Road Trip Interruptis

Recently, we took a roadtrip, or 'freeway adventure' as Casey likes to call them. We were only 20 minutes into our journey when Casey announced he needs "naptime underwear". You see, at this point in his potty training, he has learned to not poop in his 'big boy underwear', but he thus far refuses to poop in the potty. So, that leaves pull-ups, or 'naptime underwear'. Obviously, he has sufficient control over his poop-chute, because he can contract and expand as he wishes. Reportedly the stumbling block for pooping in the potty is that he doesn't like the splash... Don't we all... Anyhow, when he feels the urge to poop, he will ask for a pair of his 'naptime underwear'... and he'll poop in em. So this time, we are driving, so we pull off the freeway, and get him dressed in his naptime underwear... and he proceeds to walk around and scout out the perfect spot to do his business. As you can see from the photos, it took multiple locations to get the job done!!!

Walking around scouting locations:

Yes, that is the Interstate 5 freeway in the background!

"Leave me alone!"

The minivan should provide some privacy...

A day of firsts

Today was a day full of firsts. Casey asked to play baseball. We got the t-ball set out and he played baseball for the first time ever. This was the first day of Casey's baseball career. Whether it ends in little league (like his Daddy's baseball career, or it lasts until high school or beyond, today is the day it all started. Our next activity was swimming. While we have done that before, Casey JUMPED into the pool all by himself... For the first time ever... and the second time, and the third time... He was fearless, as he plunged in the water, fully submerged himself and FINALLY came bobbing to the surface! For those who are wondering; no he doesn't know how to swim, no, he wasn't wearing a floatation device, yes Daddy was there watching him closely, ready to fish him out of the water in case he didn't surface immediately. Yet another first occurred during our 'short walk' as he calls it. There is this tradition we started when he was very small. We walked to a local 'creek' and I held his hand and guided him while he stepped on a few rocks while crossing the 'creek'. Never once did we lose balance and end up in the drink. Well, today Casey blasted on ahead by himself, and by the time I turned the corner, I saw him... on the other side of the creek. I kept my distance, and silently watched from afar. He proceeded to cross back and forth, multiple times, effortlessly stepping from rock to rock, all on his own. Guess he doesn't need me for that anymore.

Go ahead, make my day

As I pulled up to the house today after work, Casey ran to the window overlooking the garage and greeted me. Then, as I pulled into the garage, Casey ran down to the garage to greet me. This alone made my day. He actually missed me enough to run all the way downstairs, into the garage to greet me. I saw him and said, 'Hi bud, whatcha doing?'... He said, 'Trying to fart.' Now, this REALLY made my day!

Volleyball

Sometimes, in between Sesame Street and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes, Casey will let Daddy watch something on TV. About any time I get the chance, I'll try to watch some sports. Basketball, football, volleyball, just something 'adult'. Casey will often watch with me. He has learned to recognize the sports, and he will invariably run to get the appropriate ball to 'play' the specific sport being shown on TV. Once, we were watching volleyball, and Casey got his 'Portugal' volleyball and asked me to play with him. He says "Daddy's arms".. and I attempt a forearm volleyball pass. Then I say, "Casey's arms", and he give me a passing platform... Enjoy the video. Turn up the sound...

Trip Pix

We recently took a trip down south to SD. Went to the 'Big Zoo', played at the playground and hung out at Nai Nai and Ye Ye's house.

Nai Nai and Casey at the playground


Casey getting a ride in the laundry basket


Casey riding shotgun


Getting a helping hand from Nai Nai

Handsome Prince

Yesterday evening Phil, his mom, and I were going to attend cousin Jack and Lan's (Kathy) wedding reception. After getting ready (hair, makeup, clothes etc.) upstairs I came downstairs.  The boys were playing in the living room.  When I arrived and Casey saw me he asked, without skipping a beat, "You a Princess?" I immediately smiled really big and my heart filled with so much love for my handsome little guy. I actually had to look over at Nai Nai to make sure I heard Casey correctly.  I looked at Casey and told him he had just made my day. More than that he made my job as a mom worth every moment!  I gave my big boy a big hug and told him he was my Handsome Prince.

I love you Casey!!!!  My Handsome Prince!!!

The next challenge

Yesterday, Casey and I went for a morning bike ride. We got him a small present, a horn for his bike. So, here we were, him on his bike, riding and honking his horn, and me walking/jogging beside him. He then tells me that he wants to goto the park. He rides all the way to the park, (about a mile, round trip). We get to the park, and he even rides his bike up a decent incline, pumping his quad muscles like a champ. As he gets off his bike to head to the jungle gym, I notice his bike seat is a little wet. Immediately, he tells me, "I have to go potty". Thus began my introduction to potty training. Until now, it would have been easy; I'd have told him to simply pee in his diaper. But, this being the first week of potty training, he was wearing 'big boy underwear'. And Daddy, being Daddy, didn't bring anything with us. No spare clothes, no spare underwear, no tissues, no baby wipes, no portable toilet... I looked around and considered my options. There were no fire hydrants, so I couldn't pretend he was a dog. I saw some trees, but they were out in the wide-open, and it was a crowded Saturday at the park. I decided the best option was to make a mad dash for the public restrooms. We started out walking, and I thought it might be faster if I carried him. So I carried him all the way to the restroom, and approached the first urinal. I figured any boy of mine is gonna be a man and learn to pee standing up. I got him positioned in front of the urinal, and was beginning to undo his pants... When I saw a river coming from the bottom of his pant leg. I managed to get his pants and underpants out of the way, and he just continued to whizzz all over the floor. Considering the flow rate, and length of time he peed, that little guy sure can store a lot of pee in his bladder! Alas, he was now soaked, so our park playtime was cut short. He had a soggy ride home, where we dried and cleaned him. Looks like this potty training this is gonna be a challenge!