Play day!

Well, today was a wonderful play day for LJ and I.  The playing started after breakfast when we went to the YMCA.  I got my workout in, and LJ's "teachers" said he was a "charmer" today.  His personality is starting to show through with them, and they say he keeps them laughing.  I'm glad he's not quiet and shy anymore - that means he is really getting comfortable.  It makes me glad, and I can have a good workout without worry.

When I went and got him, we went to the gym to play some basketball.  He loves to do that - his interest fades after a few minutes, but he loves it while we're there.  We headed home for lunch and then it was naptime.  

After naptime, we took Rookie to play at the tennis court and on the slide.  While we were there, "Emmit", our dog neighbor - TOO CUTE, was there playing, too.  We went to the slide while he was there because Emmitt is a HUGE boxer/lab, so he could eat Rookie for a small snack.  I'm sure he wouldn't, but we've been down that road before.  

After our good playtime, LJ actually obeyed and FOLLOWED me home, no arguments!  That is so rare!  It's no fun to go inside when you are outside.  Usually it's a battle - no bribes or anything today :)  With Rookie tired, we headed to the mall for a little food court dinner.  LJ has been very picky lately (well, maybe not picky, just rejecting his staple, chicken).  I thought if we could have a hodge-podge of food on our tray, we could create a full meal.  He ate a hot dog, (no bun), some french fries, a few bites of my baked potato, some "pop stars" puffs, and 4 dried apricots.  

Before and after, he played on the little playground there -- amounting to over an hour and a half of play.  There were lots of kids there, and LJ was in his glory.  He goes right up to kids his age, plays hard, hugs them and just loves it.  The ladybug he is standing on in the picture - I can't tell you how many times he fell off of it.  He laughed so hard each time, and then climbed back up to do it again.  Every few minutes, he looks over at me and runs AS HARD as he can, (almost falling), to give me a hug.  It steals my heart.  I love it.  

Now, we are home and after playing with all the toys and having a good bath, my little one is in his bed..after saying "amen" after our prayer.  Some days are just this good -- "Dada" gets home in just a little while, too, so it will be a party in the morning, (probably before dawn), when LJ wakes up.  He loves that "dada".  

I hope your day was great -- I loved mine.

Love,

Jamie

Whistle video and a little note!

I forgot to mention yesterday that LJ went to the "gym" with the big kids at childcare yesterday.  They know how much he loves basketball, so when they took the preschoolers, (2 1/2 - 5 yrs.), they took him, too.  They are so cute, walking in a little line to the gym.  What a great exercise and experience for him!  Here's a video of him this morning -- poor Tigger can't whistle, but LJ can!

Life is just a tire swing :)

Well, today LJ and I went to Mount Trashmore!  It's a park here in Norfolk, (Va. Beach, actually).  It was created over a landfill with clean soil, and it goes up like a plateau...I'm assuming that's the landfill part.  You are able to see the shape in the pictures.  You would think it would smell, but it's nothing like that - it's beautiful and green.  It has a HUGE playground, so LJ and I went to check it out.  It was crowded, (we went in late afternoon after school got out), but we actually were able to score some time on the tire swing -- that was LJ's favorite.  I don't have any pictures of him on it because i was on it with him and was scared he'd fall through if I took my hands off his!  There were lots of kids, people with their dogs, couples jogging...it was a really neat place.  It takes  about 15 minutes to get there, so I think we will go there pretty often before it gets too hot.

Other than that, we went to the YMCA, as usual, and had some fun playing all day.  Just a normal day, and it was a nice one...even the sun came out!  Hope your day was good, too!

Love,

Jamie

I promised you pictures...

And below, you can see a whole photoshow of them!  Enjoy!  We had a great day today, and I'm headed to pick up our little messes, take a quick bath and try to get in bed at a reasonable time.  Lance's baseball schedule is catching up with me and my body wants to stay up till midnight!  Aside from some pretty severe weather, our day was very easy.

Sorry for the short notes today, but the photos will make up for it, I know!  There is music if you have audio.

Love ya!

Jamie

LJ!

Home again, (In Norfolk!)

Well, I'm going to write something real quick then let LJ type a bit in the blog.  We got home after noon today from Richmond.  LJ didn't sleep very well last night, so I decided to head back this morning rather than take him to the game, (in the rain).  He got some rest, and we got home earlier than planned.

Since being home, we have played on the tennis courts, taken another quick nap (just LJ - I tried, but couldn't summon sleep :), unloaded the car, unpacked, cooked some dinner and done some laundry.  It's been pretty simple, but I just realized the camera is still in the truck.  I apologize, but I'm gonna use fatigue as my reason for not posting lots of cute photos tonight.  Getting down there, LJ and Rookie in tow, then headed back up, convincing them both to come, (LJ loves those tennis courts so much!) didn't seem worth it tonight.  I WILL do it tomorrow!  

Lance is headed to Charlotte for a three-game series then back home.  It will be nice to have a good home-stand here before another long away time.  

Well, here's LJ!  He wanted to type -- I have posted a picture of him "blogging" :)

Love,

Jamie

From LJ:

lkdjaicmdaichi'a'ejckjadkejutow1-3d84n

You can only eat so much chicken...

Hello! I am learning now that LJ is sick of chicken. Grilled, fried, nuggets, sesame...it's just been too much. I am going to have to find an alternative for a while. He doesn't really like steak, pork or anything, but I'll mix some of that in with the red beans and rice he likes. I think deli meat may be my next effort as he started munching on my sandwich tonight...with multigrain bread. He normally can't stand bread. Just another way to show that things are always changing!
LJ and I just got back home from Lance's game. It got postponed due to rain (shock, I know), so they have to finish it tomorrow and play the next full game before heading to Charlotte. I think that's ok with me, though because Lance got to ride home with us to the hotel and LJ got a night full of playing with other kids his age. It's after 10p.m. and I couldn't leave because he was having SUCH a good time! His current night's sleep is a nightmare (pardon the pun), so this can't hurt!
I took some great pictures of LJ in his little jersey today. He wore it to the game, and though Kacy and Tomy's have yet to be worn, I am hopeful I'll have a picture of all three of them soon. Kacy suggested, though, that since "Uncle Lance's number is already on the jersey, maybe it would be ok to put her name on it"...It's done. Kacy's has her name,and TomyLyn's says "TomyLyn" right above Uncle Lance's #22. It will be so cute.
We are tired tonight, so we're signing off quickly. I'll post some fun pics tomorrow. Have a blessed Sunday tomorrow!
Love,
Jamie

Sorry no pics!

I'm sorry there are no pictures tonight -- I left the cable that attaches to the computer for downloading in Norfolk. It's one of the many things I forgot ...Rookie's crate among other things. So, at one point tonight, I'm sure - all 4 Cormiers will be in the bed! LJ is already in our bed...I fought with the pack-n-play, and it won. I have never had a problem setting it up before, but I can't get the short sides to lock. LJ and I had it sideways, upside down, (both of us inside like a fort or he was so upset), and any other way. Still, the sides won't lock. I am hoping Lance will have some luck when he gets home, but I have fussed with it so much, I am kind of doubting he will. I hope so!!!
Lance left this morning for Richmond, and after the Y, packing and lunch, LJ and I loaded up and headed out. I wanted to travel during LJ's nap so as not to mess him up, and it worked. We ran into a little traffic, so he get a really good nap. We did the deed of unloading all our stuff (we only brought a few things, but with my stuff, LJ's stuff, Rookie, food for LJ, pack-n-play, mattress...you get the picture), and LJ was over it pretty quickly. He was very good, though, and aside from a few small outbursts, we got unloaded, showered and headed to meet our friend Kelly for dinner with her son Robbie.
Dinner was great -- Robbie is getting so big - he's 13 months old, and it seems to me like he was just born yesterday. Enjoying dinner with him and his mom was a very nice evening. I loved it. Eventually, we headed home. Lj was tired, and it was close to his bedtime. On the way home, he and I stopped at Walgreens for milk and gatorade. We both were thirsty. Driving around Richmond was so funny for me. By now, after 2 years of living there off-and -on, it seemed like coming back home....well, not really home, but it was nice to be so familiar with a place. My car drove directly to the field and back with no effort. :)
So, that brings us to the pack-n-play. I have given up, given LJ a bath and conceded to the portable crib. Perhaps it will work when Lance comes home - I will say a prayer as I log off.

I hope your day was great. Sorry again about the pics, but there will be some on Sunday night. Get some good rest and pray that we do, too!
Love,
Jamie

Pot and pan band

Well, we just finished band practice.  LJ and I have played so much that he now knows where to put up the spoon and pot all by himself!  Lance was a musical addition tonight, and I think they make great music together!  To wind down, we are watching some "Backyardigans"...they play a lot of music too.  

This morning, I made some French toast casserole while calling my mom and wishing her a happy birthday!  I wish I lived close enough to drive down the street and take her out to lunch!  Soon, though, Me-Maw!  I'll be there in just a few weeks and we'll have several good lunches together!

The casserole was  a hit, and Lance's ride to the field, Andy Mitchell, joined us.  It was the least I could do for him since he takes Lance to and from the field most days!  What a big help when LJ is napping or in bed!

After they left for the game, LJ and I headed to the Y.  I got a good light workout in, (still feeling a bit icky, but better!) and then he and I went and played basketball.  After that, (he wasn't too in to it today) we went home for lunch and nap time.

When Lance got home and LJ woke up, we went to a local mall.   LJ and I rode the carousel! He wasn't too excited about it at first, but he warmed up to it after a bit.  I really liked it, though.  There was a pet store there -- a Goldendoodle ( mix of retriever and poodle - no shedding! - check the picture) saw LJ, he did not take his eyes off him.  I tried to get the dog's attention, but he only had eyes for LJ.  I think he wanted him to be his "boy".  Lance is lucky we are movers because if we were settled in Alabama to stay, I would have come home with a best friend for LJ.  :)  After an easy dinner in the food court and cookies to go, we headed home.  That brings us to now:  the end of our band practice.  Tomorrow, Lance leaves for his road trip at 9:30 a.m.  LJ and I will follow him to Richmond for two days then come home.  Lance will then head to Charlotte, NC.  

I hope your day was good -- Mommy, I especially hope yours was  and that you stopped for a birthday ice cream and enjoyed your message ;)

Goodnight for now!

Love,

Jamie

Single and Lovin' it!

LJ wore his "Single and Lovin' it" shirt today, and it is actually starting to get too small for him.  I can't believe it - it seems like last week that it was almost too big.  He must be growing lately.

He woke up REALLY early again - five-something.  That's about two weeks in a row without sleeping past 6 a.m.  It's hard that we can't let him fuss for five minutes or so because I know in a day or two, that would fix it.  I just don't want to disturb the people around us.  We can't keep up this pace for much longer, though -- he needs more sleep than that.  I tried to look in his mouth today, ( by making him laugh ), and his top gums behind his first molars are pink and swollen.  Maybe his last set of molars are on their way in.  He's been drooling again.

 

We went to the YMCA this morning.  I wasn't feeling very good, so I just watched Lance play some basketball.  He's so funny -- he missed his "buzzer beater" shot, but an imaginary defender must have fouled him.  He got two shots at the foul line, (he informed me they were down by one).  He only made one of the shots, but he got the rebound and scored in the final second.  What a game :)  After a bit, we went and got LJ ( who walked in to his childcare and left us behind), so that he could play for a bit.  

Lance fed LJ his lunch, and I went to the chiropractor.  Lance goes pretty often because the doctor comes to the field, and he's been trying to get me to go for weeks.  I did enjoy it - some good stretching and they even massage your back!  On a day when you're not feeling so well, time like that is well spent.  

Lance went to the field when I got back, LJ took a little nap and then he went with Rookie and I to play.  They were so cute --it's a daily thing now, and they play like brothers.  They have a hard time "sharing" the ball, but we're working on it :)  

After that, LJ and I went to go eat and then to the grocery store.  I'm making some french toast casserole tomorrow morning, and I needed the brown sugar.  We got some jello ( I figured LJ would like the feel of the cool jello if his teeth were hurting) and some five-alive juice ( remember that, Me-Maw?), along with some more fruit.  We are always needing more blueberries or strawberries.  

After that, we came home, put the groceries up and took LJ to the ball game.  We went down by the bullpen and talked with Lance.  LJ still takes a while to recognize him.  For an hour or so, LJ had his run of the outfield stands.  He and I walked up and down the stairs, throwing the ball and playing.  When we got home, he was so tired.  He had some milk, took a good bath and went to bed.  

So, that's our day!  My little one is growing -- his clothes tell me that, and I am enjoying every day with him.  I am feeling kind of yucky - I rarely get sick, so I'm hoping to chase this little bug away.  I just don't feel well.  I know tomorrow will be better...especially if I can find a way for LJ to sleep!

I hope your day was good.  We miss you!  Happy Early Birthday, Me-Maw!  We will see you soon and our toasting you on your special day  :)

Love,

Jamie

Off Day!

Hello!  What a great day!!  Lance was off today and we had such a good day.  Lance let me sleep in (Ahhhhh....), and he and LJ went to IHOP while I slept.  Lance brought me home a "Horton hears a Who" pancake platter, and it was so sweet and so good!  It was pancakes with fun syrups on top of it ( blue and pink), and chocolate-colored sprinkles on top.  If you know me, you know I love that kind of stuff...especially after a little sleep!!  

After breakfast, we took our time and went to the Y.  Lance and I did cardio next to each other and chit-chatted while LJ enjoyed himself in childcare.  Get this:  he walked in, asked for his ball and told us, "byeeee".  We were dismissed, I guess!  What a gift!  

When we finished with our workout, Lance and I both went to our separate locker rooms for a quick steam.  I went to get LJ soon after, and Lance met us in the pool.  LJ swam well, and pretty quickly, we were headed home for lunch.  After a make-shift meal (Lance - hot pockets, me-Lean cuisine, LJ - chicken, rice and cheese with fruit).  He went to go take a nap, and we did, too!

LJ woke up from his nap after about 30 minutes, so I thought it would be a rough afternoon.  I wanted to see if he'd lay down with me, and he was OUT.  he slept for almost two hours with me, and I fell asleep, too.  All four Cormiers were on the bed - Rookie, included.  It was awesome!!  When we woke up, we started red beans and rice and headed outside for the boys to play.  We also fit in a great trip to the store, getting what we needed for some cookies, a few future lunches and a few other things.

Dinner in was great - better than dinner out.  We all ate some red beans and rice with crescent rolls.  After cleaning up and packing up leftovers, we made those "no bake" cookies...they are GREAT!  I'll post the recipe later tonight or tomorrow.  It's one you need to have - put some in the fridge or freezer, and they are a great snack.  I have to try Granny's parfait dessert, too - can't wait for that one.

So, after a long, wonderful off-day, life goes back to normal in the morning.  It was FANTASTIC, and I'm so thankful we were here to enjoy these few days together.  You can't put a price on that during the season.

I hope your week is going well - we miss and love you!

Love,

Jamie

Rare form!

As I type this, LJ is in rare form, and he has been all night. He's running around in his diaper going crazy.  We have a huge treat tonight - Lance's game was called off, AGAIN, due to rain!  We went and picked him up around five, and we went to the mall.  We played hard at the playground then headed to a Japanese restaurant to have hibachi.  We thought it would be a great change of pace for LJ.  He ate SO well.  He ate soybeans, more than his share, fried rice, shrimp, steak, chicken, even some zuchinni!  I was SO impressed!  He wasn't so sure what to think of the chef, but he warmed up to him after a  while.  

After dinner, we went to Dairy Queen and all shared a BIG brownie blizzard.  LJ was running around like he had just had pixie sticks, but he was so funny.  When we got in the car, we listened to the Doodlebops on the way home.  It was HILARIOUS - LJ knows the words to the pledge, at least the end.  He says, "Deedee, ...MO!  Doobah!"   ("Deedee, Rooney, Mo-we're the Doodlebops").  He yells it, and we hit repeat so we could hear him do it over and over.  

When we got home, we let him run around in his diaper while he played and drank his milk.  Now, he's bathing while Lance watches and I write.  He's been SO good lately - outside of the sleeping, he's getting to be easier and easier...and even more fun.  

This morning, we went to the YMCA and he gave Lance a "high five" as we left him...not a peep.  He played happily the whole time and gave the teacher a five when we left to go play "baskball".  We have really turned a corner and owe it all to them.

Tomorrow is an off-day for Lance  - Yes, we have really been spoiled after his long road trip.  It's great!!!  I'm not sure what we're going to do, but I'm sure we'll go the Y tomorrow morning and maybe do something fun in the afternoon.  Maybe a good dinner at home, dessert and all tomorrow night?  There is nothing I love more than "ordinary life" - knowing where you are, what's around you, having a schedule and doing the same thing every day.  I thrive on it, and it makes me so content.  Having Lance home only adds to it.  

I hope you had a wonderful day.  I posted some pictures of all our fun times, plus one of the squirrel who has figured out the bird-feeder.   It needs to be on the front of a card, I think, with something like, "Never let go of your dreams..." or something inside.  Look at him holding on with those back feet!   Another one needs to make a card, too, saying, "You picked a winner!"...I'll let you figure that one out.  LJ's funny face is his imitation of me as I take a picture.  I guess I squint while looking into the camera lens. Too cute.  Like I said, ordinary life!  

God bless you guys -- we sure are feeling pretty blessed over here.

Love,

Jamie

Short and sweet

Hello!  Lance is home from a rain-out, so I'm going to make this short and sweet tonight.  I am so excited about having him home for an unexpected night in.  

LJ and I went to church this morning --- I was so nervous.  The last few times I have tried, he has cried so hard they have had to come and get me.  This time, however, was different!!!!  Praise God for the YMCA, is all I have to say.  I dropped him off, kissed him goodbye, and he did not cry once!  I was so nervous, if you looked closely, you could see the sweat under my arms, ( how's that for honesty?)  I was so happy, I seriously had to fight back tears.  They told me he was great and to "please bring him again!".  This was such a hurdle - the biggest yet.  I am SO thankful!!!  

When we came home, we ate lunch and Lance called to say he was coming home.  It was great to have him home, and we ate some lunch together before putting LJ down for his nap.  LJ woke up before he was ready to, so Lance took the rest of the nap with him.  I posted a picture of it.

When they woke up, we decided to give LJ a haircut with our clippers.  Every time we take LJ to the barber, he freaks out, and we have to hold him down.  It's seriously worse than the doctor's office and shots, so we thought we'd try it here.  He did so well!  He let Lance cut his hair, and aside from a few whines, we got it done well.

For dinner, we went to a local Mexican restaurant.  When we got home, we took LJ and Rookie out to the tennis court for playtime ...we played long - almost till bath time.  Now, Lance is dressing LJ, and I hear LJ saying, "Mama?  Mama?"...music to my ears.  I must run.  Have a wonderful night - miss and love you!

Love,

Jamie

Daddy's home!

Yay!  Lance came home today, and it was so good to have him home!  He got home right after LJ and I finished a new "JW Tumbles" class we were trying.  We were looking at doing it instead of gymboree, ( it is closer), but I think I still like the gymboree class better.  Besides, we can pay monthly there and have already paid the "member's fee", so it would be easier.  LJ knows the songs and the schedule, so I think we'll stick with gymboree.

Lance's bus pulled into the stadium after their long overnight trip.  It was about 10 a.m., and LJ and I were able to go get him.  When LJ saw him, he started clapping.  He was so excited!  We came home, unloaded the car and played with Rookie at the tennis courts.  At lunch time, we went and ate at the food court in the mall and let LJ play on the playground there.  He loves it so much.  It was SO crowded, and for LJ, the more the merrier.  He would play hard, not look for me, then see me and come running for a hug.  Then, he'd go and play again.  It went that way until time for his nap and we all headed home.

Last night, LJ woke up at midnight crying, then was up at 6 a.m.  It's confusing - he isn't sick, his ears are fine, and I don't think he's getting any teeth.  Who knows - they are so far back there.  I think it's hard - I'm not helping him a whole lot by pulling him in the bed with me in the mornings.  I can't let him "fuss it out", though because we have neighbors trying to sleep on the other side of his paper-thin wall.  It will work itself out, I know.  One day, he'll be ready to sleep...maybe.  :)  That being said , we were all tired.  LJ laid down for his nap and so did we.

Lance didn't have batting practice today after their long trip, so we were able to take a real nap.  When we woke up, we drove Lance to the field.  LJ did very well with him leaving again.  I was worried he'd cry, but I promised him a fun trip to the store as we drove off.  

We went to the store, got the usual stuff - milk, fruit, chicken, ..etc.  We came home, played and ate some dinner.  We were planning on going to the game, but stayed home and played.  I got to catch up with Stacey Bruney on the phone, and we got some good quiet time before his bath. I posted a couple of pictures of him playing in the bubbles. 

So, that's our day.  We're enjoying our time here in Norfolk more and more.  It's really a great city - the YMCA, the proximity of grocery stores, restaurants and the warming weather are making me a fan.  

Lance is home for 5 days, ( I think?)  Then, he heads to Richmond.  Guess who I get to see when he goes there? My nieces Kacy and Tomy!!!!  I was unsure if I'd make the trip, but I can't miss the opportunity to see them.  John, their father, is visiting a friend near Richmond and promised that they can come enjoy the game with me on Saturday.  I'm having little jerseys made for them, just like LJ's, so you can expect some great pictures.  When I heard I'd get to spend the day with them, I was so happy I was practically shaking!  I love those girls so much. If we weren't in a tiny hotel room that weekend, they'd spend the whole weekend with us.  Lance plays in Durham next month, and John said maybe they can come and spend the weekend there then.  Too cool -- I love this location as far as that's concerned.  They are so precious!

OK, well, I'm headed to shower.  We are going to try to go to church tomorrow.  I am praying it goes smoothly.  Lance has a day game, but has "fan day" after.  They have to stay and have dinner at the field, but maybe we can jet out and at least get an ice cream or something after that.  

Love you guys and hope your weekend is great.  Our's is great, especially now that Lance is home.

Love,

Jamie

Doodlebops!!!

We got to go see the Doodlebops Live tonight, and it was so much fun!  LJ loves the doodlebops, so when we found tickets to the show in Norfolk, I was so excited.  I wanted to see how he'd react to his favorite songs being sung live, rather than on tv or on a CD.  We have a Doodlebops CD in our car, always playing.  I know every word, which song is coming next, and LJ has even started singing lyrics before they come up in the songs.  Needless to say, like it or not, we are a Doodlebop family.  :)  

Before the show, we ate at McDonalds and parked in a nearby parking deck.  We arrived very early and were able to walk around, find our seats and even enjoy some popcorn.  We got a Doodlebop "show light", ( like you get at the circus, but a Doodlebop one), and  a program that "came with" a Rooney hat.  Like my dad always said, "It's like Ragu - it's in there".  With a $15 dollar program, I imagine I was paying more for the free hat than the list of characters!  It doesn't matter, though - we got our souvenirs!  Check out the pictures -- it was a blast.  

LJ was a little over-stimulated, and I'm not sure he was able to understand that the real Deedee Doodle was singing right in front of him.  He did his dances, stared and was such a good boy.  It was a really special time.  We left a little early - he was getting tired and antsy, so we wanted to beat the traffic.  On our way out, the "photo booth " - (15 dollars for a photo with Doodlebop cutouts) was closed, but LJ snuck in and I quickly took a picture before the "boss" got back.  It's a little blurry, but we got our picture with the cutouts for free!  Is that stealing?  :)

Otherwise, today was a great day.  LJ was up at 5:20 (?) but we made it to almost 7 a.m. without getting out of bed.  We went to the YMCA again, and LJ WATCHED me wave and leave - NO TEARS!!!!  Amazing.  He was so sweet and cute in his little overalls - what a good boy.  We went for a great swim after my workout - he is so fun in that pool.  He's figured out the little entrances and exits of the kid's pool, so he's all over the place.  It was a great morning.

Lance finishes his road trip tonight (!) and they drive home all night tonight.  Bless their hearts - it's gonna be a long one - about 13 hours.  He's bringing me some great candy, called modjeskas, that we found in Louisville last year.  A candy-maker had fallen in love with a Polish actress, last name Modjeska, and he made a candy in her honor.  It's a home-made marshmallow, dipped in caramel.  Some of them are again dipped in chocolate.  It's sinful.  Lance got to visit with our friend Andy Philips there.  They stopped in and got their wives some - Bethany Philips is pregnant.  I think that gives her a license to eat a box every few days.  He plays in Louisville and can go to Muth's anytime he wants!  Google "Muth's modjeskas" if you are curious - they ship and they are yummy.

Fun times...

Well, another good one.  I'm telling you - aside from having a boy that doesn't need sleep, he's awesome.  He did sleep till 6:15 a.m. this morning, but I don't think that will ever be "long enough" in my book.  It was better, though.  I actually woke up feeling rested.  

We went to the Y again, and he fussed when I left, but they said he played well after.  I got a good workout in and checked on him often.  Every time I went down there, he was playing.

I thought he caught me checking once, but I ducked just in time.  It makes me smile to go down there and see him happy.  It gives me that warm fuzzy feeling ;) .  Those teachers are the best.  After the good workout, I went and picked him up with a basketball.  He made sure to tell everyone there he was going to play "baskball" before we said "thenk uuuu" and headed out to play.   I didn't bring my "A" game today, and LJ defeated me with a jump shot at the buzzer, but I promised him I'd "bring it" tomorrow.  We'll see.

After that, we headed home and had some lunch.  It was a good, quick one, so we were able to take Rookie out to play before we showered.  After some good play time and getting cleaned up, LJ had a good 1 1/2 hour nap.  When he woke up, we got all our stuff ready and headed to the mall.  They have an indoor "playground" - more like climbing on foamy plastic things, but he loves it.  The kids there are all going crazy like they snuck half of their parent's Starbucks, but it is an awesome thing to have in the mall.  It's inside, around people, so you feel safe.  The kids get to run around, so maybe you can convince them to sit still before or after while you shop.   LJ's not there yet but maybe one day. :) At one point, all the kids were laying on the floor like they were playing "dead bug", (remember that game from the skating rink?).  LJ ran over there and laid down with them, too - -I posted a picture.  He's really getting more social, and I loved seeing him play.   

Oh, I forgot - before playing, we ate at Johnny Rockets, and our burgers were pretty good...oh, and we bought the cutest pair of shoes for LJ with little baseballs on them.  They have a squeaker in the heel, so I can hear him anywhere he goes.  He sounds like one of Rookie's squeaky toys walking around.

After all that, we headed home, talked to Me-Maw for a bit and played some more.  After bath time, Me-Maw sang him to sleep with me, and we prayed he'd sleep till "morning light".  Crossing my fingers!  We get to go see Doodlebops live tomorrow, so keep your eye out for pictures.  We are so excited!!!!!  Have a great night's sleep, and we will talk to you soon.

Love,

Jamie

Little notes:

* I finally figured out why LJ beats his chest and roars when he sees an umbrella.  It sounds like "gorilla", and though he knows they look like different things, he thinks they make the same sound!  He does the same kind of thing with "rabbit" - he sees a frog and says, "ribbit" and says the same thing when he sees a bunny.  So cute.

*Miss you, Lance -- only 2 more nights and you'll be home!  Don't forget the modjeskas - chocolate covered and regular -- I think I like the regular the best if I have to choose.  :)

*The birds polished off all the birdseed in the bird-feeders.  I will have to refill them tonight.  My favorite bird, a pigeon who is bald on top,  (he looks like he forgot to put on his hair-piece), got run off the balcony today.  It looked like the other pigeons were picking on him.  If they don't let him get some food, I'll go out there tomorrow.  The cardinal and his girlfriend keep coming back and lots of finches stay all day.  The bluejay makes a cameo appearance once in a while, but he's always alone and leaves quickly.  I'm amazed at how much he looks like the bluejay on the baseball uniform.  

Long days, good days

Hello from Norfolk!  Well, it's just after nine and we are finishing our day.  It was a good one, but it started really early!  For some reason, LJ is waking up at 5:45 a.m., and I don't have the heart or endurance to let him cry.  It breaks my heart and I need Lance's hand to hold if we have to work through that.  He does so good, though, for not getting that sleep.  It may put him at a disadvantage (both of us) to start the day, but we had another good day today.

Because of our early rising, we got to the zoo just as the animals were waking up!  No, just kidding - we did get there when they opened, though.  It only cost SEVEN DOLLARS to go to the zoo!!  It's less than two miles from our house, lucky us, and I know we will be going back soon.  We did the whole zoo by lunch time, and both of us were tired.  It was perfect - a small zoo, and not too much for us to take on together.  LJ was able to walk a lot, and when he got tired, I made sure to stroll him for a while.  

My favorite exhibits were the elephants and the giraffes.  LJ was amazed by them, but that amazement faded quickly and soon he decided he'd rather climb on benches and stuff.  I was gazing at the elephants while making sure he didn't fall.  I think, surprisingly, the chicken coop was his favorite exhibit.  He kept running back in the barn.  We got to pet a pig ( I loved it), and we fed some goats, too.  Even LJ was brave enough to feed one.  He didn't really like it, but he wasn't scared either.  I have posted some pictures of us at the zoo.  What fun!

After that, we grabbed a bite to eat then went to get Rookie out to play.  It's so hard to make LJ stay with me when we take Rookie out.  He knows where the tennis court is now, so any time we go outside, he's headed that way FAST.  So, I just take more trips there.  He enjoys it so much, and Rookie deserves some good fetch time.  When they both tired out, we headed back home and got ready for a nap.  I laid down with LJ today for a bit, and after an hour and a half we were refreshed.

When we got ready, we decided to go back to the zoo park.  The zoo was closed, but I noticed a playground at the park entrance.  We stayed for about an hour, and while we were there, the ice cream man came.  What a blast from the past!  I'll have to remember my money next time and get something with gumballs in it.  LJ and I can share.  We made some friends there - there were other kids, and though I don't know where their parents were, LJ and I enjoyed playing with them.  Some kids are so sweet - you should have seen these boys and girls kicking the ball so soft with LJ.  He followed them around the playground, climbing places that were a bit too hard to climb and sliding down some of the biggest slides.  I took a picture of him at the bottom of a big slide, and he even took a picture of me - check it out.  I know it's not flattering, but he actually got me in the box!

When we got home, we had some dinner, (a toddler meal, soybeans, cheese and strawberries for him, tamales and a salad for me), and then did laundry and played till 8:30 bath time.  It was a good day, and he went down easily.  I just hope he gives me till at least 6:30 tomorrow - that'd be great.  

My bible study was good today.  It was in the book of John, "The sheep follow him because they know His voice".  It drew a parallel - It spoke of an entomologist who visited his neighbor, telling him he had heard over 18 different cricket calls with his natural ear in this man's yard.  The man thought it was funny because he had never heard a single cricket in his yard.  The entomologist's ear wanted to hear the crickets, and he had learned how to listen for them.  In the same way, we must learn to listen to God speaking to us, through practice and desire.  How cool.  I thought that was a neat way to understand that verse.  The entomologist doesn't necessarily FOLLOW the crickets when he hears them, but only by hearing God can we actually know where to follow.  I guess hearing is only a part, but it's the very important - how else would we know where to go!

I hope your day was good.  I'm going to begin picking up and heading to bed, at least to wait for Lance's call.  Have a wonderful night!

Love,

Jamie

Just another day in paradise :) - Just missing Dada

Not much to report today - just the usual YMCA trip, some swimming, lunch at home and a good nap.  We ate dinner at a Peruvian restaurant - were feeling a little frisky tonight.  

LJ had "salchipapa" - cut up hot-dog type sausage and some french fries while I had their sampler appetizer.  From what I can tell, there are a lot of potatoes in Peruvian food, and a lot of carbs.  I saw that most of the entrees were served with both french fries and rice.  Wow -- atkins country they are not!  It was about .7 of a mile from our house, and it was a fun trip.  I saw a greek restaurant and another thai place that maybe we can try for lunch or something sometime this week.  It's always fun to eat a meal out every few days.  It mixes it up, and it keeps LJ used to having to behave in public!  

Tomorrow, I think we are going to go to the zoo.  We are so lucky - the Virginia zoo is less than 2 miles from our house, and I'm so excited for LJ and I to go see it.  If we like it, for 45 dollars, we can buy a membership and go whenever we'd like.  Maybe my dream of befriending a gorilla could finally come true ;)  

I'm going to finish my tea and get ready for bed.  For some reason, LJ was up at 5:40 a.m. this morning, and he's been getting earlier every day.  He even laid down to watch t.v. for a bit this morning after breakfast - see the picture.  He never does that!  The weather here has been cold, windy and rainy, so I hope we're not steering into a cold.  Who knows...maybe there's no explanation and tomorrow he'll sleep till 7:30 a.m.  Let's pray for that!

Love you guys, and Lance we miss you a ton.  It's not the same without you!

~Jamie

Another good one :)

Good evening, or morning, or whenever it is that you are reading this!  It's about 9:15 p.m. here, and we have closed the books on another good day.  LJ actually had his first day of childcare today where he did not cry at all ....not even when I left!  Amazing.  And I thought it couldn't be done!

We started the day with breakfast out.  You know those mornings where you are tired and just feel like going out for breakfast?  Today was one of those days.  LJ was up early again, and the bakery down the street opens for Breakfast at 7 a.m.  It was too tempting, so we went for french toast.  LJ ate a little of everything  - scrambled eggs, sausage, some french toast, blueberries and strawberries.  

 

After breakfast, we came home to take Rookie out and headed to the YMCA.  After an hour of working out, ( so nice ), I went and got LJ so we could play some basketball.  He's such a cutie and walks around the place like he owns it.  It's pretty big, but he knows exactly where the basketballs are and where both the gyms and pool are located.  

After beating him in basketball - it was close, 10 -9, we headed home for showers and lunch.  After some play time, he napped well and was ready to play when he woke up.  We made a quick trip to the grocery store before coming home and bringing Rookie out to play again.  He enjoyed it so much yesterday, I couldn't keep him out of the sunny, albeit cold weather.  Just look at some of those pictures ...that is a happy dog, ( and a happy boy).  We played hard and were ready for dinner at 6:30.  LJ and I shared a package of tortellini and some fruit.  He's really starting to branch out.

I bought him a cupcake at the store, and after a little testing, it didn't stand a chance.  He loved the icing, but didn't want to get his hands dirty!  So silly - I attached a picture of his technique - it was like he was bobbing for apples.

Sorry today is like a list of our activities - it was such a good day, but I am tired now!  Sometimes  you just have better words left in you at the end of  the day.  I hope your day was as great as ours.  We are looking forward to another one just like it tomorrow!

God bless your rest tonight , ( and ours!)

We miss you, Lance!

Love,

Jamie