Tummy Filled With Glee

Today was the first day of the New Year. Everyone has been using this 1-1-11 which is kind of neat. I wonder if that will come out in the Pick-It, lol I do not even play. Anyway today was another day of Daddy and CJ hanging out. One of our cousins had everyone over for brunch and you know where food is CJ and Daddy will make ourselves at home. It is very interesting so see how the family grows each time we come together. Today there were four kids that were not around this past summer. It always feels good to meet new family members.

So we get to the venue later than expected but right on time it seems. We were right on time for the food. Daddy and CJ were a bit hungry too. So Daddy prepared a plate of bacon, eggs, grits, home fries and biscuits. He made sure he made enough for CJ because he was sure she would be front and center at his plate and he was correct. CJ wanted to hang out with her cousin that just enlisted in the Army. He is home for the holidays and I guess she decided to use him. He could not resist her cute face and gave her everything she wanted and today that was more food. She also worked her uncles, they were a little more stern but they give in too but they only supplied her bottle and not more heavy food. When her aunt arrived and prepared her food CJ made her way to her plate and was fed again. No wonder this girl is getting so big, Daddy just has to make sure that he keeps her active to keep height and weight proportionate.

CJ also got a bit rough today. Daddy says that she has to let people know that even though she is from the suburbs she still has a hood side if she needs to pull it out of her Louie V, lol! One little girl grabbed a toy CJ had, so CJ yanked it back and threw it at her and told her to stop. The other kid was a boy trying to make his way past CJ but put his hand on her. She yelled to him STOP, and then swatted him out the way. Her aunt was a bit shocked but recognized that CJ is not afraid to throw hands if she needs to.

CJ fell asleep on the ride home and I believe it is the reason her behind is still up at 9:42pm but as soon as I complete this blog she is going to the crib and whatever happens, happens. She had a long day and she had fun so I guess she is going to try to ride the wave as long as she can. (Sidebar) She is now crying hysterically because Daddy put her in the crib. Back to business, CJ continues to be very inquisitive, she looks to find things to get into, good, bad, or indifferent. She is a risk taker which can be good or bad. Today it hurt her because she hurt her lip and we had to ice it down a bit. She went into the bathroom and fell but she is OK.

So keep praying for CJ and her Daddy, she is now at the stage where she wants to tell me No and Stop, and Daddy is having none of it. We are laying down the rules here and it gets a little testy at times but it is all for the better. With prayer we know things, people, and situations can change! Happy New year people, we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot in store for you!

December 31st, 2010

As I get ready for Worship service tonight I will be brief. So much has gone on this past year. CJ walks, talks, runs, falls, sings, dances, swings her hips (help me Lord), she knows how to use her charm, she will state how she feels, and so much more. Watching her grow this past year has been marvelous. I thank God for her presence in my life.

As for Daddy, this past year has been full of ups and downs. However on this last day I say, "Through it All God Brought Me Through!" As I am re-focused, recommitted, rededicated, and moving in full throttle all behind his lead, I am grateful for his grace and mercy. I thank him for my wife, child, family, friends, success and struggles. They have all helped to make me a better man. As Usher said, "I'm a movement by myself but I'm a force when we're together", God that is! He gets all my praise.

So as usual keep praying good people, prayer changes things, people, and things! I know because it changed me!

I almost forgot. It is 8:52pm and Daddy bathed CJ and prayed with her. She went to sleep within five minutes. I know Mommy must be ecstatic!

Weekday at Grandma's

So today ended up being a twofer for CJ. It was a rare day where she saw and got to spend time with both of her grandmothers. Due to work schedules, church, distance, and life in general this opportunity does not always present itself. Today was different. Since CJ's mommy is not a hairstylist CJ's hair over the break has been a bit untamed. Since she was going out in public Mommy asked Daddy to see if his mom would agree to do it. Of course she said yes. So this morning we woke up, got dressed and headed out to East Orange for the first grandma meeting of the day. We had breakfast, CJ played, and then it was time to get the hair done. CJ saw the comb and like clockwork she began to cry. I do not know if she is tender headed or just like every other little girl in the world hates having her hair messed with. Well after a million tears her head looked liked we loved her and she was off and running to play with her cousins. Now CJ learned today that she needs to get her weight up. She was trying to keep up with the other kids but got knocked down. She cried a little but never dropped the waffle she was eating.

So after CJ got herself all dolled up it was off to Grandma's house again, this time to Roselle. Since CJ was not around on Christmas her grandmother insisted on seeing her. As soon as we walked in the door CJ was given her presents. A learning cell phone (Now she might leave mine alone) pajamas a buggy and a toilet. You heard it right folks, CJ will begin to use a toilet tomorrow. We figured why not get her used to sitting on it at least. Now you know no trip to the grandparents house is complete without CJ being given junk food. At least today it was an oatmeal cookie. CJ roamed about and touched every remote and all the other electronic devices she could. She even wanted to see the dog today so her Pop Pop brought her to the door to see Cocoa the pet Pitbull (Daddy doesn't approve but he does not want CJ to feel the same way he feels about dogs so he rolls with it). CJ played and played and roamed and roamed until she did not know what to do with herself. She did not even take a nap today.

Once we got in the car CJ went to sleep eventually. She had a very long day but she had a whole lot of fun. She is now sleeping on the living room floor as the house warms up a little bit. Keep the prayers going up, 2010 was an interesting year for both CJ and Daddy we both have matured because of prayer so do us that favor. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

A Regular Day

Daddy woke up, then CJ. We came in the living room and CJ took in her morning dose of cartoons. Daddy prepared us some grits and toast and we dined together as we do every morning we are on vacation. The day was rather dull. CJ did what she did, that is get into any and everything she could. Daddy relaxed and watched television and chatted with Mommy. CJ and Daddy did get a mini concert in today. We performed some of our favorite Earth, Wind, and Fire cuts. CJ is a real songbird when she wants to be, though she enjoys dancing much more.

She went to sleep without much fuss tonight too. It was a little later than normal but we will take what we can get. So, keep praying folks, prayer changes things, people, and situations. It can changes CJ's bad attitude at night as well!

Blizzard Clean-Up 2010

The day after the blizzard is always interesting. Daddy spent an hour and twenty minutes digging out the car. he was going to take CJ for a ride but he opted to use caution and leave her home.

She tried to stay up late again and we had to put her in her crib and leave her. CJ is really feeling herself these days. She is trying her luck and testing both Daddy and Mommy. She will do something and look to see our response. She also act like she cannot hear at times. Which annoys Daddy but he is trying his best to be persistent and uniform with his discipline.

She is sleep now and we will see what tomorrow will bring. Keep praying folks, prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Snowed In

It is very rare that Daddy does not see the outside world. Today was the first time in a long time where Daddy did not even make it to the front door. Since the northeast was hit by a blizzard last night and Daddy and CJ are on vacation no one had plans or saw it necessary to go out in the bad weather. Daddy's switch from a truck back to a car may have played a huge role in him staying home as well. Nonetheless CJ and her Daddy had an eventful day. Daddy woke up for his Monday morning conference prayer call and stayed up from that. So the next person to wake up in the house of course was CJ. It seemed as if she called out for Daddy to come get her because Mommy would not respond to her beckoning.

Once CJ was up and roaming around Daddy decided to fix some breakfast. Pancakes were on the menu for this morning. Mommy chose not to eat with us so Daddy and CJ dined together. CJ sat and ate all of her pancake too, she must of been hungry. CJ then proceeded to undo everything Daddy had done. Daddy was particularly upset with CJ because she emptied out all of her blocks and scattered them around. Before you say that she is a kid and that is what she is suppose to do let me tell you something. I am OK with her using them, but when she pours them all out and then kicks them then moves on to something else, especially after Daddy has picked them all up is where Daddy has an issue.

CJ also played a cruel joke on her Daddy today as well. Daddy was laying on the floor minding his own business. Then I felt a body on my back. That was OK, Cj usually will sit or lay on my back. What was next created the problem, I felt something very cold slide down my neck. I did not get startled because I did not want to scare the baby. I eventually felt that she had spit milk on me and then proceeded to laugh hysterically. All I could say was Mommy get your child. It is a prank daddy would play so again, this girl not only has my looks (that is a good thing) she also is developing some of my personality which in some ways is good and in others may be problematic.

So now I guess I have to prank CJ next. She has awaken a sleeping giant in the prank category. One who she might have wanted to stay asleep. In any event it shall be fun to see how she responds when I get her back. I know you along with her mother will say I should be the adult but what fun s life as an adult. I want to be a kid again, lol!

So the night ended as usual. Daddy tried to save her from the crib but she refused to come a lay with her Daddy. So Mommy took her in the room and put her in the crib and she cried as she normally does for five or more minutes straight. Currently she is quiet but still awake and mommy's foot is still on her neck. If CJ would only listen to her Daddy she would be at least out relaxing with her Daddy instead of in the dungeon that is her crib, at least at night it is.

So folks CJ needs you to pray for her night time situation, Daddy knows and she is learning that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Happy Birthday To Daddy - Blizzard 2010

Today was Daddy's 31st Birthday. His Princess bought her king a Wok! Now some of you may say that is a weird gift but if you knew how much Daddy loved cooking stir-fry you would understand. CJ also gave me a card that will be laminated and framed as soon as the weather allows me the chance to get to the store. Today was a Sunday so Daddy spent the day in Worship of course, what better place to be.

CJ's day started out a little rough. Her first outfit had a spot on it, her shoes did not fit, and all this while we were running late. It was all good though, Daddy had already said better late than never but we made it on time.

Today also brought about a blizzard. At this very moment, as CJ sleeps soundly, the snow continues to mount up inch after inch. The ride home from church was slow and steady. Praise God for traveling mercy. Once we arrived home Daddy prepared a scrumptious meal of steak, mashed sweet potatoes, and string beans. Looking back at it, it was a very colorful pallet. CJ refuses to let anyone feed her these days. She insists on doing it herself. Even though it gets messy and Mommy gets so annoyed at the mess it creates, it shows she is growing up and maturing.

For some reason Daddy did not want to plan anything for his birthday. He told Mommy he had foresight because if they did plan something the weather would have ruined it. Mommy did keep with the tradition of Daddy having an ice cream cake for his birthday, which he thought was very special.

The highlight of the day for CJ and Daddy was after dinner. (Daddy needed a pick me up since the Giants were obliterated tonight) So after CJ fed herself sweet potatoes, she has them all over her face. Of course Daddy asked for a kiss and she gave him one. Daddy looked at her and then told her very loudly that she had a sweet potato face. Not to be outdone CJ said something back to Daddy very loudly as well. Then they spent the next few moments loudly talking to each other. They found it to be very funny but I bet Mommy wished they both would shut up.

I guess we will wait out this snow and go out and play tomorrow. CJ has her snow suit so she can make her first snow angel. So as we praise God for the snow continue to pray for healing in the land tonight. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says this, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." We know that prayer changes things, people, and situations. This has been on my mind all day and the world is suffering from many chronic illnesses.

NOTE TO CJ: It is always important to remember to pray for others!