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.