Enjoying the weather? I sure am. Trips to the park four days in a row ain't half bad. There's a new treehouse there. I've made it my goal to fully test it out for them. Consider it my contribution to the Parks & Recreation service.
Hey, did you hear? Spring is here! If I sound excited it's because, well, I am. I mean I loved Christmas and this past winter was a pleasant one, but I for one have been cooped up too long. The warmer Spring air means only one thing that I care about...I can get outside and see the world. Running in the sunshine, watching shapes pass by in the white puffy clouds, yep, that's for me. I never did like staying inside much (which is what caused the whole preemie thing, as I'm told).
too because we've been heading out on more adventures. This week we went to a new park. Not just the same old kind of park I usually go to, but a special place where people bring their dogs to run and play just like kids do! It was great. There was one section for little dogs and another one for the big guys. They were having so much fun, chasing balls and running free. It was inspiring. In fact, it inspired me to do a little running myself.
Watching those dogs made me realize a little more freedom would do me some good. I mean, I am a big boy, after all. I don't always need a hand to hold. Plus it's good to get out there and stretch my legs...literally. Especially because we're gonna be doing a lot of walking later this month for WalkAmerica 2006. Mom says this year me and my buddy Trenton get to cross the finish line on our own! That's a big step (so-to-speak) for two preemies. I guess that's appropriate, we're sorta what the whole WalkAmerica and March of Dimes things are all about.
the blue sky and cool breeze when all of a sudden our feet were moving through sand. I looked up to see a playground that was so inviting I couldn't pass it up. I went on the swings, down the slide a few times and took a ride on the back of my friend froggy. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon.
If this season has lots more days like this in store, I'll be in good shape. Speaking of good shape, I just overheard Mom say that the WalkAmerica course is five miles long. I'm not really sure how long that is, but Mom's face looked tired just talking about it. I'd better get back to running my training laps around the living room.
The first thing to remember is not to be fooled by the pleasant nature of the dentist's office. Mom, Dad and I went to one yesterday that was painted in fun pastel colors. It had toys on tables that were just my size and a train suspended from the ceiling that went around the whole place. There was even a little-guy sized door between the waiting area and the next room. And everyone there was so smiley and sunshine-happy. 
I believe this is how they lure unsuspecting kids to their establishment. But don't fall for it, it's all trickery. Smoke and mirrors.
This place was even better than the waiting area 'cuz it had two of my favorite things - cartoon animals painted on the walls and lots of machines and equipment. I couldn't wait to get my hands on some of that stuff, but the farthest I got was a big funny looking chair. That's when things started to take a turn. Dr. Hamilton (he called himself "doctor" not realizing that I had already heard he was a "dentist"...sounded shady right from the start) talked with Mom and asked if I had any health problems or stuff like that. He even mentioned that preemies sometimes have more problems with their teeth than other kids. This guy obviously hadn't done his homework on me.
So one minute I'm sitting comfortably while the big folks are chatting, and the next thing I know, I'm being held down against my will while the "doctor" pokes around in my mouth with some crazy mirror on a stick! I know, scary, right? And all I can think is, "Hey, Mom's a smart gal, she'll catch on," but she cooperated with the whole thing. In fact, I discovered later that this whole deal was pre-planned and Mom scheduled for them to do this to me AGAIN in six more months! Aren't there laws against this type of thing? Sheesh.
After Dr. Hamilton brushed my teeth a little (his toothbrush wasn't nearly as cute as my own at home), I was thankful to be done with that place. He did say that everything looked great and I did a good job (naturally). And he said I should keep brushing my teeth twice a day and then he gave me a new toothbrush to take home. That part wasn't so bad. I mean who doesn't like a free gift now and then?
Here I thought that all the time Dad spends on the computer, he was working. Apparently he's really just fooling around, and the results look a little something like this.
My house is like a corporate headquarters these days. Dad's busy working on his new business plan and Mom is having meetings and writing grant proposals on deadline. So today was an unexpected treat when we took the afternoon off to visit the Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach.
on that huge cookie for dessert, but I had to make do with animal crackers.
As we were leaving the pond to head up another trail, Mom spotted a little family of turtles. That was really cool. It looked to me like the littlest one (who really wasn't all THAT little) was trying to get out on his own and show some independence, but his parents were following close behind. Boy, do I know how that is.
So if I can keep them entertained, it's worth it. Plus (I can't believe I'm going to admit this), they're actually kinda fun...in a goofy sort of way.
Mom just informed me that we did NOT get the call from Regis & Kelly. You can probably see the shock written all over my face...my Most Beautiful Baby face, that is. So there will be no flight to New York City...no photo shoot for Parents magazine...no cash prize. Big deal. Personally, I think they were just afraid of the stiff competition. It wouldn't exactly be a fair race with a Super Preemie in the mix, now would it?
a nice card,
a thoughtful gift,
and dinner at a place just for big boys!
This is a picture of me at the doctor's office today, finding out that I'm HUGE! I mean, I knew I was a big boy, but Dr. Sergis says if I grow any more, I'll be OFF THE CHART! I'm not sure what she meant by that, but it sure makes me sound cool.
I've gotta tell you, the big people around here have been mighty excited lately. I think it has something to do with me (as usual). I've been experimenting with my vocabulary and I finally got a word to pop out, "dog." Though when I say it, it sounds like "gog," but Mom and Dad must know what I mean because they get all happy and clappy. It's certainly not the first word I've thought, but the first one I've been able to wrap my mouth around.
Mom and Dad only use the couch for sitting, but climbing up and standing is way more fun. Of course Mom's not quite as pleased as I am with my climbing abilities.
Here's the photo that Mom submitted to the Beautiful Baby Contest on Regis & Kelly. She says that thousands of other pretty babies will be in the running, so the competition is pretty stiff. I guess she just wants me to remain the modest guy that I am. But it's ok, even if we don't get that call from Kelly Ripa, I think we all know who is REALLY the most beautiful baby around here.
In a bold attempt to maintain the image of parental control, Mom and Dad decided to take me out today...without the stroller. That's right, nothin' between me and the cold, hard ground by my own two legs. It was kinda cute, actually. You see, the parental units believe that they run the show, so they get these funny little ideas in their heads like, "let's go to IKEA." But it doesn't take long for anyone to figure out who really wears the pants around here (even if they are a little bulky around the rear).
I guess Mom and Dad figured out that there weren't any windows to be bought because we left there and headed to a new place. I had no idea where we were going and wasn't particularly interested. Little did I know we were going to a very special place. Yes folks, there is a little piece of heaven right here on earth and it's called the lighting section at Lowe's. I've never seen so many ceiling fans in my life! All those lights, and the spinning...I get excited just thinking about it. We had to pause so I could take it all in.
That's right, it's party time. Out with 2005 and in with 2006. From what I've observed so far about the whole concept of a year, it seems the beginning is for looking forward with eager anticipation and the end is for looking back with reflection. Apparently, there's also a choice involved when looking back. Some choose thankfulness, others choose regret and most people mix a little of each.
1. Our house looks way cooler at this time of year.
2. Napping off all that holiday stress.
3. Showing off my winter attire.
4. Clowning around at fancy church dinners.
5. All the trees get dressed up.
6. Loungin' around the house in my Santa hat.
7. Pretty paper. You get to tear it up! And there's cool stuff inside!!
8. That fun and festive feeling...it almost makes you feel like singing.
9. Family fun-time.
10. All those holiday parties, oh yeah. 
First things first...let's have a moment of silence for Bob the pumpkin. Here I thought Mom had just put him away somewhere safe until next Halloween. He was, in fact, "disposed of." I don't really know what that means, but it just sounds ominous. Mom tried explaining to me that I'll get to go back to the pumpkin patch next year and pick out a new pumpkin, but I wasn't hearing it. There will never be another Bob. Maybe a Joe, or possibly a Bill, but Bob was one-of-a-kind.
While this was technically my second Thanksgiving, I basically slept right through my first, so this year had a lot of new experiences for me. Auntie Rachel slept over at our place and fed me my morning cereal. This was a very relaxed and pleasant dining experience. Let's just say Mom sometimes moves faster than my mouth can keep up.
After breakfast, Dad, Mom, Auntie and I sprawled out across the living room to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Why didn't someone tell me about this before? All that music and dancing, not to mention those amazing balloons. It was like a party for my senses. And then, I saw them...like a dream, they came to me. The Radio City Rockettes. I couldn't take my eyes off the TV. Wow. That's just about all I can say. WOW.
In the afternoon, we headed over to Nana & Papa's house for the big meal. Up to this point, a big meal for me has consisted of two jars of mush instead of just one. But on Thanksgiving, I got to eat it all...turkey and stuffing, peas and smashed tatoes. It was great. It was a meal fit for a king (or a charming prince, like me).
And I don't know what they put in that food, but pretty soon I started to get really sleepy and had to take a nap. Dad said it had something to do with "trip-toe-fan," whatever that means. I didn't see anyone trip over anything, and why would that make me tired? Sometimes I'm not too sure about those parents of mine.
It's cold outside, but warm feelings are all around. There's a lot of color and good food, family and friends. We have so much to be thankful for. And I have a feeling each year will be more amazing than the last.
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