MIni-Session

Today CJ and Daddy had an impromptu mini-session. Mommy needed to go get her hair done so that meant that Daddy and CJ would be alone for a few hours. Usually that means fun for Daddy but today CJ just wanted to be clingy. Today was the first day I saw her pay more attention to Daddy than the television. So Daddy held her and made her feel comfortable. They researched some stuff online and then listened to music of course.

The time together was appreciated and needed. Anytime Daddy and CJ can be together is a great thing. Daddy really desires for the father/daughter relationship to be strong. So he does not mind spending quality time with CJ.

So keep praying for us! Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Memorial Day 2011

Well today CJ and Daddy celebrated Labor Day a few months early. Since we were intelligent and had our barbecue yesterday we were able to stay home and relax today. This was something we both needed, too. CJ and Daddy live life going all the time. Going to work, going to the sitter, going to meetings, going to outings and many other goings. So when a day comes that we can do absolutely nothing we grab hold of it. Today we woke up late, praise be to God, watched all our favorite television shows, we ate snacks, listened to music, we got a little bit of reading in, and lounged all day! At the end of the day we do not even know what to do with ourselves. CJ is quiet but now fighting her sleep. Daddy is well rested and ready to hit the bed, and Mommy is trying to fight some sort of sickness that CJ and Daddy both pray we do not get.

At 10:12pm CJ is still up. She is very delirious but still will not give in. This was a very memorable day. We remembered those who fought for our freedom and we remembered to take some time to ourselves. Praise God for relaxation. You all continue to lift CJ and Daddy in prayer. We have a long road of ups and downs ahead but we know the rainbows will out number the clouds. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

BBQ on Memorial Day

Today was an action packed day for CJ during the BBQ after church. The HOly Spirit worked through Daddy but today CJ fell asleep. After worship today the family cooked out on the grill. CJ decided that today she would be a walking terror. CJ had a ball. She went throughout the house in search of anything that looked like it could a beverage. She took cups of water, cans of soda, and even her cousins cup. She drank what was left and in some cases poured out onto the floors the contents. At one point CJ had a cup with a little water in it. She decided that she wanted to splash her uncle King Duke with water. So she lunged at him unexpectedly and she got him. All he could do was laugh as CJ sprawled on the floor cracking herself up. He could not do anything but laugh too.

CJ was so tired from all her activity that she fell asleep in the car during the ride home. Not to worry though, she woke up as soon as Daddy put the car in park. She continued to wear herself down until it was bath time. She went to bed without much fuss tonight. Daddy enjoys watching CJ be a inquisitive menace. She is not bad but explorative and wants to get into any and everything she can. Daddy finds it cute! This evening Daddy watched "My Family Wedding" tomorrow he will critique during the day because the father daughter relationship in the wedding taught him something that he wants to ponder. So as you pray keep Daddy and CJ's relationship in mind. Prayer changes, things, people, and situations.

A Day of Relaxation

For the last few days Daddy has been trying to get a much rest as possible. OK, let me be serious Daddy's body would give out on me and this morning was no different. Daddy's mind had all intention on getting up at 6:00am, Daddy's body had other plans and did not get out of bed until CJ came into the room at 9:00am telling him to do so.

So it was not a normal Saturday morning with Daddy being home. It was Mommy that fixed CJ breakfast and Mommy who she watched cartoons with. Daddy was not jealous he just was tired and needed his rest. So when Daddy finally was up and ready Mommy had gone back to bed and left CJ and Daddy together. Daddy was trying to focus on work for tomorrow and has to admit that CJ was very cooperative. However a little girl can only entertain herself for so long and then turned to Daddy for entertainment.

So Daddy paused from his work and played with his Princess. Ok it was more of CJ doing what she wanted to do and Daddy asking her to stop. The only time she really wanted to be bothered with her Daddy for a length of time was when she wanted to use him as a pillow. Daddy does not mind as long as she is quiet and careful.

Today everyone pretty much bummed around the house. We did not engage in much. We all had very long weeks and needed the recovery time. Besides Daddy always enjoys spending th day with his Princess and Mommy.

Another cloud is over us and we will just have to pray through it. You all pray with us and for us. One thing we do know is that prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Another One

Another long day.

The Day After

Daddy was tired. A zombie! Will explain later.

Driving Ms. Daisy

Well today I learned a valuable lesson for the umpteenth time. That lesson is that your child sees everything you do. Today Daddy played chauffeur for Uncle Duke's Senior Prom. Daddy played the part, dressed in black, wore a hat, and rented a huge SUV for the occasion. So while we were waiting for the date to get ready CJ lured her great-aunt to bring her over to the truck to see her Daddy. So of course Daddy pulled her through the window and sat him on her lap. CJ then proceeded to change the radio station and turn the volume up and down. That is pretty understandable. What is not as understandle is how she then grabbed the steering wheel and acted as if she was driving. Then on top of that, she started to dance while driving similar to how her Daddy does when he is driving. I could only shake my head and laugh. CJ has all eyes on Daddy back in that car seat I guess.

Well I have to be brief tonight. The chaufeurring continues at 11 so I want to at least sit in one place and chill out until then. Pray for Daddy and CJ, so they will not get pulled over for dancing while driving. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Wearing Different Hats

Daddy decided last week that he would attempt to wear a hat. He purchased a pretty stylish one and we shall see where this goes. How this all ties into the day is that on the ride home CJ wanted to play with Daddy's hats. The new one was out of her reach but one another hat of mine was placed where she could reach it. As Daddy drives he always looks back to see what CJ is doing at a light. When Daddy looked back this particular time CJ had put on his hat and was dancing. Daddy tried to snap a quick picture but she took the hat off quickly.

CJ always finds Daddy's hats and then loses them. She likes hats sometimes and then other times she will throw them when you try to put in on her. Seeing her mess with the hat was a bit funny today and of course after a long day at work Daddy needs a laugh from his beautiful Princess. WHo is is really coming into her own. You all keep praying for us, we are doing the best we can. Prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Back Together Again

So after two days of being in the wilderness while CJ dwelled in the big city, Daddy and CJ are back together. Daddy kept strong and sis not speak with her until we arrived in JC and upstairs to see CJ face to face. Or in her case face to booty, since her Aunt was lathering her up with way too much Eucerin. So as soon as she was dressed CJ made her way to her Daddy and took residence around his neck. I guess in her head she said I am not going to let go this time. It was funny that the exact same situation presented itself today. Daddy needed to use the bathroom but this time CJ was hip to it. She would not allow Daddy to put her down. Each time Daddy tried she latched on tighter and tigher. When we could wait no longer, Mommy literally needed to pry CJ off of Daddy. She fussed a bit but soom settled down. Daddy came back out just like Saturday and Mommy needed to leave, CJ again was not having it. Eventually CJ got it all together and realized that she was not being left today. Daddy hopes this does not linger over until tomorrow morning when we need to go to work.

The evening brought us all back to reality. CJ was up to her old antics and Daddy and Mommy had to be on top of her every move. We enjoyed dinner together once again and then CJ was off to bed. It is good to be back home as a unit. We made it through the first nights away from each other. Keep praying that we do even better the next time this has to occur. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Out Of Sight But Not Out Of Mind

Today was day two of CJ and Daddy not being together. Even though she was out of sight, Daddy soent every minute of the day thinking about his Princess. Dadddy chooses not to talk with her, he feels like it would give her false hope. Instead he quietly anticipates the huge hug CJ will give him when she lays her eyes upon him. Mommy delivers the message that she is doing just fine as Daddy thought she would. Nonetheless tomorrow is coming and Daddy is going to get his child. All weekend Daddy wondered, what was on CJ's mind. Also he has learned that two days withought hearing "Daddy, Daddy" is too long for him.

So the first time is coming to an end and Daddy and CJ will be back to creating havoc. Continue to pray for us during these type of days. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

The First Night Away

Daddy has been away from CJ on many occasions. Most of the occasions the separation is due to work. Mommy has even taught to say Daddy is at work! Daddy wants CJ to know and understanding that many times Daddy must go away to ensure she has a good quality of life and that work is how all of her needs are met and how she receives nice things. However today was different, both Mommy and Daddy will not be with her when she wakes up so this has nothing to do with work. Mommy's collge roomate is getting married and Mommy is in the wedding. Therefore both Daddy and Mommy had to leave earlier than both emay have wanted.

SO CJ is staying with her Aunt for the weekend. Today was drop off, and Daddy thought it would be easy because CJ fell asleep in the car. Little did he know but CJ had her own plans and woke up as soon as we arrived to Jersey City. Daddy too her upstairs and CJ would not let go. The girl knew something different was going down and that with Daddy was her safest place. The girl did not say a word or even make a peep. She laid on her Daddy's shoulder with her thumb in her mouth and I guess dared someone try to move her. All the while Mommy was running down allof the do's and dont's for her Aunt. Finally Daddy needed to make a move, so to the bathroom he went. When he came out he grabbed his keys while CJ was not looking. He already had kissed her before he went to the bathroom so he would not have to do so on the way out. Mommy got the hint and she had to say her goodbyes too. She told CJ that we would be back soon and then headed to the door. CJ started to cry but Daddy and Mommy had to keep going. Daddy was halfway down the steps but Mommy took a second to get herself together. Daddy has not talked to CJ since but has listened to Mommy's updates. (Mommy is doing better than expected)

When Daddy and Mommy arrived to the hotel they went to a few stores first. Of course Daddy brought something to bring back to his Princess, a soccer goal so she can use with her soccer ball! She should enjoy that and it make be a little bit of a peace offering since Daddy left her for the weekend. Daddy will admit he does miss his little girl and can not wait until he gets back to pick her up. So pray us through the weekend people, praye r changes things people, and situations!

The Oil Change

This will be an oil change for Daddy to remember for a lifetime. It would be the first where CJ was there with him the entire time. The first attempt failed. Daddy figured he could actually take CJ in with him, they would watch television and the time would go by pretty fast. CJ had other plans. She wanted to run around the shop. Now you have to understand babies have no place in the tire shop, but a Daddy has to do what a Daddy has to do. So after Daddy saw that CJ wanted to be on her own he thought on his feet prety fast. He asked the mechanic to give him the keys back. Then CJ and Daddy went to the car and Daddy took out her stroller and put CJ in it. This way he would at least be able to contain her. He also found her Cheerios, a cup and her dog and brought them as well. So Daddy strolled CJ back in, he gave her the Cheerios and the dog and CJ was cool. She did not talk much to the men in the shop (Thank God)...they were not too inviting. However just as soon as a younger girl entered the shop with her mother, CJ laid eyes on her and the conversation began. CJ yapped away and all the young girl could ask was, "What is your dog's name?" Daddy was glad when the girl left. CJ then became a little restless, so Daddy strolled her outside for a few minutes and she stuck her thumb into her mouth and was quiet.

The highlight of this trip was for Daddy. Of course he needed to use the bathroom which meant he reluctantly had to stroll CJ into the bathroom. He turned her in the direction of the wall so she could not see him and proceeded to do what he needed to do. Upon departure Daddy saw a changing table. He though to himself, "Finally a place geared towards men with a changing table in the bathroom." Even though he did not need to, he was glad they thought to have one.

Soon after the car was ready. Daddy had to spend more than he thought but he would spend whatever to make sure CJ and Mommy were safe. So CJ made it through the experience well and Daddy did not have to hurt her. They came home and watched television until it was time to pick Mommy up from the hairdresser. Thanks for your time, keep praying for us! Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

CJ Goes To Work

CJ went with her daddy to work today. She had a fantastic time and everyone enjoyed her.

Hi Daddy, I Am Still Awake

Tonight CJ was a little fussy and too active during bedtime. Daddy could hear Mommy fussing with her from the other room. CJ can get very fidgety when she is tired and Daddy believes tonight she was at that point. So CJ was bathed, greased, dressed and put in her crib. A good 15 to 20 minutes passed by when Daddy needed to pass the door and when he did Cj was up and said, "Hi Daddy!" Daddy went into the room and asked CJ why she was awake. ALl she did was smile and look at him. Then Daddy asked for a kiss and she stretched her head up to give him one. Daddy then told her that Dora (whose face is all over her PJ's) wanted to go to sleep. She looked down at her pants and then said, "No!" Daddy responded with tell her to lay down with Dora and she did so reluctantly. Her objective was to stay awake ans in conversation with her Dad as long as she could. Daddy then decided to leave, she whimpered a little bit but then dozed off.

She will get better with bedtime throught prayer. So keep praying, prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Better Behavior/Diego

Now I will not jump the gun but I do want to give props where they are due. Given how CJ has acted the past few days, today she was much better. She did not make too much noise in the car. She performed no tantrums, and she did not get hypnotized by the television. As she viewed the Backyardagens she tried to do as the characters announced. To Daddy it was great watching her think. She remembered the first two movements in a dance but could not get the final component. After seeing her detemrination today Daddy is sure she will get the dance down packed.

Now the issue of the day is this kid Diego. Diego is a character on Nick Jr., who happens to be Dora the Explorer's cousin. Daddy's problem is that CJ likes Diego and can say his name clearly. Her's she still fights with, lol. Daddy posted his displeasure on Facebook and a few folks found it funny. Daddy does not. Daddy is ready to check Diego if he can find him. He might need to come in contact with my peace (piece of steel that is). I know it is harmless folks but Daddy is still working on preparing himself for when CJ wil begin to take interest in boys. (It hurts just to say it)

Daddy knows he has some issues to work through, and he will. You all just pray that they are handled before it affects his and CJ's relationship. Which they have worked on so diligently. You all know what Daddy says, "Prayer changes things, people, and situations!"

Daddy The Slacker

As CJ frequently says throughout the day, "I sorry." I have been giving you bits and pieces of our journey for the past few days. The opast week was a busy one and by the end of the evening Daddy would be tired and some nights fall asleep right on the couch. Daddy was able to give some highlights but you have missed out on some key moments in CJ's life.

Well today was another milestone in CJ's life. After totally messing up her high chair with milk Daddy decided it was time for CJ to learn how to eat at the big peoples table. Daddy has to admit this was a long time coming but themove was made today. The move yielded some great reward too. CJ actually ate some of her dinner. We have struggled mightily with her and her eating habits but today was a little different. Daddy asked Mommy whether or not she felt that the table led to her actually eating the food.

After an eventful weekend of CJ exercising her tantrum skills she calmed down a bit. Daddy is proud of her graduation to the table. She now has the seat right next to me. Lets see how this progresses. You all pray for us. Prayer changes things, people, and situations!

And We Are Glad

The start of the day was rough for CJ. She was repirmanded and placed on time out.

Blocked From Blogging

For some reason I could not BLog last night. Google would not let me in. Tonight CJ was on her bad behavior in IHOP. WIll have to fill you in when I am not sleepy.

Outside and Dirty

When I came home I found CJ outside having a great time.

WILD!

Tonight was not a good night for CJ. Due to some important work neeeding to be done CJ was bathed early, then had dinner, then needed to be put to bed. Daddy tried to put her to bed but his method did not lead to sleep. When Daddy put CJ down she laid there for a moment then the fireworks began. Daddy did his best to ignore her but she then called out for her Daddy so you know he ran in there to comfort her. He then brought her out to sit with him while she dozed off. Mommy said that she played Daddy because she then tried to get down and do whatever she wanted. Daddy does not care, he has a soft spot for the girl and is not afraid to admit it.

After Mommy fighting with her and Daddy fighting with her, CJ finally fell asleep. Daddy hates to see CJ spazz out like she did. He is afraid she will hurt herself. SO he does not mind comforting her but he understands it does not help the situation either. SO pray for Daddy folks, prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Monday, Monday.

CJ slept through being dress and dropped off at the babysitters. So there was not much interaction during the ride in. The interaction was minimal when I returned to pick her up too. Both CJ and Daddy had to endure the hate as the babysitter and her daughter cheered the fact that the Lakers had been swept out of the playoffs. We both stood there and endured the pain until it was over.

We then came home CJ and and Daddy chilled out for a few. Daddy began to cook then came dinner. Daddy made stir fry tonight. As usual Daddy prepared CJ a plate but she refused to eat it. Instead she wanted the chow mein noodles she saw Daddy eating. Mommy was not pleased but it was what the Princess wanted so the King insisted on Mommy honoring the request. That was her dinner and she was pleased.

Now she is sleeping and Daddy is finishing up the night. We received some praise reports today so we give God glory for his healing power! That is it for today. Keep praying folks, prayer changes things, people, and situations!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

I've never simply wrote a note to CJ before writing but tonight I must. This is a textbook case that I need her to know how to handle.

NOTE TO CJ: Every day is a day of thanksgiving, you should know and understand that. What you must also understand is that in themidst of your happiness the devil is busy tryigng to steal your joy. On some days, like today for your Daddy the Devil will use you as a punching bag and you will feel every blow. You will hurt, you will feel faint, you might fall, and for a moment be dazed. However you have to bounce bag and endure the beating like a woman. You have to stay in communication with God to have the stamina to fight back. Do not drop your hands, fight!

Today was that kind of day for your Daddy. The harder he fought the more creative the Devil became with his combination shots. To top it off he was ducking and weaving everything I tried to throw at him. Nevertheless God brought me through and I am giving him the praise and moving on.

I simply wanted to share that with you on today. You may get battered, a black eye, or be out of breath at times but you must keep fighting in the name of Jesus! Always remember that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Can You Tell Me How To Get To Sesame Street?

Yes CJ, I can answer that question for you. Daddy and Mommy purchased season tickets, Daddy buys an Elmo shirt, we drive up one Saturday morning and then stand in line for you to see the Fresh Beat Band. That is how you get to Sesame Street.

Today was the first of many trips to Sesame Place this summer. As we rode home Daddy told Mommy that he was tired but it was a good tired. He had spent the day with his leading ladies and his closest friends. What more could a man ask for? CJ enjoyed herself so much that she slept through the early evening. She rode her first amusement park ride today, Big Bird's Hot Air Balloon Races. She also tried to climb a pyramid, and she climbed up, up, and away on the cargo nets with her Mommy. Daddy remained on the ground and watched his ladies' ascension. Next time we go, Daddy and CJ have a date with the Twirling cups. We left some things out because we need to distirubute our outings. OK, the lines were long too.

It was a great day (with no pun intended) and Daddy looks to spend many more of them with his Queen and Princess. We topped off the night with Daddy and CJ eating ice cream from Coldstone which might have to become the after Sesame Place ritual. Mommy enjoyed hers too but she was not on the couch with us.

Daddy prays he will always have dates like this with his Princess. Daddy praises God just for making this day possible. He will keep communicated with the man upstairs. God is preparing my table and the aroma is getting more and more defined. Keep praying, prayer changes things, people, and situations.

CJ vs. Daddy

Well folks, I think it is beginning to happen. CJ and Daddy have been fussing with each other for the past fews days. CJ is not doing anything bad but she is riding a fine line. She knows the things she is doing and knows it is wrong. Daddy corrects her behavior and CJ does not like ot be corrected. So in return she chooses to do something similar to what she had been doing and look up at her Daddy to see how far she can get.

Now Daddy has to check himself from time to time becasue he does not want to scare CJ. He wants to be stern and wants her to understand the instructions and correction she is receiving. The line for Daddy is difficult too he may need to get a guage to keep him honest.

At the end of the day, CJ and her Daddy still are learing each other. Each day is filled with more and more relationship development. We are getting stronger but still have a long way to go. So pray for us because prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Not Understanding

We will have to talk more about it tomorrow but today CJ did not understand why she could not test out new couches with Mommy and Daddy.

CJ also did not understand why Daddy wanted her to sit down and watch her television shows. She was clearly upset and cried a bit.

Some things CJ will always have problems with. Daddy will alwyas try to explain to her why certain things are the way they are but he understands that she will simply not understand some things.

Pray for us though folks, prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Grease Monkey

Highlight of the day folks, CJ comes into the bedroom, this is while Daddy is in there too. SHe fusses about for a moment then quietly inches her way to wear an open jar of grease is. Daddy is looking for a tie to wear to church and when he looks up he sees that the television is covered with vaseline. You guessed it, CJ was busy and at work. Daddy could only look and shake his head. Daddy cleaned her up and sent her on her way but for the rest of the evening CJ sought to get back into that grease. When that girl sets her mind to something no one can change it. Daddy loves her determination and persistence, two great characteristics to have.

Cotinue to pray Gods movement in our lives. He still is cooking up a blessing and preparing us on how to handle it! Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

CJ is Getting Better

Well folks tonight was night two of revival at the church. The beauty is that CJ and Daddy were able to hang out with each other for a good length oof time before Daddy needed to leave out. For the past two days CJ has done well with Daddy leaving too. She is not crying and acting out which is a good thing.

CJ, however is still a little terror. Sh egets into so much and is daring with her actions. She will climb, fall, and mess up anything in her sight on purpose. She wasted a perfectly good bowl of cereal just becasue. Daddy can not figure out why she feels the need to do so but she does.

The Lord is really moving in our household. He is preparing Daddy for a breakthrough and has prepared Daddy on how he should deal with the blessing when it comes. Thsi blessing will make life better for Daddy and his leading ladies and God receives all the PRAISE!

Upon arrival home Daddy saw Mommy stretched out on the couch and CJ sleeping in her crib. Daddy is glad Cj is handling him leaving home much better. I pray she understands that Daddy never wants to leave her but he must do what he has to do to make life better her. Keep praying that the right situation is created for this family. Prayer chanegs things, people, adn situations.

A Regular Day

Today was a regular day. We all left the house but came back together. CJ fussed a little Mommy said at night but she was sleep when Daddy arrived home. Pray for us God is revealing directions, prayer changes things, people, and situations.

I Want Daddy

That is what I heard as I stood in the pulpit. Will fill in more tomorrow.