Everyday

Everyday is a day of thanksgiving! That is the song I shared with CJ on tonight. Bath time was not the greatest. She still is at a stage where she seems not to like baths.

Amen!

First let me apologize for not posting for two days. This is a very rough week at the job. Daddy hs to finish getting all the decisions out and is a little behind pace. So once he arrives home he is weak, has dinner, and then falls asleep. Last night he fell asleep and woke up at around 1:00am. he did get up off the living room floor and made his way to the bed. Daddy tried to wake Mommy up too but she refused to answer his call.


So this morning CJ was awake. She usually sleeps through Daddy dressing her but today she wanted to add to the confusion of the morning. Daddy overslept which made everything operate behind schedule. CJ following him around does nothing to help the situation either. We managed to get out of the house by 7:00am and of course that meant Daddy was late for work. Daddy took a picture of the traffic he was delayed in and sent it to Mommy.

So witht the knowledge that CJ will need a new babysitter next schoolyear, Mommy and Daddy sought out to find one. We secured a few names and today the leading candidate was interviewed. Daddy felt very comfortable with the woman mainly because she is family oriented. She had a house full of grandchildren and her daughter was a part of the interview. The house was immaculate, and she knows children and repsects their parents. Daddy left without any reservations.

We then had dinner in McDonalds of all places. We needed to kill some time before we went to church. CJ of course found someone to chat with and the lady entertained her as well. We then went to church and heard a magnificent word from the Lord. Daddy could hear CJ saying AMEN, from the pulpit. She say's it at the right time too. We are getting back on track and Daddy is goingto get rest. Keep praying for him to do as God leads him to do. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Copycat

CJ's little fits are beginning to become more and more pronounced. Now some of you will say it is her approaching the terrible twos. I will say she is mimmicking behaviors seen throughout the day at the babysitters. It is going to be really interesting trying to undo what she sees as normal practice. Daddy just wants to make sure that CJ does not feel that to get what she needs she has to throw a fit. SO it seems that we have to work more on language. She knows words but refuses to use them. She still thinks that she can chose when she listens and when she does not. Daddy is going to have to go back to the books I guess on her. We have to make sure the progress we have at home is not retarded when she is away from home. The sitter is great but Cj is so impressionable now and anyting that she see's she is going to tuck away in her memory bank and exhibit when she feels necessary.

This is an interesting situation for us. Please continue to lift us in prayer. We know prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Just The Two Of Us - March 26, 2011

So Mommy finally decided to accept an invitation to go out tonight. So that meant CJ and Daddy would spend the duration of the day together! So after we dropped Mommy off a the train station the fun began. The first stop was to a Panel Discussion at Daddy's job. CJ did not cause too much distraction either. She greeted the Ambassadors and then played with one of my co-workers while Daddy spoke and answered questions. She even allowed Daddy to go away from her and grab a bite to eat. She stayed back and played with one of her many big sisters whom she actually knows quite well. We then left there headed to look for a SUV rental for Big Duke's prom. By the tim ewe reached our destination CJ had retired for the afternoon. So Then the mission to find CJ something to wear to church was on. Since the weather has not changed with the season she can not wear what she has in the closet. The difficult thing is that all the stores are pushing summer gear now. So we went from store to store, city to city, county to county, all with the hopes of finding something. We repeatedly came up empty. We went up elevators and down elevators. In and out of bathrooms trying to fins one with a changing table in it. Daddy became very upset that none of the mens rooms in the mall had one. I'm gonna stop for right now to make the post. Will return to complete.

Left Undone

For the past month or so getting out of the house by the time we would like to has been a chore. On most mornings it is almost impossible. Whether it is Daddy waking up late or Mommy spending too much time in the bathroom, (and not having what she wants to wear out) or even CJ running around to not have her coat put on we are horrible at it. Some days we leave keys, ID's, lunch, the heat on, lights on and overall all the house is a mess. So much is left undone and we did not even hit the car yet.

So when we get on the road CJ is left to occupy herself for the duration. The only problem is that usually means undoing things. Whether it be undoing her hat and taking it off. (She then proceeds to eat the strings from her ball on top of the hat. I really do not understand how the ball is still there) Smearing her hands on the glass, and her favorite, hurling of her cup. CJ finds some way to be destructive. The newest action added to her repertoire is taking her shoes off. CJ has shoes on when we leave home but by the time we reach the proposed destination she is down to her socks and she now is attempting to remove those as well. Now adding to our lateness is having to put CJ's footwear back on her feet.

As I drive I can here the velcro coming undone I turn and ask her to stop, but she returns a sly smile to me and proceeds to suck her thumb. Then as soon as I turn my head the velcro comes apart again. Maybe I need to inform the sneaker companies to only use shoelaces in baby shoes. This way Daddy can tie them in a knot. Let us see how far CJ can get with a knot in her shoes.

As I go today i urge you to be purposeful in prayer. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Attitude

So CJ is developing more and more as the days go by. Some things Daddy welcomes but others he wish would go away. I know you can not prepare for children but this stubborn attitude has to go. I mean I get so frustrated when I call her name calmly and ask her to stop or to come to where I am she looks at me like she has a problem with my request. Now I do not like to raise my voice, so I have developed a deepened voice to communicate that I mean business. CJ has to learn to listen. As Daddy's father taught him, "Honor your father and mother." OK, he took it from the bible but you get my point. Now people, CJ will stand flat footed stare you in the face and tell you whats on her mind. This usually occurs when she does not want something. She throws it and will not pick it up. Now I know some of her attitude comes from her genes and the other from her being spoiled. So now Daddy has to break this little girl so she does not grow to be a problem. I think she will be fine. Recently she has been made to sit next to Daddy when she does something wrong. She will try to be coddled but Daddy will not let her. She gets the point and then waits for her next opportunity to play.

This breaking will take time, however it must be done. Daddy wants a confident child but not a nasty one. She must learn to listen and to follow directions. It will come. Keep praying folks, it changes things, people, and situations.

CJ Is Getting A Cell Phone

So today I am coming home from work trying to be the nice husband and make sure we have dinner to eat. So while driving, (I did have my earpiece in) I decided to call home to speak to Mommy. Daddy called Mommy's cellphone as well as the house phone. Of course Mommy did not answer. Now, Daddy has discussed the need to always want to be able to contact Mommy with her. Therefore when the phone rings he expects it to be answered. SO understand the frustration when the phone just rang and no return call was made.

So fast forward to when Daddy walks in the door. (I will note that Mommy finally called back when I was parking the car) Daddy comes in and hears his Princess of course. Also when he reaches the top of the stairs he see's that she has the phone. So Daddy says to her, "I know you wanted to answer the phone but Mommy told you not too." She replied, "Yes!" It was right then and there that Daddy decided that he would purchase CJ a cell phone. That way he could at least keep in contact with his Princess and she will always answer the phone.

So here we are Mommy will not answer the phone. CJ will. Who is right? Daddy would say, CJ! SO keep praying folks, here is one that needs to be changes and we all know that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Two Faced

So today was CJ's follow up visit with the Ear, Nose,& Throat Specialist. It has been two weeks since her procedure and he wanted to make sure that all was well. So Dadddy left work to make sure we were on time for the visit. We arrive to the office and Cj is being her normal self. She walks in and is talking to everyone. One lady held a conversation with her. Cj of course engaged her. She was so fascinated with her she asked her age. CJ did not respond so she guessed that she was two. Her face was shocked to find out she was not two years of age yet. Things were going well then CJ put on another face.

The doctor called out her name and then she began to cry hysterically. The tears burst out of her sockets like fireworks. She cried through the entire visit. Now you know Daddy was ready to go. The doctor did what he needed to do then conducted the duration of the video outside where there was more space. I do not know what got into her but I wished it would go away. The funny thing is that when she decided to stop she did and then carried on as if nothing happened. One child, two faces and she is not even a Gemini.

Keep praying for her recovery and her development as a person. She is doing well and prayer is the cause of that. Prayer changes things, people, and situations!

TIMEOUT

OK, CJ tested some limits today and had to get checked. We are in the midst of CJ developing her little attitude. What she wants to do, she does. You ask her to do something and she acts like she does not hear you. That pains Daddy. She played that game today but played herself. Mommy said it was timeout but Daddy calls it, "sit your butt down and don't move." CJ needs to learn that when Daddy asks her to do something she must respond. Now CJ did not like the time she had to be still and stay on the couch. She tried to be coddled but Daddy mesnt business.

Fat Lip

So I drop Mommy and CJ off and not to soon after I get a text that CJ had an accident. I Daddy asked what happened and it seems as if CJ ran into bedpost. I should have called the authorities but I let Mommy off the hook. Daddy and CJ did not see much of each other but when CJ saw her Daddy she ran up to him and hugged his thighs as she has grown accustomed to doing. So after Daddy and Mommy came home from their old folks date, CJ was already sleep. She woke up for a bit to acknowledge our presence but drifted back to sleep in the car.

Before I go, remember to pray. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Happy Birthday Mommy

CJ actially wished her Mommy a Happy Birthday!

Bath Time Resistance

Up until today bath time with Daddy has been calm and able to be conducted with ease. I would run the bath water, get the washcloth, the towel, and the soap prepared before I placed CJ in the tub. Then I would let her play, just a little bit and proceed to bath her. We would usually be done with everything in about twenty minutes to a half hour.

Well today homegirl flipped the script. She saw me get up to go into the bathroom and she started to whine. She then darted to me and stood next to me trying to prevent me from finishing what I was doing. As I started the water her cry got louder. I asked her what was wrong but she did not indicate anything. So I put her in the tub and she continued to whine, she even tried to get out. So Daddy operated quickly to help her not get to hysterical. I do not know what it is theses days but I explained to CJ that being clean is something she MUST do. Daddy and Mommy are holding you down now, but just as soon as she is able CJ will be bathing herself.

I hope bath time gets back to normal. The time CJ and I spend together helps to foster our great relationship. So keep praying, prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Daddy Was Not There

As the father of a girl one thing that stays on my mind is always being there for her when she needs me. From the moment she entered the world Daddy's protective instinct went to one hundred. So when I came in from church the news I heard was not pleasant. I know this may be a bit much but do not judge me. Mommy told me that when she washed CJ's hair she called out for me. The only thing was that Daddy was not there. I admit it hurt me to hear this so I went in to check on CJ as she slumbered.

Please keep us in your prayers. Pray that CJ and Daddy are provided with more time together. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Normalcy

Today was a normal day. CJ is doing well and Daddy is working hard.

Boston

Everyone in the world knows that Daddy is die hard Los Angeles Laker fan. Through the miserable day of Threat, Campbell and Divac I stuck by there side. The church knows it, my students know it, my wife knows and the babysitter family knows it! They hated when the Lakers won another championship last year. So you all can imagine my dismay and astonishment when I walk into the babysitters and find my child adorned in the green and white of Boston. I almost vomited. The sitter's daughter thought it amusing to get CJ a Celtic jersey, OMG! Now Daddy smiled and let her her know that CJ knows what team she supports. Not even a jersey can get her confused. The sad truth is that she will support the Lakers until she is old enough to state otherwise and then she should be careful of who she choses because she will need a place to live. It was a cute joke, so now she will really get the Kobe sneakers and a few other Laker related items.

So, when you pray tonight lift Daddy up in prayer, he needs it. Prayer changes things, people, and situations and only prayer can fix this.

Not Sleeping Beauty

So CJ did not take a nap today. She stayed up in church. She played during the entire time we were at dinner. So then, when we rode home she dozed off and while we shopped for her weekly needs she slept. When we arrived home we put her to sleep for what we thought was the night but CJ had other plans. It is 10:55pm and she is awake. Lets see when she goes to sleep.

Until The Night

Today was a long day. It started off well but once the day ended CJ turned into another person.

Runny Nose

Well today did not go as Daddy planned. He planned to drop Mommy off to work then head down to his office to catch up on some missed work. However Mommy had other plans and insisted that he not take CJ away from home and reluctantly he obliged. This stirred the pot a little but these things happen. So CJ and Daddy dropped Mommy off at work and returned home. CJ watched her TV shows while Daddy prepared breakfast. We feasted on Cream of Wheat this morning. Now Daddy, knowing that CJ was suppose to get her hair done wanted to keep her breakfast out of her hair so he put her hat on. That is right folks he put her winter hat back on her head to protect her hair. It worked for a little then CJ did as she normally does and took her hat off. Daddy gets a B, the hat could not be worn after breakfast.

Today CJ was still spunky but she had to contend with a runny nose all day long. The substance was not usual and it flowed all the time. When she fell asleep it slowed down which was good. SO Daddy kept a wet burp cloth handy to keep up with her nose. I guess it frustrated CJ so much that she was looking for tissue and using it properly. I felt bad for her but let her do it herself sometimes to help with her development.

The past three days have been OK. Daddy will admit he does not like staying indoors. He is a busy body that needs to see other people and the outdoors. However when CJ is sick he must do what he can to make sure she is cared for. These are the things they do not include in the book and you must learn for yourself. So hopefully we are out of the woods with this surgery. We go for a follow up in two weeks and the report will be good. CJ will be back to her usual schedule on MOnday prayerfully and Daddy is dreading the return to work. Not only will he be behind but he has presentations on Monday. So you know what we are praying for I hope. Pray for CJ to continue healing and for Daddy to have patience. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

What Recovery

CJ is fine and I got absolutely no work done. This is what today was like. I need prayer because Daddy is still behind on work. Looks like I will take a nap but will be up at 4AM. Keep praying folks, prayer changes things, people, and situations. Look's like Daddy needs a change in each area. Oh yeah CJ is sleeping comfortably.

Surgery

Well after the long wait the surgery finally happened. Today CJ had her adenoids removed. CJ is doing OK now and now we shall see how the recovery will go. Today Daddy had to wait in the waiting area because only one parent was allowed back in the preparation area. So Mommy built up the courage to go see CJ be put under. That process did not take to long, one second you did not see Mommy the next second Mommy was back out explaining to Daddy how she saw CJ's eyes roll back in her head. The surgery lasted for about 25 minutes. (If you ask Mommy she will add a couple of hours on to that) Mommy was antsy but composed.

The doctor came out and explained a few things to Mommy and said that CJ was waking up. Mommy went back to dress her, so I thought. Then the nurse came out to ask Daddy if he wanted to come in and of course he made his way back. He found Mommy holding CJ as she whimpered a little bit. Mommy explained that the nurse wanted CJ to drink something before she was discharged. Mommy tried but was not successful. So Daddy stepped on and asked for a few different items. He held CJ and she got comfortable and went to sleep. Which was OK but Daddy was getting hungry so he wanted to leave. He eventually woke CJ and she drank from a regular cup. He asked her for a hi-five and she gave it to him. This was her sign to Daddy that she was OK. CJ and Daddy always share hi-fives, it has become sort of their thing!

Once we arrived home after getting CJ things she could eat and filling her prescriptions, CJ slept for most of the day. She did eat a mango ice and drank some juice, she also played around with some potatoes. She stood up on her own and gave Daddy a hi-five. Daddy felt comfortable enough to go to church tonight and when he arrived home CJ was sleeping well.

Daddy was not to worried about this surgery. He knew God was the surgeon and he just used the doctor to carry our some menial tasks. When you pray, you should believe that God will answer. So since Daddy trust in the Lord and lets HIS will be done in his life, he was not going to let a little surgery create the least bit of doubt in his mind. CJ performed like a champ in there today and God as always did his thing! So again my testimony tonight is that prayer changes things, people, and situations! Give God the highest Praise!

NOTE TO CJ: When you put something in God's hands leave it there. God is in control. I will leave you with this verse tonight. Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Before you leave your life in the hands of a doctor or let others fill your head with what they believe and feel they are experts at do what this verse says and you will always be ahead of the curve. Love you, Daddy

I Wonder If She Knows

As I sit here and mentally prepare one thought goes through my head. I wonderif CJ has any idea what is going to happen tomorrow? I wonder what she is thinking, how she feels, and even whether or not she would want this procedure done if she had her way. For Daddy, he has already turned the surgery over to God. Daddy figures that we go in, get the procedure done, come home and get back to business as usual. If Daddy had his way people would look at this his way instead of spreading negativity our way. Then everyone wants an opinion, the only problem is that none of the people that talk have a clue about what is going to happen. Daddy has deafened his ears to all of their unsolicited advice.

In the morning I will pray with CJ then God will guide the surgeon as he operates. Everyone else should just pray. We allowed CJ to stay up a little longer with Daddy praying she remains sleep until the adenoids are gone.

So as Daddy sits here and watches television, CJ is resting. Daddy feels sorry for her because her diet has to change for a few days. Daddy will feel sorry but he will continue eating, lol. I have to folks.

So lift my Princess up in your prayers. Prayerchanges things, people, situations,and adenoids.

Wanting To Speak English

Though Daddy believes that CJ is acquiring language at a very fast pace she still has a way to go. At this point in her life she is able to repeat most of what she hears. So if she hears words that will broaden her vocabulary this is a good thing. However if she hears words that are foul they can be detrimental to her development. I am glad to report that CJ hears developmental vocabulary ninety-nine percent of the time. Daddy has worked on his mouth tremendously since CJ came into his life. At home CJ learns how to communicate her feelings, how to articulate what she wants, and how to speak calmly when in conversation. This is because Daddy and MOmmy exhibit this kind of behavior.

So the stage is set earlier today that CJ wanted a snack. The problem is that she could not tell Daddy what she wanted so she began to whine. Daddy explained to her that whining is not the way to get what you desire. Mommy felt bad and said, "I wish she could verbalize what she wanted." The good thing is that through process of elimination and once CJ calmed down Daddy was able to decipher what it is was thats he wanted. All she wanted was a pretzel. When Daddy opened the fridge and she did not get what she wanted out and she said, NO! emphatically to another offer Daddy gave her what she wanted. He also told her what it was so she could add the word pretzel to her vocabulary.

So as we go on this journey of language development please pray for CJ and Daddy as we use different techniques to help her along and to challenge her young mind. We know prayer changes things, people, and situations. We also belief that with prayer at the foundation, CJ will do all things through Christ who strengthens her!

NOTE TO CJ: CJ I will provide you with the words to this song to help you along your way as you begin your academic journey. "Yes Christ is all, he's everything to me, yes Christ is all, he rules the land and sea, yes Christ is all, and without him nothing could be, yes Christ is all, all in all this world to me. Sing those words and believe them and you will be alright!

Redo

Every now and then you have a day that you wish could start over. For CJ and her Daddy, today was one of those days.

Delayed But Cool Saturday

When we came home last night Daddy was tired so he fell asleep. Especially after the Duke game outcome was not what he wanted. The day started as a normal work day would for us. Daddy had a meeting at church and Mommy wanted to go get her hair done. So that left Daddy and CJ together! That equals good times. The first stop was to IHOP where the meeting was to take place. CJ had pancakes, french fries, and fruit her favorite foods at this point in her life. She was fairly quiet during the meeting as well. We then went to grandma's house to wait for Mommy's call. Upon arrival CJ was really out of control. For some reason she did not want to be there. I believe she is still acting up because she got her hair done and she hates getting her hair done.

Fits

Daddy can live without fits. These fits come from nowhere. Today CJ went to the back door and began crying. She then got down on the floor whaling her arms and kicking her legs. No one did anything to her either. Daddy just stood in awe and looked at her. Daddy does not know what was wrong but we can do without the fits.

Now Daddy asks for you all to pray for CJ. If this continues her circumstance will not be plasant. Daddy knows that prayer changes things, people, and situations. PRAYER will help save CJ from a world of trouble.

Jumped Out Of The Tub

CJ was so mad today during bath time that she jumped out of the tub. All week when the water ran Momy said she was antsy. Grant it she got her hair taken out which she was upset about, but I had to hold her while she calmed down. Of course my pajamas were soaked. She got over it eventually. Then we prayed and now she is sound asleep. Pray for her so bath time is enjoyable again. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

500th Post

Wow, I never imagined that I would still be writing about my relationship with my daughter at this point. I thought that I would lose momentum and interest. However, working late down at the school chaperoning a party, traveling to North Carolina twice, being worn out from the long day at work, running back and forth to the hospital because I was given the wrong medicine, and not even being in a car driving has hindered me from pressing on with this Blog. This blog which is really a story of a fathers love for his daughter. CJ has progressed so much through the 499 previous entries. She has grown teeth, learned to crawl, learned to walk, she talks, claps, runs, talks, and eats by herself. She has developed a strong personality. CJ has fallen but always gets back up. She loves to dance, laugh, and bother anything in her site. She loves to call out for her Daddy. She has gone to football games in the blistering cold and basketball games with hundreds of screaming fans and she just joined right in. She has seen the Lakers win a championship and the Giants come up short. She enjoys pancakes on a Saturday morning with her Daddy as they watch cartoons together. Even though Daddy does not particularly care for her shows he watches them anyway. She enjoys listening to music and most recently has begun to be a parrot and repeat all she hears. So Daddy has to watch it, he has dramatically changes his vocabulary not only in CJ's presence but in life in general.

Overall CJ has been a joy to watch develop. She is bigger than the average girl but that just makes her smile more bright and comforting to see. Do not get it twisted folks she is not fat but she will be a big, strong girl. A cute one too. Finally, yes folks she has attitude that Daddy has to check from time to time and she is not afraid of bigger kids. She even likes Dogs. You all keep praying for us. We are an cool pair. Daddy and CJ love each other company. SO pray that we always have a honest, strong and fun relationship. Prayer changes things, people, and situations. Prayer also keeps people together. By the way, CJ will say Amen too!

Phenomena Woman, That is CJ to Be!

As today begins Women's History Month I would like to share this piece with my Princess CJ. I pray everyday that you become a standout woman. One that fears the Lord, is confident in who you are, and a woman that is intellectual, athletic, fun, and determined.Your Daddy will always be here to support you, your hype man in your corner. I will always pray for you daily and together. Prayer not only changes things, people, and situations but prayer is essential in your life. Daddy loves you, enjoy!

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Maya Angelou

NOTE TO CJ: Soar to heights unimaginable!