6.03.2006

How Doth Dad Love Us? Let Us Count the Ways

Although Mom said it would be fine if he just rested and got better from our month of sickenss, Dad instead tried to be productive this past weekend with Mom and I away.

Dad's weekend accomplishments:
  • 9 cabinet latches installed;
  • 6 counters and sinks cleaned;
  • 5 trash cans emptied;
  • 5 rooms vacuumed;
  • 4 shelves polyurethaned;
  • 4 loads of laundry;
  • 3 toilets cleaned;
  • 2 bedrooms' paint touched up -- kinda (see below);
  • 2 dogs washed (We only have one, but Dad swears that much dirt and hair could not have come off of just one dog. Based on the clog in the tub, Dad thinks the second dog got sucked down the drain. Sad.);
  • 1 closet organized;
  • .5% of the mess in the garage cleaned (making a 80% improvement in the ability to walk through the garage);

Five more reasons Dad will die first because of the effects of elevated blood pressure:

  1. He learned that whenever you need spackle or wood filler, yours will always have either (A) dried into a crumbly, useless hard solid, or (B) mysteriously liquefied into a stinking container of goo.
  2. He learned there is in fact something worse than screwing a plastic wall anchor into a stud with a power drill, thereby getting it stuck halfway into the wall. That would be screwing a plastic wall anchor into drywall, but then trying to back out the screw that subsequently went into the anchor, spinning the entire assembly and slightly widening the hole, meaning you have to start over -- after spackling --- see no. 1.
  3. Even though you have almost a full gallon of "cookie crumb" color paint, you really can't touch up the wall painted with another gallon of "cookie crumb" color paint, because it doesn't match. This means that at some point, you will have to repaint the whole wall, because it will actually look worse after you touch it up.
  4. Tried to hang and level a shelf on the wall without someone to help. Enough said.
  5. Realized that before you build shelves that you think will look really neat on the bedroom wall, you might want to think about how you are going to attach said shelves to the wall in a way where they actually have a prospect of holding something - or more importantly, if it is even possible to attach said shelves to the wall to accomplish that goal and have them look the way you intended. He says there's really only one word that comes to mind when you do those things in the wrong order. I'm still not sure how what's often in my diaper helps with that problem, but whatever.

Other things Dad did while we were gone:

  1. Slept in. (I'm unfamiliar with the concept -- I guess he slept until, like 7 AM or something. Laayyy--zeeeeee.)
  2. Took an undisturbed late afternoon nap.
  3. Ate pizza without Mom staring at him with a mix of sadness and just a little pinch of rage because of her not being able to eat dairy, including cheese, which I hear is an important component of pizza.
  4. Ate said pizza cold the next morning.
  5. Re-watched Return of the Jedi. He says he went ahead and said aloud to the room "Yes, I've seen it before, but I want to watch it again" before he watched it just so he wouldn't get out of practice.


6.02.2006

I'm Gunna Miss My Dad


This morning, Mom and I are flying up to Kansas City to spend the weekend with my great-grandmother. I've never met a great-grandmother before, though I'm blessed with three of them! This great-grandma lives in my great-great-great uncle's house. Wow! Mom's parents are driving up to KC to meet us, too. I'm gunna be surrounded by people who love me...but I'm gunna miss my Dad. I'm gunna miss him the most. (Sorry Shadow.)

Hope ya'll have a great weekend. I love you Dad!

5.31.2006

Good news for Tsh and Kyle!!!

Here's an interesting article on short-term missions and whether or not the folks who go on some of them are properly motivated.

While of course, not all groups have the same priorities, I was particularly fascinated with the idea expressed by the head of the missions organization quoted in the article that the primary purpose of the trips should be for the "spiritural growth" of the missionaries with a seemingly dismissive comment about making any impact on the indigenous people -- particularly "That's how Jesus intended it to be...".

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded of you... and don't forget to take a few days and stay in a nice hotel and get some sightseeing in...."

5.30.2006

Eastbound and Down, Loaded Up and Truckin'

The Josh-mobile is full on in high gear. That's right. I'm now crawling forward, although Dad says I still do it weird. It seems you're not supposed to keep one leg bent and flat on the floor while you push off on the other one like you're trying to "stand up" (whatever that means). But hey, it gets me around. See, I'm so fast, even the camera can't catch me baby!!!

Joshnonia has greatly expanded her territory... er... "area of influence"... with this newfound mobility. Rugland was easily taken in a matter of minutes. Once my initial hesitation due to the coldness of the concrete landscape was overcome, Downstairsia surrendered quicker than a Frenchman surrenders to the darkness when a lightbulb burns out. We have reports that the key strategic passage of Stairsida may be blocked off soon, but have no fear--- today the house -- tomorrow the world.

Nothing will stand in my way. Not even Dad..... MWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

By the way, did you know:
  • "Smokey and the Bandit" (the title of this post is from the main song from that movie, for those of you who are confused) was the second-highest grossing movie in 1977. The highest grossing movie..... a relatively unknown film called "Star Wars". When Mom figures out which of those is more disturbing to her, I'll let you know.
  • For those of you unlucky enough to have never seen that classic movie (classic means the same thing as "good 'ol boy", right?), the Bandit is hired to make a run from Georgia to Texas to buy and transport a truck full of Coors beer, which, at the time, could not be legally transported across state lines because Coors only had regional distributorships. However, the Bandit and Snow Man (the truck driver) pick up the beer in Texarkana, Texas, which is in Bowie County. Bowie County is, to this very day, one of 46 completely dry counties in Texas, meaning you can't buy any beer there, Coors or otherwise. Oops.
  • You can use the letters in "Joshua Henry" to spell "Yeah Josh Run". Darn right Josh run. Josh run fast.

Garbage Pail Kid


I'm not sure when this happened, but Mom apparently trapped a little boy (about my size, but a little skinnier) in the trash can. When I spotted him today, I tried to play with him. He gave me five, smiled, and mostly copied whatever I was doing. Imitation is the best form of flattery, right? Mom didn't mind me having my new friend over until I tried to lick him. Mom put a stop to that and started mumbling something about needing to clean the trash can. Or maybe it was something about not releasing General Zod from the Phantom Zone. One of those two.

5.23.2006

Happy Birthday Aunt Steph!

Today is my Aunt Steph's birthday. I asked Mom how old Aunt Steph was and she started listing all the body parts I'd need to count that high - all my fingers, all my toes, both my ears, eyes, arms, legs....oh, geez. I stopped listening. I mean, what happens when I don't have any body parts left? Won't be long, right Aunt Steph? I love you!

Aunt Steph doesn't live nearby, but if I could, I'd give her a really big hug and slobbery kiss and then we'd play. Oh, and we'd send Mom to the kitchen to make birthday cake. Yum. Could be great. Maybe Aunt Steph needs to plan a trip to Joshnonia for her birthday next year.

Anyway, its nap time again. Gotta run. Not literally, of course. But I can crawl forward now! Full steam ahead!

Happy Birthday Aunt Steph!

5.14.2006

Josh and Mom's Excellent Adventure

So Mom had a coupon for a free photo sitting, and she and I, along with Grandma and Grandpa, went on Friday to get some photos snapped.

While there were some good ones, I think we've realized that, as a general matter, I'm much more photogenic during spontaneous shots.

Because all the ladies think I'm pretty cute now, I thought it was only fair that they get a preview of what my class pictures will look like in 2013. Quick, to the Wayback Machine Sherman!!!

The line for wedgies will be starting just to my right.....

P.S. We'll have to talk about Mom's advanced degree in couponology some day. On Saturday, she bought $91 of groceries for around $29 bucks after double coupons. We're making money here people!!!

I Love My Mom

I loved my Mom when I was still inside.

I loved my Mom when I was only a few minutes old.

I loved her even more when I was only weeks old.

As my heart grows bigger, I love her some more.

I love her the most ever today. And things are looking pretty good for tomorrow.

Oh yeah... she loves me too!

Happy Mother's Day Mom ( and Grandma, too)!!!


5.01.2006

Eight Things on My Eight Month Birthday

  1. I love my dog Shadow more than she loves me. Except when I have food on my face and I'm at "lick-level".
  2. I know that you should change tofu water once daily... now. Mom discovered this today and shared it with me. Why is this of concern? Because I've been eating tofu for about two weeks now. Funk-eeeee! That can't be good for anyone.
  3. My middle name is the same as my Dad's and means "Ruler of the Home". I have succeeded in that. Boo-yah!!
  4. I will be eligible to run for president in the year 2040 -- which happens to be an election year. Once elected, I will make "Meet Me Half Way" our new national anthem.
  5. If I ever start my own club, we will totally have a secret handshake.
  6. If anyone ever throws a green-bean grenade at you, fall on it and cover it with your face. It will save civilization as we know it. You're welcome.
  7. I have no moles, birthmarks, or other identifying marks on my body. Except for the Mom tattoo on my butt. No wait... that's dried poop. Nope, no marks. I better get working on some scars to avoid the "pretty-boy" tag.
  8. I am 242 days old. That means Mom and Dad love me 241 times more than they did when I was born. And we have certainly exceeded the 1,000 diaper mark, which somehow only equates to 32 Pampers Points.

This Must've Been How Elvis Died....

So Mom and Dad have been putting me on this big bowl-looking thing when I wake up or they change my diaper. They say that I'll need to figure out how to use it eventually, so they might as well start now, although there's no pressure (I'm sure there's a pun there somewhere, but I'm not really into bathroom humor). Apparently, not everyone wears diapers. I know! Weird, huh? It turns out that only really young people, like me, and really old people wear them. Most other folks don't. They actually sit on this bowl-thingy, and do their business there. Mom and Dad were actually surprised that I seemed to get it. Between you and me, I think its all coincidental since I never know when this thing is going to go off.

It's not too bad. Dad calls it "the office". Not sure what that's about, but it is a good place to do a little reading.

So the other night, Dad took me to "the office" and started preparing my bath while I was determining whether or not I had "anything on the agenda". It seemed like we should have been focused on doing one of those things at a time, but hey - what do I know? I'm a freaking baby! I was looking around, playing with the roll of paper they have next to the bowl -- must be there in case you have to take notes or something -- and next thing I know --- BOOM -- Josh fall down --- Josh fall down and go BOOM and CRY. To prove that Dad really must've taken his stupid pills, he says loudly, "Josh!! Are you ok???" Am I ok? OK?? My first major injury is falling off the toilet onto my head and that monkey asks me if I'm OK? And did he think that falling two feet onto my head would all the sudden make me learn how to speak??? Come on Dad, get in the game!

So after about 15 minutes or so of crying and some good 'ol Mom TLC, I was ok. I laughed and played with Dad some before I went to bed so he wouldn't feel too bad. I didn't really even get a bad bruise, which amazed us all. 'Cause brother -- ain't nothing hurts worse than falling off the head onto your.... head. (OK -- so I couldn't resist.)

Important lessons to take away:
  1. Mom, who was trying to take a little nap (for all you Moms -- insert groan here -- I know, Mom gets a few minutes to herself, and Dad breaks the kid), had a sense that I would start crying shortly. Mom also knew a few months ago when I almost hit my head (no toilet involved) and caught me in mid-air. Lesson? Moms have superpowers.
  2. Mom's response to this feeling was, "Eh... he's with his Dad, what could go wrong?" Lesson? Moms should trust their superpowers.
  3. Although I'm mostly in the 50% percentile on weight, length, etc., my head has consistently tracked the 90% percentile. Yep. Walking Blow-Pop -- that's me. The hat I have on here is actually, ahem, toddler size - one to four. Yes, years. Lesson? Though I think I look more like Mom, God gave me Dad's freakishly large head for situations just like this. By the way, Dad is currently preparing his deceptive marketing lawsuit against baseball cap manufacturers. I think his exact quote was, "One size fits all, my a**!!!"
  4. Dad was really worried about me and felt guilty that he put me in a position where I could get hurt. But when I recovered and smiled and giggled with him later, he felt a lot better. Lesson? God gives us no greater gift than the ability to forgive and love.
I will try to keep that last one in mind when Mom and Dad insist on sharing this story with my first girlfriend.

4.26.2006

My Eyes May Be Blue, But They Are Not Sad!

No, quite the contrary. My eyes are very happy and healthy. At least, that's what the optometrist said. This morning I went for my first FREE eye exam. Yep, free! InfantSEE is a program that provides free eye exams for babies 6-12 months. The doctor shined a bunch of different lights in my eyes and waved some silly puppets around while I sat in Mom's lap. He said that my eyes look good on the inside, that my peripheral vision is excellent, and that I'm a little farsighted, which is actually normal for someone of my vintage. I'll have my next exam when I am 3.

In other news, I'm a traveling man. See that speck of carpet in the lower corner of the picture? That's the carpet that I play on downstairs. Wait, correction, playED on. Now, the whole house shall be mine! Only problem with traveling so far is that I'm stuck in reverse. I'm still working some kinks out in this crawling thing. Please don't make fun of the beeping when I go in reverse - its for safety's sake. Until all gears are engaged - BEEP - I mean, bye!

4.24.2006

What's Happening Hot Stuff?

Well, to answer your question...a lot! Joshnonia has successfully annihilated its enemies and inventoried the plunder.

I surprised Mom last week by going from sitting to all fours to circling around on my belly. She's not gunna know what hit her where I finally get my thunder thighs to coordinate with my arms.

Last week, after I slept through storytime - as in drove to storytime and slept in the car until it was over, thereby wasting what was probably only slightly less than $3 per gallon gas to drive across town only to nap, man, I'm lucky she loves me - we stopped by the "Got Milk?" tent downtown. Mom put a milk mustache on us and we got a mugshot. What I don't understand is why they asked if we wanted chocolate, strawberry, or regular. Huh? Are there more options? I only know of two and they taste the same.

This weekend we went to my friend Landry's first birthday party. I wore my new hat that Dad bought for me. Dad's been really busy lately trying to figure out who turned the lights off last Monday. I'm not sure why it is taking so long to find the culprit. I mean, dust the light switch, run the prints, and I.D. the guy. Or girl. They can do that in like 9 seconds on TV! Nevertheless, the suspense will soon draw to a close as the investigative report is presented at 9am tomorrow. Assuming we still have electricity to juice up the computer, I'm gunna watch him over at the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce in the morning.

This morning, Dad and I hung out while Mom had her teeth cleaned. Sounds like a hassle. I'm glad I don't have any. Then, Mom and I went to play at the park with some of my lady friends. You wouldn't believe some of the things they said. Even if I could talk, I wouldn't repeat them. I don't share secrets.

Well, I better close before Dad or Mom realize that I'm not really asleep. Thank goodness for laptops and wi-fi. There's no way I could post if I had to wrestle with cords between my crib slats. And of course, kudos to Kenny for drowning out the clicking keyboard. He's my kind of guy - always looking for some High Adventure.

4.12.2006

Headin' into Twilight, Spreadin' Out My Wings Tonight......


So Mom and Dad have recently figured out that I get to sleep the best when there's some music playing. Specifically, Kenny Loggins music. Who's that you say? Yep. Kenny Loggins. No, he's not dead..... why do people keep asking that? Yes, he still has the beard. And yes, that faint "Noooooooooooooo" sound in the background is Dad.

Somehow... and let's be clear, this is still under investigation.... we came into possession of Kenny's "Return to Pooh Corner" CD. Turns out, it really helps me get to, and stay, asleep. Without it, I'm just revin' up my engine, and Mom's listening to my howlin' roar. And the further on the edge I get, the hotter the intensity, baby.

In case you haven't noticed, naptime shall hereafter be officially known as the "Danger Zone".

Five reasons why the world is smaller than you think.

1. You can book Kenny as a speaker here. You can also book a speaker with the same last name as me. Your guess. I'll give you a hint. Think "J-diddy".
2. Kenny Loggins and Kenny Rogers are both singers named Kenny. Mom worked at a Kenny Rogers Roasters in high school and met him. Rogers, not Loggins. ("Stay away from the chicken! Bad chicken! Mess you up!") There are unconfirmed rumors that Kenny grabbed her butt. Again, Rogers, not Loggins.
3. Kenny sang the song "I'm Alright" which is at the beginning of the movie Caddyshack. Kenny Loggins drives Dad crazy. The movie Caddyshack drives Mom crazy. The universe remains in balance. Further evidence of intelligent design.
4. "Danger Zone" was a song in the movie Top Gun which was about Navy pilots. Uncle Dennis flies planes in the Navy. Plus, my ego often writes checks my body can't cash.
5. Kenny also sang the title song to the movie "Footloose". Footloose starred Kevin Bacon. Sheesh! That was too easy.

P.S. Nobody tell Dad that there is a sequal -- "More Songs from Pooh Corner". Maybe Aunt Steph will put it on my baby ipod....

4.07.2006

Heat Wave in Joshnonia

It was one for the record books - 101! I know that's not like Phoenix in July, but it is pretty hot for Joshnonia in April. It all started last Saturday with the appearance of a rash of unknown origin. I now know those were the spies scouting out the terrain of Joshnonia. On Sunday, the rash spread, the doctor advised that a viral infection was pending, and my armies put on their armor. The viral invasion was held back by the enthusiastic soldiers of Joshnonia...until last night. The persistent viral infection troops finally broke down the walls of Joshnonia.

Mom took me to the doctor again this morning. Turns out, my week of screaming at Mom and not sleeping has a good explanation. I have a sore throat, including blisters in the back of my throat. Ouch. Double Ouch. The doctor thinks the battle will rage on for another 5 days or so. It's out of control. I can't believe the backbone of Joshnonia has been broken. Please, as much as I know you want to, don't send your brave soldiers into this battle. Its one on one - quarantine time for Josh.

On the way home from the doctor's office, I feel asleep in the car. Since I haven't slept well lately, Mom kept driving. And driving. And driving. I woke up at the Super Walmart in Fredericksburg! (There's a Walmart on every corner of the universe, isn't there?) Mom said we were stopping for supplies. We got 2 jars of food for me, a package of spoons, a gallon of water, some baby Tylenol, a new pair of sunglasses for me (I out grew my other pair. The red marks on the side on my head and nose were a clue for Mom), and a turkey sandwich for Mom. M om fed me, changed my diaper, and changed my clothes (NEVER wear the clothes you wear to the doctor's office longer than necessary. You are only inviting trouble if you do) in the backseat of the car. I found some of Shadow's hair in the backseat, too. It just proves those you love are always near you. After Mom ate, we drove to Main Street and window shopped through 4 blocks of the stores. Then, we got back in the car and drove home. Weird, huh?

I had fun and I think Mom did, too. She said it was worth driving 150 miles so that I could have two long naps and be distracted from the burning pain in my throat. We spent the day together, without me screaming at her, in the sunshine. Mom got some quiet time in the car and saw all the wildflowers in bloom. Plus, it was an adventure. One of those rare, spur of the moment, I can't believe we did this, days we'll always remember. I wish we had the camera.

4.04.2006

Joshmania

What's that? Something on my face? You sure?


Good Josh -- Evil Josh. Evil Josh-- Good Josh. You two play nice now.


That's right. Three of 'em. Got a problem with that? Nope? I didn't think so.




There? Is that the spot?






"R" says "tee". And "R" says "teh". Every letter makes a sound, and "R" says "tee". And "teh".


So Dad got me a "Ftidge Phonics" for Chtistmas, and Mom and Dad tecently took it out of the box fot me to play with. I spent a lot of time leatning my lettets. That was, up until Mom tealized that, unbeknownst to me, my Ftidge Phonics is appatently defective and doesn't always tead the tight lettet. Fot example, "u" is appatently ptonounced "yoo" not "double yoo". And I'm sute you've tealized the ptoblem with "r".... I mean "t"... no wait, "r"..... Damn! Sctew you, Leap Ftog! Sctew you!!!!

4.03.2006

Cool J-Man




The heat don't bother me baby, 'cause I'm already cool.





3.31.2006

Josh Likes Worms

Mom here. I've come to the conclusion that Josh is an early bird. His genetic code obviously mutated at some point during gestation because his Dad and I are charter members of the pro-sleep platform. No matter what we do he starts his day between 5:30 and 6am. Yes, he has slept until 7 or 8 or even 8:30am a handful of times during the course of his short life, but the vast majority of the time he is up even before the sun. We tried covering his crib with a tent (blankets and clamps, some assembly required) but it didn't help. We made his room extra dark with black fabric over the window and no dice. Last night, he went to bed 2 hours late (not planned, but a lengthy nap just before dinner time was not to be interrupted after the day we had) and he woke up at 5:30 this morning. So, this is Josh and we love him. Hopefully the time change this weekend will slip him up and he'll start sleeping in until 7am. Oh, when did 7am ever sounds so wonderful? I can't wait until our little early bird is a teenager.

3.28.2006

There's Something About Joshy

Yesterday I caught up on my eating by consuming large quantities of pears, green beans, butternut squash, avocado, rice cereal, bananas, a teething cookie, and milk. Today.... well let's just say what goes in has to come out. Mom was busy.

So Dad had a bit of a rough day at work. He said he was putting out fires all day... which is weird because it was raining all day... and I don't think he's a fireman. He got home late and missed my bath because he spent thirty minutes getting the bat out of his office. Baseball bat? No. Wiffle ball bat? No. Blood Alcohol Test? No. Big A** Tent? OK, I'll stop now.

An actual, flying, live bat. Which, oddly enough, appears to be a fairly regular occurrence at the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Since Dad has been back since October, this is the second one that has gotten into the building and nearly flown into his face. Dad is still waiting for a wall to be built to convert his double-wide cubicle into an actual office, so the little sucker (get it.. bat...vampire...suck...HA!) landed on the window sill, but then fell/crawled down between the wall and the cube furniture. So they took a break to see if it would come back out on its own, and right before Dad left, he peeked into the gap and ---- bat staring at him about three inches from his face. The bat was corralled into a box. Not sure what happens next, but I'd urge you to not eat in the William B. Travis building cafeteria tomorrow.

More bats:
  1. The Austin Ice Bats
  2. Bat Fest 2006
  3. Bat Masterson
  4. Great Deals on Bats
  5. The Adventures of Batboy
  6. Great Deals on Big A** Tents
  7. Bat Mitzvah
  8. Brazilian Funk Rock Band Bat Makumba
  9. Casey at the Bat
  10. Gene Hackman and Danny Glover in Bat*21
  11. The US Army's plan to use Bat Bombs in WWII

3.27.2006

Begun the Clone War has.....


Christians are supposed to approach their brothers and sisters when they are concerned about them and to help them make wise life choices based on sound biblical principles. So it was with the best of intentions when an important issue was brought to the attention of the New Parents Sunday School class. The concern was that Mom and Dad were actively shopping "The Baby Boy You've Always Wanted" -- Josh!!!!!

Well it turned out that instead, my master plan to create an army of clone Joshes has been discovered. Blast!! Er... did I say army? I mean... my plan to offer a little bit of Josh to everyone who isn't lucky enough to have Josh... yeah... that's it... forget that army thing.....

The Premiere Edition Josh comes with the following features:
  • lifelike blue eyes that are filled with trust and innocence -- And our patent pending creepyness.
  • soft blonde wisps just begging to be kissed -- That's right -- KISS 'EM!!!!
  • a droll expression -- Or was that troll? Pretty sure it's not droll.
  • jointed to snuggle and "mother-gaze" the way only an infant can -- As long as that infant is made of vinyl.
  • perfect for hugging and holding. Once you hold him in your embrace, you can't let go -- You'll try, but YOU WILL FAIL MISERABLY AT LETTING GO -- mostly because vinyl is sticky. Especially when it's hot. You might be able to let go, but there will be that SHHHLUURRRRP sound as the vinyl peels away from your sweaty arm;
  • individually numbered -- by the Department of Redundancy Department;
  • a strictly limited edition that will disappear as quickly as your own baby became a toddler -- Mostly because you didn't pay attention to your own baby, and instead were focused on a freaky, creepy piece of vinyl.
And, in a much better deal than Mom and Dad got, if you are not delighted with your Josh, he'll gladly be bought back for his purchase price within the first 100 days-- no conditions, no exceptions.

Your vote on placement on the creepy scale? On a scale of one to ten -- mine is a 15. Shudder.


3.26.2006

3 minute update




1. Really, really, really bad reflux in February. I pretty much screamed my head off during the first half of the Super Bowl over at the Gowin's house. (By the way, if you haven't turned your dining room into a home theater with a HDTV projector, I highly recommend that you do so. Who needs a dining room anyway? Sorry Sara.) But the good news is that Dad didn't really miss anything while he was taking care of me, since the game was as stinky as a Josh diaper in the morning. And once I settled down (thanks to the Gowin's vacuum cleaner), Mom showed up and helped me go to sleep, and the onesie's mojo was allowed to work unimpeded. Note to Uncle Jeff -- I will be size 12 to 18 months during next year's football season. Get working on a replacement -- you da man.

Our friend Stacy went to the victory parade in Pittsburgh. Unless you are Super Bowl MVP, wearing a tacky, yellow, foam cowboy hat will result in you being immediately ostracized from society. Luckily, Mr. Ward is a Super Bowl MVP.

2. So I was generally pretty unhappy most of the second half of February and the first part of March. I started waking up every few hours at night again. I cried alot. I did eat solid food pretty well, and haven't been allergic to anything yet. I've had rice, green beans, peas (I'm still working on the Exorcist head spin thing), bananas, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, avacado, pears, plums, and raspberries. I'd have to say that pears and avacado are my favorites at this point.

Anyway, so mom took me back to the doctor, and we found out I hadn't really gained any weight for a month. So Mom, Dad, and I went to get me an upper GI test. Now, my test, I mean being strapped to a board (Dad was lucky enough to get to do that part), barium squirted down my throat (Mom got to hold my hands away from my face), and then x-rayed. Oh, I forgot to mention that the board rotated so they could take different angles -- yep, little piggy on a spit - that's me. And the results were ....... nothing abnormal. Which I guess was good, but I loved pooping snow white barium for three days. Nothing like mixing it up.

3. So while we were waiting a couple of weeks to see a GI doctor, I decided to pretty much stop eating altogether, which caused Mom to get a plugged duct and a breast infection. Which is just as painful as it sounds.

4. We saw the GI doctor, and she gave me some new medicine -- which seems to have helped, except for the fact that it tastes horrible. We'll have to try and take a picture of the grimace I make when I take it. Yech.
5. Grandma Malone visted. We had a good time. We played, she helped mom out. It was nice. I was a mess, but it was still fun.


6. The GI doctor ordered up an ultrasound to make sure I don't have something in addition to the reflux, like kidney stones. Good news. I'm not pregnant.

7. Shadow and I played. She still pretty much ignores me, but gives me a good licking every once and a while. Pet hand, chew Shadow.... no wait, pet Shadow, chew hand. Yeah. That works better.

8. Grammie and Grandpap Lloyd visited. So did Uncle Jeff. So did Aunt Belinda. So did cousin Tommy. Whew! That was a lot. If you like climbing, and don't have an Uncle Jeff, I highly recommend that you get one. Three out of four grandkids and grandpets agree.

9. Dad and I watched the LSU-Texas basketball game. Since Dad was torn because he went to both schools, I agreed to represent Texas. Apparently the Texas onesie does not have the same mojo as the Steelers onesie. Geaux Tigers!!

10. Today I went in the school nursery today for the first time. It was a success, since I didn't melt down and made it through the whole service. I actually kinda wanted to stay and keep playing, but it was nap time, so Mom put me in the sling and I napped during Sunday School. I was especially brave, since Dad put me in my LSU jersey and plopped me down in a room full of UT fans. Hello Daniel, would you mind stepping through this door -- what's that? The growling sound? -- Oh that's nothing, don't worry about it.
So thats what's been going on. I'm eating alot better these days -- tons of solid food, and a little bit of breastfeeding here and there. Oh. I'm also moving into my own room and learning how to go to sleep on my own. It's tough , because I'm used to having Mom and Dad help me and be in the same room with me. But I'll get the hang of it.

3.18.2006

Flickr Off!


Mom says Flickr loads pictures one at a time, rather than dozens at a time like Yahoo Pictures, so Flickr is outta here. So, if you want to see the latest pictures of me, then you'll have to follow the "Josh Pics" link to the right of your screen. Or is that left? No, right. I'm pretty sure its right. Wait, let me do the finger and thumb thing. Yes, right. So much to remember. To my left is a preview.... No hesitation there. Pretty impressive, huh?

3.13.2006

Update soon

It's been a crazy month and a half or so. And by crazy, I mean crappy. I've been unable to update, because I've been too busy not eating and not sleeping. Plus, we had about a week stretch here that we were a locked down level 4 hot zone, so I stayed off the computer to keep from spreading viruses -- what's that? It doesn't work that way? Weird. Anyway, I'll update soon.

Watch out when Kyle says it's raining cats and dogs, 'cause he means literally - IT's RAINING ACTUAL CATS AND DOGS!!!

Jon Hurley -- a man who's got alot of balls. Ball bearings that is......

Faster Hurley, faster!!!! I'm up for it!!!

How many Aggies does it take to sort a bunch of ball bearings? Apparently four.

2.26.2006

my first guest blogger


dear josh,

it's been a pleasure visiting you this weekend. i especially enjoyed all the playtime and, thankfully only wet, diaper changes. you were the perfect host, though i would have appreciated it if you had shared your prunes with me. sometimes even a girl needs a little bowel motivation, too.

your mom is making me feel guilty as i sit here blogging while she changes your dirty butt, but i'm not letting that stop me. when you're older i'll teach you how to ignore her, too.

the accomodations were lovely, even with the changing table in my guest room. luckily the odors stayed inside the garbage can. the view from my room was breathtaking, especially on the rainy and foggy days, and the complimentary moisturizer (the constant drool) really did take years off my skin.

it was nice meeting your older sister, shadow - otherwise known as the dog. she's a little smellier than you, but not all the time. i think in a couple of years i'll have to introduce you to my friend, beano. i think i'll send your mom some in the mail, but it'll be anonymous, so don't rat me out.

i'm sure sorry your dad was sick over the weekend, but glad i could help out whilst he was quarantined to the loft. he's new to your mom and my friendship, and our way of lovingly knocking each other down each chance we get. hopefully i'll have more time and a travel budget (?) to break him of the cringing. he needn't worry about us. we lasted fifteen years so far, i think we'll make it.

it's time for us to begin your nightly routine - because, yes, the world (or at least this house) does revolve around you. and that's ok, because you're the cutest thing on all fours, and now the cutest thing on flickr.

i love you, kid, and your mom, dad, and shadow, too.

(more lotion. does it ever stop with her?)

love,
aunt step

ps - your mom wanted a picture of us together, but since they all turned out crazy (my fault - definitely not yours, you're quite photogenic), she'll have to settle for this. we'll make it a little less em-bare-ass-ing for you. oh my, i crack myself up. crack - get it???

2.08.2006

G-Daddy is in the House


My grandpa Malone, a.k.a. G-Daddy, came for a visit last night. Today he took Mom and I to the Austin Zoo. Its was our first of many trips to come. The zoo is actually a rescue and rehabilitation center for animals. For example, one of the lions there is from a drug bust in Plano. I didn't know lions were dealing, man.

We saw lions, tigers, and bears - oh my. Really, just one bear. Lots of birds, a peacock, turtles, and monkeys. There were some pigs, goats, and a llama. The llama drooled more than I do. An Austrailan family was also visiting the zoo. I smiled at them and they cheered. They must have never seen a blue eyed Austinite outside of a cage before. Speaking of eyes, see where I get'em?! It was a lot of fun, but next time, we need to bring my Jeep stroller, the terrain was a little rugged...but heck, I wasn't walking anyway.

2.03.2006

The evidence demands a verdict.....



5 reasons why Mom and Tsh must be twins....
  1. They both have adorable babies (and humble)
  2. They both can't stand it when the aforementioned babies are nuts and whiny and crazy all day, and then are God's perfect happy little angel when Dad gets home.
  3. They both are entirely different people when they find 1 hour to do a craft, or other accomplishment during the day (or 15 minutes to take a shower -- or 5 minutes to brush their teeth).
  4. They both like Project Runway and are just a little bit ashamed of that.
  5. They both have such amazing faith, hope, and trust in God that fills some of us around them with awe.

Tggd by Tsh

Four jobs I've had:
  1. Son
  2. Baby
  3. Fuss-monkey
  4. Being cute is a full time job
Four movies I can watch over and over:
  1. What's a movie?
Because of that.... four movies Dad can watch over and over since Mom can never remember movies, so its really like she's always watching them for the first time:
  1. Tin Cup
  2. Cool Hand Luke
  3. Schindler's List
  4. The Right Stuff
Four places I've lived:
  1. Dad's testes and Mom's ovary -- at the same time (Whoa -- blows your mind doesn't it....)
  2. Amniotic Sac
  3. Uterus
  4. Austin, Texas
Four TV Shows that I Love:
  1. Mom doesn't let me watch TV
  2. The Simpsons (OK, so Dad does....)
  3. House (he's such a jerk -- its awesome)
  4. Football
Four places that I've vacationed:
  1. Seton
  2. Backseat of the car
  3. The Hurley's bedroom next to the computer tower -- that fan knocks me out cold.
  4. Dick Nichols Park
Four of my favorite dishes:
  1. The right one
  2. The left one
  3. Rice cereal
  4. A second helping of the right one. And the left one.
Four sites Mom and Dad visit daily:
  1. Treadmarks
  2. i am unfinished
  3. Chrafty Kids
  4. PUCT
Four places Mom and Dad would rather I be right now:
  1. Asleep
  2. Asleep
  3. Asleep
  4. Asleep
Four bloggers I'm tagging:
  1. Aunt Steph
  2. Landry's mom
  3. Dad's friend Jenn
  4. Eh -- I'm a baby, I can't count to four. Besides, this averages out Tsh so she doesn't get sued.

2.01.2006

A Spoon-Full of Rice Cereal Makes the Zantac Go Down...

Today is my 5 month birthday. Although apparently, that gets you nothing. Turns out you only celebrate every 12th month. Weird.

Actually, that's not true. I got more medicine today. Whoo-hoo. Turns out there has been an internal rebellion in Joshnonia (aka reflux), and Joshnonia's arsenal was no longer sufficient to keep the rebellion at bay. So Mom took me to the doctor today, and they upped my medicine -- mostly because I have upped my chunkage to 16 pounds 13 ounces. By the way, I prefer the term "husky". So everyone please pray that the upped Zantac will help with my screaming fits and pain. Since it was raining today, I did sleep most of the day. Mom and Dad continue to give praise for the easing of the Central Texas drought, since a rainy day is apparently the only way I sleep during the day.

So every morning after we wake up, Mom takes me downstairs, puts me in my seat, gives me an empty bowl and spoon, and then proceeds to eat her breakfast right in front me. The key part of that sentence is "empty". So first I stared intently at her as she ate. Nothing. Then I started drooling profusely. Zilch. Then I started gnawing at my hands on the spoon -- that's right, the empty spoon that goes with the empty bowl. Bupkis. Then I started reaching for and grabbing her food -- bananas, bagels, you name it. Zip. Every day. Nada.

But today, my hero Dad came home and made me some rice cereal. That's right. Today was Josh's first official solid food day. Actually, the doc today said that might help the reflux. But I don't care, 'cause it was good stuff. Dad said it tasted like something called cardboard, but I was too busy slurping it down to listen. Yuuuuuuuuuum!



So prior to today, I've just been hanging out with the ladies all this week. Yesterday, we went to the park with the Gowins. On Monday, Mom and I went to the playgroup, and it was me and four girls. Yeah baby! Josh likes those odds.

We're going to watch the Super Bowl at the Gowins. I still don't understand why we don't have a HDTV Projector that makes a 100 inch TV on the wall like they do, but Mom keeps saying I'll understand later. We watched LSU destroy Miami in the Peach bowl, Texas beat USC in the Rose Bowl there, so it is clearly the lucky spot to watch football. With that, the lucky onesie, and Dad keeping his cursed Terrible Towel safely on the top shelf of the closet, Josh can guarantee a victory for the Steelers. Boo-yah!