A Willing Reader

I have no excuse for the 6 days that passed before I pulled the camera out again.  I had spent the early part of the week expecting to make a road trip, but that didn't happen after all.  I was supposed to go to Killeen to shoot a military homecoming for our cousins, the Klines, but it pushed too far into the next week where I was committed to VBS.  I was really bummed about it, but I had plenty to keep me busy.  I had spent lots of time at the computer working on our VBS registrations and doing other VBS related stuff.  And as the dates closed in, we had plenty more to do.  I even spent our anniversay evening at church for the VBS commissioning.  It was the most awesome experience!  We prayed over each group of volunteers and then we (the leadership team) served them communion. 

You didn't know I managed to get myself invited to be on the leadership team for VBS?  Well, just like I always manage to do, I opened my mouth to offer some help and really didn't realize what I'd signed up for.  But it was a good opportunity to brush up on my Excel and mail merge skills.  I input all our registrations into a database and then manipulated it as necessary.  I just hope that all the work made things go smoother instead of making it more complicated.  I'm sure the honest feedback will come when we have our wrap-up meeting.

On June 17 Jimmy and June showed up for a visit unexpectedly.  We'd gone to the library that morning and somehow John conned June into reading most of them during the time they were with us.  I don't think she complained too much.

-EBP-

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June's 6th Birthday

Wow, they don't stay little for long!  June turned 6 on June 7 and we celebrated on June 11 at her home.  I'd gotten my new flash and had ample opportunity to break it in.  And it was also obvious to me that I've got some learning to do where it's concerned.  Still do almost 3 weeks later...

 Jimmy made her cake as usual.  A cute cupcake cake with lots of mini's to go around.

John enjoyed his little cupcake, but I think he was more impressed by the Kool-aid he got to drink with it.  Poor kid has led a sheltered life.  That was his first taste of Kool-aid.

 The birthday girl thoroughly enjoyed her cake!

After opening all the presents, the big waterslide was the main attraction for the rest of the day, for both the kiddos and the adults.  So I put the camera away and focused on keeping cool and having fun.

-EBP-

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Water fun

A few days later, we went to a friend's house to play.  They have a baby pool and an in-ground pool.

At first John was all about the baby pool, he just wasn't interested in the big pool.  It was too much fun to fight over hoses and splash around in the baby pool.  But after a while, he decided to get in the big pool with floaties.  Since there wasn't an adult in the pool, I opted to put the camera down to be ready at a moments notice.  Thankfully, my preparation wasn't necessary.  He was totally comfortable after a few minutes.  He'd take off paddling across the pool to get some toy not even worried about where the nearest wall was.  He was cautious, but confident.  He might have even learned to keep his mouth closed to avoid getting a mouthful of water.  Unfortunately, we haven't been to any pool since.

-EBP-

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The working man

Finally up to June 5th.  I don't think much happened in between the end of our trip and June 5, at least not something I felt the need to take a photo of.  On this day, Daddy brought home some "gifts" from work that had the company logo on them.  One item was a sticker and I commented that it should go on a construction hat, although at the time, it was non-existent.  Daddy swooped out of the room and returned with an old hard hat that was devoid of any markings.  It instantly became the new construction hat complete with Daddy's company logo.  We asked him for his serious face.  We got it on one occasion, but later he was having trouble containing his smiles.

-EBP-

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One final day in Indy

Still catching up from forever ago (the last day of our trip to Indy)... the morning before we left to some home, the three of us went to the "big house" where Great Grandpa lives to visit (and allow him to show JHP off!).  In the small room, there wasn't much to entertain John while Daddy and Great Grandpa visited.  But John found a few things, including an IU hat.  Daddy groaned a bit when John put it on, but I figured Aunt Susan would appreciate the photo.

It was like pulling teeth to get John to engage with G-Grandpa.  John talks too fast and, even with new hearing aids, G-Grandpa just can't hear (and process enough) to get what he's saying most of the time.  John was especially distracted on this morning.  I wanted it to be better for G-Grandpa's benefit, but it just wasn't, leaving me a little sad. The adults all know time is short.

G-Grandpa did catch John's attention with the knuckle-snapping. But then JHP and I had to retreat to the hallway for the other item that entertained John: G-Grandpa's new rolling walker, complete with a "passenger" seat.

Before we went visiting, I had the men pose for a required group shot.

One way to keep John contained was to put him on the "passenger" seat and roll him down the hallway towards the dining room.  In the lobby, G-Grandpa took the opportunity to show JHP off to all his friends and John took the opportunity to tell everyone he met where he was from, "Huston, Texas", although I noticed that the "u" sound wasn't as long (or as charming) as it had been a few weeks before.  Soon it was time for lunch and for us to get back to the house to eat and get ready to leave for the airport.

 After checking our baggage and making it through security, we had plenty of time to wait around the gate.  The Indy airport has huge floor to ceiling glass windows that let lots of natural light in so I could resist getting the camera out.  I capture my favorite photo of the trip.  Yeah, he's a little smirky looking, but that what I like about it, I think.

 Then JHP decided he wanted to take some photos with my camera.  It's so heavy and even with my help, he had trouble holding on to it.  I'm actually helping hold the camera in this photo he took of me.  I kinda like it!

And one more John took.  Here Daddy's imitating John's mean face, which he showed plenty on the trip.  It was a long week and we had some issues with talking back.  Thankfully, those have dissipated since that time.

-EBP-

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Memorial Day

 I'm not sure what it is about Grandma's house, but John always seems to find someone's smart phone to play with.  This time around it was either Uncle Jame's or Bryant's.  But someone had to stick with him or he'd be off doing things he oughtn't.

 Somehow he managed to convince Karen to make him "fly".  And she did!

But after a while, it was Jame's turn for the rough-housing.  Either way, John loved it!

For lunch we went to Aunt Susan's and aside from JHP's total over-reaction to her dog, we had a really nice time.  We all ate too much!  The heat had returned from the day before but with more humidity- almost made me think I was in Houston instead of Indy!

-EBP-

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100th Indy 500

"My mom and dad went to the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 and all I got was this really cool Hot Wheels car!"  This car is pretty cool!  It looks just like an Indy car, except none of the Indy cars that day had this cool paint job.  Paw Paw was a little disappointed we didn't get him one, too!

JNP and I went to the race while JHP got to enjoy some fun time with the rest of the family.  He went to church with Grandma and went swimming with Aunt Karen, Uncle James and his cousins.  Then he took a good long nap.

And this is what he said to us when we got home!  No, not really, but it is a funny picture!  So I had to post it!

 It was HOT at the race.  The ONLY thing that kept it bearable is there was a nice wind just about in our face.  So while, they did play outside some on this day, they didn't stay for long  But after we'd eaten some pizza for dinner, we did venture outside once the sun was setting.  John was intent on playing in Paw Paw's truck.  Aunt Karen was trying to entice him to ride his tricycle.

And she did, for like 30 seconds.  Then John was back to Paw Paw's truck!

-EBP-

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First Parade

The Saturday before Memorial Day we set off into town to see Aunt Susan at her office and then see the 500 Festival Parade.  It was John's first parade and Daddy and I were excited to share all the neat things this parade has to offer.  John couldn't resist mugging for the camera!

 Or making a funny face!  He was pretty animated that day.

The parade started with Daddy's favorite part:  The Indianapolis Police Motorcycle Drill Team.  "So Cool!" he says.  They do some pretty intricate drills with the finale being a policeman standing up on his motorcycle for a couple of passes.  We made sure to explain to John that the policeman was NOT setting a good example.  He got the message because anytime he told someone about it, he told them that the policeman did not set a good example.

The drill team was followed up by Daddy's second favorite part of the parade:  The Purdue Marching Band with the World's Largest Drum.  I think the bands were JHP's second favorite part because every time they marched by he'd start dancing.  JHP's favorite part:  The IU cheerleaders who carried the banners in front of some of the groups.  He'd always point them out.  I guess he'd liked the girls!  (And I'm still not sure why those guys have steel bowls on their heads.)

John behaved fairly well at the parade.  There was enough to hold his attention most of the time.  And when there wasn't, he moved to sit next to someone else.  In this case, it was Aunt Susan.  I missed the smooch he gave her, but not the zerbert!  It's one of his favorite things to do on your cheek these days!

And then he decided he'd move down a row and sit next to this little girl about his age and another lady who just thought his dancing moves were the best.  He makes friends so easily!

Seems like a pretty serious discussion?  Maybe he was thanking her for feeding us brunch and getting us fabulous tickets to the parade.  If he wasn't, then he should have been!  It was a fun time!

-EBP-

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Success!

We interrupt these past due posts with a most important progress report!

Here are my Facebook updates from the last few days:

Tuesday evening First day John's been all day in underwear (his choice) and he kept it dry ALL DAY. No accidents. Took care of ALL his business on the potty and kept his overnight and nap diapers dry. I hope this little window of hope turns into a door!

Wednesday evening Day TWO for JHP! Same thing as yesterday! WooHoo!

Thursday evening Can't believe it myself, but today was day THREE! And we weren't home most of the day. I think I'm going to find some wood to knock on! I'm so proud of him for making the decision himself. Not even one accident. Diapers during sleep have been wet, but a girl can't have everything all at once, right?

Tonight I don't want to jinx it, but I think we've walked through the door. Hopefully by the end of the weekend, we'll close the door forever to diapers during the day.


Yes! I think we are done with daytime diapers. And the best part is that he made the decision himself. I think the turning point happened on Monday. I'm not sure what made me say it, but I asked him if we should give away his diapers. He suggested that our friend E might need them. Then Tuesday he decided he wanted to wear underwear. We didn't leave the house for a variety of reasons, so the timing worked well. He had no accidents that day. Or the next when we went to someone else's house. Or yesterday when we were at the church almost all day. Or today when we went shopping. I'm sure they will happen, but they just haven't yet. I'm so proud of him! His choice, his success! Now what will we do with that mini-raise we just got?

-EBP-

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Covered!

After lots of discussion about a pretend construction hat, Paw Paw rustled up an old batting helmet that sure enough doubled as a construction hat.  JHP's looking pretty serious, isn't he?

And since they were outfitted for work, John decided Grandpa's chair was in need of some.  Grandpa was there to assist.

And the "construction hat" also doubled as a bicycle helmet.  Grandma and Grandpa had borrowed a Radio Flyer tricycle, which John (and others -  a bit of foreshadowing there!) enjoyed riding around the area.

On this occasion, Grandpa got the duty of keeping a close eye on John.  Back and forth around the corner they went - to where the sidewalk ends.

This was Friday.  The weather was cool enough to require a jacket and there was still a threat of rain.  Thursday had been rainy off and on and we'd spent most of it visiting and shopping for a few things we needed - like a new toy for John courtesy of his grandparents.  That was enough of an adventure.  John couldn't make up his mind.  He wanted all kinds of things.  Finally I had to narrow it down for him.  His selection:  a Dinosaur train and track set.

-EBP-

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Travelling and what's that wet stuff called again?

 On Wednesday, May 25, we travelled to Indy to see John's family and enjoy the 500 festivities.  Grandpa Tom and Grandma Beverly met us at the airport like they always do and JHP ran straight into Grandpa's arms.  Grandma got her turn next.  I think he's giving her a zerbert!

 After hugs and kisses all around, we headed off to baggage claim.  John and Grandpa led the way.

The weather turned not so nice.  So we spent the rest of the evening visiting and goofing around indoors.

We got there just in time to experience from marble size hail, a decent amount of heavy rain and at least two sets of tornado warnings.  Thankfully, the tornadoes went south of us, but not so good for the folks in the path.  I'm thankful I don't live in tornado country.  I'll take hurricanes where you get a few days notice (most of the time, anyway).  I wish we could have brought some rain back with us.  They don't need as much as they are getting and we need it desperately.

-EBP-

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The Potty Chart

We started this the week school let out (I think).  The reasoning was the John seemed motivated by things.  So we set up a chart with milestones and prizes.  Click the photo to see it up close.  I was hoping that the graphical would help with motivation.  So far, as of today, John's earned one dime and he's 7/10ths of the way through to another one.   He's had some minor success but lots more misses.

I believe that if I'm going to get him trained, I'm going to have to work harder myself.  Because he just won't stop what he's doing to go do his business.  And this chart doesn't seem to be motivation enough!  :(

-EBP-

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Last Day of School :(

Thursday May 19 was the last day of preschool for this school year.  :(  I'm not sure John understood at the time that it was done.  Even today he mentioned something about school.  Umm, no, buddy, no more school.  Oh, yeah, we are out for summer.  On the last day for some reason Mr. Bear and blankie rode in the car with us.  And John insisted that we buckle them in before we went in.  You know, so they were safe when I drove away.  Kinda looks like Mr. Bear was choking here, huh?

 Mrs. Kelly was one of John's regular teachers this semester.  When she first started, John kept asking to go home to her house or to have her some to ours.  I think he thought she was real pretty.

Mrs. Missy was his teacher for Right At Home on Wednesdays.  She's been dying to have him in her class since he was an infant.  She had a the class across the hall.  Finally this session, she got to spend Wednesday's with him and often she'd sub in his pre-k class.  They really like one another!

We missed a photo with Mrs. Kendra.  She was busy watching her youngest graduate from Preschool.Kinda surprises me that John hasn't asked about her yet.  He really liked her and would talk about her often through the year.

About a week before school let out, I sat with Mrs. Kendra and discussed John's overall progress this year.  As you can see (you can click each page to see them larger), he hadn't changed much from October to May.  He had mastered most everything by October, with the exception of taking turns / sharing, working independently, and using the toilet by himself.  Those items really didn't change, although she did say that she felt that he has mastered using the toilet by himself.  He just won't do it for us at home.  Another notable thing was the he was one of the few in the class that had mastered using scissors.  Scary, but notable.

-EBP-

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