Alex’s Pre-Grousehouse Blogging

Blogging, as a phenomenon, has only recently (say the past couple of years) exploded, at least in the mainstream (bloggers themselves, or those who kept daily journals with links to interesting items, have been at it since as far back as 1995, though not many of them). Alex, though, started an online journal of his daily life in late 1999 on our free webspace provided by our ISP. His postings were rare (I think there were four, and I can’t find them, I’m afraid) until we moved him to Blogger in 2000, and probably peaked in mid-2001 through 2002 (though his postings always came in spurts, with a few in a week or two, then nothing for a few months - he was a toddler, after all). Recently, we found some of those older postings, and offer them here for posterity (we’re still looking for the backup of his early 2002 postings - we’ll add them when we find them).

Note that unlike the main blog here on Grousehouse, these posts go from oldest to most recent, in order to free the reader from having to scroll to the bottom and read up.

Crayons Are For Drawing
6 November 2000 by Alexander

I have been having so much fun lately! My Daddy took me downstate all by himself! Momma told him that we should do that every month! I think she said something about bonding but I think it’s really cause she liked to go to sleep early! Anyhow, today I decided I wanted to color so Momma got my crayons and paper for me. I was working on a masterpiece and I got a little distracted and put the crayon in my mouth. It tasted pretty good so I thought I’d snack on it a bit. Well, this happened to not be a very good idea according to Momma! The crayon was black and Momma said I had it all in my teeth! She also kept wiping my face a lot! I didn’t like that! But I guess Mommas think everything needs to be clean! Well, I’m going to go watch my Veggie Tales video! Bye!

Crunchy Snow
16 November 2000 by Alexander

Today I had an interesting experience! My Momma and I went over to Grandma Val’s to drop off the boxes Momma has been putting all our stuff in. Anyhow, while we were there I had a lot of fun but then Momma took me outside and there was all this white stuff all over the ground! It looked really bright! Well, I don’t know if you’ve ever tried this, but I walked on it and does it feel weird. It makes a sort of scrunching sound. At first I wasn’t too sure about it and I was being very careful but then Momma and Grandma Val seemed to think it was funny so I thought it must be fine. Then I kinda liked walking on it and kicking it. Anyhow, Momma said it’s snow! She said I saw it last year but I don’t really remember.

Well, Momma is going to her Bible study so I have to go take care of Daddy! Bye!

Buh-Bye Michigan
6 February 2001 by Alexander

Holy moly! It’s sure been a long time since I wrote anything for this page! So much has happened in the last couple of months, I don’t know where to begin!

First of all, as most of you know, we moved! We now live in a townhouse in Dublin, Ohio, which is just outside Columbus! Naturally, this has taken some getting used to, since Grandma Val is over SIX HOURS away, but I’m handling it all right. Six hours seems like a long time, almost a year I think, but Daddy says we’ll get to visit Grandma Val just about every month. I don’t know why HE’S so excited about me and Momma going up north — you’d think he be absolutely crushed at the fact that every night when he comes home, I’m not there to make sure my toys are scattered properly around the living room. But go figure.

Anyway, Daddy is working for an internet company, but he told me not to worry, because his company isn’t one of those “Dot Cops.” I thought he might be getting arrested or something. Momma is still doing the REAL work — taking care of ME! She’s been taking me to a play group on Tuesday’s, where I’ve met two other boys and three girls who are all my age. It’s been a lot of fun! We also go to a local mall where they have all these giant pieces of breakfast food that you can climb on! It’s always packed with other kids, so there’s always someone to play with!

Well, I’m kinda tired, so I think I’m gonna go get a drink from Momma and lay down for a bit, but I’ll write more VERY soon, I promise! Bye!

First Haircut
12 February 2001 by Alexander

Chalk up another in a long line of firsts for me — on Saturday, I got my very first OFFICIAL haircut! Momma and Daddy took me to a place just for kids! Of course, I didn’t KNOW we where there for a haircut, and I was much more interested in the stuff they had to climb on. After a little investigation, I let them take me to the other end of the place, where I sat in a HUMONGOUS chair (I needed a booster), and they put in an Elmo video for me. Then this lady came at me with scissors! Well, I’m no dummy — I know scissors are dangerous. So I let her know in no uncertain terms that this wasn’t going to fly with ol’ Alexander Paul Simon. Daddy was saying it was all right, though, so I figured I’d let her do whatever it was she planned — and the cherry sucker she gave me didn’t hurt matters.

So the lady started cutting off my hair while she chatted with Momma, which I didn’t think was a good idea (hey, one thing at a time, right?), but the Elmo video was pretty interesting, and the next thing I know, she stops. I figured she was done, but all of sudden, Daddy put his face in front of mine and smiled at me. Well, as I said, I wasn’t born yesterday, and I knew if Daddy was checking on me, something must be going on that was gonna scare me! Sure enough, I heard this buzzing sound behind me, and I tried to lean away from it. But Daddy said it was all right, so for the SECOND TIME THAT DAY, I trusted his judgement. The lady used the buzzing thing to shave off the hair on my neck (and I thought I’d have to be REALLY OLD, like Daddy, before I had to shave!).

Anyway, that was it! They gave me a sticker and a balloon, and told me to come back when I needed my hair cut again. Even better, Momma gave me all kinds of kisses the rest of the day, saying I looked like a big boy! Daddy says I look like a four-year-old (now THAT’s old!), and Momma says the best thing is I don’t get bedhead anymore. I’ll have to have Daddy take a picture of me and put it on the pictures page for everyone to see.

Neat, huh? Bye!

Bye-bye, Kitty
25 April 2001 by Alexander

I didn’t mention it last time, but my Grandma Val and Grandpa Kenny visited last week. They stayed until Sunday, and we had a lot of fun. I’m not sure what Momma and Daddy did while Grandma and Grandpa visited (they seemed to disappear on Tuesday night when Grandma got here, and reappeared Sunday when Grandma left), but I’m sure they didn’t have as much fun as I did!

Anyway, the reason I thought of this was because Grandma took our kitty Luca back to Michigan with her. Luca was doing something in a place she shouldn’t have been, and Momma and Daddy decided she’d be happier with Grandma. I’m not sure what Luca was doing (all I know is it kept me from getting to play on the carpet by the window until some guys came and fixed it yesterday), but I talked to Grandma yesterday, and she says Luca is very happy at her house. I miss her a little bit, but Luca and I never really got along as well as me and Mo, our other kitty. I think I’d miss Mo more if he went to Grandma’s.

Speaking of Grandma’s, Grammy M and Grandpa Denne are riding their motorcycles right now. They drove down to Tennessee, I think (it’s a state like Ohio, but not as nice as Michigan, or at least that’s what Daddy says), and they’re coming back to visit on their way home on Saturday. And if that wasn’t enough Grandma and Grandpa’s for you, Ninna and Grandpa Bob are visiting, too! Daddy says he and Momma are going to go out on a “date” or something Saturday night while I get to stay with Ninna. Sounds to me like I’m getting the best part of THAT deal! PLUS, Aunt Jaimee and Uncle Jay are bringing my cousin Keegan and my brand spankin’ new cousin, Devyn, down that very same weekend! It’s like a family reunion or something!

While I’m writing, I thought I’d mention that I know Daddy took some more pictures of me yesterday, so hopefully he’ll put some new ones up soon (I might have to prod him a bit). I’ll write more in a little while!

Sports, Sports and … Sports
26 April 2001 by Alexander

Daddy talked to my Uncle Myron today. Uncle Myron is a police officer, and I really like him, mostly because he’s not much taller than me (I’m just kidding, Uncle My!). This is the time of year that Daddy and Uncle Myron talk a lot, because it’s NBA playoff time, and they’re getting ready to play in three-on-three basketball tournaments in the summer, called Gus Mackers. I don’t know who Gus Macker is, but he must be rich, ’cause there’s a lot of these tournaments around. When we lived in Michigan, Daddy played with Uncle Myron in the Gus Macker tournament in Gaylord. I got to go last year, but Daddy says it’ll be a few years before I can be on their team.

Anyway, Uncle Myron plays pick-up basketball at a gym where he lives (which isn’t like the kind of “pick-up” I always have to do with my toys), and Daddy says Uncle Myron played really well today. His team won all four games they played, and he had a friend tell him he was the MVP! I’m not sure what that is, but Daddy says it’s a good thing. I guess Uncle Myron couldn’t miss with his jump shot (I wonder if he tried missing?), and even threw a few “dimes,” which Daddy says is a fancy way of saying “good passes” (Uncle Myron has all kinds of neat phrases he uses). Daddy says he sure hopes Uncle Myron is still playing like that when July comes around.

Daddy and I have been watching NBA basketball every night since last weekend. There’s always good games on, even though we don’t really have a favorite team. I like the little guys who aren’t too flashy, like John Stockton, but that’s probably because my Daddy isn’t flashy, either (he says it’s cause he can’t be flashy, even if he wanted to!). Daddy says John Stockton is getting pretty old for a pro basketball player, so I hope he does well this year.

I feel a nap coming on.

Health
4 May 2001 by Alexander

I don’t know why I try to write little witty titles at the top of these entries. I think I saw it on someone else’s blog, and thought it was neat.

That reminds me of the “Toddler Rules,” which I think everyone should know. This is an abbreviated version (I think someone wrote out a whole bunch of them one time), but these are the important ones you should remember:

Anyway…that’s not why I started this entry. Actually, I was going to tell you about yesterday. Momma and I went to the wreck center (I don’t know why Daddy calls it that — maybe it’s broken — but if Daddy says that’s the name, that’s what I’ll use) and went swimming. I played in the daycare for a little while, and Momma did laps in the pool (maybe she was being punished?), and later we played in the big pool with my friend Payton and his momma. It was a lot of fun, even though every time I tried to investigate the deep end, Momma had a fit. I’ll be TWO YEARS OLD in a month, for crying out loud!

Speaking of my birthday, it’s on June 3. I might drop a few hints here and there in the next few entries, just in case any grandmas or grandpas reading this diary need ideas (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Keep your eyes peeled for links.

Also, Daddy went to the doctor yesterday. Daddy’s kind of funny, because he’s so healthy and yet so messed up at the same time. He’s a little over six feet tall and weighs 198 pounds. The doctor says his ideal weight is about 180, but you get ten percent leeway (which means you can be bigger or smaller, I think). Anyway, I can’t do the math, but daddy says ten percent of 180 is 18, and adding those together is 198, which is exactly what he weighs! Plus, his blood pressure and heart rate are both exactly what they should be.

Then again, if you start at Daddy’s legs and go up, he’s got (and Daddy wrote these down for me, cause I didn’t know how to spell them): shin splints, quadricep tendinitis (in his right knee), acid reflux disease (gives him really bad heartburn if he doesn’t take his medicine), rotator cuff tendinitis (in his right shoulder — he should just trade in his whole right side!), and the occasional migrane headache! I think Daddy is the REAL “wreck center!”

His birthday is tomorrow, but I don’t think he’s going to celebrate it much. I’m not sure how old he’ll be, but I know it’s a LOT older than ME!

Momma, on the other hand, is doing really well on her new program she and Daddy started about a month ago. She’s already lost a pant size, I guess, and she works out every day by either doing aerobics, swimming, bike riding (which is REALLY fun, cause I get to ride in a little cart thingy that she pulls behind her — it’s the only way to travel, in my opinion) or weight lifting. She never cheats on her diet (which isn’t really a diet for her, cause unlike Daddy, she loves veggies and all those healthy foods), and doesn’t really eat bad stuff even on her free day. Daddy and I are VERY proud of her (I love you Momma, in case you’re reading this!).

I haven’t seen her yet, but I heard my Aunt Tugee has lost a whole PERSON in weight! She’s been working out like Momma and watching what she eats, so I can’t wait to see how she looks! Keep up the good work, Aunt Tugee!

I haven’t been to the doctor in a while, but Momma says I’m still growing like I should. I’m a little more than average height, and a little less than average weight, so I figure that evens things out. Daddy says he hopes I didn’t catch Momma’s “short jean,” but all of Momma’s jeans are long enough, so I don’t really know what he’s talking about.

Another First
9 May 2001 by Alexander

…although it wasn’t a very pleasant first.

Daddy and I went shopping on Monday while Momma went to her aerobics at the Wreck Center. We went to a place called Galyans, which might be the biggest store I’ve ever seen (they have a great big wall that people climb), and then we went to the Tuttle Mall, where I like to play on the giant pieces of breakfast food (they’re not REALLY pieces of breakfast food, but don’t tell Daddy that — I think he really believes it). Anyway, we went to a big shoe store called the Finish Line so Daddy could find some new basketball shoes for his birthday.

Finish Line is pretty big (not like Galyans, though) and has really neat music that plays pretty loud. So I was dancing around while Daddy looked at shoes, and I guess I must have tried a move I can’t do, cause next thing I know I’m falling flat on my face! Daddy scooped me up right away and told me everything would be all right (of course, he ALWAYS says that, cause he’s Daddy), and I settled down after the pain in my mouth went away. Next thing I know, Daddy’s rushing me into the bathroom and wiping at my face with cold water! I had a FAT LIP!

Yep, my first fat lip. Daddy says my teeth cut my upper lip when I hit the floor, and it swelled up and bled all over the place! Well, maybe not all over the place, but I could tell Daddy was a little concerned. He had me smush my lips on a cold rag for a while to stop the swelling, and we decided we’d had enough shopping for the time being. When we got home, Momma picked me up and gave me lots of hugs (she always does that when I hurt myself, cause she’s Momma), and I showed her my first fat lip. It’s a lot better today, but you can still see where I cut my lip.

Weekends With Daddy
16 May 2001 by Alexander

Actually, I should tell you everything Momma did while I was gone, but I’ll save that for later…

Daddy and I went on another “Big Boys” weekend, visiting Ninna and Grandpa Bob for Mother’s Day and letting Momma have a weekend to herself (I can’t imagine why ANYONE would want a weekend without me, but to each her own). We arrived on Friday night and went right to bed (well, I did — Daddy’s a night owl), and on Saturday morning we visited Aunt Jaimee and Uncle Jay. We got to see Devyn and Keegan (Daddy took some new pictures, but he hasn’t posted them yet — he’s sooooooo lazy sometimes), and Keegan and I played in his new room that he shares with Devyn. He’s got all kinds of cool stuff to play with, so I had a lot of fun.

Later, Daddy and I went back to Ninna’s, and Daddy and Grandpa Bob went golfing while Ninna and I played with her dogs. They’re these little white dogs (Ninna will have to e-mail me and tell me what kind of dogs they are, cause I don’t remember) named Gabby and Duke. Duke is the little boy dog, and he likes to bark REALLY loud. Gabby doesn’t bark much, but she’s not afraid of me, so she’ll play and chase stuff. I also got to see Great-Grandma LaHousse and Great-Grandpa LaHousse (I need shorter names for people). Great-Grandma LaHousse is a big tennis fan — I’ll betcha she would have been really good if she’d gotten the chance to play when she was younger!

On Sunday, Daddy went and played golf with Grandpa Bob again (he really got a good deal on the weekend) while Ninna and I went to a park nearby and played. Then Daddy and I left in the afternoon to go home (but not before getting to see Uncle Rob and Aunt Mary for a bit) — it took us a long time, cause I was a little fussy. I don’t mind telling you that, cause Daddy says EVERYONE gets a little fussy every now and then. Yes, even you.

So what was Momma doing all this time? Well, on Friday night, she stayed up REALLY late watching movies and eating popcorn. On Saturday, she went swimming with the momma of one of my playgroup friends, then played tennis with another friend of hers, named Jaime (not my aunt, by the way). Later, Momma and Jaime went to dinner at a Chinese resteraunt (cause Daddy doesn’t like Chinese food so Momma never gets to go) and then watched ANOTHER movie. Momma was out SOOOOOO late, she didn’t get up until almost NOON on Sunday morning! THEN (can you believe this?), she went to YET ANOTHER movie on Sunday afternoon just before Daddy and I got home!

For some reason, she’s already asking Daddy when he and I are going on another “Big Boys” weekend…

Weekends (Or Weeks) With Momma
17 May 2001 by Alexander

One minute you’re sleeping soundly in the middle of Momma and Daddy’s big bed, and the next you’re strapped into your carseat on an 8-hour journey to Grandma Val’s house! Jeepers!

Yes, Momma and I have left Daddy behind this time, and are visiting Grandma Val and Grandpa Kenny as you read this. We’ll be here until next week according to Momma, so I don’t know WHAT Daddy’s gonna do while we’re gone. I mean, every time he comes home from work, the living room will be COMPLETELY CLEAN. He’s gonna go nuts.

Anyway, we’re all going camping for the first time (well, it’s MY first time — I think Momma and Grandma and Grandpa have done this before). Momma tells me it involves sleeping in a big camper out in the woods with no TV (and no videos — is this what she means by “roughing it”?). But Momma says we’ll have a campfire and roast marshmallows and sing songs and have a great time! I can’t wait!

Since I won’t have access to a computer, I’ll call Daddy every day and tell him what to write (of course, Daddy’s writing style is a little more “formal” than mine, but you’ll have to take what he gives you). When we come back to Grandma’s house on Sunday, I’ll update again and fill in any holes Daddy left.

See you soon!

More Fun With Momma
18 May 2001 by Alexander

This is my last chance to write something myself for a couple of days, so I thought I’d sneak in here while Momma’s working out and tell you about my day yesterday. We went to Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Chappel’s house (they live on the AuSable River in Grayling). They have a big ‘ol yard, and Grandpa Kenny and I drove around it in Great-Grandpa Chappel’s golf cart! Then I mowed the lawn with my new lawn mower (although it doesn’t make NEARLY as much noise as Daddy’s used to, so I’m not sure what’s wrong with it), and THEN went for a bike ride down to Louie’s Landing, which is where Momma and Daddy sometimes canoe or kayak (Momma helped with that word). Of course, I didn’t actually ride a bike — I got to relax in my little cart thingee that Momma pulls me in. As I’ve said before — it’s the only way to go.

On the way home to Grandma Val’s, we stopped at Dairy Queen. I got a kid-sized vanilla cone. It was pretty yummy, although I had a little trouble keeping up with it — those things melt fast! I think Momma might have taken some pictures of me, so maybe Daddy will put them up when we get back home to Ohio.

Later, I watched The Emperor’s New Groove. Seems all of my grandmas have this movie — it was the first (and to date, only) movie I ever saw in an actual movie theatre! I really like Kronck, cause he reminds me of Daddy. (Just kidding, Daddy!)

This morning, I got Momma up really early so she could go work out, and then I went back to sleep for a little while (the things I do for her…sheesh). Now everyone is finishing up the packing so we can leave for the campground! I’ll be sure to give Daddy a call so he can let you know how things are going!

My Little Boy is Growing Up
21 May 2001 by Daddy

Alex and Deb have returned to Val’s from camping, so no doubt Alex will be sneaking on to a PC to do his own update, but I wanted to hop on here and do my own, since I know Alex won’t cover what I’m about to tell you.

It seems Alex met a little girl by the name of Savannah whilst camping. Savannah, Deb tells me, is a little blond girl about the same age as Alex (two, for those who don’t know) and the two of them had a grand old time playing and running willy nilly around the campground. However, were that the extent of things, I wouldn’t have bothered mentioning it.

No…I mention this because Alex went for a walk with Val, and the two of them were joined by Savannah and her mother. While they walked, each holding their respective maternal unit’s hand, they found each other’s hand as well. So picture, if you will, Val walking and holding hands with Alex, who’s holding Savannah’s hand, who’s holding her mother’s hand, the four of them interlocked and strolling around the campground.

I didn’t think I had to worry about this for YEARS.

Camping, and Setting Things Straight
22 May 2001 by Alexander

Obviously, I’m going to have to change the password to my blog.

Since Daddy already told you, yeah, I did meet a girl at the campgrounds, and yeah, we did go for a walk together — but big deal! Jeez, mommas and daddys can sure make mountains out of mole hills (I got that from Great Grandpa Chappel).

Anyway, Momma and I are just about to leave to go back home. I really had a LOT of fun camping. There was so much room to run around, and I got REALLY dirty every day (so Momma and Grandma Val gave me a bath each night in a big bucket thingee — it was pretty cool). I did have one little accident on Saturday, when I fell out of the camper flat on my face! I cried a little bit, but Momma gave me hugs like she always does, and everything felt better. I sat in front of a fire with Grandma Val one night (though I didn’t get anywhere near it — Daddy says fire can be dangerous and should be handled by grown-ups). It’s really neat to watch a fire burn, with all the colors and stuff. I’d never play with it, though.

Sunday we went back to Grandma Val’s, and on Monday I got up early with Grandma and helped feed Freeway (her dog) and the kitties. Remember Luca? She’s really liking it at Grandma Val’s. She has this great big house to lay around in, and she doesn’t have to worry about me chasing her around (which you would think would be boring, but oh well). I also helped water the plants, and later I helped Grandpa cut the grass. I sat on his lap while he rode the lawn mower.

Uh-oh. Momma’s looking for me, so I’m gonna go for now. I’ll tell you more about my camping trip later today when I get home.

New Pictures!
23 May 2001 by Alexander

Boy, Daddy is sure on the ball! He’s already posted new pictures of me and my cousins Keegan and Devyn from our “Big Boys” weekend. You should definitely go take a peek — Devyn is a real cutie!

In other news, I finally figured out how to jump yesterday! I’m not sure how I figured it out, but all of a sudden I realized I could bend my knees and leave the ground with both feet. Daddy says my “vert” is about an inch and a half, which he says puts me only about six inches behind him. (I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Daddy jump higher than that playing volleyball, but I’ll let him think what he wants.)

Not that I’m angling for presents or anything, but June 3 is my birthday, you know. Just a friendly reminder.

This weekend we might be going to West Virginia to visit Grammy M’s momma and daddy for Memorial Day weekend. It’s a family reunion (my Grammy M has a BIG family), but if it’s raining, we might not go (since Grandpa Denne and Grammy M might not go). I’d like to go, cause I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun (Daddy says they like to pitch horseshoes — I didn’t even know horses WORE shoes) and I haven’t seen Grandpa Denne and Grammy M in a few weeks now.

By the way — I know there are people reading this stuff (Daddy has a way to track it), so how come nobody writes me any email? Below every entry you’ll see my name, and if you click that, it’ll bring up an email you can send to me. Well, it goes to Daddy’s email address, cause I don’t have one right now, but it automatically puts “To Alex” in the subject, so I’ll know it’s for me! So why not give it a try! [You can still send Alex or Abby notes with the form to your right. –ed]

Bye!

Happy Birthday to Me!
4 June 2001 by Alexander

Yes, it’s true — I am now OFFICIALLY TWO YEARS OLD. Technically, Daddy says I’m only NOW a toddler, though he says I’ve been behaving like one for months. (I don’t know what he’s talking about — Daddy can be awfully strange sometimes.)

Anyway, Momma and Daddy had a birthday party for me yesterday, complete with Blue’s Clues decorations and cake and ice cream. Dana and Jen came over (they’re friends of Momma and Daddy), along with Payton and his momma, Sarah. We also met a nice lady and her two kids, who are a lot older than me, and who live nearby. I won’t mention their names, though, since I don’t know if they’d want everyone to know who they are!

I got some new toys, like another Mr. Potato Head, a few puzzles (the pieces are REALLY big, so they’re not too hard), a new boat for the bathtub, and 100 wooden blocks! (Daddy says he can’t wait to pick THOSE up at night — see, sometimes he’s not so bad). We had the Blue’s Clues cake (blue, of course) and chocolate ice cream. My Grandma Val and Ninna both called to wish me a happy birthday, and so did Uncle Myron. Momma took some video, and Daddy took some pictures, so I’ll see if I can get him to put those up pretty soon. You’ll be able to see how much neater I was with my cake this time around (those one-year-old birthday pictures are downright embarassing!). I even blew out my candle!

Worn Out
6 June 2001 by Alexander

Boy…birthday’s are TOUGH BUSINESS.

I got to go to another birthday party, this time with all of my playgroup friends. We celebrated everyone’s birthday who was born in June. We took my cake from Sunday, and we STILL didn’t eat it all (Daddy took it to work and put it in the “break room.” He says anytime you want to get rid of food, you just put it in there, and it magically disappears). I got a couple more boats for the tub, and some sidewalk chalk. Momma and I spent yesterday drawing pretty pictures for Daddy on the porch. He’s lucky to have us, you know. He’d be the first to admit it.

I think Ninna and Grandpa Bob might be coming down this weekend. I hope so — I haven’t seen them in a long while.

Bye-bye, Great-grandpa
18 June 2001 by Alexander

My Great-grandpa LaHousse died last Sunday. Momma and Daddy and I drove up to Michigan and stayed with Bumpa (Grandpa Denne) and Grammy M last week. We visited Great-grandpa at a funeral home (I didn’t know funeral’s needed homes — heck, I’m not even sure what a funeral is). Daddy says Great-grandpa’s gone to visit Jesus. That doesn’t sound so bad to me, but most of my aunts and uncles were crying, so it can’t be too good, either.

We went to church on Wednesday, and more of my aunts and uncles got up in front of everyone and said really nice things about Great-grandpa. I would’ve said nice things, too, but Daddy says only Momma understands Toddlerspeak. Daddy said some things — he talked about when he lived with Great-grandma and grandpa back before I was born, and how he and Momma brought me home from the hospital to that same house (the Grouse House, as Daddy calls it). Daddy doesn’t cry much, but he sure was then.

I hope Great-grandma LaHousse will be okay.

On our way back to Bumpa’s, we stopped and visited with Great-grandma Helen (she’s Bumpa’s momma). I haven’t seen her in a little while, so that was a lot of fun. We played with some of her stuffed animals, and I blew her kisses goodbye when we left.

Little Milestones
22 June 2001 by Alexander

Momma and Daddy have been making such a big deal out of some of the things I’ve been doing lately. It’s kind of odd, you know. Most things — such as the fact I’ll throw away various things, like diapers or wrappers, when asked to — are silly, if you ask me. But for some reason, they’re really excited about it. Daddy says it has to do with the fact most toddlers don’t listen. Makes no sense to me.

But since they think it’s so cool, I thought I’d share a few other things I’ve been doing that they’ve gotten so excited about. For instance, last night Daddy gave me my bath. Daddy always puts me in the tub while it’s filling up, so I can play with the water as it comes out of the spouty thing. Meanwhile, Daddy washes my hair and feet and body and whatnot. (I don’t enjoy that part of the bath all that much, but I grin and bear it.) Afterward, Daddy reads his esseye magazine (I think it’s sports-related) while I play with my boats and toys. Eventually, I get tired of playing, so I put all my toys in their basket (it hangs on the tub) and stand up for Daddy to pull me out.

No biggie, right?

Apparently, Daddy thinks this is amazing. He lifted me out of the tub last night, going on and on what a good boy I was (not that I don’t enjoy this, mind you — I just don’t get the big deal). He rushed me downstairs where he told Momma all about it. He kept talking about it all the while he put my diaper on and dressed me in my PJ’s.

What a goof.

I’ve also been saying “yes” whenever you ask me something that requires a “yes” answer. Again, you’re probably sitting there thinking to yourself, “so…doesn’t everyone?” I agree. But Momma says lots of toddlers only say “no” to everything, even when they really mean yes. I guess it’s just an easier word to say (I don’t actually say it, myself — I shake my head). Still, big deal, right?

And I take off my own sandals. I won’t even bother to tell you what a ruckus THAT one caused when Daddy watched me do it for the first time.

Sigh. If you get a chance, write to my silly parents and let ‘em know they’re being silly.

Today I went to the doctor. Momma and the doctor said I’m doing great. I’ve grown two inches and gained two pounds since I was last there, and Daddy says I’m in the “twenty-fifth percentile,” for both height and weight, whatever that means. Daddy says it means I’m a mixture of him and Momma, and that I might not have avoided Momma’s “short jean.” Momma says he’s just being silly, and that I’m perfect the way I am (I think all momma’s say that, but it’s still nice to hear).

Tonight, Daddy and I are going to watch tennis while Momma watches a movie, and tomorrow Grandma Val and my cousin Ben are coming to visit (Ben’s practically my Uncle Ben, cause he’s a LOT older than me — almost 13, I think). That should be lots of fun, so I’ll tell you all how it goes.

Grandma Visits Rule
26 June 2001 by Alexander

My Grandma Val has been staying with us for the last few days, and I’ve been having all kinds of fun. Mostly, I make Grandma do everything — bath time, nap time, bed time — and completely ignore my parents.

I just love it when any of my grandparents come to visit. They always make such a big deal over me. Grandma Val bought me some new clothes (I hope Grandpa Kenny’s not reading this) that are so cool, I heard Daddy complaining that he wished they made the same clothes in his size. We’ve watched videos, planted flowers with Momma (you should SEE the front of our townhouse now — it’s REALLY cool) and generally had a ball. I think she’s leaving tomorrow, though. But Momma and Daddy are going to be gone tonight, so it’ll just be me and Grandma on her last night here.

If you’re reading this, Grandma — I love you!

Oh, and for those of you who like to keep track of such things, Daddy is playing roller hockey tomorrow night, so my guess is we’ll be able to add another injury to his growing list (see above).

Geeze, Daddy
28 June 2001 by Alexander

Am I good or what? A couple of days (and one entry) ago, I told you Daddy was playing roller hockey (something he’d never done), and we could expect to add another injury to his long list.

Sure enough, you can add “sprained right thumb.”

I told you he should just trade in his whole right side.

I’m so smart.

Diapers
3 July 2001 by Alexander

Yesterday, I decided I was tired of my diaper.

This was no easy decision, you realize. After all, I’ve been wearing a diaper for my entire life (so far as I know), so I’ve gotten pretty used to it. But yesterday, after I put away my bath toys and crawled out of the tub (well, Daddy was distracted, and I was ready to get out), Daddy took me downstairs to dry me off and put me in my PJ’s.

Except I wouldn’t let him put on my diaper.

Instead, I walked around to the bathroom by the kitchen, where my “little man’s toilet” sits, waiting for my first attempt.

So I sat on it. And attempted.

And attempted.

And attempted.

But nothing happened. Daddy and Momma said that was okay, and that something doesn’t happen every time I sit there.

I guess I’ll stick with the diaper for now.

I sure hope nothings broken.

Catching Up
17 July 2001 by Alexander

Been a little while since I wrote in here, and a whole lot of stuff has gone on (well, that’s what happens when you’re only a little more than two years old, ya know). So let’s get caught up!

Over the holiday, Momma, Daddy and me went up to Michigan to visit…well, just about everyone! We stopped at Bumpa’s to stay one night and have a bar-bee-q (though I didn’t see a single buzza-buzza being put on the grill), and then drove up to see Grandma Val. While we were there, we got to see my cousin Benjamin (he’s almost an adult — I think he’s like 12 or something) and my Great-Grandma and Grandpa Chappel. At Great-Grandma’s, we were going to go kayaking with my cousin Josh and his momma and daddy, but neither one of us was too keen on the idea, so we didn’t go (I think Daddy got some pictures of me in the boat, though, so you’ll have to check the pictures page).

We also went to the Grayling Fish Hatchery, where they keep all kinds of fishees in these long canal-looking thingees. Daddy got pictures of that, too. I got to feed the fishes, and you should see them jump around for that food! It was amazing!

We stayed at Grandma Val’s for a few days, then drove down to visit with Ninna and Great-Grandma LaHousse for a night. I’m still a little shy around Great-Grandma (hey, I’m only two — I think I’m entitled), but it was a very fun visit. I really dig Grandpa Bob.

Finally, we came home on July 9 (I had to ask Daddy what day it was — I’m not too good with calendars yet). Then, the next weekend (or last weekend, I suppose), Mr. Myron and Miss Shauna came down to see us, with their three kids, Caleb, Cameron and Cara. Cameron is three, and Cara is not quite two, so I played with them most of the time. Daddy and Myron played in a basketball tournament (and believe it or not — Daddy didn’t get hurt!), and afterward, we all went to my favorite store in the whole world, Graeter’s! It’s a big ‘ol ice cream shop, with a play area that always has a bunch of kids to play with. Loads and loads of fun.

Whew! That’s about it for now, I think. You’re all caught up on what’s been going on for the last little while. I’ll be sure to update a little sooner next time for ya.

Bye for now! And remember to see if Daddy put up the new pictures!

I Believe I Can Fly
30 July 2001 by Alexander

Momma took me to a garage sale. I don’t know why she called it that because the guy wasn’t selling his garage (and they wonder why I don’t talk more — this whole English thing is so darn confusing!) but Momma bought me a bunk bed. She said I’ll really like it when I get older and want my friends to spend the night. Right now Daddy said we’ll only put the bottom on because if I get up on the top I might try to fly. I’m glad he mentioned that, cause I might not have thought of it. Then I could fly like Buzz Lightyear…

…to infinity and beyond!…

I guess I’ll just have to keep practicing flying off the couch until I get taller.

By the way — I heard Momma telling someone on the phone that with all the exercise she’s been doing she’s lost another five pounds. I was hoping you could help Momma find it. Although she didn’t seem too worried that she lost it. I’d be pretty worried if I lost one of my toys or something.

Momma sure is funny that way.

Oh, and if you’re looking for new pictures, Daddy says you’ll have to wait a little bit, ’cause his ‘puter is busted.

And they worry about how I treat my ‘puter.

Stomp!
2 August 2001 by Alexander

Yesterday Momma took me to the library for a party. I joined a reading club called Adventure Summer Readers and Momma had to read 12 whole hours to me! That was awesome. I even got a t-shirt! All I had to do was listen to Momma.

Somewhere, my Daddy is sighing heavily.

Anyhow, the party was really fun. They had bubbles to play with and Momma painted my face like a kitty cat! I looked just like Mo, only skinnier! Then I played with a big parachute! I got to sit under it and even run around it. I really liked that.

They had some kids called “Irish Dancers” to dance for us. It was really neat how those kids kicked and stomped their feet. I even tried and Momma said I was doing really good.

Anyhow, it was a busy day yesterday…Momma took me for a bike ride with Meagan and Jeffrey. I like going for bike rides.

Daddy got his ‘puter back today, by the way, so maybe after he’s done studying for his tests this weekend, he’ll get around to putting up some new pictures. There are some really neat ones of Ninna and Devyn.

By the way, if you know Devyn (my cousin), could you say a prayer for her? She’s having some surgery soon, and I know Aunt Jaimee is a little worried about it. Daddy says Jesus will be right there with Devyn, so I’m sure she’ll be okay, but I know it would make Aunt Jaimee and Uncle Jason feel better if they knew everyone was praying for them and Devyn. I appreciate it.

Gotta go watch Elmo now. Bye.

Words
18 August 2001 by Alexander

Momma and I just got back from a whole week with Grandma Val in Grayling. We took our neighbors, Meagan and Jeffrey and their momma, with us. I can’t even begin to tell you how much fun we had — we went to the fish hatchery again, built a bonfire at Great-Grandpa Chappel’s house (not OF his house, but in the backyard), and ran around Grandma Val’s yard chasing Freeway (her dog). More fun than a toddler should be allowed to have, really.

Naturally, when I got home, the only thing Daddy wanted to hear about was how I’d learned to say Benjamin’s name. Well, not “Benjamin,” but “Ben.” Of course, I don’t always say the “n” part at the end right, but I always get the first part, and since I say it so loud, he knows who I’m calling. So of course, that’s the first thing Daddy wants me to say when he sees me. He’s so predictable.

Yes, I realize Daddy hasn’t put up any new pictures yet. Something about his computer is still acting up. I offered to let him use mine, but he won’t hear it. He’s set on getting his to run right. Makes you wonder who the real computer person is in the family, doesn’t it?

Moving
18 September 2001 by Alexander

Just cyber-moving (although I think we might be moving in real life soon, too). Daddy has a new website at GrouseHouse.org. He said he picked that name because the house on Grouse Lane in Michigan is where I was born, and where he lived when he met Momma, and where we all lived before moving to Ohio. Click on the link for “the Simon family,” and you’ll be right where you need to go. I should be writing something over there soon. All the pictures are over there now, too. Eventually, I think Daddy will take everything off of this site, so you’ll want to save that address for later. Daddy said he’d put all my old stuff from here over there, too.

See you at GrouseHouse.org!