jaddie.com

Links

Inspiration

Photo

Type

Computing

Web

Other

Lilypie 2nd Birthday Ticker

August 21, 2010

11:00 pm—This day was a blur, too. We spent the day recuperating from yesterday’s frenzy. I took a midday nap with Max, but his nap lasted about four hours longer than mine.

After Max’s nap we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s to play in the gigantic inflatable jumper and slide that we rented for his birthday. After I got sweaty and eaten alive by bugs, I went into Mimi and Grandpa’s shop to cool off. I noticed that the little fellow hadn’t even opened two of our presents for his birthday. He also hadn’t opened his birthday cards from Granny and uncle Larry.

Honestly, folks were too generous. Our little buddy tuckered out last night while opening his presents and eventually just gave up. We sincerely appreciate the fact that gifts overwhelmed our favorite little fellow and were beyond his energy. Maybe if he hadn’t enjoyed his inflatable jumper and slide so much, he’d have had more energy for opening presents.

There were so many people who came to celebrate Max’s second birthday. I don’t have an exact tally, but I believe we enjoyed over fifty guests. Aunt Mary, who traveled with her daughter, Bridget, all the way from South Georgia, brought a stack of birthday cards from our family down there. Mary and Bridget went back home today, so they made a five hundred-mile roundtrip just to attend Max’s party. That was so nice of them and we’ll never forget it. And speaking of friends from afar, Max even received a nice present from our friends Carol and Bruce in Hartwell, Georgia.

Max had a farm-themed party. We came up with this idea because the little fellow loves ducks so much. To go along with the party’s theme, there was fried chicken, green beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, potato salad, and corn. There were two cakes, though, sadly, our regular baker, Evelyn Bowler, was too busy to bake one of her extra-special cakes. Fortunately, Sam Walton wasn’t too busy—and he was close. Granny made homemade ice cream, but because there were so many guests, we had to augment her supply with five cartons of Mayfield.

We’ll share images from the party in the coming days. There might be one or two batches to finish before Baybay’s birthday images.

Becky and I are about to look at the images from yesterday and today, and then we’ll scoop up Mr Max and take him to bed with us.

August 20, 2010—Max’s 2nd Birthday

11:44 pm—Max enjoyed a grand second birthday today. There was lots of fun, wonderful people, and presents. We’re exhausted and so is Max. We’ll have to record more details tomorrow.

We’re very thankful to all of you who made our little buddy’s second birthday such a great one!

August 19, 2010

11:37 pm—I caught up with Grandpa and Max this morning at the mall. They went to Bojangles for breakfast and to see the ducks, and then Grandpa kept the little fellow while I ran an errand. When I got home, it was time to give Max a bottle and put him down for his nap.

Becky came home late from school because she was preparing for Curriculum Night. She got to see Mr Baybay Man for a short while before heading back to the grindstone until nearly 9:00 pm.

Baybay and I had a pretty good time. I consider myself lucky to have seen only a couple of hints of a tantrum during the evening and never the full-blown deal. Max and I watched Barney both upstairs from our bed and downstairs on my iPhone. Our only non-Barney-watching activity was exploring all our junk in the laundry room. He enjoyed banging our feeder funnel on the big tin can of black oil sunflower seed. I winced every time he banged the funnel, and that seemed to encourage him to beat harder.

Becky came home and gave the little fellow a bath, played with him a bit, and then we put him in his bed so he’d go to sleep. We’ll scoop him up when he head to bed in a few minutes, and when we awake, it’ll be our favorite little buddy’s second birthday.

Becky took the day off from school tomorrow and we’re looking forward to a fun-filled day.

August 18, 2010

10:06 pm—As usual, Max, Grandpa, and I made our laps at the mall this morning, they went to Bojangles for breakfast, and then went to visit the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond.

When Max came home I gave him a small bottle of chocolate milk and put on a Barney video. He watched less than half of the video before tugging at me to go play in the living room with him. I fed him some lunch, gave him another bottle, and he fell asleep while drinking it. Today’s nap lasted close to five hours.

Becky came home late, woke the little fellow, and played with him for a short while before we took him to Granny’s. Granny kept Max while Becky and I went to Chili’s for dinner.

While at Granny’s Grandpa called to find his favorite golf cart buddy. And right after we arrived home Mimi and Grandpa came to get our little buddy for his ride. After their ride Grandpa called to asked if they could keep him again tonight. Becky agreed and now we ain’t got no Baybay.

I guess I’ll have to wait until in the morning to get a little face time with Mr Max.

August 17, 2010

10:29 pm—Max and I arrived at the mall for our walk and stroll before Grandpa this morning, so the little fellow got to do almost a lap on my shoulders. Grandpa said he was busy with the charger on his golf cart.

They went to Bojangles after our walk, but Grandpa said they had to leave because Max got all riled up. He was fine for me this morning. When he came home he said he wanted “goo,” so I got him some milk and watched Barney with him. Granny came over and fed the little fellow his lunch, and after lunch I fed him some more milk before putting him down for his nap.

He awoke in a good mood, but it wasn’t long before he began beating up on Becky and me. Becky tried to color with him, but when she tried to use one of his crayons, he objected. He did the same with me, and later we were hit for other minor things. My gut tells me that our little fellow needs his fanny tanned a time or two, but I’m going to wait a while longer before doing that. Right now we’re just ignoring him, which brings him back in line quickly but the effect doesn’t last.

Grandpa called tonight to see if the little fellow could spend the night with him and Mimi. Max was hitting Becky when Grandpa called, so Becky was quickly agreed for Max to go.

I don’t know what to think of all of this violent behavior. It’s never been modeled for him and it’s never been reinforced. Max can go from hugging us to hitting us in less than a minute, and be back to hugging just as fast.

I guess we could say our boy is passionate. Another thing we could say is that his butt will soon look like two Jap flags if he doesn’t adjust the expression of his frustration.

August 16, 2010

8:06 pm—Grandpa said Max slept well last night. I caught up with Grandpa, Max, and Mimi at the mall this morning. Mimi and Grandpa took turns strolling Max and holding his finger during their walk. Grandpa and Max went to Bojangles for breakfast after their walk. I don’t know if Mimi joined them, but Grandpa said Max got a little bit noisy at the restaurant.

When the little fellow came home, he had six dollars neatly folded in the front pocket of his cute new overalls. Grandpa put it there to pay for Max’s admission to Monkey Joe’s. That was so cute!

So I took Max to Monkey Joe’s this morning and he had a blast. He spent more time in the toddler area playing with toys the same as or similar to the toys we have at home. He slid on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse slide only six or seven times, which is about a hundred fewer times than on our previous visits to Monkey Joe’s. I think he just didn’t have the energy that he normally has, and I believe that has to do with his spending the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night. The little fellow sleeps better when he’s at home.

He and Becky are upstairs right now getting a bath, and I’m writing this a little early so I can be ready for our Barney party. Getting a bath in Becky’s big garden tub is a new experience for Max, and he has big fun playing with his bath toys and having his mama right there to play with him.

The look and format of this blog is going to change on Friday, which is Max’s birthday. We’re going to begin using the WordPress blogging and content management platform. Since ’98 I’ve mostly used BBEdit to manually write the markup for these pages, and now that the site is growing I think we need to move to a dedicated system. In a perfect world I’d move all of our old content into the new format, but I just don’t have the time or inclination to do all of the required work. These pages will still be available as is until I find some cheap labor to copy and paste each of our old entries into the new database.

August 15, 2010

7:19 pm—Two from July 23, three from July 24, and one from July 30:


10:41 pm—Baybay slept until about 8:00 this morning, which is about an hour later than usual. After he got a fresh dipe, a bottle, and some ’toons, we headed to Granny’s for breakfast. As usual, breakfast was great and we had a good time. Max and Becky went into Granny’s front yard and played for a while. The little fellow now can move his Cozy Coupe with his feet while sitting inside it. He kept wanting Becky to sit on Granny’s concrete driveway to watch him play, but she wouldn’t sit there because of the ants. He’s so cute when he pats a specific place for us to sit.

It wasn’t long after we got home before Baybay got his bottle and settled down for his afternoon nap. He awoke in a chipper mood and was ready for some juice. Just like old times, he rested in my lap as he drank his juice and watched Barney on the iPad.

When Becky got home from the grocery store, she played with the little fellow while I worked on pictures. I can’t believe it’s been so long (since July 25) since we posted pictures. Since then we designed a forty-page book containing approximately fifty images, had four copies printed, and are happy with the results. We can’t wait to present these books to Mimi and Grandpa, Granny, and Great Grand.

Grandpa came over on his golf cart and picked up Max for the night. I’m looking forward to seeing the little fellow again first thing in the morning. At times today he was a handful, but there were more times when he was a pure joy.

August 14, 2010

9:49 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max went walking with Daddy, Mimi, Miss Renae, and Grandpa this morning. Then Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles and I met them there. Max and I had to leave early to get to our Gymboree class. Because of Max’s age he’s been moved up to another class that starts earlier.

Max behaved well at Gymboree today until the end of class. I had to take something away from him and things went south. We had to leave before class was over. When we got home Max had lunch and then took a five-hour nap this afternoon.

While Max was asleep this afternoon Grandpa and I decorated the shop for Max’s party. We almost have it finished and we’re excited about how it looks. I can’t believe my baby is turning two on Friday.

We went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. After dinner Mimi and I took Max on a ride to see the ducks. Then Max and I came home to get a bath. Jaddie and Max are having a Barney party right now, and soon we plan to turn in for the night.

August 13, 2010

10:25 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max went walking with Daddy and Grandpa this morning. Then Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles. Grandpa said Max had a meltdown as they were leaving. We think his teeth are bothering him again.

Max and Daddy went to Monkey Joe’s this morning to celebrate Daddy’s forty-first birthday. Max had a great time and didn’t want to leave. Jaddie said lil’ man was super-tired when they arrived home. Max took a five-hour nap this afternoon.

Mimi, Grandpa, Granny, Daddy, Max, and I went out to dinner to celebrate Jaddie’s birthday. Dinner was great! We ate at our favorite Italian restaurant, Antoneta’s. After dinner we went back to Granny’s for ice cream cake Mimi made. Max had a ball with everyone together.

Tonight Max enjoyed playing with the balloons he got his daddy for his birthday. We’ve worked hard to keep them out of the fan. Daddy and Max had a Barney party, I gave Max a bath in my tub, Daddy tossed Max into the air and onto our bed several times, and right now Max is hollering from his bed as we get our take care of our bedtime routines. It’s too bad that he doesn’t understand that he just needs to chill out for a moment, and then we’ll scoop him up and take him to bed with us.

August 12, 2010

9:25 pm—Baybay is crashing with Mimi and Grandpa tonight. We believe he’s teething again. He’s drooling and has been prone to tantrums today and yesterday.

The little fellow slept with us last night, and when Becky got up to go to work this morning, he didn’t even wake up. Then I got up and made an iTunes playlist for this morning’s walk, and he still didn’t wake up. I finally woke him at 7:40 so we could go walk with Grandpa.

Max and I played for about an hour this morning before I fed him lunch and let him watch Barney and Bob the Builder. Then he got a bottle and went down for his nap, which lasted for about four-and-a-half hours.

He was in a good mood when he awoke from his nap, but that didn’t last long. He ended up serving a couple of stints in timeout before Grandpa came on his golf cart to get Becky and him for dinner.

Grandpa brought them back and Becky bathed the little fellow in her tub. Then he grabbed my finger and led me upstairs to the spare bedroom to play with some little things that were scattered on the floor. He got bored with that stuff, opened a drawer and pulled out a new box of crayons. We took those away from him and he didn’t like that one bit. Then he opened the same drawer and pulled out a new box of colored pencils. We took those away from him, too, and he let us know in very clear terms that he wasn’t pleased.

Neither Becky nor I complained about his staying with Mimi and Grandpa tonight, but I’m still looking forward to seeing the little fellow first thing in the morning.

August 11, 2010

9:28 pm—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night, and Grandpa said Max slept well. They went to the mall this morning for their walk. I got there just as they were leaving. It was sweet to see Max’s face light up when he saw me. They went to Bojangles for breakfast, and then Grandpa took Max over to Granny’s so she could keep him while I went to Atlanta for work today.

Granny had her hands full with little Max. She let the little fellow take his nap without any shorts on. Well, he had a number-two and took his diaper off. Granny put the little fellow in her bathtub and gave him a good bath and then had some laundry to tend to. Bless her heart! We experienced one of those situations once before and decided to just throw his bassinet away and get him a new one.

Becky, Max, and I went to IHOP for dinner tonight, and Max wasn’t a pleasant dinner buddy. He wanted things just his way and when we tried to change anything, he got loud. We didn’t want to slight the other patrons, though, so we just let him have what he wanted until we got to the car, which is when I took his pen away and lots of wailing ensued.

Mimi, Becky, and Max went to the mall this evening, and Becky said Mr Baybay Man went over to a cute little Asian girl about his own age, who happened to be wearing a pretty dress with a bow on it, and took her by her hand to the slide in the children’s play area. The little girl’s daddy said his heart melted.

Becky and the little fellow are upstairs watching Barney. I’m about to become Max’s Barney buddy while Becky gets a bath. We’re glad to have our little man home with us tonight.

August 10, 2010

10:02 pm—Max had a very good day today aside from a couple of meltdowns. He awoke about 7:00 am, got a fresh dipe, bottle, and, at first, some cartoons. He wasn’t happy with the cartoons, so I turned on Barney, and that made him happy—until we left to go to the mall for our walk. I took something away from the little fellow (I forget the item) as we were leaving and he melted down.

He was fine on his walk with Mimi and Grandpa, though, and Grandpa said he was fine all through breakfast at Bojangles, too. Baybay stayed with Grandpa until I returned from running an errand.

I put Max down for his nap shortly before noon, and he slept until a few minutes after 4:00. Granny, Becky, Max, and I went to see my uncle Larry because today is Larry’s seventy-first birthday. There were a lot of folks at Larry’s to wish him happy birthday, and Max charmed them all.

When we got home, Grandpa phoned to see if Baybay could go with him and Mimi and neighbors Stephen and Dale on the golf cart to visit the ducks. Becky let the little fellow go and that’s the last time we saw him today. Grandpa hoodooed us into parting with Max for rest of the night.

We received Max’s second-year photobook today, and we’re delighted with its quality and overall presentation value. We’re looking forward to sharing the book with the rest of the family at Max’s birthday party on August 20.

August 9, 2010

8:04 pm—Baybay has enjoyed a great day. Grandpa said he slept well last night, got up in a good mood, and was a good boy all morning. He went with Mimi and Grandpa to run an errand in Gainesville this morning. They came back by Bojangles for breakfast, and then they visited the Wigleys’ ducks.

Even when the little fellow got off of Grandpa’s golf cart to come inside, he didn’t protest. He played hard and had lots of energy. Granny dropped in for a visit, and Max was glad to see her. When she left, I fed the little fellow some lunch, gave him a bottle, and put him down for what turned out to be a five-hour nap.

Grandpa came back a little while later to get Becky and Max to carry them to dinner at their house. When they came home, Becky gave Max a bath in her tub, and that’s where they are right now.

When they’re done, we’re going to give Max a bottle and have a Barney party. We’re glad to have our little fellow home with us tonight. Becky said she’s exhausted from a busy first day back with her students, and I have a sinus headache, so we’re all looking forward to some early downtime.

August 8, 2010

10:33 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I woke to “Mama, Mama,” this morning, and it was a sweet sound! Max was a great bedfellow last night. We love having our lil’ fellow camped between us.

After “goo” (milk), a fresh dipe, and ’toons, we headed to Granny’s for breakfast. Max was happy to see Granny this morning. He’s seen Granny for two days in a row. While there we were able to get him to eat an egg now and then in between Cheetos. He ate the eggs better when we gave him a big spoon and let him eat from the bowl. When we left Granny’s Max was ready for his afternoon nap. He napped for five hours.

We had a ball playing when Max got up. We played with blocks, George, and even Play-Doh. I was surprised by how well Max was able to mold the Play-Doh. One thing lil’ fellow is into right now is falling and rolling on the floor. He’s also talking up a storm. If you ask him how old he’s going to be, he says, “two,” in the cutest little voice. I can’t believe my lil’ boy is going to be two in less than two weeks.

Mimi and Grandpa came and got Mr Max tonight. He’s hanging his hat with them tonight. We already miss him.

August 7, 2010

7:52 pm—Baybay got us up at 7:00 this morning, and he and I met Grandpa at the mall for our walk and stroll. Max wanted to hold my hand while he strolled, and I think that was sweet. I let him hold my finger for a little bit, but I had to motor on to keep my heart rate up.

Becky met Grandpa and Max at Bojangles for breakfast, brought breakfast home to me, and then went to Becky’s school for a little while. Becky thought she’d keep the Maxster occupied by letting him watch Barney on the big classroom screen while she prepared her classroom for Monday. She said the little fellow loved seeing his favorite purple dinosaur on the big screen, but it wasn’t long before he was pulling out everything he could get his little hands on. She said she believes she might have gone backwards in getting prepared for Monday.

Mimi came over to sit with Max during his nap so Granny, Becky, and I could go to cousin Cami’s birthday party. Miss Cami will turn twenty on August 17. Her party was held early because she’ll be back at school on her birthday. She’s moving into her first apartment and received a few housekeeping provisions as birthday gifts.

Granny, Becky, and Max went to Costco this evening to get some yogurt and pizza. I know that’s what we had last night, but it’s been difficult finding things Max will eat, and Granny knows he’ll eat pizza. And Costco’s yogurt? Well, any of us will eat that anytime. It’s better than ice cream. I’ve been meaning to find out the nutrition information for Costco’s yogurt, but I’m afraid that’ll be yet another gustatory pleasure I’ll have to omit from my life.

We’re about to pile up in the bed with Max and watch Barney.

August 6, 2010

10:09 pm—Mr Baybay Man had a fine day today. He slept with Becky and me last night, got up for a bottle, fresh dipe, and cartoons, and went to the mall, Bojangles, and to see the ducks—all before 10:00 am.

Grandpa patched a hole in our driveway this morning, and then looked after the little fellow while I went across town to pick up a new bite guard for my teeth. Becky wears one, too, but apparently she doesn’t gnash her teeth as much as I do; I gnawed right through my old one. (With words like gnash and gnaw, how does one ever learn to spell well?)

Becky came home late from school today. She was busy preparing for her students’ first day back on Monday. She trekked to Costco and got us some pizza and yogurt. Maxiboy loved both, as did I.

After dinner the three of us piled up in our bed for a Barney party. Then Becky gave Max a bath in her garden tub, and he loved that. I dried him off and put him back in the diaper business, Becky read him one or more stories, and put him to bed.

We’re busy with our bedtime routines and will scoop up our favorite little fellow on our way to bed.

There are just two weeks left before our big hoedown. Mr Max will be two whole years old. When we ask him how old he’s going to be, he says, “Two.”

August 5, 2010

8:55 pm—Max and I met Grandpa at the mall this morning for our walk. It wasn’t long before Mimi joined us. I saw Mimi pushing Max in his stroller and Grandpa holding Max’s hand. That was pretty neat.

Mimi and Grandpa kept Max this morning while I ran an errand and helped a client. When we came home, I fed the little fellow some lunch, let him watch Barney on the iPad, and then laid him down for his nap.

Becky was home from school when the little fellow awoke. They played for a while, and then I joined them for a few minutes before Grandpa came over on his golf cart to get Max and take him to see the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond.

Grandpa mowed the Wigleys’ grass this afternoon and ours, too. And, oh, it was so hot today. The mercury reached 100 degrees, and the heat index was about 109. Grandpa said he didn’t notice the heat. Our house would have had to have been on fire before I’d have ventured out of it this afternoon.

Becky and Max had dinner at Mimi and Grandpa’s, and then Becky, Mimi, and Max went out this evening to run a few errands. I figured Grandpa was going to kidnap Max tonight, but my bestest little buddy is back home now and watching Barney with Becky. I’m about to head upstairs to join their party.

August 4, 2010

8:46 pm—Grandpa said Max slept in the bed with them last night and did quite well. I met them this morning for our walk, and they went to Bojangles afterward. Mimi and Grandpa kept Max until 12:30 today because our housekeeper was here and I had some errands to run. When Max came home, he was ready for his bottle and a nap.

He napped nearly five hours, got up in a great mood, played for a short while, and then went back to Mimi and Grandpa’s. The little fellow is staying with Mimi while Grandpa and Becky have dinner at O’Charley’s.

They’ll be home in a few minutes and Becky and I want to have a Barney party with our Baybay Man. (Hopefully Grandpa won’t con Becky out of Max’s company tonight.)

Becky said her first day back at school went well. Her school is having Open House tomorrow, which means Becky’ll meet the parents and fill them in on all the pertinent details of journeying through second grade at Ivy Creek.

Ah, Grandpa just brought Becky and Max back home. I printed and trimmed a handout for Becky, and she and Max already have Barney underway upstairs. I’m about to join them.

August 3, 2010

10:43 pm—(Posted by Becky)—We enjoyed my last day of summer vacation in style. First, we went walking with Mimi and Grandpa, and then we went to Bojangles with Grandpa. After leaving there we went home to get ready for a play date at Monkey Joe’s.

We met Max’s friend Devon and his parents at Monkey Joe’s. Max had a blast. The little fellow jumped until he wasn’t able to jump anymore. Devon stayed and played with Max for a little over an hour, and then we stayed a little longer. When we left we had to drag Mr Max out and all he wanted was “goo” (water).

Baybay was tired from all of his jumping and took a six-hour nap this afternoon. We also think his lingering cold had a hand in his long nap. When he got up he was ready to romp. We played until it was time to eat. Max and Jaddie had supper at home tonight, and I had supper with my dad. After dinner I came and picked up my favorite lil’ buddy for a golf cart ride. We went to visit the ducks and check out the neighborhood. Grandpa joined us later. We even got to see a deer at the Wigleys’ pond. We tried to take a picture of the deer, but we weren’t quick enough.

Max is hanging his hat with Grandpa tonight. We already miss our lil’ monkey. I can’t believe the summer went so fast! The fact that summer break is over will really hit me tomorrow, which is my first day back to school.

August 2, 2010

11:07 pm—Little Baybay Man slept right under me last night. I couldn’t turn over during the whole night without first sliding the little fellow toward Becky. It’s a sure thing that my little buddy loves me. He must have given me at least twenty-five hugs today. He now calls me “Daddy” almost as often as “Da-Da.”

When he has a soiled diaper, whether wet or dirty, he says, “I pee. I pee.” Yesterday he did that when he had a number-two. As Becky and I cleaned him up, he repeated himself. We told him that he “poohed.” He picked up on that right away and enjoyed saying “I poo. I poo.” over and over. Even when he’s carrying a load in his dipe, he’s still one endearing little fellow.

Baybay went walking with Grandpa this morning. Mimi joined them and pushed the stroller while Grandpa held Max’s hand. The three of them went to Bojangles for breakfast and gave Miss Joyce an invitation to Max’s birthday party.

Grandpa and Max brought Becky a biscuit for breakfast and then headed toward the Wigleys’ pond to visit the ducks. Baybay played for a while when he got home before getting a bottle, watching Barney with me, and settling down for a five-hour nap.

We were all saddened to learn that Mimi’s recent trip to Emory Healthcare didn’t bear fruit. She met with a top-ranked physician regarding her debilitating joint pain. Mimi’s doing much better now. Whatever it is that wreaks such havoc on her body has now pretty much left her alone. That’s probably why her blood tests didn’t show any clear indicators of any identifiable, and therefore treatable, conditions. We hope her pain never returns, but if it should, then we hope its roots are present in her blood and are identified and treated. We know this is a frustrating experience.

Back when I had my first abscess, my doctor said I had a fifty- to sixty-percent chance of having it return. He was right: the abscess returned. Twice. I suffered with two recurrences before a solution was effected. Caring for and worrying about those abscesses was a miserable experience, so I feel for Mimi and Grandpa as they grapple with what remains unidentifiable.

Becky and Grandpa went out to buy a new shredder late this afternoon, and Max and I played in the living room floor while they were gone. When Becky returned, I left home to get a manicure. Max gave me a gift certificate for a manicure for Father’s Day in 2009, and it took me until just now to use it. ’Twas nice to be pampered. I asked the nail technician about my dry cuticles and she advised olive oil. When I figure out how to put olive oil on my cuticles without making a mess of everything I touch, I’ll take her advice.

Baybay watched Barney’s Colorful World almost twice tonight. Becky watched it with him for half an hour or so, and then I took over while she got a bath. She gave him a fresh dipe and put him to bed so I could write this, and as soon as we get our bedtime routines done, we’ll scoop up our little fellow and let him sleep with us again tonight.

August 1, 2010

10:16 pm—We ended up letting Max sleep with us last night. Becky was certain that the little fellow was going to sleep in his own bed so she could get a good night’s rest, but when we went to bed, she began to have second thoughts. She asked me, “What do you think? Should we let him sleep with us?” I said, “Dear, last night you said I was going to listen to you next time, so I’m going to let you make the decision.” “Don’t listen to me,” she said.

Wouldn’t you know it, but about that time Baybay put in his two cents worth—all from his bed. It turned out that he had a soiled diaper and apparently wanted it changed, but once we changed his diaper, we put him in bed with us, and we enjoyed a good night’s rest—well, at least until 7:00 this morning, which is when he woke us for his bottle and Barney.

Granny fed us a delicious breakfast this morning and sent us home with a giant bowl full of diced cantaloupe. When we came home, Max played for a short while before settling down for another long nap.

After he’d received his five hours of beauty rest, the little fellow got a snack, Barney, and played with Becky and me. Shortly thereafter, Mimi and Grandpa called and wanted to take Max to visit the ducks. They cooked Max a little bit of supper, but he wouldn’t eat it. Instead, he ate Cheetos. Becky’s now on the warpath about our boy’s Cheeto habit. She says that he’s not going to get Cheetos any more when he refuses the meal offered him. That’s a smart move and I hope we can stick to it.

Becky gave the little fellow a bath when he got home, and then she gave him a milk bottle and lay down with him to watch Barney. I joined them a few minutes later. After Barney we put him in his bed so he’d go to sleep. He protested for just about a minute, but he settled down and fell asleep. When we head to bed in a few minutes, we’ll scoop him up and let him sleep with us again tonight.

July 31, 2010

11:32 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got the boot again last night. He wouldn’t stop tossing and turning. He didn’t even get upset when he had to be moved to his crib. Grandpa called and woke us to see if Daddy and Max were going walking today. All of us were really snoozing. After the wakeup call we got Max some “goo” (juice), a dry dipe, and Barney.

We hung around the house for the morning. Max played with his Legos and blocks. We also listened to Joanie Bartels (iTunes link). After a while, Max started to get tired. I carried him upstairs and read him his “beep beep” (Starry Safari) book. Then the little fellow took a five-hour nap.

When Max got up he had a late lunch and then we went outside. While outside Max fell and hit his head on the driveway. He really cried and it almost made me cry, too. He seemed to be okay when I told him we could go visit “Teeve” (neighbors Stephen and Dale). We enjoyed our visit with them, and Mimi was there visiting, as well. Max had a ball playing with them.

After leaving “Teeve’s” we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s. Grandpa took lil’ fellow to see the ducks. After dinner Grandpa Max, and I went to Grandpa’s shop. Max loves following Grandpa around watching him work and playing with the things Grandpa isn’t using. He’s Grandpa’s little apprentice. Grandpa did get a little nervous when Max was playing with screws so close to his other pride and joy—his ’69 Camaro convertible.

Jaddie worked on Max’s photobook most of the day today and finally got it uploaded to the printer about an hour ago. It’s a forty-page, hardbound book and we can’t wait to see and share it with everyone.

When we got home I gave Maxipoo a shampoo. When we finished his bath, he walked into the living room and patted the floor for Daddy to come and play Legos with him. Of course, Jaddie thought that was super-cute.

I read Max three books before Jaddie tucked him in tonight. We’re going to let him sleep in his crib tonight so all three of us can get a good night’s sleep.

July 30, 2010

11:03 pm—Our little buddy is in better shape today than yesterday. He had a meltdown this evening in transit between home and Mimi and Grandpa’s. It lasted five to ten minutes and our sunny little boy was back to his charming self. We had dinner at Mimi and Grandpa’s.

Max slept well last night and woke us around 7:15 this morning. Grandpa came by to pick him up to go walking. I played hooky from walking and went with Becky to IHOP for breakfast.

She and I worked on Max’s photobook this afternoon. We have one spread and the front and back left to do and we’ll be done. This book chronicles Max’s second year. Great Grand Louise will be getting a copy, so those of you in South Georgia will get to see it. Louise knows more about what’s in Max’s first-year book than we do. She says she looks at it often, and we believe her. Of course, there’ll be multiple copies up here of Max’s new book for everyone to see. This one is going to be a hardcover, bound book with our images on the cover and back.

Becky gave Max a bath this evening and read him some stories before putting him in his bed. We’ll scoop him up and put him in bed with us when we go to bed in a few minutes. Our little fellow loves sleeping with us. Last night he was curled up next to Becky and she was rubbing his head. He turned around a couple of times and smiled at her.

Most of the time Max is a super-sweet little boy and a true joy to be with. I don’t know how we’re going to keep him as sweet as he is right now, but we’ll give it the ol’ college try.

July 29, 2010

11:21 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night. They said that the lil’ fellow did sleep, but woke up very irritable. They couldn’t do anything to please him, so we took our little buddy to the doctor. The doctor said that Max had a sore throat, but it wasn’t strep. That was good news.

Waiting for the doctor to see Max was very stressful for all three of us. Max was very upset—maybe even the most upset I’ve ever seen him. This really caused Jaddie and me a lot of stress. On the way home we called Granny and asked if we could stop by and pick up a milk bottle for Max. (We took Max to the doctor by her house.) The bottle pleased him. When we got home Max went down for his nap. The little fellow slept for eight-and-a-half hours. We couldn’t believe our little buddy slept so long.

When Max got up he was in a great mood. We’re wondering if he’ll sleep tonight.

Granny and I came home from dinner with Mimi, Grandpa, Greg, and Renae after Max woke up. He met me at the door with a hug. Then he grabbed Granny’s finger and wanted he to see his Legos. She stayed with us a while to visit with Max. When she left, Max and I came upstairs to spend time with our favorite purple dinosaur. I hope we all can get some rest tonight so we may have a better day tomorrow.

July 28, 2010

10:28 pm—Mr Max got the boot again in the wee hours of this morning. He woke us as he flipped and flopped incessantly. We gave him some children’s ibuprofen and put him in his bed.

Grandpa walked by himself this morning, and I got my walk started after he was finished. Baybay stayed home with Becky and they made breakfast for Bridget, Mary, Mimi, and Grandpa. When I got home from walking, Mimi made some pancakes for me.

Max hasn’t been himself today. We’re thankful for the hugs Max gave us today, but we’re used to more. The little fellow beat up on Mary, Becky, and me today. He didn’t feel well, and when he was in the middle of his discomfort, he flailed his arms and hands into us. Sometimes these fits lasted only a few seconds before we’d see that familiar smile that we know and love so much.

His fever broke during the night last night, but I believe there were times today when he probably was running a mild fever. An upset stomach is one of his symptoms, though I’m not sure if we’ve caused that with the children’s ibuprofen. If his condition doesn’t improve tomorrow, we’ll probably carry him to his pediatrician on Friday.

He and I enjoyed over an hour of Barney this evening. The little fellow climbed on me and tossed and tumbled a good bit during our Barney party, but he wasn’t playing at his usual pace.

Becky and Grandpa came to take the little fellow on a golf cart ride. When I told Max that he was going to go on the golf cart, he quickly got down from our bed and ran to the top of the stairs, where he waited for me to carry him down to meet Becky and Grandpa. So our little buddy knows exactly what “go on the golf cart with Grandpa” means.

Max is staying with Mimi and Grandpa tonight. I hope they have an easier time with Baybay than Becky and I have had for the past couple of nights. We hope to get a good night’s rest so we can have a good day tomorrow.

July 27, 2010

11:21 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept well last night. He woke up around 5:00, we gave him his medicine, and he went right back to sleep. He’s run a little fever off and on today, so he’s been taking it easy.

Grandpa had to walk by himself this morning. Max did get to eat breakfast with him, but not at Bojangles. We had breakfast at Mimi and Grandpa’s this morning. Max played a little while before coming home for a nap. I lay down with him for a little while, and when I got up I put him in his bassinet. The lil’ fellow’s nap lasted for nearly six hours. We got worried, went in to check on him, and he didn’t even wake up. Jaddie lay in the room with him until he woke up.

Max hasn’t had much to eat today. He also hasn’t had any milk. His mood has been a little off. We hope our lil’ buddy feels better soon.

My cousin Bridget came over tonight to play with Max. Max loves her. He must have given her a million hugs. When she left, Max and Daddy had a Barney party. Max soon got tired and had to go to bed. We’ll scoop our buddy up when we go to bed.

Jaddie has been working on Max’s birthday party invitation today and just uploaded the files to our lab a few minutes ago. They look so cool! He did a great job!

July 26, 2010

11:00 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept with us again last night, but this time only until 3:00 am. He woke up and kept tossing and turning. We put him in his bed and we all slept until 9:30. I’m not sure Max has ever slept that late.

When we got up I cooked breakfast for us. After that Max and I went to the mall with Bridget, Tyler, and aunt Mary. Mary and I watched Max play in the children’s play area until it was time for his nap. While Max was sleeping Jaddie and I worked on his two year album. He slept until we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Max seemed hot to us when we picked him up from his nap, so we gave him some Motrin.

Max enjoyed building blocks with Tyler after dinner. He really took turns playing with us all. The lil’ fellow loves having playmates.

Max was going to spend the night with Mimi and Grandpa, but they had to call us because they thought he might have a fever. I went down to check his temperature and he had a fever of exactly a hundred degrees. I brought him home so we could keep a close eye on him. If lil’ fellow isn’t felling better in the morning we may take him to the doctor.

July 25, 2010

5:06 pm—From the past ten days there are one from Monkey Joe’s, two of Baybay feeding the ducks, two of him relaxing in his swing after walking back to Mimi and Grandpa’s from the Wigleys’ pond, and four taken at the new barn in Sugar Hill:


11:07 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept with us again last night, and he was a good bedfellow. He woke up shortly after 6:30 this morning. I changed his diaper and Daddy got him some juice. Then Max and I watched Handy Manny.

We went to Granny’s for breakfast. Max was happy to see her and she was happy to see him. She said she thought he’d grown since she saw him Monday. We think so, too. The lil’ fellow seems to be getting really tall. Yea!.

Max took a nice long nap this afternoon. I took a little one, too. Jaddie worked on the above pictures. When Max got up he had lunch and we played. We had a big time. Grandpa came over after a while and worked on a desk for our laundry room. Max watched him paint, so I gave him a paint brush so he could pretend to paint like Grandpa. He really liked that. When Grandpa got ready to leave Max had to go with him. He was there when Bridget, Daniel, Tyler, and aunt Mary arrived from South Georgia. He stayed with them while Jaddie, Bridget, Daniel, and I went to The Outback for dinner. They took some cute pictures of the lil’ fellow eating a jelly biscuit. From the pictures I can’t tell if he wanted to wear the jelly or eat it. He definitely required a bath and Mimi gave him one. He really enjoyed his company.

Max, Daddy, and I had a Barney party when we got home. Jaddie and I are about to scoop up our favorite fellow again tonight.

July 24, 2010

11:20 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept with us again last night. I woke up this morning to his saying, “Mama, Mama.” I changed his diaper and Daddy got him some juice. Then Max and I watched Handy Manny.

Max, Mimi, and Grandpa went walking this morning. Then Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast. Mimi and Grandpa kept the little fellow while Jaddie and I did a photoshoot for my friend Jana. We took pictures of her grandson, Cooper. Cooper and Max are less than a month apart in age. We got some good images, and after the shoot Max and Cooper got to play.

Max took a nice long nap this afternoon. While he slept Jaddie and I went to The Olive Garden for lunch. Mimi came down and sat here while Maxipoo slept. When we got home Max got up. Grandpa came down, too. Our little buddy had a ball with us as a big audience.

Max and I had a Barney party and after a while Daddy joined us. It’s a Barney party when we pile up in our bed, turn Barney on the TV, and Max gets to simultaneously climb and tumble over us and watch his favorite purple dinosaur. He loves having both of us attend his Barney parties. Jaddie and I are about to scoop up our favorite fellow again tonight.

July 23, 2010

11:25 pm—Grandpa said Max slept the whole night through last night and woke up about 6:15. They didn’t go walking, but they did go to Bojangles for breakfast.

Becky picked him up early and brought him home. He played for a short while before we took him to play at Monkey Joe’s. He had a big time there. He must’ve gone down the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse slide a hundred times. The only other attraction that he explored was the simple jumper. We stayed a little more than an hour, and when we decided to go, the little fellow didn’t go quietly.

We brought him home, gave him a milk bottle, and put him down for his nap. After four-and-a-half hours Becky went in to wake him because it was time to go to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner.

The little fellow was irritable when we first got to Mimi and Grandpa’s, but when we put a Barney video in front of him, he got quiet. After dinner Mimi and Becky gave him a bath, and Mimi taught him how to put a puzzle together. He actually learned how to put the puzzle together and wasn’t happy when Becky put the kibosh on the activity so he could come home.

He watched most of a Barney video with Becky, and I joined them after my shower. Baybay and I watched most of another Barney video before the little fellow got restless and seemed to fight sleep. He grabbed at his mouth and cried a bit, so we gave him some children’s ibuprofen. He settled down and we put him in his bed so he’d go to sleep. We’re about to scoop him up so we can enjoy another night with him between us.

July 22, 2010

10:10 pm—I’m writing from a fog tonight. Becky and I went to bed late last night, and Baybay tinkled in the bed about 3:00 am. Grandpa dropped a hammer on his toe a couple of days ago and can’t tolerate wearing his walking shoes, so he didn’t go walking this morning, and neither did I. Max, Mimi, and Renae did, though.

Mr Baybay man was one tired fellow when I picked him up. He may have set a record for his five-and-a-half-hour nap this afternoon. He had a snack when he got up, played with Becky and me for a few minutes, and then Mimi and Grandpa rang the dinner bell.

Grandpa and Becky took Max to see the ducks after dinner. Grandpa and our little buddy brought Becky home, and we each gave him goodnight sugar as he headed back to Mimi and Grandpa’s for stay for the night.

Becky and I were both just talking about how much we miss Max and how we’re looking forward to spending time with him tomorrow. Becky just said she wants to go get him right now. I do, too, but I’m sure he and Grandpa are already in bed.

Max is calling Grandpa “Pa-Pa” now. He’s talking up a storm. We don’t understand much of what he’s saying, but he’s clearly trying to say a lot. I can’t wait until I can understand what’s traversing that little noggin of his.

July 21, 2010

10:52 pm—Max enjoyed a fun-filled day today. Mimi phoned this morning to offer to keep the little fellow. He watched some Barney when he first got up and then went over to Mimi’s. She and neighbor Renae took him walking at the mall, let him play in the kids’ play area, and bought him a Chick-fil-A meal to bring home. I used the time to work on a photobook of the little fellow’s second year.

Max slept five-and-a-half hours this afternoon. He hasn’t done that in months. I guess all of the playing he did this morning wore him out.

Becky, Max, and Mimi went to The Outback tonight for dinner. Becky said a fellow diner complimented her on Max. The lady said Max was cute and precious. We appreciate and agree with her observation.

Max and I watched two Barney videos this evening before I put him in his bed. I’ll scoop him up when Becky and I make our way to bed in a few minutes.

July 20, 2010

10:45 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Today Max is twenty-three months old. It's hard for us to believe that in just one month he'll be two years old. The little fellow slept with us again last night. I woke up this morning when Max started rubbing my face. This was at 5:00 am. I persuaded him to lay back down for a little longer.

Max, Jaddie, and Grandpa went walking this morning. Mimi and neighbor Renae walked at the mall, too. Then Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast. Mimi and Grandpa kept the little fellow while Jaddie went to vote, and I had to teach my class again today.

Max took a nice long nap this afternoon. He woke up after I got home. He had a quick snack and then we headed out with Mimi to run errands. We had dinner at Chick-fil-A. After dinner Max enjoyed playing with the other kids on the indoor playground.

When we got home Max and I had a Barney party and after a while Daddy joined us. Max loves having both of us attend his Barney parties. Jaddie and I plan to go to bed soon, and when we do we’re scooping up our favorite fellow to join us.

July 19, 2010

9:52 pm—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night. I joined them at the mall this morning for our walk, but I was late getting there. They went to Bojangles for breakfast but had to come home early when Max had a meltdown. Apparently his teeth were bothering him again, because once I gave the little fellow some children’s ibuprofen, he settled down and got back to being the super little boy we all know and love.

Grandpa and I went over to Granny’s this morning. He wanted to get his Suburban and Max and I needed a place to hang out while our housekeeper cleaned up. I enjoyed a peanut butter and honey sandwich and Max ate Cheetos, potato chips, and tortilla chips. We watched a little Barney, Granny and Max played with the sliding doors in her bath, and then we came home for a bottle and a five-hour nap.

Becky and her teaching partner, Tyler, taught twenty-five other second grade teachers today. They’ll be working tomorrow through Thursday, too. Becky’s summer vacation is coming to a close. She has next week off and two days of the following week, and then she begins her sixteenth year of teaching. Max and I are going to miss having her home.

Grandpa came over this afternoon to fit a large shelf into our laundry room. We’re going to use it as a desk, and the wall to which it’ll be mounted isn’t straight, so Grandpa had to do some funky belt sanding and trimming to get it to fit right. And that’s before he went home and painted the shelf.

He returned this evening for a final fitting and to fix the toilet in our bath. It was taking nearly thirty minutes for our toilet to fill up so it could be flushed. I thought there was air in our plumbing lines, but the culprit turned out to be a clogged float valve. Grandpa fixed it right up. Now our toilet is ready to flush in less than thirty seconds. We appreciate having Grandpa’s help.

Becky gave the little fellow a bath and she and I watched Barney with him from our bed. Becky stayed with us for about fifteen minutes, and Max and I watched the video about one-and-a-half times. The little fellow gave both of us a few hugs each, and we eventually put him in his bed so he could fall asleep and we could start our bedtime routine. We’ll scoop him up when we go to bed in a little bit so he can sleep with us.

We wish our aunt Jean a very happy birthday today. Jean and Jack have family from Augusta staying them, and this week is their church’s revival, so we know she’s busy.

July 18, 2010

10:47 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Twelve since July 7:

Max slept with us again last night. He was a good bedfellow except for the fact that he likes to get up too early. We watched ’toons before getting ready to leave for a farm photoshoot. We took Max to the barn in Sugar Hill to get his picture in his overalls and cowboy hat. We hope to use one of these images for his birthday invitation. After our shoot we went to Granny’s for breakfast. Max was very happy to see Granny and she was happy to see her lil’ fellow.

Max took a five-hour nap this afternoon. He’s had a hard time lately with his teeth. They’ve caused him a lot of pain. When he got up he had a snack and played before we headed to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Neighbors Greg and Renae joined us. Max was very hungry at dinner, and when Grandpa wasn’t looking he stole his roll right off of his plate. It took Grandpa a while to notice. I saw the whole thing! His new nickname is the “Roll Nabber.” It was pretty funny.

After dinner Max got my finger and wanted me to go play with his blocks with him, so we played blocks a while. Then he got Grandpa’s finger and got him to come and join us. He really loves his family. I think this is super-sweet.

Max is hanging his hat with Mimi and Grandpa tonight. We already miss our lil’ fellow.

July 17, 2010

10:24 pm—I’m guessing that Max didn’t sleep too well at Mimi and Grandpa’s last night. Becky picked him up this morning and took him to Walmart and McDonald’s, and when he came home he was crying, kicking, and hitting. We gave him a bottle and some children’s ibuprofen and put him in his bassinet for a nap, and he slept until shortly after 1:00 pm.

Mr Max attended his buddy Devon’s second-birthday party at 1:30 at Gymboree. Becky took pictures and videos with her iPhone, and it was so cute to see Max hugging Devon. With a good nap under his belt and his teeth not hurting, Max was a happy camper for the rest of the day.

Grandpa called and wanted to take him down to feed the Wigleys’ ducks. Becky, Mimi, and I tagged along with them and I took pictures. The ducks already recognize Grandpa’s golf cart because as we drove up, they came to us.

Max didn’t want to ride on the golf cart when it was time to come home. He walked approximately half a mile from the Wigleys’ to Mimi and Grandpa’s, where he played on is slide, swung in his tree swing, and enjoyed a couple of popsicles. He came home on my shoulders and I had to get a second shower.

Becky read some stories to the little fellow and played with him on our bed. Then it was my turn. I played with him while Becky went out for an errand. We had a lot of fun, and I put him in his bed about 8:30. We’re going to scoop him up and let him sleep with us tonight.

I should’ve written about this a couple of weeks ago when I first noticed it, but I suppose writing it now is better than never. Baybay recognizes Grandpa’s ringtone on our iPhones (“Piano Riff”) When Grandpa calls, Baybay says, “Mimi.” (He refers to Grandpa and Mimi as “Mimi” right now.) He’s now saying “tuck” for truck, and when asked what our cat, George, says, Max says, “Meow.”

July 16, 2010

11:43 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up around 7:15 this morning. Jaddie gave him a dry dipe, juice, and brought him to his mama. He was so sweet this morning. We watched Barney and played. Soon he and Daddy left to meet Grandpa at the mall to walk. Then I met Max and Grandpa at Bojangles for breakfast.

This morning Max and I enjoyed dancing around the living room. He loves music! Then Daddy, Max, and I went to Monkey Joe’s. We had a blast. There were a lot of kids Max’s age and he really enjoyed playing with them. We stayed about an hour and a half. Then we had to come home for Max to take his afternoon nap. He slept until 5:15. Soon after he woke up we all headed to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Max was a good boy while we all ate. He munched and crunched the whole time. When we were done eating we played with his blocks.

Grandpa called dibs on our lil’ fellow tonight. We’re going to miss him.

Grandpa and Mimi had to call us to give them some children’s ibuprofen. Max was having a hard time because of his teeth. Lil’ fellow hasn’t quite been himself the last couple of days due to his new teeth.

Max did a couple of new things today. He identified the letter B. Also, he can now make a circle by joining his hands over his head. He saw this on Barney. We’re so proud of our lil’ fellow.

July 15, 2010

10:14 pm—Last night was a rough one. Max didn’t sleep well, and neither did we. The little fellow kept tugging on the straps for my CPAP mask. I put my hands over the straps to prevent him from removing my mask, but I finally gave up and tossed my mask onto the floor. Then Baybay climbed up on me and put his face against mine, saying, “Dada, Dada.”

We finally got him to lie back down, but then my snoring woke Becky, and she woke me to tell me to put my mask back on. I did and Max began playing with the mask’s straps again. During the 5:00 hour Baybay was sitting up and wanting to get the day started, but we coaxed him into lying back down again.

We were catching up on our sleep at 7:30 this morning when Grandpa called to see about taking Max to the mall with him. Becky got up and carried the little fellow over to Granny’s. Becky had to be at school for part of the day, and Granny agreed to keep Mr Max. That was a good thing for me, because it enabled me to sleep a while longer before getting up and getting my walk done.

Granny said the little fellow did well for her, though he slept for only an hour. I went over to Granny’s shortly before noon and Max had been down for his nap for nearly an hour. I moved a barrel outside, got hot and dirty, and came home for a shower. Becky agreed to pick up Max on her way home from school.

Surprisingly, he was in a good mood almost all day. He melted down early this morning and when he and Becky were out running an errand this evening. We gave him some Motrin both times and that seemed to solve his problem.

We laid him down about 8:00 tonight after Becky read him some stories and we played tickle and peek-a-boo with him. He had a great time with us tonight and didn’t want to go to bed, but we figured he had to catch up on his rest since he didn’t sleep well last night and got only a fraction of his regular nap during the day today.

Grandpa called tonight from his golf cart. I believe he wanted the little fellow to go home with him, but we’d already put our little buddy to bed. We’re going to let him sleep in his bed tonight so we can all get a better night’s rest.

I bet Max handed out over a hundred hugs today. We have one sweet, sweet little boy.

July 14, 2010

11:25 pm—(Posted by Becky)—According to Grandpa, Max woke up around 7:00 this morning. He and Grandpa went walking and then I met them at Bojangles. Max wasn’t his normal self this morning at Bojangles. He began to cry and he and Grandpa left as soon as they finished breakfast. I met them at Grandpa’s house and Max and I went grocery shopping. Max was super-duper while cruising the grocery aisles. He loves driving the car buggies. Also, the bag of goldfish he was chomping on kept his interest.

When we got home Max and I played hard. We had a great time. We had our Joanie Bartels music blaring and life was grand. Granny came over for a visit this morning. While here she gave Grandpa a haircut. Max stood at the window watching and very much wanting to be involved. After everyone left Max took a nice nap.

When Max got up from him nap I was glad to see him. I actually missed him while he slept. As Mimi always says, Max is a sweetheart. We played some more when he got up.

Mimi and Grandpa joined us for dinner. Max ate well as he watched Barney on our iPad. After dinner Grandpa took the lil’ fellow to see the ducks because Max didn’t get to see them this morning. When Max returned home, he and Daddy had a Barney party. Jaddie had been looking forward to this all day. Mimi and I went to Costco to get a nail removed from my front tire. When I returned I took over at the Barney party. Soon Max was very tired and was ready for bed. When we go to bed we plan to scoop up our lil’ fellow up. We really missed him last night.

July 13, 2010

10:30 pm—I left Max with Becky at Mimi and Grandpa’s tonight and they talked Becky into letting him spend the night with them, so no Barney-tickle-peek-a-boo for me tonight, unless, of course, Becky wants to play.

Other than Max’s accompanying Becky and Mimi to Gainesville this morning, today’s been pretty typical. Max and I met Grandpa at the mall for our morning walk, they went to Bojangles for breakfast, and I believe they also went to see the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond.

When the little fellow came home from running an errand with Becky and Mimi, I fixed him a bottle and lay down with him. That turned into a two-and-a-half-hour nap for me and a five-hour nap for Max.

It wasn’t long after Max awoke until we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. They gave him a bath after dinner and that’s the last time I saw him today.

I’m looking forward to getting him back in the morning.

July 12, 2010

9:54 pm—Grandpa said Max did well at their house last night. Mimi kept the little fellow this morning while Becky and I cleaned out our basement. Becky’ will soon begin her sixteenth of teaching and has accumulated so much stuff over the years. We’ve been piling it up behind our studio backgrounds in our basement, and we got to the point in which we couldn’t move around in that area.

We began working about 8:45 this morning and kept going until close to 3:00 this afternoon. Grandpa helped us get the stuff loaded and carried to the landfill. Thank you, neighbors Mickey and Keith, for lending us your trailer, which saved us about two trips to the landfill.

Grandpa called in the 6:00 hour this evening and wanted to know if Baybay could go down there for supper. We sent Baybay with Grandpa while we went to Chili’s for dinner, and we picked up our little buddy on our way home.

He came home, got his bottle, and watched a Barney video with Becky and me in our bed. At the end of the Barney video I sang “I Love You” along with the video and my little buddy hugged me tightly several times.

Times couldn’t be better.

July 11, 2010

10:38 pm—Dangnabbit, Mimi and Grandpa have my Maxipoo again. He’s staying with them tonight, but I’ve been assured that as soon as we get our basement cleaned out tomorrow morning, we’ll get him back.

Once upon a time, Mimi and Grandpa’s keeping Max was a godsend. Becky and I were tired, Max was more of a consumer and less of a giver, and being relieved, even for a short time, of the responsibility of directly caring for the little fellow was wonderful. But now Max is so full of personality, and his chief qualities are sweetness and exuberance. So it’s a real boost to be around him.

We have so much fun in the evenings watching Barney and playing on our bed. The little fellow really gets into climbing on me and being tickled and playing peek-a-boo. It pumps me up to hear him enjoying himself so much.

But I reckon I’d better share him without complaint. One day he could be a pain-in-the-butt teenager with an appetite that couldn’t be stymied with a wooden stake and a silver bullet, and maybe then I’ll be glad to see him spend more time with his grandparents.

When we left Mimi and Grandpa’s tonight, Grandpa was getting ready to take Max to visit the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond. Then they were going to go to bed. Max had just had a bath, a cookie, and watched some Barney while sitting with me on Mimi and Grandpa’s sofa.

Our day got started at 7:00 am. I said in yesterday’s entry that Max would be all about a bottle and Barney at 7:00, and, surely enough, he climbed up on me and said, “Dada, Dada” early this morning. I tried to play possum but he kept right on. When my feet hit the floor I looked at the clock and it was 7:03. The little fellow got a fresh dipe, a bottle, and Barney. Later we went to Granny’s for breakfast and stayed with her until nearly noon.

The little fellow took a four-hour nap, got a snack and something to drink, played with his Aquadoodle, and then it was time to go to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner.

July 10, 2010

11:00 pm—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night, and we got the little fellow back this morning after Grandpa took him walking, to Bojangles for breakfast, and to see the ducks.

Becky took Max to Gymboree this morning, but just before they left home, we got a surprise visit from Granny. She stopped by to see the little fellow and pick up some coupons. When Becky and Baybay returned from Gymboree we played with him until it was time to feed him lunch and a bottle and lay him down for his nap. Becky went in to check on him a little more than five hours later, and he was ready for something to drink and a snack.

Becky let the little fellow play with his Aquadoodle for a while, and he seemed to enjoy that quite a bit. He loved on our cat, George, a few times, and played with his Thomas the Train tank engine, too.

Mimi and Grandpa came over to give the little fellow a ride on their golf cart. When I got out of the shower, Becky was gone to Target and Mimi was watching Max, who was perched in front of the television watching a Barney video, drinking water, and eating Cheez-Its.

After his Barney video Becky made him a bottle and I took him upstairs to watch yet another Barney video, but this time he watched it from our bed with me. I don’t know who enjoys this activity more, he or I. He climbs and tumbles over me, gets tickled, plays peek-a-boo, and watches Barney all at the same time. There’s a whole lot of giggling and laughter every time we have “a Barney party,” as Becky calls it.

Tonight we got halfway through our second viewing of the same Barney video before Becky called bedtime on the little fellow. She did the right thing; I should have my butt kicked for not getting him to bed sooner. He has to go to his bed to go to sleep unless we’re ready to go to bed for the night, too, because our activity keeps him awake when he’s in our bed. We’ll scoop him up when we head to bed in a few minutes. We’re glad to have him back at home with us tonight, though we’re sure he’ll be all about a bottle and Barney about 7:00 in the morning.

July 9, 2010

11:35 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max woke us this morning around 7:00. He was so sweet as he called to us, “Mama, Dada.” We got up and went to work getting his day started. He enjoyed watching Handy Manny this morning. We heard him say, “Tools, tools.” After watching Handy Manny he went walking with Grandpa and Daddy. Then he and Grandpa went to “Bo’s” for breakfast. Little Max is talking up a storm lately. He learns new words so quickly. We forgot to mention something he did yesterday that shows how much he has learned. We said, “Let’s change your diaper before we leave,” and, believe it or not, the lil’ fellow ran right to diaper-changing station. He looked eager to get up on the table.

After Max’s nap Jaddie and I took the lil’ fellow to Monkey Joe’s. He had a blast! He got right in there with all the other kids, many of whom were much larger and moved with much more force than he. He wasn’t intimated by them. I joined him in most of the jumpy things, and Jaddie was taking pictures. We hope to take him back soon, but we need to figure out when the big kids won’t be there.

When we left Monkey Joe’s we took Max to Mimi and Grandpa’s for the night. Max’s cousin Cam was there to play with him. Cam is super-sweet with Max. We know Max will have great time playing with him. We’ll meet up with our lil’ sweetie in the morning.

July 8, 2010

10:51 pm—Today is Grandpa’s sixty-third birthday, and we hope he had a great one. We had lunch with him and Mimi, but Grandpa’s been busy and we haven’t caught up with him since midday.

Baybay slept right next to me last night. When I turned over, he wedged his foot and/or arm under me. Afraid I’d hurt him, I got out of bed several times to pick him up and move him over, and I was lucky to get back into bed before he rolled into my spot.

He got me up about 7:00 this morning. I got him a dipe, bottle, and put on a Barney video. Grandpa came to get him for their morning walk, and I went to the mall to put in my laps about an hour later. Grandpa took Baybay over to Granny’s this morning to pick some green tomatoes. They came back with lots of vegetables and some strawberry cake.

Baybay was tired and ornery by the time we all met for lunch at The Olive Garden. We were partially successful in entertaining him with a Barney video on Becky’s iPhone. When we brought the little fellow home, he went to sleep on my shoulder as I carried him up our stairs. He napped for nearly five hours.

I played with him while Becky made his dinner, and then we both played with him until Becky gave him a bath. He watched a portion of a slideshow starring himself while he soaked. Grandpa called dibs on the little fellow last night, but he and Mimi attended our neighborhood’s homeowners meeting this evening, and I believe they may be too busy with that to come get Max before we take him to bed.

I just put Max in his bed so he’ll go to sleep while we get ready for bed. We’ll scoop him up in a few minutes.

July 7, 2010

3:58 pm—Three from Max’s last swim class at Bogan Park and nine from the Fourth of July:


11:36 pm—Max woke us around 7:00 this morning. Becky was a trooper and took care of his diaper, bottle, and getting some cartoons going while I snoozed.

Max stayed home and played with Christi and Cam this morning. We’ll get back to our regular walking routine tomorrow morning. The little fellow went out running errands with Becky and didn’t begin his nap until about 1:30 this afternoon. He slept until 6:00, and he and I enjoyed a Barney video as soon as he awoke and got a fresh dipe.

Becky worked on Grandpa’s birthday dinner from 2:00 today until a little while ago. Friends Greg and Renae joined us to celebrate Grandpa’s sixty-third birthday, which is tomorrow. Mr Max was very well-behaved during dinner. He dined in his highchair and hardly made a peep during our hour-long meal. Grandpa started a Barney video on the iPad and let the little fellow watch that while we talked about things not involving purple dinosaurs.

While Max was out running with Becky and taking his afternoon nap, I was able to process the images posted above. We now have over a thousand images of Baybay Man posted right here on our site.

After our company left this evening, Max and Becky watched the same Barney video that he and I watched before dinner. When I got out of the shower, I saw Max resting his little head on Mama’s back as he watched Barney. Becky loved it as much as Max. We’re very thankful for having such a wonderful son. It’s a real treat just to know him.

July 6, 2010

10:23 pm—Becky and I missed our little buddy last night, but sleeping until 10:00 this morning was fantastic. Grandpa took the little fellow on his morning walk and then to Bojangles for breakfast.

Max took his nap at Mimi and Grandpa’s today because I carried Granny to her eye doctor, and Becky had to leave for an appointment with her eye doctor, too. Mimi said Max went down at 1:00 and was awake by 3:00. That’s less than half the length of his naps here at home.

We thought the little fellow would need a short late-afternoon nap, so I took him upstairs, lay down with him, and put on a Barney video. Becky brought up a bottle and he and I enjoyed watching Barney. Baybay never went to sleep, though, as I was sure he would. He played on our bed after finishing his bottle. He climbed over me about a hundred times and wiggled all around. When the video ended I started it again, and we watched the whole thing through for the second time. Then he watched a slideshow of himself on my iPhone before we went back downstairs and had a snack.

Becky came home shortly, fed the little fellow dinner, gave him a bath, read him four stories, and we both played with him for a few minutes before putting him in his bed so he’d go to sleep. We’re going to scoop him up when we go to bed, and though we enjoyed sleeping late this morning, we’re glad to have our little buddy back home with us tonight.

Becky’s cousins Christi and Cam are staying with us tonight. Christi is approximately Becky’s age and Cam is her twelve-year-old son. They’re from Ray City, Georgia.Becky said Cam played with Max earlier today and had a lot of patience for our little fellow. She said the same thing about Cam when he was here last time, too. We appreciate Cam’s time and patience, and we know Max will one day, too, when he reads today’s entry.

July 5, 2010

10:07 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got us up around 7:00 this morning. We persuaded him to lie back down for a little while. Daddy and Max didn’t go walking this morning. They are still on holiday. Grandpa picked up Max up to go eat breakfast at Bojangles. I met them when whey got back home. We played at Mimi and Grandpa’s for most of the morning. Then we came home for Max’s five-hour nap.

When Max got up from his nap Granny was here, and he was very happy to see her. Soon Grandpa, Mimi, and Great Grand came over, too. We all had supper at our house tonight. After dinner we gave Maxipoo a shampoo. We let the little fellow feed himself baby food from a jar. He made a giant mess but seemed to eat a good bit. After his shampoo he went home with Mimi. Grandpa, and Great Grand to spend the night. Granny stayed and colored my hair, and I colored Jaddie’s hair. Now we’re getting ready to go to bed to get a good night’s rest. We’ll miss our little bedfellow tonight.

July 4, 2010

11:18 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept until 8:00 this morning. We got up and headed to Granny’s for breakfast. Great Grand went with us this morning. After breakfast Granny, Great Grand, Max, and I went to play in the front yard. I snapped a few pictures. We’ll share them soon. I also made a few videos with my new iPhone. Max had a ball. He especially loved playing in the dirt.

Max enjoyed a five-hour nap this afternoon. When he got up we headed to Mimi and Grandpa’s for a cookout for the Fourth of July. We had lots of friends and neighbors there. Max enjoyed playing with them all. He especially had a ball with Miss Dale, a.k.a “Teeve.” (Steve is Dale’s husband, but Max refers to both Dale and Steve as “Teeve.”) After dinner we all went to see the fireworks at the Mall of Georgia. Most of us walked since it’s so close to our house, and Grandpa shuttled some of us on his golf cart. Max walked the whole way. When we arrived Max was all over the place and not wanting to sit down. I chased him all over the place. Finally, I got smart and let him watch Barney on my iPhone. He sat still for that. He seemed to like the fireworks show, but definitely liked Barney more. Max came home atop Daddy’s shoulders until we caught the Grandpa Shuttle.

Max was so tired when we got home. He wanted his “goo” (milk) and bed. Jaddie is lying down with him right now until he falls asleep. We know little fellow got a real workout today.

July 3, 2010

5:22 pm—Two more from Tuesday’s swim class and ten from Wednesday’s:


10:50 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept in until 8:00 this morning. When we got up we headed to Mimi and Grandpa’s. Grandpa fixed a big breakfast for everyone. We got to see our company from South Georgia before they headed home. Max had a ball playing with everyone. We’re really glad they came to visit!

Max slept for five hours this afternoon. When he got up we headed back to Mimi and Grandpa’s to visit with round two of our South Georgia company, my cousin Leslie and her husband, John. Max warmed up to Leslie right away. We also visited with Great Grand, who’s still here.

When we came home this evening Max and I played outside for a little while before heading in. Max and Jaddie enjoyed a Barney video while I went to get dinner. After dinner I gave Maxipoo a shampoo. He really enjoys his baths. He was ready to get out when I said we were going to read some books. That really warms his teacher-mommy’s heart! Jaddie, Max, and I enjoyed three books and tickle time before Max tucked out. We plan to scoop the lil’ fellow up when we head to bed.

July 2, 2010

11:57 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max woke Mimi and aunt Mary this morning shortly after 6:00. He played with his toys, watched cartoons, and let them rest a little longer. I went down to see him as soon as I woke up. Max was in a great mood and really loved all the company.

Max came home for his nap this afternoon. He sleeps better at home. He slept for nearly five hours. When he got up he ate and then he and I met Bridget at the mall. Max was a good boy at the mall. When we left there we went to Costco to get pizza for everyone. We also got yogurt. When Max saw the yogurt he thought he was supposed to get to enjoy it right away. When we didn’t let him he had a meltdown. His meltdown lasted for a while and got nasty at times. After not getting attention for such behavior he finally stopped, and at that point we could all enjoy our dinner in peace.

Max watched Barney with Jaddie while Bridget and I watched a movie downstairs. The lil’ fellow is now asleep in our bed and we’re about to join him.

July 1, 2010

10:19 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Two from Sunday and four from Tuesday:

Max woke us around 7:00 this morning. He got ready and went walking with Grandpa and Daddy. Then he and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast. When Max got home we played outside. After playing outside we went Gymboree for more playtime. Max was quite busy at Gymboree and had a lot of fun. We met Mimi and Miss Sue at The Olive Garden. Max enjoyed soup and a breadstick and was a good lunch buddy.

Max took a five-hour nap this afternoon. When he got up we got ready for his last swim lesson. Max wasn’t a happy camper at the beginning of class, but enjoyed the end. We plan to take more lessons next summer.

Aunt Mary, cousin Bridget, and Bridget’s husband and sons came to visit us from South Georgia. We all had dinner at our house tonight. Max was excited to have company. After dinner everybody went back to Mimi’s. Max has played and played and played with all his company. He’s spending the night with them tonight. We’ll miss our little bedfellow tonight.

June 30, 2010

8:26 pm—Max slept with us last night and began making noise shortly after 6:00 this morning, but neither Becky nor I would budge. He settled back down and let me rest until 7:00. I changed his dipe and put him back in bed with Becky so I could go downstairs and get his milk. She didn’t know I’d already changed the little fellow’s dipe, and when I went back upstairs, Mr Max was getting his diaper changed again.

He settled back into bed with Becky, drank his bottle, and watched Barney. I made a playlist for walking and Max and I joined Grandpa at the mall. Max strolled a good while in forward-leaning position with his chin resting on top of his hands. This was new body language and looked as though he might have been bored. Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles after our walk and may have gone to visit the ducks.

Grandpa fixed our pantry door yesterday and several other things today, most notable of which is my car’s air conditioner. My car is twelve years old and has had trouble keeping the air conditioner’s compressor running smoothly for the past decade. Grandpa replaced something electrical that cost US$12, and now my car’s AC works like new. My local Chevy dealer quoted me US$125 just to diagnose the problem, so I’m very thankful for Grandpa’s help.

The little fellow took a really long nap this afternoon, maybe five-and-a-half hours, before we got him up to get ready for swim class. Tonight’s class went much better for our little buddy than last night’s class. They didn’t have to wear lifejackets tonight, and all of kiddos seemed to appreciate that.

Becky cooked dinner for us this evening. Max watched Barney on the iPad during dinner. We had blueberry loaf for dessert, and that brings us to this moment. The three of us are in our living room, Joanie Bartel’s is singing, and Baybay is watching Barney on my iPhone as I finish this entry. He’s also riding Mama’s leg like a horse.

I’m looking forward to snuggling with him in a few minutes. We’ll probably watch a Barney video and then put him in his bed so he’ll go to sleep. Then when we go to bed we’ll scoop him up so he can sleep with us again tonight.

June 29, 2010

10:50 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Grandpa said Max woke up at 4:00 this morning wanting Grandpa to get him some juice. He also wanted Grandpa to turn on the TV and that’s where he drew the line. Max went back to sleep. He and Grandpa went walking and then to Bojangles. Max came home and we played until nearly noon. He’s such a joy to spend time with. I feel so lucky to have this precious time with my lil’ fellow.

Max took a five-hour nap this afternoon. It’s hard work getting people up at 4:00 in the morning, so I guess that’s what made him so tired. When he got up he had a snack before getting ready to go to the pool for swim class. Max can now say, “pool.” He sounds so southern when he says it. At swimming lessons the little ones had to wear life jackets. All the kids were crying. They also practiced jumping in the pool, and Max liked that.

After swimming lessons we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Max didn’t eat much, and I’m not sure why because swimming usually makes him tired and hungry. After dinner Mimi and I shampooed the Maxipoo.

Jaddie rested with the little fellow while I wrote today’s entry. They watched Barney.

June 28, 2010

9:20 pm—Three from Gymboree on Saturday:

The little fellow got me up bright and early this morning. I got him a fresh dipe, a bottle of juice and water, started Barney’s Just Imagine video, and rested with him and Becky a few minutes more.

I was late getting to the mall for our morning walk, but the little fellow still got to make a lap or two with Grandpa before going to Bojangles for breakfast. They brought breakfast home to Becky and me and then went to visit the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond.

Baybay was so tired when he came home this morning. He was fussy and didn’t want his sippy cup, which was filled with water. He went over to the refrigerator and got all excited. On a hunch Becky got him some milk. He took Becky by her finger and lead her upstairs. This has never happened before, so we were both very surprised. He wanted to get into our bed and watch Barney while drinking his bottle. He was tired and took a five-hour nap.

Becky fed him pizza and yogurt from Costco when he awoke. He and I played for a few minutes before leaving for swim class at Bogan Park. This evening I got into the pool with him while Becky watched. He was a fussy little fellow until the very end of class, when he got to play peek-a-boo with the instructor from the big play set in the pool.

The little fellow and Becky went with Grandpa on the golf cart shortly after we came home. Baybay’s going to spend the night with Mimi and Grandpa tonight. I already miss him and am listening to Joanie Bartels’s Bathtime Magic as I write this. Most of the time Max is a real joy to be with. Sometimes he’s a Mr Cranky Pants, but more often he’s a pure joy.

June 27, 2010

11:18 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max woke us around 6:30 this morning. We were thinking the lil’ fellow would want to sleep in this morning. Jaddie and Max had a Barney party until nearly 10:00 last night. When Max got up we headed to CVS to get a deal on lotion. I’m trying hard to teach him at a young age the art of spending money wisely. After that we picked Daddy up and headed over to Granny’s for breakfast.

After breakfast Max got Granny to play ball with him outside. I soon joined them. He’s pretty hard to turn down even when it’s a hundred degrees in the shade.

Max took a four-and-a-half-hour nap this afternoon. The little fellow got up in a great mood. We played and listened to music for most of the evening. For an afternoon snack I made a mini-blueberry muffin loaf. Max and Daddy enjoyed our blueberry picking from last week. We, of course, picked our twelve pints at Publix, where it’s nice and cool. We took pictures of Max’s cute blueberry-covered face.

Max and I went on a golf cart ride this evening only to find out the battery had suddenly lost its charge. We had to coast slowly into Mimi and Grandpa’s. Grandpa and Mimi came home from their week-long vacation this evening. Max was super-happy to see them. He kept running back and forth between them to give them multiple hugs. They ate it up!

After our visit Max and I came home. We enjoyed storytime while Max had his bottle. Daddy was taking a bath at this time and joined us after his bath. When Max saw Daddy he pushed me off the bed and patted the pillow for Daddy to join him. As you can imagine Daddy still feels like a celebrity. I’m okay with that; I know my little boy loves me, too!

Max now has a name for George, our cat. He calls him, “Meow, meow,” and when he says it, he sounds like a cat saying it. We can tell he’s been listening to George. Its super-cute! Max loves George a lot. He’s always trying to give him hugs. George tolerates it for the most part.

June 26, 2010

6:41 pm—Six from swim class at Bogan Park—three from Wednesday and three from Thursday:


7:59 pm—Becky said Max fell off the bed last night after midnight, but I don’t remember that. He got us up sometime with hugs and kisses shortly before 7:00 am. We were able to rest a little while longer after the little fellow got a fresh dipe, his bottle, and Barney. I went walking at the mall and Baybay and Becky went to Bojangles for breakfast.

We took Max to Gymboree this morning. He had lots of fun and even hugged a cute playmate whose name is Ella. We missed seeing some of his regular buddies, one of whom is now in a class for older toddlers. Max focused on balls and slides and participated, more or less, in group activities.

After Gymboree it was time for Baybay to have lunch, a bottle, and begin his nap. While he napped I worked on the pictures posted above. When he woke up, Becky gave him a snack and took him with her to run a few errands. One place they stopped was Publix, where they got to visit with Ella’s mother and daddy.

The little fellow and I had dinner when he got home. He watched Barney during dinner and I had fun just watching him watch Barney. I don’t know what it is about that purple dinosaur, but Max thinks the world of him.

Right now the three of us are listening to Joanie Bartels. Max is dancing to the music, Becky is about to bathe him, and I’m trying to get my bedtime routine finished in time to join them for bedtime stories.

June 25, 2010

7:04 pm—The last two images from our Florida vacation, one of Max with his milk bottles, three of him in his airbrushed onesie from the Smoky Mountains, three at Gymboree, and three from Camp Dodd:


9:42 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept with us again last night and woke shortly after 6:00 am. The lil’ fellow lay back down for a few minutes before wanting Barney and bottle. When he got those two needs met we were able to rest a little longer. When we all finally got up we played in our campsite in the middle of the living room for most of the morning. Max had a ball. He loves having me play with him. Jaddie was busy working on the images posted above.

After Max’s nap I decided to take him to Monkey Joe’s to play. I had heard great things about it and really wanted us to go, and we had a blast! Max and I played for more than two hours. It was quite a workout for us both. I used muscles I never even knew I had. I really hope I’ll be able to get out of bed in the morning. Lil’ fellow went until he couldn’t go anymore and that’s when we left. We can’t wait to go back. Jaddie is excited about joining us next time.

Tonight after dinner Max got a good bath. Then Jaddie and I both lay with him and read him a bedtime story. While I got my bath Max got a lot of Daddy time, which he really enjoyed. We didn’t hear much complaining from the lil’ fellow when he went to his crib. We plan to scoop him up when we go to bed.

June 24, 2010

9:00 pm—We ended up letting Max sleep in his bed last night. Becky said she was exhausted and really needed to get her rest. I missed him and am going to be sure to scoop him up tonight. Becky just put him to bed, and as I write this he’s half-crying, half-talking. I want to go get him, but he has to know that his going to bed isn’t negotiable.

Becky and Max went to Gymboree this morning. It was a small class and Max enjoyed himself. When they came home it was time for Max to have some lunch, a bottle, and take a nap. He napped for about five hours this afternoon.

When he awoke he had a snack and got ready for swim class. He still protested at the beginning of class when they’re not completely submerged in the water and had to follow directions, but he did pretty well when he could get into the pool and move about. I shot 337 pictures and two movies. I need to avoid shooting so many images because just culling through them and picking the keepers takes at least half an hour.

One new thing Max is doing today is pushing doors open with his foot. I saw him open two doors that way today, and both times he was opening the door to the bathroom when Mama was in there. Once she was getting a bath and the little fellow tried to climb up and get in the tub with her.

We heard from Grandpa and Mimi today. Grandpa had me bid on a car part for his Nova for him on eBay.

Becky received her new iPhone today. Migrating all of her 130-plus applications, 2000-plus photos, a dozen or so movies, and nearly 1700 songs to her new iPhone and activating it for service was as seamlessly simple as only Apple could make it. Given that Apple is partnering with AT&T for this process, I’m surprised it went so well. Now that she has the latest and greatest smartphone on the planet, she’s using my previous-generation iPhone instead of hers so she doesn’t scratch her new one. I’m about that ridiculous from time to time, and if her luck is no different from mine, she’ll drop her new iPhone in the toilet the first time she takes it with her.

I hope to share more images tomorrow.

June 23, 2010

9:34 pm—Letting Max sleep in his bed last night was the right decision. Neither Becky nor I awoke even more a moment before 6:00 am. Baybay didn’t start yacking until after 8:00 am. Becky brought Max and me breakfast from Bojangles, and afterwards the three of us headed out on some errands. We got a new breathing mask for me that lets me breathe through my mouth as well as my nose, we stopped at three Publix grocery stores for tea and blueberries that are on sale, and we had lunch at Fuddruckers, or “Floodworkers,” as Granny calls it.

Max had a bottle and began a four-and-a-half-hour nap as soon as we got home, and Granny was here when he awoke. Granny went with Becky and me to carry Max to swim class at Bogan Park. I took over three hundred pictures as Granny wiped perspiration from my brow and hers, too. Bogan’s pools are indoors, but the pool areas aren’t cooled. It must have been close to ninety degrees in there.

Max had a few happy moments, but to me he didn’t appear to enjoy following directions. He’s accustomed to having almost everything just the way he likes all the time, so we guess getting him involved in group activities now is a good idea.

Mimi and Grandpa are vacationing with neighbors Greg and Renae this week in Bald Head Island off the North Carolina coast, and they called to check on Baybay this afternoon. Grandpa said he wants to go watch Max at swim class next week.

After swim class we came home and enjoyed a fantastic dinner prepared by Becky. She made pasta shells stuffed with cheese, and a salad with homemade buttermilk dressing. Max sat at the dining room table with us and watched Barney on the iPad. Then he went with Granny and Becky to yet another Publix grocery store for more blueberries. They took Granny home and they just arrived home about five minutes ago. They’re on their way to bed now, and I’m not far behind. We missed our little buddy last night, so we’re going to let him sleep with us tonight.

June 22, 2010

10:27 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept with us again last night until the middle of the night, when he decided to do doughnuts in the middle of our bed. I scooped him up and put him in his own bed. The lil’ fellow slept until nearly 9:00 and that was super!

Max, Jaddie, and I had a big breakfast together. We also enjoyed playing in our summer campsite in our living room. Max really enjoys the fishing poles and tent. He especially loves it when I go in the tent with him. Today Max has been really trying to talk. He said “Pa-pa” and what we think was “dog.” Up until now he’s referred to every animal as a duck.

Max took a nice long nap this afternoon. We were really hoping he did so that swimming lessons would go better today. Yesterday I had to leave early with him because he wouldn’t stop crying. He wasn’t afraid of the water, but wanted to go all the way in. Today Jaddie was the one who got into the water with him. Today started off rough until they got deep into the pool. Max really enjoyed throwing the toy they gave him and swimming to get it. He also liked seeing Daddy blow bubbles. We were so happy today went better. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

I took Max to see the ducks after dinner. While I went to get the golf cart Jaddie said he had a big meltdown. I’m sure he was tired from all the swimming, so when we got back he got a bottle. Then it was beddie-bye for Maxipoo. We’re going to let him sleep in his own bed tonight in hopes of everyone’s getting a good night’s rest.

June 21, 2010

5:06 pm—I’m writing today’s entry early because I feel bad and want to get it out of the way so I can go to bed in hopes of having a much better day tomorrow. My evil sinuses are inflamed and are preventing me from resting well at night. I sleep with a nasal mask for sleep apnea, but that doesn’t work well when one or both of my nasal membranes are swollen shut.

When I awoke this morning shortly after 7:00, Baybay was no longer in bed with us. Becky gave him the boot in the middle of the night. She said he wouldn’t stop wiggling. He’s been a good boy today but has been to timeout several times for hitting. He must not have slept well last night, either, because he didn’t awake until after 8:00 this morning, and he was tired and began his nap before noon today.

Becky set up an elaborate camping scene in our living room this afternoon. It’s so darned cute, and I wish I were in the mood to enjoy it fully. She pitched a real tent, set up a play campfire in our fireplace, put out fishing poles with magnetic fish, and a giant coloring book with a fresh set of jumbo crayons.

Since Max awoke from his nap, he’s been having a great time exploring his new campsite. Becky’s taking him to his first swim lesson at 6:00. I was looking forward to going with them to take pictures, but I’ll wait until tomorrow, when I hope I feel like less of a zombie.

June 20, 2010

8:46 pm—It’s been a pretty good Father’s Day and Max’s twenty-two-month birthday today except for Max’s beating on his mother and me this evening. Becky wanted to get a picture of the little fellow and me on Father’s Day in the studio, but he wasn’t amenable to the idea. I gave him three light spankings to let him know I wasn’t going to tolerate that behavior. These spankings were his first (of not many, I hope). His response was going over to Becky and beating on her. She gave him one or two little spankings. We returned to the living room and he continued his tantrum, which landed him in timeout. When he returned to the living room, he slapped at my feet again, so back to timeout he went. Thankfully, he seems to be back to his regular self. Since then he’s hugged both Becky and me.

The little fellow let us sleep until 8:00 this morning. He woke me by hugging me and saying “Dada.” We got him a clean dipe and a bottle and let him watch Handy Manny.

We went to Granny’s for breakfast this morning. She made pancakes, too, using this recipe, so it was a great breakfast. Becky and Max gave me two wonderful Father’s Day gifts at Granny’s. They gave me new speakers for our main Mac and the first season of the old sitcom Archie’s Place on DVD. Becky and I watch All in the Family almost every night when we go to bed, and Archie’s Place was a continuation of All in the Family. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a single episode of Archie’s Place, so I’m looking forward to watching it.

Becky and Max got in the inflatable pool this afternoon after Max’s nap. Becky had just filled the pool, so the water was ice cold. I don’t see how they tolerated that cold water, but Max had a blast.

Becky just now put Max to bed, and since he’s not complaining I guess he’s tired. I was trying to finish writing this in time to save him from having to go to his bed, but now that he’s there, I’m going to let him get to sleep before I move him to our bed. I don’t want him to think he should stay awake so he can go to our bed.

Max begins swim lessons tomorrow. Becky and I are looking forward to seeing our little buddy explore an activity he loves dearly.

June 19, 2010

10:58 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Nine fun snapshots from the pool area at Becky’s aunt Ann’s Florida condo (June 8):

I woke to the sweet sound of “Mama” again today. I rubbed the lil’ fellow’s back and he lay still for about ten more minutes. After that we got up and changed his dipe and got him some goo. Then it was Barney time. We got a little more rest while Max enjoyed Barney. Barney is a savior!

We got Bojangles to go this morning. Max ate almost all of his biscuit. Usually he eats less than half of it. Maybe the lil’ monkey is going through a growth spurt.

This morning Max and I went to Gymboree for play class. Max had a fun time. While there he even got to play with our neighbor Delaney. After Gymboree Max was ready for a nap. He slept for five hours. While he slept Granny and I got dinner ready. We had a big Father’s Day dinner tonight because Mimi and Grandpa are going out of town tomorrow. We had prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, squash casserole, and a BLT salad with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing and croutons. For dessert we had Italian cream cheese cake and pineapple pie. Max had big time with all of his company. We played really hard. Tomorrow is Mimi and Grandpa’s fortieth wedding anniversary. For these two occasions we gave them an iPad. We hope they enjoy theirs as much as we have ours. And, of course, it’s already loaded with Barney videos.

After dinner Mimi, Grandpa, and Max took neighbors Stephen and Dale a piece of cake. Max just loves visiting with, “Teeve.” Then Granny, Daddy, Max, and I went to visit with uncle Larry and take him a plate. While there Max enjoyed Larry’s Cheez-Its. The lil’ fellow can sniff out a box from a mile away. I also got a bouquet of his purple hydrangeas. Our last stop was at CVS to get three big boxes of diapers. They actually paid us to take the diapers after all the coupons we used. This was a very busy day. Maybe tomorrow can be a little more laid back.

June 18, 2010

5:14 pm—Nine from Max’s first trip to the beach (June 8):


10:56 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up happy this morning. The lil’ fellow was on my face saying “Mama.” I rubbed his back and he was still for fifteen minutes. I thought that was precious.

Max went walking with Daddy and Grandpa. Then Grandpa and Max went to Bojangles, or “Bo,” as Max called it for the first time today. When he got back home he had to go check on the ducks. When Grandpa brought Max home he wasn’t especially happy about coming inside. It wasn’t long before Grandpa was back down at our house trimming a bush. Max and I went outside to supervise. When Grandpa was done he and Max walked to his house, where Mimi and Max played with building blocks.

Max was super-tired from his busy morning, so he took a five-hour nap this afternoon. While Max napped Jaddie and I visited with my cousin Chase. We were so excited for Chase because he made the front page of the Gwinnett Daily Post (related online story) today. The article was about a big-budget movie he’s working on that’s being filmed partly here in Gwinnett County. Super cool! Way to go, Chase!

When Max got up he was ready to rumble. He had lunch and then Mimi and neighbor Renae came and got us on the golf cart. When we got to Grandpa’s shop we played with Max’s new bubble wand. Max had a big time with that. It makes supersize bubbles. We also rode on the golf cart through the neighborhood. Then we all met at Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Max behaved much better at the table tonight. He was very hungry from all his playing. After dinner Max got a shampoo before playing with blocks some more. He really loves his new blocks.

Tonight I read Max a bedtime story and right now Jaddie is lying with his “silly monkey.” That’s what’s printed on the shirt Max is wearing right now. We’re looking forward to having him sleep with us again tonight.

June 17, 2010

11:05 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Two from early this month and seven from our vacation in Florida:

In the coming days we’ll share many more images from our vacation.

Grandpa said he accidentally woke Max around 6:15 this morning. When Max got up all he had on his mind is building with blocks. He got Mimi by the finger and led her to the blocks first thing. Soon he got ready to go walking at the mall and to Bojangles for breakfast. Then, of course, he had to go visit the ducks. When we got home we played with the ball popper he got from Santa. He hasn’t shown interest in this for a long time. He also played with his rocking horse. He even learned how to push its button to cause it to make noises.

Max soon got tired and was ready for an afternoon nap. Getting people up at the six-o’clock hour is really hard! He slept for four-and-a-half hours. He even slept through a severe thunderstorm.

When I went to get Max out of his bassinet, the first thing he said was, “Mama, I peed.” I was very surprised and amused to hear him say that. I then asked him to tell Daddy what he did in this diaper, and he said, “I peed.” Jaddie was surprised, too.

Not long after Max awoke from his nap Granny came over. We invited her to eat dinner with us at Mimi and Grandpa’s. Before going five doors down to Mimi and Grandpa’s, Max had her play blocks with him. He has two sets of blocks, one set at our house and one set at Mimi and Grandpa’s. The set we have at our house is a little more difficult for him to work with, but he still likes them. We also listened to some of his fun music, and he even danced for us a few times. Granny especially enjoyed seeing Max dance a jig.

Dinner at Mimi and Grandpa’s didn’t go so well. Max was very upset because we took him away from his building blocks to eat, so he cried throughout dinner. Grandpa commented that the food was great but the “entertainment was lacking.” That was the truth. We made the little fellow sit for the entire dinner and before letting him down we put the blocks away. He has to learn.

After getting home it wasn’t long before Max was ready for bed. I fed him a bottle, read him three bedtime stories, and then put him in his bed. We’re going to scoop him up when we go to bed. We’re glad to have our lil’ bedfellow back home tonight.

June 16, 2010

11:21 pm—Max was a good bedfellow last night, aside from his waking us at 6:17 this morning. We gave him a fresh dipe, bottle, and Barney, but that wouldn’t keep him still enough for us to go back to sleep.

The little fellow and I joined Grandpa at the mall for our morning walk, and they went to Bojangles for breakfast. Becky and Max ran two or three quick errands before I met them at Gymboree for play class. Max had a good time at Gymboree but disrupted some of the parachute activities with his running around. The three of us enjoyed lunch at The Olive Garden after our time at Gymboree.

Max got tired and cranky near the end of lunch, so he and I left Becky to come home and get him a fresh dipe and bottle before he began his long nap. Today he napped until well after 5:00. Once awake Becky fed him and let him watch Barney on the iPad. The little fellow didn’t finish his meal or the Barney video before Grandpa was here on the golf cart to pick up him and Becky. Max stayed with Mimi while Becky and Grandpa went out for dinner with neighbors Greg and Renae. And that was the last time I saw my little buddy today.

Becky and Grandpa went back to his house after dinner, and Mimi and Becky watched a movie together. Max and Grandpa went to bed, so it was best for Max to keep right on sleeping, though I certainly miss my little buddy. It just won’t be right not watching Barney first thing in the morning. I might have to watch Barney by myself.

One thing Becky wanted me to be sure to include in today’s blog entry is Max’s pride in sitting on their first step and being able to put his feet flat on their floor. Becky said that when company came in, he pulled them by their fingers to the stairs so he could show them how he could sit on the first step like a big boy.

That’s one special little fellow.

June 15, 2010

11:00 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I met Grandpa and Max at Bojangles this morning. I brought the iPad for Grandpa to share his car show and our vacation photos with his Bojangles breakfast friends. Grandpa said that Max got up around 6:30 this morning for his bottle and cartoons. Then the two of them went walking. That’s where I caught up with them. When we got home we played for a while before going with Mimi to run errands. Our last stop was lunch at Applebee’s. Max nearly fell asleep in the car on the way home. When we got home the two of us took a two-and-a-half-hour nap together. It was very nice.

When we got up we played a while. Max again tried to convince us to take him outside. We kept saying it was too hot. That seemed to satisfy him for about five minutes each time. We finally got out right before the rain. Max stayed with Daddy while I went to a Tastefully Simple party tonight. They enjoyed a little Barney before Max went down for the night. We plan to scoop the lil’ fellow up to sleep with us when we go to bed in a few minutes.

June 14, 2010

10:55 pm—Max is staying with Mimi and Grandpa tonight, which is the third night in a row. Grandpa is heading to South Georgia tomorrow, and he wanted Max to stay with them one more night before he left.

Becky went over to Mimi and Grandpa’s this morning to get the little fellow, and then they went to Bogan Park. They went to Bojangles and brought breakfast home before I went to the mall for a walk.

Max was tired this morning, so Becky put him to bed shortly before noon. He napped until 3:45 pm and woke up needing a fresh dipe and outfit. Apparently, his diaper sprang a leak during his siesta.

He was unusually calm and still after his nap. He lay on his stomach in Becky’s lap while she scratched his back. He loves being loved on, but normally he won’t be still for more than ten seconds. This afternoon he was still for several minutes, soaking up Becky’s affection like a kitty cat.

I almost fell asleep in our living room when Becky woke me to help her change Max’s diaper. Afterward Max and I went upstairs so I could get a little nap while he watched Barney. I figured he’d go back to sleep, but he never did. And neither did I. The little fellow tossed, tumbled, and used me for a jungle gym for the entire Barney video. A few times he pressed his face against mine and hugged me, and once he even opened my eye by pulling my eyelashes. I said, “Ouch!” and he giggled.

When the little fellow and I came downstairs dinner was ready. He watched Barney on the iPad while Becky and I watched Wheel of Fortune on the kitchen television. Grandpa came over on his golf cart to get Max and Becky, and that was the last time I saw Max today.

I’m looking forward to catching up with the little fellow in the morning, and Becky and I both are looking forward to having him stay with us tomorrow night. Life just seems more complete with him in bed with us at night.

I made initial edits to more than forty recent images of Max this afternoon and expect to begin posting these tomorrow.

June 13, 2010

11:57 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up happy this morning, according to Mimi and Grandpa. They kept him until 9:00 so Jaddie and I could sleep in. Sleeping late was fantastic. When lil’ fellow pulled up in the driveway I was outside to meet him. I could read his lips. He said, “Mama.” It was so sweet.

We went to Granny’s this morning for breakfast. When we got out of the car Max said, “Hot, hot.” He was so right. Max ate a good breakfast and played hard at Granny’s. On the way home he feel asleep in the car. The lil’ fellow was tuckered out. He slept for four-and-a-half hours. When Max awoke after his nap Jaddie and I noticed that his front tooth was chipped. We’re not sure what happened or how to fix it. We’ll talk to Dr Smiley, his pediatrician, at his next appointment. When he got up he had lunch and watched a little Barney. Then we played more. Max has been playing with his toys more lately. Today he played with Tow Mater for a long while. I had to change the batteries since it had been sitting a long time. Max can now ride Tow Mater instead of pushing it.

Mimi and Grandpa came over for dinner tonight. While I was cooking I had a “little assistant.” Everywhere I was Max was there, too. It was so cute, so I just had to laugh about it. When Mimi and Grandpa arrived Max tried to persuade all of us individually to take him outside. He’d grab a finger and try to pull us to the door. Despite his relentless attempts none of us braved the hot temperatures. Lil’ fellow didn’t want to eat for thinking about going outside. After dinner I took him out on the deck while I watered the flowers. I used the sprayer to wet his little feet, and he had a ball with this. After this Mimi, Grandpa, Max, and I went on a golf cart ride to see the ducks.

Max went home with Mimi and Grandpa tonight. They got a new set of blocks that Max really loves playing with. They said he played with them until he couldn’t play anymore. Lil’ fellow then went to bed with Grandpa. We’ll meet up with him in the morning. We miss him already.

June 12, 2010

9:53 pm—Max woke me at 6:47 am with a big hug and the word Dada. That was so sweet, but I was so tired and tried to get him to go back to sleep. He may have given me five minutes, but soon it was time for a dipe, bottle, and Barney.

I left Max watching Barney in bed with Becky while I made an iTunes playlist for my walk. I carried Max to Mimi and Grandpa’s on my way to walk, and Becky took the little fellow to Gymboree a little later this morning. Becky said he did well at Gymboree today. He got to see pretty Miss Emma and play with his good buddy Devin.

He came home and took a three-hour nap before being disturbed by a dirty diaper. I’m thankful that he made noise today so I could help him out. Yesterday he took matters into his own hands, and though he didn’t make a mess, I’d rather he leave that kind of cleanup to his mama and daddy for now.

He was in a great mood when he awoke. He played with Becky by chasing her around our living area and alternately having her chase him. He ran and ran and ran and ran, smiling and giggling all the way.

Granny, Mimi, and Grandpa came over this evening for dinner. Max was impatient during dinner. We tried to appease him with Barney on the iPad, but even the Barnmeister wouldn’t keep him still in his highchair. We finally gave up and just let him run around while we finished dinner.

After dinner Max got a bath and I put Mimi and Grandpa’s and our vacation pictures on the iPad so we could see their images and they could see ours. Max did acrobatics on the sofa over Becky and Mimi while we looked at the images. When Mimi became afraid Max was going to get hurt, she put a stop to the little fellow’s hijinks, so then he played with a set of coasters with Granny.

Mimi and Grandpa took Mr Max home with them tonight. Max has slept with us every night since last Sunday, so we’re going to miss him tonight. We get our little buddy back in the morning, and we’re already looking forward to his return—though it will be nice to sleep a little later than 6:47 in the morning.

June 11, 2010

11:22 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up happy this morning. Maybe he was glad not to be riding anymore. Max spent the morning with Granny. He was happy to see her after not seeing her for six days. She was happy to see him, too! While Max was at Granny’s Jaddie walked at the mall and I unpacked from vacation.

Max took a nice nap this afternoon. When we went in to get him he had taken off his diaper. It was a dirty one, too. Maxipoo had to get a shampoo! We’re not sure how he got his diaper off without unsnapping his outfit. It’s a true mystery. Jaddie says Houdini couldn’t have done it.

After his bath he had an early dinner before going on a golf cart ride to see the ducks. Max really has been missing the ducks. Ducks, Mama, Dada, and Mimi are his most frequent words. We rode on the cart for a long while. We talked with quite a few neighbors along the way. When we got home Max and I played with his basketball goal and danced around the living room. We had our iPod playing some cool tunes and had a fun time. Daddy soon joined our party. He took a lot of pictures and shot a few videos. We had a lot of fun and we’re sure it was a nice way for Max to get some wiggles out. After our party in the living room, Jaddie read Max a bedtime story and then the lil’ fellow went to bed. Max will be get to see Mimi and Grandpa tomorrow after not seeing them for a week. They’ve been gone on a vacation of their own. They went on an old car tour that began in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and wrapped up in Birmingham, Alabama.

June 10, 2010

10:29 pm—(Posted by Becky)—For much of the day we’ve been traveling. The day started in Palm Coast and ended at home. Before leaving the condo this morning Jaddie and I were completing our checkout procedures. While we were working to get Ann’s condo spic-and-span, Max had other plans. In a split second Max dropped Ann’s glass turtle and broke its arm. We really hated that since we had a near-perfect record so far. We had to make a mad dash to get some superglue. We carried the repaired turtle with us to show aunt Ann. After seeing the mended turtle she forgave Max. We surely were glad!

On our trip home we stopped to visit with Great Grand. Max was shy at first, but soon he was giving her hugs and kisses. After leaving Nashville we went to Tifton for lunch before heading home. Max had ice for lunch and that was it. We’re not sure what was up with that, except for the outside temperature was in the high nineties.

During our long trip today Max only slept for about twenty to thirty minutes, and that’s very unusual for him. We felt so sorry for the lil’ fellow because he was strapped into his car seat for most of the day. When we got home he ran around for a while before getting a bath, stories, and a bottle. The lil’ fellow cried for about half an hour when I put him in his bed tonight. This is very unusual for him, too. Actually, he’s never cried for half an hour before in his whole life. We think he’s just out of sorts. Maybe things can get back to normal tomorrow.

June 9, 2010

9:52 pm—Max let us sleep until after 8:00 this morning, but our night still didn’t go so well due to my snoring and swollen sinuses. Max was a good bedfellow and didn’t wake up during the whole night.

The little fellow wasn’t interested in the water fountains this morning. He wanted to go to the pool. He enjoyed walking along the submerged edges of the pool. He fell into the deeper water two or three times, but those falls didn’t slow him down. He played in cousin Andrew’s inflatable jet ski and with the beachball we brought.

Once we got the little fellow dry, he watched Barney and ate lunch. Then he took his daily nap. Becky went back to Daytona today to get a hand towel to replace the one I ruined by wiping my face on it. I had acne cream on my face that bleached the towel. Luckily for us, Becky found an exact replacement.

When Max awoke from his nap, he was happy but had no frustration tolerance. He shrieked many times. We hope Ann’s neighbors weren’t home, because if they were, they surely heard a lot of commotion.

Becky put Max in a nice little outfit for a beach portrait and we headed out to Flagler Beach for pictures. As we drove to the beach the little fellow alternately shrieked in frustration and made silly, happy sounds. When we made it to the beach we couldn’t get Max to be still, so we just kept putting him back at the same starting point and letting him run toward the ocean. Becky was trying to wrangle Max and a reflector, and I was trying to keep Max’s beachball from catching wind as I took pictures.

I lost patience and headed for the car. Becky and shrieking Max followed and we returned to Ann’s condo, had dinner, read Max the same bedtime story three times, fed him a bottle, let him watch Barney, and put him to bed.

The little fellow must’ve given me more than fifty hugs today. I just don’t know what caused all the shrieking.

We’re heading home tomorrow. We’ll miss Ann’s fabulous condo. This place is nice. It’s spacious, cleaner than an operating room, tastefully decorated, has fancy amenities, and the rent was cheap. Hopefully, if Ann doesn’t find all of the things we had to replaster, repaint, and piece back together, she’ll let us stay here again.

Just kidding, Ann.

June 8, 2010

11:00 pm—Last night went well for Max but not for Becky and me. My sinuses backed up and made it impossible for me to use my CPAP (breathing aid that prevents sleep apneas). So I took off my mask and snored. Becky begged me to put the mask back on, and I did, but breathing through just one nostril into the mask was too noisy for her, so she left Max and me in the bed and slept the remainder of the night on Ann’s sofa.

When Max awoke he said, “Dada.” Next he said, “Mama.” He ramped up his volume on “Mama” until I brought him out to see Becky on the sofa. He gave her a big hug, and that’s how today got started.

I’ve really missed having an Internet connection on the MacBook since we left home. Becky and I have Internet connections with our iPhones, but the iPhone’s three-and-a-half-inch screen is less than ideal for a great Web browsing experience. Thankfully, AT&T finally is going to support Internet tethering with the debut of the next iPhone operating system, which is slated for release later this month. Tethering will allow us to use our iPhones’ Internet connections with our MacBook.

We’ll be home in a few days, where we have a high-speed connection, but if we get to come back to Ann’s condo, we should have better Internet connectivity when we do.

(Posted by Becky)—Max and I enjoyed the nice fountain and pool today before the little fellow took his afternoon nap. Jaddie and I watched Shutter Island while Max napped. When Max got up we got ready to go to the beach. We weren’t sure which beach to visit, so we got in the car and followed the A1A, Florida’s scenic coastal highway. We drove all the way to Daytona Beach. That looked like our best option, so we gave it a whirl. We walked along the boardwalk before venturing onto the beach. Max had never been to the beach, so weren’t sure how he’d like it. He not only liked it, he loved it. I thought we’d get our toes wet, but Max had other plans. He’d be in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean right now if I hadn't kept a firm grip on him. He had a blast. When he left he was sandy from head to toe. We found a foot shower and gave him a mini bath. When we got back to the condo giving Max a bath was top priority.

After eating dinner the three of us enjoyed looking at the nearly 250 pictures we took. We found some really good ones. Jaddie even captured a really cute video. We plan to take the fellow to different beach tomorrow.

June 7, 2010

10:05 am—I’m writing this at a Starbucks while Becky and Max visit Publix for a few provisions. Getting on the Internet here was a chore. I couldn’t simply hop online as I expected. I had to choose between signing up for a Starbucks membership or paying AT&T four dollars for two hours of time. The line in Starbucks reached the door, so I chose to pay AT&T.

During the registration process I saw something about iPhone customers’ having Wi-Fi access as part of our regular service plans. So I managed to log into our AT&T wireless account, which means I know our password. But believe it or not, I cannot, for the life of me, figure out our user ID. I need our user ID and password to get complimentary Wi-Fi here at Starbucks. I called AT&T for support, but, uh, all representatives were currently assisting other callers. I can be patient so I held the line for five our six minutes.

But then I gave up, paid the four bucks, and here I am.

Max awoke during the three-o’clock hour last night. He cried for a little bit, so Becky fed him a bottle, put him in bed with us, and he went right back to sleep. I never heard him but was pleasantly surprised to find him in bed with us this morning.

There are three bedrooms in Ann’s condo. In the master there’s a king bed, in another bedroom a queen, and in the other two twin beds. We slept on the queen bed, so we were nice and cozy.

Becky and Max are in the parking lot here at Starbucks waiting for me, so I reckon I’d better let go of the Wi-Fi for now.


9:30 pm—We had a fabulous time at Ann’s condo’s pool area. It’s a fancy area with dancing fountains for the little ones. Max had a wonderful time with the fountains and in the swimming pool. After all of his fun in the sun, the little fellow was ready for a nap.

After his nap we ventured to St Augustine. About the only good thing we can say about St Augustine is that there are roads leading away from there. The first thing that happened when we got out of our car and loaded Max into his stroller was being approached by a panhandler. He was one of many. Perhaps there are better areas of St Augustine. We walked around St George Street. Honestly, though, we haven’t seen such a rough area since we visited Jamaica.

Adventurers that we are, we drove back to Palm Coast and had dinner at Golden Corral. There’s a Golden Corral about a mile from our home, and yet that’s what we do when we’re on vacation. Hey, come party with us!

Baybay had a great day and we’re about to head to bed so we can be rested for tomorrow. The little fellow is going to sleep with us again tonight.

June 6, 2010

11:59 pm—I imagine there are going to be a lot of days like this, but I have a ton of details traversing my consciousness that I just don’t have the time or energy to tack down here tonight.

Becky, Max, and I are at Becky’s aunt Ann’s posh condo in Palm Coast, Florida, for a few days of chasing Max in the Sunshine State. This is Max’s first roadtrip outside Georgia. Becky captured Max on video during the moment we crossed into Florida.

We met Becky’s aunt Mary, uncle Buddy, and cousin Bridget at Ole Times Country Buffet in Tifton for lunch, which is the very best place in the South for southern food. Buddy and Mary bought our lunch and had a table waiting for us. We’re very thankful for their generosity. Bridget even gave Max a bag of beach toys, a book, and some sunglasses for his first trip to the beach. And when we went out to the car, they gave Max a sack full of DVDs, including Harry Potter, Shrek, Otis & Milo, and many more.

When we left Tifton we headed to Nashville, Georgia, to visit with Becky’s grandmother Louise and pick up the key to Ann’s condo. We got to visit with Becky’s aunt Martha, cousin Curry and his wife Brianna, and their son, Andrew. Max played with Andrew on Andrew’s jungle gym.

Max was very well-behaved for our long trip today. We got a little lost on the way down here. I think Becky may have entered a slightly different address into our iPhone’s GPS, so we wound up about eight miles away from where we should have been. And through it all, Mr Max was trooper and a good over-the-road buddy.

We’re not sure what he’s going to do when we put him in the car tomorrow. He may get upset because that’s where he spent the whole day today. We’ll cross that bridge tomorrow.

Ann’s condo is ultra-nice. We’ll write more about this lovely place in the days to come. Right now we’re tired and are ready to shut down.

June 5, 2010

8:42 pm—Max let us sleep a little late this morning, maybe until after 8:00. After getting a fresh dipe and a bottle, we settled back in bed to watch Barney. Then we went to Granny’s for breakfast. I went back to bed when we got home, and Max joined me shortly for his nap. The little fellow wouldn’t go to sleep, though, and when I hid the TV remote, he pitched a fit. Becky came in, scooped the little fellow up, and put him in his bassinet, which is where he napped until 5:00 this afternoon.

He’s been in a pretty good mood today, other than in a few instances in which he didn’t get to do what he wanted. And, boy, am I glad today was easy! My sinuses are inflamed, which means my energy is low and my head is in the clouds.

Mimi and Grandpa just came over to pick up Max for the night. Becky was preparing a bottle for the little fellow. He and I were about to go to bed. It was sort of sad seeing our little buddy leave. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed having him sleep sleep with us for the past few nights.

June 4, 2010

9:31 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up shortly before 7:00 this morning. He watched Barney with me until he got ready to go walking. He walked with Grandpa and I met them at Bojangles for breakfast. After Bojangles Max and I ran a few errands before coming home.

Max had lunch and a little more Barney before his afternoon nap. We had company and that didn’t even wake the fellow. He did get up before they left. Max and I played upstairs a long time this afternoon. He played with his castles and anything else he found in our closet. He had a lot of fun. Later, Daddy joined us and Max had fun with him, too.

After dinner, Mimi and Grandpa came over for a visit. Mimi and I gave the lil’ fellow a bath, and then he played with them for a while before they went home. As they left I brought Max up for a bottle and a story. The lil’ fellow is now in his crib, and we’re getting ready for bed. We plan to scoop him up as we head to bed.

June 3, 2010

10:08 pm—Max woke us at 6:17 this morning. He was in just too good a mood to go back to sleep. He wanted interaction from Becky and me. We got him a fresh dipe, a bottle, and Barney. He and I went walking at the mall with Grandpa, and they, as usual, had breakfast at Bojangles. I’m not sure if they visited the ducks this morning, but they did late this afternoon.

Becky and Max played with Play-Doh this morning while I worked on the computer. I recall a fun morning with the little fellow, but the details escape me. My sinuses have overtaken my brain.

Max had a nap this afternoon, we watched Barney on the iPad, I played with him a lot, we went to Costco this evening to get Becky’s tires rotated and balanced, we fed the little fellow yogurt while waiting, and now he’s in his bed asleep. We’ll let him sleep with us tonight.

June 2, 2010

9:57 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max was good for Mimi and Grandpa this morning. They said he was handing out hugs and kisses left and right. He went walking and then to Bojangles with Grandpa. I had to go to the dentist this morning, and Jaddie had an appointment, too. When I got home Max and Grandpa were cruising the neighborhood on the golf cart. Max and I had breakfast before heading over to Granny’s. We went to the grocery store with her. Max was very good at the grocery store. He rode in the cart that had a steering wheel. He really seemed to enjoy driving all over the store.

Max took a nap when we returned. The lil’ fellow somehow managed to sleep through a severe thunderstorm. I kept checking on him the whole time. Jaddie had to go to the doctor to get some relief for his sinuses and sore throat. Max was asleep the whole time Jaddie was gone.

When Max got up he was in a great mood. The lil’ fellow watched some Barney and played with his castles before we headed to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. After dinner Mimi and I gave the lil’ fellow a shampoo. Then we went with Mimi to Rite Aid. As I write this Jaddie is tucking our little sweetie into bed, and we plan to scoop him up when we go to bed.

June 1, 2010

11:01 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept late again this morning. The lil’ fellow slept until nearly 8:00, and that was great. When he got up he went walking with Daddy and Grandpa, and then he and Grandpa went to Bojangles. When he got home we got ready to go to storytime at Borders. That didn’t go so well. Max pitched a few fits and we left. After we left Borders we met Granny, Grandpa, Mimi, and Renae at Chick-fil-A for lunch. We all did a taste test for the new spicy chicken sandwich. Max had nuggets, of course.

After lunch Max came home for a nap, and Granny, Mimi, and I went to the movies. We went to see Letters to Juliet. It was a good movie. Max didn’t wake up until after we got home. He enjoyed a nice long nap this afternoon. Maybe his being so tired was the reason our Borders trip was so rough.

After dinner I gave Max a bath, and then Grandpa came to get us on the golf cart. We went to check on the ducks and visit with a few neighbors. When we left the pond they brought me home. Max is staying with Mimi and Grandpa tonight. We’ll miss our lil’ buddy!

Something cute Max is doing now is grabbing our fingers and leading us around. He takes us to do and get things for him. If his hand slips and he loses grip, he just grabs on again and more tightly. It’s really cute.

May 31, 2010

4:03 pm—Six from Saturday:


9:44 pm—Max let us sleep late this morning—well, until around 7:30, anyway. The alarm on my phone sounded at 7:00 but didn’t wake Max. I guess the little fellow was enjoying some deep sleep. He and I went to the mall to meet Grandpa for our morning walk and stroll.

After our walk they went to Bojangles for breakfast but didn’t visit the ducks because of the rain. Becky made eggs, biscuits, and pancakes for us when Max returned from Bojangles with Grandpa. After breakfast the little fellow climbed up in one of our dining room chairs and played with some candle holders. He’s climbing onto tables at Mimi and Grandpa’s and at Granny’s, too.

Max took a three-and-a-half-hour nap, I worked on pictures, and Becky ran a few errands. When Max awoke Becky made him some lunch and let him watch Barney on the iPad while he ate.

It wasn’t long after Max’s late lunch before the three of us went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. I met Bill and Dicey Sinclair for the first time. They’re good friends and Sunday school classmates of Mimi and Grandpa. Becky and I also met Bill and Dicey’s son, William, and grandson Caleb. Grandpa grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, and Dicey made brownies, which were served with ice cream. That’s one of my all-time favorite desserts, but I abstained. Max wasn’t hungry, so he entertained himself by watching Barney on the iPad, playing with the miniature animals that decorated his first birthday cake, and playing with coasters. He also spent time going under one of the tables and hiding behind its tablecloth.

Becky and I brought Max home, she gave him a bath, read three bedtime stories to him, and then I played tickle with him and let him jump on the bed for half an hour or so before putting him to bed. We’re going to scoop him up when we go to bed and let him sleep with us tonight.

May 30, 2010

11:59 pm—Max woke us around 6:40 this morning for a fresh dipe and a juice bottle, but he watched a Barney video two-and-a-half times before he finally cracked his whip and made us get up.

We went to Granny’s for breakfast. The little fellow was irritable but still had a few joyful moments during and after breakfast. Becky took him into Granny’s front yard to run around and ride in his Cozy Coupe.

When we returned home he and Becky took a nap together, though it lasted only two hours. While they napped I backed up Max’s images from April to DVD and Blu-ray. In just two days it’ll be time to back up May’s images.

Max enjoyed more Barney and lunch when he awoke, and he went into the laundry room by himself and played with some Easter eggs. I saw him move a full basket of bath supplies and a box of Pampers to get to his Legos. It was neat to see him navigate the pile of clutter with a goal clearly in mind.

It wasn’t long before the little fellow’s frustration tolerance vanished, so Becky gave him some chocolate milk and put him back down for another nap. This second nap was short, too, because he awoke with a dirty diaper. I got him up, we watched Barney, and he loved on George.

Max and I went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Becky and Mimi brought home pizza and frozen yogurt from Costco. Apparently, Becky and I weren’t holding up our end of dinner conversation this evening, because Mimi and Grandpa left us sitting at their table while they struck out on the golf cart to visit with Mrs Wigley and her sister, who was visiting from out of town.

Becky gave Max a bath, fed him a bottle, read one or more bedtime stories to him, and put him to bed shortly after we returned home.

And now we’ve abused our time by staying up late and will pay for it in the morning. We’ll all be thankful for good ol’ Barney about 7:00 in the morning.

May 29, 2010

11:15 pm—Grandpa didn’t walk this morning because, according to him, he was tired. He lies. He’s never tired. He makes the Energizer bunny look lazy. I believe he wanted to get started at o’dark-thirty on prepping his shop for tonight’s party, which he and Mimi hosted to celebrate the end of the school year for Becky and quite a few other teachers in our area.

I made my laps this morning, Max and Becky went to Bojangles for breakfast, and then they visited Mimi and Grandpa before the three of us went to Gymboree for play class. Mr Baybay Man had a dandy time at Gymboree. I took 216 pictures of the little fellow, though there were only 30 keepers.

Max settled down for a four-hour nap at noon, and Becky headed out for groceries and other errands. When Max awoke he got to watch Barney while having his late-afternoon snack.

Grandpa picked up Max and Becky on the golf cart to take them to the party tonight. I went to the party a little later and took a few pictures. Our little buddy fell out of a chair and cut his lip. There was quite a bit of blood, and his saliva made it look like much more. Jodi, Becky, and some of the other children were saying, “Oh, my God!,” which intensified my stress. Half a dozen of us attended to the little fellow, things eventually calmed down, and Max returned to his cheerful self.

I came home before Max and Becky, but they followed shortly. We gave Max a little more milk to augment what he’d already had at Mimi and Grandpa’s, and Becky put him in his bassinet beside our bed. We’re going to put him in bed with us tonight.

Lately Max has been the sweetest little toddler I’ve ever seen. He’s been wonderfully affectionate and engaging. In fact, he’s too affectionate. Not everyone wants or needs to be hugged and kissed, but Max hands out hugs and kisses to almost everyone.

May 28, 2010

9:35 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max was a good boy for Mimi and Grandpa last night. He went walking with Grandpa this morning, but didn’t make the trek to Bojangles. I picked him up at the mall after walking to take the lil’ fellow to Granny’s for the day. Jaddie went to Atlanta for a Photoshop seminar and I had my last day of post-planning. Max was all too happy to spend the day with Granny, aunt Shirley, and uncle Bill. They said Max played hard and was in a great mood all day.

When I picked up Max I was so excited because I had decided we were going to the pool for the afternoon. We came home, put on our bathing suits, sunscreen, and packed our pool bag. Then we drove all the way to the aquatic center at Collins Hill Park only to find a sign that said pools open on May 29. I was super-disappointed! We made a compromise and played with our giant Earth sprinkler, which Grandpa helped us get going. We had lots of fun together.

When we got home it wasn’t long before Daddy was home with dinner. We ate dinner and then Daddy and Max played. Max didn’t last long before getting tired. He only took an hour-and-fifteen-minute nap at Granny’s.

Max doesn’t realize that I have the summer off, but I’m so excited to get to have this time with him! I’m really looking forward to this summer.

May 27, 2010

11:01 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Fifteen from May 19 through yesterday:

Max slept with us again last night and was a good little bedfellow. I woke up to the sounds of “Mama,” and I also enjoyed at least ten hugs before leaving for school. When I left for school Max and Daddy went walking. They met Grandpa at the mall. Grandpa said Max was saying, “Oh, me!” really loudly as he made his laps. Granny taught the lil’ fellow that trick.

I called to check on Max this morning and he was at Mimi and Grandpa’s eating Cheetos and swinging in Grandpa’s swing. Now that’s the life. I also heard that they took the little fellow to check on the ducks and ducklings. I can’t wait to do these fun things with my favorite fellow. I can’t believe that tomorrow is my last day before summer break. I’m so excited to have so much time to spend with my little buddy.

After Max’s nap Granny came over for a visit. She cut Grandpa’s hair before going out to dinner with us all. Max was pretty good during dinner. When we got home I gave the little fellow a bath, read him a story, and brushed his teeth all before Mimi and Grandpa came to pick him up for the night. Jaddie and I will miss our favorite fellow tonight, but he’ll be back home tomorrow night.

May 26, 2010

9:38 pm—Baybay awoke early this morning and said, “Mama,” at 6:05. Becky told him to lie back down, which he did. For ten minutes. At 6:15 he began jumping on the bed and having a big time. We got up, Becky changed his diaper, I prepared his bottle, and we settled back into bed and watched Barney.

Baybay and I met Grandpa at the mall this morning for a walk and stroll, they went to Bojangles for breakfast afterward, and then Mimi and Grandpa took Max to visit the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond. Then Max and I went to nearby Bogan Park for a little while. Grandpa was here putting on a new piece of siding when we left. Max had fun at Bogan and hugged two of the other kids on the playground, both of whom he’d never seen before. One hug recipient was also named Max. He was two-and-a-half years old. Another person he hugged was a little Asian girl wearing a cute pink dress. I told the little fellow not to hug everyone, but I have to admit to feeling proud as he expressed his affection so freely.

When we came home from the park, I fed him a bottle and put him down for his nap, which turned out to last five hours. I fed him a juice bottle after his nap and let him watch Barney on the iPad.

Becky, Max, and I met Mimi and Grandpa and neighbors Greg and Renae for dinner at the City of Suwanee’s Town Center. Mimi and I stayed outside with Max while everyone else ordered and waited for dinner. I took about 90 pictures of Max this morning at Bogan Park and 168 pictures this evening in Suwanee. I bet I’ve spent an hour deciding which images to keep.

After dinner I took Max outside to the fountain and watched him have a great time trying not to get soaking wet. He lost that fight. By the time the rest of our party exited the restaurant, Max looked as though he’d showered with his clothes on. I got a few pictures of him at the fountain, but they were all shot with my iPhone.

Becky gave the little fellow a bath when we got home, fed him a bottle, read him one or more bedtime stories, and put him to bed. We’ll scoop him up when we go to bed so he can sleep with us again tonight. We love having our little buddy sleep with us, even if he does jump on the bed at 6:15 am.

May 25, 2010

9:52 pm—Mr Baybay Man is back in the house tonight after spending the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night. As I write this I hear him flopping around in his bed. We’ll scoop him up when we go to bed so he can sleep with us tonight.

I was a bad boy this morning and skipped my walk. Someone, who shall remain nameless (okay, it was Jodi), rang my phone at 7:11 this morning. After getting up to get the phone, I got on the computer, took a hard disk drive out of it, and put it into our Drobo. Before I knew it, it was too late to go walk. Grandpa brought Max back home early, and because our housecleaners were coming, I took Max over to Granny’s for the afternoon.

Grandpa came over and cut two holes in the house to install two electrical outlets on our deck under the wood shelves he recently installed. He also rerouted the electricity from an outside light to a different circuit breaker.

I helped him for a while but then bailed on him to get a shower. When I asked him if he’d be okay without me for half an hour or so, he asked incredulously, “A shower?” I said, “Yeah, I haven’t had one all day.” He said, “Neither have I and I mowed half our grass today.” He also went walking and took Max to Bojangles for breakfast. When I saw him later this evening, he still hadn’t had a shower. He said he didn’t have time. That’s some retirement he’s got going.

Max napped for only an hour and fifteen minutes today at Granny’s. He enjoyed jumping on Granny’s bed and having her tickle him, watching Barney, and running around outside. He even learned how to let himself out of Granny’s house. At one point she couldn’t find the little fellow, and he was out in her front yard. What a little rascal.

Becky picked up dinner for Granny, herself, and me, and I joined them at Granny’s in the late afternoon. While I was there Becky chased him around the big tree in front of Granny’s porch, as well as all over her large front yard. The little fellow really enjoyed that. He also enjoyed having Granny feed him peach ice cream on the front porch.

We brought the little fellow home, Becky gave him a bath, and then she and Grandpa took him to see the ducks. He hung out with Mimi and Grandpa while Becky came home to get a few things, but she brought the little fellow back with her shortly. He was in a super mood as he finished his bottle and listened to Becky read him a bedtime story. Becky sang him a few songs and put him in his bed.

The day was kind of crappy for me. I misfired on everything I wanted to get done and was never on track all day. Mr Baybay Man was certainly a bright spot in this day, though. Seeing his joy as Becky chased him at Granny’s was a soulful pleasure I’ll never forget.

I’m looking forward to watching Barney with the little fellow in the morning.

May 24, 2010

9:43 pm—I’m really missing my baybay man right now. Grandpa conned us out of another night with the little fellow. How can we turn Grandpa down? We hardly have one thing in our house or cars that he hasn’t fixed. We’re still using the fancy refrigerator and clothes dryer he and Mimi gave us back when we moved into our first home in mid-’94.

I saw Sir Baybay this morning at the mall, and Grandpa brought him back early. They didn’t go to Bojangles because Grandpa had an appointment to get a physical. Max and I went over to Granny’s to visit with her for a while before taking lunch to Becky and her friend Jodi at school.

Max was asleep in the car when we returned home; he’d fallen asleep in the eight minutes it took to get from Becky’s school to home. I woke him to get him out of the car and change his dipe, and he wasn’t too happy about that. I put him in his bassinet for a nap without giving him a bottle, but to me he didn’t look as though he wanted one.

He napped for more than four hours when I went in to get him. I didn’t wait for him to make noise; I went in to get him because I missed him. And, boy, was I ever rewarded! I got a big hug and a kiss, and he was even content while I changed his dipe. I put him in my lap, gave him a bottle, and held the iPad so he could watch Barney. The iPad isn’t easy to hold for fifty minutes, but I did it. When the video drew to a close, I sang along with Barney’s “I Love You.” Mr Baybay looked at me, grinned, and gave me another big hug and two kisses.

So, yeah, I’m really missing my baybay man right now.

Becky came home from school and we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Grandpa had made breakfast for dinner. Baybay wasn’t a happy camper at first. He threw his food and was having a hissy fit for some unknown reason. Becky told Grandpa and me to ignore him, so we went into another room, and, surely enough, the little fellow straightened right out.

Mimi and Becky gave Max a bath this evening, and then he went out with them to run a few errands. Becky said he was super-affectionate with her while they were out. The little fellow repeatedly kissed her squarely on the lips many times. Becky came home with delicious Costco frozen yogurt for tonight and pizza for tomorrow. But she wasn’t packing a baybay man. She says he’s definitely staying with us tomorrow night.

At least I can catch up with the little fellow shortly after I awake in the morning. I plan to process some of his images tomorrow. He’s some kind of precious.

If only time would stand still.

May 23, 2010

10:09 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept with us again last night. The lil’ fellow was a good bedfellow, but he really likes getting up with the roosters. We persuaded him to sleep a little longer this morning. When we got up we got Max ready to go to church with Mimi and Grandpa. I knew when Maxipoo got home wearing someone else’s clothes, drinking out of someone else’s sippy cup, and a carrying full sack of dirty clothes, things didn’t go so well. Mimi and Grandpa didn’t know many details, so I call my friend Jodi, who works in the church’s nursery and got the scoop. Max had an immediate meltdown when he arrived and didn’t see Jodi. When she found him she gave him a big animal cookie to try to calm him. The little fellow shoved the whole cookie into his mouth and refused to give it back. Well, he got choked and threw up. This was outfit change number one. Eddy, Jodi’s husband, took the kids outside, and, of course, Max found a big mud puddle. This necessitated outfit change number two. When Max got home he seemed fine, just like nothing ever happened.

After Max’s nap we played awhile before the three of us lay in our bed to enjoy a little Barney. Jaddie and I were really tired from our Max alarm clock that doesn’t seem to have much of a snooze button. Max was convinced that we needed to see Barney, so our nap time was cut short.

Max and I went on the golf cart to see the ducks before we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s. Max is staying with them tonight. We hope to get a lot of shuteye tonight, but we’ll miss our lil’ fellow.

May 22, 2010

9:59 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept with us last night. I woke to the sweet sounds of “Mama.” There was only one problem—I heard those sounds at 6:00 am, which is just a bit too early for us on a Saturday morning. We talked the lil’ fellow into sleeping a while longer, and then we gave him a fresh dipe, bottle, and Barney. Max went walking with Grandpa and Daddy, and then he and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast. When he returned to our neighborhood, he visited neighbors with Mimi and Grandpa.

Max and I went to Gymboree for play class today. Max had a big time. He played with balls mostly, as he’s really into those right now. When we left Gymboree the two of us went to The Olive Garden for lunch. Max was good all during lunch. He even tried some of my soup. Daddy had to work today, so he wasn’t able to join us. When we got home Max was ready for an afternoon nap. He slept for about four hours. Grandpa came down close to the end of his nap to stay with him while I went to my hair appointment. When I got home Max had just awoken and was drinking some juice, and Daddy got home a short time thereafter.

Tonight we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Max didn’t behave well during dinner. He threw his food and cried a lot. We’re not sure what his fuss was about. After dinner Mimi and I went to CVS for some baby supplies and Max stayed with Grandpa. They rode on the golf cart and watched Barney. When we got back home, I shampooed the Maxipoo. Then he enjoyed bedtime stories, jumping on the bed, and tickles before going to bed. Jaddie and I really enjoyed that time with our sweet little boy, and we’re going to scoop him up and let him sleep with us again tonight.

May 21, 2010

9:28 pm—I caught up with Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning. They went to Bojangles for breakfast afterward, but they didn’t go see the ducks because it was raining.

Max has spent a lot of time over the past three days trying to hug our cat, George. He hasn’t had much luck because he can’t get his arms under George, but he’s pressed his cheek against George several times. George has been tolerant but eventually lost patience and tried to paw Max. Poor Max just didn’t understand.

Another thing Max has been doing over the past few days is playing with the box his new car seat shipped in, and George has been playing with it, too. It’s pretty cute to see ol’ George slink into the box out of curiosity, and then see Max follow him. They’ll both be in the box for a few seconds, and then George will bolt out of there.

Max enjoyed lunch while watching Barney again today. Then I fed him a bottle in our bed. After he finished his bottle, he really enjoyed jumping on our bed and having me tickle him. He napped for three-and-a-half hours and awoke in a pretty good mood, had a juice bottle, and watched more Barney.

He and Becky headed out this evening to get dinner. Becky gave the little fellow a bath, and Mimi and Grandpa came over to see him for a little while. You know, they hadn’t seen the little fellow since this morning, so it was time for a visit.

As soon as Mimi and Grandpa went home, we put Max to bed so Becky could get a bath and I could write this. We’re going to scoop up the little fellow and let him sleep with us tonight.

Max’s problem is that he ain’t got nobody to love him.

May 20, 2010

10:22 pm—Today is Max’s twenty-one-month birthday, and aside from the usual routine of walking at the mall, having breakfast at Bojangles, and visiting the ducks, Max, Grandpa, and I went over to my uncle Larry’s this morning to try to start an old car. We were unsuccessful, but Grandpa is sure he can get the old car going again.

Granny came over for a short visit around 11:00 this morning. Max enjoyed showing her his new box, the one his new car seat shipped in. It wasn’t long before the little fellow was hungry and ornery, so we put him in front of the television, fed him some puffs and graham crackers, and let him watch Barney. He was as happy as a clam once Barney and lunch were underway.

Grandpa spent most of the afternoon putting new brake rotors on Becky’s car. He even fixed her windshield wipers, which weren’t going all the way down when turned off. Tonight Becky found a crack in the paddle portion of her car’s ignition key, and since it has security features built in, it was causing some trouble in getting her car started. Of course, the first thing she did was report it to Grandpa, and he found some replacement key paddles on eBay and hopes he can transfer the electronics from the original to the replacement. Without Grandpa we’d either go broke paying for repairs or have a whole lot of broken and useless stuff cluttering our lives.

Becky, Max, and I went to Fuddrucker’s in Duluth for an early dinner. Max was a good boy during the ride to dinner but became impatient and loud during the course of our meal. He eventually settled down, though, and was a happy camper on the next leg of our excursion, which was to Walmart.

While Becky was checking out at Walmart, Max and I went to the car to get loaded up, and this is when Grandpa called and asked if Max could spend the night. I told him that I didn’t know if Becky would part with the little fellow tonight after not having him at home last night. But when Becky returned Grandpa’s call, he put he hard sell on her and convinced her to let the little fellow stay with him and Mimi tonight.

On our way into our subdivision, we spotted Mimi and Grandpa at neighbors Stephen and Dale’s, so we stopped to chat and hand off Max to Mimi and Grandpa. They took Max back to visit with the ducks before going home for the evening.

I reckon I’ll get a little more face time with Mr Max in the morning. Grandpa said we could keep Max tomorrow night, so we’re already looking forward to having him home with us.

May 19, 2010

10:27 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept with us again last night. He was an excellent bedfellow. I woke up to his saying, “Mama.” It’s a great way to start the day. I enjoyed a little Barney this morning before going to school. As usual, Max went walking this morning with Grandpa and Daddy and then enjoyed breakfast at Bojangles with Grandpa. Daddy took Max to visit Granny, and on their way home they brought lunch to me at school. Our little fellow certainly makes some tracks.

After Max’s afternoon nap we played around the house before heading to Bogan Park. Max had a big time playing at the park. He even captured the attention of little girl who played with him a lot. Her name is Jessie and she’s nine years old. She really took up a lot of time with Max, Max gave her a hug, and it was so cute. We got a lot of pictures of the little fellow at the park, and I’m sure we’ll share them soon.

After we left Bogan Park we went to Golden Corral for dinner. Max was good boy. We gave Maxipoo a sugar-free ice cream cone for the first time. He loved the ice cream, but wasn’t sure what to do with the cone. Watching him try to spoon out the ice cream from the cone was quite a treat. When we were finished we took Max to Mimi and Grandpa’s to spend the night. They had already called dibs on Maxipoo for tonight. Jaddie will catch up with the little fellow in the morning.

May 18, 2010

10:32 pm—We enjoyed a great day today. Max slept with us last night and was a pretty good bedfellow. When we woke up I got the little fellow a bottle, Becky changed his diaper, and then he and I settled back into bed to watch Barney.

Max and I arrived at the mall at 7:59 am and Grandpa had almost finished his first lap. I assume they went to Bojangles for breakfast, but I don’t know for sure. Grandpa needed a part for his lawn mower, which was located in Athens, approximately forty-five miles away, so Max and Mimi joined Grandpa for the long ride. I used the time to get a haircut, lunch, birdseed, and make a deposit into Max’s savings account.

Max was ready for a bottle when they returned from Athens, so I changed his dipe and took him upstairs to feed him. After his bottle he enjoyed a short time of jumping on the bed and having me tickle him until I put him in his bassinet for his nap. As I was putting him into his bassinet, his body made a little sound. I asked him if he tooted, and he giggled. For the rest of the day, whenever we said the word toot, he giggled so amusedly.

He awoke shortly after Becky came home from school, and, of course, had a diaper that was begging for a change. As Becky and I were changing his diaper, he grabbed his toes and said, “toe,” very clearly.

Becky, Grandpa, and Max went to see the ducks after the little fellow got his diaper changed and inspected his new car seat that’s going in Becky’s car. He was much more interested in the seat’s box than the seat itself. Max got to feed the ducks on this trip. He fed them corn and ran after them.

They stopped by neighbor Edna’s for a short visit, and Max got to pet her dog, Sapphire. Max hasn’t been around dogs, but he enjoyed giving and receiving lots of love from Sapphire.

Mimi cooked dinner for all of us tonight. Afterward, Mimi and Becky gave the little fellow a bath. When they came home, it was time for Max’s last bottle, three bedtime stories, and at least a dozen songs. Then we gave him goodnight sugar and put him in his bed. We’re going to scoop him up and let him sleep with us again tonight. Grandpa has already called dibs on him for tomorrow night, so we’re getting our snuggletime with Max tonight.

May 17, 2010

9:27 pm—It’s 9:03 as I begin to write this, the light is almost gone from the sky, Max is asleep, and Becky out and about. An easy day eases into the past.

I was late getting to the mall this morning, but I still got there in time to see Max and Grandpa. They were on their last lap as I began my walk, so I hustled home as soon as I’d finished four laps to get a shower before Grandpa brought the little fellow back home. I made it just in time.

Max and I played for a short while before I let him watch Bob the Builder for the first time. He was interested in it but not as much as he’s interested in Barney, which we watched afterward. I fed Max his bottle, snuggled up with him, and took an hour-long nap with him. When I could no longer get comfortable without moving him, I picked him up and put him in his bassinet for the rest of his nap. The little fellow napped for five hours.

He wasn’t awake when I went in to get him at 5:00; it was my squeaking our bedroom door that woke him. I changed his dipe, hoisted him onto my shoulders, and took him down to the mailbox before giving him his post-nap juice bottle. Grandpa called to let us know that supper would be ready at 5:45.

After Baybay finished his bottle, I put him upon my shoulders again and walked to Mimi and Grandpa’s. We found Mimi on their deck talking to neighbor Dale on the telephone. Max wanted her water, I got him a popsicle that he had a lot of fun trying to eat. He and Mimi played with a big blue ball in their driveway and backyard just before dinner. Becky met us there and took over for Mimi in playing with Max.

I walked home as Grandpa and Max were heading out on the golf cart, and I believe Max enjoyed more playtime with the big blue ball when they returned. Mimi and Becky shampooed the Maxipoo and Becky brought him home and filled out his application to preschool. If accepted he’ll attend a preschool near our home three days per week for three hours each day.

When Max got home, he watched the same Barney video he watched just before his nap. I fed him his bedtime bottle while Barney and friends entertained us, and it wasn’t long after Barney signed off when Max signed off, too.

It’s good to have the little fellow home tonight. I’m looking forward to watching Barney with him first thing in the morning.

May 16, 2010

10:00 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I didn’t hear Max this morning. When I woke up Jaddie was changing his diaper and they were chatting to each other. We scooped him up and put him in the bed with us for Barney and a bottle. After Barney we got ready to go to Granny’s for breakfast. We played in Granny’s front yard before coming home for Max’s afternoon nap. Max slept for four hours this afternoon.

Max enjoyed more Barney after getting up from his nap. He’s been in a good mood except for a few meltdowns. We took an afternoon ride through the neighborhood on Grandpa’s golf cart. We even stopped to check on the ducks. We also stopped by Mimi and Grandpa’s for a short visit. Neighbor Renae was also visiting. Max and Grandpa played in the backyard with the big blue ball. Tonight Mimi and Grandpa came to our house for dinner, and they took Maxipoo home with them when they left. Jaddie will catch up with them in the morning. I have only ten more days until I’m out for summer break. I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with my favorite little fellow.

May 15, 2010

4:08 pm—One from May 4, two from Mother’s Day, one from Thursday, and five from yesterday:


9:49 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I met Grandpa and Max at Bojangles this morning. They had been to the mall for their morning walk. We enjoyed breakfast with our friend Miss Joyce. When I walked in the door Max said, “Mama,” and everyone thought that was so sweet. I have to agree. When we got home we got ready to go to Gymboree. Max had a big time at playing at Gymboree. He especially enjoyed throwing beanbags through a hole. After Gymboree we had lunch at Chick-fil-A with one of Max’s friends from class, Devon. They were really good boys at lunch and really seemed to have fun together. They are one month apart.

Max was tired from his busy morning, so when he got home he took a five-hour nap. Mimi and I went out while Max slept, and Jaddie worked on pictures. When Max got up we went outside to plant a few tomato plants, and then we went walking through the neighborhood. We ended up at Mimi and Grandpa’s, but they weren’t at home. We played in their backyard until it began to rain lightly. We quickly hopped on the golf cart to partially escape the rain. We stopped by to check on the ducks before heading home. When we got home we played with Max’s farm Aquadoodle before Mimi and Grandpa stopped by for a visit. Max was happy to see them. Before going to bed tonight Max enjoyed a Robert Munsch book from Tumblebooks. He really likes the book, so we plan to show him more in the future. Lil’ fellow is fast asleep in his crib, but we plan to scoop him up when we go to bed.

May 14, 2010

10:26 pm—Max awoke a little ornery this morning. He had to go to timeout before Becky even left for school. But there were times today in which the little fellow was especially affectionate. We put in our laps at the mall with Grandpa, they went to Bojangles for breakfast, and then they went to see the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond.

When Grandpa brought Max home, he said Max had been a terror. He said Mrs Wigley asked him to take a look at her car, but Max pitched a fit when he tried. Tonight I learned that Max pitched a fit at Bojangles, too. Mimi and Grandpa had to put the little fellow in timeout this morning because of a fit he pitched at their house.

We played for a short time this morning before he began unloading our pantry. I put my foot down about that and told him he couldn’t do that. That triggered a meltdown, so I went ahead and put him in his highchair in front of the television, fed him lunch, and let him watch Barney. He was content as long as he was watching Barney. Then I fed him a bottle and put him down for a nap and he was content then, too.

He napped until 4:00 pm and was pretty happy when he awoke, even though he had a dirty diaper. Becky fed him a bottle and let him watch a little Barney before they walked to Mimi and Grandpa’s. They came back and picked me up on the golf cart, and we went over to see the ducks and take pictures of the one-day-old ducklings. I also got a pretty good picture of Max and Becky that I hope to share here tomorrow.

Becky, Mimi, and Max picked up a pizza and some frozen yogurt from Costco, and we had dinner at their house. Max was a good boy through most of dinner, but we ended up having to send him to timeout for throwing his food. The short stint in timeout seemed to help his attitude. (Well, his change of attitude could have been due the yogurt he got when he was done with timeout. The little fellow took to Becky’s chocolate yogurt like a moth to a flame.)

Mimi and Becky gave the little fellow a bath after dinner, and he’s going to crash with Mimi and Grandpa tonight. Even though he was difficult to handle at times today, I wish he were here tonight so we could catch Barney in the morning before our walk.

May 13, 2010

9:21 pm—Other than my taking a nap with the little fellow midday, we had a pretty typical day here at Chez Max. “Meanie Butt,” as Grandpa calls him, spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night, so I caught up with them at the mall for our usual walk and stroll. They went to Bojangles for breakfast and to the Wigleys’ pond to visit the ducks. Grandpa brought him home just before 10:00 am.

The little fellow had a meltdown when he had to get off of Grandpa’s cart this morning. It was one of those lying-in-the-floor-, flailing-arms-and-legs meltdowns. I walked away from him and he was fine within a couple of minutes. We played with one or two of his toys before he found my iPhone and wanted to play with it. We played some children’s games, but what he really wanted to do was watch Barney. I knew he was going to get a full Barney video while he had lunch, so I kept the learning games going for a while.

Eventually we made it to the point of every day in which he gets his bottle just before his midday nap. I put him in our bed and snuggled up with him, and he went to sleep with his head on my arm while drinking his bottle. I figured I’d lie with him for a few minutes, and I ended up dozing off, too. Max awoke, sat up, and I took that opportunity to put him in his bassinet. He made the transition without a peep. Becky went in to check on him after 5:00, which is when he finally woke up.

Mimi and Grandpa came over for dinner this evening. The five of us had dinner on our deck. Max sat at the table with us in his highchair and was in a happy mood. The little fellow left with Mimi and Grandpa and stayed with them until Becky picked him up on her way home from a PTA meeting. She gave him a bath, read him two new bedtime stories, brushed his teeth, and put him to bed, but before he went to bed, he got to jump on our bed, have us tickle him, and giggle exuberantly.

I’m glad he’s staying home tonight because I’ll enjoy watching Barney with him in the morning.

May 12, 2010

11:12 pm—Max and I had a great start to our day when he got up and watched Barney in bed with me. He watches the video while either leaned against me or lying on me. We met Grandpa at the mall and after our walk they went to Bojangles for breakfast and then to visit the Wigleys’ ducks. Grandpa said there was a new set of itty-bitty ducklings this morning.

When Grandpa brought Max home, Max and I headed to nearby Bogan Park for some playtime. We were disappointed to learn that the larger playground was closed for renovations, but we were happy to see that the smaller playground had been completely renovated. Max had a wonderful time playing. He even saw a girl and, though his back was to me, he looked as though he tried to kiss her. He made friends with a sixteen-month-old named Bo, too. When we came home we found Grandpa taking care of our yard and driveway.

The little fellow came home, watched another Barney video while having lunch, and then took a five-hour nap. We went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner, and after dinner Grandpa took Max back down to the Wigleys’ to see the ducks. Max is spending the night with Mimi and Grandpa tonight, so I’ll have to catch up with the little fellow in the morning. I’m going to miss watching Barney with him.

May 11, 2010

9:34 pm—After strolling at the mall this morning and going to Bojangles with Grandpa, Max spent most of the day with Granny. Our housekeepers were here today, and Max wasn’t about to leave their cleaning implements and supplies alone, so I thought he’d better stay with Granny while there was a lot of action at home. It was a treat to get to see uncle Larry when we arrived at Granny’s. Larry had planted another row of tomatoes for Granny in what used to be our in-ground swimming pool.

Granny phoned me about 2:30 this afternoon. I thought she was calling to let me know the little fellow was up from his nap, but she told me that he’d just lain down for his nap. I don’t believe he’s ever stayed awake until 2:30 in the afternoon before today. He and Granny had a big time playing together and watching Barney.

His nap lasted only an hour and was, for the third consecutive day, cut short by a dirty diaper. Usually he’s in a terrible mood when his sleep gets cut short, but when I went over to pick him up, he was in pretty good spirits. I enjoyed a late-afternoon snack at Granny’s, and Max had a good time snacking with me. Then Granny and I played with him for a short while before I brought him home.

He watched a Barney video from my iPhone while sitting in my lap, Becky came home, we all had dinner together, and then Becky and Grandpa took Max cruising on the golf cart. They stopped by Mimi and Grandpa’s and watched a little bit of Dancing with the Stars. Becky said the little fellow cut his own little jig in front of the television. He’s such a showoff—and so much fun to watch.

When they returned home, it didn’t take Mr Max long before he was studying the backs of his eyelids. Becky and I are about to join him in the same study.

May 10, 2010

10:52 pm—I caught up with Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning. They went to Bojangles for breakfast and then visited the Wigleys’ ducks before coming home at 9:45. He and I played with his new toys and watched a Barney video before he began his nap.

Like yesterday’s nap, today’s nap was cut short by a dirty diaper. The little fellow slept only two-and-a-half hours. I got him all cleaned up, played with him for a bit, and then we had to repeat the cleanup.

I let Max watch Barney while he drank his bottle after his short nap. We watched about half of a video on the iPad before enjoying another play session with his big red ball. I put him back in his high chair for a snack and let him watch the same Barney video we watched before he took his nap—the whole video. At this point in the day, the little fellow had almost two-and-a-half hours of Barney under his belt.

We went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. Grandpa made breakfast for dinner, as he often does on Monday evenings, just as Becky requested. He also worked on our kitchen faucet. A tiny bolt broke off inside a fitting, and Grandpa drilled it out and rethreaded the fitting. We’re still missing a bolt, but Grandpa said he was taking care of that in the morning.

After dinner Mimi and Becky gave Max a bath. He was in a foul mood during bathtime, which is unusual because he loves his baths. We knew he was tired, so we put him to bed as soon as we got home. Much to our surprise, he didn’t want to go to sleep. He kept calling “Mama” and “Daddy” from his crib, and after half an hour or so, I gave in and picked him up. Becky and I lay down with him in our bed and gave him another bottle. Then the little fellow put on a big show for us. He loves jumping into the air, raising his legs until they’re straight out, landing on his bottom, and having us tickle him. We have to record this and share it here because it’s so precious.

Becky left Max and me to continue playing while she got a bath. I put Mr Max back to bed at 8:30, and this time he didn’t protest.

We don’t have any really good pictures to share, but we’re going to share a few that we do have. I would’ve gotten around to processing a few of those today if I’d had more time.

May 9, 2010

10:28 pm—The little fellow slept with us last night. Now I see what Becky means by saying Max nudges her off the bed, because last night he nudged me. He doesn’t sleep without pressing up against something. Last night he pressed against me and the headboard. It was okay until I wanted to turn over. He was too wedged under me for me to be able to turn over without getting out of bed and moving him. I got up and moved him two or three times, and later in the night I saw him wedged under Becky.

Becky said he awoke in the five-o’clock hour this morning, saying, “Mama.” She told him he had to go back to sleep and he did. He let us sleep until 8:20. We got him a bottle, changed his dipe, and watched a Barney video with him. Then we went to Granny’s for breakfast, and this morning Granny also made us some pancakes.

Becky and the little fellow played together once we got home, and he began his nap shortly before noon. He awoke an hour earlier than usual with a heavy dipe, so Becky and I took care of him.

Becky played with him while I went out to get Becky a Mother’s Day present. Max is very interested in his new toy castles that one of Becky’s colleagues gave him. These excellent toys were previously enjoyed by Becky’s friend’s children, and that’s an ideal way for kids to enjoy a lot of different toys. These toys even came with their batteries pre-installed, which was so convenient for us. The doors on the two castles open and close, and doors are one of Max’s very favorite things.

When I returned from shopping I found the little fellow, Becky, and Granny in our cul-de-sac playing with Max’s big red ball. We tried to take a few pictures in the studio of Becky with Max on Mother’s Day, but the little fellow made it pretty clear that he wasn’t interested. Maybe there are one or two images we took today that we can share here, but we’ll just have to see.

The four of us went to a country buffet in Lawrenceville for dinner. Becky was going to prepare dinner here, but since Mimi and Grandpa weren’t going to join us, we decided to go out. Mimi and Grandpa were in South Georgia this weekend for Grandpa’s mother’s birthday and Mother’s Day.

As we were leaving for dinner, Mimi and Grandpa were just getting home, so we stopped by for a visit when we returned. Grandpa and Max went upstairs to bed near 8:00, and Becky, Granny, and I came home.

May 8, 2010

9:32 pm—(Posted by Becky)—We woke up this morning hearing Maxipoo talking in his crib. We scooped him up, got him a bottle, and turned on Barney. After Barney, Max and I got ready to go to Bojangles. We enjoyed a nice breakfast together. When we got home we got ready for Gymboree. Max had a big time playing today. The focus at Gymboree was on pushing and pulling. They had a big slide and that’s what Max focused on. After playtime, we came home and got ready for a nap. I rested with Max for a while.

Max enjoyed a four-hour nap this afternoon. While he was asleep I set up his new toys given to him by a parent in my class. That was super-sweet of her to give Max these toys. Max spent a long time figuring out the Little People castle. He’s still learning about the door. He really has a thing for doors. Max stayed with Daddy tonight while I went for a two-hour massage. When I got home they were watching Barney.

After dinner tonight, I gave Maxipoo a shampoo. Then we enjoyed two books. Max is now lying down with Daddy while I write this. We three are heading to bed shortly.

May 7, 2010

8:47 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max awoke this morning and quickly wanted his juice. When he got juice and Barney all things were right in the world. He went walking and then went to Bojangles. When he got home he and Daddy played together and watched Barney before he took his afternoon nap. Max Van Winkle slept for five hours this afternoon.

And he was happy when he got up from his nap. Just as when he awoke this morning, he wanted juice and Barney. Not long after he got up we headed to Granny’s. Granny kept Maxipoo while Jaddie and I went out for dinner. When we got back to Granny’s Max had leaned a new phrase—“Oh, me.” When Granny asked Max to say “Oh, me,” he really put his heart and soul into it. It was so cute! On the way home Max gave us many smiles from the backseat. We really have a sweet little boy.

We’re going to bed early tonight. I’m zonked from a sunny and very hot field day at school, and it’s Maxipoo’s bedtime, too.

May 6, 2010

9:43 pm—And another good day draws to a close. The day began with the usual walk at the mall, Grandpa and Max’s having breakfast at Bojangles, and their visiting the ducks. Then Max and I went to Granny’s for a short visit. She fed the little fellow while I installed his new Britax Boulevard car seat in the forward-facing position. It’s nice now to be able to see my little fellow’s face in the rearview mirror.

Installing Max’s new car seat took longer than I expected. By the time I got that thing installed and carried lunch to Becky at school, it was past Max’s naptime. I brought him home, fed him a bottle, and put him in his bassinet. He seemed eager to move from our bed, where he drank his bottle, to his bassinet. I guess he was tired and ready for his nap.

He napped until Becky woke him at 5:15. She fed him a juice bottle and a snack, and then let Grandpa come get him while she went to a PTA meeting. While she was gone I made some prints for an auction at Becky’s school and for Grandpa’s side of the family.

Becky brought Max home with her tonight. Grandpa wanted to keep the little fellow, but I guess Becky talked him into letting Max stay with us. Now Becky’s gone to get a matted frame for the prints I made, and I’m about to go to bed.

May 5, 2010

8:30 pm—Max had another great day today. He and Grandpa arrived at the mall before I did this morning. As I was finishing my first lap, they were finishing their last. They went to Bojangles for breakfast and to see the ducks, and then Grandpa brought the little fellow home so he could go mow Mrs Wigley’s grass.

Mimi arthritis situation continues to improve, but we still haven’t heard from her doctor concerning her test results.

Max and I played together for about an hour this morning before he watched a Barney video. He was interested in his big red ball, which is nearly half of his height. He went to sleep while drinking his bottle, and his nap lasted about four hours.

When he awoke I changed his dipe, gave him a juice bottle, and let him watch Barney on the iPad. Becky came home from school and took over iPad-holding duty. After feeding the little fellow a snack, she took him to Mimi and Grandpa’s for a while, where we had dinner this evening. Max even got to see his sweetheart, neighbor Dale. Becky and I went to Costco for yogurt after dinner, and when we came home we saw Mimi, Grandpa, and Max chatting with neighbors Mukti, Raj, and their daughter.

I came home to write this and get ready for bed, and Becky stayed behind. It won’t be long before she and our little fellow come home, though, because it’s now past the latter’s bedtime. I didn’t sleep well last night after going to bed late, and I want to get a jump on a more energetic day tomorrow.

May 4, 2010

10:29 pm—Max had big fun today. We didn’t do anything all that special; he just seemed to have an unusually great time today. As Becky was leaving for school this morning, Max blew her kisses while drinking his bottle. He and I met Grandpa at the mall, and then he and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast. The weather was nice, so Grandpa took him down to the Wigleys’ pond to see the ducks and the new ducklings. Grandpa, Becky, Max, and I went back down to the pond this evening, and I got a few pictures of the pond’s new residents.

Max and I played with his toys this morning before watching Barney, having lunch, and taking a nap. He slept a little longer than four hours, and then we went over to Granny’s for a short visit. Becky met us over there and she and Granny took Max with them to Walmart. They took quite a lot of time at Walmart, and Max was very well-behaved during their trip. Granny said she had fun going to the store with Max and Becky.

After a second trip to the Wigleys’ pond to see the ducks, Maxipoo got a shampoo at Mimi and Grandpa’s, and that’s where he’s hanging his hat tonight. After his bath we watched Dancing with the Stars on television, and Max put on the biggest show we’ve ever seen. The little fellow ran, danced, patted the floor, and generally got his groove on big time! I’ve never seen him be so exuberant. He was so physically and vocally expressive during the show, and every bit of his expression was filled with glee.

I’ve had some bad days in my life, but, by golly, today certainly wasn’t one of ’em.

May 3, 2010

10:03 pm—I caught up with Max and Grandpa this morning at the mall. They ran to Bojangles after our walk for a quick breakfast. Grandpa had to hustle home to carry Mimi to the doctor this morning. We have renewed confidence in Mimi’s getting better. She’s been burdened with some sort of arthritis and/or other inflammation that’s painful and restricted her mobility. We should know more in a couple of days.

Max watched his new Barney video this morning while I got a shower, and though he didn’t stay seated in front of our bedroom television, he didn’t create a mess while I was unable to watch him. The other day he tapped on my shower door with my iPod. I just knew he was going to toss the little iPod in Becky’s tub and turn on the water.

Max and I played with a few of his toys after I got out of the shower. It’s been a while since we’ve played with his toys because all he’s been interested in lately are shoes, Barney, and going outside. It was interesting to see how much more mastery he’s gained in coordination. He can now manipulate all of the controls on his Playskool Poppin’ Pals toy, which include sliding, twisting, pushing, and rocking. The twist switch was a challenge for him just a month ago, but now he handles that switch masterfully.

The little fellow got to watch more Barney with his lunch. I put him in his highchair in front of the television, which seemed to satisfy him completely. After Barney and lunch, it was time for a bottle and a four-and-a-half-hour nap.

Grandpa cooked an early dinner for us this evening, and after dinner Mimi, Max, and Becky went to Party City and Sam’s. Max got a good bath when they got home, and then he got a bottle and a bedtime story. Becky and I had to torture the poor boy by trimming his fingernails, toenails, and brushing his teeth, but then he went to bed without much fuss.

Our little buddy has been wonderfully affectionate and engaging today. Not only has he wanted us to chase him, but he’s wanted to chase us, too. He initiates chasing us by pushing us forward and giggling like a silly fellow.

We’re going to put the little fellow in bed with us tonight, and we realize we’re risking being awakened in the very early morning by a little boy who wants his mommy and daddy to play with him. We’ll see how it goes. Mr Max has been away two nights in a row and we’ve missed him.

May 2, 2010

9:41 pm—Becky and I enjoyed sleeping until about 9:00 this morning. She went over to Mimi and Grandpa’s to pick up our favorite little fellow and then we headed to Granny’s for breakfast.

It wasn’t long after we returned home when Max settled down for his nap, which turned out to last four-and-a-half hours today. When he awoke I put him in my lap for a bottle and let him watch part of a Barney video on the iPad. Becky came home from a Walmart run and took over while I came upstairs and put his new Barney DVD, Let’s Go On Vacation, on our big Mac and Becky’s iPhone.

Becky prepared an elaborate dinner for neighbors Greg and Renae, Mimi and Grandpa, and us, which we enjoyed on our deck. Grandpa put up a buffet-style shelf on the back of our chimney, and Becky put it to good use this evening. While we enjoyed dinner at the table, Max enjoyed watching Barney on the iPad from his highchair as he enjoyed his own dinner. When he finished his dinner, he had fun playing with the cans of Hawaiian Punch Renae and Greg brought.

Our little buddy went home with Mimi and Grandpa, so I guess I’ll catch up with him in the morning. We already miss him.

Mimi is just about over her cold, but her arthritis and/or other inflammation really has a hold on her. She’s taking a new medicine and is going to the doctor tomorrow, so we hope she’ll be better soon.

May 1, 2010

10:50 pm—Max and I joined Grandpa at the mall this morning to put in a few laps. They went to Bojangles for breakfast, and Becky went to another place to get a breakfast biscuit for Mimi, who’s having a hard time with a cold and a terrible flare-up of arthritis.

Becky brought Max home and let him watch a Barney video while having lunch. He then had a bottle and a nap. He, Becky, and neighbor Renae attended a festival in historic Buford later this afternoon, and Becky said the little fellow really loved the live music. She said Max listened to the music for a long time and tapped his feet to the beat.

Becky rented the movie It’s Complicated, and neighbors Greg and Renae joined us and Mimi in Mimi and Grandpa’s shop to watch it. During boring portions of the movie I looked at Max’s pictures on my iPhone. The little fellow has changed so much in the twenty months he’s been around, but in all of that changed he’s always been such an undeniably handsome dude.

He’s spending the night with Mimi and Grandpa tonight. I wanted him to sleep with Becky and me tonight, just as he did last night, but given that we watched a movie that didn’t end until 10:20, it was best that the little fellow went on in the house and went to bed with Grandpa.

We’ll catch up with our little man in the morning.

April 30, 2010

8:23 pm—Nine from yesterday:


10:56 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up this morning and was ready for a bottle and Barney. He was passing out hugs as soon as he woke up. I got a few before I left for school. He went walking at the mall and then went to Bojangles for breakfast. It wasn’t long before he was back home and ready for his afternoon nap.

When I got home from school Max was on the golf cart surveying the neighborhood with Grandpa. I met them at Mimi and Grandpa’s and we visited for a while. Mimi is still not feeling well at all, so we tried to visit her in hopes of making her feel better. We played in their backyard, rode on the golf cart, and ate dinner on the deck before coming home. Jaddie worked on pictures while we were at Mimi and Grandpa’s. When we got back home I went to Costco to get us all yogurt. Max ran back and forth between Jaddie and me eating vanilla and chocolate as he watched Barney on the iPad. It was so cute.

April 29, 2010

10:01 pm—We enjoyed a pretty typical day around here. There were our morning walk and stroll, Grandpa and Max’s breakfast at Bojangles, a four-hour midday nap, and a lot of pictures. One neat thing was our neighbor Edna’s giving Max a plush wolf. Max and Grandpa stopped by on the golf cart this morning to visit with Edna, and home came the little fellow toting a very thoughtful present.

We received our new 13” MacBook Pro today. It arrived when Max was asleep. We let him unbox it after his nap and snack, but he wasn’t very impressed. The new notebook replaces the 15” PowerBook G4 we bought in December 2001. Aside from two broken screen/lid hinges, the old PowerBook still runs fine. I haven’t had time to even begin setting up the new machine, and I may not get to it tomorrow, either. Tomorrow’s priorities include making some prints and editing a few of Max’s recent images. We shot more than 200 images of Mr Max today in three sessions. First was our little buddy playing with a discarded ball in our cul-de-sac. Next was his unboxing our new computer, and lastly were some images of him playing on the playground at the First Baptist Church of Buford.

Mimi’s cold isn’t any better today. She stayed behind this evening as Grandpa brought dinner and joined us before taking Max on a ride through our neighborhood on his golf cart. Max was a bit ornery this evening. We believe he has some new teeth that are bothering him. Becky and I are both tired and can’t wait to hit the sack.

April 28, 2010

10:39 pm—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night, so Becky and I went to McDonald’s for breakfast this morning, which was a pretty good way to start our day. I caught up with Max and Grandpa at the mall, and then they went to Bojangles for breakfast.

Grandpa brought the little fellow back to me around 9:30. Max watched Barney and played with one of our iPods while I got a shower. Then he watched a different Barney DVD downstairs while he had lunch and a bottle. Granny came over for a short visit before the little fellow began his midday nap.

Max slept almost four hours before Becky got home. We took him over to Granny’s so she could watch him while we went out for an early dinner. She said they had a big time throwing pillows on her bed.

Max’s cold is ravaging Mimi. She sounds and feels awful. She began some antibiotics today, but from the sound of her voice, it could be a week or longer before she’s back to feeling okay.

We took Max outside to play and make a few pictures when we got home this evening. He and Becky ended up walking to Mimi and Grandpa’s and coming home on Grandpa’s golf cart. Once inside the house, the little fellow spotted me using our iPad, ran directly to me, jumped up in my lap, and watched some more Barney. Then he got a bath and a bottle before going down for the night.

I apologize for not posting any images lately. I’ve been busy researching WordPress and figuring out our next blog redesign. Copious news and related articles from Apple and Adobe have kept me very busy, and we just haven’t gotten many decent pictures of our favorite little fellow in the past ten days. I’ll try harder tomorrow, though.

April 27, 2010

8:51 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max was just lying in his bed awake when I went in to check on him this morning. He quickly jumped up and was ready for “goo” (his word for juice) and Barney. He snuggled with Daddy before walking and going to Bojangles for breakfast. When he got home he and Daddy headed over to Granny’s while our housekeeper was cleaning. Aunt Shirley and uncle Bill stopped by to see Mr Max. Max stayed with them while Daddy did a Walmart run.

Max fell asleep coming home from Granny’s, so Jaddie put him down for a nap right away. The little fellow is still battling his cold, and we believe it’s his congestion that caused his nap to be cut a little short this afternoon. When Max got up he was not in the best mood.

We went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner and Max was still not in the best mood. He’d have moment of great sweetness and then melt down just as fast. We’re sure a good night’s rest will fix our little buddy. One interesting thing he did this evening was getting his own tissue and wiping his nose. The little fellow surprises us every day. He’s hanging his hat with Mimi and Grandpa tonight, and Jaddie will catch up with them in the morning. We plan to go to bed early tonight, too.

April 26, 2010

10:39 pm—Our little buddy spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night, and I caught up with Grandpa and Max at the mall this morning. Max looked as though he was having a good time while being strolled by Grandpa. They went to Bojangles for breakfast and the still-living Bob Hope gave Max a genuine two-dollar bill—and even signed it for him. He said Max would never be broke so long as he kept his two-dollar bill. Mr Hope gave Max a SpongeBob golfball several months ago. It’s nice to know people think so highly of our little fellow.

Max stayed with Mimi and Grandpa while I ran an errand this morning, and when I brought him home, we watched a Barney video on my iPhone while he drank his bottle. The little fellow took a four-and-a-half-hour nap, and would have been even longer had Becky not woke him. Grandpa was down here drilling into the side of the house to install a buffet on our deck, and Max even slept through all that commotion.

Mimi and Grandpa came over for dinner. Grandpa grilled steaks, Mimi made a salad, and Becky prepared mashed potatoes and garlic toast. When we finished dinner Mimi and Becky gave Maxipoo a shampoo and Grandpa and I took his Suburban truck over to Granny’s to store it for a few days so Grandpa would have room to work around his shop.

When we returned, Mimi, Max, and Becky were gone. They’d gone to Costco to get some yogurt. I love Costco’s yogurt. It’s as tasty as it is inexpensive. Max loves it, too, and I believe he prefers vanilla to chocolate, just like his daddy. That sweet little fellow jumped up in our recliner and plopped himself down next to me, eager for me to share the yogurt with him. He looked back at me with a very satisfied, if messy, smile on his face. That experience was awesome. Max and I ate from the same cup and spoon. The sharing was what was awesome. The little fellow got a little impatient sometimes when I’d take a bite for myself, so Becky spoon-fed me some of her yogurt while I shared with Max.

Max’s cold may have been worse today than yesterday but is better than it was on Saturday. Becky, Grandpa, Granny, and I have been able to stay well during Max’s cold, but Mimi hasn’t been as lucky. We can hear her congestion with every syllable she speaks. Bless her heart. She’s had such a hard time with joint and muscle inflammation and pain, and now she’s saddled with Max’s cold.

I believe Grandpa phoned Becky late in the evening to see if Max could spend the night with him and Mimi again tonight. It was too late, though, because the little fellow was already finishing his bedtime bottle. I’m thinking about scooping Max up and putting him in bed with us. We all sleep better with him in his crib, but we love snuggling with him. It’s the getting up at o’dark-thirty we don’t like. When the little fellow wakes up during the night and sees he has his mommy and daddy with him, he likes to party. Now he knows how to slide right off our our bed and run all around the upstairs. You know, I think we’ll just let him sleep in his crib tonight. We’d better wait until the weekend before putting him in our bed for the night. I’ll get to enjoy his company in the morning as he watches Barney and drinks his morning bottle.

April 25, 2010

10:57 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up around 8:00 this morning. We scooped him up and put him in bed with us for Barney and a bottle. We enjoyed Barney twice before heading to Granny’s for breakfast. Max was happy to see Granny this morning. After breakfast we took Max in Granny’s front yard to play before coming home. When we got ready to leave Granny loaded Max up with juice and veggie puffs she had bought him. Max is definitely set!

Max had a rough time this afternoon getting his nap. He kept waking up with dirty diapers and then had a hard time going back to sleep. He finally went to sleep around 5:00. The little fellow slept right through dinner. Mimi and Grandpa came over for dinner tonight, and they wanted to enjoy it with their favorite grandson. Max slept until we woke him shortly after 8:00. Grandpa came to get him to spend the night. Before he left he saw Daddy eating a fudgesicle and had to have a few bites. When he was done he got on Grandpa’s cart and headed five doors down. Jaddie will catch up with the little fellow in the morning.

April 24, 2010

10:48 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I had to wake the little fellow this morning. I had a school-related class today and had to get going. Max and Daddy watched Barney. Jaddie said Max gave him several hugs this morning while they snuggled. Jaddie thought it was absolutely precious.

Max stayed with Mimi and Grandpa while Jaddie went walking and to work in Atlanta. Max and Grandpa took the day off. Max took his nap there this afternoon. When he got up Max and I went to the mall to meet Mimi. Max enjoyed strolling around the mall. He also shared a lot of hugs with me while at the mall. Mimi also got in on the hugging action, as well!

When we got home from the mall Max watched a little Barney before we headed to Granny’s. Max stayed with her while Jaddie and I went to dinner and grocery shopping. He also shared hugs with her, too. Max has been in a great mood today and super-affectionate.

The class I attended today dealt with teaching young children how to read. I learned a lot of strategies to help Max and my students at school. I’m very excited to try some ideas on Maxipoo. He already loves books, so half of my work is done. Tonight we read one of his favorites—The Very Hungry Caterpillar. He loves this book because it has an apple in it. He refers to the apple as an “app.” Our little fellow is fast asleep and Jaddie and I aren’t far behind.

April 23, 2010

10:04 pm—We found Max butt-naked in his crib this morning except for his shirt. He was lying on his stomach with his cheeks up in the air. He’d hosed down all of his bed linens and a few of his plush animal friends. The bed linens were no problem to wash, but I don’t know how I’m going to clean those stuffed animals.

Max and I made it to the mall before Grandpa this morning, so Max got to make half a lap atop my shoulders. Grandpa keeps Max’s stroller in his trunk since he uses it more than any of the rest of us. I notice one of Max’s socks on the floor on my last lap, so I picked it up and phoned Grandpa, who said he’d been looking for it. We can’t get Max to keep on his socks and shoes, and if we don’t dress him in a one-piece outfit, he takes off his bottoms and diaper.

Grandpa and Max went to Bojangles for breakfast but didn’t visit the Wigleys’ ducks until this afternoon. They visited with our neighbor Stephen before Grandpa brought him home.

Max and I played outside in our backyard while Grandpa put a master cylinder on his truck. Shortly, Grandpa came back and picked up Max and me to go to Gainesville to get a radiator for my car. When we returned home Max was tired and hungry, so I fed him some lunch and a bottle before putting him down for his nap. We watched about half of a Barney video during his feeding.

It wasn’t long before Becky came home with an early dinner from Costco and Max was awake. The little fellow got a bite to eat and then left with Becky to attend her school’s Spring Fling this evening. Becky’s student Anna helped Max enjoy the slide on the playground, and when Max saw a man using an iPhone he went up to the man as if he wanted to use it. Becky ran the lemonade stand and said Max sat in his stroller and watched Barney on her iPhone for a little while. She phoned Mimi and Grandpa to come pick him up when he began to melt.

Grandpa spent the afternoon replacing the radiator in my car, changing the oil and filter, washing the exterior and interior, and even under the hood. He and Max came over on the golf cart to take me to my car so I could drive it and see Grandpa’s handiwork. ‘Tis pretty nice to have a hard-working, mechanically inclined paw-in-law just five driveways away.

Mimi and Becky gave Max a bath tonight, and as soon as Becky got home with the little fellow we gave him some Motrin and a juice bottle and put him to bed. He felt awfully warm and was obviously very tired. We hope the little fellow’s cold goes away soon. He’s just too darned cute and sweet to be sick.

April 22, 2010

10:03 pm—Even though Max still has a runny nose and is breathing through is mouth, he slept well last night and got up around 7:00 this morning. Becky put his old Barney DVD into the player, but the little fellow picked up all three of the new Barney DVD cases and took them to her. So that’s how Becky remembered to play a new video. Max kept all three cases in his hands while he and I finished watched his new video. Then we met Grandpa at the mall for our walk and stroll. The little fellow took off his socks and shoes during his stroll. I remember seeing Grandpa stop to pick up one or the other. They went to Bojangles for breakfast after our walk, and Grandpa brought him home around 9:45.

The little buckaroo watched his new Barney DVD again and ate a good many veggie sticks and puffs while I got a shower this morning. I fed him a juice bottle before his nap, and he watched about half of a Barney video from my iPhone while he finished his bottle.

He slept three-and-a-half hours. I took him down to the mailbox and brought him back inside to give him another bottle. He watched the rest of the Barney video he started before his nap. Becky came home and took over the feeding and holding the iPhone for our little Barney fan.

He and Becky walked to Mimi and Grandpa’s, where they met up neighbors Stephen and Dale. Stephen and Dale gave Max a big plush dog named Buford. We’re so thankful to have such kind neighbors. What a nice surprise for us all! Then Max and Becky went for a ride through the neighborhood on Grandpa’s golf cart.

The three of us had dinner with Mimi and Grandpa. Max and I watched more Barney while Grandpa cleaned the kitchen. Just as the video finished, Mimi gave the little fellow a bath. He got dressed in some bright-colored clothes and Mimi and Becky carried him to Sam’s to pick up a few things.

When they returned, Becky fed him a milk bottle and read him one or more stories before putting him to bed for the night. I bought the little fellow a new Barney album (iTunes link) just before writing today’s entry, so I guess, aside from his cold and runny nose, things are going pretty well for our little boy.

April 21, 2010

11:07 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max played hooky from walking today because he’s still under the weather. He stayed with Mimi while Daddy and Grandpa went walking. The little fellow has a horrible cough today. We hope our little monkey starts getting back to himself really soon.

Grandpa brought Max home around 10:30 this morning, and when I called to check on him he and Daddy were in the yard playing. Jaddie said Max had a little spurt of energy before crashing. Crashing is just what the little fellow did at naptime today. He took a six-and-a-quarter-hour nap! That’s the longest midday nap we’ve ever seen him take. When he woke up he played and laughed a lot before getting tired again. Maybe all this sleep will help his body heal. We’re glad to have Maxipoo home tonight.

April 20, 2010

10:28 pm—Max hasn’t even been home today because he’s with Mimi and Grandpa. The little fellow is still under the weather. He upchucked all over everything in their bedroom last night. Mimi said she had to wash nearly everything they had. Grandpa stayed home with Max this morning, so I made laps at the mall by myself.

Grandpa mowed our grass and blew off our deck and driveway mid-day, and I got a lot of stuff done from my to-do list.

I saw the little booger early this afternoon when I went over to Mimi and Grandpa’s to fix Grandpa’s email and pick up some pictures to scan. He was in a great mood and was enjoying running around Mimi and Grandpa’s main floor. He went back down for a nap and didn’t wake up until we were about to eat dinner this evening. He was in a good mood and I chased him around for a while, which taxed his little respiratory system and caused him to cough. He choked while coughing and upchucked a puddle onto Mimi and Grandpa’s living room rug. Becky ran after the mess with paper towels, but Grandpa said, “Don’t even bother with that. That’ll only make it worse.” I believe he cleaned up Max’s mess with some washcloths or towels and then used some carpet cleaner. The little fellow is high maintenance sometimes, but is so worth it.

As sick as the little fellow is, we still couldn’t wrest him away from Mimi and Grandpa. They wanted to keep him tonight, too. They must be gluttons for punishment. Aren’t they afraid they’ll catch Max’s cold? I took four Vitamin C tablets yesterday and four today in hopes that I don’t get sick.

So Becky and I came home without our little buddy. She got a bath and I worked with a couple of clients. Now we’re ready to put a lid on the day and see what tomorrow brings. Maybe tomorrow will be the turning point in Max’s recovery from his cold.

Becky and I both miss Max. We’re looking forward to having more face time with him tomorrow and snuggling with him tomorrow night.

April 19, 2010

10:42 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept in the room with us last night, but in his bassinet. The little fellow just didn’t feel well. When we got up this morning he was happy to get his “goo” (his word for juice) and Barney. Jaddie said when he took the little fellow downstairs he quickly melted, so he put him down for a nap. Max slept another two hours.

When he got up they headed to Granny’s for breakfast, and from there Jaddie carried him to the doctor. Dr Stickney of Gwinnett Pediatrics said Max most likely had a cold because he’s probably too young for allergies. Dr Stickney suggested Benadryl just to see if it helps in the unlikelihood that Max has allergies, so we’ve been giving it a whirl.

Max seemed to feel a little better when he got up from his afternoon nap. I folded towels on the downstairs rug and he enjoyed unfolding them. Max was trying to help me put the folded towels into the basket, but he unfolded them when he tossed them in. I think I folded each towel about three times. It was so cute to see him try to help.

Mimi and Grandpa got home this afternoon, and they were super-happy to see their Maxipoo. The feeling was mutual! Max was so excited to see them, too. Max is hanging his hat with them tonight. We’ll surely miss our little fellow. We made them promise to call if Max started feeling bad again. Jaddie will catch up with his little buddy in the morning.

We want to note a couple of developmental changes we’ve seen in Max in the past few days. One is that he’s clapping his hands several times a day. We believe he’s doing this because that’s what Jaddie and I do when we see him do something wonderful. Plus, he’s seeing this behavior modeled on his Barney videos. Secondly, the little fellow is now holding our iPhones and iPad himself when watching videos. He accidentally gave Jaddie a black eye today with the iPad, but at least he’s taking an active role in his environment.

April 18, 2010

8:44 pm—Max woke us shortly after 7:00 this morning. He isn’t sleeping too well because of his cold and/or allergies, and his not sleeping well is causing him to be irritable.

We went to Granny’s for breakfast, and when we got home Max and Becky took a three-hour nap. The little fellow watched a lot of Barney today. Barney seems to be the only thing that can occupy Max and keep him calm.

We’ve given him Motrin, his digestive system seems to be working well, and he’s had plenty to drink. He hasn’t eaten much, though I believe he’s consumed enough calories in milk and juice.

After having one of his meltdowns shortly before 8:00, Becky decided to let Max pass on dinner. She fed him a bottle and put him in his bed. He cried for about half an hour, which he’s never done before, at least not when he’s been tired.

So after a tiresome and uncomfortable day, I hope the three of us can get a good night’s rest tonight so we can get our week started on the right foot.

April 17, 2010

6:45 pm—Two from Monday, one from yesterday, and three from today:


10:50 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I awoke to the sweetest sound this morning: “Mama.” Max enjoyed his bottle and a Barney video with me this morning. Jaddie went walking solo. Max and I went to Bojangles and had breakfast with our sweet friends, Miss Joyce and Mr Roger. After leaving there we went on a golf cart ride to check in with the ducks. Then it was off to Gymboree. Max had a much better time at Gymboree today. We’re very proud of his behavioral improvement. When the little fellow got home it was naptime. He napped just two hours.

Max has a runny nose and cough. We don’t know if he’s allergic to the pollen or if he has a cold.

Our little buddy has been a true joy to be with today. We played a lot, rode the golf cart, and, of course, watched the Barnmeister! Max started getting tired again around 5:30, so we laid him down for another nap. We had to wake him after 9:00. We really hope he’ll want to sleep tonight and maybe even let us sleep a little late in the morning.

April 16, 2010

10:47 pm—Max had another great day today. He got up and watched a Barney video while drinking his bottle. Then we made our laps at the mall and went to Granny’s for breakfast. The little fellow watched more Barney while I got a shower, and then I fed him a bottle and put him down for his nap. Grandpa called to check on him about that time. Max slept a good while this afternoon, waking up when Becky came home from school.

Becky and Max ventured out into the neighborhood aboard Grandpa’s golf cart. Neighbors Renae and Candy hopped on and enjoyed the ride, too. They visited the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond.

Becky gave the little fellow a bath this evening. I took a few pictures of him enjoying a fudgesicle while getting his bath and might even have one or two to share tomorrow or Sunday.

We’re thinking about taking him back to Gymboree in the morning. He had a meltdown last time we were there, but with our recent implementation of discipline, our little buddy is doing better, and, by golly, even seems happier. He seems to be back to his regular jolly self.

April 15, 2010

11:33 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max was a rough bedfellow last night and got the boot around 4:00 this morning. When I got up this morning we put him back in our bed for Barney and a bottle. He’s been in a great mood all day. He went walking with Daddy and then came home for breakfast. Grandpa and Mimi left for South Georgia today. They came by for a visit before leaving because they had to stock up on Maxipoo kisses.

Max took a four-and-a-half-hour nap today. When he got up he and Daddy went outside until I got home, and I took over and let the little fellow have some more outside time. After outside time Max had lunch and then we got ready to go to the playground. Max and I met Jodi and Lilianna at the playground at the church. Max had so much fun! He went down the big slide more times than I could count. Each time he went down he had a huge smile on his face! We really did have fun.

Tonight before Max went to bed he, Jaddie, and I chilled out together on the bed. That was nice and relaxing! Max was ready for bed before 8:00 tonight. He played really hard this afternoon

This weekend my Dad, uncle Dale, and cousin Curry are moving my aunt Ann into her new vacation condo. We’re super-excited for her and can’t wait to visit! This has been a mighty big week for aunt Ann, Not only is she getting the vacation home in Florida she’s always wanted, but she got promoted to vice president of Chaparral Boats, a publicly traded international corporation. And not only did Ann get promoted within Chaparral, she was appointed to a marine industry board of directors. Wow! That’s really big! Way to go, Ann!

April 14, 2010

9:17 pm—Max was a real ham today. Maybe he thought he needed to redeem himself after yesterday’s unfortunate events, though I hope not. As the bumper sticker says, shit happens.

Max, Grandpa, and I got our laps done at the mall this morning, and they went to Bojangles for breakfast. Grandpa took the little fellow to the Wigleys’ pond to see the ducks just before bringing him home.

Max and I spent camped out in front of our bedroom television while our housecleaners finished downstairs. We watched a Barney video and Max learned how to climb up my torso to get on our high-up bed. The look of discovery and accomplishment on his face was precious.

He fell asleep in my lap while drinking his bottle. I was sort of tired, too, so I let him sleep in my lap until my bladder demanded relief. He was a little fussy as I transitioned him from my lap to his brand-new bassinet, but within five minutes he was back asleep.

We went to Granny’s when he awoke so she could keep him while Becky and I had an early dinner at Chili’s. When Becky and I returned to Granny’s, Max played with her front door and ran around outside for a while before settling into Granny’s bedroom to watch more Barney. Max came home with me and on our way into the subdivision, we stopped to talk to Grandpa and neighbors Dale and Edna. They were excited to see Mr Max.

Becky took Max to see Mimi and Grandpa and Mimi gave him a bath. Grandpa was busy working and Mimi and Becky brought the little fellow to me so they could run a few errands. Max was worn out from all of his climbing and running, so I fed him a bottle and put him to bed. He’s been in bed for about an hour now, and Becky and Mimi and still out torturing shopping carts and cash registers.

April 13, 2010

11:02 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up with me this morning. When I left he and Daddy we crashed watching Barney. Max went walking and then to Granny’s while Daddy got a haircut. On their way home from Granny’s they stopped by school to see me and give me lunch. It was nice to see them in the middle of the day!

Max enjoyed a nice nap today, but when Jaddie went to get him from his nap it was a very different story. Max had pulled his diaper off while napping. He had also gone to the bathroom in a messy way. When I got home Jaddie had Max in the shower with him. He said they both needed a shower. The bassinet was in such a big mess we decided to write it off as a loss and get another one. That was a good decision considering the condition of the old bassinet.

After that ordeal things went south with Max. He had to serve timeout for throwing food. He was also in a fussy mood. We couldn’t please him in any way. Finally, I took him out to walk the neighborhood and that seemed to work. We ended up riding in Grandpa’s golf cart several times to the Wigleys’ pond and around the neighborhood. When we got home Max was ready to eat, so had dinner and then got ready for bed. I read him several books before putting him to bed. What a day! Jaddie and I are ready for bed, too!

April 12, 2010

10:18 pm—Becky’s best good buddy Jodi and Jodi’s husband, Eddy, manned the church’s nursery yesterday morning, which means they kept the Maxster while Mimi and Grandpa attended Sunday school and church. Jodi and Becky are both second grade teachers at Ivy Creek Elementary here in Buford, so Becky got the scoop on Mr Max’s behavior yesterday morning. I’m glad Becky could get the scoop directly from Jodi because I was afraid Mimi and Grandpa would be asked to find another church if our little buddy pulled one of his meltdowns. Jodi said the little fellow behaved himself pretty well aside from the fact that he wouldn’t sit down, and that he thought it was a fun game of chase when Jodi and Eddy tried to catch him to get him to sit down.

Given that Max didn’t grab the flamethrower or grenade launcher from his backpack and demand his Juicy Juice, I reckon Mimi and Grandpa are free to continue their membership at First Baptist Church of Buford.

I caught up with Max and Grandpa this morning at the mall. They went to Bojangles for breakfast and to see the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond. Mr Wigley is going to be laid to rest tomorrow in Snead, Alabama. Grandpa and neighbor Greg are going to the service. We wish Mrs Wigley all the best as handles this curve in her life’s journey.

Grandpa helped me get our studio’s broken air conditioner shipped back to the manufacturer this morning, which is being replaced under warranty. Then Grandpa and Mimi kept Max a while longer while I watched the launch of Adobe’s Creative Suite 5. They revisited the ducks just before Grandpa brought him home.

Once home the little fellow wanted a bottle and a nap, and he got both. He napped for four-and-a-half hours. Becky was home when he awoke. She fed him a juice bottle, and then we took him back to Mimi and Grandpa’s while we went out for dinner.

Becky and I were ready to take pictures of Max when we returned from dinner, but the little fellow was melting down. He ate dinner and felt better, so we were able to get some pictures after all. Grandpa was putting tires on his Suburban and Max wanted to help him. We didn’t want him around the work, and Max didn’t like that we were preventing him from checking on his Grandpa. So he melted down again and we came home. Becky gave him a bath, a bottle, and put him to bed. I’m glad he’s here with us tonight and am looking forward to watching Barney with him in the morning.

Max can be a handful sometimes, but he’s precious all of the time.

April 11, 2010

3:47 pm—Four more from Easter, one from Thursday, and one from Friday:


11:20 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night, and he went to church and Sunday school with them this morning. When he got home took him to Granny’s for lunch. Aunt Shirley and uncle Bill were at Granny’s waiting to see the little fellow. Max had to serve three timeouts for throwing food during lunch. It was past his naptime and he was melting. When Max got home he took a four-and-a-half hour nap. While the little fellow napped Jaddie worked on pictures and I went to a baby shower.

I woke Max shortly after 6:00 so we could go to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner, where neighbors Greg and Renae joined us. Max wasn’t much for eating. He hasn’t had much of an appetite today. Maybe his teeth or stomach is bothering him. We enjoyed playing in Mimi and Grandpa’s backyard this evening. We also took a golf cart ride to see the ducks. He really enjoyed playing outside. Believe it or not Grandpa talked us into letting the little fellow stay again tonight. Max is staying at home tomorrow night, though, because miss our favorite little buddy.

April 10, 2010

7:47 pm—Six from Easter:


11:59 pm—Mr Wigley, our neighbor who lives at the end of our subdivision, passed away this morning. He and Mrs Wigley have been married for sixty-two years, so we’re thinking of her and wishing her all the best. Mr and Mrs Wigley have been so kind to Max. They let Grandpa and Max visit their beautiful pond and see their ducks nearly every morning.

Max slept late this morning and stayed home and watched Barney with Mama instead of going walking with Grandpa. The little fellow took a nice long nap this afternoon and was soon whisked away by Mimi and Grandpa. The five of us had dinner at Mimi and Grandpa’s tonight, and Max is spending the night with them.

April 9, 2010

3:09 pm—Six from last Saturday:


10:57 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept until 8:00 this morning. I guess he knew it was my last day of spring break. The cutest thing happened while we were changing his diaper this morning. He said, “Mama,” “Da-da,” and “Ax.” It was cute to hear him say his name for the first time, even if it was missing the M. He went walking with Daddy and Grandpa this morning. Then he and Grandpa made a beeline to Bojangles for breakfast. The little fellow played hard this morning when he got home. He didn’t go down for his nap until 12:30. Mimi and neighbor Renae came over for a quick visit before his nap.

When Max got up he had a rough start. He had to serve three timeouts but was able to turn his behavior around eventually. Max and I went to the grocery store and got a compliment for his behavior, and for that I was very proud. He’s a super kid but sometimes needs a little “tweaking.”

Tonight we had dinner in Grandpa’s shop and Max had a blast. He loves running around in the yard and shop. Neighbors Greg and Renae were there for dinner, too. Max fell and skinned his knee. The poor little fellow took off a couple of layers of skin. We felt super-sorry for him. The only consolation is that he got a cute SpongeBob band aide. When we got home it was past Max’s bedtime, so he was beginning to melt. He quickly went to sleep and I’m quite sure his knee is the farthest thing from his mind.

April 8, 2010

10:02 pm—Today was better than yesterday. We hauled Max to timeout about ten times today, but that really does seem to help him keep him from a big meltdown. He went to timeout for throwing food, throwing coasters, adjusting the laptop stand after being told not to, and for being too rough with one of his toys. Even Granny had to put him at timeout at her house today, but we believe we may be on the right track.

I caught up with Max and Grandpa this morning at the mall on our daily walk and stroll. They went to Bojangles for breakfast and we carried Max to Granny’s a little later so she could keep him while we went to Chow Baby in Marietta for lunch. The little fellow went to sleep at Granny’s, so we let him stay there to finish his nap.

Becky went out for a massage when she returned with Max from Granny’s, and he and I watched a Barney video on our new iPad. I hauled him to timeout twice for adjusting the laptop stand on which the iPad was sitting, but that solved the problem for the rest of today.

Mimi and friends Renae, Megan, and Ed came over this evening to see Mr Max, and he really hammed it up for them. He was excited to show them how fast he can run. Shortly after Megan and Ed left for the North Georgia Mountains, Max drank his bottle, listened to one or more bedtime stories from Becky, and went to bed. Then Becky went with Mimi and Renae to do a little shopping and get some dinner.

Even though Becky’s still out, I think I’m going to turn in. I’m a little nauseous from looking at the iPad too much today without letting it sit still on the laptop stand. Imagine reading a constantly moving book. To me, that’s part of the iPad experience if it’s not sitting on the laptop stand.

April 7, 2010

8:52 pm—The day started off very well, went south at Gymboree, and has been okay since, though I’ve been unable to get myself back to where I like to be.

Because Mimi and Grandpa kept Max last night and Grandpa took the little fellow walking this morning, Becky and I were able to sleep until 9:00 this morning, which was so nice. And when I went outside to receive Max from Grandpa, I was delightfully surprised to see Granny coming up our back steps. She came over to give Mr Max his second haircut. Max’s haircut went well. We let him watch Barney while Granny gave him a trim. He was a little fussy at times, but he ended up with a cute ‘do and nobody got hurt.

Shortly after his haircut it was time to take him to Gymboree, and we talked Granny into going with us. Things were going well until we got to Gymboree and attempted to direct some of his activities. Then he melted down and really showed his butt. Becky gave up and told me to take over. I handed her the camera and toted the little fellow over to the log so he could participate in the activity with the rest of the class. And he did well for about ten seconds. Then he took off to do his own thing. He melted down a minute or two later on a slide. He pounded the slide with both hands as if it were bothering him. Becky scooped him up and took him to the car, and Granny and I followed her and came home. Becky gave Max a bottle, he fell asleep while drinking it, and she put him down for a four-hour nap.

While he was asleep Becky Googled “toddler discipline” and decided the best way to handle our little fellow was to give him time out. She’s used it about ten times since he got up from his nap and believes it’s already making a difference. She said she spoke with Mimi and Grandpa about keeping our new discipline program intact at their house and they agreed to help.

Max is spending the night with Grandpa tonight while Becky and Mimi are seeing The Last Song at the mall.

I hope tomorrow is better and brighter.

April 6, 2010

4:20 pm—Two from last Wednesday, three from Thursday, and one from Saturday:


10:38 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Last night Max slept with us and it was a rough night. He kept waking up and sitting up. He also kept coming out of the cover, and I hardly got a wink of sleep. Jaddie carried him to the mall for their morning walk and stroll, Grandpa carried him to Bojangles for breakfast, and I slept in. When Max got home it wasn’t long before Jaddie, Max, and I went to The Olive Garden for lunch. Max was great until the end. The little fellow was tired. When he got home it was naptime. He slept for more than four hours.

After Max’s nap we three played hard. His little battery was fully charged. After a while Grandpa picked us up on the golf cart to take us to his house. We played a long time in his backyard. Max has a cute little play set in their yard, but his favorite thing is for us to chase him. He just loves that! It’s so cute to see him lift his elbows and really start running fast!

We all had dinner at Mimi and Grandpa’s, and after dinner Mimi and I gave Maxipoo a shampoo, but before his shampoo we had a snafu in which the little fellow weeweed on Mimi and Grandpa’s floor. We had to mop the floor. Thank goodness it happened on the hardwood floors and not their rugs. Even after that they wanted the little fellow to spend the night. They are just crazy about him! Jaddie and I are hoping for a better night of sleep to recharge our batteries.

April 5, 2010

10:13 pm—Max had a good day, albeit with some memorable meltdowns. He spotted a case for a Barney DVD as he was going into Bojangles with Becky and Grandpa this morning. They didn’t let him carry it in with him, so he was balling when they went in to have breakfast. Grandpa said folks wanted to know what was the matter with Max. They said, “He never cries,” which was funny to us.

Becky and Max took a nap together today. I was working on the computer when I heard our bedroom door’s hinge squeak as it was opened. I figured Becky was trying to slip out without waking Max. I was surprised to see our sleepyheaded little fellow walk into our office. Becky got up and we entertained him for a little while before putting him back down to finish his nap.

Grandpa cooked breakfast for dinner for us tonight. Max was shrieking when we first got to Mimi and Grandpa’s. He wanted to keep opening and closing their door, and we didn’t want him to do so because their air conditioners were running. Things were tense until the little fellow began eating dinner.

We came home, fed Max a bottle, and put him to bed. We’re going to scoop him up and put him in bed with us tonight. Hopefully, he’ll let us sleep past 7:00 in the morning.

Today would have been Becky’s paternal grandfather’s ninety-third birthday. He passed away in 2000 and we still miss him a lot. Julian Baldree was the sweetest man I ever knew.

We haven’t heard an update on six-year-old Grace’s heart-transplant surgery today. Becky will contact someone tomorrow for an update.


10:53 pm—We just received an update on Miss Grace’s recovery: “She’s doing so awesome.” It’s wonderful to close the day on great news.

April 4, 2010

11:32 pm—Throughout today I thought of so many things I wanted to record here, but now that I’m tired and ready for bed, all but a couple of those things have left my brain.

Granny came over this morning shortly before Becky and Max arrived home from church and helped us get Easter dinner ready. She watched Max and helped in the kitchen. She brought so many dishes with her, too. Just off the top of my head, she brought a delicious pineapple casserole, coconut cake, deviled eggs, and macaroni and cheese. She even bought a ham. Becky made mashed potatoes, zipper peas, rolls, and some other stuff I’m probably forgetting.

It was all just too good. There were several different desserts, but since I’ve been a good boy in having abstained from sweets this year, I had a dessert to eat without giving in to sweets—the pineapple casserole. I bet I inhaled 2000 calories just from that alone today.

Max has been a good little fellow today. Why, I think he socked me only half a dozen times. Between yesterday and today, we shot 395 pictures of Mr Max, and I haven’t even gone through those and picked which ones to keep.

After Easter dinner Max was ready for a nap, and, like yesterday, he took a long one. When the little fellow got up, I changed his diaper, gave him a bottle, and let him watch Barney on the iPad. Becky and Granny watched a movie in Mimi and Grandpa’s shop and then ran an errand. They made it home just before Max finished his bottle.

Becky dressed the little fellow, went to Mimi and Grandpa’s to hide the Easter eggs, and then the four of us went to Mimi and Grandpa’s to watch Max hunt the eggs. He found a few but wasn’t too interested in the eggs. He was more interested in the door of Grandpa’s car and the door to his shop.

Mimi and Grandpa had company from the neighborhood, and Becky and Granny stayed to visit while I came home and got a shower. Everyone gathered here again this evening to have another run at the bountiful Easter buffet. So we had a pretty good Easter.

There’s a little girl at Becky’s school who needed a heart transplant. This afternoon Becky received a text message on her iPhone telling her that little Miss Grace was getting a heart at 6:00 this evening. We hope the surgery went well for Grace and her family. We’re sure it was a very emotional day for them. Hopefully, we’ll hear good news from Grace’s family tomorrow.

Max is crashing with Mimi and Grandpa tonight. I’ll catch up with Max and Grandpa in the morning at the mall. Becky is out of school this week for spring break, so I bet she’ll have breakfast with them at Bojangles.

April 3, 2010

11:14 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Today we took it easy. We got up around 8:00 and got a slow start. We went to the Mall of Georgia at 9:30 for an Easter egg hunt. Max was there along with a hundreds of other kids. Jaddie was sure Max wouldn’t have a chance to get one egg with that many kids there. Max surprised us by finding four. He was so funny because as soon as he found the eggs he tried to put them back. It was very evident that he’s not sure how this process works.

Max was super-tuckered out from yesterday’s party and took himself a five-and-a-half-hour nap today! We were beginning to think something might be wrong with him. When he got up he had a ball with our new iPad that we received today. He thinks Barney looks super-cool on a bigger screen. Every time Jaddie tried to use the iPad Max wanted to see Barney. I’m not sure how this will play out if this continues. I guess we’ll have to buy Max his own.

We’re ready for Easter tomorrow. Max received two very cute Easter cards this week—one from aunt Shirley and uncle Bill, and one from aunt Mary and uncle Buddy. We have both cards on our mantel. Max, Jaddie, and I dyed our eggs tonight. We’re very surprised every egg isn’t broken because Max loved shaking them around! We have a duck and bunny cake for tomorrow’s lunch. Also, tonight before Max went to bed Jaddie read him a couple of Easter books. Max’s Easter basket is all laid out for the Easter Bunny to hop on over, and our little fellow is now fast asleep in his crib dreaming of jelly beans.

April 2, 2010

9:47 pm—Max slept with Becky and me last night. He was a good bedfellow, but he woke us shortly after 6:00 this morning. I’ve been tired all day. Today was Becky’s first day of spring break, and she and Max went to Puckett’s for breakfast this morning. Grandpa took the morning off from walking because he was so tired from working yesterday to prepare for tonight’s birthday party for our friend Jodi.

Max awoke from his midday nap crying loudly. I went up to see what all the commotion was about and still haven’t figured it out. I picked him up from his bassinet, changed his diaper, gave him some anti-gas medicine, and some Motrin. He settled down and continued his nap for another hour before a number-two had him hollering again.

Tonight’s party was going very well when Max and I left. The little fellow was tired and melting fast, so I brought him home. There may have been more than fifty people present to celebrate Jodi’s fortieth birthday, and it looked as though there was plenty for everyone to eat. The weather was fabulous, too, so some folks chose to eat outside.

I brought Max home, fed him a bottle, and he climbed on top of me and just crashed. I let him get to sleep a little better before moving him to his bed, which is where he is right now.

It’s a shame that I never took a picture of the little fellow tonight. Becky had him all fancied up in a Hawaiian shirt and sandals. He was a dapper little dude.

We’re supposed to receive our iPad tomorrow, and I can’t wait to see Max play with it. The iPad should be much more enjoyable than our iPhones for watching Barney, playing games, and looking at our pictures.

April 1, 2010

10:52 pm—(Posted by Becky)—I was missing little fellow this morning around 6:00, so I scooped him up and put him the bed with us. We really enjoyed cuddling with Maxipoo.

Little fellow had a busy day. He went walking with Daddy and Grandpa. Then he and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast. After breakfast he went with Daddy to Granny’s. After all of his running around he was ready for a nap.

When I got home Max and Daddy had a late lunch. Then we all went outside to play. Before going out I put Max in shorts and sandals. The little fellow had a hard time getting used to his new shoes. He fell a few times, resulting in both knees’ being scraped up. Surprisingly, he didn’t complain much. He just wanted a kiss to make it all better.

We spent this evening at Mimi and Grandpa’s getting ready for our friend Jodi’s big party tomorrow. Max enjoyed playing in Grandpa’s shop while we decorated for the party. He’s a good little boy. He ran up to Grandpa a few times and gave him great big hugs.

When we got home it was past Max’s bedtime, so we gave him a bottle and he’s now fast asleep.

March 31, 2010

10:45 pm—I caught up with Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning. As usual, they went to Bojangles for breakfast. Grandpa brought Max to me around 10:00. We went outside and walked all the way up to neighbors Stephen and Dale’s house. Max treated their recycling bin just like a toy box, and I got a few pictures of it. When I picked him up to bring him home, he frantically pounded on my head. I held him across my shoulder and let him wail all the way home. Once inside he shrieked until he saw Barney on our television and got a glimpse of his bottle. Then he was as happy as a clam. I don’t know what to do about his hitting us. We tell him “no,” but he doesn’t seem to listen. If he had another year under his belt, I’d turn his fanny into two Jap flags.

Max and I met Becky at Chili’s for an early dinner late this afternoon. The little fellow was pretty well-behaved. We went to Granny’s afterward and he was a sweet little fellow there, too. Granny and Becky went grocery shopping and took Max with them.

Max received his Barney T-shirt in the mail today. He was actually excited when Becky presented it to him. He kept pointing to Barney on the front of the shirt and making noises that let us know he was quite pleased. The little fellow was a total joy to be with this evening. Becky gave him a bath, and I fed him his bottle while she read him some bedtime stories. Once we put him to bed, Becky made a late run to Macy’s for her aunt Ann.

Mr Wigley, our friend and neighbor who has the huge pond and ducks at the end of our neighborhood, is in the hospital. Mimi and Grandpa went to see Mr Wigley and his wife this evening. Grandpa takes Max to see the ducks nearly every morning, weather permitting, and the Wigleys have become our friends, so we certainly wish Mr Wigley a speedy recovery.

March 30, 2010

8:14 pm—Two from Mimi’s recent cruise, one from Saturday, one from Sunday, two from yesterday, and one from today:


10:37 pm—Max is hanging his hat at Mimi and Grandpa’s again tonight. I saw Grandpa and Max at the mall this morning. They went to Bojangles for breakfast after their walk, and then Max came back home. The little fellow wanted to stay outside, so that’s what we did for the better part of an hour. I took a bunch of pictures of him enjoying the spring weather, three of which are posted above.

I brought him back inside and listened to a loud protest that was silenced by a bottle and Barney. I held my iPhone about a foot away from the little fellow’s peepers for fifty-two minutes, the entire length of the video we watched. Then I put him down for his nap, which lasted about four hours.

He went with Becky and Mimi to run a few errands and then to Mimi and Grandpa’s to “help” prepare for our friend Jodi’s big fortieth birthday party, which we’re hosting on Friday evening. I wish I’d been down there because Becky said Max was handing out kisses left and right.

The little fellow didn’t come back home this evening, thanks to Grandpa, who wanted Max’s company again tonight. I reckon I’ll catch up with those two in the morning.

March 29, 2010

10:08 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Last night Jaddie scooped up Max and put him in the bed with us. We had to put him back in his bed around 3:00 am. The little fellow does doughnuts in the middle of the bed, which makes it hard to sleep next to him. I guess all that tossing and turning made him super-tired, because we had to wake him this morning. He went walking with Daddy and Grandpa, and then went to Bojangles with Grandpa. The morning crew at Bojangles really missed Max and Grandpa last week. I’m sure Max was ready to get back into his routine.

After Max’s nap he and Daddy went to check the mailbox, and then it wasn’t long before I was home. We fed Max and took him to the studio for a quick shoot. The shoot started a little rocky but in the end was okay. After the shoot Max and I started to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. We started walking but Max kept walking in the wrong direction. In the end we had to go in the car. We had fun at Mimi and Grandpa’s. We’re surely glad they’re back home! Max is hanging his hat with them tonight. Jaddie will catch up with him in the morning.

March 28, 2010

10:04 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up around 7:00 this morning. Mimi and Grandpa really enjoyed having their little fellow stay over last night. When we picked up Max this morning, we headed to Granny’s for breakfast. She, too, was glad to see him. He was a pretty good eater at breakfast. When we got home Max was ready for his afternoon nap. He slept for four hours.

When Max got up he was a little fussy, so we fed him and hoped something to eat would cure his fussiness. We had no such luck, though.. It took Barney to put the lil’ fellow in a good mood. Granny came over this afternoon for a visit. We had a family dinner at our house tonight. Mimi and Grandpa came over, too. Max was enjoying all the attention. He had a staff of five hopping! After dinner I gave Maxipoo a bath before reading him some bedtime stories. We read two of our favorites tonight, Kiss, Kiss and Max’s Easter Parade. Max took a few minutes to settle down tonight, but is now fast asleep. Jaddie and I are about to turn in so we can watch a movie.

March 27, 2010

11:12 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept until 8:00 this morning. Then, of course, he watched a Barney video in our bed with Daddy. They went walking at the mall and then to Granny’s for breakfast. I attended a language arts class today, and Max was napping when I returned home. When the little fellow got up he had a snack, and then he and I went for a ride on Grandpa’s golf cart. We picked up neighbor Renae while out riding. We three rode until the batteries on the cart died. I thought Max and I would have to push the cart home.

When we got home Max and Daddy watched more Barney while I made dinner. Max is crazy about Barney. Tonight we ordered him a cool Barney T-shirt with his name on it. We hope he likes it!

Mimi and Grandpa came home tonight, and the first thing they wanted to do was see Max. Mimi and her friend Teresa just got back from a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival’s Dream. Max was as happy to see Mimi and Grandpa as they were to see him. He danced an enthusiastic jig for each of them. Mimi brought Max some really cute T-shirts, a monkey, and some maracas. She was going to show him what to do with them, but he already knew because he plays with maracas at Gymboree. Max is staying with Mimi and Grandpa tonight and we’ll catch up with him in the morning.

March 26, 2010

10:22 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up with me this morning. We changed his diaper, gave him a bottle, and started a Barney video. He was happy as a lark. He went walking with Daddy and then they headed to Granny’s for breakfast. On their way back home from Granny’s they brought me lunch at school. That was so wonderful.

Max had a nice nap this afternoon. When I got home from school Max and Daddy were heading up our driveway from the mailbox. He was riding on Daddy’s shoulders. We played a while and watched Barney before heading to Granny’s while I went to a basketball game at Mill Creek. I picked Max up after the game and we stopped by Kroger to get a movie for Jaddie and me to watch. By the time we got home, it was way after Max’s bedtime. I gave him a bottle, read him some stories, and now he’s tucked into bed for the night. Jaddie and I are headed there now to watch our movie.

March 25, 2010

9:58 pm—Max’s posterior plumbing failed to produce anything for the last four days, so I made sure he got extra MiraLAX yesterday and especially this morning. It worked. In a big, big way. Clean up involved hosing stuff down, throwing away a soiled book, a couple of loads of laundry, Lysol, Oust, anti-bacterial wipes, and a lot of elbow grease.

Otherwise, today was okay. Max and I went to the mall and put down our laps and then went to Granny’s for breakfast. Granny kept the little fellow while I ran an errand for her.

I brought him home, gave him a bottle, and put him down for four-and-a-half-hour nap. Becky went in our bedroom to get him and said we’d better call in the haz-mat team. We got the little fellow cleaned up, but, alas, he wasn’t done.

He accompanied Becky to her PTA meeting this evening and screamed and hollered so loudly that Becky had to grab him and head for the door before fellow attendees began hitting her with spitballs.

She brought him home, gave him a good bath, fed him a bottle, and put him in his bed for the night.

Angela, one of Becky’s colleagues, says Max’s behavior is just a phase and that her three kids all went through it. She said this phase ends when they learn how to talk. I’m wondering if I can put the Oxford English Dictionary in Max’s crib with him and leave Hooked on Phonics playing all night every night and accelerate this phase’s completion.

Mr Max still has his sweet, shining moments every day, but they’ve taken a backseat to frustration, impatience, and willfulness.

Maybe I shouldn’t complain. The little fellow gets his willfulness honestly.

Oh, well, another day is done. As Macdonald Carey used to say in the intro to Days of Our Lives, “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” Some days it’s more than just sand passing the hours by, but another day is done just the same.

March 24, 2010

10:31 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up shortly before 8:00 this morning. I was at home sick today. I had to go to the doctor for a sinus infection, so Max and I took it easy for much of the day. Coming home from the doctor, I went through the drive-thru at Bojangles, and they wanted to know where their baby has been. I told them Grandpa was out of town this week. They said he’d better come back soon

Max enjoyed a four-hour nap this afternoon. When he got up I was feeling better so we went for a walk through the neighborhood. We got to visit with a lot of neighbors. We visited with Miss Dale for a while. Max just loves her! We finally went home around 6:30. That was right before Jaddie got home from working in Atlanta. Jaddie got home just in time to see Max have a meltdown from not wanting to come inside. I fixed dinner for Max and quickly headed out to get my prescription for antibiotics filled. When I got home it was Mr Max’s bedtime. He was really tired from all of the exploring he did this afternoon. Jaddie and I are headed to bed soon, too.

March 23, 2010

10:59 pm—Max and I got our walk done this morning, and then I took him to Granny’s so she could keep him while I went out shopping for an anniversary gift for Becky. Today is our nineteenth anniversary. Marrying Becky is the best decision I’ve ever made.

She and I went to Carrabba’s tonight for dinner. She didn’t eat much, though, because she has a cold, flu, and/or a sinus infection. Granny kept the little fellow while Becky and I went out.

The little fellow is asleep with Becky in our bed as I write this. I’m so tired and am very much looking forward to joining them.

March 22, 2010

10:23 pm—I enjoyed watching Barney with Max first thing this morning. That little guy just loves the Barnmeister. We went walking at the mall without Grandpa because Grandpa is in South Georgia. Then we went to Granny’s so she could feed him some breakfast and keep him while I ran an errand.

Max and I got home over an hour after his usual naptime, and he was in a pretty nasty mood. Grandpa called to check on him as he was screaming and pounding my noggin. Once I knew that Grandpa understood the situation, I ended the call and wrestled Max into drinking his bottle. He was so angry that he didn’t want his bottle at first, but after keeping him from flailing his arms and getting him to drink a couple of sips, he quickly calmed down and finished the whole bottle.

The little fellow’s nap lasted about four hours, and when he awoke he was in a much better mood than when I put him down for his nap. He’s had a great evening with Becky and me. Becky brought Max and me each a fudgesicle. She fed him his while I enjoyed mine. Near the end of his, he jumped down off the sofa, took its wrapper over half-way across the house into the kitchen, made a right turn, and put that wrapper into a small trashcan. Becky and I were stunned. Max has been putting wrappers into the trash, but he’s always been within close proximity of the trashcans. Tonight he delayed enjoying the treat so he could put something away. Maybe he’ll be like this when he’s a teen.

Becky fed the little fellow a bottle, read him some bedtime stories, and put him to sleep in his crib about 8:30. Now we’re about to head to bed ourselves.

March 21, 2010

9:00 pm—Three from last Monday, two from Thursday, and four from Friday:


10:52 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max spent last night with Grandpa, and Grandpa said Max was great company and that the little fellow slept until 7:00 this morning. I picked Max up around 8:00 to go to Granny’s for breakfast. Max was a little grumpy as first but soon turned it around. When we left Granny’s it was naptime for Max. He slept for four hours this afternoon. I guess he knew it was perfect sleeping weather.

While Max was sleeping I went shopping with my aunt Ann, and Jaddie worked on pictures. Ann and I picked out a lot of stuff for her new condo in Florida. Ann said I earned “condo credits” for being her shopping buddy. We filled up her SUV with a lot of really cool stuff. Max got up from his nap, drank a full bottle of juice and water, and then went to visit with Grandpa and Great Grand. They said he was a little fussy.

When Ann and I returned from shopping we all got ready to go out for dinner. We went to one of our favorite Italian restaurants, Antoneta’s. When we came home I got Max ready for bed and we read three bedtime stories and brushed his teeth before he turned in for the night. Jaddie and I are ready for bed, too.

March 20, 2010

10:34 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max slept with us last night. The little fellow and I shared a pillow all night. It was super-sweet. I awoke to Max’s calling me “Mama” this morning.

The first thing Max and I did this morning was head to Bojangles, and Grandpa met us there. It was long before Jaddie, Max, Grandpa, and I headed out for a road trip to Helen. My aunt Martha got married on Friday and brought the family with her on her honeymoon, so we all met them in Helen. We walked around the town for a while, had lunch, all before heading to the beautiful cabin they had rented. We stayed there a good while visiting with my family. Max got to play with my cousin’s son, Andrew. It’s a little funny to see two only children play together. They each think they should have it all. They even bumped heads trying to get the same toy. It was cute to see them both rubbing their heads. Max didn’t have much of a nap today. He’s very picky about where he sleeps. We were certain he’d fall asleep on the way home, but, to our surprise, he didn’t. When we got home Grandpa decided to take Max home with him for the night, so that’s where he’s right now. We’ll catch up with our favorite fellow in the morning.

March 19, 2010

11:44 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up this morning when my alarm went off. We changed his diaper and gave him a bottle. When I left he was snuggled up with Daddy and watching Barney. I would say he’s got it pretty good.

Max went to Granny’s for the day because our housekeeper was here, and we didn’t think the little fellow could rest very well with all the cleaning ruckus. Granny said the little fellow didn’t sleep much. After school I met Jaddie over there and we had an early dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Dos Copas. We met up with Max and Granny afterwards. The three of us watched Max play in the yard for a long while. Jaddie snapped pictures of the little fellow while he played. We think we got some cute shots. Maybe Jaddie will have time to post some new images on Sunday.

When we got home from Granny’s Max was ready for a nap and slept until 10:30 pm. We weren’t sure he’d wake up again tonight. He’s been in a very chipper mood since his nap. He’s been piled up in the bed with me, handing out smiles like candy as we watched Barney and waited for Daddy to get out of the shower. Maybe tomorrow Max will be rested have another good day.

March 18, 2010

10:39 pm—Mimi and Grandpa headed out of town today, so Max came back home at 9:00 this morning. Grandpa was in too big of a hurry to go walking this morning, and I played hooky from walking due to a blister from my new shoes.

Max and I did go down to the mall a little later in the morning, though, to play. I took him to the children’s play area inside the mall, but he didn’t want to play there. Instead, he wanted to run the mall like a big boy. I wore my worn-out but still-comfortable sandals and rode him around the mall on my shoulders. I wanted to go inside the Apple store, but since I had a big camera hanging from my neck, I decided against it.

When Max and I got home, I fed him and gave him a bottle. He drank about three-fourths of his bottle and got down to play. He had a meltdown about ten seconds after he squirmed out of the recliner, so I took him upstairs and let him finish his bottle in our bed. The little fellow fell asleep while finishing the last part of his bottle, and his nap continued until shortly after 5:00.

He was in a great mood when he awoke, and we put him in a different outfit and took him outside for a couple hundred pictures. Outside he wouldn’t cooperate worth a toot, so we photographed what we could and threw away about four of every five images. Becky said Max walked in front of Mimi and Grandpa’s house and said, “Mimi, Mimi.”

Becky gave the little fellow a bath, read him some bedtime stories while feeding him a bottle, and put him to bed in his crib. I heard him yack a couple of times, but he didn’t sound as though he had any complaints about heading back to Dreamland.

Though our little buddy has developed a willful disposition and has little frustration tolerance at this point in his development, we are so thankful that he sleeps well and long.

March 17, 2010

10:16 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max stayed with Mimi and Grandpa last night. Grandpa said Max got up a little after 6:00 this morning. He went walking and then to Bojangles for breakfast. This morning I also went to Bojangles, but I was there quite a bit earlier. When I went through the drive-thru window one of the long-time employees introduced me to a new hire as “Max’s mom.” She said she was very happy to meet me and that she just loves Max. That was super-sweet!

Max enjoyed a nice nap this afternoon. I guess in some weird way he knew that today’s rainy weather called for a good nap. When Max got up I was already home. He was very surprised to see me when I went in to get him. He’s been in a much better mood today, and we’re very thankful for that. Yesterday we were thinking about checking on a return policy. Just kidding, of course! But we are happy things are better today.

Jaddie, Max, and I went to IHOP for dinner and Max was very good there. He also was a very good eater. When we got home I gave the little fellow a bath. After his bath I gave him the treat the leprechaun left for him. He really enjoyed his Lucky Charms. We got some cute pictures of him eating them that we’ll share soon. Max is hanging his hat with Mimi and Grandpa again tonight and Jaddie will catch up with him in the morning.

March 16, 2010

10:20 pm—It’s been kind of a tough day with the Maxster. He’s been ill-tempered at various times throughout the day. We’ve given him Motrin, Mylicon, fed him a good bit, gave him plenty to drink, and kept him busy. We don’t know what’s causing this sometimes-nasty behavior, but we hope it’s just a phase.

He was a flippy-floppy bedfellow last night, so at some point Becky took him out of our bed and put him in his bassinet. He awoke at the sound of Becky’s iPhone alarm shortly before 7:00 am. She changed his diaper and I fixed him a bottle. He and I watched a new (new to us, anyway) Barney DVD until it was time to head to the mall for our walk and stroll with Grandpa. They had breakfast at Bojangles and came over to get me shortly after 9:00. We went over to uncle Larry’s to look at an old car and then to Granny’s to ged rid of a dead tree. Granny took care of the little fellow while we took care of her dead tree. Larry was at Granny’s, too, and it’s always good to see him. When we left I told Max to give Larry bye-bye sugar and he threw Larry a kiss.

When we got home the little fellow wanted to play with shoes instead of taking his bottle, so I indulged him for a while. I don’t know why he’s so interested in shoes, but shoes are currently his favorite toy. He even looked to the place where I store my shoes—over our living room’s entertainment armoire—saw that there weren’t any shoes there, and began crying. The next pictures we’ll share here show the little fellow enjoying my sandals.

Our little fellow was everything except sweet when Becky got home. Nothing would please him. Mimi phoned and asked Becky to run up to our local Goodwill store to look at a toy box for Max, and Becky said Max was a bit of a hellion in the store, though he was blowing kisses to fellow motorists on the way home. Mimi and Grandpa came over to get the little fellow to spend the night with them tonight. Mimi and Becky were trying to find Max something to wear tomorrow, and Grandpa asked them to find something featuring green for St Patty’s Day tomorrow. That’s funny because it isn’t like Grandpa to think of things like that.

Oh, how we hope tomorrow is better! Going through this is scary for Becky and me because we don’t know if it’s a phase or if we’re raising a selfish prick who has no patience, frustration tolerance, or empathy. Time will tell and we’re in this for the long haul. The phrase “for better or for worse” is often used in weddings, but it’s more appropriate for becoming a parent.

March 15, 2010

10:17 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got Grandpa up quite early this morning—around 5:00. Mimi and Grandpa said Max lay down with them for a while before going walking. Grandpa, Max, and Daddy all enjoyed a walk this morning. Bojangles was, of course, the next stop on their morning tour. When Grandpa and Max got back home they had to go visit the ducks. When that busy morning was complete Max was worn out and ready for a nap. The little fellow slept for three-and-a-half hours this afternoon.

When I got home Max was a little fussy and ready for a change of scenery, so we went to Walmart. We had to return a movie and do a little shopping. Max was good boy while shopping. After Walmart we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s. Grandpa cooked us all dinner while Mimi and I took Max for a walk through the neighborhood. Max really enjoyed his walk.

When we got home from Mimi and Grandpa’s Max and I lay in our bed and watched the new Barney Easter video we bought at Walmart. It wasn’t long before little fellow’s eyes we getting droopy. I put him in his bassinet and we will scoop him up when we head to bed.

March 14, 2010

1:08 pm—Two from Friday and one from yesterday:


9:28 pm—The first word I heard this morning was Mama as Max was waking up and crawling on a still-asleep Becky. ’Twas sweet.

We serviced the little fellow, got him a bottle, and put him back in bed with us for a bit. Then we headed over to Granny’s for breakfast. Max was a little fussy over at Granny’s—and, later, here at home—because he wanted to go outside. He kept saying, “A door, a door, a door,” as he reached his hand toward the door and furrowed his brow.

Max went down for a nap when we got home from Granny’s. A dirty diaper woke him after about three hours. Becky came home from fetching groceries a short while later and looked after the little fellow while I worked on some way-overdue images of a prospective model. (I have a lot of new images to post on our photography section, and I hope to update long-overlooked portion of our site soon.) When I finished working on images, I took over Max’s care while Becky got a nap. I chased him around in circles for a while, let him climb like a monkey on the furniture, and then we settled down to finish watching a Barney video on my iPhone.

Becky put the little fellow in her big garden tub and jumped in with him to give him a bath. He had so much fun in that big tub; it was like a swimming pool to him.

He had a loud meltdown shortly after his bath. We don’t know what the problem was, but we stuck a bottle in his kisser and things got much more pleasant around here. He didn’t get to finish his bottle before Grandpa came to get him to spend the night. Grandpa said he and Max were going to bed early tonight. I’ll catch up with them in the morning at the mall.

March 13, 2010

10:08 pm—I saw Max and Grandpa this morning on our walk/stroll at the mall, Becky had breakfast with them at Bojangles, and then Becky and I took the little fellow to Gymboree for play class. He was a much happier camper this morning at Gymboree than he was last Saturday. This morning he melted down just once, when I went to the restroom.

We put him down for a nap when we got home, and he slept for five hours. He hasn’t slept that long in a good while. When he woke up, he was in a chipper mood and was ready to get a bite to eat, some juice, play, and watch Barney on my iPhone.

The three of us went out to pick up some dinner at Costco and to get the movie Up in the Air, which is now available on DVD. They dropped me off at home so I could get a shower, and they went to Mimi and Grandpa’s to visit with aunt Emma Jean and cousins Cam and Hunter.

Once home the little fellow quickly finished off a bottle and is now in his bassinet beside our bed, which is where he always naps when he’s home. We’re going to put him in bed with us tonight.

Today Max is saying, “light,” more clearly and is beginning to make some G sounds. He was calmer today than in recent days.

Becky’s getting her bath and we’ll soon be closing the curtains on March 13, my wonderful maternal grandmother’s birthday.

March 12, 2010

11:43 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max got up this morning around 7:15. We got him a fresh diaper and a bottle and took the little fellow back to bed with us. He enjoyed Barney while snuggling with us. I got to sleep a little long today because of the teacher workday. Max went to Granny’s today because the housekeeper was supposed to come. We found out later in the day that she was unable to because something came up. Max and Granny had a good time, though!

I picked up the little fellow on my way home from school. He wasn’t ready to leave Granny’s. Max didn’t understand why he couldn’t go out in her front yard, even though it was pouring rain. Granny said Max had not had much to eat today, so when we got home we fed the little fellow, He ate pretty well. After his late-afternoon meal Max watched Jaddie and me clean the house at a fast and furious pace in preparation for tonight’s Bunco party. Max was a really good boy while we were cleaning and only strew a few things.

While I had a Bunco party tonight Max stayed with Grandpa. Mimi came to the party, Jaddie worked on the computer upstairs while the party was going on, and he texted me a few times to bring him snacks. We’ll catch up with Max in the morning on our walk, at breakfast, and at Gymboree.

March 11, 2010

1:30 pm—Six from Tuesday:


11:09 pm—I saw Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning, but I didn’t get to see the little fellow again until after 4:00 pm. He took his nap at Mimi and Grandpa’s today. I took the time to finish the images above and work on my Photoshop workspace a little. We recently changed the size of the large versions of the images and had a handful of Photoshop actions that needed updating to work with the new image sizes. Actions that enable one-click creation of vignettes, pinstripes, and thumbnails all needed updating, and I finally had a meeting of time and energy to do it. Another thing I finally got around to is updating our Lilypie ticker above.

In addition to Max, Becky brought Grandpa home with her. He came to fix our recliner, hang some pictures, caulk around our kitchen counters, and hang a knob on one of our closet doors. Becky and I noticed that our backyard Christmas reindeer are now gone. It’s possible they were stolen, but it’s more likely that Grandpa got tired of seeing them still standing in our backyard and took them down for us. I guess there was no convincing him that we were just early for Christmas this year. It rained all day yesterday and Grandpa brought our trash cans up from the curb. I’d planned to wait until the rain stopped, but that wasn’t soon enough for Grandpa.

It was good to finally get some face time with Max this afternoon. He was as ill as a hornet when he came home, but after a three-hour nap, he was full of warmth and cheer. He sleeps better at home than anywhere else. He’s back in bed for the night now, but Becky and I enjoyed some quality time with him once he caught up on his beauty rest.

Apple’s new iPad goes up for preorder tomorrow morning at 8:30 Eastern Time. We’re going to order one and see if it’ll serve as a replacement for our eight-year-old PowerBook G4 whose lid now has two broken hinges. We used the PowerBook for Web browsing, simple text and data entry, and only rarely for graphic design and photo editing, so we believe the iPad might work for us. Becky and I have been having nearly nightly conflicts over who gets to use the Mac. She’s a serious coupon shopper and deal finder, and the Internet is her retail research library. And I’m a voracious consumer of tech news and opinion, so I feel quite handicapped when stuck with only our iPhones to traverse the interwebs. The iPad (WiFi, not 3G) is supposed to be available on April 3, but heavy demand could cause us to wait longer. Max loves our iPhones, so we’re looking forward to seeing him enjoy interacting with the iPad.

Tomorrow is a teacher workday at Becky’s school, and she doesn’t have to be there until 8:30, so we’re going to sleep a little later than we normally do on a school day. I’m looking forward to watching Barney with Max in the morning as he enjoys his morning bottle.

March 10, 2010

10:45 pm—Max got up shortly before 7:00 this morning, and Becky changed his diaper while I made him a bottle. He and I snuggled up in the bed and watched cartoons for a while before heading out to the mall for our morning walk and stroll with Grandpa. As usual, they went to Bojangles for breakfast. Grandpa brought the little fellow back home around 10:00, and Max and I played and watched Barney on my iPhone until it was time for his nap.

Becky phoned from school to suggest that I take the little fellow over to Granny’s and let her keep him while we have an early dinner at Chili’s. I followed Becky’s suggestion and Granny was happy to see Mr Max. I came home from Chili’s, and Becky took Granny some dinner from Chili’s and let her keep our little buddy while she ran to Walmart for milk.

Becky stopped by Mimi and Grandpa’s on her way home. They picked up Mimi and ran a couple of errands. Grandpa wanted Max to spend the night with them tonight, so that’s where the little booger is right now. I miss him and look forward to seeing him again in the morning.

Becky’s aunt Ann is close to closing on a condo in Palm Coast, Florida, that’s located on the intercoastal waterway. Ann said she wants the rest of us to enjoy her new digs, so I guess Max will get to experience the beach for the first time this summer. Ann says there are miles of trails and two pools in the development, so it sounds like a fun place to visit. Grandpa’s already gearing up to help with getting the place going.

March 9, 2010

10:47 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max went walking with Grandpa and Daddy this morning. Then the little fellow had breakfast at his favorite restaurant, Bojangles. When he got home he and Daddy went over to Granny’s for a visit with her and uncle Larry. Jaddie took some cute pictures of him at Granny’s. I’m sure he will share them soon. Max enjoyed a nice nap this afternoon.

When I got home we went outside, of course. Max would love to stay outside all the time. We walked down to the cul-de-sac and Grandpa picked us up on the golf cart. Max and I played at Mimi and Grandpa’s until dinner. Jaddie was gone shoe shopping. Max and I took a trip to visit the ducks. We’ve been singing a new duck song, so we sang it all the way there and back. Max tried to sing along. The little fellow loves music! Grandpa grilled hamburgers for dinner. Jaddie had veggie burgers. After dinner Max was tired and ready for bed, so we came home and read many stories. Maxipoo is fast asleep and Jaddie and I aren’t far behind.

March 8, 2010

10:47 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Four from Gymboree on Saturday and two from yesterday’s trip to Bogan Park:

Max went walking with Grandpa and Daddy and then went to Bojangles for breakfast with Grandpa. When Grandpa brought the little fellow home, Max and Jaddie went to Granny’s for a visit. Jaddie said they played outside only a little bit because Max was more interested in playing with Granny’s doors. He’s crazy about opening and shutting doors. Max enjoyed a nice nap when he got home.

When I came home from school Max and I went riding through our neighborhood on Grandpa’s golf cart. We, of course, went to visit the ducks. After that we stopped to visit with neighbors Renae and Zachary. Max kept wanting to open and shut Zachary’s truck door. After leaving there we went back to Mimi and Grandpa’s to eat dinner. Mimi and I gave the little fellow a shampoo after dinner. Grandpa talked me into letting the Maxipoo stay another night with them, so that’s where he is tonight. Jaddie will catch up with him in the morning.

March 7, 2010

10:31 pm—Max let us sleep until about 8:00 this morning. I fixed the little fellow a bottle while Becky changed his diaper, and they went back to bed and watched a little bit of a Barney video. Later we went to Golden Corral to have breakfast with Granny, aunt Shirley and uncle Bill; cousins Lee, Kerri, Cami, Trey, Shannon, Mark S., and Hayden; Cami’s sweetheart Casey and two other friends whose names I apologize for not being able to recall.

Max was a pretty good boy during breakfast. He had a meltdown before we went, and we couldn’t figure out for the life of us what was bothering him. We gave him some Motrin and things got better in about ten minutes. Maybe his teeth are bothering him. We don’t know for sure.

The little fellow made good use of his diaper, so we came home and serviced him. Many times over. The boy ran us through an entire box of wipes in the past twenty-four hours. Granny stopped by to see her Maxipoo, but it wasn’t long before he was ready to study the backs of his eyelids.

Becky went to a birthday party and I looked after Max. He awoke around 3:00 with a diaper that was desperate for a changing. And we changed it a few more times before we went to nearby Bogan Park to enjoy the beautiful weather. Max had fun until a game of chase went awry. The poor little fellow did a faceplant on the asphalt walkway at the park, adding a second scab, bump, and bruise to his forehead. He cried for less than a minute before trying to chase down someone else’s soccer ball. We took 154 pictures but ended up keeping only 55. We’ll share some of those here soon.

Becky and Max dropped me off at home went to T.J.Maxx to return something. They returned shortly with Max’s diaper screaming for yet another changing. We changed two or three more diapers before Grandpa came to get him to spend the night. The MiraLAX is gettin’ ‘re done.

I’m afraid for Becky to return to school tomorrow. What am I going to do? Ha! I know what I’m going to do: Max and I will go over to Granny’s! I’ll need a tag-team partner tomorrow if Max is still making stinkies.

Becky and I are about to head to bed.

March 6, 2010

7:13 pm—Six from February 25 through today:


10:38 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max woke up happy this morning. He went walking with Grandpa and Daddy, and then I met him and Grandpa at Bojangles for breakfast. After Bojangles Max got really fussy, but we decided to take him to Gymboree, anyway. That was a mistake. He had a few meltdowns while at Gymboree, so we left early. We think his tummy was bothering him. Max took a two-and-a-half-hour nap.

When Max got up from his nap he had lunch and then we headed out with Mimi to run a few errands. Max quickly got tired of errands, so he went to Granny’s while we finished up our errands. When we got back to Granny’s we three went outside with Max so he could play. That’s all the little fellow wants to do is be outside. He had a blast playing. We played a lot with his Cozy Coupe. Before coming home Max and I stayed with Mimi and Grandpa a while. Jaddie was busy working on pictures.

When we got home we three had dinner and then got Max ready for bed. The little fellow was tired after running all over Granny’s yard.

Max’s bathroom issue is making up for lost time. He’s no longer backed up, and his belly is no longer distended. Even though the little fellow went through more than a dozen diapers today, we’re glad his plumbing is back in business.

March 5, 2010

9:27 pm—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night. Mimi said the little fellow made a couple of sounds during the night, which she attributes to his stomach being upset. We gave him liquid Colase last night to help his, uh, “situation.”

Max, Mimi, and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast, and then they picked me up so we could take our little buddy to a pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr Dinesh Patel, who also happens to be a fellow UGA alumnus. As it turns out, there are just three things we have to do to make Max better:

  1. Give him three level teaspoons of MiraLAX every day;
  2. Give him three level teaspoons of MiraLAX every day, and
  3. If items (1) and (2) fail, give him three level teaspoons of MiraLAX every day.

Max has had MiraLAX plenty of times before, but when things improved we withdrew the MiraLAX until we encountered another problem. Dr Patel advised us to keep going with the MiraLAX for literally years. He says it’s completely safe.

And, as it turns out, Max is already doing much better. Apparently the emergency room pediatrician, Dr Jeffrey Rosenblatt, was correct with his prognosis that there was no longer a giant mass of matter that Max couldn’t pass.

The little fellow has been working is posterior plumbing quite successfully for about twenty-seven hours now. The dipe and wipe companies would be pleased with the amount of their products we’ve consumed.

So after a lot of stress, one enema, four suppositories, a dose of Colase, a trip to the emergency room, and a visit with a pediatric gastroenterologist, we believe our little buddy’s posterior is well on its return to good health.

Mimi and Grandpa kept Max while Becky and I went out for dinner this evening. Grandpa was going to ride the little fellow on the golf cart, and Max broke loose from Grandpa on their walk down to the driveway. Max fell on Mimi and Grandpa’s steps and now has a little bump on his noggin and a couple of scratches.

He was in a good mood when he came home, though. Becky gave him a bath, fed him a bottle, read him some stories, and put him to bed. Becky and I plan to watch the poorly reviewed movie Couples Retreat on DVD when we go to bed. We need some levity after the past three days we’ve had.

We’ll get back to walking in the morning and then take Max to Gymboree for play class. I hope to have the time and energy to get back to pictures tomorrow.

March 4, 2010

9:39 pm—We’ve been busy around here. Max seems to be feeling well, but he isn’t as well as he needs to be when it comes to his posterior plumbing. Tomorrow Grandpa, Mimi, and I are carrying the little fellow to a pediatric gastroenterologist to see what we can do to help him be a happier digestive camper.

I played hooky from walking this morning. Max and Grandpa went walking and then to Bojangles for breakfast where our friend and neighbor Greg joined them.

Little buddy and I played for a short while this morning, and then we watched a Barney video on my iPhone before heading over to Granny’s. Granny kept Max today because I visited an allergist for an allergy test. The rest revealed that I’m allergic to ragweed, a bunch of grasses, dust mites, and mold.

Becky picked up Max on her way home from school. Later they went out to run a few errands. Grandpa wanted Max to spend the night with him and Mimi tonight, so that’s where the little fellow is now. Becky and I are still very tired from last night’s drama, so we’re looking forward to going to bed early.

March 3, 2010

11:52 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max has been in a great mood today. He went walking and to see his peeps at Bojangles. Then he visited the ducks on the golf cart with Grandpa. He went down for his nap late today and slept for about four hours.

Max is still having a great deal of trouble with his plumbing today. We’re even had to take him to the ER tonight. They gave him some medicine that we hope will help. The poor little fellow is actually handling it better than the rest of us. We just got home and are all ready for bed. We hope tomorrow bring Max some much-needed relief!

March 2, 2010

10:11 pm—(Posted by Becky)—What a day! Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night. He went walking and then went to Bojangles. When the little fellow got home he had his first meltdown of the day, so we put him to bed early for his nap. When he got up it was time to head to the doctor for his eighteen-month visit. That started out well, but turned south quickly. Max is having trouble with his plumbing again, so his tummy hurts super-bad. He cried for a while before Dr Smiley came in and then really hard when she did his examination. This was the third meltdown, and he hadn’t even had the four shots he needed for the day!

Dr Smiley determined that we needed to have an X-ray of Max’s tummy, so we headed to a radiology lab after dropping off Granny for her eye appointment. She went with us to see Dr Smiley, which was great! It took all three of us to handle that rough situation.

Before we even got back to the eye doctor’s to pick up Granny, Dr Smiley called to let us know the results of his X-ray and what medicine to give him. Boy, we couldn’t believe how quickly she responded. The X-ray was in a completely different building. That was so fast!

Max had a rough time at the doctor’s and was really tired tonight. He fell asleep while taking his bottle. He’s sleeping in his bassinet in our room tonight so we can keep an eye on him during the night.

March 1, 2010

10:19 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max, Jaddie, and Grandpa went walking this morning. Then, as usual, Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast. Jaddie had to run an errand, so Max stayed with Grandpa until Jaddie returned shortly after 11:00. Then he brought Max home, fed him, gave him a bottle, and put him to bed. He took a two-and-a-half-hour nap.

Jaddie said the fun started when Max woke up. He took the little fellow walking through the neighborhood. They stopped and chatted with neighbors Laura and Piper Dellinger, and went down to the Wigleys’ pond to see the ducks. Max traveled on Jaddie’s shoulders the whole time. Their little quest lasted for about an hour. I called to check in on them several times this afternoon, and when I called Max answered by saying, “My Mama.” This was because when I called my picture appeared on Jaddie’s iPhone. This really warmed my heart.

When I got home we played for a while before heading to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. We had breakfast for dinner. Super yummy! After dinner Max, Mimi, and I had some errands to run. At Grandpa’s request Max is hanging his hat with them again tonight. Jaddie will catch up with them in the morning.

February 28, 2010

10:23 pm—We enjoyed a typical Sunday today. We slept a little late and went to Granny’s for breakfast. Becky took Max outside at Granny’s to let him run around and play. As is always the case, he didn’t like it when it was time to come back inside.

When we got home the little fellow took a nap lasting more than four hours. He was in a chipper mood when he awoke. Becky took him outside and walked over to Mimi and Grandpa’s. And that’s where our little fellow is right now. Becky and I went out late this afternoon for an early dinner, she went back to Mimi and Grandpa’s afterward, and I worked on a little project on the computer for Grandpa.

I’ll catch up with the little fellow in the morning.

February 27, 2010

9:55 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max spent the night with Mimi and Grandpa last night and got them up at 5:45 this morning. Grandpa, Max, and Jaddie went walking, and then Grandpa and Max went to Bojangles for breakfast. I had to go to a Language Arts class today and Jaddie had to work on a client’s Web site, so Max stayed with Mimi and Grandpa until I got home. When I got there to pick up the little fellow, neighbor Renae and her mother were visiting. Mimi said Max was shy when they first arrived, but he soon warmed up and was laughing and dancing for them.

When we got home Max was super tired. He only took a short nap at Mimi and Grandpa’s. Jaddie and I played with Max for a little while before putting him down for another nap, which lasted for couple of hours. When he got up we had supper, and then I gave the little fellow a bath. We three are soon heading to bed and are going to watch the movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. We hope Max will watch the movie with us.

February 26, 2010

10:06 pm—Max and I made our laps this morning at the Mall of Georgia, again without Grandpa. Grandpa came home from visiting his mother in South Georgia today and will be back in the mall-walking and Bojangles business in the morning.

After breakfast I took Max over to Granny’s because our cleaners were coming and might’ve made noise that kept Max from having a nice, long nap. Plus, I had to work on a client’s Web site and needed some time to get that done.

Max didn’t sleep long at Granny’s, so he had to have another nap late this afternoon. When he awoke from his nap, we fed him some dinner and then Becky carried him to Mimi and Grandpa’s for the night. Grandpa is excited to have the little fellow spending the night with him tonight.

It’s been a busy day for Becky and me, so we’re looking forward to going to bed soon and getting to sleep a little late in the morning.

February 25, 2010

10:57 pm—(Posted by Becky)—As we went to bed last night Max woke up crying, so we scooped him up and put him in bed with us. He slept with us until 3:30 am. He was a pretty good bedfellow last night. When I got up this morning he got up too. He got a bottle and watched Barney with his “Da-Da.” Jaddie and Max went walking this morning, and after walking they went to Gymboree. Jaddie said Max was a little hard to handle there. Sporty Britches didn’t want to join the group and kept going to areas that were off-limits. I’m sure the little fellow had a good time!

Max slept until I got home, and we played when he got up. Then we headed to Mimi’s so that Max could stay with her while we did a quick photoshoot. After the shoot, Max, Mimi, and I went to dinner. Max was great at the restaurant. We saw a few people I knew from school and Max was very friendly with them. He blew them kisses and smiled at them many times. Max doesn’t meet a stranger.

When Max went to bed tonight Mimi and I went to the movies. We went to see Dear John. The movie was okay but I didn’t care for its ending.

February 24, 2010

8:46 pm—Two more from Max’s eighteen-month birthday and one from Monday:

Today was a much better day than yesterday, even though Max was plagued by his lower, posterior plumbing. The little fellow cried several times today as we cleaned him up. Even though we’ve piled the Vitamins A and D ointment on his little bottom, it’s still chaffed pretty badly. It’s painful both when he makes a boom-boom and when we clean him up. The poor little fellow makes his boom-boom and then runs from us.

But other than that, today has been nice. Max and I went to the mall for our morning walk and stroll without Grandpa. Grandpa is visiting his mother in South Georgia, so we had to strike out by our lonesomes. Five fellow mall walkers stopped to wish Mr Max a good morning and inquire about Grandpa’s whereabouts. I bet the crew at Bojangles missed Max this morning, too.

After our walk we went to Granny’s for breakfast, and we got a very welcome surprise during our visit—uncle Larry dropped in and we got to visit with him for a while, too. Larry played with Max a good bit. Even though his back is in bad shape, Larry chased the little fellow up Granny’s stairs two or three times, carried him outside a few times, and held him up to Granny’s door so he could play with her locks.


10:30 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max napped about three hours this afternoon, and when I got home he was a little grumpy. But when I mentioned we could go bye-bye his mood changed. The boy likes to go! We went to CVS and Publix. When we got home the three of us had dinner and then played. Mimi came over for a visit tonight. When she left I read Max bedtime stories. Then the little fellow went to bed. He’s asleep and Jaddie and I are headed to bed, too.

February 23, 2010

9:02 pm—’Tis been a rough day around here. I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so hungry. I finally caved in at 4:30 and went back to bed at 5:00. I caught up with Max and Grandpa at the mall, and they went to Bojangles for breakfast after their walk.

When the little fellow came home, he had a diaper that needing changing, so I changed it. And that diaper change ended my year-plus streak of not getting hosed down during a diaper change. I almost finished cleaning him up when he hosed me down again. As is said, “It never rains but it pours.”

He was tired today and took a five-and-a-quarter-hour nap this afternoon. Mimi said the little fellow got up shortly after 6:00 this morning, so I guess he was running short on his beauty rest.

Max and Becky went to Mimi’s for a visit this evening, and they shampooed Maxipoo. Mimi asked for the little fellow to spend the night with her tonight, but Becky wanted him to hang his hat with us. He’s already in bed and Becky and I are very tired and are about to head in that direction ourselves.

February 22, 2010

9:44 pm—Six from Saturday, Max’s eighteen-month birthday:

Max had a touch of the crankies today. He must have been tired from yesterday’s non-stop running around. He came home from the mall with me this morning because Grandpa had an errand to run. When Grandpa returned from his errand, he stopped by Bojangles for breakfast. He said everyone wanted to know where Max was. The little fellow will be back at Bojangles with Grandpa in the morning.

Max slept nearly five hours this afternoon, and he hasn’t napped that long in a good while. He was in a chipper mood for the first half-hour after his nap, but fell cranky for the rest of the evening. Grandpa cooked dinner for us again tonight, and he wanted Max to stay with them again, so that’s where he is. When we left Mimi and Grandpa’s, Max was drinking a bottle on the sofa while he watched a Barney video with heavy eyes.

I look forward to catching up with the little fellow in the morning and hope he’ll have caught up on his beauty rest.

February 21, 2010

4:27 pm—Six from February 13–17:


10:00 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max was just lying in his bed when I went in to check on him around 7:30 this morning. He quickly popped up to start his day. He had a bottle and a Barney video before heading to Granny’s for breakfast. After we ate I took Max to Granny’s front yard to enjoy the great outdoors. That seems to be all the fellow can study right now. We played out there for about forty-five minutes. Granny and Daddy joined us, too. Max was really paying attention to the outside today. He played with acorns and rocks, and at some points even tried to eat them. I guess that really shows he’s got a lot to learn.

Max enjoyed a three-and-a-half-hour nap this afternoon. After his nap we all had lunch and then got ready for the outdoors again. I put Max in his Radio Flyer wagon and pulled him through the neighborhood. At first he wasn’t sure of the wagon, but soon started to enjoy it. We stopped by Mimi and Grandpa’s, of course, and neighbors Stephen and Dale were there visiting, too. Max enjoyed playing with them. After they left Max enjoyed many golf cart rides and walks through the neighborhood. The little fellow didn’t want to go indoors at all. He played for the longest time with Grandpa’s shop door. He kept saying, “A door, a door.” I bet he said it at least a hundred times. We have been outside for ninety percent of Max’s waking hours today, so we’re all tired.

Max, Jaddie, and I had dinner with Mimi and Grandpa tonight at their house with neighbors Greg and Renae. Max pointed to his daddy and said, “Dada. Dada.” I guess he was trying to point out to Greg and Renae who his daddy is. Max is hanging his hat with Mimi and Grandpa tonight, and Jaddie will catch up with him in the morning.

February 20, 2010

10:08 pm—Nine from February 11–13:

Today is Max’s eighteen-month birthday. Becky and I enjoyed sleeping late this morning, thanks to Mimi and Grandpa’s keeping Max last night. Grandpa didn’t have that luxury. He said Max woke him at 5:45 am. They went walking and then to breakfast at Bojangles, where Becky joined them. Becky and I took the little fellow to Gymboree for play class this morning. He was so ready for a nap when he got home. I believe he logged about four-and-a-half hours of sleep this afternoon.

When the little fellow woke up from his nap, Grandpa came over and hung Becky’s new TV above her bathtub. Granny came over and she, Max, and Becky went to have ceramic imprints made of Max’s hands and feet. I worked on Max’s pictures while they were gone.

In honor of our fine fellow’s eighteen-month birthday, Becky prepared a special duck-themed dinner for him tonight. She made chicken casserole, peas, and duck-shaped biscuits, and Mimi brought corn. She even had a yellow-and-white birthday cake for dessert. She and I both abstained from the cake, and I’m afraid I’m going to have terrible dreams about it. Birthday cake is one of my all-time favorite ways to strike against my health.

February 19, 2010

11:02 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max had a great day! He started out by walking with Daddy and Grandpa. Then he enjoyed breakfast at Bojangles with Grandpa. Next, he went to visit the ducks on the golf cart. And if that wasn’t enough, he went to Granny’s for lunch. What a morning! No wonder the little fellow smiles all the time.

After enjoying his mid-day siesta, Max was up and ready for more fun. Jaddie, Max, and I went to Fuddrucker’s for an early dinner. We were having so much fun heading there that we didn’t even get upset when we missed the exit and had to go several miles out of the way. Max was good during dinner and for the ride home. When we got home Max and I didn’t even go in the house. Instead, we walked all the way to Mimi and Grandpa’s. Max made it the whole distance holding my hand. One time it sort of slipped away and he held his hand up wanting to grab my hand back. That was super-sweet! When we arrived at Mimi and Grandpa’s we went on a golf cart ride back to see the ducks. After the ride Grandpa and Max brought me home because it was time for me to go to a Bunco party. Mimi and Grandpa wanted to keep the little fellow tonight, so that’s where he is. Jaddie and I will catch up with our sweetie in the morning. Tomorrow is a big day for him. He’ll be a year-and-a-half old. Oh, my, how time has flown!

February 18, 2010

9:08 pm—’Twas a pretty typical day for Max and us. We walked this morning, Max and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast, and then they rode on Grandpa’s golf cart to see the ducks at the Wigleys’ pond.

Max, Mimi, and Becky went out shopping this evening. One stop was back to the mall. The little fellow was there yesterday morning and evening and this morning and evening. He’s going to know that mall better than its employees.

I had an appointment this afternoon and got a sinus headache after getting home. I’m going to go on to bed instead of working on pictures. I’m pretty sure I can get to those tomorrow.

February 17, 2010

9:49 pm—Max and I joined Grandpa at the mall for our morning walk, and they went to Bojangles for breakfast. Grandpa kept the little fellow this morning while I printed and cut cousin Leslie’s pictures. Max didn’t make it back home until nearly 1:00. I fed him a bottle and put him down for his nap.

He must have been tired, because he slept for more than four hours. When he got up Becky and I played with him. We were on our stairs when I pointed to Becky in our family picture and asked, “Who’s this?” He quickly said, “Mama.” We were so happy because of his quick and positive answer. Then the little fellow, without any further prompts, said, “Dada, Dada.” This time we clapped, cheered, and jumped up and down and all around. That was a special moment.

Becky and Max went to the mall this evening and bought Max the cutest little sweater-and-pants outfit I’ve ever seen. When they returned, it was time for Max’s bottle, a few bedtime stories, and bed. I intend to share some more pictures tomorrow.

February 16, 2010

10:17 pm—(Posted by Becky)—According to Grandpa, Max got up a little before 7:00 this morning in a good mood. He went walking and to Bojangles for breakfast. Jaddie had to work in Atlanta today, so Max stayed with Mimi and Grandpa. They said Max was a very good boy today. They also said he napped for two hours, which is kind of long compared to his usual nap at their house. When I came to pick him up he was a little grumpy. His little tummy was hurting him. We stayed a Mimi and Grandpa’s for a visit. When we left there we went to the dollar store and bought a few duck items. Max has gone quacky for ducks. We found a cute stuffed duck, white chocolate ducks turned yellow, and duck bubbles. I bet Max said, “duck” a hundred times while in the store.

Before coming home Max and I braved the cold and wind to get some pizza at Costco. We think they have the best pizza. When we got home the three of us had dinner. Max had eggs and toast and Jaddie and I had pizza. For dessert we had frozen yogurt. Max and I shared yogurt. It was so cute seeing him use a spoon to get yogurt. He was really working the spoon almost like shovel.

I read Max five bedtime stories before he went to bed. I was very much enjoying our snuggle time and didn’t want it to end. Max is now asleep in his crib, and Jaddie and I are headed to bed, too.

February 15, 2010

9:46 pm—Today was another great one. I caught up with Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning, and then they went to Bojangles for breakfast. Grandpa brought the little fellow home afterward, and Max and I played for about an hour before I fed him and put him down for a nap.

He slept almost three hours this afternoon. We he awoke I gave him ten ounces of juice, some puffs, and then five more ounces of juice. The little fellow was thirsty.

For dinner we went to Mimi and Grandpa’s. Max was a a big showoff after dinner. He entertained us all with his cute little shenanigans. Then Mimi, Becky, and Max took some homemade soup to Granny.

Mimi wanted Max to spend the night with them again tonight, which is the third consecutive night he’s been away from home. He’ll have to hang his hat here tomorrow night.

February 14, 2010

5:54 pm—Six from February 1–6:


10:39 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Jaddie and I got to sleep late this morning, and when we got up we headed to Granny’s for breakfast. Max carried Granny a monkey for Valentine’s Day. She was happy to see Max and the monkey he brought her. After breakfast Granny gave Max a SpongeBob SquarePants box of candy. Max went nuts wanting to eat the chocolate.

When we got home Max played for a while before taking a nap. He slept for two-and-a-half hours this afternoon. While he was asleep I went out to do some errands for our Valentine’s dinner. Mimi, Grandpa, and Granny came over to our house for a special dinner. We had hearts and monkeys everywhere. We even had a monkey balloon bigger than Max. He loved all the decorations. Our neighbor Miss Candy stopped by to bring Max a Valentine. That was super sweet! Max also got a very cute Valentine from his aunt Mary and uncle Buddy.

At dinner tonight Max kept making a sound wanting us to hand him something. It took us all a long time to figure out that what he wanted was his SpongeBob candy. Mimi and Grandpa also brought Max some chocolate for Valentine’s. He had a great day.

Mimi and Grandpa took our little monkey home with them when they left tonight. Jaddie will catch up with him in the morning, and maybe I will, too, if it snows us out of school!

February 13, 2010

9:45 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Today was a snow day, and we stayed inside for most of it. The three of us enjoyed breakfast together this morning. Jaddie and I also enjoyed playing with Max this morning. He was full of energy. His energy gave out around 11:00 am. That’s when the lil’ fellow went down for his nap. He slept for three-and-a-half-hours. When he got up he played hard again.

This afternoon he went to play with Grandpa while Jaddie and I went out to do some errands. When we got back we dressed Max up for the snow and took him out to play. He kept saying, “ice.” Boy, does he ever love ice! I believe his aunt Shirley taught him to love ice. We, of course, took pictures of Max’s first snow encounter. We hope to share those here soon.

When we came home from Mimi and Grandpa’s, we had dinner and gave Max a bath. It wasn’t long before Mimi and Grandpa called to get Max to spend the night. We let him go, so we’re looking forward to sleeping late in the morning. We’ll definitely miss our favorite fellow, and we’ll catch up with him as soon as we get up.

February 12, 2010

10:48 pm—Today was a really good day. The little fellow drank his bottle and watched a Barney Valentine DVD in bed with me. Then we headed to the mall to meet Grandpa for our walk. They went to Bojangles after walking, and Grandpa took the little fellow back home with him. I took Max over to Granny’s just before noon because our cleaners were here and it was Max’s nap time. He got a second wind when he got to Granny’s and entertained us both for about an hour. I came back home and Granny said the little fellow napped about an hour-and-a-half.

Becky picked him up on her way home from school, and it had been snowing pretty heavily (well, for us in metro-Atlanta, anyway). I got a shower while she let Max experience the snow, and then Mimi and Grandpa took us all out for dinner at one of our favorite Italian places. The roads were barely passable and traffic was awful from home to dinner, but we rarely get to see such heavy snowfall around here.

Max has been in a really cheerful mood today. He’s been doing the cutest little dance I’ve ever seen someone his age do. He twists his whole torso around and flaps his elbows to his rhythmic kneebends. He’s even been dancing while seated. He’s been laughing, trying to talk, eating like a horse, and giving us kisses.

Tonight when we got home, put the little fellow in a onesie, and sat down in front in the living room to watch Barney yet again, I asked Becky to bring me a low-cal fudgecicle. Becky said that I’d have a new friend when I unwrapped that thing, and she was right. The little fellow was standing in front of me for a taste as soon as I got the wrapper off, and it was so cute to watch him enjoy what turned out to be two fudgecicles. Becky took a lot of pictures, so I hope we have one we can share here soon. That little boy had fudgecicle all around is mouth and chin. He didn’t mind having the stuff beaded up and ready to drip from his chin; he just wanted more.

After he polished off the second fudgecicle, Becky took him upstairs to feed him a bottle, read him some bedtime stories, and put him to bed. We’re looking forward to sleeping late in the morning and having our favorite little fellow snuggle up with us.

Max is such a sweet little boy and a real joy to be with.

February 11, 2010

9:45 pm—After spending the night away from home last night for a sleep study, I met up with Max and Grandpa at the mall this morning for our walk. Max was in a great mood and was focused on the other mall walkers. He and Grandpa went to Bojangles for breakfast, as usual, and then the little fellow came home near 10:00 am. He went to sleep in my lap while drinking his bottle, and we napped together until close to 1:00. He continued his nap in his bassinet until 3:30.

Becky took the little fellow to see her parents while she got her hair done. He came home with her in an hour or two with dinner. After playing for a short while, he took his last bottle of the day and Becky read him at least one bedtime story.

Becky didn’t sleep well last night, I’m still fighting a sinus infection and have little energy, so we’re both ready to join Max for what we hope will be a restful night.

February 10, 2010

(Posted by Becky, February 11, 4:40 pm)—Max went walking with Grandpa and Daddy this morning. Then he went to Bojangles for breakfast. The little fellow has been in a pretty good mood today, though he didn’t take a long nap. Early this afternoon Jaddie and Max headed over to Granny’s for a grilled cheese. I met them at Granny’s after school. Max was happy to see me when I arrived. We stayed a while before heading home.

We went to Mimi and Grandpa’s for dinner. I guess you can gather by reading our blog we aren’t much for cooking. Max ate mashed potatoes tonight. Normally he doesn’t care for them, so I guess he’s branching out. Max is spending the night with Mimi and Grandpa again tonight, and Jaddie will catch up with his little fellow in the morning.

February 9, 2010

10:19 pm—(Posted by Becky)—Max woke up on the happy side of the bed this morning. He went walking with Daddy and Grandpa. After that he went to Bojangles for a biscuit. Jaddie said that Max was a real ham this morning. He took a three-and-a-half-hour nap this afternoon. He was in a great mood when I got home. He did start to melt early in the evening. We thought it was his teeth. He kept wanting ice—we think for his gums—so we gave him Motrin. That seemed to do the trick.

Mimi and Grandpa came over for a visit this evening. Max was very happy to see them. Grandpa has taught Max a dance, and Max looks so cute dancing this dance! When Mimi and Grandpa got ready to go, Max had to go, too, so Max is hanging his hat there tonight.

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.