Open letter to my son:

Dear Casey,

Right now, you and your mom are at your Grandma's house. And Daddy is home all alone. (No, I didnt do anything to piss your mommy off) I cant believe you would think that. Actually, most people who know me probably thought the same thing... Anyhow, you are there because some work is getting done to our house, and they are using some chemicals. We dont want you to breathe anything bad, so we thought it was best if you stayed away for a few days. I know that cow manure smell out there in Chino isnt exactly pleasant, but at least it isnt potentially harmful to you.

While you are gone, I have realized something... In your short 5+ month life, you have succeeded in doing something that no one or nothing as been able to ever do... Replace beach volleyball. You see, I was at the beach virtually all day today; and the only reason I stayed as long as I did is because you weren't at home waiting for me. Once upon a time, a long day at the beach would have been a personal paradise for me. But today, I realized that without you around, there is a hole in my day/ life. Dont get me wrong, I still enjoy a nice beach day, but something feels a little empty. Mommy has been calling me, trying to get you to talk to me on the phone. You are too young to understand the whole concept, but when you guys are on the phone line, I can close my eyes and picture you. I can picture your face, your expressions.

Realize that even though you're not here with me, I think about you constantly. I think about the last time I saw you and how you smiled and laughed when I was playing with you. I goto bed thinking about you, and you are the first thought in my mind when I wake up. I will continue to think of you, and look at photos of you even as they bring tears of joy to my eyes.

Enjoy your time with your extended family out there, and I'll see you when you get home. Daddy misses you!

Holiday Weekend

The July 4th weekend started out eventful. On July 3rd, PJ celebrated his 5 month birthday by rolling from stomach to back. He caught on pretty fast, and figured out that if he rolled continously in one direction, he could be mobile, and find lots of interesting stuff to get into.

On the 4th, PJ stayed away from the madness that is the beach scene. Instead, he went to Wilson Park, where he enjoyed festivities including live bands, food court and lots and lots of people. In the evening, Pj went to bed.. and we nervously waited for the fireworks to start. The City of Torrance puts on a HUGE fireworks show each 4th at Wilson Park, which is right down the street. At 9PM sharp, the fireworks start, and we watched PJ on the baby monitor... He slept thru the whole thing! Back in May, there was a 4.7 earthquake who's epicenter was a few miles away.. Pj slept thru that whole episode too. I'm kinda wondering exactly what can disturb this kid when he sleeps.

Pix at the City of Torrance 4th of July celebration.

5 Month Birthday and a Milestone

July 3rd marked Casey's 5 month birthday. He decided to start it out with a solution to a drooly dilemma that he has had since early June. He started the morning by rolling from his belly to his back.

Back in June he learned to roll from his back to his belly. (see previous post http://wangxuexian.blogspot.com/2009/06/pitch-yaw-and-roll.html ) Once he got on his belly he would play and hold his head up high. Unfortunately, when his head got heavy it would drop down suddenly....basically, he would face plant into his play mat. He would start sucking on his hands or the mat itself and the crying would begin. By the time we would get to him there would be a nice puddle of drool....mind you a puddle of drool only takes seconds to create.

Along with this new milestone he also learned that when he was on his belly and his head got heavy he could actually turn it to the side and rest his head on the mat...no more faceplants...even when he got tired.

Below is a video of Casey's wonderful rolling skills. Way to go Casey!!!



Of course now he is mobile and it hasn't taken him long at all to figure out that if he keeps rolling to the same side he can get anywhere in the living room....unless he gets stuck....

Time to baby proof!!!