February 8, 2010
8:19 pm—I caught up with Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning. They went to Bojangles for breakfast and then to the Wigleys’ pond to see the ducks. When Grandpa brought Max home, I carried him over to Granny’s because I had some work I had to get done today. She said he napped for only an hour, but otherwise was in good spirits and had a good time. Becky picked him up on her way home from school.
Grandpa cooked us breakfast for dinner this evening, which was delicious, and we had the good fortune to chat with our friend and neighbor Renae.
When we got home after dinner, Becky gave Max a bath while I finished working on a client’s site, and then she put him to bed. I’m still feeling under the weather, so I’m about to join Max. I’m getting used to the CPAP machine and believe I’m sleeping better. If I can cast aside this sinus infection, I’ll be in much better shape.
February 7, 2010
5:41 pm—Six pictures dating back to January 22:
9:49 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I went into Max’s room to check on him this morning and found him just sitting and playing. He jumped up when he saw me! We gave him a bottle and a little Barney before heading to Granny’s for breakfast. Granny surely was glad to see Mr Max and he was glad to see her.
Max only slept for two-and-a-half hours this afternoon. He got up and was his chipper self. We played for a very long time this afternoon. We did stop long enough to go through the drive-thru at Bojangles. When we pulled around to the window to pick up our food they saw it was Max and gave him a biscuit. How sweet! They really dig our little boy.
Mimi and Grandpa came over for dinner tonight. We had fun talking and playing. When it got time to go Max went with them. He can’t stand for people to go bye-bye without him!
February 6, 2010
10:18 pm—Max and Grandpa went walking and strolling this morning, and I went to the doctor for a fourth round of shots for my sinus infection. Becky joined Max and Grandpa at Bojangles for breakfast. She said Max was the star of the show at Bojangles. She said he blew kisses to the breakfast crew and engaged the other patrons. There was a fellow who, after making Max’s acquaintance, went out in the cold to his car and brought the little fellow a SpongeBob SquarePants golfball. That was so nice and really brightened my day.
Then Becky took the little fellow to Gymboree for play class. She said he played so hard that he wore himself out. As soon as they got home we gave him a bottle and put him down for a nap.
(Posted by Becky)—Max’s nap lasted four hours this afternoon. When he woke up he was ready to play. He was also a little fussy. We think his teeth could be bothering him, so we gave him Motrin. Early this evening I gave the Maxster a bath in the sink, which he really enjoyed. After that we went with Mimi and neighbor Sue to Costco. Max and I never got out of the car because it was too cold for us.
When we got home we played some more before having a bottle and enjoying bedtime stories. After reading Max his stories he brushed his teeth and went to bed.
February 5, 2010
9:39 pm—Max and Grandpa braved the freezing rain to go walking and strolling at the mall this morning. I stayed in bed and tried to get some rest. After Grandpa brought Max home the little fellow and I played for a while. We played chase, which is a new favorite for him, and he climbed the footrest of our recliner a few dozen times. We have to help him with this because he’s unsteady when trying to get back to the floor from the recliner.
We went over to Granny’s after playing. She cooked breakfast for me and fed Max. Granny and I entertained Max for a short while before I brought him home to give him his bottle and put him down for a nap.
He slept for only an hour-and-a-half before I heard him crying. I picked him up, changed his dipe, and put him back in his bassinet. Believe it or not, he didn’t cry one bit.
When the little fellow woke up, it was time for Becky to be home. The three of us went to Chili’s for an early dinner. Max played for about an hour when we returned, and then he and Becky went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for a visit. Max tried to eat spaghetti for the first time. Geez, that’s difficult for me to eat, and Max had an especially difficult time. Becky said Max pretty much covered Mimi and Grandpa’s chairs with spaghetti.
Shortly after coming home the little fellow squeezed in a little more playtime before getting his bottle and bedtime stories. Becky read him two books, one of them three times. As I was just getting ouf of the shower, he reeled me in to read him that same book twice more. I let him storm our office so he could steal our computer’s trackball. Then Becky put the little fellow down for the night.
I haven’t felt well today. This sinus infection and sleep apnea are really kicking my butt. The CPAP worked well last night until 4:30 this morning, when I awoke due to the discomfort from the mask. I took off the mask and snored Becky into the guest bedroom. Before she left, though, I heard her wake up trying to catch a breath. I may not be the only one around here with sleep apnea. I’m behind with some work and with a few personal projects, so I hope things will improve soon.
Max is in excellent health, and I’m very, very thankful for that.
February 4, 2010
9:25 pm—Max’s day began the usual way, with a walk at the mall with Grandpa and me and breakfast with Grandpa. Then Grandpa carried the little fellow to Walmart and let him run the aisles. Grandpa said Max didn’t want to leave.
Max took a four-hour nap this afternoon, and he was in a chipper mood when he awoke. Becky and I changed his dipe and gave him some food and a bottle. We played with him for about two hours before he and Becky went out to do a couple of errands.
Grandpa phoned and asked if Max could spend the night with them tonight, so that’s where the little fellow is right now.
February 3, 2010
10:21 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max woke up before I left this morning. He was his normal cheerful self. He went walking and strolling with his daddy and Grandpa and then to Bojangles with Grandpa. Max stayed with Granny today because Jaddie had an appointment. Granny said he was a good little fellow. She said she had a hard time filling Max up. We’ve had that problem around here lately. He goes and gets his highchair and drags it around wanting food. We think the little fellow must be going through a growth spurt.
With the weather being nice today, Max, Grandpa, and I got to take a golf cart ride. Our ride didn’t last long, and we even had to push the cart back home. We ran out of battery juice. When the cart ran out of juice Grandpa decided to walk Max through the neighborhood. Max’s favorite place to be right now is outside. When we try to take him back inside he gets upset.
When we got home Max had a few meltdowns from being tired. He only took an hour-and-a-half nap, so we gave him some milk at 6:00. The little fellow slept until Jaddie finished his shower and I was finishing my bath. That’s when we saw him standing up in the corner of his bassinet with a big smile on his face. I fed him a bottle and put him in bed with me and let him watch Barney. We’ll put him back in his bed in a few minutes, and we hope he sleeps through the night.
We noticed last night Max has three new teeth. We think his new choppers might account for some of his out-of-character crankiness. Maybe this is just wishful thinking.
February 2, 2010
9:18 pm—As usual, Maxiboy slept well last night. Becky gave him a juice bottle and he and I watched Barney from our bed. I’m still not feeling well, so I wimped out of walking again this morning.
Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles, but this morning Max stayed with Grandpa instead of coming home. I had to carry Granny to her eye doctor for a follow-up appointment from last week’s cataract surgery. We got a good report on Granny’s eyes. She just needs to lubricate them more often to speed the healing.
I picked up Max at Mimi and Grandpa’s on my way home. I fed the little fellow some puffs and a juice bottle, and that seemed to make him happy. Becky came home from school and took Max on an errand with her. When they returned, Becky cooked dinner and Mimi and Grandpa joined us. After dinner Mimi and Becky gave Max a bath. He was a pretty happy fellow after his bath—well, at least until he got tired and had a little meltdown. Becky poked a milk bottle in his kisser and all was just swell. After he finished his bottle, she put him to bed, and that’s where Becky and I will be in just a few minutes.
My second night with the CPAP wasn’t a success, but it was better than the night before. I used it for nearly an hour before getting anxious that I had the machine and/or mask set up incorrectly. I have an appointment with a sleep clinic tomorrow, and I figured I’d wait until I met with someone who knows all about this. Sometime during the night my snoring woke Becky and she ordered me to put the mask back on. She said I didn’t snore when I used the mask.
I feel a teensy bit more confident about using the machine and mask, so I’m going to try to stick with it all through the night tonight. If I’m successful I know Becky will be much happier. And from the handful of people I’ve heard from who use CPAPs or have spouses who do, I’ll be happier, too.
I apologize for not sharing more pictures here lately. I haven’t felt very creative and the images I’ve shot show that. I picked a few images this morning and we’ll share those here in the next day or two.
February 1, 2010
9:20 pm—Grandpa and Max went walking and strolling this morning before heading to Bojangles for breakfast. I didn’t walk this morning because the crud has a firm hold on my sinuses.
Max enjoyed a lot of playtime this morning before I laid him down for a nap. He slept four-and-a-half hours today. He hasn’t slept that long in a good while.
Once he was up, we played on the stairs and read a few books over and over. Becky got home shortly after 5:00 and took the reigns. It wasn’t long before Grandpa had dinner cooked, so we went over there for dinner. Mimi and Becky gave the little fellow a bath, and then he ran around and played for a short while before we came home.
Becky fed him a bottle and read him two bedtime stories, one of them repeatedly. Then, shortly after 8:00, the little fellow went to bed. We’ll leave him in his bed tonight so we can get some rest.
I tried my CPAP last night for the first time, but I couldn’t figure out how to breathe while using it. I’m accustomed to breathing in and out through my nose, but it’s difficult to breathe out when air is constantly being pumped in. I was afraid I wasn’t doing it right, so I laid the mask down and went to sleep. Surely enough, later in the night Becky said my snoring woke her and she had to sleep in our guest bedroom. So I’ll try again tonight and try to stick with it.
January 31, 2010
10:07 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max was a very rough bed fellow last night. The little fellow tossed and turned until we couldn’t take it anymore. Shortly after 3:00 am Jaddie put Max in his crib. Mr Max didn’t like that but finally went back to sleep. He got up around 8:30 this morning. He was his normal cheerful self. He watched Barney and drank a bottle. He got a new Barney video last night when we went to Walmart. It’s the Barney Valentine. He surely noticed the new video was different from his usual Barney feature when it started playing this morning. Mr Max doesn’t miss a beat!
We went to Granny’s for breakfast. Max was a good eater this morning. I guess with all that tossing and turning last night he worked up an appetite. When we got home Max and I took a three-hour nap. Max was in his bassinet and I was right beside him in the bed. I thought that would enable us to take a longer nap. When we got up we played really hard. Max is full blast when he’s awake. Early this afternoon we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for a visit. Grandpa has been out of town since Tuesday and he was missing his Maxipoo. Max was certainly glad to see Grandpa. We stayed for dinner. After dinner Jaddie and I came home and Max stayed with Mimi and Grandpa. I just called to check on him and he and Grandpa are already fast asleep. Jaddie will catch up with them in the morning.
January 30, 2010
10:18 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up shortly after 7:00 this morning. We had breakfast from Bojangles. We didn’t go there; I went and picked it up. Not long after breakfast Max and I went to Gymboree for play class. Max hugged a little girl in class today. Max’s hug made the little girl cry. I’m glad the little fellow will never know of his rejection. Even though this happened today Max had a ball at play class.
Max enjoyed a long nap on this cold and rainy day. When he got up he played super-hard. Early this evening Mimi came over for a visit. Max and I went with her to Costco and Walmart. While out we got to see it really snow. Max seemed to really enjoy this.
Max is fast asleep in his crib. We plan to scoop up the little fellow and carry him to bed with us. This is a perfect night to snuggle!
January 29, 2010
9:21 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max woke up 6:45 this morning. We changed him, gave him a bottle, and turned Barney on for him. When I left for school he was as happy as a lark. Jaddie and Max spent most of the day at Granny’s because our housekeeper was cleaning. Jaddie said Max had a time exploring all of Granny’s cabinets. He especially loves her cans. They came home shortly before I got home from school. Max was in a pretty good mood. He was his usual self until he started to get tired. He only took a short nap while at Granny’s.
We laid Max down for what we thought would be a short nap. The little fellow was still asleep at 8:20, and we needed to get in our bedroom to start taking our showers, so we woke him. This was a big mistake. He didn’t want to get up and nothing would please him. I finally put him in his crib and he isn’t making noise. My bet is that he’s already asleep again. I bet he’ll be ready to party around 4:00 am. Jaddie and I are hurrying to bed to get as much sleep as possible.
January 28, 2010
9:17 pm—Max went walking with Grandpa this morning, and I went back to the doctor for this sinus infection that won’t go away. The morning wasn’t all bad, though. When I arrived at my doctor’s, my uncle Larry was parked in the parking lot waiting for the office to open. He was there for a sinus infection, too. The time passed quickly because Larry and I were able to chat while we waited for the doctor.
I picked up Max from Mimi and Grandpa’s when I came home from the doctor’s. He and I played for a while, I fed him some puffs and a bottle of juice, and Grandpa came over to get the little fellow when it was time for me to leave again. I had to carry Granny to her eye doctor for a follow-up appointment from yesterday’s cataract surgery. Other than being tired of putting four different medicines on her eyes every two to four hours, she’s doing well.
Max is wearing us out. He’s very busy and goes at most things a hundred miles per hour. Mimi thought he was playing with his toys today when she was on the computer, but when she turned around she found Mr Max standing on her coffee table. He wants to climb everything he finds right now. He’s learned how to climb up in our living room recliner, and he practiced that a few dozen times today.
Max, Mimi, and Becky went to the mall this evening and saw aunt Jean while there. It’s been about a month since Jean saw Max, so that was a fortunate coincidence.
He’s asleep in his bed now, and that’s where we’re going to leave him tonight. Becky and I are tired and believe we’d be in bad shape if we didn’t get a decent night’s rest tonight.
January 27, 2010
11:03 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max went walking with Grandpa this morning. Then they went to their favorite breakfast place, Bojangles. Max spent the morning with Grandpa until Jaddie picked him up around 1:15. When Max got home he was really ready for a nap. He tried to take a nap at Mimi and Grandpa’s but Mimi’s garage door opening woke him. Max slept until 5:30 today.
When Max got up we got ready to go out to dinner. We went out for Mexican. Max seemed to really enjoy cheese enchiladas. After eating them he’d say, “Mmmm.” After leaving the restaurant we stopped by to visit Granny. She had her second cataract surgery this morning, and we wanted to check on her. While we were there Max tried to empty out her cabinets. She didn’t seem to mind.
Max was saying “dada” today. Jaddie thinks he’s just babbling and doesn’t mean it as Daddy. Just the same it’s new and very cute!
Max and I enjoyed some very sweet snuggle time tonight. We read a book, listened to music, and did Max’s favorite fingerplay, Five Green and Speckled Frogs. Max is now asleep and Jaddie and I aren’t far behind.
January 26, 2010
9:06 pm—Grandpa came over early this morning to pick up his favorite little walking and breakfast buddy. I had to prepare for a photoshoot, so I didn’t walk this morning. After breakfast Grandpa carried Max over to Granny’s for the day. The little fellow came home with Becky shortly before 4:00 pm.
I had my best-ever shoot today. Kat Flynt of Flynt Makeup Academy held a makeup session today here at my studio, and we created some of my best images.
Max, Becky, and I went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Mimi and Becky gave Max a bath after dinner, and then he put on a big show for us, running around Mimi and Grandpa’s staircase, giggling and smiling all the way. He’s spending the night with Mimi and Grandpa tonight, so I’ll catch up with him tomorrow.
January 25, 2010
10:13 pm—Grandpa kept Max this morning while I went to the doctor. While I was gone, Grandpa had a meeting in which he was trying to sell some real estate. Mimi was busy exercising, so Grandpa decided to take the little fellow to the meeting. Well, first of all, Grandpa couldn’t leave home because Max had lost Grandpa’s car keys. Then, when Grandpa finally got to the meeting, Max was interested in just two things: (1) emptying his bowels, and (2) showing everyone just how dissatisfied he was with current affairs. When I returned from my appointment, Grandpa’s mood was not chipper, to say the least. I could see the steam radiating from his scalp as he shook his head and sighed, “It’s just a typical morning for me, just a typical morning.”
Max came home with me and took a four-hour nap. When he awoke and got a fresh dipe and a juice bottle, Becky came home and we decided to phone Grandpa to let him know that Max was ready in case he needed to transact any further business today.
Mimi and Grandpa came over tonight for a visit, and Max got a bottle and went to bed just when they were leaving.
January 24, 2010
3:55 pm—I’ve finally ordered a CPAP, and it should be here by Wednesday evening. I really hope it stops me from snoring and enables Becky and me to get a much higher quality of rest. I’m keeping Becky from sleeping, too. My loud and incessant snoring is waking her and keeping her awake.
We let Max sleep with us last night and the night before. We love to snuggle up with our favorite little fellow, but having him in bed with us isn’t helping our sleep problems.
As I write this on my iPhone downstairs, Becky and the little fellow are upstairs asleep. Max got us up at 6:40 this morning. Becky stayed up with him and took him to Walgreen’s with her while I went back to bed. She got me up shortly before 9:00, and then we headed to Granny’s for breakfast. As soon as we got home Becky fed Max a bottle and the two of them took a nap.
Becky was exhausted because of my snoring, but she didn’t get to nap for long. Mr Max awoke in less than two hours. Becky brought the little fellow to me and went back to bed. He and I played for a while, and I read a few short books to him. Shortly, Becky came down to check on us and decided to give the little fellow some more milk and put him in his bassinet in our room. And that’s where he is right now. Becky’s in bed in the same room, but he may not be aware of that. If he were, I believe he would have given us a hard time about going back to bed.
I’m tired, too, even though I got nearly ten hours of rest last night. I’ve had two Monster energy drinks and a gallon of tea. That’s why I’m writing the blog now; when the caffeine begins to dissipate, I’m sure I’ll crash.
There are a few sounds Max is making now that I want to note here. He says, “a-doe” (a door), “apuh” (apple), “Mmmm” (when he takes a bite of food), “Ola” (taught to him by SpongeBob SquarePants on our iPhones, “aight” (mostly denoting ice but sometimes the number eight), and “dook” (duck). There are other sounds he makes, too, but I don’t have a clue what he’s saying.
This week is going to be busy. I hope Becky and I get some restorative sleep tonight so we can get the workweek started on the right foot.
10:10 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max has been saying Mama more today. It’s super sweet! I can’t wait to hear it tomorrow!
January 23, 2010
10:46 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up around 7:00 this morning. He slept with us for most of the night until he started flipping like a fish. He was a happy camper when he woke up this morning. Jaddie, Max, and Grandpa went walking this morning. I had to go to a reading and writing class for school. And, of course, Grandpa and Max went to Bojangles.
Max enjoyed a four-hour nap this afternoon. When he got up he had serious bed hair. We took a picture to share later. Not long after getting up we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s because Mimi had made Max some cornbread. We stayed a while and visited.
When Max and I got home we all three played for a while. Jaddie and I took turns reading Max several of his favorite books. It wasn’t long before Max started getting tired. We gave him a bottle, snuggled with him, and played some more before putting him to bed. We plan to scoop him up and put him in bed with us when we go to bed.
January 22, 2010
10:07 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night, and Jaddie was a little late meeting them at the mall. Grandpa had an errand to run, and Jaddie didn’t have the car seat in his car, so Jaddie’s walk was cut short. Mimi had dressed the little fellow in the cutest red overalls. Jaddie took a picture of them and sent it to me. They were precious!
Max enjoyed a three-hour nap today. Jaddie heard him cough several times. The little fellow is having a hard time shaking this cough. When he got up it wasn’t long before I was home from school. His mood has been on and off. He just doesn’t seem to feel a hundred percent.
Mimi called and asked if she could keep Max for Jaddie and me to go out to dinner. We just couldn’t resist that offer, so Mimi came down to our house to get Maxiboy. The two of them walked back to her house. She used Max’s monkey on his back that functions as a cute leash to keep Max close on their walk. Max tends to go in all directions. Grandpa eventually came along and picked them up on the golf cart.
When we got home Max, Jaddie, and I played for a while before Max got tired. Jaddie read him a couple of books, and I read him a couple of books and gave him a bottle. The little fellow is fast asleep in his crib. I just checked in on him.
A special note from yesterday: while at Granny’s last night Max said “Mama” clearly. Granny and I couldn’t believe it. I have been trying hard to get him to say it again today, but I haven’t had any luck. I certainly enjoyed it yesterday, though.
January 21, 2010
9:03 pm—Today was pretty typical. Max and I met Grandpa at the mall for our walk/stroll, and Grandpa and Max went to Bojangles for breakfast. Max came home, played, ate, and took a three-hour nap. Then he and I went over to Granny’s for a while, and Becky picked him up and brought him home early this evening. Grandpa called Becky to see if Max could spend the night with him and Mimi, so that’s where the little fellow is right now. I’ll catch up with him in the morning.
January 20, 2010
8:36 pm—One from Friday, one from Saturday, one from Sunday, and nine from Monday:
Today on Max’s seventeen-month birthday, he and I arrived at the mall just a few seconds before Grandpa this morning. They went to Bojangles after our walk/stroll, and then they went to see the ducks at Mr and Mrs Wigley’s pond. The little fellow and I played for a while this morning before he had brunch and a bottle. Grandpa came back to fix our television cable, and Max and I supervised the operation.
Today’s nap lasted three-and-a-half hours. I was as quiet as a mouse and stayed downstairs while the little fellow napped in his bassinet in our bedroom upstairs. I did my daily Web browsing on my iPhone. The iPhone is a revolutionary technological marvel, but it’s not very well suited to heavy duty-Web browsing compared to a desktop or notebook computer, mainly due to having to zoom in and pan around to see content.
When the little fellow woke up, I changed his dipe and walked down the the mailbox with him on my shoulders. The weather was nice, so I decided we’d trek over to Mimi and Grandpa’s to see what they were up to. We stayed a few minutes and headed back to our house. Max was cranky by the time we got back home, but his mood became a lot more cheerful once he drank a juice bottle.
The good mood was on and off throughout the evening. Our little fellow has a cold and a serious case of crankiness. The advice nurse at Max’s pediatrician’s office said there’s nothing they can prescribe for a cold and that the typical toddler cold lasts about two weeks. I reckon I can deal with that, but I hope this new component of Max’s personality isn’t permanent.
Mimi came over this evening and played with Max for a little while, and then Becky took him out for a quick trip to the dollar store. They found a couple of cute flip-up books on their outing. They watched Wheel of Fortune together this evening. Well, Max was more into his goldfish crackers than the television, but he was there in spirit.
Becky fed him a bottle, read him a story, and put him to bed shortly before 8:00. We put some saline in his nose just before we put him down for the night. That got his diaper in a twist, but he soon got over it and didn’t make a bit of noise once Becky laid him down.
January 19, 2010
10:42 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept in this morning. Jaddie had to wake the little fellow to go walking. We think he’s battling a small cold. When he got up they headed to meet Grandpa at the mall. Then he and Grandpa went to Bojangles for their morning breakfast.
Max came home and played with Daddy for a while before taking his nap. He slept for only two-and-a-half hours today. Grandpa was ripping and raring to take the little fellow on a golf cart ride to see the ducks when he got up. When I got home from school I saw Grandpa and Max walking through the neighborhood. Max’s favorite place to be right now is outside. I walked with them a little before heading home to get the cart to give them a lift. The hills in our subdivision are a little hard on Max.
Max visited with neighbors Mr Stephen and Miss Dale. He loves them! When it was time to leave Grandpa said he had a fit! That’s when he brought him home to me. In fact, he made me meet him the cul-de-sac. He was right—Max wasn’t a happy fellow. I gave him a bottle of milk and things started looking up. We had a great time playing together while Jaddie worked on pictures. Max grabbed me three times and pulled me close for kisses. This was the highlight of my day!
This evening we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Max was a good eater. We had to leave pretty quickly because Grandpa was trying to watch the Barrett-Jackson auction on television. Mr Max had other plans, like having Grandpa read to him. When we got home I read Max a bedtime story and gave him a bottle. The little fellow is sound asleep.
January 18, 2010
9:15 pm—I met Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning. They were on their last lap when I was on my first. Becky met them at Bojangles for breakfast and Max came home with her.
After playing for a little while, Maxiboy went down for his nap, and Becky headed out to run a few errands. The little fellow slept only two-and-a-half hours before I heard him talking in his bassinet. Mimi and Grandpa wanted to take him for a ride on the golf cart, so that’s where he headed once I gave him a fresh dipe and a few veggie puffs.
Max stayed with Mimi and Grandpa until Becky came home, and then the three of us went to nearby Bogan Park to take advantage of the gorgeous weather we had today. The little fellow wasn’t feeling the best in the world. He has a runny nose and doesn’t seem to be at his best. But we still managed to have a great time and get a lot of good pictures, which I should have time to post in the next day or two.
Two things Max has developed and displayed for the past week are a temper and a tantrum. Dr Smiley, his pediatrician, calls it the “terrible twos.” She says it comes on beginning around fifteen months. In two days Max will be seventeen months old, so I guess it’s about time. We’re trying to ignore his behavior or simply not give in to the tantrums. Just a few moments after a tantrum, he can be very sweet, jovial, and affectionate. The little fellow has to learn to have just a little patience. And I reckon Becky and I will have to develop some patience of our own in helping Max develop same.
When we came home from the park, neighbors Renae and Candy stopped by for a visit. After they left Becky gave Max a bath, I fed him a bottle, and then the little fellow went to bed. That was shortly after 7:00 and I don’t believe the little fellow was ready for bed right then. I heard him yacking from his bed a few times, but he never cried.
Becky and her mother ventured down to the mall to see The Blind Side. Becky texted me while ago to tell me they were enjoying the movie. When I finish writing this, I’m going to finish cleaning our humidifier and then scoop up the little fellow and put him in bed with me. Becky can join us after the movie.
January 17, 2010
11:03 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Three from Wednesday, two from Thursday, and one from Friday:
Max got up around 8:00 this morning. We gave him a dipe, wipe, and a bottle. Then the little fellow enjoyed watching Barney from bed with us. When we all got up we headed to Granny’s for breakfast. After breakfast Max and I went to buy Max a cute monkey shirt we saw in the newspaper. We not only found the shirt we went after but another really cute one, too.
When we got home Max was ready for his nap. I snuggled with the little fellow until he was fast asleep. He napped for about two-and-a-half hours. When he got up we had lunch and then played with his toys. Grandpa called this afternoon and asked if his favorite grandson could come play, so Max went to Mimi and Grandpa’s until the three of them returned for dinner. Max was good little eater tonight. We had soup, salad, and pinwheels (little sandwiches). After dinner we gave the Maxster a bath in the sink before he went home to spend the night with Mimi and Grandpa. We’ll catch up with the little fellow in the morning.
January 16, 2010
10:58 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max went walking with Grandpa this morning, and then they went to Bojangles for breakfast. I joined them there. We enjoyed breakfast with Miss Joyce. Max wanted to drink her coffee.
Max and I went to Gymboree today. He had a blast. He climbed all over everything! He wasn’t much for the group games. Maybe he’ll come around. When we left Gymboree he went to Mimi and Grandpa’s to take his nap. Our housekeeper was cleaning and he can’t sleep through her noise. When he woke up, Mimi, Grandpa, Max, and I went to Red Lobster for a late lunch. Jaddie was working. Max was a good boy at Red Lobster.
Max and I played at Mimi and Grandpa’s until he was almost ready for bed. We came home, snapped a few pictures, and got ready for bed. Max was super-tired because his nap was only two hours long today. Jaddie and I are getting ready for bed, too.
January 15, 2009
(This entry was written from our memories on January 17 at 10:48 pm. I posted the original entry from our old PowerBook and forgot to save it to a local drive. When we posted last night’s entry from our main Mac, I overwrote the file, effectively deleting our original post for January 15.)
Aunt Shirley and uncle Bill took care of Max while I took Granny to her follow-up appointment after having cataract surgery, and we’re very appreciative of their enthusiasm for our little fellow. Max stayed with Granny and Shirley after we returned from the eye doctor, and I came home to work on a client’s Web site. Some disk maintenance that I began at 9:07 that morning was still underway, and I wasn’t able to use our main computer.
Becky brought Max home with her, and the three of us went to Chili’s for an early dinner. Max was a good boy for most of dinner, but he staged a loud protest when we took the water away that he was having fun spitting out. I took him out to the parking lot to distract him from the fact that we’d taken something away from him, and when we returned all was well and the rest of dinner went smoothly.
Max went to Mimi and Grandpa’s to spend the night, Becky went to a Bunco party, and I stayed home and watched a movie.
January 14, 2010
10:07 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max went walking with Daddy this morning. When they got home they played and then had some puffs. That’s Max’s favorite food. Max took a four-hour nap this afternoon. When he got up he was recharged and ready to go! His new development today is climbing up in the recliner without any help. He’s very proud of himself. Again today he’s been all about climbing and reading. I think Jaddie finally had to hide his Maisy’s Favorite Instruments book after reading it more than two dozen times.
Max accompanied me to PTA tonight. He ran all over Ivy Creek Elementary and had a big time. My friend Jodi gave him a chocolate chip cookie and he will love her from this day forward! He had cookie from ear to ear, saying “Mmmm.” When we got home Max played a while before crashing. I gave him a bottle, read him a book, and tucked him in. He’s asleep in his bed and Jaddie are soon heading to bed.
January 13, 2010
10:07 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max went walking with his daddy this morning. When they got home they played before Max went down for his nap. He took a three-hour nap and then was ready to go. When I got home I could tell Max and Daddy had been playing and having a good time. Toys everywhere were the giveaway! Max has been super-interested in reading today. He especially loves his simple board books. He had Daddy reading them back to back, and when I got home we both were on reading duty!
This evening Mimi can over for a visit. Max was happy to see her. He showed her his new trick, climbing on the ottoman. He’s a little monkey for sure. When Mimi left Max was ready for bed. I gave the little sweetie his bottle, read him a book, and then he was ready for Sleepytown. I heard Jaddie say the sweetest thing ever tonight to Max. He said, “Max I love you more tonight then I did this morning.” Jaddie is always telling Max he loves him, but I thought this was super sweet!
January 12, 2010
10:09 pm—Three from last Tuesday and three from last Thursday:
Max and I met Grandpa at the mall this morning, but they made just two laps before heading to Bojangles for breakfast. Grandpa wanted to finish the morning routine early so he could get an early start on his trip to south Georgia.
Max, Grandpa, and I went over to Granny’s to get Granny’s truck loaded onto a dolly so Grandpa could tow it to south Georgia for repairs. He said it was a long trip because he had to drive slow and keep checking his own truck’s gauges to make sure it wasn’t overheating.
Max didn’t get back home to begin his nap until nearly 1:00. He slept for just three hours before waking up ready to play. He ran a couple of errands with Becky before stopping at Mimi’s for a visit. Then he came home and played for a while longer before going to bed. Becky and I are going to scoop him up when we go to bed in a few minutes.
January 11, 2010
9:56 pm—It’s been a busy day. I met Max and Grandpa at the mall, and they went to Bojangles for breakfast. Then we went to Granny’s to pick up a bed and other stuff for cousin Chase to use in his new apartment. Max got to play with Granny while Grandpa and I loaded his truck. When I got home with Max he was asleep and wouldn’t wake up, so I put him down for his nap without a bottle.
Two hours into his nap he awoke with a dirty diaper. I cleaned him up, fed him a bottle, and took him back over to Granny’s to let her keep him while I worked on pictures. Becky picked up the little fellow after school and took him to Mimi and Grandpa’s for a while. Mimi kept Max and gave him a bath while Grandpa and Becky went out for dinner.
Max went with Mimi and Becky to run a couple of errands this evening before coming home. As soon as he got home, Becky fed him a bottle, read him a story, and put him to bed. With any luck, we’ll be in bed, too, within twenty minutes.
January 10, 2010
9:12 pm—Three from January 2 and three from January 3:
10:25 pm—(Posted by Becky)—After picking up Max at Mimi and Grandpa’s this morning, we headed to Granny’s for breakfast. Max didn’t eat a lot, so we’re thinking he ate at Mimi and Grandpa’s. Max was very happy to see Granny, and she was also glad to see him.
When we got home Max was so ready for his nap. He even fell asleep in the car on the way home. The little fellow enjoyed a four-and-a-half-hour nap. For the past few days different things have kept our little man from getting his beauty rest, so we’re happy he got a full nap today.
When Max got up we played hard. Max also tested a few limits. He always wants to stand on our hearth, and that’s something we are against. We had to go round and round about that a few times this afternoon. We’ve seen a lot of willfulness and tantrums over the past few days, and we’re trying to remain firm while still being nurturing.
After dinner tonight Grandpa called to ask if his favorite fellow could spend the night with him. Max is always ready to go “bye-bye,” so off he went. Jaddie will catch up with him in the morning.
January 9, 2010
7:22 pm—Six from Christmas Day through New Year’s Eve:
We let Max sleep in his bed last night and that proved to be a wise decision. He let us sleep until after 8:00 this morning. Becky took the little fellow to Mimi and Grandpa’s this morning so she could run a few errands and I could work on the computer, and I haven’t seen him since.
Mimi, Grandpa, Becky, and Max went down to the mall late this afternoon, and they were still there about an hour ago. When Becky called I could hear Max trying his best to sing along to the Barney song “If All The Raindrops.” He was doing a pretty good job, too.
Mr Max is going to spend the night with Mimi and Grandpa tonight.
January 8, 2010
1:24 pm—Thanks to some freezing roads and a light dusting of snow, Becky got the day off, and I’m finally getting around to editing a huge backlog of images. First up will be Max and Santa at the mall and some family portraits from Becky’s side of the family.
Max went walking with Grandpa this morning, but Becky and I stayed home and slept in. The little fellow got us up shortly after 6:00 this morning, so we were glad to have the chance to sleep late. Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast and brought breakfast to us. Max played for a while and now’s he’s taking his nap. Grandpa is coming over to sit with the little fellow while Becky and I go to The Olive Garden for lunch.
6:00 pm—A dozen images from last month:
10:20 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max woke up early from his nap because he needed a diaper change. He was in a good mood despite not getting a full nap. Max was full blast this afternoon. He played with almost every toy he has. We even did a lot of dancing to Barney. He has several songs of Barney’s that he knows the hand motions for and tries to imitate Barney’s motions when the songs play. This is super cute to watch!
Before going to bed tonight Max went with Mimi and Grandpa to pay Miss Dale and Mr Stephen a visit. He always has a blast at their house. When Grandpa brought him home he was ready for bed, and Jaddie and I are headed there, too.
January 7, 2010
9:27 pm—Max’s plumbing was backed up again but reopened itself this afternoon. We were worried about him yesterday and last night, and this morning he even missed having breakfast at Bojangles with Grandpa because of his condition, but now he’s doing better and we know we shouldn’t take any holidays from Miralax for a while.
We put in our laps this morning at the mall, but Max came home with me. His nap was shortened by his having to potty, but that misery was fairly short-lived, and the little fellow was soon in a great mood and having a blast.
Becky gave him a bath tonight, and Mimi and Grandpa came over to see him. He went to bed early because he was tired, and we’re about to go to bed, too. The little fellow slept with us last night and the night before, and since all went really well, we’re going to scoop him up and take him to bed with us tonight, too.
I can’t imagine a more wonderful child.
January 6, 2010
9:26 pm—Today was my first day back walking at the mall in about three or four weeks. Max and I met Grandpa there and put in our laps before they headed to Bojangles for breakfast.
Max and I have enjoyed a jolly time today. That boy has laughed, run, and played anytime he’s been awake today. He loves having us chase him around the house. He laughs so hard that he can hardly run, staggering instead and sometimes running into the walls and furniture.
Becky had some minor surgery after school today to remove a little bump from her eyelid and one from her nose. The surgeon didn’t sedate her, so if you know Becky, you know she’s climbing the walls about the experience. “Jaddie, I saw them sewing up my eye!” Well, there is one stitch, so I guess she did.
I had time to work on pictures today, but by the time I got caught up on tech news and responded to a few emails, Maxipoo was awake and in dire need of a fresh dipe. Maybe tomorrow.
January 5, 2010
9:18 pm—Max woke Mimi and Grandpa at 4:00 this morning, but they didn’t seem to mind. I assume Grandpa and Max went walking and to Bojangles for breakfast, but I don’t know for sure.
I went to the doctor this morning for another round of shots and more antibiotics for this clingy sinus infection. Then I took Granny to her eye doctor for a follow-up appointment to see how her eye’s doing after yesterday’s cataract surgery. She’s doing very well. Her reading-distance vision is better than average on this first day after surgery. We’ll visit her doctor again next week for another follow-up.
When I returned from Granny’s, Grandpa pressure-tested my car’s cooling system and found a leak in my radiator that we believe will wait until the weather warms up. He also took my car to Sam’s to have the tires fixed. Sam’s put on one new tire and fixed the tire that had a screw in it. Then Grandpa came over with his truck and hauled our massive load of trash to the curb. I appreciate Grandpa’s help very much!
I had a lot of fun playing with Mr Max this afternoon and evening. I haven’t had much time with the little fellow lately, and it was wonderful being with him again. He hugged his plushies, George, and had fun with Becky and me. I look forward to having more time with the little fellow tomorrow.
We have a lot of pictures to share. Maybe I’ll have some energy tomorrow during Max’s nap and can pick and process a few images to share here.
January 4, 2010
9:27 pm—Max has been with Mimi and Grandpa all day and is spending the night with them again tonight, which is the third night in a row. They kept the little fellow last night because I had to take Granny for cataract surgery early this morning. We had an early dinner at Mimi and Grandpa’s around 5:00 pm, and then Mimi, Becky, and Max took Granny some soup.
Grandpa said Max woke them at 3:00 again this morning and wanted to show them his nose, so I can’t believe they wanted to keep the little fellow again tonight. I’m not complaining, though, because I’m tired after not sleeping well last night and having a long day today.
January 3, 2010
10:44 pm—(Posted by Becky)—The little fellow woke Mimi and Grandpa at 3:00 this morning. They gave him a bottle and he went back to sleep. Lately Max has been eating like a government mule! This morning we went to Granny’s for breakfast. Max was happy to see her and she was happy to see her Maxipoo. After breakfast Jaddie, Max, Granny, and I went to the basement so Max could get his first haircut. He was very good and still during his clipping. Of course we took pictures and will share those soon. Max looks like a little boy and not a baby anymore, which makes me want to cry.
Max enjoyed a nice nap this afternoon. When he got up he was ready to play! We played with many of his new toys from Santa. He especially loves his new Very Hungry Caterpillar flipbook. He usually runs back and forth from Jaddie to me wanting us to read it to him. I’m tickled pink that he loves books!
Mimi and Grandpa came over for dinner tonight. Max ate so well. He loved the chicken casserole I made. His new thing is to say, “Mmmm” after he eats something he likes. It’s super cute!
Mimi and Grandpa took Max with them when they left. Grandpa had already called dibs on him for tonight. Jaddie and I are about to turn in for the night.
January 2, 2010
11:12 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max was playing in his crib around 9:00 this morning when I went to check on him. I scooped him up and put him in bed with us for a bottle and Barney. Not long afterward, Grandpa called and wanted us to go to Bojangles with him, so that’s where we went. Our neighbor Greg was there. He gave Max one of his hashbrowns and Max loved it! Grandpa is convinced he’ll have to spring for them every morning from now on.
I took Max to Gymboree today and he had a blast. He really enjoyed dancing, climbing, and seeing Jimbo the Clown. When we came home Max was ready for a nap. He slept until 5:15.
When Max got up he had a bad dirty diaper. Jaddie had a big job on his hands because I was at the mall with Mimi. When I got home Max got a bath and then we all played hard. Max enjoyed playing with a new toy from Christmas that uncle Dale and aunt Marlene gave him.
When it was time to put Max to bed I realized we didn’t have any whole milk for his bottle, so I called Mimi and Grandpa to borrow some. When Max and I got down there they convinced me to let Max crash with them tonight, so that’s where he is. Jaddie and I are headed to bed, and we’ll catch up with little fellow in the morning.
January 1, 2010
9:32 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I scooped Max up at 4:00 this morning and put him in bed with us. He was a really good bedfellow. However, he’s an early bird. The little fellow got up around 8:00 this morning. I changed his diaper and asked Jaddie to get his bottle, and when I did Jaddie asked, “Why does he need one in the middle of the night?” I had to tell Jaddie it was 8:00 in the morning. I guess he was really snoozing!
Max and I went with Grandpa to Bojangles. When we left there we went to Toys”R”Us for a diaper run. Not long after that we came home and played. Max went down for his nap at 11:00 and he didn’t get up to around 4:00. He was tired from all his partying at Mimi and Grandpa’s last night.
We went to visit Mimi and Grandpa tonight. We didn’t stay too long before coming back home. When we got home Max wasn’t a happy camper. We think his little tummy was bloated. We gave him some medicine and a warm bath. Then we played some more before we got Max ready for bed. Jaddie and I are about to turn in, as well.
