Ok, so I'm quite behind on all the funny, amazing things our son has come up with, so I decided to write a post including the most noteworthy ones. I included the date they occurred. The only one I'm not quite sure about the date is the first one.
I put this first story in a post that falls correctly in the time line, so click on the link to see the post.
~January 21, 2009 - It All Started With A Christmas Tree
~January 23, 2009 - An Amazing Imagination
When I was putting Christopher to bed for the night, I decided to let him help me tell a story. I would say a few words and then pause to see what he would say. His words are in bold.
One day, there was a boy named Joshua. And Joshua wanted to go outside. Because he felt sad. So Joshua found his friend Joshua, a chicken. So Joshua the boy and Joshua the chicken went outside to play. And they went to school. And at school they played soccer. They played soccer with all their friends. And the best thing about school was everything. After school, Joshua and Joshua went caroling. And when they were caroling they sang Jingle Bells (and he sang Jingle Bells). Sometimes when they sang the people gave them money. When they were done caroling, Joshua and Joshua took their money and went to the doctor. They went to the doctor and gave him the money so he could make them feel better. And after the doctor made them feel all better they went home. And they went to sleep, because they were happy. The end.
So creative. I love to see his imagination at work.
February 15, 2009 - My Name Was Cleared Today
For months we haven't been able to find one of our memory cards for our camera. Supposedly (and probably rightfully so - since I didn't put it back in the camera), I was the one who lost it. I remembered setting it on the desk after copying all the pictures from it on to our computer, but it was gone. Well, I was copying all the information off of our old floppy disks on to our computer so I could throw them away. When I ejected one of them, the metal piece came off and one got stuck in the floppy drive. When Andy came home, I asked him to get it out. Along with the metal piece that he pulled out, along came our missing memory card. Ahh, Christopher. And of course, this was also the day Andy went to use the toaster and pulled a mini chip clip out of it. It now stays unplugged except when in use.
February 17, 2009 - Our Doctor
While in the car on the way home from my mom's house, Christopher mentioned something about helping somebody that was hurt or sick or something like that. I said, "You like to help people, don't you Christopher? You like to make sure everyone is happy, healthy, and feeling good, huh?" His response? I like to make YOU feel better, Mommy. Ahh...right to my heart. =)
February 18, 2009 - Our Builder
I rearranged the house today - we moved the playroom to the former dining room where there is a set of double doors leading out to our back patio. When Christopher woke from his nap, he noticed the change and asked me if I had done that for him. "Yep." I replied. "Do you like it?" "Uh huh. Did you build the window for you, Mommy?" "Well, no. Whoever built the house put that door there." *pause...thinking, thinking:* "I built the house for you, Mommy." "You did?" "Uh huh. And the roof for you, Mommy." "Thanks, Buddy. That was nice of you." "You're welcome."
February 19, 2009 - Our Rabbit
Christopher walked in to the kitchen today, pulling a few strands of hair on top of his head straight up - one cluster in each hand. "What are you doing, Christopher?" "I'm a rabbit!"
"Oh. Are those your ears?" "Yes."
February 26, 2009 - Popcorn
Christopher ate probably the equivalent of an entire bag of popcorn by himself tonight. Mama, Anna Leigh, Christopher, Kaela and I went to a Dizney on Ice show at Freedom Hall. (Andy was in Memphis) I've never seen Christopher sit so still for anything. At one point he was sitting on my lap, and I actually asked Anna if he was breathing because I couldn't tell from behind him - not a muscle was moving. Anyway, I bought him a box of popcorn - which he's never had before - and he sat on mine or Mama's lap the entire 2 hours, staring at the floor in a trance and, without looking at the box, shoving popcorn in his mouth until over 1/2 the box was gone. Wow! Guess he likes popcorn. We had a lot of fun.
Ah, what a guy. We never stop laughing around here, so if you need to laugh, come on over!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Three of His Favorites
Christopher really likes the computer, Bob the Builder, and basketball...so why not have them all at once?
Friday, March 20, 2009
Trip to Nashville, Memphis and the ER
Since Andy has been having to travel quite a bit for work, we decided to join him on a trip. He had to be in Memphis, TN on Monday and Tuesday - which meant we could leave Johnson City on Friday and visit Ballingers over the weekend in Nashville. It WAS a good idea. Christopher had a few sniffles and a little cough, but didn't seem really sick, so we went ahead with the trip and left Friday afternoon. The trip to Nashville went smoothly (much better than previously) and we arrived around 10pm at Bill and Amber's. Saturday morning, we lounged around the house and the boys worked on a "man" project. Kaela and I watched a movie since Amber had left for a conference.
Helping Bill attach something to his work bench.
Christopher and Daddy - proud of their job.
Well...somehow while the boys were working, Christopher found a marker and decorated the inside of the garage door. Oops.
After nap time, I noticed Christopher's cough had gotten much worse, and he wasn't coughing anything up. He had a slight fever and hadn't slept well in about 48 hours, so we called his doctor who said to take him in to see someone. Since Andy was supposed to pick up a rental car that afternoon before the enterprise place closed, and the clinic we found wasn't open much longer, Bill and Andy took Kaela to get the car and I left with Christopher to go to the doctor. While I was waiting to be seen, Andy called and said they were bringing Kaela because she was coughing too. Ever taken your kids to a doctor in another city away from home? Not too fun. Christopher of course didn't know him and was nervous. But we got through it. I explained to him that we were going to the doctor so he could help him get better. As the doctor tried to look in Christopher's mouth/throat, he suggested different things were in Christopher's mouth and he needed to see them and possible get them out. The doctor said Christopher sounded like he had a little bronchiolitits, and prescribed some antibiotics and some cough medicine for bedtime to help him sleep. Kaela sounded ok still, so nothing for her. About 1/2 a block down the street after we left, Christopher blurted out: "Mommy, he didn't." "Who didn't what, Christopher?" To which he responded, "The doctor. He didn't pull the cough out of my throat." Andy and I tried hard not too laugh hysterically at him. So cute. Then, when we pulled up to the drive-thru at Walgreens to pick up his antibiotic, Christopher shouted from the backseat, "I want a hamburger please. Yes, and fries." Not laughing was out of the question.
Saturday night we ate at the Ethiopian restaurant again. SO DELICIOUS!!!!! I love Ethi food.
The kids slept great that night and Christopher seemed to be feeling a bit better Sunday morning, so we decided to go ahead and go the rest of the way with Andy to Memphis.
We arrived to find the hotel we had booked was old and musty...after about an hour, we packed up and decided to find a new one since my allergies were already acting up from the mold in the vents. Finally, we settled in for the night at the hotel Andy normally stays in when he goes - Park Place. It was really nice.
Monday, we woke up to Andy's alarm. Right away I noticed both kids were wheezing - Christopher worse than Kaela. So as Andy headed out the door to work, I packed the kids into the van and headed to a hospital that I found on google! =) Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Even though we went through the ER, it was fast - no long wait to see someone. A nurse in triage saw the kids then sent us over to the doctor in a clinic on the other side of the hospital. Fortunately, they had little red wagons that you could use to transport kids around.
The doctor said both kids were wheezing and she wanted chest x-rays, so they had to put on little gowns...so cute sitting in their gowns in the little red wagon.
Sweet little girl.
Silly monkey - chowing down on cheerios.
Waiting to go get x-rays.
For the xr-rays, they had to sit on what looked like a little bicycle seat in the middle of a hole that had been cut out of a board mounted on 4 legs. Then we had to hold their arms above their head and the nurse buckled two plastic shields around them that held them in position for the x-ray. I thought they would freak out, but we made a game out of it and neither one seemed to mind much.
They were both so good - not one cry or whine out of either of them the whole time we were there except during their breathing treatments. Thankfully, the x-rays were clear and the RSV screen negative, so the doctor ordered a 5 day course of steroids and breathing treatments (inhalers). We had to place the inhaler at the end of a spacer (like a baby bottle) that had a mask attached to the other end to fit over their mouth and nose. Since you can't tell such young children to hold their breath, you spray the inhaler and hold the mask in place for 10 breaths. Yeah. That didn't go so well. My poor babies.
They responded well to the treatment, so we were released to go "home" - or back to the hotel. Instead of spending another night in Nashville on the way home to break up the trip, we went all the way home on Tuesday. The kids are doing much better - praise the Lord all it required was an inhaler and some steroids. We're thankful we didn't have to get admitted 8 hours from home!
Helping Bill attach something to his work bench.
Christopher and Daddy - proud of their job.
Well...somehow while the boys were working, Christopher found a marker and decorated the inside of the garage door. Oops.
After nap time, I noticed Christopher's cough had gotten much worse, and he wasn't coughing anything up. He had a slight fever and hadn't slept well in about 48 hours, so we called his doctor who said to take him in to see someone. Since Andy was supposed to pick up a rental car that afternoon before the enterprise place closed, and the clinic we found wasn't open much longer, Bill and Andy took Kaela to get the car and I left with Christopher to go to the doctor. While I was waiting to be seen, Andy called and said they were bringing Kaela because she was coughing too. Ever taken your kids to a doctor in another city away from home? Not too fun. Christopher of course didn't know him and was nervous. But we got through it. I explained to him that we were going to the doctor so he could help him get better. As the doctor tried to look in Christopher's mouth/throat, he suggested different things were in Christopher's mouth and he needed to see them and possible get them out. The doctor said Christopher sounded like he had a little bronchiolitits, and prescribed some antibiotics and some cough medicine for bedtime to help him sleep. Kaela sounded ok still, so nothing for her. About 1/2 a block down the street after we left, Christopher blurted out: "Mommy, he didn't." "Who didn't what, Christopher?" To which he responded, "The doctor. He didn't pull the cough out of my throat." Andy and I tried hard not too laugh hysterically at him. So cute. Then, when we pulled up to the drive-thru at Walgreens to pick up his antibiotic, Christopher shouted from the backseat, "I want a hamburger please. Yes, and fries." Not laughing was out of the question.
Saturday night we ate at the Ethiopian restaurant again. SO DELICIOUS!!!!! I love Ethi food.
The kids slept great that night and Christopher seemed to be feeling a bit better Sunday morning, so we decided to go ahead and go the rest of the way with Andy to Memphis.
We arrived to find the hotel we had booked was old and musty...after about an hour, we packed up and decided to find a new one since my allergies were already acting up from the mold in the vents. Finally, we settled in for the night at the hotel Andy normally stays in when he goes - Park Place. It was really nice.
Monday, we woke up to Andy's alarm. Right away I noticed both kids were wheezing - Christopher worse than Kaela. So as Andy headed out the door to work, I packed the kids into the van and headed to a hospital that I found on google! =) Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Even though we went through the ER, it was fast - no long wait to see someone. A nurse in triage saw the kids then sent us over to the doctor in a clinic on the other side of the hospital. Fortunately, they had little red wagons that you could use to transport kids around.
The doctor said both kids were wheezing and she wanted chest x-rays, so they had to put on little gowns...so cute sitting in their gowns in the little red wagon.
Sweet little girl.
Silly monkey - chowing down on cheerios.
Waiting to go get x-rays.
For the xr-rays, they had to sit on what looked like a little bicycle seat in the middle of a hole that had been cut out of a board mounted on 4 legs. Then we had to hold their arms above their head and the nurse buckled two plastic shields around them that held them in position for the x-ray. I thought they would freak out, but we made a game out of it and neither one seemed to mind much.
They were both so good - not one cry or whine out of either of them the whole time we were there except during their breathing treatments. Thankfully, the x-rays were clear and the RSV screen negative, so the doctor ordered a 5 day course of steroids and breathing treatments (inhalers). We had to place the inhaler at the end of a spacer (like a baby bottle) that had a mask attached to the other end to fit over their mouth and nose. Since you can't tell such young children to hold their breath, you spray the inhaler and hold the mask in place for 10 breaths. Yeah. That didn't go so well. My poor babies.
They responded well to the treatment, so we were released to go "home" - or back to the hotel. Instead of spending another night in Nashville on the way home to break up the trip, we went all the way home on Tuesday. The kids are doing much better - praise the Lord all it required was an inhaler and some steroids. We're thankful we didn't have to get admitted 8 hours from home!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Jumping in the Mall
We took Christopher to the mall to get a pretzel, and he saw people jumping on this and wanted to try it. Haha I thought. I was sure he would be a little scared when it came time to actually do it. But, after the lady told him he had to pay cash, he told me we had to get some. So we did, and we paid...and he jumped! Way to go, Christopher. We're so proud of you.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Supper With Aunt SaraBeth
Andy went to Lexington on business on Monday, and came home yesterday around 7 pm. I worked from noon - 11:30 pm, so Laura Brown, Mama and SaraBeth all took turns watching the kids since everyone had something scheduled at different times today! Good thing our kids are flexible. =)
SaraBeth took Christopher out on our back porch for dinner. Of course, he thoroughly enjoyed eating outside.
SaraBeth took Christopher out on our back porch for dinner. Of course, he thoroughly enjoyed eating outside.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Bravery Sets In
Astonishing "fear" spread over me when I realized how brave and carefree Christopher has become. Yesterday, as we walked in the door from running some errands, I told Christopher we could go outside and play after I laid a sleeping Kaela in her crib. Without giving it much thought, I had already unlocked the back door...mistake. Literally, I walked up the stairs, laid her in her crib, and immediately walked back down the stairs in time to see my son disappearing around the corner of our sunroom, pushing his big tonka truck. I quickly, yet quietly followed him out and peeked around the corner to see where and how far he would go alone. I was surprised to watch him walk clear down behind the furthest townhouse from us, and push his truck down the hill. He then proceeded to push it back up and then down twice before he yelled: "Mommy. I need help, it's heavy!" He still hadn't even looked around to see if I was there. Yikes! Here are a couple pictures I snapped - they're from far away since he didn't know I was out there yet.
Going to retrieve his truck.
Going to retrieve his truck.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Aunt Dorcas and the Tolan Clan
This past weekend, many from the Tolan clan gathered in Johnson City for a coming of age party for my cousin, Mark Cromer. It was fun to see everyone, eat lots of delicious food, fellowship and play games. And of course, Christopher LOVED all the attention.
Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Tolan with their great-grandkids, Kaela and Christopher.
Grandma is still spry enough to turn Christopher upside down over her shoulder - which he thought was great fun.
Giggle giggle.
Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Tolan with their great-grandkids, Kaela and Christopher.
Grandma is still spry enough to turn Christopher upside down over her shoulder - which he thought was great fun.
Giggle giggle.
Christopher really latched on to great-Aunt Dorcas for the weekend. Whenever she wasn't by his side, he walked around the house yelling, "Dooorcaaass! DOOORcaaass! Where are you, Dorcas?" They had lots of fun together, even riding in Christopher's wagon while Babu pulled them both around the driveway.
While walking to my parent's house for dinner on Sunday, Christopher started yelling her name from a block away as soon as he saw the house. Of course, she came running out to meet him - yes - he really can yell that loudly! =)
Christopher and Great Aunt Dorcas Cromer. Of course, she's always been a great aunt, he just made it official. =)
"I like your necklace, Dorcas."
Monday, March 2, 2009
Papa and Gramma drop in for a visit
Mom and Tony had been on a mini-vacation just north of our place, so "on their way home" they stopped by to squeeze in a quick and much needed visit with their grandkids. It was too short, but fun to have them from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Hopefully next time it'll be for a longer time! =)
Kaela has changed A LOT since Thanksgiving, so Mom and Tony were excited to see all her new 'tricks' and beautiful smiles.
Kaela showing Gramma some of her toys.
Kisses from Gramma.
Mom brought a bunch of her old preschool things down, and Christopher had a blast!
After learning all about different magnets and the games he could play with those, he drove cars around the "city" with Gramma for hours. His favorite thing was rolling his car over the bear's head (printed on the material) and giving it a headache! Hmm...
Throwing paper airplanes that Auntie Meg sent down for him.
Watching old videos of himself when he was younger with Papa and Gramma.
So...very short yet packed with fun. Thanks for coming!
Kaela has changed A LOT since Thanksgiving, so Mom and Tony were excited to see all her new 'tricks' and beautiful smiles.
Kaela showing Gramma some of her toys.
Kisses from Gramma.
Mom brought a bunch of her old preschool things down, and Christopher had a blast!
After learning all about different magnets and the games he could play with those, he drove cars around the "city" with Gramma for hours. His favorite thing was rolling his car over the bear's head (printed on the material) and giving it a headache! Hmm...
Throwing paper airplanes that Auntie Meg sent down for him.
Watching old videos of himself when he was younger with Papa and Gramma.
So...very short yet packed with fun. Thanks for coming!
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