Jonathan Week 14

Monday -
Life is pretty much back to normal; except the fact we're living in a construction zone.  The odd thing is that it doesn't seem to phase JH.  The drills and saws are buzzing until his bedtime and he never notices.

This morning I made Jonathan scrambled eggs for breakfast.  He ate all his eggs and then proceeded to spill his chocolate milk all over the table and Da Da's painting supplies (under his chair).  This was the second change of clothes since JH wet his bed last night.  When I went to hug him this morning I noticed he was drenched.  He usually tells us when he wet but this morning he didn't say a word.

I dropped him off at Miss Terry's house and ran and got a few groceries for the week.  Jonathan is going to Gramma's house on Sunday for the week again so I didn't need too much.  The attic should be 99% finished by the time we take him so we'll get to move up there while he is gone.  I keep telling myself that we only have about 3 more weeks and our house will be DONE!  I hope we get to host at least one holiday this year since we'll have plenty of room now.

When JH got home from Terry's Da Da picked him up and while he was getting him in the car JH had an accident :-(  This child needs some consistency again!  Too much going on and too much shuffling from here to there.

We played Play Dough when he got home and had dinner and a few books.  It's 7:30 PM and he just went to bed.

Tuesday -
It was a pretty uneventful day.  I don't recall much of what happened other than construction and JH going to Miss Terry's house from 9 to 4.

Wednesday -
JH was going to the play day at Miss Terry's church today and he went as a train conductor.  Da Da took him in the morning and I went to get him at 4:00 PM.  When I got there Miss Terry said he had just had an accident :-(  By the time I got him in the car he had another accident!!  This is a kid that can go 12 hours dry and he went pee pee twice in 15 minutes.

JH had a bath and we had dinner and read a few books.  The tile guy was here until after 9:00 PM and JH slept through sawing and tromping all over the attic.

Thursday -
I got up with JH and before you know it he had breakfast and was off to Miss Terry's house.  It's Sunday night and I have no recollection of Thursday!

Friday -
JH had breakfast and played with Play-doh for a while until he wanted to play Sprout games on my computer.  He is getting so good at navigating and playing games.

In the late afternoon I played hooky from work and we took JH to see Puss and Boots in MI City.  He was pretty good and spent 1/2 the movie on my lap and the other 1/2 on Da Da's lap.   The movie was awesome!!

Saturday -
We got up and packed JH up to spend another week with Gramma and Grandpa.  We met them 1/2 way in Morris Illinois so the drive was like nothing.  He kept wrapping pieces of paper for me and saying "I have another present for you Daddy", it was junk from the back-seat wrapped in old paper :-)

When we pulled up at a restaurant in Morris Gramma and Grandpa had just pulled in and were still standing by their truck.  JH played shy until we got seated and he was like butter in Gramma and Grandpa's hands.  Rick and I both noticed that JH was like an angel with them; we usually have two or three outbursts at every meal out.  When we left I carried him out and he gave me several very strong/tight hugs and kisses.  I asked him if he would be a good boy for Gramma and Grandpa and he said "yes, Daddy, I will be a good boy, and Daddy, I will miss you".

Saturday when we got home Da Da and I got more done than we had all the previous week nights.  We miss our boy but see the light at the end of the tunnel with these renovations.

Sunday -
No JH and so much accomplished.  The carpet goes in tomorrow in the attic and we'll move up there on Monday night, yippee!!

Jonathan Week 13

Monday -
JH spent the day at Miss Terry's house and the day just flew by.  I didn't write on Monday night so I have no recollection of what happened or how the day went....sorry JH.  I think we ordered pizza for dinner and JH went to bed much later than usual.

Tuesday -
What a mess the house is!  JH got up early and we had a nice breakfast and ran to Benton Harbor to get additional drywall supplies.  We were there by 7:00 AM and rushing to get home before my first meetings.  JH went to Miss Terry's house at 8:30 AM and luckily we made it home right after.

When Da Da  picked up JH at 4:00 PM, he was told JH did really well all day, but had an accident late in the day.  He was a little bratty at Miss Terry's house too; I think he was talking back to her :-(

We asked Linda to come by after dinner so she could play with JH while Da Da and I demo'd the staircase to the garage.  We were making tons of noise and could still hear JH running around and laughing playing with Linda.

Wednesday -
Da Da had a Dr appointment to get his stitches out so he dropped JH off at Miss Terry's house a little early this morning.  We had planned on having Selene, Light, Mom, and Auntie Jo Jo out this weekend but the house is just too torn apart.  I picked JH up at Miss Terry's house and  we rushed home so he could say goodbye to Da Da and we were off to Auntie Jo Jo's house. Da Da was very sad to say goodbye to JH and had tears running down his face :-(  JH was wiping his tears saying "why are you sad Da Da?"; now that was sad.  By the time we got to the freeway he was singing a song about Da Da being sad.

Thursday -
Last night we picked Selene up at 11:30 PM and got back to Jo's after 1:00 AM.  When I finally got to bed at 1:30 ish JH woke-up and said "is it good morning Daddy?", I told him it was the middle of the night and he rolled over and immediately went to sleep.

When JH woke-up at 6:30 AM the entire house woke-up.  He was talking loudly and Selene and Light were sleeping in the loft so there was no chance for them.  Jo got up and made the boys breakfast and they seemed to play pretty well.  Light was just 3 on 10/10 and is a very sweet little boy.  JH was a little dominating at times but Light held his own :-/

The day was cold and wet so the boys played inside until the evening when we went to Dug and Jamie's for a birthday party for Light.  We got there and the kids went NUTS running and screaming and playing.  Selene, Jo, and I were like 3 zombies since we had only 5 hours or less of sleep.  I have no idea when we got home but it was soon after that we all went to bed.

Friday -
JH woke-up pretty early and asked "Daddy, can I go snuggle with Auntie Jo Jo?", YES, please leave me so I can sleep!!  Ha ha.

When I got up at about 7:30 AM they had all been fed and the boys were playing in Jo's basement.  Jo and Selene took the boys to the park and ran around  most of the day.  I worked and Mom watched a marathon of Criminal Minds and Law and Order.

In the evening Dug and Jamie came over and we had Asian food and drank gallons of wine :-)  Not really, but it felt like it on Saturday morning.

Saturday -
Jo and Selene took the boys to the park for a picnic while I hung a few light fixtures in her house.

We had a quiet evening and all commented on how well Light and JH played the weekend.  I told JH a few Jeffery stories at bedtime and then he wanted Jo to come up and tell him a story.  Jo told him a few Brian (nice) and Bryan (naughty) stories and he was off to sleep.

Sunday -
I dropped Gramma Rosie off at my brother Mike's house and we happily headed home to Michigan!  JH chattered all the way home and had a few snacks along the way.

JH got out of the car and I swear he hugged Da Da for about 3 minutes!  It's nice to have our family together again.

I know week is really fragmented but we're all exhausted and I have nothing left.  Da Da dealt with a major MESS here at home with floods and massive construction delays and chaos.

Jonathan Week 12

Thursday -
Today seemed to take forever!  JH and Da Da drove up about 4:30 PM and I ran out to meet them and JH looked at me and was smiling from ear to ear.  I scooped him out of his car-seat and gave him 100 hugs and kisses.

JH kept telling Da Da that his belly hurt and he had to poop, then when Da Da took him to a bathroom he said "I want to go potty in MY bathroom".  SO, when we were walking in the house he said "Daddy, my belly hurts and I have to go poop".  OMG, he did the biggest poop I have ever seen come out of him.

We drove to Niles to put in an order for supplies to start ....(yes, we're taking on another project) the conversion of the garage to a kitchen.  We stopped for dinner and JH would not eat a bite.  Then Da Da got ice-cream and all of a sudden JH was a little hungry.  On the way home JH played with his "a balloon" and kept saying "Daddy, look at what I'm doing with my a balloon".

Bed-time was effortless and JH gave us hugs and kisses and was fast asleep in minutes.

Friday -
Today started with me sneaking past Jonathan's room at 7:15 AM to turn on the coffee pot.  I made it to the sofa and started to read my emails when I heard "Good morning Daddy, LOOK my aballoon is DEAD"; his balloon was sadly laying on its side on the kitchen floor.  He came out and sat next to me while I looked at all my accounts on-line.  He kept saying what's that picture, who's that lady or man while I navigated around my account screens.  He was snuggled up against me and it felt so great to have him home again.

Da Da dropped JH off at Miss Terry's house at 9:00 AM and we both knocked around the house all day.  I had a slow work day so it was nice and quiet and I got my Outlook all cleaned up.  Da Da did a little yard work but mostly a quiet day.  Da Da smashed his finger on Saturday and hasn't been able to do much until his stitches are removed next week.

When JH and Da Da walked in at 4:00 PM Da Da said that Miss Terry told him that JH didn't potty all day.  Now that's 7 hours while he drank and ate all day long!  We let him play for a while and then after dinner at about 6:00 PM we made him try to potty and he had a FIT.  "I'm tired, I'm SLEEPY, I don't have to potty"; so I told him to go lay in bed until he was in a better mood.  After about 30 minutes I opened the door and he was just laying there singing, so I laid with him and he started giggling and being playful again.  FINALLY after about 10 minutes he went potty; I swear he went for 30 seconds and it was as yellow as the Sun!!  Why?  I just don't understand why this boy won't go potty when he has to go!  Are we raising a little control freak or ..... is he being raised by a couple of control freaks??

We sat nice for about 15 minutes (one Thomas episode) and then he was too wiggly so after a few warnings it was off to bed.  Hugs and kisses and even a sign language I love you and he was fast asleep.

Saturday -
We got up pretty early and went in to MI City to pick-up our new windows and doors for the garage conversion (to a big Kitchen).  Luckily we have wonderful friends in Linda and Neil to go with us so we could get the doors home.  They have an old station wagon that you could transport a small boat in the back.  We had breakfast and JH was mostly good, I think he may have been a little loud but either Da Da and I are immuned to it or just don't care :-)

The day went pretty well but at lunch he wouldn't eat more than a spoonful of mashed potatoes and some of Gramma's corn.  That was fine and after trying a nap we got a call from Uncle Michael we all got up and visited for a few minutes.  It was nice to have someone drop by, that doesn't happen to us very often and is always welcome.  We are living in chaos with both the attic and the garage torn-up.  The living room is full of closet systems and plumbing stuff for the attic.  SO, while we welcome overnight visitors, please give us a couple of weeks to get the attic done.

We took another drive in the late afternoon and then came home and had a nice dinner.  I recycled his uneaten lunch in to a stew type thing and he gobbled it up like crazy.  We then gave him a yogurt and a small piece of pumpkin bread.  As I type this Da Da is up in his room because he was just crying "I'm hungry", no way is that boy hungry!  He wasn't ready for bed and has pulled every trick in the book to stay up a little later.

Sunday -
I woke-up first and as soon as I hit the coffee button (it beeps), I heard little feet running to the door.  I tried what Da Da does now and then and hid besides the refrigerator, how he knew it was me I have no idea, "Good morning Daddy".

We had breakfast and waited for the drywall guys to show; at about noon one came and we were not happy.  We decided today that we're canceling the scheduled install of the carpet on Friday :-(  I guess we'll move up to the attic in November!

In the afternoon Uncle Michael came and we all talked and played with Jonathan.  Uncle Michael introduced JH to Angry Bird and (see above pic) it was hilarious to watch them watch Jonathan play.

This evening we played a few puzzle games on my lap top and then he colored Thomas and played a matching game.  Jonathan is just over 3 and he navigates my tracker pad on my Mac like a pro :-)  Da Da read JH a Thomas book and he wrapped his arms around my neck and I carried him on my back to bed.  It's been great having our boy home!!

Jonathan Week 11

Jonathan has been at Gramma and Grandpa's house all week and we miss him like crazy!  I really don't have much to say this week other than, thank you to Gramma for calling us each evening so we could say goodnight to our little love.

Jonathan Week 10

Monday -
Jonathan went to Miss Terry's house and Da Da got ready for the framers to come and start the attic.  On Sunday night JH wanted to see the attic because we had been talking about it and going up more often than usual.  I took him up and he asked about 100 questions all with "why" in them about the way it looked.  It's a nasty looking raw space and since the house was built in 1930's it's very old and musty.

After JH got back from Terry's house we drove to MI City to get all the plumbing parts.  The plumber is coming on Sunday so we're cruising on this project already.  JH was chattering away in the back seat telling us that we're good boys and bragging about how he didn't have an accident at Terry's house.  He was playing with a coloring book and there was a torn page and he gasped "Who did this Daddy", I said that my guess was Jonathan Harper  did it, he said "no, I think it was Owen".  Owen is a little boy that goes to Miss Terry's house on the days JH goes.  He said "Owen is naughty and gets time outs"; so the obvious culprit MUST have been Owen who has never been to our house :-)

On the way home it was getting dark and JH said "It's getting dark, it must be bed time" and he was correct.  We brushed his teeth and Da Da read him a fast story and he was down with no last minute requests for water, or fan, or Brownie.

Tuesday -
I have been sleeping later than Da Da this week, so he and JH were up and watching cartoons by the time I rolled out of bed at 7:30 AM.  I love walking out of our bedroom in the morning and seeing JH and Da Da sitting together on the sofa watching TV or eating breakfast.  What a vanilla family we have!  I think critics of our lifestyle wouldn't believe how routine and "normal" our life is.

In the evening we had to run to MI City yet again for supplies.  Most people would have their contractor buy all the supplies but we're greedy and want to get the miles.  We also have been buying Lowes coupons on ebay so we save 10% on every item we buy :-)  Most of you that know aren't surprised by that info.

We stopped at Subway for dinner and came home and JH had a bath.  He sat nice for about 30 minutes and finally went to bed after 7:30 PM.  That's late for Jonathan Harper; his usual bedtime is 6:30 PM.

Wednesday -
JH was at the sitters all day so it was very quiet.  The contractors called in sick so it was REALLY quiet.  Da Da picked something up too and laid on the sofa drinking day-time cold and flu medicine.

We both went to get JH at 4:00 PM and he was so excited to tell us that he didn't have any accidents.  We chatted on the way home and JH wanted to hear some Jeffery stories.  We usually use stories of times he acted really good or really bad and replace Jonathan with Jeffery.  He likes the stories when Jeffery is naughty better than when Jeffery was nice.

I made Lemon Chicken for dinner and steamed vegetables.  JH ate all his veg and only about 3 bites of Chicken.  We played a bit and he said he was sleepy at 6:15 PM so it was off to bed.  I like that he doesn't try too hard to beat the bedtime rules.

Thursday -
At about 3:30 AM I awoke to JH crying; his Thomas pillow dropped and "I want Thomas".  I went in and he asked if I wanted to snuggle, um no.  I picked his pillow up off the floor, gave him a kiss, and said see you in the morning; his response was "okay, Daddy, see you in the morning".

Da Da slept in a little and I made JH French Toast and after he finished that he wanted Oatmeal.  This boy is getting so big!

On Thursday afternoon JH and Da Da played around the house and during lunch I took him out to collect a few chicken eggs.  He wants to hold them but they are so dirty that I just can't let him.

After dinner JH pulled a carpet sample that Da Da gave him out of his room and sat next to me and announced it was his new computer.  He folded it over and the backside is his keyboard and where the label is he said was the screen.  He wanted me to type loudly while telling Jeffery stories.  I'm not sure how JH will fall asleep with major construction is happening above his head in the attic.  The contractor didn't show up yesterday at all and arrived today at 3:30 PM so there is tons to do before the plumber comes on Sunday.

Friday -
Unbelievably, JH slept through what sounded like a herd of elephants stomping and sawing lumber.  He did wake-up at 5:30 AM crying that he had to go potty.  That made us happy but it was difficult for us to go back to sleep, and on top of that the smoke alarm was chirping all night.  JH asked "what's that sound in my room", it was actually the one outside his door.  I think the sawdust in the attic has made the system a little spastic.

This morning I made JH an omelet from 4 of our chicken eggs; they are laying very small eggs to start.  He ate all of the omelet and then asked for a bite of mine (egg whites and low fat cheese) and then a bite of Da Da's banana.

The contractors showed up at around 9:30 AM so it's going to be a busy and loud day in the house since we have terrible wind and rain today.  Jonathan's new play set was overturned in the yard and our umbrella was pretty much snapped.

After work we jumped in the car and drove JH to Gramma and Grandpa's house.  We made it in an amazing 3 1/2 hours and enjoyed a delicious BBQ chicken dinner.  At dinner we were telling JH to sit, or eat, or stop yelling :-)  Gramma looked at JH and said "Jonathan, be a good boy now", he looked at us and said "I wanna go home".  While Da Da and I are missing our boy like crazy, we're also happy that he's at boot camp!  Gramma and Grandpa have fun with JH but don't let him get away with naughty behavior.

We left Saturday morning to drive back to MI and to stop at Ikea to order a few things for the attic remodel.  The day went very quick and getting in and out of places was a breeze; but not as enjoyable as having our boy.

After we got home we got a call from JH and Gramma and he talked to us both telling how much fun he was having.  It's weird that he usually doesn't talk on the phone with people but he talked to both of us for several minutes recapping his day.  He was so sweet and loving on the phone and Da Da and I miss him terribly.

Sunday -
We both slept in a little waiting to hear our boy singing or chatting to himself; just silence :-(

The day was so busy for both of us, burning the fallen tree from Thursday night, standing-up the fallen play-set, and not worrying about where JH was or if he was okay.  We got our pre-bedtime call from JH and he immediately starting telling Da Da about his NEW RED BIKE that Gramma and Grandpa bought him today.  He's having a blast!!

The next week will just be me writing about how much I miss our boy; since the plan is that JH will be with Gramma and Grandpa for a week and a half.

Jonathan Week 9

Monday -

JH went to Terry's house for the day and Da Da worked on the deck while I got caught-up from being off Friday.  The sad thing about taking a vacation day is I come back to 200+ emails.  I went with Da Da to pick JH up and he announced that he had an accident :-(  I really think he gets too busy playing and just remembers he has to go potty when it's too late.

We played outside until the contractor that is doing the framing in the attic came and Da Da was pulled away.  I fed JH and while eating he started swinging his spoon around and food started flying.  I got very upset and immediately picked him up and looked at him and said "GO to your room!". JH ran to his room and after I finished cleaning up his mess I told him that he wasn't finishing dinner and he was going to bed; and that's what happened.  Da Da came down while I was putting his PJs on and JH asked for a hug and kiss from Da Da.  I cooled down and went in to Jonathan's room and apologized, I told him daddy had a time-out and realized I got too upset, he said "that's okay Daddy".  I felt TERRIBLE and we talked, hugged, and he said he had to potty.  After about 30 minutes of a story and a little sit nice time we really put him to bed :-)

Tuesday -
Da Da got up with JH and all I heard was "I'm a little wet Da Da", a little wet was pretty much head to toe.  I guess I shouldn't have given him that last glass of water while I was feeling guilty last night.  We had a nice breakfast and since I took the day off we all went outside to play, well JH and I played and Da Da worked on the deck.  It was a nice day so he had a blast playing on his play set.

After showers we jumped in the car and headed to Chicago so we could meet with the adoption attorney.  Rick is starting the process to become his other legal dad.  When we started the process last year we just didn't have the funds to have him added.  So, in about 90 days we should both be able to be on Jonathan's birth certificate.

Wednesday -
I don't remember much of Wednesday other than JH going to Terry's house for a full 7 hours.  He went to the church play group and Terry said the day went very well.  The nice thing is he talks about his friends Owen and RJ when we pick him up

Thursday -
I worked and Da Da worked in the yard.  I think this might have been the day that JH pooped his pants.  Since he has been with us he has only done that once or twice.  He kept saying "I pooped my pants Daddy, and Miss Terry put me in time-out", I asked him why he pooped and repeatedly the answer was "because".

After my work day ended we drove to MI City to buy the tile for the new bathroom.  We got to Lowes and discovered they no longer sell what Da Da designed the whole bath around; he wasn't happy.  Since we have been so good sticking to Weight Watchers we treated ourselves to dinner out.  Dinner out in MI City consists of very few choices, we decided on Applebee's since they have a low calorie and WW menu.  When we were driving to the restaurant JH said "Hmmm, it must be around here somewhere".

Friday -
Late on Thursday night we got our shipment of wood for the attic so Da Da and I moved 4 pallets of drywall, 2x4s, plywood, and heavy beams in to the garage.  Friday morning my back was killing me; Da Da forgets that I'm 13 years older than him :-)

JH was chipper on Friday morning and announced "I'm hungry Daddy, I think I want Oatmeal".  JH and Da Da drove to Benton Harbor to pick-up the sink he ordered from Home Depot for the attic.

In the early evening Uncle Michael and a friend Steve dropped by to bring us a beautiful professionally mounted photo of our Advocate ad.  The October issue came out this week and we were really happy to see that it turned out really great.  We show JH and he gets all shy and runs away.  It was nice to hear Uncle Michael notice that JH says "I love you Uncle Michael" before Michael tells him that he loves him.

Saturday -
Waking up was painful, I am on horse and chicken duty over at Linda and Neil's farm.  They got the heck out of Dodge this weekend.  We have a big bicycle ride weekend where the streets are loaded with cyclists.  I fed the brood and came home to feed my brood breakfast.

Once again we got dressed and hit the road to go to Mishawaka to find tile for the bathroom and buy the stuff for the electrician.  Our neighbor is a licensed electrician in MI and has been doing side work for us.  We have been buying all the materials so we can get the miles on our American Airlines credit card.  The plan is to go meet Jonathan's brother David as soon as we get enough miles.

When we got to Mishawaka we let JH drive the cart/car in Menards so he was happy for about 5 minutes.  He started acting up a little so he was transfered to the seat in the front of the cart.  My guess is he is getting a little tired (like Daddy) of home improvement stores.  We'll all be happy when the attic is done and we have a second bathroom and a private space for Daddy and Da Da.

In the evening we tried going to the park in New Buffalo but only stayed for 10 minutes,  There were too many older kids there playing on the toddler equipment and their parents didn't seem to care that little kids were trying to play.  We went to the park here in Three Oaks and it too was loaded with 10 to 15 year old kids :-(  We played in the back yard until dinner and JH had a bath and we watched a little Sprout before bed.  He has been saying "thank you for the delicious dinner (or lunch/breakfast) Daddy".  I think he is figuring-out how to work us, we also get "You're a very good boy Da Da (or Daddy)".

Sunday -
I heard JH chattering and singing as early as 6:30 AM.  We got up at 7:30 AM and only then did he throw his door open and say "Good morning Daddy, I'm a little hungry".  I made him an omelet from the eggs our chickens have been laying.  The chicks we got in May have been laying tiny eggs for about a week.  I had to crack 4 to get a JH sized omelet.   I let him help mix the eggs and he was thrilled; I think he's going to like cooking.

In the afternoon we played in the basement since it was raining here all day.  JH played with his tool set and his A B C train set.  He screwed plastic bolts in and out at least 30 times.  When we asked him casually what letter was on the train car he always got it right.  I also recorded him reading the eye chart that he has NEVER done for the eye doctor.  I plan on saving it to prove that he knows all the pictures very well; and from at least 15 feet (like at the Dr's office).

It's now 7:00 PM on Sunday evening and after 3 time outs JH is in bed.  After dinner he started to be a little naughty.  When we ask him to do or not do something he says "No, I don't want to stop", he was also in his room playing pretty nice and we heard "OH DAMN IT".

We hope to get Jonathan to Gramma and Grandpa's next weekend so he can spend a week with them while we're focused on my work and Da Da managing the attic remodel.  We'll miss our boy but need a little break again :-/

Jonathan Week 8

Monday was a decent day for us other than another blazing hot day.  Seriously, it's mid-September and we still have the AC on!

I moved my office to the basement so Da Da and JH could have full run of the upstairs.  I cleared away an entire aisle of Toys R Us and WOW, I have a real office with a granite desk and PEACE and QUIET.  No one running by saying "Daddy, I want to help you work", "Daddy, I'm going POOP".

On Tuesday JH went to Miss Terry's house for a full 7 hours, I think he may have had one accident and he said "I had a time-out for peeing my underwear" when he got in the car.  We told him that he needed to stop wetting his pants and he said "I promise that I won't do it again", we always tell JH that we keep our promises (and we do)!

Wednesday JH went back to Miss Terry's house and she took all the kids to her church group play-time.  JH had a blast and while playing he had an accident.  When they returned to Miss Terry's house he had TWO MORE "accidents", he spent more time in time-out!!  When we picked him up he came out in loaner clothes :-(

We had to drive to Benton Harbor after picking JH up to pick-up a part for the attic remodel.  JH sang several songs on the way and one was about cleaning the toys up.  I think Miss Terry is a good influence on our little man.  He talks about her son Davyd and how he doesn't get to see him now that he is in school now.  He also told us that he likes going to Miss Terry's house :-)

On Thursday morning JH woke-up and announced that he wanted oatmeal for breakfast.  He ate everything on his plate and then wanted some of Da Da's yogurt, and then wanted a bite of my banana.....

We went and picked him up at 4:00 PM and while Da Da was holding him at the door (he didn't have his shoes on), he said "Hi Daddy, I didn't wet my pants today!"; I was so proud.
He is really so damn cheeky and funny!  I am NOT a kid person and I find myself acting like a blooming idiot while having conversations with this child.  I guess when they are your own it's totally different.

JH stayed at Miss Terry's again for 7 hours today and seems to be doing great!  He said "I like going to Miss Terry's house" when we picked him up.  He took a bath before dinner (not a good idea), and we read several books before bed.  JH loves having books read to him and actually pays attention for almost 10 seconds :-)  His new bed routine is "no hugs and kisses" and then "I have to go potty", "I'm thirsty", "I want LIP BALM" and finally, "FAN on (or off based on where it is at bed)".

Friday morning we loaded up the car and drove to Auntie Jo Jo's house to help her move.  She moved in to Dug and Jamie's townhouse since they moved last month.  We got to Jo's and immediately jumped in the car to go get paint.  JH and Jo wandered all over Home Depot while Da Da and I filled the cart.  After we paid and unloaded the car Da Da started painting and Jo and I ran JH to Dug and Jamie's so JH could play with his cousins.  Damian was really excited to see Jonathan and they were gone running and playing before we knew it.  Dug and Jamie have an amazing new house with so much room for the kids to play.

JH stayed the night and since Jamie had to work, Dug had an 18 month old, a three year old, and a six year old!  It takes two of us to keep up with Jonathan so how he did it I'll never know.  We called on occasion for updates and Dug said the kids were having a blast.  Having JH gone allowed us to get about 6 hours of painting in, and by the time we went to bed we were all beat!

Saturday 6:00 AM came VERY quickly and we all headed back to the Townhouse to continue painting before the movers arrived.  Skip to 9:00 PM Saturday, the Townhouse looked beautiful, rooms painted, furniture in place, and all new window coverings.  Jo and I ran to get JH and he was asleep on the sofa at Dug's.  We scooped him up in his PJs and took him back to Jo's new place.  He was in and out of sleep and when we walked in Jo was holding him and he said "I want Daddy".  I held him on my lap for about 15 minutes before taking him up to bed.  The plan was Jo would lay with him while I helped Da Da finish a few more projects.  He insisted I lay with him so I did :-)  He was so loving and sweet telling me he missed me and held my hand while he went to sleep.  I snuck away and after about 2 hours (while we were finally having a glass of wine), he started crying and Da Da ran up.  He said "I don't know where I am, Daddy left me, please stay with me Da Da"' and he did; until JH went to sleep again.

Sunday morning JH woke-up in the middle of us and was chattering away, "good morning", "it's light outside (it wasn't), and various other things that were too perky at 6:00 AM.  Jo came up and got him while Da Da and I slept about 45 more minutes.  We said our goodbyes and headed back to MI.  When we stopped for gas JH said to Da Da, "Da Da, the world scares me", WTH?  Where does this kid come-up with things!!

It's now Sunday evening and we just finished dinner.  JH had to be bribed with green beans to eat his chicken leg.  I'm still amazed that vegetables are reward to get him to eat meat.  I may need to try some Tofu dishes to help get him the protein we know he isn't getting.  JH is in the bath playing Choo Choo with all his bath toys lined up on the side of the tub; it's good to be home!!

Jonathan Week 7

It was great waking-up on Monday and not having to sign on to work.  We had such a nice time at Michael and Janine's house, and we only chatted about JH when people asked :-P  We both noticed that we were able to have real conversations with people with no interruptions.  There were folks there that we had been around 3 or 4 times and never talked; this time we talked with everyone and it was great.  When we got home Linda mentioned that JH cried for a bit when we left and when she went up to his room he said "I want my Daddy", she told him I was in the basement talking to Uncle Neil and he said "Okay" and went to sleep.

Tuesday was a pretty good day for us.  JH and Da Da left after breakfast and didn't return until around 12:30 PM.  We all had lunch and JH laid down for a nap.  After about 10 minutes it was really quiet so I assumed he was asleep.  I looked in on him after 40 minutes and he was just laying there looking around his room.  I asked him if he had slept and he said "no, I'm just waiting for my nap to be over".  When I said he could get up and play he said "I need to go potty first" and went poop.  After I cleaned him he got dressed and while I was helping him get his jeans on he said "Thank you Darling", where do kids come-up with this stuff?  Da Da and I never use Darling!  Ha :-)

In the late afternoon on Tuesday JH played outside until dinner.  I went out after work and gave Da Da a break from keeping JH occupied on the play set.  We ran to Hardings to get some chicken for dinner tonight and Da Da was a mess from working, so he waited in the car.  JH asked if he could go in with me and while walking around the store he decided it was a good time to sing A B Cs.  He did really well and made a few grumpy old women smile....a little.

Dinner was good on Tuesday, I used our garden veggies and made a roasted Tomato, Pepper, and Onion Chutney to put on top of the little Turkey patties I also made.  Da Da and I started Weight Watchers eating again after we both had to buy larger clothing for Gramma Junker's funeral.  He's lost 7 pounds and I've lost 6 in the week since we started.  We need to shed the pounds before Gramma V comes to visit!

Wednesday and Thursday were pretty uneventful.  JH went to Terry's house on Tuesday and wet himself three times.  He kept telling Terry "I only go potty for Daddy and Da Da", I wish that were true :-)  He then wet himself here later in the day.  I don't think this boy likes change very much.  On Wednesday Terry found the magic formula to get JH to potty; offer her phone for a minute IF he potties!  Eureka!!

It's now Friday morning and JH just left a few minutes ago to go to Terry's and I miss the sound of him.  He says something almost every day that is music to my ears, "Daddy, can I have you?"  That means he wants me to pick him up or for him to sit on my lap.  I love those words!!

On Saturday we drove in to Chicago for a Dr appointment.  JH had eye surgery in January and this was a follow-up, and it went really well.  Well, not that well, JH would not cooperate AT ALL.  He wouldn't answer any question, identify any objects (that he does at home all the time, so it was all exam and the surgeon was confidant worked.  Before the appointment we went to a park and let JH cut loose for almost 90 minutes.  It was very crowded and he played really well.  At one point a little girl started smacking him in the face (3 times) and her mother was too busy chatting 2 feet away with what looked like a single dad.  I stepped in and said please don't hit him and then the mom glanced over, when the girl did it again the mom saw it this time and walked over and weakly told her to stop.  JH didn't hit back but just sort of looked at her and scooted over; not sure what to think about that.

On the drive home JH dozed off for a few minutes, and when we looked back at him, he opened his eyes and said "I'm sleeping, please don't watch me".  He said a bunch of other funny stuff but I'm too exhausted from the day to even try and remember :-(

Sunday we were outside from 9:00 AM until after 1:00 PM working in the yard and playing.  Da Da got a turn at getting things done while JH and I played, and then we switched.  I got the shed cleaned and finally usable!  JH kept walking up the ramp through the double doors, through the shed, and out the single door saying "I'm cutting the grass".  We had lunch and being on Weight Watchers (WW) is a challenge when JH always wants some of my food.  I'm starving myself and that little voice saying "Daddy, will you share with me?, we're sharing" (while nodding and scarfing down my fat free hot dog).

In the late afternoon we drove to MI City to get building supplies for the attic remodel.  We grabbed a quick bite for dinner and got home after 7:30 PM.  Since it was so close to bedtime, we did a quick teeth brushing, potty, and Da Da read Jonathan and goodnight story.

Jonathan Week 6

In Orion:
Monday was as crazy as the last few days.  The week was challenging but knowing that Gramma Junker would be laid to rest in just a few hours is comforting.  Death brings out good and bad in people.  Luckily we were with Gramma and Grandpa V that kept their composure and didn't let the petty bickering and "I wants" even phase them.  Death brings out good and bad in families.

JH had a few kids to play with over the weekend that stopped by with their parents.  He played trains with Lilly on Sunday night and he and Keegan pulled each other around the yard on his tractor.  Once they discovered Grandpa's rock pile we needed to refocus them on the ever popular trains in the living room.

It's now Tuesday very early and everyone is asleep except for me and Grandpa.  I wanted to make sure the kitchen was cleaned from last night and Grandpa is sorting through pictures to keep the vultures at bay.

There are a few more things Da Da has to be here for and after my work day we're driving back to Michigan.  Gramma and Grandpa need their house back and Jonathan Harper needs his yard, toys, and room.  He has been really good but almost daily he says "I want to go back to my room" or "I want to take a nap in my room in Michigan".

In Michigan:
We got home on Tuesday afternoon and it felt damn good.  After unloading the car and getting JH settled we ran to Rio's in New Buffalo for last hurrah food.  Da Da and I started Weight Watchers again on Wednesday morning.  We had to buy new clothes for Gramma Junker's funeral because we just got too FAT.

JH went to Miss Terry's house on Wednesday and didn't seem too happy when we got there.  He had been with Christy and Carly for more than 8 months and new kids and a new place was a little overwhelming.  He didn't cry when we left but was very clingy to us while we were there.  He didn't eat lunch, he didn't go potty, he just sort of kept to himself.  Terry has a 9 year old son named Davyd and he eventually got JH out of his shell.  Terry sent a picture of JH smiling after a few hours.  When I took JH out of his car seat after picking him up he was wet :-(
He just couldn't hold it any longer.

It's Friday morning now and JH is going back to Miss Terry's house.  He seems okay but Da Da will know more after he takes him in an hour.  He was so fun and good yesterday playing here at home and just chattering about the funniest things.  We have heard from some people that we talk to JH like he's an adult and I have no regrets.  He is more verbal and articulate than some 5 year olds we have met.  This is a kid that uses words like Rectangle and Parallelogram when we draw shapes for him.

Saturday morning we drove to Niles, MI to look for a tree that we want to plant as a memorial to Gramma Junker.  We stopped to grab some groceries and then came home to wait out the NASTY heat today.  It was the third day of 90+ heat and JH was stuck playing in the basement or watching A B C Pre-school in his room.   At dinner JH was waiving his spoon all over and when I asked him to stop, he said "I don't WANT to", he has been saying that all the time now.  While waiving the spoon he knocked his milk over and covered himself and the table with yummy chocolate milk.

Sunday morning JH was stirring at about 7:00 AM so I got up and as soon as I turned the coffee pot on he opened his door and yelled "Good Morning Daddy!"; he was in a good mood.
We had breakfast and drove to Mishawaka to look at Home Depot and Lowes to compare prices on fixtures for the attic.  The plan is that Da Da will start working on the attic as soon as next week.  With luck, we'll have a new master suite in just a few months.  He'll have to address the abundance of wasps and spiders that call it home today.  I have nightmares about spiders and earlier he had me holding a tape measure and a spider the size of a dime was inches from me head.

On the way home from Mishawaka we were looking for a radio station and "In The Summertime" came on and JH said "I like this song".  In the sond they sing a verse "I have women, I have women, I have women on my mind", JH piped up and said "I have women on my mind too, I like women".  We cracked-up!!

I'll probably post this after this update because Da Da and I are actually stepping out tonight!  Linda and Neil are coming over to stay with Jonathan while we attend an actual adult event at Michael and Janine's house.  It'll be nice to have him in fed and in bed before we leave and a piping hot Pizza Hut Pizza waiting for Linda and Neil.  I don't think I need to keep mentioning how much we appreciate them and value their friendship.

Jonathan Week 5

R.I.P. Gladys M Junker 12/23/20 - 8/24/11

On Monday I had to provide some muscle (Ha) for Linda who had responded to a CraigsList ad for someone needing a rooster.  Her rooster Roo is going to be in a documentary film about a man that lives on the beach making a living by hunting and gathering.  Roo did his part in just one or two takes :-)

When we got home Da Da and JH were in the back-yard and Jh was on his swing-set, he saw me and started running towards me with arms extended yelling "Daddy, Daddy, I missed you".  It was like a Hal-mark commercial, I scooped him up and gave him hugs and kisses while he tightly wrapped his arms around my neck and kissed me like crazy.  Man do I love this child!!

After work on Monday we went to MI City for dinner and had Mexican food.  JH was so exhausted from his ride home from Gramma's and playing in the yard that he fell asleep on the way to the restaurant.  He was sweet when we woke him and a pretty good boy at dinner.  On the way home JH sang A B C and a variety of other songs.  Da Da said that when they were driving Lady Ga Ga came on and JH yelled, "IT'S LADY GA GA".

Hugs, kisses, and off to bed for our sleepy little boy.

Tuesday JH woke-up and came in to snuggle and climbed all over us until we finally got up.  We had French Toast for breakfast and JH was off to Carly's house.  He was carrying a bag of Cherry Tomatoes to bring to them and jumped the last step and Boom Ding (Gramma), they were all over the garage floor.  I wasn't upset but JH must have thought I would be, so I got a few "I love you Daddy" and hugs :-)

Tuesday night was good other than JH not wanting to go to bed at 7:30 PM when we had enough of Mr happy feet.

On Wednesday morning Da Da kept JH busy in the morning while I kept busy with work.  Late in the morning we got a call from Gramma V and it wasn't good; Gramma Junker was failing fast and we needed to get packed and in the car.  We were about 100 miles from Orion when we got a call that we had lost Gramma Junker.  She was such a sweet and loved woman, Jonathan always talks about her and trying to explain why Da Da was crying wasn't easy.  We told him that Gramma Junker passed away and he said "why" and every answer we gave him he followed with "why".  He's too young to really understand but one day we'll have to explain where is Mommy is too; with Gramma Junker :-)

Thursday has been a blur with running around getting things finalized and ready for the next few days of the viewing and funeral.  This is all too familiar for me losing my brother Gene 18 months ago.  I know that we'll never get over the people we lose, and it doesn't get easier like many people say; we just get more used to it.

It's Thursday afternoon and JH and Gramma are taking a nap.  I need this time to reflect on all the loss and pain we're all feeling.  I'm going to try and focus on all the joy and wonderful people we have in our lives.  That little boy upstairs snuggling with Gramma is a pretty good start.

Friday afternoon the boys set out to have lunch and Gramma stayed home to finally have a little peace.  Grandpa, JH, Da Da and I had a nice lunch (thank you Grandpa) and did a little shopping at The Walmart.  We expect several people to drop by after the service on Sunday so we needed to stock-up on beer, water, and soda.

I laid down with JH at about 4:00 PM to try to get him to nap and after scolding, a light butt slap, and finally ignoring him he said "Daddy, can I lay on your arm?" and in minutes he was snoring in my ear.  I kept looking over at him thinking that I'm the luckiest man in the world to have his drool running down my arm.

I think I lost a day because I either don't remember too much of Saturday or some of my Friday update is blurred in to Saturday.

Today is Sunday and we had the viewing for Gramma Junker today.  JH is being a little "off" with all the confusion and being away from home for so long.  We have the funeral tomorrow and then there is some business to tend to on Tuesday.  With luck we'll be in our own beds on Tuesday night and Jonathan Harper will be swinging on his play-set on Wednesday morning.

Jonathan Week 4

Monday was a good day.  JH went to Carly's house while Da Da worked in the yard and I worked.  I went with Da Da to pick JH up and he just didn't want to leave Carly.  He has a great time there and will miss them terribly after this week.  We found a new babysitter that we'll start taking him to next week.  Hopefully he'll adjust quickly and continue to thrive.

After work we all went out to the garden and pulled weeds.  JH helped pick red tomatoes and actually passed by orange ones saying they were not red enough.  We decided to pull all our cabbage plants out and give them to the chickens.  They had bugs on them and didn't look like we could save them for human consumption.  Jonathan kept wanting to give the chickens more garden goods so we let him pick a few cherry tomatoes and stuff them through the chicken wire. That kept him occupied for about 30 minutes running back and forth (one tomato at a time).

On Tuesday JH and Da Da cleared out pretty early since I had several meetings.  They played in the yard and moved several plants so we can start preparing for a carport pergola we'll be building this fall.  Da Da has started a part time job so he has some MAD money for home projects.  Late in the afternoon we went for ice-cream at McDonalds.  I finished work while Da Da and JH played in the yard.

I made a very spicy curry for dinner using a beautiful eggplant we grew in the garden.  JH had PB&J but wanted bites of our curry.  He actually ate about 6 bites and after each one guzzled his milk.  He loves spicy food and that is a very good thing!  Da Da and I love spicy food so we'll have great fun cooking and traveling as he gets older.  I really want to get him a passport soon so we can start dreaming about future trips.

Wednesday started with JH running across the living room yelling "I'm going to go potty, and I'll get a NEW sticker"; I was still trying to sleep.  After breakfast Da Da and JH went down to the basement to clean.  I got caught-up with work and while Da Da went to the Dentist JH and I played a little and watched Tangled (actually, he played/watched and I worked).

After work we went to The County Fair with Linda and Neil.  This is our third year going and it's sort of tradition.  Last year we brought JH for the first time but it was days after we got him so it was all pretty new.  This year he seemed to do really well as long as he was hanging on Linda or leading her around to look and touch everything in his path.  We got home after 7:30 PM so it was quick showers and sit nice time

Thursday morning JH was being very fussy, he would not eat his breakfast at all.  Luckily he "ran out of batteries" and I took advantage of that by telling him his Blueberry Pancakes were batteries.  I told him he better not eat them because I didn't want any little boys around running crazy; he cleaned his plate.

We went out early and picked some cucumbers for a salad later and let the chickens out (first time) to their outer pen.  We discovered that these birds can fly pretty high when we saw them perched on the outer fence.  Until now I was worried that they would run away, but after thinking about it, they know where their food comes from.  We'll see if we still have 11 tonight :-)

Da Da worked on Thursday so I went and picked JH up from Carly's house at 3:00 PM and we stopped by Trilogy to say hello.  JH must have been doing an art project with markers because his hands and clothes were covered in blue.  I really had to watch him in the store because he wanted to touch everything in site.  On the way home JH sang A B C twice and didn't miss a letter, I got my camera out for the 3rd time and he messed up a little.

We played outside for several hours and did a little burning so we were all a mess.  JH took a quick bath and sat nice while he laid on my lap.  He has been very clingy with me lately; maybe he knows he's leaving for the weekend :-(  I'm already missing Da Da and JH thinking about them being gone Saturday until Monday.  I'll have Da Da add to this post on Sunday night.

Saturday Jonathan and Rick pulled away at about 6:45 AM.  I have my 4 time a year work weekend and having them gone is torture.  I talked to Jonathan twice on the phone and he was sweet and loving.  "I love you Daddy, I miss you Daddy"  is like music to me ears.  He never talks on the phone but has had full multi minute conversations with me today.  I'm longing to see them pull up in the driveway on Monday.  I miss my boys!

Sunday morning I woke-up on my own, no chattering from the baby monitor, no fighting for covers in bed, and no rooster crowing; i hated it.  I miss getting my good morning hug and kiss and hearing JH never stop talking until he's either stuffing his face with French Toast, or finds a show that grabs his interest.

Jonathan Harper does NOT talk on the phone, he just smiles and looks at the phone when we try and get him to talk.  I talked to him three times this weekend and he told me he loved me and missed me.  Is it sick that it made me happy?  I want my boys to come home!!!

Jonathan Week 3

We so appreciate the comments you left Kate and Carolyn.  Carolyn, you have lived it, and actually warned me while I was moaning about the terrible 2s that 3s are worse.  Kate, I cannot wait to hear stories about Hadrian when he hits the toddler age.  That child looks like he has tons of personality so get ready.

The sweetest little boy was standing at his gate this morning when I got up saying "good morning Daddy, it's good morning outside and I wanted to get up".  Monday started very nicely!

I'm not sure when it started but now JH comes in to my office, grabs an extra mouse I keep in my drawer and says "I have to work now Daddy" and sits on my Eames chair and slides the mouse all over the ottoman.  He can usually sit there for 10 minutes or so before something else steals his attention away.

After work on Monday we drove to MI City and JH used his new booster seat.  He kept reaching forward and grabbing my headrest and wiggling all around.  He had a new freedom but seemed to understand that he had to keep the shoulder strap over him and the belt buckled.  When we got home he wouldn't eat dinner and started throwing power fits.  He wants to do things his way and when we don't anticipate that happening and work around it he loses it.  No kisses at a VERY early bed-time but we snuck some in when we got him up to go potty at 10:00 PM.

On Tuesday Da Da and JH spent the majority of the day outside and in the basement since I had an important set of meetings.  I saw them running around in the yard from my office and at one point I went out and JH was playing in the mud.  He walked out of a muddy area Da Da was digging and looked like his shoes weighed about 5 pounds each.

The week was more good than bad so we'll take it as a success.  On Friday Jo and Damian drove up and JH was so happy.  He ran around the yard with Damian until pretty late playing on his swing set.  I decided to break in the new fire pit and lit a fire and roasted marshmallows with JH and Damian.  JH still had burnt marshmallow lips when he woke-up in the morning.

Saturday we picked Uncle Michael up and drove to Chicago where we picked Auntie Staci up  to attend Market Days.  We met Daryl and Sienna and had lunch and walked around the street fair.  We had planned on staying much longer than we did but the weather turned pretty quickly.  We drove home late in the afternoon and hit a MAJOR storm where the rain was so heavy that we had to pull over.  JH was asleep and when the hail started he woke-up and didn't seem too bothered.  He just started jabbering about how it was "dark in here".

I managed to pick-up a bug that finally hit me on Saturday evening so Da Da and I watched TV in bed after we put JH to sleep.  I don't think we made it to 8:00 PM!  I was sick on Sunday so Da Da and JH went to MI City to get groceries while I laid on the sofa napping most of the day.  When they returned I went out (I missed my boys) to get JH out of his car seat and he handed me the bud of a flower "this if for you Daddy"; all the petals were all over his lap.  We had a nice evening and he laid on my lap for about 30 minutes while Da Da fell asleep sitting with us.  It was a great end of a very busy week.

Jonathan Week 2

The Sunday issues sort of bled in to Monday.  JH woke-up and wanted to snuggle in bed with us until we wanted to get up, and he got upset.  I guess he wasn't ready (or thinks he makes all the decisions).  We had a pretty good breakfast and then he and Da Da went out to play in the yard.

In the late morning Da Da got JH dressed to go to the park/water-park in New Buffalo.  After about 40 minutes they came home and as they were walking in, Da Da was telling JH how disappointed he was in him.  JH pushed a 2 year old girl and wouldn't say he was sorry and started throwing a fit at the park.  Her mother was sternly talking to Rick and anyone at the park that would listen.  JH was being super naughty and only wanted to go home to watch a video.  Da Da made him lunch and he pushed it away and said "I don't want lunch".  I asked him to eat or I would put him on the naughty bench and that's what happened.  I tried to talk with him 3 times after 3 minutes sitting and he just looked at me (like yesterday).  What is happening with this boy??

Tuesday was okay, in the morning and most of the day we kept the "new" JH under control.  We decided on Monday night while laying there in bed pondering "what is happening with Jonathan Harper" that we would not allow it to escalate again.

Linda and Neil came over for dinner on Tuesday and JH started acting-up.  He didn't want dinner and started throwing toys.  We let him watch a video in his room while we tried to finish dinner :-(

On Wednesday morning there was NOTHING we could do to make this boy happy.   Then later in the afternoon he was okay again.  I'm not sure if it's consistency or attention he is lacking.  Jo and I talked for more than an hour last night and she made me feel better.  Apparently David was worse when he was Jonathan's age.  Now David is a very sweet and loving guy!  There is hope :-)

Wednesday night was okay but after sit nice time there were "no hugs and kisses"; we'll get them at 11:00 when he goes potty :-P

On Thursday JH we to Carly's house so Da Da and I got a break from our little "Sybil".  He was sweet when he got home and after playing outside and having a nice dinner he went to bed, WITH hugs and kisses.  Maybe he needs to get out of the house more often :-)  We learned Christy and her family found a house in St Joe and are moving on 8/31.  I'm going to start looking for someone that may be able to come here and watch him.  That way Da Da can get out of the house and find something part time.  He has been a FT Dad for more than a year now and needs some relief.

Friday was pretty good and I don't remember much other than JH going to Carly's in the afternoon.  I had a light morning so I helped with JH in the morning and at one point he had to potty and after he finished, he washed his hands and took the wipe and said I'll throw it in the trash, he then took it and tucked it between his butt cheeks and stepped backwards on his foot  stool and released the wipe in the trash.  I didn't make a big deal of it but was laughing my ass off inside.

On Saturday it was blazing hot here so we played outside in the morning.  JH dried the dewy slide off with his pants sliding down three or for times.  Luckily it started to rain so we went in and changed clothes.  Da Da had some people here helping dig a trench so we could get electric run to the work-shop.  I played with JH and went up and down about 10 times.  "I want to watch a movie in my room"....10 minutes late  "Daddy, let's go play in the basement"...you get where this is going.

Sunday we got up at about 5:00 AM because JH wanted it to be "good morning time", Da Da put a movie on for him and we went back to sleep.  At about 6:00 AM I heard him say he had to potty and learned that was a ploy to get me in there :-)  We had breakfast and decided to run to South Bend to see a movie.  We wanted to see Cars 2 because it seemed more age appropriate than The Smurfs.  We had pizza for lunch and then went to a 1:00 PM show.  JH was good for most of the movie but Da Da and I each took him out to sternly warn him to behave.  He was wiggly and making a little too much noise.

After dinner we were sitting nice and JH looked over at Rick and said "Da Da, I don't want to sit nice, I want to play and play and play".  He then proceeded to ramble on about how playing was more fun than sitting nice.  When we put him in bed he announced "no kisses", but when I put his blankets on him I snuck one and he didn't seem to mind.

Jonathan Week 1

I missed posting my first week on Sunday.  I guess Sunday was so challenging that I just didn't have anything left last night.  More on that later.

We spent most of last week at Gramma and Grandpa's house.  We really thought that Gramma Junker would not make it through the weekend, and she is actually still hanging on more than 7 days later.  While there, Gramma Rosie became ill and was rushed to hospital.  Da Da and I were able to leave JH with Gramma Deb while we spent time with Gramma Rosie.  Gramma Rosie is losing blood and they are unable to determine exactly where from.

Gramma Rosie was released on Thursday afternoon so we planned on heading back to MI on Friday very early.  We got home in the late morning and it felt so good pulling up and seeing the garden in full glory.  We have about 300 green Tomatoes and dozens of Banana Peppers ready to pick.  I worked while JH and Da Da cut the grass and tended to the yard.  After work we picked peppers, fed the chickens, and spent a few hours in the basement.

On Saturday morning we went to the farmers market and the bank.  JH loves going to the bank because the ladies there always give him a sucker.  We also had a block party being held in town this weekend, so the streets were closed and all the stores brought their merchandise out and there were bands playing.  It was nice walking through town and having people stopping to say hello and smiling at our not so common family.

Then we get to Sunday, it started okay but seemed to be running downhill fast.  We headed to MI City in the morning to get groceries and parts to get the electric run to our shed/workshop.  JH was starting to act-up in Menards and by the time we got to Meijer Da Da had to take him out to the car while I finished shopping.  Michael and Janine stopped by in the afternoon and Janine kept up with JH and they played like crazy.  We started noticing that he was being a little bratty while playing and wouldn't help pick-up toys or play nice.

We tried a nap but JH wouldn't have that and made noise and looked out the window the entire time.  He kept saying he was hungry and thirsty so when we got him up and offered lunch, "I'm not hungry, I only want to go play in the basement".  He finally ate a little and we tried taking him outside to play on his swing set.  It was pretty hot but nice enough in the shade so he played for 5 minutes and climbed all over me like a monkey.  I was trying to sit and watch him but he preferred making me a Jungle Jim.  We went inside and tried the basement for a while until Da Da finished spraying weeds in the yard.

While cooking dinner JH ran in and stepped on my feet pretty hard and it really hurt.  I asked him to say he was sorry and he immediately pretended like he was yawning.  He does that lately when he doesn't want to help or is being reprimanded.  I knelt down and asked again and he hit the floor (pretending to sleep), so I put him in the corner.  After 3 minutes I went over and patiently explained that it's not okay to hurt people and that it IS okay to apologize when you do hurt someone.  He just looked and me and would not budge, he turned back around and stood in the corner.  We told him that if he didn't apologize he would go immediately to bed and not get any sit nice time, he just looked at us.  After getting his teeth brushed and PJs on he walked to bed and said "NO kisses".  Not a good end to a pretty good week :-(

Jonathan 52

Hello everyone,

Jonathan 365 has completed and now we'll start posting a week in the life of Da Da, Daddy, and Jonathan Harper on Sunday nights.  The difficult thing for us will be remembering the events of the week and all the funny things Jonathan says, maybe a pad of paper on the dining room table will help :-)

Thanks again for joining us during the first 365 days and we look forward to capturing 52 weeks of our little man's life.

Much love,
Daddy and Da Da