July 3, 2009
10:04 pm—After waking us twice yesterday morning, George woke us again this morning. Thankfully, he waited until after 7:00 am. He got up on our bed and meowed loudly a few times. Max took immediate notice of George, and our slumber party was over.
Max and I met Grandpa at the mall this morning for our regular walk and stroll, and I don’t know if they went to Bojangles afterward or not. Grandpa’s mother, Louise, is here, so they may have gone back home and skipped Bojangles.
Max, Becky, and Louise went over to Granny’s early this afternoon so Granny could do Louise’s hair. Granny’s been a licensed beautician since the ’50s and has a beauty shop in her basement.
While they were gone to Granny’s, Grandpa came over and mowed our yard, blew off the driveway, and came back to use his trimmer, and that’s after he’d torn out his shop’s bath this morning and circled most of North Georgia in search of some kind of plumbing pump. He said he’d been working in his shop since before 7:00 this morning. Why he went walking this morning is beyond my understanding. That man goes like the Energizer Bunny, seven days a week, always at the same frenetic pace, mornings, noon, nights, weekends, and holidays. I’ve never seen or heard of anyone else who keeps such a pace ad infinitum. Bipolar folks go like that for a while, but they usually run their boats upon dry ground and stay shipwrecked for a while. Grandpa’s ship is more like a supercharged speedboat that’s always putting out a mile-long wake.
Max is hanging his hat with Mimi, Grandpa, and Great Grand tonight. We’ll catch up with him in the morning.
July 2, 2009
9:51 pm—After waking Becky and me in the wee hours, George, our merciless cat, woke us all around 7:00 this morning. He jumped up in bed with us, tried to pull back my covers, meowed several times, and when that wasn’t enough, he got up on the nightstand and knocked off anything that wasn’t fastened down. When I got up to throw George out the second time, the door hinge squeaked and our night’s rest was over.
I reckon it was my fault, though. I forgot to fill George’s bowl before we went to bed last night, and he’s let us know on numerous occasions that he doesn’t want to see any white at the bottom of his bowl. I wish I hadn’t forgotten that little detail, because it cost me a whole day’s energy.
We went walking at the mall this morning with Grandpa, and he, Becky, and Max went to their favorite haunt for breakfast. This afternoon while Max was asleep, Becky and I developed a draft of the first page of his one-year photo album. Only forty-seven more pages to go!
Becky’s grandmother Louise and cousin Chase are in town for a visit. Becky and Max had dinner with them this evening, and afterwards Grandpa, Becky, Max, and Louise went for a ride on the golf cart around the huge pond at the end of our subdivision.
Becky’s reading Max a bedtime story as I write this, and I’m definitely going to fill ol’ Georgie’s food bowl to the brim as I head up to bed in just a minute.
Ooops! I spoke too soon. Becky brought the little fellow down to me because he wouldn’t finish his bottle upstairs. I pulled a Major Payne on Maxipoo and didn’t let up on him until I heard him sucking wind from his bottle.
July 1, 2009
11:13 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I had to wake Max up this morning. He was sleeping very soundly. When we got up we headed to the mall to meet Grandpa for our morning walk. Then it was off to Bojangles. After all of this Max was ready for a nap.
Max and I met our friends Jodi and Lilianna for lunch. Max had Cheerios while we ate. When we left we had to sweep them up because Max had more land on the floor than in his mouth. Then we went to Granny’s for a little while so I could do some errands. Aunt Shirley and uncle Bill came to visit. Max entertained them all. His new loud trick is to squeal as loudly as he can. It can really hurt your ears! Aunt Shirley and uncle Bill brought Max a few toys when they came to pay him a visit. One was a little van with really cute eyes, and the other was a saber-toothed tiger. He enjoyed playing with them on Granny’s floor. When Max left Granny’s he was ready for another nap.
Tonight Jaddie and Max had it by themselves. Mimi and I went to the movies with a couple of friends. Jaddie said they had a good time. Max was asleep when I got home. I can’t wait to play with my little fellow tomorrow!
June 30, 2009
10:31 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Two from Saturday and one from Sunday:
Max turned his bed into a swimming pool last night. He tinkled on all his bed linens, and they had to be washed before we went walking this morning. Mimi and Grandpa met us for our morning walk at the mall. Then Grandpa, Max, and I went to Bojangles to see our peeps and get some breakfast.
Max has been a little tired today. He got some restful sleep, as Grandpa calls it, with two good naps. We went to Gymboree this afternoon and Max had a ball. He went through a tunnel we have been trying to get him through, so we gave him big applause. After Gymboree we went to visit Mimi and ran a few errands with her.
After another nap Max was ready to play. Jaddie and I played with the little fellow for a long time. He really loves climbing on his daddy. I call him Mount Daddy. And, of course, Max played with Tow Mater!
We went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. I gave Max some Cheerios and he was eating those as if they were going to be his last meal, so we also tried some mashed potatoes. This would prove to be a big mistake! Max didn’t care for the texture and began to throw up. He threw up a lot. It went all over him and his highchair. We had to give him a bath. After a bath Mimi and Grandpa brought us home on the golf cart so Max could get ready for bed. I just read Maxipoo two Clifford stories, and now he is in his bassinet for the night. We hope to join him in a few minutes.
June 29, 2009
9:35 pm—One from Father’s Day, two from the day after, one from last Tuesday, one from Thursday, and one from Saturday:
10:26 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max had another big day! The day started with a walk at the mall. Then Max and I headed to Gainesville with Mimi and Grandpa. On our way home we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Max was so good in the restaurant. Mimi and I fed Max cereal while we waited for our food. Max played with a spoon and book while we ate. He’s now sitting in a highchair. He looks so cute pulled up to the table.
This afternoon Max had a little bit of a hard time taking a nap. I’m sure it had something to do with getting off schedule, but when he went down he slept a long time. We actually had to wake him to go out to dinner at 6:00. We met uncle Bill and aunt Shirley at Sweet Tomatoes. Max was so excited to see them. Max kept us busy during dinner by throwing things on the floor and wanting us to pick them up, screeching in excitement, and just wanting to play. We really enjoyed the food and company.
Max is all tuckered out from our big day and is now down for the night. Before going to sleep we read two stories, sang some songs, and played with Max’s feet. Jaddie and I are getting ready to join Max and call it a night.
June 29, 2009
9:17 pm—Max finally awoke last night around 11:00. Becky gave him a bottle, he inhaled it, and we all went to sleep. Becky woke me because I was snoring, then I woke up with indigestion, and at 7:15 this morning, the little fellow was ready to rock and roll. I’ve felt tired all day, and I hope to go to bed early tonight so I’ll have more energy tomorrow.
We went over to Granny’s for breakfast this morning, and she fed Max some cereal while Becky and I ate. Max lights up when he sees Granny. He was so excited while we were at her house, but after a while we could tell he needed a nap.
When we got home Max enjoyed a short nap before Mimi and Grandpa picked him up shortly after noon. Becky, Max, Mimi, and Grandpa went to our neighbor’s graduation party this afternoon. Becky said Max had a meltdown at the party, so Grandpa carried him home and took care of him.
Even when the little fellow finally made it back home late this afternoon, he was tired and cranky. We played in the floor with him and managed to get a few smiles from him before Grandpa came back to get him to spend the night with them. So that’s where our little buddy is now. I’m sure he’s asleep, and I’m almost as sure Grandpa is, too.
One of Max’s recent developments is standing for longer periods of time, sometimes for ten seconds or more. I was lucky enough to get a picture of him standing this evening, and I hope to share it here in the next day or two.
June 27, 2009
11:28 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max and Grandpa met Jaddie and me at the mall for our morning walk. Then Grandpa, Max, and I went to Bojangles for breakfast. After that, Max was all tired out and ready for a nap.
We went to Gymboree today. Max had a ball! He really enjoys playing with the other kids. When we got home Max was ready for another nap. The theme for today was nap all you can. Little Max has had a busy schedule for the past few days, and we’re thinking he’s playing catch-up with his naps.
Grandpa came over and put safety latches on our cabinets this afternoon. Jaddie was his handy-dandy assistant. Grandpa installed safety latches in their house this morning, so our little bay-bay is locked out of all the cabinets!
Max is still asleep from his nap that began at 6:00 pm, and we’re trying to get him to wake up. We’d like for him to have another bottle before going down for the night, but that doesn’t look as though it’s going to happen.
June 26, 2009
10:11 pm—It’s difficult to find fodder for a daily blog when the subject has been gone for the day. After sleeping until almost 8:00 this morning, strolling with Grandpa and me, going to Bojangles for breakfast, and taking a short nap, I took the little fellow over to Granny’s. She kept Mr Max while I worked and Becky, Mimi, Renae, and Candy went shopping in Atlanta. Grandpa picked Max up from Granny’s late this afternoon and took him to his and Mimi’s house, where Max is spending the night.
I just spoke with Granny, and she said Max played hard at her house today. I know he was excited to see her when we first arrived. He screeched more loudly than I’ve ever heard him. Because the little fellow didn’t come back home, we nearly missed a day without taking his picture. Thanks to Becky’s iPhone, we do have a picture of our favorite little fellow from today, though he was sound asleep when Becky took it.
June 25, 2009
10:02 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Jaddie, Max, and I met Grandpa at the mall for a walk this morning. Then Grandpa, Max, and I went to Bojangles. Max went home with Grandpa to visit with Mimi a few minutes. It wasn’t long before Grandpa and Max showed up on the golf cart with a horse, but not a real one, of course. It was a horse on a stick for us to use in pictures. Mimi bought it for her favorite grandson to go with his adorable cowboy hat.
Max fed himself for the first time today and I got pictures. He fed himself Cheerios and sweet potato puffs. He was so cute feeding himself. We later found a few Cheerios in the pocket of his outfit. I guess the pocket made a great hiding place.
We visited with uncle Larry today. Max thoroughly enjoyed playing with him and his phone. Max climbed all over him just like he does his daddy.
Jaddie, Max, and I went swimming tonight, and Max really enjoyed every minute of it! He laughed and splashed for about an hour. Jaddie and I took turns swimming with the little fellow around the pool. We can’t wait to go back!
I just fed our little fish his last bottle for the night and read him two stories. He’s already fast asleep and we’re about to join him!
June 24, 2009
10:11 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Nine from the past week:
Max went walking with Jaddie and Grandpa this morning. I slept in. Max also went to Bojangles with Grandpa. When he got home we played for a while, had some cereal, and then he took a nap. This would be Max’s only nap today.
When Max got up we played for a while before going to pick up Jaddie’s new iPhone. We’re sure Max thinks it was he who got a new toy today. He just loves a phone!
This afternoon Max and I went with Granny to the grocery store. Max enjoyed seeing all the people in Publix. He got to meet two of my former students. They were very excited to meet him. Then we came back to Granny’s, and she fed Mr Max some peas and carrots.
When we got home Maxipoo was tired, so we laid him down for a little while before giving him his last bottle of the day. We’re hoping he’ll sleep a little later in the morning.
June 23, 2009
10:31 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max woke up crying this morning. This is very rare. We fed him a bottle and headed to the mall to walk with Grandpa. After our walk, Grandpa, Max, and I went to Bojangles for breakfast. We visited with Mimi before coming home.
Max had three good-size naps today. In between naps we did a little shopping at Walmart, visited with Granny, and played. At Walmart Max saw a friend from Gymboree, Kayla, and tried to talk to her. She was also excited to see Max and tried to talk to him, as well. Kayla’s mom and dad took a parenting class with Jaddie and me, and we happened to meet again in Gymboree class. It’s a small world.
Mimi called dibs on Max tonight. She said that she would stay up and play with him if he didn’t want to go to bed early after sleeping so long today. She loves her Maxipoo!
June 22, 2009
10:35 pm—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night. They said he slept until 7:00 this morning. Becky and I caught up with Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning, and then they went to Bojangles for breakfast.
Max enjoyed a good bit of one-on-one time with Becky and me today, as well as with Mimi, Grandpa, Granny, and our friend Renae. Max accompanied Mimi and Becky to the grocery store today and a couple of other errands. Tonight Becky made a belated Father’s Day dinner for us since Grandpa and Mimi were at a wedding yesterday. Granny and Renae joined us and after dinner we watched a photo slideshow of Renae’s daughter Megan’s wedding. I created the slideshow from images I shot on Saturday. I thought I’d have time to get some of Max’s recent images today, but I found myself out of time after creating, tweaking, and re-tweaking Megan’s slideshow.
Max was tired tonight. He played with all of us for a good while after dinner, but by the time we got him in bed, he was exhausted. Becky fed him a bottle, read him a bedtime story, and sang to him and he conked out. Given how late he went to sleep, he might let us sleep until 7:15 to 7:45 in the morning.
June 21, 2009
10:42 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept in this morning until 8:00. When we got up we headed to Granny’s for breakfast. She fed Max a little cereal. He wasn’t too hungry. We’re wondering if the heat is causing him to not be so hungry. He’s even having a hard time finishing a container of sweet potatoes, his favorite.
Max and I enjoyed a cool nap together this afternoon. When we got up we played and had lunch. After playing for a while it was naptime again. Early this evening we had a Father’s Day shoot with Jaddie and Max. I was behind the camera. Max wasn’t up for a long shoot, so we’re hoping to try again tomorrow.
Max has been a little fussy today and we’re thinking it’s his teeth. He keeps chewing on his fingers. Maybe they’ll come through soon and our old, happy Maxipoo will be back again.
Today was Jaddie’s first Father’s Day. He has really been a great father to Max. Max loves really loves him and it shows. It’s so sweet to see them interact with each other, because they both really light each other up. It’s so cool!
June 20, 2009
11:58 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max, Grandpa, Jaddie, and I walked at the mall this morning. Afterwards, Grandpa, Max, and I went to Bojangles for breakfast and to see our peeps. Then it was naptime for Mr Max.
We went to Gymboree for our play class today. Max had a big time exploring all the tunnels and playing with the other kids. When we got home we played a little while before it was naptime again. Max loves his naps!
We did a little photoshoot this afternoon to commemorate Max’s ten month birthday. We got some good shots. Max was modeling some new overalls and a cowboy hat. We also did some shots with his favorite toy, Tow Mater. I’m sure we’ll share our new pictures soon.
Max stayed with Granny tonight until nearly 11:00 while Jaddie and I attended our friends Megan and Ed’s wedding. They had a beautiful ceremony and we wish them many years of happiness! Megan was such a beautiful bride, and we could feel the energy from her smile. Ed was flushed and excited as the pastor closed the ceremony by presenting him and his lovely bride as husband and wife.
Max is in his crib fighting sleep because we woke him when coming home from Granny’s. We’re hoping he’ll be able to go back to sleep smoothly and sleep late in the morning.
June 19, 2009
8:46 pm—One from Wednesday and two from yesterday:
9:30 pm—Today we have another first experience to share. Max climbed our stairs for the first time today. He was crawling from the living room to Becky, who was standing at the foot of the stairs talking to me, and I was standing at the top of the stairs. I saw the little fellow crawl around to the dining room looking for me, and I called after him from the top of the stairs. He stopped instantly, looked around, and finally looked up the stairs and saw me. And up he came. Becky was right behind him, and the little fellow stopped for two or three breaks along the way, but he finally made it all the way up to me.
I went walking by myself this morning. Becky and Max stayed home and Mimi and Grandpa were in South Georgia. Becky and Max went to Bojangles for breakfast and took a biscuit to Granny. Max stayed with Granny for a few hours.
Later this afternoon Max and Becky joined me upstairs while I worked on pictures. Mimi and Grandpa made it back from South Georgia and came over to see Max, and to pick him up to spend the night with them. They visited with our neighbors Stephen and Dale and Mr and Mrs Wigley.
Tomorrow is Max’s ten-month birthday and Mimi and Grandpa’s thirty-ninth anniversary, and tomorrow our friends Megan and Ed are getting married.
June 18, 2009
9:47 pm—Max let us sleep a little later this morning, so we were a little late in finishing our morning walk at the mall. Becky and Max went to Bojangles for breakfast, and I came home for a shower.
We took Max swimming for his very first time today. He was afraid at first, but he soon warmed up to it. His swim was cut short by another kid’s puking in the pool. One little girl got sick and over a hundred people had to skedaddle. They expected a lengthy clean-up time, so we opted to quit while we were ahead. Though I don’t miss the maintenance, I miss the pool I grew up with. Max would’ve enjoyed that pool.
Though the little fellow didn’t swim but about fifteen minutes, he was all tuckered out when we got home. He took a three-hour nap and was as hungry as a bear when he awoke. While Becky went to pick up dinner at Chili’s, I fed the little fellow three-and-a-half ounces of sweet potatoes and three-and-a-half ounces of peas. After dinner Max played hard for nearly an hour before going to bed.
One funny thing he did tonight was to pull himself up on the big HEPA air cleaner beside our bed. A lover of buttons, the little fellow found the power-adjustment control and turned it on high. He was surprised by the blast wind that engulfed his head.
Max is asleep now, so our sleep timer is now counting down. We’re going to start that uphill climb that is our bedtime routine and try to get in bed before 10:15.
June 17, 2009
9:24 pm—Six from the past week:
10:50 pm—We walked and strolled at the mall with Grandpa again today, and then he, Max, and Becky went to Bojangles for breakfast. Max pear and blueberry granola and a bottle, and then the little fellow had to sign off for a nap. That was his last nap until this evening.
Becky carried Max over to Granny’s this afternoon so we could go to The Olive Garden for lunch. Granny was happy to oblige, and Max was happy to see Granny. Becky said the little fellow lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw Granny. She fed him and played with him until Becky picked him up. They must have played hard, because when Max got home, he took a three-and-a-half-hour nap. When we spoke with Granny on the phone tonight, she asked if we’d bring Max back over to her tomorrow so she could feed him again. We’re pretty darned lucky!
It’s nearly 11:00 and the little fellow is playing hard on the living room floor. I bet he’ll let us sleep late in the morning because he’s going to bed much later than usual. On the other hand, maybe he’s had his rest and will be ready to rock and roll at o’dark-thirty. We’re hoping for the former.
June 16, 2009
8:56 pm—Becky’s grandmother’s twin sister passed away during her sleep last night. We found out as Grandpa finished walking this morning. Ruby was just putting up pickles yesterday, so her death came as a shock.
Becky and Max went with Mimi to the doctor again today for more blood work, and I took Granny to the radiologist for a more detailed, three-hour mammogram and ultrasound. Mimi won’t know her test results for nearly two weeks, but, fortunately, we learned that Granny is just fine.
Grandpa asked to keep Max tonight, and he and Mimi just took the little fellow home with them on Grandpa’s golf cart. They’re going to give him a bath and a bottle, and then he and Grandpa are going to call it a day. Max didn’t nap much today and he was fading out rapidly as Mimi and Grandpa came to pick him up. Hopefully, he’ll catch up on his beauty rest tonight and will let Mimi and Grandpa get a good night’s rest, too.
Max now has four teeth that have come through, two on top and two on the bottom. He certainly is a cute little booger!
June 15, 2009
9:10 pm—Today was pretty typical for us with Becky on summer break. We walked and strolled with Grandpa at the mall this morning, and Becky, Max, and Donald went to Bojangles for breakfast afterward.
Grandpa built a picket fence that we’re going to use as a studio prop. We went to Lowe’s to look for materials, but Grandpa said he had plenty of scrap pieces in the top of his shop that we could use.
Mimi, Becky, and Max went to the grocery store and Kohl’s this afternoon, and they dropped Max by Granny’s so she could feed and play with him for a while. He got tired and fought sleep at Granny’s, so he needed a nap when he got home. He finds his crib at Granny’s so entertaining that he just wants to play in it, not sleep.
Max and Becky joined neighbors Renae and Megan for dinner at Mimi and Grandpa’s this evening. Max was Mr Cranky Pants and we can’t figure out why. Maybe he’s cutting another tooth, maybe we’re spoiling him, or maybe it’s a combination of those two or something else.
He’s tired and a bit cranky as I write this, but we’re trying to keep him up just a little later than his usual falling-down time of 8:30 in hopes he’ll let us sleep until 7:15 or 7:30 in the morning. Grandpa said the little fellow was peeking at them with a big smile on his face this morning at 6:45.
Now we’re going to give our little cranky buddy a bottle, hang up some clothes, and go to bed.
June 14, 2009
9:55 pm—The little fellow let us sleep until about 8:00 this morning. We changed his diaper, fed him a bottle, and let him hang with us in our bed for a while. Then we put him back in his bassinet so he could play with his toys, and so Becky could get another half-hour’s shuteye. (I was too awake to go back to sleep.)
We went over to Granny’s for breakfast, and she fed the little fellow some sort of concoction of strawberries, peaches, and veggies.
When we got home, Max and Becky took a short nap together. The nap was cut short by Max. They got up but our little fellow was a bit cranky, so he played just a little while before going back to bed for a longer nap. While Max napped Becky and I got the studio ready for a short shoot. However, little did we know that Max would never be ready for a shoot today. We were lucky enough to get one or two images that we can share here tomorrow.
Grandpa came over to pick up Becky and Max and go for a ride through the neighborhood. Max is staying with Mimi and Grandpa tonight, and that gave Becky and me a chance to dine out in peace. When we left our house, we saw Grandpa’s golf cart with Max’s babyseat on the back at our neighbors’ Stephen and Dale’s house. When they left there, they fed the little fellow, gave him a bath, and went out visiting again. We called to check in later tonight and found them at neighbors’ Greg and Renae’s. To be such a little fellow, he certainly does get around!
A new development for Max is waving bye-bye. He doesn’t really know what it means yet, but when we say, “Bye-bye,” to him, he waves back to us. Mimi first taught him this little trick a couple of weeks ago, and we’ve been practicing it at Gymboree. Now Mr Smarty Pants seems to be catching on.
June 13, 2009
9:23 pm—Max let us sleep late this morning, and Becky and I have felt better all day because of it. Thank you, son!
We walked at the mall with Grandpa and his friend Mike. Then they went to Bojangles for breakfast. We took Max to play class at Gymboree this morning and had a great time. He was able to get a short nap before going, and he wanted another nap when we got home. The little fellow took a three-hour nap while Becky and Mimi did a little weekend shopping. When he awoke they came home to whisk him away for more shopping.
He returned in a good mood and was ready to play with me. He’s such a sweet little fellow. He sees me drinking water from a thirty-ounce tumbler and wants me to let him have a few sips. The only problem is that we end up soaking his clothes and the floor. I don’t believe I could ever deny him, either, because he looks at the cup and opens his mouth like a little bird.
Grandpa came to pick him up this evening to take him for a ride through the neighborhood on his golf cart. Becky went to pick up dinner while Max was riding with Grandpa and visiting with Mimi.
Becky and Max just returned a few minutes ago, and now she’s feeding him a bottle, reading him a bedtime story, and putting him to bed. We’re hoping we get to sleep late in the morning, too.
June 12, 2009
10:14 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Six images, some of which are from last week:
Max began yakking at us at 5:00 this morning and finally got us out of bed shortly before 7:00. We fed him a bottle and got just a few more minutes to rest. The three of us met Grandpa for our morning walk. Then Grandpa, Max, and I went to Bojangles for breakfast and to see our peeps. Grandpa and Mimi took Max on a golf cart ride through the neighborhood when we got home. Then it was naptime for Max.
Max enjoyed a long nap this afternoon. Then it was play, play, and more play. We played at home and at Mimi and Grandpa’s. This afternoon Max and I joined Mimi on a few errands. On our errands Max started rubbing his eyes, which is one way Max tells us he’s sleepy. When we got back to Mimi and Grandpa’s we put Max down for a nap, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Mimi and I watched a movie while Grandpa tried to get Max to go to sleep upstairs. After the movie we checked in on them to find out that Max never went to sleep. I couldn’t believe it. When we got home it was playtime again. Max and Daddy enjoyed some fun time together. Tonight we bought some new tunes that we enjoy when we go to Gymboree. We played our new tunes and danced around the living room. We’re sure Max has to be exhausted and we hope he sleeps later in the morning.
June 11, 2009
8:47 pm—Max and I went walking with Grandpa this morning. They went to Bojangles for breakfast and I came home for a shower. Mimi’s having a lot of pain from an unidentified source and made an appointment to see her doctor. Granny also had to go to the doctor to discuss her test results from a recent routine procedure. And even Grandpa had to revisit the eye doctor to have the pressure in his eye checked.
Becky and Max carried Granny to her appointment. When they got back to Granny’s, Maxiboy stayed behind so aunt Shirley and uncle Bill could visit with him, and that freed Becky to take her mother to her appointment later in the afternoon. I went with Grandpa to his eye doctor’s appointment so I could drive home after his eyes were dilated. Everyone received good news today except for Mimi, and she didn’t receive any news either way. We have our fingers crossed in hopes she’ll feel better soon.
Becky brought Max back from Granny’s this evening, fed and bathed him, read him a bedtime story, and put him to bed. She says our little buddy can’t sleep with us tonight because he wakes us during the night. That’s probably a good idea. With sinus congestion, sleep apnea, indigestion, and Max flipping around like a flounder, we’re not sleeping very well. My energy level is in the toilet, Becky’s tired, and we’re hoping to get in bed early tonight so tomorrow can be brighter.
Max is doing well and seems to be quite happy and healthy, and we’re very, very thankful for that.
June 10, 2009
9:58 pm—After walking this morning, Max, Becky, and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast. Max got a very short nap before we took him to play class at Gymboree, but he still had a great time. He took a couple of naps today, one of which lasted about three hours. We took him to Granny’s late this afternoon so we could go see the new Disney/Pixar movie Up, which was excellent. We look forward to watching this movie again with Max one day.
Max and Granny had a big time together. They played and watched Braves baseball after Granny fed him two containers of prunes and nearly a whole container of stage-two veggies. Before coming home we stopped by Mimi and Grandpa’s for a short visit. Mimi had to get her Max fix for the day.
Becky fed the little fellow a bottle when we got home and let him go to sleep. We’re keeping our fingers crossed in hopes he’ll let us sleep until after 7:00 in the morning.
June 9, 2009
10:15 pm—Becky woke me at 2:00 this morning because Max had managed to turn himself so that his feet were near me and his head was between Becky’s pillow and our headboard. We put him back in his bassinet and went back to sleep—but not for too long. At 6:50 this morning there was some yaa-yaaing going on from our bedside, so I fixed the little fellow a bottle while Becky changed his dipe.
We met Grandpa at the mall for our morning walk, and he took over strolling duties, as he always does. Becky, Grandpa, and Max went to Bojangles for breakfast after our walk, and I came home and got a shower.
Grandpa worked here at our house a good while today. He finished installing the circuit, outlet, and vents for our new portable air conditioner, and then he made yet another circuit for another bank of lights. As if that weren’t enough, he was back this afternoon on his mower to take care of our yard. Not only did he mow, but he also used his trimmer and backpack blower.
Becky hosted the neighborhood Bunco party tonight, so Max and I pulled a skedaddle and went to Granny’s for the evening. When Max and I came downstairs to leave for Granny’s, Grandpa was here dressed up to go to a funeral home in Snellville. In July he’ll turn sixty-two years old. Never in my thirty-nine years have I ever had Grandpa’s energy and drive.
Max entertained Granny and me this evening with his usual cheerful shenanigans. That little fellow has a surefire way to fill people’s hearts with joy and paint smiles on our faces. He eventually conked out in Granny’s arms before I got the call from Becky letting me know it was okay for us to come home.
When we got home, everyone had gone except Mimi. She stayed behind to see her Maxipoo. She even took the little fellow home with her. I reckon we’ll get him back in the morning after our walk and breakfast. He’ll have to take a nap before going to play at Gymboree.
I hope to share some more pictures here tomorrow or soon.
June 8, 2009
9:00 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max and I have been joined at the hip all day today! The little fellow won’t let me out of his sight. When I went to the bathroom he followed me. We’ve had a lot of fun together today. We played a lot! We played with balls, blocks, and George, our cat. Daddy and Grandpa have been busy working on cleaning and organizing our photography studio, which is located in our basement. Grandpa made us a background hanger that lets us hang four backgrounds from our studio’s ceiling. And he’s installing a new electrical circuit and ventilation for the new portable air conditioner we just bought for the studio.
We went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. After dinner Grandpa and Daddy went out on the back porch. Max enjoyed swinging with Grandpa until he saw me. He nearly jumped out of the swing to get to me. This was very sweet. Max is headed toward being a mama’s boy, but also has a list of others he really loves!
I just gave Max his last bottle and read him two dinosaur bedtime stories. We’re going to join him soon. He rules our sleep schedule with an iron fist!
June 7, 2009
7:57 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up at 7:15 this morning. We fed him and tried talking him into going back to sleep, but that didn’t happen. We let him play in his bassinet by our bed for a little while. He got tired of that soon, and Jaddie finally got up and played with the little fellow as I slept in. When I got up Max was yawning and Jaddie looked exhausted. We went to Granny’s for breakfast. She had a special treat for her Maxipoo. She had bought him three bags of his favorite baby food. She said she didn’t want her baby to go hungry. I’m sure if Max could talk where we could understand him he would say, “Thanks, Granny!”
When we got home Max took a nap, and what a nap it was! He slept for three-and-a-half hours! While he was napping I got in bed for a nice, Sunday-afternoon nap, as well. When we got up we headed to Mimi and Grandpa’s for a visit. Max, Mimi, and I played for a long time in the floor. Max has a lot really neat play-pretties that Mimi has bought for him.
After playing we fed Max some carrots and green beans. Then we gave the little fellow a bath. After our bath Mimi, Grandpa, Max, and I all piled on the golf cart for a ride through the neighborhood. We stopped at a few neighbors’ homes and delivered them some squash Grandpa brought back from South Georgia. Max loves riding on the golf cart.
Mimi and Grandpa called dibs on Max tonight, and Jaddie and I are going to watch a movie and get some sleep!
June 6, 2009
9:55 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up shortly before 8:00 this morning, drank his bottle, and then we went walking. After walking we went to Bojangles for breakfast with Grandpa. Then it was naptime for the little fellow.
Max, Jaddie, and I went to Gymboree for play class today. Max had a ball. He really loves all the activities and playing with the other kids, and especially loves the bubbles they do at the end of the class. After class we three went to Applebee’s for lunch. It was more of a workout for Jaddie and me. Max grabbed things and dropped them on the ground just so that we’d pick them up. This is his new favorite game, Mommy and Daddy’s scramble. This afternoon we went to Sam’s with Mimi to get things for our neighborhood picnic.
Max enjoyed visiting with all the neighbors at the picnic down by the neighborhood lake. While we all enjoyed fried chicken, Max enjoyed his sweet potatoes. He really loves sweet potatoes. Mimi use to call me “tater” when I was a baby and now she calls Max “sweet tater.”
After we got back from the picnic Jaddie fed the little fellow a bottle. Max crawled around on the rug, sat in his highchair while Jaddie had dinner, and I fed him some peas. It wasn’t long before I read him some stories, fed him another bottle, and put him to bed. Jaddie and I will scoop up the little fellow and put him in bed with us when we make it there shortly.
June 5, 2009
10:22 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Six from the past week:
Max, Jaddie, and Grandpa went walking this morning, and I slept in. I met Grandpa and Mr Max at Bojangles for breakfast. After breakfast Grandpa and Max went riding through the neighborhood on the golf cart to see their peeps. They stopped and visited with neighbor Dale, and I hear that Max was very happy to see her.
Max went to Granny’s this morning for his nap. Our house cleaners were here, and Max is unable to sleep with a lot of excitement going on. I picked Max up shortly after noon so he could accompany me to a doctor’s appointment. When we got home he was ready to eat! I fed Maxipoo stage-two sweet potatoes, and since that didn’t even put a dent in his hunger, I fed him stage-two peas, which he almost finished. Then Jaddie fed the little fellow a bottle. After Max filled is belly, he was ready to play. We played hard for about an hour-and-a-half.
Then Max and I went with Mimi and Grandpa to the mall. Jaddie stayed behind to work on pictures. Grandpa and I got something to eat while Mimi and Max strolled the mall. When we got home from the mall Max had meltdown for something to eat. I fed the little fellow a bottle and read him two stories, and then he was fast asleep.
And now Jaddie and I are in a mad dash to join him in order to get enough sleep.
June 4, 2009
10:39 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Our little alarm clock went off early again this morning, but we were able to hit the snooze button. We fed little Max and he went back to sleep for about forty-five minutes. When we all got up we headed to the mall for a walk. Then Max and I went to Bojangles for breakfast.
Max got caught up on his beauty rest today. He took a few naps. He also played with Mommy and Daddy a lot today. This afternoon we went out for a few errands. One place we stopped was Party City. We’ve already started planning for our little monkey’s birthday. We want to do a jungle theme. Max got very excited when I showed him the jungle plates! I can’t believe that in ten weeks my baby will be one year old!
We went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner tonight. Neighbors Greg and Renae joined us. Max was a little grumpy at dinner from being so tired. We also think he’s cutting more teeth. When we left he was taking his last bottle and then was going to call it a night. Jaddie and I are hoping to get a little extra shuteye tonight!
June 3, 2009
10:35 pm—As I write this Becky is gone to get Max at Granny’s. The little fellow spent the evening with Granny while Becky and her mother attended our neighbor Megan’s bridal tea.
Becky, Max, and I hit the mall early for our morning walk. She and Max went to Bojangles for breakfast afterward while I showered. We took Max to the eye doctor this afternoon for a follow-up visit from months ago. We were worried that Max might be just a touch cross-eyed, but Dr Salit said months ago that it was an optical illusion and that his eyes were fine. Today she confirmed her original diagnosis. It seems that Maxiboy is doing well, though we have to take him for a second follow-up appointment in January.
Max continues to be a true joy, but he’s also quite a handful! I let him crawl over our Mac notebook today and all seemed well, but when I opened the screen later, one of the two hinges broke. Apple doesn’t repair this problem any other way than replacing the screen, which costs much more than this seven-and-a-half-year-old machine is worth.
He’s napping less and moving much, much more. He wants the telephone, Becky’s iPhone, the PowerBook, the keyboard for our upstairs Mac, and now he’s learning how to open cabinets and drawers. Yesterday the little fellow even stood up unassisted for about ten seconds. He uses any stationary object to help himself stand up, and it’s usually not long before his little bottom smacks the floor. He’s repeated this routine so many times that I’m surprised he doesn’t have callouses on his fanny.
He grabs George’s tail and holds on tightly as we rush to prevent injury to either him or to George. He grabs our faces, digging in hard with his fingernails, and then twists his wrists, making us shriek in pain as the sting builds and the blood begins to drip. This makes the little fellow giggle and he tries to do it again.
So we’re having fun, but we definitely have our hands full. I’ll be darned if I know of how any set of parents can look after more than one kid in diapers at a time.
We’ll soon go to bed and try to get a good night’s rest in hopes of having enough energy to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Actually, we’re hopeful that tomorrow’s challenges will be minimal. We don’t have anywhere we have to be, and we’re hoping to have a nice, gentle, relaxing day.
You veteran parents may stop laughing now.
Really. Stop it. You’re scaring us!
June 2, 2009
9:50 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got us up early again. Someone needs to tell him it’s summer and we sleep late during the summer. When we got up we headed to the mall to walk with Grandpa. After walking Max, Grandpa, and I went to Bojangles for breakfast. Max finished the morning with a nap. You know, it’s hard work getting your parents up so early in the morning.
This afternoon we went to Gymboree for play class. Max really enjoyed himself at class today. We think he’s finally getting the hang of the class. He really loves all the activities and the other kids, especially the girls. Today he tried to crawl in another mother’s lap to sit by a fellow classmate. Luckily, she thought it was cute. After play class Jaddie, Max, and I joined Mimi and neighbor Sue for lunch at The Olive Garden. Max gave us his going-to-the-bathroom face at lunch. He does this without fail every time we go there! Fortunately for us, it was a false alarm.
We played big time this afternoon! We played upstairs and downstairs. For dinner we went to visit Granny. She fed Mr Max sweet potatoes with corn and beef. Max played hard with Granny. So, as one might expect, Max was extremely tired when we got home. I read the little fellow a story and gave him a bottle. Now he’s fast asleep and Jaddie and I are about to join him.
June 1, 2009
10:37 pm—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night, and I met up with Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning for a walk. Mimi said Max threw up twice this morning, necessitating a new mattress cover for their bed. Then the little fellow refused to eat or drink his bottle. He seemed in good spirits to me. I believe he must have had an upset stomach.
After walking Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast, and then the little fellow stayed with Mimi and Grandpa until shortly after noon. He came home, played a little while, drank a bottle, and took a long nap with Becky.
We went to Granny’s for dinner this evening, and she fed the little fellow a big container of peas and a small container of prunes. Max will eat for Granny better than he will for any of the rest of us. We kidded her by telling her that we were going to bring him to her three times every day for his solid foods, and she said she’d like nothing better.
The little fellow is already asleep in his bassinet, and we’re about to scoop him up and put him in bed with us. Max might be just nine months old, but he’s totally in charge of when we get up in the mornings, which leaves him pretty much in charge of when we go to bed at night. We feel as though our sleep clock is ticking when the little fellow closes his eyes for the last time each day. He’s our alarm clock and he doesn’t have a snooze button.
