone, Ami Stone, Ami Stone!"

Whoa!

2008-08-12T19:08:00.001-07:00

It's been forever since I've told you what I was up to- Did you think I was lost or something?! Nope, not lost. I didn't even get my computer privileges taken away! I've just been chillin out with momma, hanging with some family and enjoying this cooler weather we've been having lately. (No, momma isn't the only one that enjoys the cooler, fall-like weather!)

Tuesday, after my nap, momma took me swimming! The aquatics lady was there and saw how awesome a swimmer I am and asked if I've ever been under water. I tried to whoo her with my charming looks, sweet smile and great swimming moves but she insisted that I should try going under water. (I think momma had a part in that too.) I did it, but wasn't happy about it. Maybe with some practice I'll get the hang of it. What I really like is jumping in off the edge of the pool. I did it so much that momma was complaining about how sore her arms were getting...oh poor momma. That's what she gets for dunking me under water!

After swimming momma tried to get me to nap. I took a short one but with all the construction at the hospital and all the loud ambulances going by, I just couldn't stay asleep. So, I ate an early dinner and then momma took Jukka & me to the park! I love to swing!

Here are more pics of me & Jukka at the park. We like to sit in the grass. I like to look around, pull up grass and then put it in my mouth. It's always nasty and momma tells me "ucky, ucky" but I keep doing it again and again. I offer some to Jukka and he never puts it in his mouth...hmmmm.

After the park, we went home, I heard momma turn the bath tub on and ohhh, I was hoping it was for me! Sure enough, not only did I get to go swimming in the big pool, but I also got to splash around in more water!!! The only thing that could have made the day better is if momma let me play in the sink too!

Sunday!

2008-08-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

Hello my blog readers (or should I say "peekers" since some of you never leave me a message)!!
Daddy had to work almost all day today so it was just me & momma. We didn't do much but this afternoon but she did let me play in the sink again! The sink is just way too fun...or is it the being naked that's fun?!

Then daddy came home and the whole family went to the park for a while...I went on the swing, on the merry-go-round thing (yeah, momma sat me on it and spun me around!) and even on the slide. Daddy had on the perfect pants to really fly down the slide...weeee!

Then, tonight daddy shared his popsicle with me!! I really like popsicles!
So, actually Sunday turned out to be not as boring as momma & I thought it would be...wonder what we'll do tomorrow!? Someone (maybe you peekers?!) ought to leave momma a message telling her it would be a good beach day! Please!! :)

The Beach!

2008-08-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Guess where momma took me last Thursday?! The beach! Oh my goodness, did you know that Lake Michigan is like one giant, dirty, swimming pool with waves?! I had so much fun swimming with momma, crashing into the waves and hanging out in the sunshine! We had quite the adventure when we went to leave though. Check out momma's story on her blog.

F-U-R-I-O-U-S...

2008-07-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

...the "American Baby-aitor"!

Daddy & I were watching American Gladiator on TV and we decided that my gladiator name is FURIOUS... then we started wrestling like they do...

I could so take on WOLF but I'd rather take on CRUSH- a girl gladiator :)

Watermelon!

2008-07-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Yummy, yummy watermelon...it's all good until a chunk breaks off into my mouth! (Momma took a picture but I decided not to put it up here because it's pretty yucky.) I just don't know how to swallow chunks yet!

Jumper

2008-07-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

December '07

February '08

July

I love to jump so much that I get big, nasty blisters on my toes. Yesterday momma looked down at the blue mat she usually puts on the floor for me and she said she saw black spots all over it. I didn't know what she was talking about and I was still having fun jumping. A little while later she looked again and decided to investigate. She picked up my feet and the black spots were blood! I could tell she felt really bad but I didn't even notice that I was wearing my big toe away. She cleaned it up and told me from now on that I was jumping in socks, with gauze bandages wrapped around my toes... what next, kneepads and a helmet?!

Aunt Natalie!

2008-07-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

November '07

July '08

I saw my Aunt Natalie last weekend (she's not really my aunt, she is one of my girlfriends!) It had been 7 months since I had seen her last. She is still pretty and very nice...and doesn't have a boyfriend! I thought I was her boyfriend until momma put me to bed and when I woke up she was gone. I hope I don't have to wait another 7 months to see her again!

I can do it myself!

2008-07-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

That's right. I can drink my bottle all by myself. Which means that momma can get her crack (coffee people, coffee!) going in the morning. She needs it, trust me. {Hi momma...love you! :)

I'm just painting a picture on the carpet with my bottle. (It makes momma nuts!)

Where's the milk?! Ooops, wrong end!

Why am I getting all wet on the belly?

Momma tried to tell me that I had my bottle upside down and that I was getting the carpet & my belly all wet with stinky milk. But that's how I wanted it at the time. I do what I want because I'm a little REBEL!

My haircut!

2008-07-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of me after my 4th haircut! I feel like a new little man!

Haircut!

2008-07-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I get my 4th haircut today!

Here is me from the side...look at that...way past my ears!

I wonder what style Carly will give me today. I'll keep you posted!

Last night.

2008-07-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

Great grandpa & Uncle Bill are back from their fishing trip & up North adventures! So g-grandpa took me out to eat again with Uncle Bill, Aunt Ruth, g-grandma K, grandma, daddy & momma! I am really sorry to all the other people there because I just couldn't help how noisy I was. I was so excited to go out to eat again and just haven't learned my indoor voice yet! I have so much fun at restaurants! Thanks g-grandpa!

Yesterday.

2008-07-11T05:56:00.000-07:00

Guess what?! Momma & I went and sat by the channel yesterday. We saw tons and tons of seagulls & ducks and watched boats come and go! I had fun swinging on the swing (which I had to tell great grandpa that it was quite squeaky and sort of annoying- because he is part of the Lion's Club which generously puts the swings up and maintains them every year) and sitting on the picnic table just enjoying the nice day with mom. Next time she said we could bring something for the ducks to eat and even pack our lunch so we can eat down there...oh boy! I can't wait!

last Saturday.

2008-07-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday momma, poppy & I went to the cabin! I went swimming in the mucky lake (which was really cool because I could touch in the shallow water!), saw a crawfish (which freaked daddy out!), watched mom & dad put the dock out (well, mostly dad did the dock) & slept in a strange place. Mom & dad didn't turn the TV on once (I thought they might be sick or something) but that was ok because it was just fun to be somewhere new...I can't wait to go up there again!

One day we are going to swim across the lake together!

Daddy was warming me up after about an hour of being in the water!

There's that crawfish!

Daddy had to check all the blocks after he discovered that crawfish- and he was only half done with the dock!

That's me just chillin' while daddy & momma work.

The cabin...

2008-07-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the cabin to clean, yuk! But I did get to meet Katelyn & Ryan Marszalek...I think I'm going to have great summers with my new buddies! (Katelyn even fed me my dinner!!)

Good Wednesday Morning!

2008-07-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

I'm so sleepy...I don't want to get up mom!

Mom!! What are you doing taking pics of me while I'm sleeping?!

Ok, ok...I'm getting up!

Monday night...

2008-07-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, it was 10pm last night and I was talking to myself in my crib. I heard daddy tell momma that they might as well get me out and play with me since I was awake. That's kind of funny because he's the one that enforces the bedtime rule and the stupid, 5-10-15-20-etc. minute rule for when I fuss and cry at bedtime. Oh well, I got to come out and play with the heavy ball and boy did I have fun! (Oh yeah, I started playing with the ball when momma pretty much threw me on the ground because I barfed right in her face...that's what she gets for doing the airplane with me right over her face. She was soooo grossed out. But what about me?! I'm the one that didn't feel good!) Anyway, check me out...

Wednesday.

2008-06-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

I went to work with momma today because grandma was sick. My girlfriend, Destiny, came to work with grandma Ruth and I had fun playing toys, strolling in my stroller & watching her make stuff! Isn't our picture so cute! Imagine our prom picture when I get old enough to take her! (Yeah, I know what you're thinking, and don't ruin my dream!) I wish I would have gotten a new picture with grandma Ruth because I only have this one from when I was a "baby".

(Hey grandma, if you read this, I hope you feel better soon because I want to see you and play toys with you! Love you!)

My Tuesday.

2008-06-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

After all my usual morning & early afternoon activities, you know...

- chug a bottle

- play toys all crazy then get fussy

-take a nap

- eat food

- play more toys and scream a little

- take a walk with Jukka and momma

- hurry and drink another bottle because momma said we were going swimming!

These photos were right before momma told me that she was going to take me swimming!!

Right before heading in the pool!

Just out of the pool...that was so much fun! (One man even asked if I was in Water Babies because I kicked and moved my arms so well!)

- after swimming we went to the grocery store (where I got to ride in the cart again! Whoo-hoo!)

- momma had to wake me up to feed me dinner

- I played toys some more

- momma changed me into my pjs and fed me my last bottle (or so she thought!)

- I tricked momma, making her think I was tired at 7:30, but I stayed up until 10:30. What was I doing? Oh, just watching momma make bean soup, clean the kitchen, you know...)

Oh yeah, I did practice my rolling and crawling moves. Momma thought I might actually crawl for the first time but I decided not to because she had that darn camera out!

- I finally fell asleep after a little more bottle but I freaked out at 1am and made momma come downstairs. She had to change me and rock me and then she finally said, "you know what, you are going to sleep because I'm tired" and she put me back in my crib, turned on my music and went back upstairs. hmph...its a good thing I was still secretly tired.

Look!

2008-06-22T18:47:00.001-07:00

I am big enough to ride in a cart!! Daddy thought for sure I was still too small but momma tried anyway (I think she thinks I'm like 3 already!) and check me out!!! I had way too much fun riding in the cart. We were at Lowes last week getting mulch for momma's flowers beds. I must have spent nearly an hour and a half riding around with momma, just looking at flowers (flowers are one of her favorites now). We aren't sure what daddy was looking at, but we did get in trouble because he couldn't find us and momma didn't hear her cell phone, but that happens every time we all go somewhere...

Daddy's gone...

2008-06-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

Daddy left this morning for New Jersy but it's not as sad this time because I won't have to wait as long as usual to see him again. He's done teaching on Friday, so hopefully by Sunday he'll be home!!

After momma was done with work today she took me to the airport in Benton Harbor. They were having the War reinactment with planes, helicopters, tanks, army guys, the whole works. Now, you know I was on a plane in February, but let me tell you what! Those military planes are HUGE! Whoa! Of course, the time I wanted mom to take a picture of me, she couldn't. She had her camera (of course) but forgot to put the memory card back in. So, no pics of me at the airport with the huge planes, sorry.

But here is a pic of me last Sunday at g's (great grandpa) house. It's a little warm over there so I hang out in my diaper! (See the doggie? That's Cookie, g's dog. He likes me a lot, but not other kids. He is always so excited to see me & gives me licks (and he doesn't give licks out often!)

I have to go to bed now. Momma says.

Talk to you later!

More pics

2008-06-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Feeling better after my nap.

Chillin...

2008-06-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

Here's me just hanging out with daddy, momma and my brother, Jukka!

I'm sick...

2008-06-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night I felt a little funny and sure enough I've got my first cold and it isn't very fun. Runny nose, cough, itchy eyes, sneezes and grumpy-ness...it makes me soooo tired but I don't want to go to sleep. I've been driving mom and dad crazy with my sleepy whines & cries but I just don't want to go to sleep! They keep telling me that I need sleep so I can feel better but...

...today, I felt better after my nap. Good enough to read my Sesame Street magazine!

My drinks!

2008-06-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Forget my bottle, I've moved on to...

Daddy's "Muscle Milk"
and

Beer!

Chillin'...

2008-06-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

I'm just hanging out in my froggy robe after my bath. And, as usual, momma had to whip out the camera and go crazy!

I'm a little mover...

2008-06-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

I love to freak mom & dad out by moving all over in my crib. They usually put me to sleep with my head at the bottom of the picture and by morning I am in a whole new position. (Actually, I am in a new position every time they check on me, which is quite often...they are silly.) Daddy freaks out when he checks on me and I am all the way sleeping on my stomach because you know, he says its "back to sleep" for babies. But I am not a baby anymore so I don't know what he's so worried about!

Hats, hats, hats!

2008-06-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Which hat is your favorite?

One of these days...

2008-05-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's my hand! I almost got it!

...I will get my little pudgies on momma's camera and take a picture of her! :)

Nanna's home!!

2008-05-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

I'm glad nanna is home!
(and I think she was really happy to see me too!)

Swinging is fun!

Check out Nanna's dog...she's big!
(Don't worry, we get along!)

Nanna was gone for 3 weeks and just got home last Friday so momma took me over to her house on Sunday for a visit. It was soooo good to see her and grandpa Merlin! I like to swing with nanna on her big swing, but I also used a one-seater swing at the park across from nanna's for the first time- now that was fun! Momma would push me and away I would go...I couldn't stop giggling!

I'm glad nanna is home now. Hopefully I will see her this Saturday!

My big boy PJs!

2008-05-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

Have you seen my "big boy" pajamas? They were a Christmas present from my Uncle Kari, Aunt Ellen & cute cousins Chloe & Maija (which I haven't met yet but hopefully will in September!) They are for 12mo olds but momma couldn't wait any longer to put me in them. While the legs & arms are still a bit long, they fit ok and I thought I was hot stuff! I told momma that since I am big boy now that I should only wear big boy jams (you know, no connected feet but just fun pants and a fun shirt) but she said I still had to wear my footsie pjs because I have a lot of them. And then, of course she had to remind me that at least she doesn't "burrito roll" me anymore! Well, she has a point. I am REALLY glad she doesn't roll me up in a blanket anymore for a few reasons: 1. because I like to move now and use my arms & legs to explore my crib. 2. because I get too hot! and 3. because I AM NOT a baby anymore!
I can wear big boy jamas!!!! Who-hoo!

Daddy is 30!

2008-05-27T06:28:00.001-07:00

Daddy turned 30 on Sunday! But it just so happened that he had to be in NJ again so we celebrated a little before he left. I was very good for daddy's birthday dinner. I played toys and even ate my dinner at the "big" table, in a "big boy" high chair...that was fun! I started to get real tired (it was after all my bedtime) so I napped in my car seat and by the time we got back home, I was ready to go again!

Yep, I am a cool dude...and so is my daddy!

I am so glad I can finally sit

at the "big" table with everyone else!

Whew, I was exhausted!

Hey Momma...

2008-05-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

...can we go swimming today?? Can we please, please, please?!?!?!? And if we can't go swimming, you at least put some water in my high chair tray? (That's what I was doing here! Momma filled my tray with water and I splashed and splashed so much, it looked like it rained in the kitchen!)

Swimming...

2008-05-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

Last week mommy & daddy took me swimming at South Shore. The pool was like a gigantic bathtub and wow! was that cool! I had great fun splashing around, watching mom & dad blow bubbles and laughing at daddy when he would pop-up from under water! Mom & dad thought it was funny when they would dunk me up and down I would make this crazy "shiver/excited/what's going on" gasp... I on the other hand did not know what was going on but I suppose I did kind of like it! I lasted almost 15 min before I started getting cold, but I guess you don't really know cold until you get out of the pool... Whoo, chilly!

Haircut time...

2008-05-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Daddy & I get to see Carly on Friday for another hair cut! Don't worry all you Einstein lovers out there, momma says I'm just going to get a trim around the ears and even things out a little bit....momma better go with because daddy might just have Carly shave me bald. On second thought, if momma stayed home, daddy might just give me a Tootsie Roll Pop to suck on...hmmmm....

2008-05-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

What do you think the doctor would say about this??

Momma wants you to visit her blog...

6 month check-up!

2008-05-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Last Friday I had my 6 month check-up with the Doctor! I think maybe the scale was broken (or could it have been the new nurse!?) because it said I weighed 19 lbs. 6 oz! Holy cow! I am now 27.5 in. tall too...the doctor said this time that I am the size of a 9 month old...at the rate I'm going I may break the record books! He told momma and daddy that I could start eating baby food, ie. peas, sweet pototoes, peaches, etc. but they didn't tell him that I've already been eating that for a month now!!! I'm a hungry boy! And in case any of you are wondering, even though I've been drooling and chewing on anything & everything forever now, the doc says that none of my teeth have cut through yet. Hmmm....one of these days I'll probably surprise momma with three teeth all at once and then I'll be ready for some of daddy's chicken on the grill!

My hair!

2008-05-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

<---- Back when I was a little baby, I had dark, dark hair like daddy's!

<---- Now that I am a "little man", because I am 6 mos. old, my hair is getting lighter like momma's!

Wow!

2008-05-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how much I grow in just a couple of months! The top picture of me was taken Dec. 22nd and the bottom picture was just 2 months later, in February! Eventhough I could barely see over the top of the seat I was having fun, but now I can really get myself movin'...

I love to bounce!

Prunes...

2008-05-05T04:56:00.000-07:00

are YUMMY!!

Yesterday morning I had 1/2 a container of Prunes for breakfast. I wasn't too sure of them but they were alright. Then, for dinner, momma fed me the other half and boy were they good! I couldn't stop eating them! I ended up eating cereal AND one and a half containers of prunes...mmmm, so good! See that middle picture? I had momma scrape those containers clean and I still wanted more but momma said, "no way, you've already had too many prunes!" and then she mentioned that she hopes daddy is around tomorrow to change my diaper...I wonder what that means!

Playing toys...

2008-05-04T04:57:00.000-07:00

Hello! I just finished watching Veggie Tales with momma. It was an episode about being nice to others...if only the whole world watched Veggie Tales and listened to its messages... but, anyways after that was over, momma decided to put me on the floor and dump all my toys out of my toy "hamper". For a second I had "toy overload" but then I found my colorful balls. I just think all the colors are so fun. I like to hold them, put them in my mouth and bang them on the floor! Oh yeah, and I also like to roll them or try to roll them back to momma when she rolls them to me!

And check out how well I am sitting! I love to sit now and I rarely fall over. If I do fall over I get extremely upset if momma leaves me there because laying down is for babies! (Eventhough I can roll over now, which momma just thinks is the coolest thing ever (she's crazy like bananas!), I still would rather sit up!

Talk to you later...I'm going to start fussing now and see if momma gives me some sweet potatoes for breakfast...NOT BANANAS, but sweet potatoes!

P.S. Bananas taste crazy and I am not a fan, I like orange foods...

Basketball Player?

2008-04-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...I wonder what I will be when I grow up. I know that my grandma likes basketball and I do really like holding and playing with my orange ball (I can even hold it in one hand- check out the last picture), but I can't stand on my own yet and the fact that I'm only about 2 feet tall probably means I won't make a team right now. My nanna likes Nascar, she wants me to learn how to say "Put 'em in the wall" and I should probably work on that before thinking about driving...oh yeah, I need a drivers license too and I don't think the stressed out ladies at the DMV would give me one (even though I am soooo cute!). Momma, well she wants me to be a doctor and cure cancer, but I hear that my Auntie Keely might beat me to that since she is going to take pre-med classes and then maybe go to med school! I'm sure my great grandpa wants me to be an engineer but, oh my goodness, ahhh...I think right now I will just play with my orange ball, concentrate on sitting (which I've pretty much mastered now!), drool a little, laugh a lot, fuss a little (although I have been extra fussy lately), take naps and just focus on being a baby...

Momma is mean...

2008-04-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Since momma is trying to lose weight and daddy is gone, momma decided that it was time for me to go to the "playroom" at South Shore Raquet Club so she could work out. Well let me tell you something, I DID NOT like her leaving me. I was fine for a short time and then I threw a fit, cried and SCREAMED so loud and uncontrollably, that the nice lady in the playroom did not know what to do with me so she took me to mom. Even when she gave me to mom I was still crying and screaming so loud that even momma couldn't comfort me. I WAS MAD. Momma should not leave me with strangers and loud, crazy other children. I am sorry momma only got to do 30 minutes of her 60 min class, but geez, that whole playroom episode was traumatic!

I love squash!

2008-04-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

The squash momma fed me last night for dinner was soooo good! I couldn't let any go to waste so I licked out the container! Ok, well there was some that didn't get in my mouth and instead ended up all over my body and highchair tray, but hey, I'm still learning!

Peas, on the other hand I could live with out!

After a couple days I did get used to the peas, but it was the first "flavored food" (cereal doesn't count!) that mommy gave me. And instead of mixing them with a little cereal first she just gave me a spoonful of peas...yeah, she'll learn!

Please tell mommy....

2008-04-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

....to put the CAMERA DOWN! Since daddy left this morning, mommy can't seem to put the camera down (it's a good thing she has a digital camera. I hear that back in the old days you had to have film...that's just craZy!) As you can see, I love hanging out just in my diaper....it's a feeling I just can't quite describe...

Baptism Sunday (4/6)

2008-04-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Gosh, it's been a couple weeks since my Baptism and I still don't have an update or pics for you all to see! I behaved very well in church (I had to since we were sitting in the first row!) and I was very calm during my actual Baptism, until the Pastor decided to keep me horizontal for the prayer. Apparently mom forgot to tell him that I am a big boy and I like to be vertical now so I can look around at everything. After church we had a party at grandma's house and it was just a beautiful day!

Check out my pics....

Happy Sunday!

2008-04-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

Hello! Wanted to wish everyone a happy Sunday! It's a wonderful day...the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, daddy is home & I am getting Baptized today!

Tell you how it went later...Bye!

Whoa...

2008-04-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

[A few days old!]

<><><><><><><><><><>

[Almost 5 mos.!]

Whoa...look at me now!

From skinny, sailor baby to chunky, monkey dude!

One cozy sweater...

2008-03-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

My aunt Mandy made this really cool sweater for me...it's really warm and cozy! I haven't met my Uncle Jeff and Aunt Mandy yet and I sure can't wait because momma and poppy tell me that they are very neat people! They live in California, in wine country and judging how momma & poppy love them some wine, I'm sure I won't have to wait too long to meet them or maybe they will come to Michigan...
Thanks aunt Mandy for my sweater! :)

Check me out...

2008-03-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Momma took these pics of me Thursday. I felt pretty cool in my long-sleeved brown shirt and my stylish jeans. I really wish momma would let me wear jeans more often...she told me that today might be the last day that these jeans would fit...I think its the first time I wore them!!! Come on momma! Anyways, my girlfriend Destiny came to see me at the store...that's her and me in the middle picture...she's so pretty!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I hope you had a Happy Easter! I was a little bummed out because daddy had to leave on Easter Sunday for NJ again. He was able to come to church with me & mommy but had to leave before the service was over...I think that mommy & daddy had the hardest time with it. We still had Easter dinner with grandma, great grandpa, nanna & grandpa & cuz' Dan. I sure can't wait until I can eat the yummy food! Did you see the crazy outfit mom made me wear?! It wouldn't have been so bad if that sweater vest wouldn't have been so HOT! I ended up taking off the sweater and eventually momma changed me into my comfy white outfit. And then, check me out, I was so tired that I ended up falling asleep sitting on grandma...I am surprised my head didn't fall off!

Hey everyone, momma wanted me to remind you of the Make 'n Take at the store this Saturday! Go visit momma and grandma between 10:30 & 12:30 and make some fun crafts with them! (Hopefully I will be chillin' with nanna!)

Another haircut...

2008-03-19T18:02:00.001-07:00

I went from looking like Einstein to a "little-man" in about 10 minutes! My Einstein hair really was out of control and so long it was in my eyes so I asked Carly for a haircut like daddy's. I just love Carly! She was very patient as I pulled my long hair for one last time, she talks to me, she is fast and does such a good job! Thanks Carly! Watch out ladies, here I come with my "little-man" haircut!

Food...

2008-03-19T17:45:00.001-07:00

...yum! Momma fed me some rice cereal last Friday and it was actually pretty good! I thought that for my first food experience, I did really well. Actually momma made it so runny that it probably shouldn't be considered food but everyday momma makes it a little thicker and I get used to it more and more! The most fun part about food? The spoon....the bowl...the MESS! Yes!

(check out my cereal videos under "my videos" on the side of the blog!)

2008-03-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I can't wait until I can hang up this crazy thing momma puts me in when we go for a walk in the stroller. Why can't we just have California weather? Then I could be in my shorts...I love shorts! (Actually I like not having pants on at all!)

Talk to you later! Bye!

4 month doctor visit...

2008-03-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

...shots, shots, shots. Why? I was so happy before going to the doctor (see all my pics up there!) and it's not very often that I am happy in my card seat (I call it the prison of doom...I don't like car seats unless I am sleeping.) Everything changed when mommy and daddy took me to the doctor. Ok, I actually think the doc is pretty cool. I like to check him out, grab that thing he wears around his neck and squeeze his finger. Oh yeah, and I like to grab that crazy, crunchy paper I have to lay on.

By the way, I weigh almost 17 pounds!

Doc says I am a big boy...the size of a 6 month old, wow!

Anyway, the doc was done and I thought it was time to go. But when mommy and daddy didn't put my clothes back on, I knew something was up...and then in walked the nurse...AHH! Yeah, shots hurt. Mommy made daddy hold my arms this time so he could get the whole doctor experience and I sure gave it to him! I don't know why mommy and daddy don't get shots with me, it's just not fair. By the time we left the office, I settled down and took a long nap (ok, longer than usual!) and I am doing great tonight! Talk to you later! Bye!

Daddy's home!

2008-03-03T05:50:00.000-08:00

Daddy came home Saturday night while I was already sleeping so I had to wait until Sunday morning to see him. Eventhough I was sort of fussy yesterday, I was really excited to see him and happy that he is going to be home for awhile! He did tell momma that he might have to teach a school this month but hopefully we will never have a 4 week stretch of not seeing each other. I have to go now and play with daddy!

Me and Daddy...

2008-02-27T19:27:00.001-08:00

On Sunday, February 17th, mom came downstairs around 6am and found daddy and me sacked out on the couch. Daddy had night duty with me and was just so tired...you know he's not a morning person...I'm surprised he got my bottle in my mouth! I can sure wrap daddy around my finger though because he doesn't usually put me back in my crib after I eat during the night. He says he's afraid because I didn't burp and he doesn't want anything to happen to me but I know it's really because I'm just so darn cute and cuddly that he can't resist holding me...and just look, it gave momma another picture to put in my scrapbook!

California here I come!

2008-02-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

Wow! Airplanes are cool!

Did you know that I was just in California? Yep, that's right! I went with mom and grandma to Anaheim, CA for their big craft (CHA) convention. I did so much it would take me forever to tell you so I will tell you all the major highlights of my trip...

I went on an airplane for the first time! (The engines wouldn't start but that didn't scare me! It scared mommy though!)
Our connecting flight was delayed so I got to chill out in the O'Hare airport. (I would have rather been in California!)
I rode on a bus for the first time!
I felt warm weather for the first time! (It was so awesome, I could wear shorts!)
I stayed in a hotel for the first time! (We stayed at Disney's Grand Californian...pretty classy for my first one!)
I slept in my stroller at bedtime. (Yeah, I was a little cramped but I slept good! I'm glad I didn't have to sleep in the yucky "pack-n-play" that was in our room!)
Our hotel was right next to DisneyWorld! (We didn't go to Disney but we walked around Downtown Disney every day and night and ate at some really fun restaurants...some even tried to give me a kids menu! What do I look like, 3 years old or something? And momma was lovin' the Jamba Juice place that was there!)
We ate breakfast at Storytellers which was one of our hotels restaurants and there were characters there...I got to meet brother bear! (All of the rest I slept through!)
Oh gosh, what else did we do. Oh yeah, momma and grandma each took me to the pool and I got to dunk my feet in the water...I wanted to go swimming but it didn't work out. It looks so fun, I hope momma will take me swimming soon!

We left Saturday, February 9th and flew back home (a really turbulent flight which freaked momma out but I slept like a baby!) on Valentine's day. I had so much fun and momman and grandma are telling everyone that I was a good boy...what can I say, I love to travel! I wonder where we will go next?!!!!

(Momma told me that I should make sure and tell everyone that grandma and her did really work out in CA, but someone had to stay and occupy me because strollers were not allowed in the convention area. Mommy didn't know that was a rule because she's almost been run over by those motorized scooters and segway things. Oh well, maybe next time!)

Hello!

2008-02-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

So, here is what is happening...

Daddy left for Texas on Saturday morning and then Nanna came over Saturday afternoon and we talked and played toys
Sunday I went to great grandpas house for dinner
Monday mom and I went and got my birth certificate and we ran into my friends Becky and Destiny. We also went to Walmart...I was good even though we had to wait forever to check out!
Tuesday mom did a lot of laundry while my brother Jukka and I chilled out. Then later Tuesday I went to grandmas house to spend the night. Grandma said that mommy needed to do some stuff and get a good nights sleep so she could work all day Wednesday (I wonder if that happened!)
Wednesday grandma and I played toys and read books until mom picked me up.

And now it's Wednesday night, about 9:30 and I am laying on the couch next to mommy and Jukka (I mean I am typing this message for my blog!) I just took a 20 min recharge and I'm not sleepy anymore...maybe mom will feed me some of that nice warm milk and I'll get tired and sleep all night...that is mommy's dream, you know!

almost 7 hours!

2008-02-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

Me and my crazy, fuzzy, purple monster friend!

Yep, that's how long I slept last night! I had a bottle at 11pm, went right to sleep and mommy didn't get me out of my crib until 6:30 this morning! I did trick her at about 4:30...I started grunting and fussing. I heard mommy get a bottle ready for me but I guess I was still tired because the next thing I knew the clock in my bedroom said 6:30am. Of course mommy didn't get 7 hours of straight sleep...I heard her watching SNL, then my brother Morton cried to go outside, then a half hour later he wanted to come in, then I heard mommy letting my other brother Jukka outside, then she got up when she heard me fussing at 4:30...I am sorry that mommy didn't sleep as well as me, but I sure felt good this morning!

Talking....

2008-01-30T11:46:00.001-08:00

I was trying to have a conversation with mommy today but she kept putting the camera in my face and trying to video me. I had a lot to say to her but every time she would turn it on I would stop talking and concentrate on the camera. After all, I was trying to talk to mommy not the silly camera that always seems to be in my face! Eventually she did catch a couple coos out of me on tape! And just so you know, at the end of the video, I wasn't trying to flip mommy off, my arms just started going crazy on me!

Bathtime!

2008-01-29T19:03:00.000-08:00

I love bathtime! I can't wait to get undressed, slip into the sink and splash around! I like it when mommy pours water on me and getting my hair washed is kind of fun too! I can hardly wait until I get to use the big bath tub instead of the kitchen sink!

The worst part of bathtime...getting out!

Look what they are up to now...

2008-01-20T08:02:00.001-08:00

Photos taken 1/2/08

First the burrito roll and now they stick me in their laundry- who do they think they are! Actually, don't tell them, but I was having fun in the laundry basket. They propped me up so it was like I was standing all on my own! My daddy and mommy are crazy...I'll keep you updated on what they do with me next!

Christmas photos.

2008-01-12T23:31:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Me & Aunt Rhonda!

Me & Grandma Jane!

Me & Uncle Nate!

Me & Nanna & grandpa Merlin!

Me & Nanna & grandma!

Me & grandma!

I helped grandma open some of her presents...

no, the potato head isn't for me! :(

Momma thought it would be fun to put me in the middle of wrapping paper...

I didn't think it was too fun.

So much excitement put me to sleep!

Me and mommy...

2008-01-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

Look at this adorable scrapbook page of me and mommy...

we're so cute together, but I will have to talk to her about the flowers!