Memorial Day 2010

Hmmm, where do I begin? C.J. and Daddy hung out all day today, so you know I have a few good stories. We started the day by both waking up and being lazy in bed. C.J. awoke first, making her usual noise. Then Daddy hopped out of bed to pick her up, and bring her in bed with him. This was to ensure that she would doze back off and let Daddy sleep for a few more moments. It worked, as it normally does. So Daddy had wanted to leave the house around nine to get up to East Orange well before the parade was to begin. As usual, sleep won out and we did not leave to a good 10:15am, arriving in East Orange at 11:00am exactly. We were on time, too, because they never start the parade on time. We even found a great parking space.

So since there were no trees where we stood along the parade route, we created an eclipse for C.J. with human bodies and an umbrella. As the parade went along, C.J. was very attentive. You could see her eyes fixed to the different sights that came along. There was a band, motorcycles, fire trucks, a clown, steppers, sports teams, antique cars and politicians. C.J. stayed awake for the duration of the parade as well. She let me know when she wanted to eat, and I handled that task accordingly.

After the parade we had a few hours to burn before the barbecue so we went to Ma's house. I, Daddy, changed C.J., no poop, YEA! We laid around and relaxed in the cool breeze. C.J. played with Uncle Big Duke, and of course, fussed a little with her Pop. Finally she dozed off and Daddy caught a quick "Z" as well. At about 3:30pm, it was time to head out to the barbecue. Once there, C.J. cased out her surroundings. She did not want to be with anyone else, at first, but her Daddy. At the barbecue she tasted some of her great aunt's macaroni salad...she ate it of course without any complaints.

Halfway through we received a call checking to see if we were OK in a rainstorm. Mommy said it was pretty bad at home, but Daddy let her know the sun was shining brightly. As soon as I hung up the phone, the sky turned a different color. C.J. went inside, and we listened to music until the rain passed. We said goodbye to all the family members, called Mommy and headed home.

It was a great day for C.J. and Daddy. She even rode in the backseat alone very well. She only cried for about 5 minutes on the ride home. Once i started passing her some snacks she calmed down again. She is really growing up a bit. I guess to match the fact that people believe she is older than nine months. I know she is a big girl but she is not that big. So now it is time to prepare for the work week. C.J. fought her sleep, even though she only napped for a half hour. Mommy made Daddy leave her be. Daddy had to fight not tending to his Princess and now she is Asleep. So this weekend Daddy had two full days with C.J., and he will tell you this. This Friday, she will be back at the sitter's, even though Daddy is off, LOL! So go ahead and pray folks, for Daddy and C.J. Prayer changes things, people, and situations. Just know I will be sending the counter prayer up against all of you who say I should keep her on Friday!

First BBQ

Daddy manned the grill and created his soon to be famous, Jerk Turkey Burgers. (I must give credit to a good friend for introducing me to the jerk burgers. We feasted on them as we tailgated at Rutgers games. He also made some very tender and juicy chicken breast that were well received. Over the past year Daddy has developed a passion for grilling. One he plans to hone over the years. As we were leaving for church this morning, on time for a change. Mommy asked Daddy was this CJ's first BBQ. Daddy thought for a moment then said, "I think so."

CJ was well behaved in church today as well. I did not hear her much. I was able to see her clapping her hands though. I hope that means that she was enjoying what she was hearing. After church it was off to Ma's house to eat. Mommy let CJ eat a little off of her plate and she seemed to enjoy it. CJ even was given the opportunity to taste a little bit if an ice cream sundae. Mommy did it not Daddy, can you believe it?! When we arrived home Mommy told Daddy that he and CJ smelled like BBQ. That is because one, daddy grilled. Two, CJ wanted to be with her Daddy all day long. She would reach out to him, cry when she was not with him and all. What a special feeling she produces.

So tomorrow, Lords willing, CJ and Daddy get to hang out. She will attend her first parade. This is something Daddy did when he was a child and he decided to take his Princess back to his hometown parade for her first. Mommy does not want to join us, so it will be just the two of us. We might make an appearance at a BBQ but that has yet to be determined. So pray for us we have had bumpy rides filled with crying for a few months now. However we know that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

75 to 1

Today C.J. celebrated her great-grandmother's 75th birthday. She wore a lavender outfit that she brought for her, especially for the occasion. Daddy wore the same color. She brought everyone something to wear. The nerve of her, lol! So Ma (as C.J. and everyone calls her) has 75 years on earth to C.J.'s soon-to-be, prayerfully, one year on earth. At the celebration we played a trivia game where we found out the President of the United States in 1935 was Franklin D. Roosevelt. Everyone knew that because that was the year he signed the Social Security Act which Ma benefits from, but I wonder if C.J. will benefit from it when she is 75 years old? Here are some other things C.J. learned about costs in the year 1935:

Here are some samples of grocery prices (and more) from 1935.


1935 U.S. Bureau of the Census
===============================

Flour (5 lbs) 25.3 cents
Bread (lb) 8.3
Round steak (lb) 36.0
Bacon (lb) 41.3
Butter (lb) 36.0
Eggs (doz.) 37.6
Milk (1/2 gal.) 23.4
Oranges (doz.) 22.0
Potatoes (10 lbs) 19.1
Coffee (lb) 25.7
Sugar (5 lbs) 28.2
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0873707.html


What Things Cost in 1935
========================

Car: $580
Gasoline: 19 cents/gal
House: $6,300
Bread: 8 cents/loaf
Milk: 47 cents/gal
Postage Stamp: 3 cents
Average Annual Salary: $1,500
http://www.tvhistory.tv/1935%20QF.htm

Hunterdon County, 1930s
=======================

Local Prices:
Bananas (4 lbs.): 19 cents
Bayer Aspirin (100 tablets): 50 cents
Bread: 7 cents
Butter (1 lb.): 37 cents
Campbell's Soup (three cans): 20 cents
Cream of Wheat: 23 cents
Ford V-8, four door: $495
Ground Beef (1 lb.): 21 cents
Hunterdon County Democrat (1-yr. subscription): $2
Jell-O (two packets): 11 cents
Log Cabin Syrup (16 oz.): 21 cents
Maxwell House coffee (1 lb.): 31 cents
Motor Oil (2 gallons): 75 cents
Post Bran Flakes: 11 cents
Potatoes (3 lbs.): 14 cents

National Prices:
House: $6,296
Car: $580
Milk: 47 cents/gallon
Gas: 11 cents/gallon
Bread: 8 cents
Postage stamp: 3 cents

C.J. was well behaved too. She ate some potatoes, pasta, bread and fruit, and then took a nap. Oh yeah, of course, she wore a hat to the party. She finally met some people she had not met, and they were happy to see her. I think her nap was a bit much because she fought her sleep very hard tonight. Or maybe it was that she wanted to honor her uncle's (Big Duke) instructions to watch the Lakers game. Well she got about two quarters in. She was in her playpen and she literally stood up in the corner to get a better view. She just could not hold out much longer, though. I picked her up and laid with her on the couch until she fell asleep shortly before the half. Her uncle would be proud. All three of us will be ecstatic if the point differential is the same as it is now at the end of the next 24 minutes.

Another thought just came to mind. Will basketball still be what it is in seventy-five years? Will the Lakers still be on top? Who knows. So, as Daddy gets ready to do what C.J. is already doing, you all take it easy and do not forget to pray. Prayer, as you know, changes things, people, and situations.

Friday's Alone

Well folks today happened and now it is over. All I can say now is that I will spend most of my Friday's off from here out alone. Now some of you will sit there and berate me before you even hear about the day. In no way is this decision negative. As i told you last night the sitter told Mommy to wish me luck with CJ and boy did she know what I needed.

This morning CJ and I drove Mommy to work and then made our way back home. We did stop to garb a few bagels while int he shop we chatted with another customer who had a little girl. He bid Daddy good luck on the way out the door. Did he know what I was in store for as well? he did mention that he had his two kids yesterday and that when his wife came in the door he hurled them to her. Anyway, we arrived home and CJ allowed me to prepare breakfast but that was it. After we ate she wanted to take over. The girl is determined to do whatever she wants when she wants. Halfway through the day Mommy text me and asked how things were going? I responded by simply saying, "Lord help me!"

I want you to understand this. CJ is exploring now. She is all over the place and you have to watch her closely. Therefore you really do not want to leave her. Even though she can do things on her own I have not fully trusted her not to hurt herself so it adds anxiety to the day. To be continued.

The Night Before

Tomorrow is Daddy's first Friday off for the summer. All week he had to determine whether or not he would spend the first one with or without Princess C.J. So now, on the night before Friday, he has made his decision and that is to keep C.J. home with him. He drove through a very bad rain and lightning storm to handle all he needed to do tonight so he would be able to hang out at home tomorrow. C.J. and Daddy will drop Mommy off, then eat oatmeal (maybe) and watch Maury.

Daddy figured he would help the sitter be able to leave for a mini break a bit early. Since she is always so accommodating for us, it is the least I could do for her stellar services. She was grateful and wished Daddy good luck with C.J. on tomorrow. C.J. and I have hung out before, but now that she is crawling, standing, and a lot more demanding, I do not know what I am in for. I will say this, I will run the house tomorrow, not her.

So she is sleeping peacefully and has been for a long while now. She went for a ride and slept most of the way back. That means she will be well rested on tomorrow. No problem, Daddy recharges with very few hours of sleep. He has been drinking the proper amounts of water to keep his body hydrated and energized. So pray for us tomorrow. We know that prayer changes things, people, and situations. Hopefully Mommy will recognize her husband, her daughter and her home when she gets in.

SCRATCH

Ok, I will be brief today. CJ's nails are very long. Even though we cut them all the time they seem to grow very rapidly. CJ like to explore her Daddy's face with her hands. The only problem is that she scratches me all the time. She grabs my lips twists and turns them and scratches all the while. I want to retaliate but I can not. I want to scratch her back but her face is too cute to do that. So Daddy has to keep the cocoa butter handy to start the healing process quickly.

That is my only account for tonight. It was a slow one. Keep praying folks, prayer changes things, people, and situations!

And The Whining Begins!

Who knew this would happen? Who would think that I, Daddy, Pops, Pa Pa (in a french accent) yes me folks, would be uttering the following words about my Princess. Please stop the whining! When I do not see who I want to see, I think I will whine. When I am asked to stop playing with something I should not be playing with, I think I will whine. When I am tired and refuse to go to sleep, I think I will whine. If I feel I have been in this carrier too long, I think I will whine. Now I will admit these all seem to be reasons to get a little bothered. Daddy just wishes she will develop her words and let them out sooner than later. If she could tell me her issues, I would be a lot more satisfied.

As the days continue to pass C.J. is getting quicker. One moment she is settled, and the next she is out and about. Even tonight, right now it is about 9:30pm and she is still up and about. This is because she and Mommy took naps when they arrived home. I am doing my best to ignore her, Mommy asked me too. In reality I want to go pick her up and hold her and lay with her until she falls asleep. The only bad thing is that she still lets out a few periodic whines, which she is becoming a master at.

Tonight that is all I have for you folks. She whines, she smiles, she whines, she smiles and she is content. Not Daddy :(, so pray for us, especially Daddy. He knows that prayer changes things, people, and situations,

She's Still At It

This girl is a mess. She is still at it, doing anything she can to be all up on her Daddy. For the past few days, C.J. has done her part to get on her Daddy's nerves. Once we got in today she was still at it, trying to turn the computer off. She is still going where I tell her not to. She is still feisty when she wants her way. Folks, today, I had to hurt my Princess' feelings again. She even tucked her head in and cried. I am not proud of that but I have to get stern with her to lay the foundation for discipline.

C.J. and I are a great pair when we are clicking on all cylinders, and lately we have needed a tune up. I guess our two strong personalities are beginning to clash a little bit. We will have to have a sit down to discuss how things are going to operate in this household. This little personality of hers is really taking shape. The more and more I watch her, the more and more I see a mixture of all her Daddy and Mommy's relentless, determined, independent, and risk taking traits. I am waiting for a little of her Mommy's introverted behaviors to sink in. From what I see thus far, I think I might have inserted a few more genes than needed, lol!

So as our relationship continues to develop and C.J.'s personality continues to take shape, do keep praying for us. Simply because, as I uttered to her today, this house is not large enough for the both of us to share. So pray because we know that prayer will fix it because prayer changes things, people, and situations.

What A Good Girl

Usually on Sunday's we wake up, get dressed, have breakfast, then we head out for Sunday School or for Worship. Daddy parks the truck and then he goes in one direction and CJ and Mommy go in another. We will not usually meet up again until the sermon is complete and Daddy is dressed back into what he wore to church. So today was a different kind of day for us both. Daddy needed a Sunday off from his home church so the Johnson's of Old Bridge visited another church today. What was odd was that Daddy sat with Mommy and CJ today.

On any other Sunday I am looking out of the pulpit to see what CJ is doing. Most of the time I do not have to look much because I would hear her without a problem. It was cool to sit with them both today. To hear the word as a family, read the scripture as a family and sing the songs as a family. I will admit the feeling was fulfilling. I received (from God) a new ritual to add to our mornings and that is to read scripture before we head out as well. I know we are sometimes pressed but I think it will be a great way to start the day along with our morning prayer. CJ behaved well too. We were in a different church, different people, different sound, and different movements. CJ took it all in stride and was well behaved. She did not make too much noise either. I was really proud of her. Sometimes as a preacher I worry about her conduct in church. I know she is young but their have been a few times when I was on edge a little bit worrying about how she would act. I have become less worried over the last nine months though.

So you know all good days must come to an end. On the ride home CJ decided to cry for a half hour straight. I did all I could to block the noise out. She really has to learn sooner than later that she will have to ride in that back seat alone sometimes. Daddy kept driving and was about ten minutes away from home before Mommy asked him to stop so she could get in the backseat with her. Daddy did not like it but he went along with it.

So now my ladies are sleep and I am stroking away at the keys keeping up with my journal entries. It is now int he still of the night where i am able to sit and think about how blessed I am to have both CJ and Mommy in my life. I thank God for sending the blessing of Shatema my way and through her CJ being created. I am am so grateful that I was the recipient of these oh so precious gifts of love. So as I pray, pray with me. We know that prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Nautical Dreams

Over the past ten years Daddy has had an affection for sailing. He does not own a boat, has never been sailing, but he has been on a cruise. He is fascinated by the attire of those who frequent the waters. He even has invested in deck shoes and polo shirts to be prepared for the day he sets sail.

Well today C.J. was ready for her Daddy to have his yacht. She wore a sailor girl outfit complete with a tam. She looked so cute in her blue capris, trimmed with white and her bows were placed correctly. If she could have, she would have said "Come on Daddy, let's go out for a few hours and relax on the waves."

Today did not start off well for C.J. and Daddy. She did not want to listen and I had to get a little stern with her. At the church function today she spilled an entire cup of juice on the floor that I was drinking. I looked at her and just shook my head. By the end of the Baby Dedication we attended today, she was all over me. She did not want to be with anyone but her Daddy. I guess it was to make up for earlier, and you all know I accepted her apology.

So as we all get ready to get to bed you all please keep us in prayer. We do not want another morning like today. I know and you know that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

A Scene

Today when we went to pick C.J. up from the sitter, things did not go as normal. Yes, she stared me down. Yes, everyone started to say goodbye. Yes, she was smiling and laughing. Yes, she did not want to be in the car seat. What was different was that one of the other kid's mothers was there to pick him up and the sitter's family was having company. Mommy needed to use the latrine so I was left with C.J. Suddenly C.J. started to whine and cry in hysteria. I looked at her and said, "Really, C.J.?" One of the guests said she may be hot, but I knew it was just that my Princess wanted attention. Since Daddy never really wants to hear her crying like that (and the sitter said she never heard her like that), I decided to pick her up and instantly she stopped and smiled.

Now folks I do not like scenes. If she were a little older, when she got out to that truck, she would have received an earful. The scene at the sitter was only the beginning of the madness. When we arrived home C.J. wanted to bother Daddy. She was determined to have her way. She is intent on shutting the computer off when I am on it. She continuously journeys around the house looking for stuff to get into. When she is asked to stop she looks up and then smiles as if that should excuse her behavior. Today Daddy did not let up and this was the first time she looked up at me. Her eyes were just like a puppy and her mouth dropped and the crying with tears commenced. About twenty-five percent of me was proud that I had stood up to her. The other seventy-five percent was crushed. I had never scolded her in such a way to hurt her feelings, but that is what needed to happen. Of course I picked her up and coddled her afterward. I know it was wrong but you all know C.J. is my Princess. She wanted to stay with me too. So I gather she understood I was not pleased with her and she wanted to change that.

So today we had scenes and intervention. It was an interesting four hour evening. So tonight please pray that we continue to grow in a healthy way. We know that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Stand Up!

Ludacris wrote a rap where he said the words, "STAND UP!" a whole lot of times. Well tonight when I put C.J. to sleep, it happened. She has been inching closer and closer each day. Tonight she did it perfectly. When I responded to her whining and crying, I looked in the room and C.J. was standing up in her crib peacock proud. Mommy was very excited, but Daddy was a little upset. Only because if she had leaned just an inch, she would have fallen out. Mommy celebrated the milestone, and C.J. too, with her cunning smile. Daddy, on the other hand, was too worried about the mishap that was just missed to enjoy the moment.

Afterward Daddy decided to rock C.J. to sleep. So against the doctor's and Mommy's desire, Daddy took her out of the crib and laid with her on the couch. She continued to fight her sleep. As per the babysitter's report, C.J. did not sleep all day long. Daddy thought she would fall right asleep, but C.J. had other plans. She squirmed and fussed before she could no longer throw jabs at the Sleepyman. He had knocked her out and she settled right on her Daddy's rib cage.

So tonight C.J. finally stood up! Now Daddy really has to figure out how to lower the crib, and we have to be a lot more careful when she is left to sleep. We do not want her to get so crafty and get out somehow. So pray for Daddy and C.J. that they can enjoy milestones together. We know that prayer can make that happen because prayer changes things, people, and situations!

All For Nothing

We knew today would be a long one, and it was. Last night C.J.'s bag was packed for tonight. I let Mommy know that I needed her to travel up north with me, and I prepared myself for the back and forth driving. The upsetting thing about the entire situation was that it was all for nothing. The reason we had to get ready a day early is because Wednesday nights are supposed to be Bible Study at the church. Tonight, however, when Daddy arrived, he found only the Pastor. That means the two preachers in the church were present and no one else. We both could have been doing something else. Daddy had been off of work since noon, and could have picked C.J. and Mommy up and headed directly home. We did some quick church planning and headed home.

Daddy felt bad for dragging Mommy and C.J. out. C.J. will soon realize that when you are a servant of the Lord, Daddy will do some things which will make C.J. have to sacrifice time on different occasions. It's a tedious job but I was chosen to do it. So today, our interaction, as with many days, was spent traveling and in that case, C.J. was asleep. No time to get into much trouble, lol. So continue to keep us in prayer as we will do the same for you. We all know that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Simplicity

Today was normal but abnormal for C.J. and I. It started with the morning routine. Daddy decided to stay home from work today. He simply needed a day without a commute, without the office, and without what reminds him daily to get motivated. All he wanted to do was sleep late and watch Maury and that he did. So instead of bathing C.J. and getting her prepared, Mommy did all of that this morning and Daddy appreciated it.

Since Daddy was home he asked Mommy to get off work a little early. he decided that he wanted to cook dinner tonight so he went and picked up the groceries. Once he was done he swung by Mommy's job, picked her up, and then it was off to get C.J. C.J. was finishing up her food when we arrived, and as usual stared me down. We came home without incident and then hung out for the rest of the evening.

That is about it tonight. She still is moving all over the place. She gets loud and she genuinely likes to have a good time. I thank God for her presence daily! You all keep praying because whatever you may be going through, prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Step By Step, Day By Day!

Today I am a bit confused. I think it is because I am about to include a weird phrase to help explain C.J.'s day. The main reason is that tonight Buzz Aldrin will be the guest host on Monday night RAW. I know it is a shame but the more I try to pry myself away from wrestling, I still find myself glued to the tube more often than not on a Monday night. As soon as football season or I get my butt back in grad classes, that will end. So let me set the stage for you as I listen to my Princess whine in dramatic fashion.

OK, so now that she is done, I will get back to business. Today I arrived at the babysitter to pick up C.J. and noticed Mommy was not there. So the babysitter's daughter had C.J., and as soon as I walked in, as always, C.J. looked up and her eyes lit up. She began to bounce (as she does a lot) as if she wanted to get down so she was let down. I looked down upon her said, "What are you going to do, walk over here?" Low and behold still holding onto the hands of the sitter's daughter she began to take a step. So I knelt down and took hold of her hands and assisted her as she completed her trek to Daddy. It was, "One small step for C.J., one giant leap for mankind." (Borrowed from Astronaut Neil Armstrong's first words from the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969) Lately it seems like she is more and more focused on taking steps or pulling herself up. Now we all know that once C.J. sets her mind to something, much like her Daddy, she lets nothing stand in her way. OK, it may sound cheesy but I have to add the Perfect Strangers theme song lyrics here. They are so necessary.

Perfect Strangers Theme Lyrics

("Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now" by Jesse Frederocl and Bennett Salvay

Sometimes the world looks perfect,
Nothing to rearrange.
Sometimes you get a feeling
Like you need some kind of change.
No matter what the odds are this time,
Nothing's going to stand in my way.
This flame in my heart,
And a long lost friend
Gives every dark street a light at the end.

Standing tall, on the wings of my dream.
Rise and fall, on the wings of my dream.

The rain and thunder
The wind and haze
I'm bound for better days.
It's my life and my dream,
Nothing's going to stop me now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdFhmRdBtno (view it at your leisure)

I am glad that C.J. has already embedded self-determination into her mental set. Once you have that, you are building a solid foundation for yourself. So there is my "Walk on the Moon" moment for the day. C.J. is asleep and now I will get ready to watch the "Lake Show" (Lakers) beat up on the Suns. C.J. will miss Game One, but I will have her ready for Game Two. Before I go, let me remind you to always pray. We all know that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

I Thought I Hid It

Determined is the one word that describes my daughter, C.J. Johnson. It is a trait that she has received honestly straight from her Daddy and Mommy. Sometimes when I see her intending to do something and how she will let nothing get in her way, I just pause and watch because I know it came from my genes directly into her being. Today Daddy accompanied C.J.'s Uncle Big Duke to an Open House. He will be going to college in a year and has begun to look for which institution he will attend. As we traveled down the New Jersey Turnpike I received a text. When I was able to reach my phone, it was a text from Mommy. The words were clear and I knew that C.J. was doing something she had no business doing. Next there was a picture...the picture was of C.J. under her walker. Not in it folks, but under it. Now the irony of that would come later in the day. Daddy had returned home, laid down for a bit, and then enjoyed a great feast prepared by Mommy. (I worked with C.J. to urge Mommy to cook more because the meal was delicious and C.J. enjoyed her portion as well.) As Daddy lounged around he noticed some papers that he had hid from C.J. yesterday. Actually the papers were the direction to the Wii System. Yesterday while crawling she went on the entertainment center and removed them. I caught her so I took them from her and put them under her walker. I asked how they found their way to the couch and Mommy said C.J. I put two and two together and remembered the picture from earlier.

This girl sure is reminding me daily that I must change some things around in the house. One reason is because she finds everything I think I hide, and it is to make sure she is safe. The more she explores and gets into things the more and more I have to stay on top of my game and one step ahead of her. She also is a pretty strong girl so I never want her to get hurt simply because she is very aggressive. So I will begin to do what Daddy needs to do so he does not have to hide things C.J. will find, anyway.

So now as she sleeps, of course after whining and fussing for a few minutes, Daddy watches television and prepares for the work week. Continue to pray for us. Daddy and C.J. are doing well. (That was, up until I realized that she left scars on my ear from her Tyson moment the other day. I had to talk with her about that.) The bond is strengthening and we are learning each other. OK, I am still trying to figure her out and she does whatever she wants and laughs and smiles when I scold her. I am working on that. Tough love will have to come sooner or later. Daddy knows, and you should to, that prayer changes things, people, and situations, especially little Princesses who think they have their King figured out!

Johnson Leisure Day

Today was a day long overdue. Daddy did not have to work, had no meetings, and had not planned anything. Mommy did not have to get her hair done, or do laundry, nor any parties or baby showers to attend. C.J. did not have anything scheduled, either. This all means that we could turn the alarms off and sleep in. I am proud to say that is exactly what happened. We slept until C.J. decided to wake up and wanted breakfast. She was fed, but instead of getting up and starting the day, we lounged around, watched television, read, and surfed the Internet. It felt good. One thing would have made it great and that would be if Daddy was feeling 100%. Instead he is operating at about 80%. He had a headache and his sinuses were still a bit blocked up.

Halfway through the day, Daddy decided it was time for the family to go get some of the items C.J. needed for the week. We went out, shopped, picked up some food to cook for dinner, and then came home. We also picked up a movie for Daddy and Mommy to watch once C.J. is put to bed.

Today also lent itself to some time for Daddy and C.J. to bond. When Daddy was in 7-11 today, he heard a familiar tune. When he came out he asked Mommy if she knew it, and while she did not recognize it at first, when he hit the second verse she knew it. So of course Daddy sat with C.J. as she finished up her squash and introduced her to Mr. Billy Joel. (He is a fantastic musician with longevity.) She heard the song "She's Always A Woman"...the words are actually inspiring in a quirky way. Then, we danced to "Uptown Girl"! She clapped and smiled, then giggled and cracked herself up. Daddy was right there with her, laughing and smiling ear to ear.

It was a great day and a great moment to share with her. I wish all Saturdays could be this way. Too bad already in the works are two straight Saturdays where we have to be on. Next week is a program at the church and a baby dedication, and the following Saturday is Ma's birthday celebration. Then in June you know Daddy kicks off every month with meetings on the first Saturday, then we get an off week, followed by Father's Day weekend. At least we both get to look forward to that! OK, Daddy may be the only one looking forward to it, lol!

So now it is time for Mommy and Daddy's late dinner. C.J. is fussing, but we are doing our best to ignore her and watch television. Mommy is gawking over Mr. Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut, whom no one gawked at when he was Ricky in "Boys in the Hood") in the movie, "The Best Man". So pray for her, pray for Daddy as he tries not to throw up, lol, and pray for C.J. as she continues to deal with having to go to sleep without her parents running to her every beck and call. We know that prayer changes things, people, and situations!

CJ=Evander Holyfield

Ok, I will give you the gist of this entry. If you remember the boxing match between Holyfield and Tyson you automatically know what happened. Today I was a victim and can Identify with the pain Holyfield felt. CJ felt the need to bite my ear today and it really hurt. TBC

Another Sick Day

This morning I went to work solely on adrenaline. If I could have I would have stayed right in my bed all day long. Or at least I would have rested at home. I felt bad too because C.J. had a little congestion and I felt that I played a part in that. Nevertheless I washed her up, dressed her, and got her ready to head out the door. I had already made the decision that I would work just half the day today. I was not feeling the best and I needed to rest because tomorrow is graduation at the job and I have to be as close to one hundred percent as possible.

Now onto the C.J. front, I noticed today that her hair was growing in. I said to Mommy, that I would have to start brushing it more now. It is so funny to me that I see different things every day with her. The one thing that remains constant is her character development. This girl of mine has personality. As she waited with Mommy's beautician at the beauty salon she watched as the barber trimmed my beard up. She would not take her eyes off of me. I wonder if she was saying in her mind, if this barber makes one mistake I am going to choke him, lol! She also was real friendly with the beautician too. Now I do not know if I will count that as a good thing or a bad thing. I really would prefer her not get too comfortable with strangers, even if she makes Mommy look so pretty.

I was glad to hear C.J.'s breathing was a little better towards the end of the evening. She was up to her usual exploration. We will be making a trip to the Liberty Science Center soon. Then we will really see her eyes and hands wander. If she likes exploration then Daddy will feed her curiosity. Now I will sit for a few and finish watching this Cavaliers versus Celtics game. It is really good and even though C.J. has a pair of Lebron's, Daddy hopes he loses tonight. Let's go RONDO and let's go CELTICS! Now C.J. and Daddy are Lakers fans and until we lose a seven game series we are the CHAMPIONS! So before you head to bed remember to pray tonight. We know that prayer changes things, people and situations. Oh yeah and health too, I will be feeling better soon.

Sick Day

I will have to be brief tonight because I am battling a sinus infection. Today CJ and I spent most of our time together going to the baby-sitter and coming home. Both rides were a bit noisy due to the fact that CJ was up and chattering. I felt bad because all I could do was sneeze. I am still sneezing and now I have to contemplate whether or not I will sleep in the bedroom tonight. If this is more than a sinus infection I do not want to pass it on to CJ which would result in me missing time from work to care from her. Now I would but if I can help it I do not want to take any days around this time. So as I continue to ponder I ask that you pray for my health tonight. I know that prayer can change this sick situation that I have found myself in. God bless you all and have a great night!

No C.J.!

"No, David!" is a children's book by David Shannon. The book was inspired by a small book, entitled "No David", that David Shannon wrote when he was five years old. Every page consisted of the words, "No, David!" and a picture of David (Shannon) doing things he was not supposed to do. Things like writing and drawing on the wall, reaching the cookie jar, stepping into mud, dressed like a pirate with a scuba mask and snorkel, holding a shark and running naked down the sidewalk, dressed as a soldier playing with a big spoon and a pan, playing with the food at the table and eating it watching the television, dressed as a cowboy, picking his nose, watching TV in another room, playing baseball in the living room and knocking down a vase, sitting in time out, and hugging mom. Today I could input C.J.'s name in every spot of the book. It felt like every two minutes I was saying, "No C.J., No!" She was pulling stuff down, kicking the floor, crawling towards the computer and she was even trying to get behind the love seat.

I will admit, because I was a little tired, she was getting the best of me. The more I said no, the more she totally ignored me and continued her exploration. I had to give up a few times but she gave up, too. At one point I was laying on the floor and she came over and plopped down next to me for a second. We ended the night fighting, though. I put her in the crib when she did not want to be in there yet. She fussed and crawled around but I held to my guns and just looked at her. Pretty soon she flopped out and fell asleep. Of course, she had her thumb in her mouth.

So now Daddy, who is a little under the weather, will lay down and get some rest. So please add dear old Daddy in your prayers tonight. As always, prayer changes things, people, and situations. We will throw in sickness today as well.

CJ's First Pancake

Today was C.J.'s nine month visit to the doctor. For all of you who have kept up, you know what that means, the Johnsons head to IHOP immediately following the visit. Tonight would be different, though. On previous visits C.J. would have to be sleep or have to dine solely on milk and rice. She was not old enough to have a pancake yet. Daddy was eager for this day to come. Her consumption of a pancake would be the final test to see if she was indeed her father's child. So of course you know Daddy took the honors of presenting C.J. with her first piece of pancake tonight. Daddy fed her a small piece and then another. Eventually C.J. grew impatient, and Daddy saw a little hand reach out and grab a piece of pancake. Instead of stopping her I grabbed Mommy's phone and took a picture. This was a moment I wanted to keep. As she continued to chew I guess she wanted a more "hands on" experience with her pancake so suddenly I looked over and saw C.J. grab the entire pancake off of her plate. Mommy looked, and her eyes got big. Daddy again got the camera first and snapped a few shots before taking the pancake from her. Ladies and gentlemen, with the last test in, I continue to claim and I seal it with my royal insignia, C.J. is definitely her father's daughter. She likes pancakes and that is a good thing in this household.

The visit to the doctor was great. C.J. is growing steadily and is in good health. Praise God for that. So now Daddy is very happy and all smiles as C.J. is in the bed asleep from stuffing her face, lol. Daddy is going to relax and watch some television. Before your night ends make sure you pray. We know prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Mother's Day 2010

I really should have Mommy write tonight. Since it was Mother's Day, C.J. spent the day with her while she spent the day with her mother. That left Daddy alone but he was with his mother. If it is one thing Daddy does recognize is the power of the maternal relationship in the life of any child. I know my relationship with my mother is a good one. I still call her Mommy. I had to prepare myself to make C.J.'s mommy the number one lady in my life when I got married. My mother has always been there for me. She supported, and still supports me, in anything I do, great or poor. She also knows how to keep a secret from my father. Come to think of it, if that is what mothers do, I need to break C.J. and her Mommy up, lol.

I respect mothers and praise them for all they do. The sermon today talked about being a praying mother. Daddy has one and I know C.J. has one, too. They pray daily and always praise God for their children. So today as I reflect on motherhood, I have to salute C.J.'s mommy. She has only been a mommy for nine months, but has learned so much and continues to grow, as I let her know today she is doing a fantastic job as a mother and C.J. is lucky to have her. I will always hold these days in my heart where they hug, kiss, and cuddle. This is so when they argue, fuss, and fight in the future, they have a point of reference of when times were filled with joy! Now I am not wishing a chaotic household, but as I have witnessed with my own sisters and I have heard from my wife, sometimes mommies and daughters do not see eye to eye, and the hormones have to be released. That is why God blessed them both with a husband and a Daddy to keep the peace, or as I would say, comfort C.J. and save her from her Mommy because she is Daddy's little girl. Then I will talk with Mommy and let her know I am on her side once we send C.J. to her room. Before any of you say it, this is not being manipulative, this is being smart. I have to make sure I am in good graces with each of them before they try to form a crew and take over my castle, lol!

So today was great. Everyone had the time available to spend with their mother. Now we start the countdown to Father's Day. I think I am going to get a shirt made that simply says, I AM C.J.'s DADDY! I know I am crazy, so pray for me please. We all know that prayer changes things, people, and situations. We also know that it is the only thing that can help C.J.'s daddy!

Attention, Attention!!!

Usually when you hear the words "attention, attention", a statement will follow. Today however, I used them to describe C.J., who seems to be demanding more and more attention these days. Now for a little girl who is loved by her parents at home, at the sitter is loved by the entire family, and when she is up with her grandparents, she receives even more love, how can she still want more? Lately whenever she does not see who she wants around, she begins to whine. Daddy could be right at the doorway, and if she feels it is too far away, she will let him know.

Today my plans were altered. I was originally supposed to go to play paintball, but that was canceled. Last minute my friend called me and and said she was on her way north from Tennessee and wanted to see the baby. I said sure slide through but that meant Daddy needed to clean. Now you all know Daddy is out and about a lot so the house is not as tidy as my grandmother would want it to be, lol. So I figured that I would get up this morning and do what needed to be done. The morning started off well. C.J. and I woke up and had breakfast together. We caught up with the news and sent Mommy a text. We missed her a bunch last night. Daddy was lonely in bed and C.J. only had one set of kisses. Anyway, I was able to bathe her and put some loungewear on her. Now what I wanted to do was to get her settled enough to do some cleaning. I put her in her playpen and I began to hang things up and put some stuff away. Then I moved out of the living room and the whining began. The whining then turned to crying and I had come back. So I picked C.J. up to comfort her and then said I might as well sit down and maybe she will take a nap. After three cooking shows she began to doze and suddenly her head dropped in my arms and she was finally asleep. I laid her in her crib and went back to work.

My next thought was to take a shower since I knew I had guests coming. As I peeked in the room only to see my Princess up and looking out for her Daddy. There went that bright idea. So I brought her out of the crib and we sat and watched some more television. Soon we got the call Daddy was waiting for from Mommy saying that she would be home by 11:00am. A few minutes later she called back to say that she was running late, but she be there by 11:30am. Daddy was ready for her to come too since C.J. desiring attention meant that Daddy was limited to what he could do. Mommy eventually came, shared the attention duties, and Daddy was able to shower, finally.

C.J. received even more attention when Daddy's friends came by. She was held (not as much as I thought they would hold her) and pictures were taken. She was all smiles with the Diva Crew! It was great for them to finally see her and she enjoyed their company. She then needed to get to bed because she was tired and her guests were on to the next stop. The night is fading away and now Daddy is going to get some rest. Oh yeah THANK GOD THAT MOMMY IS HOME! She does not even know how happy I am, really she does not know. I am the fun guy with C.J. but she is the one who lays down the law and really is the reason that C.J. is such an "on point" baby.

So as Daddy prepares to do what his Princess is doing, you all please remember to keep my attention grabbing daughter in your prayers. I know, I know she is just a baby and this is what babies do. However I know prayer changes things, people, and situations! Have a great night!

Mommy Come Home

I am good with being with CJ for longs periods of time. That was the disclaimer for this statement. Mommy went out tonight so that left CJ and Daddy to be together and CJ sought to be in charge from the time I picked her up all through the evening. I moved the car seat this morning to lessen the amount of crying she would do while I was driving. It worked for a bit but she soon loosened the pipes and let go. I parked and let her out and she was fine as we went up and down the aisles.

We arrived home and this girl was all over the place. CJ seems to fins everything she does not need to have when she is on the floor exploring. She got a little piece of something in her mouth and I had to hook it out. On the other hand her hand eye coordination is developing more and more. I realized today that you really can not do much when you have her. Your eye has to be on her constantly. Even when I went to go get my delivery from downstairs a half sleep CJ had to come with me because I did not want her to fall or roll to far.

So I am soliciting Mommy to come home. Not that I can not handle her but I need a timeout, lol! I do not know how Mommy does it but she does it well. So let me find where she is go get her and then at least we have a fighting chance against CJ. I have to go back to the drawing board to stage my defense because I need to keep the title in this house, lol! All in all it was a good night for Daddy and CJ. We watched a whack basketball game as the cavaliers rocked the socks off the Celtics. CJ finally played herself to sleep and now I will go sleep alone tonight. I miss "My Baby" the bed will be so cold and uncomfortable tonight. COME HOME BABY, COME! You all remember to pray because prayer changes things, people, and situations.

What A Trip

By the title you would think that I drove for miles today. Truth be told, round-trip I probably covered eight miles. These miles felt like eternity because of, you guessed it, C.J.! Now folks I will tell you as a parent I have learned that there are times where you have to make a decision and stick with it. No matter what the circumstances, if you want to have any kind of effect, you must stay the course.

Today Mommy had to get all pretty for a function she is attending tomorrow. That left good ol' Daddy and C.J. to their own devices this evening. So after we dropped Mommy off, we stopped by the house to get C.J.'s travel bag. Since she was asleep, I took the opportunity to catch up on the news and check some emails. Once I was done, we went back out and away we went. That is when the fun began. We literally were going (maybe) seven minutes from the house. C.J. could not see anyone from the back seat so she begins to cry. If you know C.J., her cry for attention is not subtle at all. It is a loud shrill that gets annoying after seconds. Now I could have pulled over, comforted her and hoped that she would allow me to keep going after a few minutes. I decided not to, I wanted to get back home so I kept driving as she kept wailing! I reached back to rub her arm but she did not want to have any of that. What made it worse was that every light that could turn red did, which added more minutes to our trip. We arrive to our destination and I get out of the truck. As soon as C.J. hears the door crack, her hysteria stops. I give her a kiss and all I could do was shake my head because she did all that just to see her Daddy.

Now you know that tonight is Thursday so it was Daddy bath night. For the past few nights, C.J. has been a little difficult when it came time for her to lay down. She was fussy and would not go to sleep. She had to be taken out of the crib, rocked and cuddled with, which is so uncharacteristic of her. Tonight I went a different route after I bathed her without being splashed, read a book about animal babies to her and of course shared a word of prayer. I picked her up, looked her in the eyes and with a stern voice informed C.J. that she would be laying down and that no one was coming in to check on her. I laid her down and she fussed a little, but sooner than later tonight she was fast asleep. I will admit that this stern stuff is tough for Daddy but he has to set his Princess straight now so she knows how to conduct herself in the future. I have to make sure that she represents the Johnsons of Old Bridge Kingdom wherever she is.

On that note I will part ways with you tonight. It was a great day, Praise God! I am going to wind down, listen to some music and catch the score of the Magic versus Hawks game. Do not forget to add prayer to your daily agenda. I can assure you that prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Just so you know, the Magic are up 107-89 with a little over four minutes left!

Sleeping Beauty, NOT!

Mommy called me early in the afternoon to tell me that CJ was having a good day. She also informed me that CJ only slept for about an hour today. Which meant she should sleep later. Day by day CJ reveals more and more of her similarities to Daddy. As a child I never took naps and now that I am an adult I rarely take them. So it would be fitting that CJ would ave problems (at least that is what others would call it) with sleeping during the day. We like to be active and doing, we can operate on minimal sleep if need be.

Tonight Mommy insisted on laying CJ down early so she she bathed her, read to her, and prayed with her. However CJ was not ready to go to sleep so she began to make as much noise as possible. Now Daddy was preparing dinner and felt like telling Mommy to let her be but he held his piece. More and more noise came from CJ and Mommy became more and more intent on putting her to sleep. Now from the outside looking in I would say that Mommy was on the short end of this stick. At one point I summoned her to come on and eat and let CJ be since she was not going to let her stay awake. See Daddy is soft when it comes to CJ and does not mind letting her get her way sometimes. I know this is not a good thing but hey, its my Princess for Pete's sake.

So now CJ is sleeping comfortably, I guess she needs to be in the confines of her own crib to rest her eyes as my great-grandmother use to say. I will have to work on CJ and her sleeping habits. I have said it before and now I have to get it to sink into CJ that to operate at its optimal capacity the body needs 8 hours of sleep. Some power naps will not hurt either. I'm done for today so as always remember to pray because prayer changes things, people, and situations.

You Are Appreciated

Sitting on the phone with one of my brothers made me realize how much I love being a father. Sometimes you really do not understand things until you hear them from someone else. Ever since I found out that I was going to be a father I have tried to develop myself into the model parent and family man. I will admit I have made mistakes and I am growing from them. I use them as the point of no return. The point where I will always be able to reference to say this is where I realized that I had to kick whatever I was doing up another notch.

As I talked with my brother he mentioned that the things I do now will serve as those points of reference for C.J., but in a good way. The prayers we offer, the books I read, the way I communicate with her, and what foundation I set will be seeds ready to sprout in her life at the appropriate time. My responsibility is to water them, prune them, fertilize them, and weed them when the time comes. Every morning as I dress C.J., I look into her eyes and wonder what she sees when she looks at me. I know what I want her to see, but I wonder what she really sees. That is the question I must ask myself daily. I want C.J. to see the same man Mommy sees, the same man that my students see, the same man that my parents see, the same man that my congregants see, the same man that the world sees.

C.J. has changed my life for the better and I appreciate every millisecond of time we spend together because each moment is further developing me as a man, as a husband, and, most of all, as a father. One of my students once told me that C.J. was lucky to have me as a father. Did she know what that meant to me? I do not think she knew to what extent that affected me. I will say that I am lucky to have such a cool kid like C.J., even though she is only about 9 months old as a daughter. I see greatness in her and will give her my all so she develops into the woman she is to be.

I know I was very sentimental today but sometimes you have to really stop and think about how blessed you are. I thank God daily for my family, my baby (that is Mommy), and my Princess (that is C.J.). He has given me responsibility for them and I must honor that and do my best to protect and nurture the blessing bestowed unto me. His grace and mercy bring me through and I pray to him daily. So keep praying, I know and wholeheartedly believe, that prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Oh God...I Need a Gun!

These boys won't let me hold my peace, already.

Sunday Go To Meeting Hat

This morning was long it seemed. I wanted to be out of the house by a quarter to ten, but sleep felt good and I wanted more of it. We were finally all set to go at about ten o'clock. That is when I mentioned to Mommy that C.J. should wear her white hat with her cute dress today. So we got the hat out, put it on her and CJ has now officially been labeled a "Hat Wearer", even at this young age. She accompanies her hat with a fabulous smile.

C.J. shared some jasmine rice with Daddy today. I was eating my dinner and she looked over at me so I decided to share. Now that she is getting a little bigger I want to share different foods with her. I have to be careful though, I have to make sure things are not heavily seasoned and that they are soft so she will not choke on them. Her introduction to pancakes is coming soon.

Also today C.J. and Jaylen got to play together. She was a little mean, though. She tried to run him over in her walker. They were both having issues with sharing...they try their best but have a little ways to go. I mentioned today that it feels weird but they will be in school at the same time.

That is about it today. C.J. has taken off her hat and is now being difficult as she is in her crib. She should be asleep but I guess tonight may be one of her nights to cause a ruckus. So you all continue praying for quiet nights in the household. We know that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Make Up Day

I remember in elementary school we took the California Achievement Test. This test would begin on Monday morning and end on Thursday. If you missed a day during the week you would have to make the day up the following week. Well I missed a post yesterday. I was out having a grand old time with some old friends and did not get in until this morning. Now I will confess I am getting older because I used to be able to rebound quickly from a night like that, but now it is quarter to nine at night, and I am still feeling the effects of only having four hours of sleep. This morning I had a meeting at eight and needed to drop Mommy off someplace, so I needed to leave a a little earlier than I normally would have.

So if I dropped Mommy off, who had C.J.? Daddy is the answer, my people. You guessed right. With only four hours of sleep and after a very long week, Daddy had to step up to the plate today. I would say that I hit the ball out the park. I would also say, "THANK GOD FOR MOMMY AND MOTHERLY INSTINCT." What mothers do, no wait, what C.J.'s mom does, no even better, what MY BABY (she was mine first) does is magnificent. I needed to eat and had to change my order at breakfast so I could manage C.J. and my food. Then the clean ups, and the chasing, the feedings, and the changing, the changing, OMG I could have thrown the towel in. But I come from good stock, and have been prepared well for this line of business.

So Daddy and C.J. had a make up day today. We hung out this morning and then caught back up with Mommy, and of course C.J. was the victor of the shopping sweepstakes today. She always is. I am going to fight for my crown back real soon. So we strolled around the mall and C.J. is sitting up like a big girl now...no more bringing the carrier in the mall with us. Soon that piece of equipment will be laid to rest in the Johnson home. I saw a suitable bathing suit for C.J. so we picked that up today. I think Daddy should be the one to pick all bathing suits out. I do not believe some of the stuff I saw, and furthermore can not believe that someone would put a baby in some of them. I will speak on that at another time because last night I saw little girls dancing as if they were fresh off the pole. The sad thing is that one of the mother's (no let me call it what it is, a girl who has a child) took her kid up there on stage. I just shook my head and told a friend that C.J. was off to the convent.

So the make up day has been great. Daddy and C.J. went to a breakfast meeting, played tag on the floor, and jammed down the highway. Daddy also made sure his Princess, even as a child, is adorned as such. So now I am gonna call it a day. You all keep praying. The stuff from the kids last night, I am talking elementary aged kids, too. We know that prayer is the only thing that can change things, people and situations.