Daddy's Little Sous Chef

To celebrate the New Year, I picked up some filet mignons at Bristol Farms. John wanted to help me cook. Since it's a special night, we decided to let John stay up late and help me cook. He even got to enjoy some of our dinner.

Big Boy Bed

On Monday, we went to pick out a big boy bed for Johnny at Leeds Mattress. The store opened at 10, but we didn't get there until 10:20. The store wasn't open just yet. It seems the salesman was late because he'd spent the night in the emergency room for a gall bladder something or other.




When we went in, John wanted nothing to do with the beds. He was angry Johnny because he wanted to go to Target, our next destination, to look at trains and buy chocolate milk. After a while, he warmed up and we went to look at the Tempurpedic beds. They really are comfortable, but ever so expensive. Eventually, he didn't want to leave the store, not even with promises of chocolate milk and trains. This boy of ours is rather fickle like that.

Feeding the Horses

At the Gaunt residence on Christmas, John and I tooks some time to look at the horses. As we were looking at them, Uncle Fred came out to feed Rocket (th big horse), Tatiana, and Sampson (the minature ponies). Uncle Fred was kind enough to allow John to help feed the horses. John had so much fun telling me all about the horses.

John's Latest Kick

Over Christmas, we went to two family gatherings. At the end of each night, John asked the respective hostesses, Aunt China and Aunt Patty, if he could have a sleepover. Apparently, John thinks that we have sleepovers all the time now.

Christmas Week in Less Than 10 Minutes

Christmas Day

Our John woke up and he wasn't quite sure what was going on. He remembered that he got some gifts the night before from the very loud Gonzalez contingent of his family, so he made an immediate beeline toward them. There were some really cool Thomas the Tank Engine toys that he couldn't wait to dig into. He didn't realize that Santa puts his presents under the tree.

After Maureen and I directed him to the Santa gifts, he still wasn't too sure about them, so we had to start unwrapping the gifts. Eventually, he saw that Santa brought him a blue bicycle. He was ever so happy. He'd wanted the tricycle since he first saw it in Target. Then, he wanted a blue one with a dinosaur on it that we saw at Toys R Us, but they didn't have it for Santa. He went with the classic Radio Flyer. After taht, he saw more Thomas toys and was in heaven.

He was quite intrigued with the empty cookies plate. There were a few crumbs and a half eaten carrot next to an empty glass of milk. Santa and Rudolf had a great snack. John made the cookies with a little help from Maureen earlier in the day. All in all, it was a great day.

Really Belated Birthday Wishes

John would like to apologize for the delay in these wishes. On Monday, December 20th, it was Aunt Kaitlin's birthday. On Thursday, December 23rd, it was Aunt "Wuwu"'s birthday. Happy Birthday.

John's Understanding of Christmas

John's concept of Christmas is pretty much what you'd expect for a 2.5 year old. He knows a man named Santa Claus brings presents. He doesn't know about the Naughty or Nice part of Christmas just yet, but he does know about holidays that are celebrated all over the world thanks to Caillou's Christmas episodes and movies. He knows how to sing the Dreidel song and he knows how to say Kwanza (I don't really consider that a holiday since it just started in the sixties, but that's just me). Anywho, he does have some concept of Jesus. He has his Little People Nativity set with Blue Mary and Brown Joseph. When we went to Mass on Christmas Day, we took him up to the altar to see the big Nativity set and he knew Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. Plus, he gets to decorate a tree. It's pretty much "win-win" for him.

Our Visit to Santa

Thursday morning, we headed to the Grove to visit Santa. John had a full list of items that he wanted to tell Santa that he'd like. He wanted a blue bicycle, a fire truck, a train, and a present for baby. He likes riding around the little bikes at Target. During Caillou's Christmas Movie, Caillou told his mother that he wants a fire truck, so we figure that's where he got the idea for that. Obviously, he loves trains. And, he's a kind and sharing boy, so that's why he asked for a gift for baby. At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

As we approached, John was ever so excited to get closer and closer to Santa's cottage. Finally, it was our turn and Santa's helper asked John what he wanted and he went through his list. As we entered, John was ok, but as he approached Santa, he got a little timid. Santa was very nice and tried to put him at ease, but Maureen had to join the picture. At one point, Santa got me in the picture, but I wasn't dressed for a family photo. As you can see from the photo, the boys look a bit dazed, but John did ask Santa for his toys. Santa even asked him if he wanted a Thomas train. Santa really does know all.

John's Christmas Greeting

John loves to play with Blue Mary, Brown Joseph, and Baby Jesus. Merry Christmas.

Family Dinner

Who do you think would give us more trouble with a family dinner, the one-year old that can't feed himself or the two year old who has some sort of control? Yes, Our John was a bit of a pill at dinner tonight. He didn't want to sit. He didn't want to eat. He just wanted to blow out the candles. Meanwhile, Nicholas was as happy and pleasant as always.

He's a Good Seed. John isn't quite the extreme, but he's on his way. As I type this, he's at his train table playing trains. Sure, that's normal, but he has decided to do it in the nude. What's a father to do?

Earth Science Fun

Whilst browsing the Dollar Spot at Target, Maureen and I noticed these little santa and snowman planters. Last week, John and I planted the seeds. In only a week, you can see the fruits of our labor. More grass is growing every day and John is just so excited every morning when we look at the new blades that have sprung up over night.

Methinks He's Trying To Be A Conductor

I wonder if they'll put up signs around the city that say Electrico like when Gustavo Dudhamel took over from Esa Pekka Salonen.

Froggy Goes for a Walk

I purchased this froggy well over a year ago. I was on a Melissa and Doug kick and saw this at Tuesday Morning in Simi Valley. John just rediscovered it and decided to take it for a walk as we were heading to Grammy's house today.

Johnny Gets in the Spirit

He may be wearing a Grumpy shirt, but he's already in the Jingle Bells Spirit.

Someone Is A Bit Of A Boss

Nicholas enjoys sharing his birthday presents with his John. Unfortunately, John tends to think that Nicholas' gifts are his and that baby has to ask John for permission. Listen to John tell Nicholas to be nice. I think it should be the other way around. Don't you?

Someone Ruined His Brother's Birthday Dinner Last Night

He may have a sweet smile, but he's a bit of a devil. Last night, he was in quite a mood. We stopped into Village Pizzeria for a nice early dinner. Guess who didn't want to sit still and eat? No, Nicholas was excited to be eating the ravioli. Our John kept on screaming and saying that he wanted to go for ice cream. Needless to say, we didn't have ice cream at 31 Flavors, but we did buy him a cupcake at Crumbs. We couldn't be mean and give a cupcake to Nicholas and have John crying. That would be criminal.

The Handy Man

John is quite good when it comes to tools. He loves to play with a screw driver. He'll climb under a toy and tinker with it as if he is fixing something. He gets so excited that he does his happy/excited dance.

The Caillou Effect

John really loves watching Caillou. Maureen and others don't like Caillou, but I like to watch it with John. Anyway, there is an episode of Caillou where he is afraid of the dark. John loves to watch this episode. He's not scared of the dark like Caillou, but he likes to watch Caillou talk about the Scratchy Monster that turns out to be a tree branch. The other night, he hadn't fallen asleep when he cried out, "Daddy! Daddy!" Being the sucker that I am, I went in and he said, "There are monsters." I told him, "No, there aren't and go to sleep." Sure enough, he fell asleep in no time.

Sunday in the Park

As you know, John is quite fond of going to the park. He loves to play at the fountains, but he also likes to go to the PLB putting green to take a few whacks with his clubs. I used to want him to be a soccer star, but maybe he'll do quite well as a golfer? It's worked out quite well for Tiger Woods...well on second thought, maybe he can be like Calvin Peete, a nice boring professional.

It's Been A While

Sorry for the delay, but things have been crazy in our neck of the woods. John is as delightful as ever and he has a new obsession: Flashlights. He sleeps with three of them. He's not scared of the dark or anything. He just wants to hold onto the flashlights. I don't get it either, but he seems to be ok with the extra light. He gets rather upset if I take them away.

Johnny Goes to Play School

In Canada, they call it Play School. In the US, it's called Pre School. I like the Canadian term, so I'll use it. Plus, Caillou goes to Play School where he plays with Leo, Clementine, and the little Chinese girl under the watchful eye of Miss Martin.

Anyway, Maureen took John to the school where he's already been accepted. Since he's a legacy, they had to take both him and Nicholas. Today was the Thanksgiving celebration and the school director invited Maureen to bring the boys along.

Johnny liked it very much. I think he just liked the slides and play structures, so I think I'll continue to call it Play School much to Maureen's chagrin.

Happy Birthday Cousin Dita

Today is cousin Dita's birthday. It's her sixth birthday. Last Sunday, Johnny went to her birthday party. He enjoyed tacos from The Taco Man, the pinanta, cake, and even dancing in Uncle Wick's "night club". Our John is quite the dancer. As you can see from the video, he just loves to shake his thing. Actually, dancing to him tends to be running aroudn in circles, but you should see him when he tries to imitate "Mel the Tap Dancing Dog." He really gets into it. You'd think he's a young Bojangles, Gregory Hines, or Arthur Duncan. He even convinced "Baby Greg" to dance as well. He's such a great leader.

Don't worry, Nicholas was there as well. He wasn't abandoned in the car. You'll have to go to his blog for his exploits. In any event, John enjoyed himself very much and thanks Uncle Wick and Aunt Wiz for having him over to the party.

Happy Birthday Ana Mar

It's Ana's birthday today. Happy birthday cousin!

They Are Going to Hate Their Mother for Taking This Picture

Haircuts are Traumatic

The way this boy cries, kicks, and screams, you'd think we were cutting his fingers off. He'll never graduate to Jerry's Barber Shop if he doesn't straighten up and fly right. Jerry doesn't put up with those shenanigans. Fortunately, Adrianna does put up with those shenanigans and was able to give him a hair cut. I wanted to cut it short like we did in March; however, Maureen and Grammy (Remember, she called it a "barrio boy" haircut) said no. What was I to do? Anyway, it's still too shaggy for my liking, but it looks much better than when I cut it.

Little Veruco Salt

John has taken to saying "I Want" quite a bit lately. He reminds us of Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. What do you think?

Bend It Like Johnny

Yesterday, we went to see Cousin Dita aka Cousin Adrianita play soccer at the park. The game started at 11 AM, but John was so excited and kept on talking about going to Dita's game. Parking was a miserable mess, but that's beside the point. John was very excited to get to the park and wanted to join in on the fun. He was able to kick the ball with Uncle Rick, but we had to hold him back from running onto the field. I guess he'll want to play soccer when he's a bit older, but for now, he'll just get to be a spectator.

At the end of the game, we were able to play for a couple of minutes with the balls and the net. From the way he scored that goal, he's a natural. He'll be bigger than Cristiano Ronaldo, but not so big as Pele.

Happy Belated Birthday to The Juan and Happy Birthday to Uncle Robert

Riding the Green Trolley at The Grove

The last few times that John has visited the Grove, he hasn't been able to ride the green trolley. He kept on talking about it as if it were the only thing that would complete his life. Yesterday, he had the great pleasure to ride the trolley. He was one of the first to get on the trolley and he was the last to disembark. He actually wanted to ride it again, but Maureen said that they had to go. They then headed to Barnes and Noble to meet up with Nicholas and me for a "little bit" lunch at the cafe.

After lunch, we headed to the children's section which was packed. There were a tons of Japanese tourists. Some of their children were not so nice and quite pushy. One of them started to step on John to get to the trains. I didn't hear about that until this afternoon or I would have cursed at them in Korean. I know Japanese and Korean are two entirely different languages, but it's close enough. John really enjoyed listening to me read Goodnight Gorilla to him. I had to read it 4-times before I finally said, "Let's find another book."

On a side note, we had to park in the valet section because there was no self parking. Or, I should say, there was little self-parking. John really liked the valet waiting area. They had some comfortable chairs and couches. He actually didn't want to leave the valet area because he was ever so comfortable. The only way we got him to go to the car was to tell him that we were going to visit the office fountain.

What a Great Day

Today was a very special day. Our John was kind enough to sleep in and we were able to go to breakfast at Fiddler's Bistro. Nicholas was quite good (as always). John was a little bit upset at first. He got it into his head that we were going to Target. We told him we'd go to Target after breakfast, but he just wanted to skip breakfast and go to Target. Once we arrived at Fiddler's, we took a seat outside and John said hello to all his restaurant friends. He ate quite well.

At Target, he said his favorite phrase, "I want!" over and over as we walked through the toy aisles. Maureen said he sounded like a little Veruca Salt as we went through the aisles. He really loved looking at all the Thomas the Tank Engine toys. We even saw a few things that Santa, Grammy, or Mama and Daddy might give him. he really liked riding the little tricycle.

After Target, we went to "Blue Lunch" at Daphne's. They still serve Pepsi products, so I brought my own Diet Coke from Target. At first, John didn't feel like eating much. I was quite pleased when he started to eat more tomatoes than french fries on his plate. He really liked the gyro meat and the burger, but he wasn't crazy about the chicken. Normally, he loves the chicken. Much like me, he wasn't crazy about the lettuce Maureen gave him.

We talked about going to the park this afternoon, but we had to make sure John took a good nap. He agreed to take "little bit" nap. As soon as he woke up, he said, "Going to park to see Grammy and Grammy go on slide." Grammy had agreed to go to the park with us to see the boys, but I don't think she knew anything about John's plan for her to go down the slide. He loved going up and down the slides. He didn't freak out when he got sand on himself.

The night ended with a trip to Village Pizzeria and 31 Flavors. I'd have to say that was a great day for JD!

Happy Halloween 2 Days Late

This was Johnny's second year at trick or treating. Last year, he just went around in a stroller. This year, he walked to the doors, said "Trick or Treat!" and "Thank you!" after receiveing candy. Maureen had prepared him by watching Dora's Halloween Special with him a few times. The picture at the right shows Johnny leaving his first house. He was ever so excited and the home owners were so nice to him. How can you not be nice to our John???

For the evening, we went to the Wiseman residence so John could go out with his friends Aly and Jake. John had been talking about going into their "Bouncing" aka Bouncer for a couple of weeks. We didn't let him go into the bouncer at the pumpkin patch because there were several older ruffians in there. As you can see from the video, John loves bouncing around. Also, you can see his great summersaults. Our boy is quite the tumbler.

For every 5 houses that the older kids would visit, John would go to one front door. He really didn't care. He just wanted to walk around with Aly and Jake. By the end of the night, he was in the stroller enjoying a nice ride. He was ready to go back and have some chocolate milk. Fortunately, we didn't have any chocolate milk and he was happy with regular milk in a Thomas the Tank Engine cup.

Happy Belated Birthday Lexie Luger

We're sorry this is a day late, but daddy was too tired to post you the happy birthday greeting. We hope you enjoyed your special day and enjoyed your first time voting.

Bieber Fever Ruins John's Trip to Barnes and Noble

Maureen took the boys to The Grove for some fun. As usual, they were going to go to the children's book section at B&N to read some books and have some fun time. Sadly, they were unable to go there because effing Justin Bieber was going to be in the store and they had to block off that section. First, Hannah Montana ruined a trip about 14-months ago. Now, effing Justin Bieber. What's this world coming to when a young boy can't go look at books because an uneducated singer is appearing at the store? Is it any wonder that American students are falling behind the world in studies?

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch. As one can imagine, they had pumpkins there, but they also had all sorts of fun and goodies such as bouncers, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, and trains. If anyone knows me, you know that I abhor all those things except the train rides. As you all know, John loves trains. Do you think he enjoyed himself?

Lunch at Chasen's

We had to stop in at Bristol Farms to pick up some "Boo Chips". For those who know, the Bristol Farms in Hollywood used to be Chasen's . Maureen made the comment, "It's too bad I never ate at Chasen's before it closed."

As we were shopping, we decided to have some lunch there and we found a lovely section called "Bristol Farms Cafe" that was a replica of the booths at Chasen's. So, I guess Maureen was able to eat at Chasen's after all. For the record, John had the tomato and cheese italian sandwich. He loves tomato and cheese sandwiches.

Sorry for the Delay

It's been a while since I have posted, but it's been a couple of long weeks. Be on the lookout for our trip to the pumpkin patch and Halloween.

Kind of Gross, But Cool

Yes, that's right. JD made a "yucky fountain" into his potty. He told Maureen that he wanted to make a "yucky fountain" and he sure did.

Happy Birthday Mama

Lunch with Grammy

Maureen took the boys to join Grammy for lunch at The Farmer's Market. John was good and ate his grilled cheese and fruit. Grammy was kind enough to share her french fries with him. I think that he thinks french fries come with every meal because he always asks for them regardless of the time of day. He's a boy after my own interests.

While at the Farmer's Market, they went to the Fall Festival. There was a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, and games. John won a Farmer's Market bag full of stickers. He also had a fun time with Cowboy Dave and his magic rope as you can see from the video.

Hmmmm Pumpkin Muffins

John and Maureen had fun baking muffins this afternoon. He did so enjoy putting the ingredients in the bowl and mixing them. He even put the batter into the molds.

Like any good chef, he has to make sure his baked goods are ready to be served, so he carefully inserts toothpicks to check their texture. John is good like that. He follows directions and recipes like his mother.

The payoff comes when he finally gets to eat his pumpkin muffins. He enjoyed them for dinner. He didn't eat the protein portion of his meal, but he had his fill of carbs.

Fun at the Movies

He's quite easy to entertain. Take him to an open space and he'll just run around in circles or squares. This is his latest favorite passtime. He enjoys running around the lobby of the movie theater at The Grove.

A Nasty Habit

As of late, John has picked up one of the worst habits a child could have. No, he's been picking his nose for a while and that's just something all children do. Recently, Our John has decided to start putting his hand in his diaper after he has defacated. I don't see that as anything that can't be corrected with a swift spanking, but in this day and age, that's frowned upon.

On top of that, he likes to put his hand in between his "cheeks" after we change his diaper. What the deuce? I just don't know what to think.

The Boy Has Got It

Even with a bug bite on his cheek, a knot on his forehead, and hanging out in a diaper, the boy's charm shines through.

Johnny Likes Jazz

Every child should learn Jazz Hands. Don't you think?

We Couldn't Resist

Since they are so close in age, we couldn't resist getting them matching jammies. As you can see, John has the Big Brother jammies on.

Saturday at The Structure

John was very excited to visit where Mama works. He kept on saying, "Going to Mama's school." over and over as we were driving there. He liked the ice cream, but I think he really loved the play structure much more. He climbed up and went down the slides. He explored the tunnel. I suppose we'll need to have a structure like that once we have a backyard.

We May Need to Get Him Some Lessons

We sent to St. A's for the Kindergarten Ice Cream Social yesterday. As Maureen was getting last minute things set-up, Johnny, Nicholas, and I were messing around in rooms where we shouldn'thave been. Anywho, we found a piano and John took to it like white on rice. He sat straight up at the bench and tickled the ivories as if he were a modern day Liberace or Van Clyburn. I would have said Jamie Cullum, but some of our readers would have no clue who the bad boy of piano playing is.