Lionel Richer wrote these words,
"Say you, say me; say it for always
That's the way it should be
Say you, say me; say it together
Naturally"
Today was an example of how I wish everyday could be. We slept late. We ate brunch together as a family. We lounged around all day long, reading, listening to music, watching football and sleeping. The key to it all was that the two of us were together. After a week where I had a meltdown because I felt like I was away from C.J. too much. Not to mention work was beginning to annoy me, I felt like I was losing my edge, and I needed to take a day off to begin a self-evaluation process...this is the way I needed the week to end.
Now some of you may say what a way to ruin C.J.'s Halloween but we do not engage in activity of the sort anyway so she and I were good. I think I held C.J. more today than I have ever done thus far. I wanted to make sure that all she was missing of me this week got soaked in. Now I know that is impossible but I think anyone who has children will understand my sentiment.
So as the day faded away and C.J. fell asleep (she did see some of the Notre Dame game)and the idea of the extra hour of sleep became more and more of a thought, I felt a feeling of ease come upon me. Then the lyrics of Lionel Richie, "Say it together, naturally." This is all I want. C.J. and Daddy naturally together. As I look to the week to come, a week where I have set aside two days for me to really look inside of me and change some things, I realize that the number one priority will be how I can be the best touchable Daddy to C.J.
A better me will make a better C.J.! So as I leave to take full advantage of my extra hour of sleep you all remember to pray because prayer changes things!
C.J., there are times in life when you must step back and take a look at all you are doing. You must be like the gardener in a nursery and prune your plants to make sure they continue to grow healthy and strong. Love you a bunch, Daddy!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Witty Kid
Now why can't everyday be like this? It is 3:30pm and we are all home. That means that C.J. and I have the opportunity to play around a bit. So my little girl has this thing with eating her hands...all babies do at this point in their lives. Well anyway, I decided to mess with her by blocking her from eating her right hand. It worked for a bit, but then C.J. figured the other hand must taste just as good, and decided to give it a try, lol! Then I said, "Well I can take that one too." When I did she went back to the right. She played this game until she became tickled with herself. Of course when she was tickled, I became tickled, and the two of us shared a laugh.
As I sat at the computer and began to look at my emails, I look at C.J. as she sat in awe of all the colors and action going on. So you all know what I did next. I began my search for a baby computer for my little one. That way when Daddy is doing work she can work alongside him. Maybe her keyboarding skills will develop as she types on the keys and responds to the sounds that are made. It is all about exposure. If I let her sit idle, then I will have to depend on someone else to introduce her to different things. So I have decided to at least expose her to many different things and then she will be able to pick and choose which she would like to develop further.
Tonight she will be meeting up with CJ#1. These two have a lot of growing up to do together so we have to get ready to get out of here. I will keep you all up do date as to how she is developing when her Daddy messes with her. Until then, always remember to pray becasue prayer changes things!
As I sat at the computer and began to look at my emails, I look at C.J. as she sat in awe of all the colors and action going on. So you all know what I did next. I began my search for a baby computer for my little one. That way when Daddy is doing work she can work alongside him. Maybe her keyboarding skills will develop as she types on the keys and responds to the sounds that are made. It is all about exposure. If I let her sit idle, then I will have to depend on someone else to introduce her to different things. So I have decided to at least expose her to many different things and then she will be able to pick and choose which she would like to develop further.
Tonight she will be meeting up with CJ#1. These two have a lot of growing up to do together so we have to get ready to get out of here. I will keep you all up do date as to how she is developing when her Daddy messes with her. Until then, always remember to pray becasue prayer changes things!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Personality
Those who know my wife and I know that we have two very different personalities. To sum it up quickly, my wife is an introvert and me, I am the extrovert. So I would gather that C.J. will be somewhere in the middle.
I like to watch her in the morning as she has developed a routine while she wakes up. It interests me because with every stretch and wink, she is developing who she will be. Looks like morning will not be her thing. The next moment I like to study is when we go to pick her up from the sitter. She looks as if she has had a great time all day, but when she sees Mommy and Daddy, a look of excitement exudes from her huge smile.
Another moment I love to witness is when I have her sitting with me and she is making her sounds and blowing bubbles with her mouth and observing her surroundings. We have two huge pictures in the living room...one being of Mommy and Daddy, and the other of some prominent African American figures. I catch her staring at them both throughout our time together. One day I am going to provide her with information on them all. If she develops some of their personalities, C.J. will be OK. Dubois, MLK and Tubman are just 3 of the figures she stares at.
It is my hope that all of the reading and exposure to music, the daily trips, family trips, the interaction with other babies at the sitter, growing up with close family and being active will all play a part in developing one very diverse personality in C.J. Johnson. If she is anything like her Dad, she will have a great mix.
C.J., it is about 10:58pm. Normally you are asleep but you are wide awake making all sorts of funny noises. Even though I wish you were asleep, you have a big smile on Daddy's face because he has not had the opportunity to see you awake all week. I just pray that you are always as happy as you seem to be right now. You will get mad some days and be upset with Daddy, and the rest of the world, but at the end of the day, just smile because God granted you life one more time. Love you!
OK, folks, I am out for today, until tomorrow, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
I like to watch her in the morning as she has developed a routine while she wakes up. It interests me because with every stretch and wink, she is developing who she will be. Looks like morning will not be her thing. The next moment I like to study is when we go to pick her up from the sitter. She looks as if she has had a great time all day, but when she sees Mommy and Daddy, a look of excitement exudes from her huge smile.
Another moment I love to witness is when I have her sitting with me and she is making her sounds and blowing bubbles with her mouth and observing her surroundings. We have two huge pictures in the living room...one being of Mommy and Daddy, and the other of some prominent African American figures. I catch her staring at them both throughout our time together. One day I am going to provide her with information on them all. If she develops some of their personalities, C.J. will be OK. Dubois, MLK and Tubman are just 3 of the figures she stares at.
It is my hope that all of the reading and exposure to music, the daily trips, family trips, the interaction with other babies at the sitter, growing up with close family and being active will all play a part in developing one very diverse personality in C.J. Johnson. If she is anything like her Dad, she will have a great mix.
C.J., it is about 10:58pm. Normally you are asleep but you are wide awake making all sorts of funny noises. Even though I wish you were asleep, you have a big smile on Daddy's face because he has not had the opportunity to see you awake all week. I just pray that you are always as happy as you seem to be right now. You will get mad some days and be upset with Daddy, and the rest of the world, but at the end of the day, just smile because God granted you life one more time. Love you!
OK, folks, I am out for today, until tomorrow, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Like It Should Be
For the past few weeks C.J. and I have had a transportation relationship. I bring her to the babysitter and I pick her up. The problem is that I never envisioned this to be how my relationship with my child would be. I am the type of guy who wants to be with C.J all day, everyday.
The type of career I have presents different seasons and this happens to be the busiest of all. Just last week, I was away from home from Monday through Thursday night. Since C.J. is in bed and sleep at a certain time the only interaction I get is to look at her as I prepare to get in bed. What a boring life for Daddy, and I know C.J. misses the fun we have. So when I came home today and she was awake, you could imagine my joy as we danced, played and watched Sports Center (You know that is our bonding time).
So I needed to take a day off so I could do some self-reflection With all the things going on in my life, the traveling for work, the long commute to and from the office, C.J., church responsibilities and so much more. I needed to take my own advice and evaluate what is important in my life and to effectively plan courses of action. One day will get me started but I have a few more coming up. Some things will change and some things will be cut out completely. I am determined to get back on point. I had a dry spell but now I am plugged into the charger and the green light will be back sooner than later.
Shatema was speaking to C.J. today and assured her that Daddy does all he does for her, and that is the truth. So I am giving notice...if I am going to put 100% effort into something, it had better benefit C.J. in some way. If not, I'm discontinuing all involvement and it goes to the bottom of the totem pole.
I will be back on top shortly! Until then, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
C.J. you are the family that I pledge allegiance too! With God first I know you will be taken care of.
The type of career I have presents different seasons and this happens to be the busiest of all. Just last week, I was away from home from Monday through Thursday night. Since C.J. is in bed and sleep at a certain time the only interaction I get is to look at her as I prepare to get in bed. What a boring life for Daddy, and I know C.J. misses the fun we have. So when I came home today and she was awake, you could imagine my joy as we danced, played and watched Sports Center (You know that is our bonding time).
So I needed to take a day off so I could do some self-reflection With all the things going on in my life, the traveling for work, the long commute to and from the office, C.J., church responsibilities and so much more. I needed to take my own advice and evaluate what is important in my life and to effectively plan courses of action. One day will get me started but I have a few more coming up. Some things will change and some things will be cut out completely. I am determined to get back on point. I had a dry spell but now I am plugged into the charger and the green light will be back sooner than later.
Shatema was speaking to C.J. today and assured her that Daddy does all he does for her, and that is the truth. So I am giving notice...if I am going to put 100% effort into something, it had better benefit C.J. in some way. If not, I'm discontinuing all involvement and it goes to the bottom of the totem pole.
I will be back on top shortly! Until then, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
C.J. you are the family that I pledge allegiance too! With God first I know you will be taken care of.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Day With Pop
Today I only dropped C.J. off to spend the entire day with her grandfather. He was very excited to be the fill in babysitter. I guess C.J. will tell me how it went when she gets older. Anyway its good to have somebody that is able to step in when they are needed. She is taught to value family by seeing this. As I am quick today so i can get some rest always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Monday, October 26, 2009
My Joy
On many days daddy will come home from work fatigued and dejected. The energy he exerts to provide services to his students and the high level of energy from withing sometimes will get the best of him. He will get so beat down sometimes that he has to listen to his body as it shut down on him. That was the scene today. Worn out at work, (yes it is only Monday)but I had to muster up enough energy to make it to get my ladies.
Life presents many situations for an individual where they must evaluate and make a decision. The decision can be pivotal to not only themselves but to those who love them and for those whose lives they touch on a daily basis in one way or another. Once C.J. came into my life I have been evaluating all that I do. What is important? Will engaging in this activity be a effective use of time? How will this impact on my family? By doing this I gain what? How is this beneficial in the long-run for C.J.
Since C.J. has entered my life I will admit a lot of the things I do and regularly participate have become not important to me. I would rather spend my time with C.J. instead of sitting in a meeting or traveling back and forth to work. I still enjoy doing but I am at a point where I really want to say I will support all the different efforts but you can move on without me. When I look at the hours away from home it hurts me sometimes because on a given day I could see C.J. when I wake her up and drop her off at the sitter. The rest of the day I am away for one reason or another.
I really am beginning to be a family man and it is my responsibility to be there for C.J. Every time I see her I am internally reminded that I am the example of what a man is to her. So if she constantly sees her daddy's back as he descends down the stairs going someplace else. She will begin to think that it may be OK for men to walk in and out of her life. (I know a bit extreme but we never know how things will affect people) I just want to make sure that she understands the concept of family. that she knows what eating dinner together and talking about your day with mommy AND daddy feels like. I want to put her to bed so she feels secure at night. I want her to be able to call out for her daddy and he be there to respond.
C.J. has become a vein filled with joy that circulates within my body. I eat to be healthy to be around for her. I go to work daily to provide for her. I read scripture with her so she hears the word of God even at this young age because I want her to know Jesus for herself. I even shop for her, now if you know me I do not leave myself out either, lol! Anything I do I do it for C.J. and that is why a smile affixed to my face. She is my JOY! and will remain in that spot forever.
I am going call it a night I have got to continue to re-energize myself for the day ahead. In the meantime you all remember to pray because I am a living witness that prayer changes things.
Life presents many situations for an individual where they must evaluate and make a decision. The decision can be pivotal to not only themselves but to those who love them and for those whose lives they touch on a daily basis in one way or another. Once C.J. came into my life I have been evaluating all that I do. What is important? Will engaging in this activity be a effective use of time? How will this impact on my family? By doing this I gain what? How is this beneficial in the long-run for C.J.
Since C.J. has entered my life I will admit a lot of the things I do and regularly participate have become not important to me. I would rather spend my time with C.J. instead of sitting in a meeting or traveling back and forth to work. I still enjoy doing but I am at a point where I really want to say I will support all the different efforts but you can move on without me. When I look at the hours away from home it hurts me sometimes because on a given day I could see C.J. when I wake her up and drop her off at the sitter. The rest of the day I am away for one reason or another.
I really am beginning to be a family man and it is my responsibility to be there for C.J. Every time I see her I am internally reminded that I am the example of what a man is to her. So if she constantly sees her daddy's back as he descends down the stairs going someplace else. She will begin to think that it may be OK for men to walk in and out of her life. (I know a bit extreme but we never know how things will affect people) I just want to make sure that she understands the concept of family. that she knows what eating dinner together and talking about your day with mommy AND daddy feels like. I want to put her to bed so she feels secure at night. I want her to be able to call out for her daddy and he be there to respond.
C.J. has become a vein filled with joy that circulates within my body. I eat to be healthy to be around for her. I go to work daily to provide for her. I read scripture with her so she hears the word of God even at this young age because I want her to know Jesus for herself. I even shop for her, now if you know me I do not leave myself out either, lol! Anything I do I do it for C.J. and that is why a smile affixed to my face. She is my JOY! and will remain in that spot forever.
I am going call it a night I have got to continue to re-energize myself for the day ahead. In the meantime you all remember to pray because I am a living witness that prayer changes things.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Is She Teething?
For the past week or so C.J. has been playing with her mouth a lot. If she isn't poking her bottom lip out (which thus far I am able to keep composed) she is drooling or chatting. The one thing that is really getting us is that she is hell bent on sucking her hands. Now you know I have to check with a few experts in the baby industry. So during the football game I went to today I asked my mom and a family friend whether or not teething could be happening. They both affirmed that C.J. could be teething.
What does this mean? Now daddy can give her some food, real food. Now I will have you know that mommy has already told me that I better not give her baby no food. Now what dad does not want to sneak their baby some ice cream, a cheese doodle, a piece of a sandwich during the game or some juice instead of milk. I know its not right but hey, it is me people. Do I always do whats right? LOL!
Watching C.J. develop has been fun. When I speak to seasoned mothers the question that I must be prepared to answer is, "What is C.J. doing now?) So I get a kick out of myself as I explain her chatter, her kicking and her famous clinched fist. Now we have noticed that she is in a stage of development where she has identified that she has hands so now I will be looking to see how she uses them.
I really enjoy being a dad and when I get to share about C.J. it makes my heart flutter. If people thought I could talk before they should see me now! This ride is getting better and better as it goes along and I am enjoying it a lot. Well until tomorrow always remember to opray because prayer changes things.
What does this mean? Now daddy can give her some food, real food. Now I will have you know that mommy has already told me that I better not give her baby no food. Now what dad does not want to sneak their baby some ice cream, a cheese doodle, a piece of a sandwich during the game or some juice instead of milk. I know its not right but hey, it is me people. Do I always do whats right? LOL!
Watching C.J. develop has been fun. When I speak to seasoned mothers the question that I must be prepared to answer is, "What is C.J. doing now?) So I get a kick out of myself as I explain her chatter, her kicking and her famous clinched fist. Now we have noticed that she is in a stage of development where she has identified that she has hands so now I will be looking to see how she uses them.
I really enjoy being a dad and when I get to share about C.J. it makes my heart flutter. If people thought I could talk before they should see me now! This ride is getting better and better as it goes along and I am enjoying it a lot. Well until tomorrow always remember to opray because prayer changes things.
Out of Sequence
So TCNJ Homecoming kept me from my blog yesterday. My plan when I began this was to make sure I completed one every day no matter what. However the week that ended yesterday would end off with me not being able to complete all my tasks. I was spent and pulled in many directions and over did it. Yesterday was a day for daddy. One day, C.J. will be able to join me when I go to Homecoming and then I guess I can participate in the family day festivities the school has in place. When I came home yesterday my two ladies were sound asleep so i kissed them both and did not make a lot of noise as I got in bed. One has to wonder what a day in the life of C.J and Shatema is when daddy is gone. I whispered to C.J. today that soon she and I will have a day like that as well.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday Night
Apple Pie a la mode and football...in the house early and C.J. and I are chilling. This is a great way to spend Friday evening. My long week finally ended and now I get to bond with the little one for a while.
I went on a visit to a high school today, and I must admit, it was a bit nostalgic for me. I saw the football team wearing their gear, and the cheerleaders were all in their uniforms. Varsity jackets were seen all over the place and even the teachers where in high spirits. It was a good feeling. So you know i have to take advantage of these Friday nights now, because one day C.J. will be a part of all the fun. Funny thing is I guess I will have to study what these kids get into on Friday nights these days.
The one thing I have to instill in my head and in my heart is that I will have taught Ms. C.J. Johnson everything she needs to know in order to be able to enjoy Friday nights without any problems. The more Friday nights she and I spend together the more and more we will be able to share. Her karate classes will help too, if need be, lol.
Their is no better feeling than the one I have right now sitting here chatting with C.J.! I am enjoying every kick, every wave of the hand, every smile and every giggle. I am going to go so I can enjoy the rest of this Friday night and instill in her how she should behave for the many Friday nights to come.
I went on a visit to a high school today, and I must admit, it was a bit nostalgic for me. I saw the football team wearing their gear, and the cheerleaders were all in their uniforms. Varsity jackets were seen all over the place and even the teachers where in high spirits. It was a good feeling. So you know i have to take advantage of these Friday nights now, because one day C.J. will be a part of all the fun. Funny thing is I guess I will have to study what these kids get into on Friday nights these days.
The one thing I have to instill in my head and in my heart is that I will have taught Ms. C.J. Johnson everything she needs to know in order to be able to enjoy Friday nights without any problems. The more Friday nights she and I spend together the more and more we will be able to share. Her karate classes will help too, if need be, lol.
Their is no better feeling than the one I have right now sitting here chatting with C.J.! I am enjoying every kick, every wave of the hand, every smile and every giggle. I am going to go so I can enjoy the rest of this Friday night and instill in her how she should behave for the many Friday nights to come.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Dropped A Nugget
As I conversed with one of my students today she said something that made me think. I mentioned to her that I met one of her friends and that I wanted C.J. to have a similar Sweet sixteen party. She told me not to make C.J. be something that she did not want to be. That struck a cord because I do not ever want to mix wanting whats best for my child with trying to plan her life. As an educator I encounter many parents and I always say the same thing, "Man, I do not want to be like them!"
As a parent one must understand that their role is to provide, lead, guide and protect. It is not to live. C.J. is a person made in God's image. She has her mold and God crafted her and blew the breath of life in her nostrils. Now, I can try to persuade and instill all I want but ultimately it will be C.J's decision on what she wants to be. I have to make sure I live this out. It seems that their is a stupid parent syndrome that is airborne and anyone can catch it. I want C.J. to have the same opportunities I had to explore all options and have the support from home.
I usually enlighten my students but today one came through with a nugget for me. To C.J., you can be whatever you like sweetheart! I am out my good peoples, always remember to pray becasue prayer changes things.
As a parent one must understand that their role is to provide, lead, guide and protect. It is not to live. C.J. is a person made in God's image. She has her mold and God crafted her and blew the breath of life in her nostrils. Now, I can try to persuade and instill all I want but ultimately it will be C.J's decision on what she wants to be. I have to make sure I live this out. It seems that their is a stupid parent syndrome that is airborne and anyone can catch it. I want C.J. to have the same opportunities I had to explore all options and have the support from home.
I usually enlighten my students but today one came through with a nugget for me. To C.J., you can be whatever you like sweetheart! I am out my good peoples, always remember to pray becasue prayer changes things.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
All The Kisses
When the doctor announced that my first child was a girl, a lot changed in my life. The first being the importance of the women in it. For the longest it was my mom and her only. No other woman mattered until the day Shatema and I became a couple, and by God's design, one. So she took over the top spot and held it strong for three years, eleven months and six days. She was dethroned in a matter of seconds when C.J. decided to enter the world. Now many of you may say that I am not right, but everyone and their sister knew that if Jamal T. Johnson had a girl, she would not only be a princess, but his little Queen in the making.
This morning all I could do was look at C.J. and admire her beauty as she stared at me as I circled the room getting ready for work. Her eyes were affixed to what her Daddy was doing. I would stop and give her a kiss and she would smile and get fidgety. That makes me know she is happy! This evening I did the same thing. Now I was supposed to be out the door for work after getting my ladies home, but I just could not help but to sit and talk to C.J. for a while and shower her with kisses. Just so anyone who works with me knows, I did make it to my fair on time.
I try, but C.J. is simply irresistible. She is a cutey just like her Daddy. Other than C.J., I will only call her "Twin". So tonight when I got in from work I was able to catch her before she went to sleep and gave her one more kiss to comfort her as she sleeps. It also comforts me because all I can think about is how I love that little girl and she loves her Daddy. As always good people, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
This morning all I could do was look at C.J. and admire her beauty as she stared at me as I circled the room getting ready for work. Her eyes were affixed to what her Daddy was doing. I would stop and give her a kiss and she would smile and get fidgety. That makes me know she is happy! This evening I did the same thing. Now I was supposed to be out the door for work after getting my ladies home, but I just could not help but to sit and talk to C.J. for a while and shower her with kisses. Just so anyone who works with me knows, I did make it to my fair on time.
I try, but C.J. is simply irresistible. She is a cutey just like her Daddy. Other than C.J., I will only call her "Twin". So tonight when I got in from work I was able to catch her before she went to sleep and gave her one more kiss to comfort her as she sleeps. It also comforts me because all I can think about is how I love that little girl and she loves her Daddy. As always good people, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Family Day Needed
This will be brief. Today the devil was busy. When I spoke to Shatema after work she informed me of the bad day she had. I had a bad day as well. So if mommy and daddy both had bad days that means C.J.'s day could not be goo either. I know this month has been bad with me working many nights of the week and it does not stop until the end of the month. The traveling back and forth has been taking a toll on us all. Waking up earlier, the demand of work along with my church responsibilities and my personal business ventures have begun to mount up against me and I am slowly losing control of it all. So now to keep my sanity, which in turn keep my wife and innocent child sane. I am instituting a monthly Family Day. On these days The Johnson's of Old Bridge will be shut off from the regular world. No work, No church business, no personal business, no cell phones, no computer, no nothing. It will be daddy, mommy and baby all together as one.
I will not let myself or my family get consumed in just maintaining our days with them being uniform. So we need a release. I decide this on the long ride home from work today where I touched the New York border. I thought the whole way home about how I would have much rather spent the last three hours with my girls.
So I am planning these days as I type. No you can not know when they will be and you can not join us. We will not write letters or send post cards. On these, Johnson Family Days we will be in a world of our own where no one else exists. I will blog about them once they are over so the next day will consist of two days worth of blogs.
As I sign off tonight, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
(Forgive all the errors tonight. Mommy usually reads these for me but it is so late and I do not want to bother her, just deal with my mistakes until she can edit them later.)
C.J., I missed you so much today. Daddy loves you and these Family Day's are all about you! Daddy will not let himself be consumed by himself.
I will not let myself or my family get consumed in just maintaining our days with them being uniform. So we need a release. I decide this on the long ride home from work today where I touched the New York border. I thought the whole way home about how I would have much rather spent the last three hours with my girls.
So I am planning these days as I type. No you can not know when they will be and you can not join us. We will not write letters or send post cards. On these, Johnson Family Days we will be in a world of our own where no one else exists. I will blog about them once they are over so the next day will consist of two days worth of blogs.
As I sign off tonight, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
(Forgive all the errors tonight. Mommy usually reads these for me but it is so late and I do not want to bother her, just deal with my mistakes until she can edit them later.)
C.J., I missed you so much today. Daddy loves you and these Family Day's are all about you! Daddy will not let himself be consumed by himself.
Monday, October 19, 2009
No Title
Today is blah! I think it is from the long weekend. Today I came home from work and went to sleep. So when I woke up at 9pm, I was all over the place. There was no C.J. time, there was no watching football together. I was wore out and fell out as soon as I hit the bed. I did not even eat dinner.
So my interaction with C.J. today was dropping her off and picking her up from the sitter. Which is not a good thing but today it was the reality. I would love for everyday to be filled with excitement between C.J. and Daddy but I have to make sure that happens.
I have to make sure that I am well rested so I can pay C.J. full attention everyday. I can not let the world that has become me tire me out so much that I can not control how my body responds. Today was a wake up call that I have a long way to go in freeing myself from the business that I have become. I am working on it but still have a ways to go.
C.J. is still doing well. She is sleeping through the night and getting on a schedule. Now this is a good thing because as we grow as a family (not in size at this point), we will need her cooperation to get to work on time, to get to church on time and to make plans as a family. As long as she gets sleep and allows Mommy and Daddy sleep, I believe we will be alright.
Like I said earlier I do not have much tonight. I spent it at work, driving and sleep and now I am going back to sleep so I will catch you all later. Before I go, one more thing, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
So my interaction with C.J. today was dropping her off and picking her up from the sitter. Which is not a good thing but today it was the reality. I would love for everyday to be filled with excitement between C.J. and Daddy but I have to make sure that happens.
I have to make sure that I am well rested so I can pay C.J. full attention everyday. I can not let the world that has become me tire me out so much that I can not control how my body responds. Today was a wake up call that I have a long way to go in freeing myself from the business that I have become. I am working on it but still have a ways to go.
C.J. is still doing well. She is sleeping through the night and getting on a schedule. Now this is a good thing because as we grow as a family (not in size at this point), we will need her cooperation to get to work on time, to get to church on time and to make plans as a family. As long as she gets sleep and allows Mommy and Daddy sleep, I believe we will be alright.
Like I said earlier I do not have much tonight. I spent it at work, driving and sleep and now I am going back to sleep so I will catch you all later. Before I go, one more thing, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Daddy Gone Bye-Bye
I hate that it has to be this way, but C.J. and I not seeing each other over the span of a weekend, is a reality. Now before you go and say I am a terrible parent, I did see my child every day this weekend, but the time was scarce. The first order of business was Men's Day at the church. Saturday and Sunday wake up times were early because I needed to be at the church ready to go by 7:45am. I also had to work this Saturday, which did not help things either. One good thing was that I had a chance to catch up with other family as we celebrated my little cousin's birthday. Then my usual Sunday activity was still on deck. Though I always come back and report to C.J. how her uncle played, I was torn ragged. So the little time I was in the house, all I wanted to do was feel the bed. However C.J. had other plans this morning, and even though I was tired, I had no problem tending to her every need because that gets me close to her.
Daddy being gone is already common to C.J. I am torn in so many directions on some days that I sometimes can not find time for myself. However when I do, like right now, it will be C. J. and I together. When I arrived home today I grabbed her up and we viewed the last football games together. These are the moments that will be memorable to me. The late hours where she and I interact, and we both are our crazy selves. This also give Mommy the break she deserves. She is really great... she never tries to give me ultimatums or nags me about my time away. Instead, she supports me in what I do, as long as the beneficiaries are my family, and if it brings me happiness. I appreciate her understanding and I encourage her to do the same when she needs time to herself. I know she worries about C.J., even when she is with Daddy, but I assure her that she and I will be OK.
I always try to make sure that I do not find myself away from home too much. I love coming home to my girls and relaxing as a family. I am still trying to balance those things out, which I know frustrates Mommy. It is taking longer than I would like, but all my ducks will soon be in a row. Daddy will always be gone bye bye at one time or another, rather it be business or pleasure. The one thing that will remain constant is that I will always be missing my baby while I am away. That is enough for me tonight. As always, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Daddy being gone is already common to C.J. I am torn in so many directions on some days that I sometimes can not find time for myself. However when I do, like right now, it will be C. J. and I together. When I arrived home today I grabbed her up and we viewed the last football games together. These are the moments that will be memorable to me. The late hours where she and I interact, and we both are our crazy selves. This also give Mommy the break she deserves. She is really great... she never tries to give me ultimatums or nags me about my time away. Instead, she supports me in what I do, as long as the beneficiaries are my family, and if it brings me happiness. I appreciate her understanding and I encourage her to do the same when she needs time to herself. I know she worries about C.J., even when she is with Daddy, but I assure her that she and I will be OK.
I always try to make sure that I do not find myself away from home too much. I love coming home to my girls and relaxing as a family. I am still trying to balance those things out, which I know frustrates Mommy. It is taking longer than I would like, but all my ducks will soon be in a row. Daddy will always be gone bye bye at one time or another, rather it be business or pleasure. The one thing that will remain constant is that I will always be missing my baby while I am away. That is enough for me tonight. As always, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
What Does She Think?
I have been a father for the past two months and some days now. I now look at life with a different set of eyes. I sit and reflect on our journey as a family together. I pour out my love for C.J. all the time. I have committed my life to ensure her well being and I do my best to make sure all her needs are met. As I made the long drive home today this thought came into my mind. "What does C.J. think about me?"
Now I know that I am presenting the argument that C.J. can process thoughts at this young age. Maybe she can, maybe she can not but the thought is a valid one.
What does she think when I hold her in my arms?
What dies she think when I give her kisses in the morning before I depart and at night when she is put to bed?
What does she think when she hears my voice?
What does she think when she sees me when she first wakes up?
What does she think when she hears me referencing her to others?
What does she think when I dance and sing with her?
What does she think as I feed her?
These questions came to mind as I drove along the highway. I wonder if she has a reaction or something else attached to each? Then I began to ponder when the response to each question would come? Will she be open and honest with me or will she sugar coat things? Whatever the response I get I am always going to think of how what I do has an effect on C.J.
I spoke with two of my students today and the conversation shed some light on how I would effectively communicate to C.J. where her daddy came from. As I shared with my students that because of God's grace and mercy and him blessing her daddy, she might not have to grow up where her daddy did. However I will make sure she is aware of how prayer, service and hard work helped me be able to provide something different for her. I do want her to embrace her surroundings but I want her to want to explore and embrace environments and people that are different from hers.
I will be anxiously awaiting the time when my answers are questioned. Until then, as always, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Now I know that I am presenting the argument that C.J. can process thoughts at this young age. Maybe she can, maybe she can not but the thought is a valid one.
What does she think when I hold her in my arms?
What dies she think when I give her kisses in the morning before I depart and at night when she is put to bed?
What does she think when she hears my voice?
What does she think when she sees me when she first wakes up?
What does she think when she hears me referencing her to others?
What does she think when I dance and sing with her?
What does she think as I feed her?
These questions came to mind as I drove along the highway. I wonder if she has a reaction or something else attached to each? Then I began to ponder when the response to each question would come? Will she be open and honest with me or will she sugar coat things? Whatever the response I get I am always going to think of how what I do has an effect on C.J.
I spoke with two of my students today and the conversation shed some light on how I would effectively communicate to C.J. where her daddy came from. As I shared with my students that because of God's grace and mercy and him blessing her daddy, she might not have to grow up where her daddy did. However I will make sure she is aware of how prayer, service and hard work helped me be able to provide something different for her. I do want her to embrace her surroundings but I want her to want to explore and embrace environments and people that are different from hers.
I will be anxiously awaiting the time when my answers are questioned. Until then, as always, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Shop Til You Drop!
So today I had to drop C.J. off and pick her up alone. This is the result of Mommy and Daddy both sleeping through their alarms, and Mommy running late for work. We will get better though. I guess those days of walking out the door by 6:30am are getting harder and harder.
Anyway, TGIF! What is a man to do? Go to chill with his boys, No! Does he go home and lay down to rest from a long week, of course not. Does he go home and do some writing or research that he needs to catch up on, who are you kidding? So what does he do you ask, he shops! Let me tell you, shopping for myself is always pleasurable but shopping for C.J. brings out my creative genius. If anyone knows me I like to be different, so of course when I am out shopping for her, I am looking to go where no one else goes and buy what no one else would buy. Hopefully my creative sense of style will rub off on lil C. J. when she begins to buy her own clothes, with my money of course. Which brings me to the thought of how will we address the issue of clothing in the Johnson household? Maybe I should be more specific...how will Daddy deal with C.J.'s sense of style?
I am telling you good people, the argument will happen. I can hear myself already saying...this is too low, this skirt is too short, those pants have too many holds, let's try to loosen them jeans a bit. Those are just the G-rated things I probably can say on here, but I bet as she gets older, I will have to be a bit more colorful. Start praying for me now, and pray for her double-fold. Jesus is the only one who can help either of us when the time comes.
As I walk around and see what little girls are wearing, I shake my head and say, "Oh my God" or "They are not 11 years old". It is frightening at times to see these young girls with no innocence. They dress as if they are hookers on the point and think it is cute. The only thing I can do is to teach C.J., as I do, that she is a priceless gem and that she should present herself to any and everyone with dignity and self-respect. Therefore her dress will reflect the confidence and power she possesses. I know some of you will say he is going to have that girl a wreck...I pray I will not. I just simply want to do what I feel so many fathers do not do and that is help my daughter understand the definition of a lady. Proverbs 31 will be a lot of help. I actually referred to that passage of scripture last night at a viewing and I want to instill virtue in C.J. now. (Note to you all, you will probably hear that passage of scripture used a lot. It is one blueprint of a lady.)
So I shopped for my lil homey today...some cute stuff too, but nothing that will mature here beyond her years. It is fun getting her things but I have to make sure she does not cut into Daddy's suit and bow-tie fund. I have to make sure the dad and daughter have swag together.
Well, I have a long weekend ahead of me and need to prepare. In the meanwhile, you folks can ponder on that, and read Proverbs 31 in your spare time. C.J. is well on her way to becoming a virtuous woman. Her daddy will do all he can to support her growth throughout her life too. Until we meet again, always remember to pray because prayer changes things!
Anyway, TGIF! What is a man to do? Go to chill with his boys, No! Does he go home and lay down to rest from a long week, of course not. Does he go home and do some writing or research that he needs to catch up on, who are you kidding? So what does he do you ask, he shops! Let me tell you, shopping for myself is always pleasurable but shopping for C.J. brings out my creative genius. If anyone knows me I like to be different, so of course when I am out shopping for her, I am looking to go where no one else goes and buy what no one else would buy. Hopefully my creative sense of style will rub off on lil C. J. when she begins to buy her own clothes, with my money of course. Which brings me to the thought of how will we address the issue of clothing in the Johnson household? Maybe I should be more specific...how will Daddy deal with C.J.'s sense of style?
I am telling you good people, the argument will happen. I can hear myself already saying...this is too low, this skirt is too short, those pants have too many holds, let's try to loosen them jeans a bit. Those are just the G-rated things I probably can say on here, but I bet as she gets older, I will have to be a bit more colorful. Start praying for me now, and pray for her double-fold. Jesus is the only one who can help either of us when the time comes.
As I walk around and see what little girls are wearing, I shake my head and say, "Oh my God" or "They are not 11 years old". It is frightening at times to see these young girls with no innocence. They dress as if they are hookers on the point and think it is cute. The only thing I can do is to teach C.J., as I do, that she is a priceless gem and that she should present herself to any and everyone with dignity and self-respect. Therefore her dress will reflect the confidence and power she possesses. I know some of you will say he is going to have that girl a wreck...I pray I will not. I just simply want to do what I feel so many fathers do not do and that is help my daughter understand the definition of a lady. Proverbs 31 will be a lot of help. I actually referred to that passage of scripture last night at a viewing and I want to instill virtue in C.J. now. (Note to you all, you will probably hear that passage of scripture used a lot. It is one blueprint of a lady.)
So I shopped for my lil homey today...some cute stuff too, but nothing that will mature here beyond her years. It is fun getting her things but I have to make sure she does not cut into Daddy's suit and bow-tie fund. I have to make sure the dad and daughter have swag together.
Well, I have a long weekend ahead of me and need to prepare. In the meanwhile, you folks can ponder on that, and read Proverbs 31 in your spare time. C.J. is well on her way to becoming a virtuous woman. Her daddy will do all he can to support her growth throughout her life too. Until we meet again, always remember to pray because prayer changes things!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Game Not Over
Tonight as I hold C.J. in one arm and type with the other I recall my childhood. The many simulations of this day that have occured. Even as a child I always thought of being a daddy. The only difference was that my child was never this small. I mean I have attended PTA meetings, walked my daughter down the aisle and even bought her a new car. My many wives and I were always so proud of our daughter too. If only this were grade school again...what a perfect world this would be.
Reality is that C.J. was not born as an adult. She will go through a developmental process which I will have to deal with. I think about all the things I will encounter during her lifetime: the first day of school, the first school dance, when she drums up the nerve to bring some boy to the house, her prom and graduation, the first day of college, graduate school and her receiving her doctorate. Not to mention, when she begins to bud, wears make up, her little friend comes to play for the first time, the first time her heart is broken, when she falls off her bike or doesn't make the team.
Boy oh boy does playing house sound so inviting now, but I know it is not there for me. C.J. is real, she eats, sleeps and breathes. When I get tired of her I can not simply say game over! I have to stick in there and tough it out, and help her be the best C.J. she can be!
I will leave you all now and catch you tomorrow. Until then remember to pray because prayer changes things!
Reality is that C.J. was not born as an adult. She will go through a developmental process which I will have to deal with. I think about all the things I will encounter during her lifetime: the first day of school, the first school dance, when she drums up the nerve to bring some boy to the house, her prom and graduation, the first day of college, graduate school and her receiving her doctorate. Not to mention, when she begins to bud, wears make up, her little friend comes to play for the first time, the first time her heart is broken, when she falls off her bike or doesn't make the team.
Boy oh boy does playing house sound so inviting now, but I know it is not there for me. C.J. is real, she eats, sleeps and breathes. When I get tired of her I can not simply say game over! I have to stick in there and tough it out, and help her be the best C.J. she can be!
I will leave you all now and catch you tomorrow. Until then remember to pray because prayer changes things!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Give Me More
So I talk to a friend and she tells me she wants more. Well, I am Frank Sinatra and I do things my way! I will take your suggestion and see how I may apply it or not. Tonight I presented a workshop and in my head the question arose. "What will C.J. learn from me?"
I say that because so much of who we are is learned behavior. I would like to think that C.J. will be a risk taker, open minded, one who likes to be challenged, one who values all people, one who is willing to explore and one who looks for the good in people. Hopefully she will learn this from watching her dad and mom.
As I have grown I have learned that children are impressionable. If you teach love they will love, if you teach hate they will hate. My niece was in church while I was preaching and she thought that I said that she did not have to share. She went weeks literally not sharing with anyone simply because her uncle "Rudy" said so. It was not until I was asked my her Pop to correct her that she changed.
The presentation challenged students to step out of their comfort zone and dare to be different. It is my pray that through a solid home foundation and by learning to accept all people for who they are that C.J. will not have a limited zone of comfort. This will make it possible for her to communicate with all people as MLK outlined it in most of his speeches.
As I play beat the clock I have no C.J. updates for today. Shatema did share that she was lifting that head well during belly time but me being away I did not have much interaction with my girl. However as usual she is always on daddy's mind. So with ten minutes to spare I meet the deadline to keep decent chronological order. As I go, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Usually Shatema edits but she is sleep so their is no telling what is wrong or right grammatically. It is late and my brain is fried.
I say that because so much of who we are is learned behavior. I would like to think that C.J. will be a risk taker, open minded, one who likes to be challenged, one who values all people, one who is willing to explore and one who looks for the good in people. Hopefully she will learn this from watching her dad and mom.
As I have grown I have learned that children are impressionable. If you teach love they will love, if you teach hate they will hate. My niece was in church while I was preaching and she thought that I said that she did not have to share. She went weeks literally not sharing with anyone simply because her uncle "Rudy" said so. It was not until I was asked my her Pop to correct her that she changed.
The presentation challenged students to step out of their comfort zone and dare to be different. It is my pray that through a solid home foundation and by learning to accept all people for who they are that C.J. will not have a limited zone of comfort. This will make it possible for her to communicate with all people as MLK outlined it in most of his speeches.
As I play beat the clock I have no C.J. updates for today. Shatema did share that she was lifting that head well during belly time but me being away I did not have much interaction with my girl. However as usual she is always on daddy's mind. So with ten minutes to spare I meet the deadline to keep decent chronological order. As I go, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Usually Shatema edits but she is sleep so their is no telling what is wrong or right grammatically. It is late and my brain is fried.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
They Grow Up So Fast
I have to let you all know that my daughter is sleeping through the night. I am proud of that too because it could be much worse. She is getting on schedule with Mommy and Daddy and it is a great thing for us all. We all get to where we need to when we need to be there.
A couple of things about today. I decided that I was going to arrange her marriage now. I contacted some friends that I know who had boys and told them to put in applications. My thought process is this, if I watch now and groom the young fella by the time she finishes her doctorate degree he will be ready. Straight through and she will be done by 30. I mentioned it to a few women...they laughed, the guys understood my feelings. I just want to rid myself of the whole dating era she will go through. She can date my approved boy and call it a career.
I also bought her a cell phone. Not a real one, sillies. It does flip open and make sounds but she can't call anyone on it. The phone is cute though even has a little mirror on it so she can see herself. This is just one of those toys that a daddy buys to help with development. At this age if a toy is not educational I do not want it. Mommy thought I was nuts but I like getting C.J. little things here and there...ok all the time...LOL!
Man I can not believe it has been two months and counting already. C.J. is getting so big and doing new things all the time. Someone said today, that soon it will be PreK, then Prom, then college! I said aaahhhhhhhhh! This is all coming too fast. That is why I must live day by day and try not to think about C.J. growing up because if I do, I will Peter Pan her and keep her little forever. Just playing, really I just want to make sure I am there every step of the way to usher her into each new milestone in life. Today kids grow up so fast, even my little nephew and niece are both in school and it seems like just yesterday that they were born.
So as I go to watch C.J. grow while sleeping, you all remember to pray as always because prayer changes things.
A couple of things about today. I decided that I was going to arrange her marriage now. I contacted some friends that I know who had boys and told them to put in applications. My thought process is this, if I watch now and groom the young fella by the time she finishes her doctorate degree he will be ready. Straight through and she will be done by 30. I mentioned it to a few women...they laughed, the guys understood my feelings. I just want to rid myself of the whole dating era she will go through. She can date my approved boy and call it a career.
I also bought her a cell phone. Not a real one, sillies. It does flip open and make sounds but she can't call anyone on it. The phone is cute though even has a little mirror on it so she can see herself. This is just one of those toys that a daddy buys to help with development. At this age if a toy is not educational I do not want it. Mommy thought I was nuts but I like getting C.J. little things here and there...ok all the time...LOL!
Man I can not believe it has been two months and counting already. C.J. is getting so big and doing new things all the time. Someone said today, that soon it will be PreK, then Prom, then college! I said aaahhhhhhhhh! This is all coming too fast. That is why I must live day by day and try not to think about C.J. growing up because if I do, I will Peter Pan her and keep her little forever. Just playing, really I just want to make sure I am there every step of the way to usher her into each new milestone in life. Today kids grow up so fast, even my little nephew and niece are both in school and it seems like just yesterday that they were born.
So as I go to watch C.J. grow while sleeping, you all remember to pray as always because prayer changes things.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Being a Daddy Is So Underrated!
Ok, so I get off work, hit smooth traffic (due to the fact that no one but me had to work today), get to the babysitter in record time and I am home by 5:00pm. Now I was supposed to prepare for two presentations that I have later this week, but when you are a new daddy, only one thing can stop all of that. For this Daddy it is his darling C.J.!
So we get home and Daddy prepares dinner. Next, C.J. was up so I turned on the music for her to listen to. I mean you had to see her little feet moving and her arms jerking to the beat. There was some Earth Wind and Fire, Jagged Edge, Stevie Wonder and then one of Daddy's favorites, Al Green. She was moving so much to "Love and Happiness" I decided to hold her hands (while she was in her rocker) and dance with her. C.J. and Daddy were two stepping nicely, if I do say so myself. She smiles and giggled, I smiled and kept up with the beat. What man would not enjoy that moment? I was speaking to one of my kids (the ones I take care of on the job) and I expressed to her that they were my training for C.J. in the future. She said I was a great dad. Well, I believe great kids make great dads and C.J. is already great! I enjoy every moment around her, even the moments I wish we were both asleep. So the time well spent with C.J. means I will be up all night, but who cares? Dancing and singing with her is more important than anything else I could have been doing. If I do not do it she will begin dancing and singing stuff she does not need to with someone else.
I enjoy doing things with C.J. I even got her dressed in the morning to look all pretty. I like seeing her smile when she is all bundled up and ready to go. She looks cute as ever with the different clothing hook-ups, and I guess Daddy being a clothes fiend doesn't help either. I just take pride in how I look and C.J. will learn to as well. I just have to work on her not being conceited.
So this daddy thing is really underrated. I do not think some guys know what they are missing in not being a part of their children's lives. I mean they miss the twinkle in an eyes, the smile on a face when they see you, and my favorite, the sigh of comfort when you hold them in your arms. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. So fellas, my gem to you is, get involved. If your lady is acting up, fight to get involved. Time spent with your child or children is very rewarding and it costs you nothing. They love you and you should show them that you love them too.
A little tear in the well of the eye as I sign off tonight. As always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Note to C.J.: Whenever you want to chill with your Daddy, holla! We can do whatever, wherever and whenever. You are priority #1 in Daddy's life. I do work, I do preach, I am involved in many other things, but all you have to do is say the word, and Daddy will make it happen. Daddy is going to make fatherhood the popular thing to do, and no that doesn't mean being someone's baby's daddy. That means cherishing what God has blessed you with and nurturing your child to grow into a beautiful flower.
So we get home and Daddy prepares dinner. Next, C.J. was up so I turned on the music for her to listen to. I mean you had to see her little feet moving and her arms jerking to the beat. There was some Earth Wind and Fire, Jagged Edge, Stevie Wonder and then one of Daddy's favorites, Al Green. She was moving so much to "Love and Happiness" I decided to hold her hands (while she was in her rocker) and dance with her. C.J. and Daddy were two stepping nicely, if I do say so myself. She smiles and giggled, I smiled and kept up with the beat. What man would not enjoy that moment? I was speaking to one of my kids (the ones I take care of on the job) and I expressed to her that they were my training for C.J. in the future. She said I was a great dad. Well, I believe great kids make great dads and C.J. is already great! I enjoy every moment around her, even the moments I wish we were both asleep. So the time well spent with C.J. means I will be up all night, but who cares? Dancing and singing with her is more important than anything else I could have been doing. If I do not do it she will begin dancing and singing stuff she does not need to with someone else.
I enjoy doing things with C.J. I even got her dressed in the morning to look all pretty. I like seeing her smile when she is all bundled up and ready to go. She looks cute as ever with the different clothing hook-ups, and I guess Daddy being a clothes fiend doesn't help either. I just take pride in how I look and C.J. will learn to as well. I just have to work on her not being conceited.
So this daddy thing is really underrated. I do not think some guys know what they are missing in not being a part of their children's lives. I mean they miss the twinkle in an eyes, the smile on a face when they see you, and my favorite, the sigh of comfort when you hold them in your arms. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. So fellas, my gem to you is, get involved. If your lady is acting up, fight to get involved. Time spent with your child or children is very rewarding and it costs you nothing. They love you and you should show them that you love them too.
A little tear in the well of the eye as I sign off tonight. As always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Note to C.J.: Whenever you want to chill with your Daddy, holla! We can do whatever, wherever and whenever. You are priority #1 in Daddy's life. I do work, I do preach, I am involved in many other things, but all you have to do is say the word, and Daddy will make it happen. Daddy is going to make fatherhood the popular thing to do, and no that doesn't mean being someone's baby's daddy. That means cherishing what God has blessed you with and nurturing your child to grow into a beautiful flower.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Today Was A Good Day
As with every Sunday since I have returned to church, I had to leave my ladies this morning. Before I left I prayed and applied the daily kisses to the forehead. C.J. actually slept through the night. This is becoming a habit that I can enjoy, and a happy Daddy means a happy C.J.
So on the ride home, I heard C.J. while I chatted with Mommy on the phone. This little girl of mine will be like her Daddy and have the gift of gab. She actually enjoys hearing herself make sounds, which means she is going to like talking when she is able to formulate words with the sounds she makes. These are good signs that C.J. has the possibility to be the weather woman on Good Day New York.
I must say that when I hear C.J., especially when I am not around, I desire to be close to her quickly so she can chat with her dad. Which makes me begin to think about the future chats we will have. Those about school and sports and the dreaded ones about boys. I cringe inside and out by just thinking of that day. Let me move on quickly from here, lol!
C.J. is responding to sound a lot more too. She is developing those skills that she will need to operate within society on any given day. She is always observant of her surroundings too. Her eyes follow me whenever I am around. She will move those eyes all around a room in response to the slightest crack in the floor, which again, I believe is good.
So with football on all day, C.J. did not watch any. Mommy said not on her watch. I told Mommy that she needed to support me on C.J's. development and she replied, "What development?" I told her, "Her athletic development. The more she sees the more intrigued she becomes." All Mommy could do was laugh! We will have to continue praying for Mommy's sports interest. Folks I will let her decide on what she wants to do but I do want to introduce, just like music, a wide variety of sports to her and then she can choose whether or not she would like to participate.
So as the day comes to an end, it was a good one. Great worship, good weather, good little league sports, the Giants demolished the Raiders and C.J. is cooperating a lot more. I love these kind of days and I love my little C.J.!
Until another day, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S. It is 9:30pm and C.J is chilling in her little seat. I am so loving her being a big girl!
So on the ride home, I heard C.J. while I chatted with Mommy on the phone. This little girl of mine will be like her Daddy and have the gift of gab. She actually enjoys hearing herself make sounds, which means she is going to like talking when she is able to formulate words with the sounds she makes. These are good signs that C.J. has the possibility to be the weather woman on Good Day New York.
I must say that when I hear C.J., especially when I am not around, I desire to be close to her quickly so she can chat with her dad. Which makes me begin to think about the future chats we will have. Those about school and sports and the dreaded ones about boys. I cringe inside and out by just thinking of that day. Let me move on quickly from here, lol!
C.J. is responding to sound a lot more too. She is developing those skills that she will need to operate within society on any given day. She is always observant of her surroundings too. Her eyes follow me whenever I am around. She will move those eyes all around a room in response to the slightest crack in the floor, which again, I believe is good.
So with football on all day, C.J. did not watch any. Mommy said not on her watch. I told Mommy that she needed to support me on C.J's. development and she replied, "What development?" I told her, "Her athletic development. The more she sees the more intrigued she becomes." All Mommy could do was laugh! We will have to continue praying for Mommy's sports interest. Folks I will let her decide on what she wants to do but I do want to introduce, just like music, a wide variety of sports to her and then she can choose whether or not she would like to participate.
So as the day comes to an end, it was a good one. Great worship, good weather, good little league sports, the Giants demolished the Raiders and C.J. is cooperating a lot more. I love these kind of days and I love my little C.J.!
Until another day, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S. It is 9:30pm and C.J is chilling in her little seat. I am so loving her being a big girl!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
It's A Family Affair
Everyday will not be filled with excitement or C.J. doing something remarkable. However days like today are so special and fulfilling. Today in our home the main agenda was SLEEP! I mean we all slept until we felt like getting up. Now when I did get up I thought I had screwed myself because I needed a haircut and getting to the barber after 9AM on a Saturday is just plain crazy. However he was late and I ended up being on time. The three hours I spent there, you best believe I nodded a whole lot, but the rest I needed was taken. I returned home and had lunch with Shatema which is always cool. The great thing about it is that C.J. allowed it to occur. She is now sitting in her rockers and bouncers quietly. This allows Mommy and Daddy to eat together, do dishes, laundry, clean the house, shower and other things that come up. I am so proud of my little lady!
Now back to the sleep. After lunch and loading the laundry, Mommy and C.J. went into the bedroom to lay down and go to sleep. Now Mommy fell asleep and then zoned out. C.J., my little princess, realized Daddy was watching football and decided to cheer so I went and got her. I positioned her in my arm and proceeded to watch Arkansas trounce Auburn. We enjoy SEC football because all the teams have the potential to win. As usual, C.J. paid attention and smiled too. I still do not know who her favorite team is, but if she is smart and I know she is, Notre Dame will be the team she cheers for. She can like the Longhorns too if she desires.
We will always enjoy these lazy weekends because they mean that everyone is home. So I guess I need to find C.J. and I matching outfits, so we can watch football in style. I am on that task immediately. Well, C.J. and I need to prepare for the LSU vs. Florida game, so she needs to take a bath and Daddy needs to go get an ice cream sundae. Until tomorrow my friends, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S., C.J. thank you for allowing your Mommy and Daddy to get things done and to get some rest today. Daddy appreciates it and I know Mommy does too! You're becoming a big girl already.
Now back to the sleep. After lunch and loading the laundry, Mommy and C.J. went into the bedroom to lay down and go to sleep. Now Mommy fell asleep and then zoned out. C.J., my little princess, realized Daddy was watching football and decided to cheer so I went and got her. I positioned her in my arm and proceeded to watch Arkansas trounce Auburn. We enjoy SEC football because all the teams have the potential to win. As usual, C.J. paid attention and smiled too. I still do not know who her favorite team is, but if she is smart and I know she is, Notre Dame will be the team she cheers for. She can like the Longhorns too if she desires.
We will always enjoy these lazy weekends because they mean that everyone is home. So I guess I need to find C.J. and I matching outfits, so we can watch football in style. I am on that task immediately. Well, C.J. and I need to prepare for the LSU vs. Florida game, so she needs to take a bath and Daddy needs to go get an ice cream sundae. Until tomorrow my friends, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S., C.J. thank you for allowing your Mommy and Daddy to get things done and to get some rest today. Daddy appreciates it and I know Mommy does too! You're becoming a big girl already.
Friday, October 9, 2009
What A Long Week
I don't usually say this, but TGIF. This was one long week. Getting up at a quarter to five in the morning is something I still have to get used to. However it is what has to be done for everyone to be in place on time. I will have to say that I am pleased with how everything is working out. We are pleased with the sitter and she likes C.J. Shatema is adjusting well, and I have not lost my mind from all the driving I do.
I will admit one thing though, the days seem so long and the nights even longer. We still get in all we need to with C.J. too. Prayer and reading...we do not miss a beat. C.J. is starting to do more and more, too. She likes to roll over as much as she can and she yaps her gums a mile a minute. Pretty soon those magic words will come from her mouth, Daddy! That will be great. It is when the phrase, "Can I have" follows is when we have a problem.
C.J. and I have big plans for tomorrow. Once I get back from the haircut I still need, it will be she and I on the couch watching football all day. This is the first weekend in a very long time that Daddy has no obligation to anyone but home. These are the days I long for because these are the days I get to show C.J. all my attention. Even though any and everything I do directly affects her, she needs to know and understand that Daddy enjoys kicking back with his princess. If no time is made for her now, then no time will be made for me later. My sole purpose with this blog is to be an example of fatherhood, family and a good relationship between a father and daughter. So I have to drop gems as I go along. I must practice what I preach and I preach family. So never will you see me not making time for the little one I have. Her welfare, her well-being and her needs and wants are my first obligation. So if it means missing a meeting, it's missed. If it means being late to work, I am late. If it means me not being able to dress jiggy, then she had better get a job (sike), then I am ragged, because I vow to make sure that C.J. Johnson is well taken care of.
So the week was long but that is OK. A man has to do what a man has to do. Now I am at the end so I am going to finish up and get in the bed for some much needed rest and relaxation. Until tomorrow, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S. C.J. you have been asleep since we picked you up from the sitter. Please make sure you stay asleep tonight too. Come on folks I know it is a long shot but I can hope for it right!
Gem of the Day - A man has to do what a man has to do.
I will admit one thing though, the days seem so long and the nights even longer. We still get in all we need to with C.J. too. Prayer and reading...we do not miss a beat. C.J. is starting to do more and more, too. She likes to roll over as much as she can and she yaps her gums a mile a minute. Pretty soon those magic words will come from her mouth, Daddy! That will be great. It is when the phrase, "Can I have" follows is when we have a problem.
C.J. and I have big plans for tomorrow. Once I get back from the haircut I still need, it will be she and I on the couch watching football all day. This is the first weekend in a very long time that Daddy has no obligation to anyone but home. These are the days I long for because these are the days I get to show C.J. all my attention. Even though any and everything I do directly affects her, she needs to know and understand that Daddy enjoys kicking back with his princess. If no time is made for her now, then no time will be made for me later. My sole purpose with this blog is to be an example of fatherhood, family and a good relationship between a father and daughter. So I have to drop gems as I go along. I must practice what I preach and I preach family. So never will you see me not making time for the little one I have. Her welfare, her well-being and her needs and wants are my first obligation. So if it means missing a meeting, it's missed. If it means being late to work, I am late. If it means me not being able to dress jiggy, then she had better get a job (sike), then I am ragged, because I vow to make sure that C.J. Johnson is well taken care of.
So the week was long but that is OK. A man has to do what a man has to do. Now I am at the end so I am going to finish up and get in the bed for some much needed rest and relaxation. Until tomorrow, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S. C.J. you have been asleep since we picked you up from the sitter. Please make sure you stay asleep tonight too. Come on folks I know it is a long shot but I can hope for it right!
Gem of the Day - A man has to do what a man has to do.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Two Months and Going
We are two months in, good people. Yes it officially was yesterday but you all know I was incoherent last night. Time is flying, no I want to use this one, time is rocket blasting by. I mean C.J. is trying to roll over, holding the head up a little better, exercising the voice box and her reflexes are being perfected every minute. I try not to think about what I miss during the day because I would want to see it all first hand. Maybe I can hand in my resignation letter and get a reality television show offer. You never know, I mean if Flava Flav, Real and Chance and that non talented Tiffany Pollard can get shows, then how about airing the lives of a daddy and his princess. We could be the new age One on One (that just took some of you back...that is the show with Flex and Kyla Pratt).
We went to the doctor's office today. If I have not said it before I will say it now...I absolutely love the fact that his hours work for professional parents. Today was round two of shots and my girl took them both like a champ. She whimpered a little afterwards, and then as usual, cried because she was hungry. She is growing at a good rate and is healthy. Shatema and I were amazed at how well she sat for the doctor. She smiled and wiggled and twisted and almost kicked her vaccines on the floor, lol!
After two months, we are truly a team. Honestly in this house, it probably will be Daddy and C.J. against Mommy. Nothing serious but we will hang and Mommy is going to scold both of us when C.J. is up past her bedtime. We are scolded when C.J. is playing, instead of eating, or when Daddy is acting loud, which she says stimulates her. Hey I just love playing with my kid. Who can blame me, she is such a cutey?
We had a great day today, we were a little tired but C.J. will refresh your day anytime she is around. I love that kid! Welp, until later, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Listen C.J. when you read this I want you to know that you were a good little baby up until this point. Mommy and I tried a lot with you and we found the right formula (not milk) that would prepare you to be successful. So when your older and don't want to watch Sid the Science Kid please understand it is only for your professional growth. Love you much!
We went to the doctor's office today. If I have not said it before I will say it now...I absolutely love the fact that his hours work for professional parents. Today was round two of shots and my girl took them both like a champ. She whimpered a little afterwards, and then as usual, cried because she was hungry. She is growing at a good rate and is healthy. Shatema and I were amazed at how well she sat for the doctor. She smiled and wiggled and twisted and almost kicked her vaccines on the floor, lol!
After two months, we are truly a team. Honestly in this house, it probably will be Daddy and C.J. against Mommy. Nothing serious but we will hang and Mommy is going to scold both of us when C.J. is up past her bedtime. We are scolded when C.J. is playing, instead of eating, or when Daddy is acting loud, which she says stimulates her. Hey I just love playing with my kid. Who can blame me, she is such a cutey?
We had a great day today, we were a little tired but C.J. will refresh your day anytime she is around. I love that kid! Welp, until later, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
Listen C.J. when you read this I want you to know that you were a good little baby up until this point. Mommy and I tried a lot with you and we found the right formula (not milk) that would prepare you to be successful. So when your older and don't want to watch Sid the Science Kid please understand it is only for your professional growth. Love you much!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Preacher's Kid
In my life I have said some awfully bad things about the children of preachers. Now, of all people, I have one. Tonight however I learned to look at it from their perspective. Tonight I had to attend to a family from the church so C. J. had to share her Daddy. So the question popped in my head...how does the kid of a preacher feel when they might have a day altered because Daddy is always on call? Or, how would C.J. feel if Daddy missed her first soccer goal because Daddy must attend a meeting? No wonder I always said that those preachers' kids crave attention.
Tonight taught me to always have balance in my life, and to remember that God gave me a beautiful daughter to raise with my wife, and not just when I can schedule her in. Does this mean I drag her to every meeting, service or preaching engagment to make sure we have quality time together? No, to me it means allowing God to use me as he sees fit. That way I know that I will be the best daddy to C.J. and minister to the church.
So I'm short tonight, just getting in really. But as always, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S. Hey C.J., your daddy has promised the Lord to follow where He leads me. Sometimes there will be times you will not agree with that. Do know that God blessed me with you and you will ALWAYS have the daddy time you need. He loves you and I love you too!
For all of you to know the report from the babysitter was that she hit another kid today. As we Johnsons believe, I guess he got too close. Go baby go!
Tonight taught me to always have balance in my life, and to remember that God gave me a beautiful daughter to raise with my wife, and not just when I can schedule her in. Does this mean I drag her to every meeting, service or preaching engagment to make sure we have quality time together? No, to me it means allowing God to use me as he sees fit. That way I know that I will be the best daddy to C.J. and minister to the church.
So I'm short tonight, just getting in really. But as always, remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S. Hey C.J., your daddy has promised the Lord to follow where He leads me. Sometimes there will be times you will not agree with that. Do know that God blessed me with you and you will ALWAYS have the daddy time you need. He loves you and I love you too!
For all of you to know the report from the babysitter was that she hit another kid today. As we Johnsons believe, I guess he got too close. Go baby go!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Daddy Needs A Haircut
If you know Jamal T. Johnson you know that he is debonaire. He is very concerned about his appearance and will go out of his way to make sure his attire is top notch. With that said, everyone has mentioned to me that time would be scarce with a child. I would have to disagree for the most part. With all that I involve myself in, having C.J. has not put a dead halt to that.
I have found time for my nine to five, found time for my business development, God automatically makes his time available, even have had time to sit and chill with Shatema. I have had time for recreation and still the time is there for Mr. Johnson to be supportive of his many kids. Now all of this does come at a cost...I do not know what sleep is, and I refuse to depend on coffee to keep me going. Green tea has become my hot beverage of choice.
With all of this going on, most of my time is committed to C.J.'s development. As a father I want to make sure I am there for her mentally, socially, physically, emotionally, playfully, educationally and prayerfully, and anything else you can come up with. I believe that she will be a stronger WOMAN because of it. Now back to C.J. and Daddy's hair.
Now, I went bald because George Bush was President of the United States. I went out, bought a balding clipper and will usually bald my own head. Since C.J. was born I have not been able to do so because I do not want hair to get all over the place. I usually put some plastic down to be neat, but hair scatters and I want everything she uses to be clean. With that said I am considering going back to my Afro days as it is less maintenance than a bald head. Hold up I'm gonna do a poll on Facebook real quick. With my Afro I don't have to worry about getting hair all over the place when cutting it myself. I would have to get back to going to the barber once a week to keep it Steve Harvey tight but that is what I used to do anyway. I want to keep C.J. clean and sanitary so I might have to go that route.
So get this...C.J. is really beginning to use all of her limbs now. Her long legs are moving like she is Allyson Felix, Daddy's favorite runner. She is moving a lot now so we have to watch her closely so she does not fall. Now a fall will occur sooner or later. How we respond will be interesting. She had another good day at the sitter. Shatema told me that she talked to her on the phone. I really like the fact that the sitter interacts with her too. She is becoming more and more fascinating as the days go by. When she is up and running, watch out world. Daddy and C.J. are going to be on the move.
I am going to go now, so as always, remember to pray because prayer changes things!
I have found time for my nine to five, found time for my business development, God automatically makes his time available, even have had time to sit and chill with Shatema. I have had time for recreation and still the time is there for Mr. Johnson to be supportive of his many kids. Now all of this does come at a cost...I do not know what sleep is, and I refuse to depend on coffee to keep me going. Green tea has become my hot beverage of choice.
With all of this going on, most of my time is committed to C.J.'s development. As a father I want to make sure I am there for her mentally, socially, physically, emotionally, playfully, educationally and prayerfully, and anything else you can come up with. I believe that she will be a stronger WOMAN because of it. Now back to C.J. and Daddy's hair.
Now, I went bald because George Bush was President of the United States. I went out, bought a balding clipper and will usually bald my own head. Since C.J. was born I have not been able to do so because I do not want hair to get all over the place. I usually put some plastic down to be neat, but hair scatters and I want everything she uses to be clean. With that said I am considering going back to my Afro days as it is less maintenance than a bald head. Hold up I'm gonna do a poll on Facebook real quick. With my Afro I don't have to worry about getting hair all over the place when cutting it myself. I would have to get back to going to the barber once a week to keep it Steve Harvey tight but that is what I used to do anyway. I want to keep C.J. clean and sanitary so I might have to go that route.
So get this...C.J. is really beginning to use all of her limbs now. Her long legs are moving like she is Allyson Felix, Daddy's favorite runner. She is moving a lot now so we have to watch her closely so she does not fall. Now a fall will occur sooner or later. How we respond will be interesting. She had another good day at the sitter. Shatema told me that she talked to her on the phone. I really like the fact that the sitter interacts with her too. She is becoming more and more fascinating as the days go by. When she is up and running, watch out world. Daddy and C.J. are going to be on the move.
I am going to go now, so as always, remember to pray because prayer changes things!
Monday, October 5, 2009
All In A Day's Work
Today was a good day! Up at 4:45am, check. Car started and moving by 6:30am, check. Drop C.J. and Shatema off at the babysitter, check. Get to work on time, check. Have a productive day at the office, check. Pick up C.J. and Shatema by 4:30, check. So as you can see, the first day back for Shatema and our new routine went well. If I had to grade our performance I'd give a B+ for the attempt. When we get in stride we will be fluid and the A+'s will come.
So this evening I had the chance to chill with C.J. due to a minor mishap with a certain person's ring finger who shall remain nameless. She had to go away for a couple of hours so that left C.J. and I to fend for ourselves and we did well. We came home, she slept as I caught up on some work that needed to be completed. She woke up. I prepared a bottle, fed her and then started to prepare her bath (yes with one hand because she was in the other). I am still working on this not spoiling her stuff, I give myself a F-. So during the bath C.J. wanted to be difficult. This being only my second time bathing her she is still a little hard to manage with her being so tiny and my hands being so large. And when I'm trying to be extra careful she wants to twist and turn, of course. If it weren't for her being in water I'd pop her little butt and tell her to be still...a little pop won't hurt her. We got through it, though, and I got her dressed, and then it was back to sitting down C.J. and Daddy! Now when Mommy got home to evaluate the situation I realized there were a few things I forgot to do. I have to get a little better and study what Mommy does more intently.
I am learning that you have to get a lot done in a day as a parent. I am becoming part of the Octopus Club. I used to joke around about mothers being able to do many things at once but now I am in the same company. It is a great club to be in though and for C.J. I will be an octopus. We are here now watching this Vikings vs. Packers game. We even have Mommy peeking too. We may win her over one day. Until that day folks remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S. C.J., you had a great day at the sitter. The entire family calls you by your name C.J. They like you a lot and you seem to be pleased with them after day one. Continue to be well behaved whenever you are away from Daddy and Mommy. Good behavior will take you a long way. Oh yeah, Mommy read the weather report to you today as well! When you read this you will know why I stated that and the weather some other times as well. Love you baby!
So this evening I had the chance to chill with C.J. due to a minor mishap with a certain person's ring finger who shall remain nameless. She had to go away for a couple of hours so that left C.J. and I to fend for ourselves and we did well. We came home, she slept as I caught up on some work that needed to be completed. She woke up. I prepared a bottle, fed her and then started to prepare her bath (yes with one hand because she was in the other). I am still working on this not spoiling her stuff, I give myself a F-. So during the bath C.J. wanted to be difficult. This being only my second time bathing her she is still a little hard to manage with her being so tiny and my hands being so large. And when I'm trying to be extra careful she wants to twist and turn, of course. If it weren't for her being in water I'd pop her little butt and tell her to be still...a little pop won't hurt her. We got through it, though, and I got her dressed, and then it was back to sitting down C.J. and Daddy! Now when Mommy got home to evaluate the situation I realized there were a few things I forgot to do. I have to get a little better and study what Mommy does more intently.
I am learning that you have to get a lot done in a day as a parent. I am becoming part of the Octopus Club. I used to joke around about mothers being able to do many things at once but now I am in the same company. It is a great club to be in though and for C.J. I will be an octopus. We are here now watching this Vikings vs. Packers game. We even have Mommy peeking too. We may win her over one day. Until that day folks remember to pray because prayer changes things.
P.S. C.J., you had a great day at the sitter. The entire family calls you by your name C.J. They like you a lot and you seem to be pleased with them after day one. Continue to be well behaved whenever you are away from Daddy and Mommy. Good behavior will take you a long way. Oh yeah, Mommy read the weather report to you today as well! When you read this you will know why I stated that and the weather some other times as well. Love you baby!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Where Is C.J.?
Today is Sunday. The first Sunday in October to be exact. Guess who had to work? You guessed right, me. So I left the house this morning like it was a regular work day and headed down to TCNJ. 8:45am to 3:30pm, all day long in a building that was extremely hot. My voice was gone from the game yesterday and I had to present. This was going to be an interesting day I thought. In the end it wasn't too long. Now, if you have kept up with the diary, you know that Shatema is headed to work tomorrow and C.J. will begin going to the babysitter. On my way out this morning Shatema reminded me not to forget to purchase a frame for her picture of C.J... easier said than done. I went to one store and they had nothing. I wanted to call it quits so I could get my food and get in for the end of the late games. However I know how it feels to stare at C.J. during the day,and I want Shatema to have the same opportunity. So I go to another store they were empty. Finally, after two failed attempts, I found a great frame for Shatema and was able to head home. Only today the arrival would be different.
Today was the first day that when I cracked the door, began to ascend the stairs, and I heard nothing. It was quiet, too quiet. I have to admit the sound was haunting because I have become accustomed to hearing her up or even asleep...C.J. does snore, lol! OK people, there was no need to panic. I knew Shatema had planned to be gone when I got home. That does not mean I have to like it. We had a routine. I would come home, run up the steps, take off my jacket, wash my hands, kiss Shatema and then grab my baby. I was empty handed today and I felt the difference. So now I had to eat and watch football alone. I did get a text to tell me that over at Grandma's my baby was watching football, as she should have been, but she should have been with Daddy.
Don't go thinking I do not want her visiting, but some of you may know when you have that bond with your kid, you will do everything in your power to stop anything from breaking it. C.J. and I bond over Sunday night football and it had become comfortable for dear old Dad. So know I have to wait anxiously until my darling gets home but tonight is different because we are preparing for the first family exodus tomorrow and Shatema and I will be preparing for the morning. I have already set out my clothes for tomorrow, washed the bottles, straightened up the living room, and even mopped the floor. You can tell I had a lot of nervous energy to use and a lot of idol time this evening. However, when Shatema gets home, we have to bath C.J, read to her, pray and get her down and fix lunch for the both of us...a lot to be done, I know. But we are a team and hopefully we will be in bed with enough time to enjoy a good night of rest.
Tomorrow morning will be rough. Will we get out on time? How will Daddy respond to the new situation? Will Daddy make it to work on time? Will he be back in time to pick his girls up? All these questions are running through my head but you know what it is pretty exciting. I honestly have been waiting for this moment for a while now and it has finally arrived. I am sure with God leading us all things will fall right into place. That is exactly the reason the Johnsons of Old Bridge pray daily. We want nothing but for God's will to be manifested in our lives.
As for today that is all folks. As always, remember to pray because prayer changes things. By the way C.J. is home now too!
Today was the first day that when I cracked the door, began to ascend the stairs, and I heard nothing. It was quiet, too quiet. I have to admit the sound was haunting because I have become accustomed to hearing her up or even asleep...C.J. does snore, lol! OK people, there was no need to panic. I knew Shatema had planned to be gone when I got home. That does not mean I have to like it. We had a routine. I would come home, run up the steps, take off my jacket, wash my hands, kiss Shatema and then grab my baby. I was empty handed today and I felt the difference. So now I had to eat and watch football alone. I did get a text to tell me that over at Grandma's my baby was watching football, as she should have been, but she should have been with Daddy.
Don't go thinking I do not want her visiting, but some of you may know when you have that bond with your kid, you will do everything in your power to stop anything from breaking it. C.J. and I bond over Sunday night football and it had become comfortable for dear old Dad. So know I have to wait anxiously until my darling gets home but tonight is different because we are preparing for the first family exodus tomorrow and Shatema and I will be preparing for the morning. I have already set out my clothes for tomorrow, washed the bottles, straightened up the living room, and even mopped the floor. You can tell I had a lot of nervous energy to use and a lot of idol time this evening. However, when Shatema gets home, we have to bath C.J, read to her, pray and get her down and fix lunch for the both of us...a lot to be done, I know. But we are a team and hopefully we will be in bed with enough time to enjoy a good night of rest.
Tomorrow morning will be rough. Will we get out on time? How will Daddy respond to the new situation? Will Daddy make it to work on time? Will he be back in time to pick his girls up? All these questions are running through my head but you know what it is pretty exciting. I honestly have been waiting for this moment for a while now and it has finally arrived. I am sure with God leading us all things will fall right into place. That is exactly the reason the Johnsons of Old Bridge pray daily. We want nothing but for God's will to be manifested in our lives.
As for today that is all folks. As always, remember to pray because prayer changes things. By the way C.J. is home now too!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
When Can C.J. Play?
I am a sports fanatic. If you know me you already know that. Pop Warner, High School, College or the Pros, if there is a game I am down. This is the Daddy who wants to buy his girl an outfit that clearly is for a boy because it has footballs on it. I am currently looking for a baby jersey for her too. So you are asking, "Why all this?" Well, I am gearing up for the day that C.J. and I get to hang at games together. I am envious when I see the dad and his kid walking to the concession stand. I want that to be C.J begging me for candy and popcorn. Today I was at a game and a fan and his son looked so cute together.
I am serious about this too. Last night I took pictures of C.J. with her basketball and she was posing. Cross-over will be wicked! Some good times are in store for us and Daddy can not wait until C.J is ready to play. You might think I am playing but I am so serious. I was online and found this today and I will be off to buy it for her as soon as possible...http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2863487. I will begin working on hand eye coordination and her gross motor skills so do not think I am trying to breed a stallion either. This is all in the name of being well rounded.
Many people wonder when she will be out and about. Trust she will be playing with Daddy before. So to answer all of your questions, soon. Soon she will be able to play. Soon she will be at football games. Soon she will go for runs in the park and soon folks will see her.
It was a great day C.J.! Daddy went to watch East Orange beat Montclair in football. Next year you will be there too. Then I made it home to catch the end of the Notre Dame game with you and they were victorious too. Currently, Miami is playing Oklahoma and it is a ball game baby. You are fading though. So another Saturday is fading away as is C.J. but it was great! As always, remember to pray because prayer changes things!
I am serious about this too. Last night I took pictures of C.J. with her basketball and she was posing. Cross-over will be wicked! Some good times are in store for us and Daddy can not wait until C.J is ready to play. You might think I am playing but I am so serious. I was online and found this today and I will be off to buy it for her as soon as possible...http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2863487. I will begin working on hand eye coordination and her gross motor skills so do not think I am trying to breed a stallion either. This is all in the name of being well rounded.
Many people wonder when she will be out and about. Trust she will be playing with Daddy before. So to answer all of your questions, soon. Soon she will be able to play. Soon she will be at football games. Soon she will go for runs in the park and soon folks will see her.
It was a great day C.J.! Daddy went to watch East Orange beat Montclair in football. Next year you will be there too. Then I made it home to catch the end of the Notre Dame game with you and they were victorious too. Currently, Miami is playing Oklahoma and it is a ball game baby. You are fading though. So another Saturday is fading away as is C.J. but it was great! As always, remember to pray because prayer changes things!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Little Feet
After a long week, guess what I got to do? I got to chill out with C.J. this evening while Mommy went to beautify herself. Monday will be a milestone in the Johnson's of Old Bridge residence. Mommy goes back to work and C.J. will be with the sitter for the first time. Many emotions are mounting but soon we will all be in a state of normalcy.
So anyway today since Mommy was away I figured C.J. and I would go for a ride to keep her asleep. Now my intention was to ride around, and then when she was asleep, run in the mall and get her some Jordan's. To my dismay my baby's feet are not big enough yet. She has a few more weeks to go hopefully. So upset, I had to find my baby something, so we searched and searched until I found her the cutest little dress.
Now I am feeling some type of way because everything that is made for little girls is PINK! Now I am a colors person. I will wear pink and C.J. can wear pink too, as long as it is not that girly pink, YUCK! So I have laid down a decree that if you purchase something for C.J. please do not get anything pink. Daddy gets her purple, green, blue, brown and black everything. I just want her to be versatile in color. My father would say I'm grooming her to be a tomboy, but I'm not. I only have bought her dresses. Yes, she does have a basketball and will get a football and softball soon. I will make sure she is well rounded. The only thing now is the sneakers. Her feet have to grow for me. She has this nice sweatsuit I want her to wear but she needs some hot kicks to go with it.
So C.J. has slept the entire evening and Daddy is so appreciative. We now just have to see what the night will bring. She made a trip to the mall today. Some time in the years to come, I bet much of my hard earned money will go, more than I want it too. I guess I have to say I started it. Well, she is my Princess so she can get that (for now)! If her grades slip she will have to shop at the Home Shopping Network or QVC.
Well I am off now to chill out with my little foot Princess. As always remember to pray because prayer changes things!
So anyway today since Mommy was away I figured C.J. and I would go for a ride to keep her asleep. Now my intention was to ride around, and then when she was asleep, run in the mall and get her some Jordan's. To my dismay my baby's feet are not big enough yet. She has a few more weeks to go hopefully. So upset, I had to find my baby something, so we searched and searched until I found her the cutest little dress.
Now I am feeling some type of way because everything that is made for little girls is PINK! Now I am a colors person. I will wear pink and C.J. can wear pink too, as long as it is not that girly pink, YUCK! So I have laid down a decree that if you purchase something for C.J. please do not get anything pink. Daddy gets her purple, green, blue, brown and black everything. I just want her to be versatile in color. My father would say I'm grooming her to be a tomboy, but I'm not. I only have bought her dresses. Yes, she does have a basketball and will get a football and softball soon. I will make sure she is well rounded. The only thing now is the sneakers. Her feet have to grow for me. She has this nice sweatsuit I want her to wear but she needs some hot kicks to go with it.
So C.J. has slept the entire evening and Daddy is so appreciative. We now just have to see what the night will bring. She made a trip to the mall today. Some time in the years to come, I bet much of my hard earned money will go, more than I want it too. I guess I have to say I started it. Well, she is my Princess so she can get that (for now)! If her grades slip she will have to shop at the Home Shopping Network or QVC.
Well I am off now to chill out with my little foot Princess. As always remember to pray because prayer changes things!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Never Too Late
Is it Friday yet? At this very moment I am exhausted. My body is worn down as a result of a week so busy it is a blur. Between work and church, I have not been home much. When I do come home I am so tired I literally fall out, only to start the long tedious journey again the next day. Praise God for life and the will to go on, though.
As for C.J. and me, the bulk of our communication was by way of telephone. I would call home to see how my leading ladies were doing and I would hear my baby through the phone being chatty. Just to hear the joy in her sounds was enough to help me get through the day so I could at least look upon her as she slept.
Today was no exception. I left home early this morning to return at about 9:30pm. I rushed up the stairs to wash my hands as usual and went in to greet my ladies. Shatema was up but C.J. was sleeping on this Boppy pillow thing. So I picked her up, kissed her and placed her in her crib. Well C.J. decided to wake up. Now I have to admit even though I am really tired, I'm glad she did. I just love to see her little eyes observing her surrounding and I just want her to see her Daddy's face everyday. So I picked her up and walked around with her a bit until it was time to try to get her back to sleep.
I realized that it is never too late for me to want to see this girl. She has quickly ascended the list to being a top priority for me. I guess it's God, then C.J, in that order. I still love my wife and mom but C.J. is that girl, man! So no matter what time I get in, there is a little part of me that is wishing to hear her making her sounds so I can go get a glimpse of her. Now in fairness to Mommy, a smaller part of me wishes that right after our eyes connect she drifts back off to sleep. So then Mommy and Daddy can be well rested.
So time is not an issue with C.J. and I. We just want to ensure that we get our connection time daily with each other. So I know these days it's up to me to make it happen. There will be a day when I have to remind C.J. that she needs to connect with Daddy daily. Those days I dread already, when my baby becomes a little woman. What is Daddy to do? Until next time people...always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
As for C.J. and me, the bulk of our communication was by way of telephone. I would call home to see how my leading ladies were doing and I would hear my baby through the phone being chatty. Just to hear the joy in her sounds was enough to help me get through the day so I could at least look upon her as she slept.
Today was no exception. I left home early this morning to return at about 9:30pm. I rushed up the stairs to wash my hands as usual and went in to greet my ladies. Shatema was up but C.J. was sleeping on this Boppy pillow thing. So I picked her up, kissed her and placed her in her crib. Well C.J. decided to wake up. Now I have to admit even though I am really tired, I'm glad she did. I just love to see her little eyes observing her surrounding and I just want her to see her Daddy's face everyday. So I picked her up and walked around with her a bit until it was time to try to get her back to sleep.
I realized that it is never too late for me to want to see this girl. She has quickly ascended the list to being a top priority for me. I guess it's God, then C.J, in that order. I still love my wife and mom but C.J. is that girl, man! So no matter what time I get in, there is a little part of me that is wishing to hear her making her sounds so I can go get a glimpse of her. Now in fairness to Mommy, a smaller part of me wishes that right after our eyes connect she drifts back off to sleep. So then Mommy and Daddy can be well rested.
So time is not an issue with C.J. and I. We just want to ensure that we get our connection time daily with each other. So I know these days it's up to me to make it happen. There will be a day when I have to remind C.J. that she needs to connect with Daddy daily. Those days I dread already, when my baby becomes a little woman. What is Daddy to do? Until next time people...always remember to pray because prayer changes things.
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