No Time For Homework, Gotta Go Fishing!

Gilbert got a little gift from his grandparents. My dad, spent last week on a fishing trip and in preparation sent Gilbert the shirt he wearing in the picture.

Everyone Is A Critic

I just had my annual performance review. I actually enjoy this process as it helps me truly identify what I do well along with focusing on what really needs improvement.


What I always find interesting is the wide range of the comments received from my internal clients - the partners - and which represents the essence of what is the challenge in what I do...setting and meeting expectations on an individual basis despite the overall similarities in every project.

I have some that feel I'm "first rate" and "upbeat". My favorite comment is... "If we could clone him, I think the firm would benefit greatly." My wife might disagree!

At the same time, there are some that are less enthusiastic noting my "carelessness", my poor "work ethic", and my absolute favorite comment "...displays exasperating mediocrity". Nice.

So, my goals for the new year are to investigate cloning technology and find a way to be less irritatingly mediocre! Wish me luck!

Down Dog

Gilbert decided to work on his yoga poses this weekend during bathtime.

Adam's Park

Saturday morning was an awesome day so we were out early and at a 'hidden gem' park, as Kristen calls it.

Decked out in his new Golden Eagles shirt, Little man ran around until he was nearly falling asleep in the swing.

Running Loose

Last week the carpets in the hallway were cleaned. While drying, paper walkways were provided. Still present a few days later, Gilbert particularly enjoyed running up and down them. This particular video was taken early in the morning, so I'm sure the neighbors appreciated hearing Gilbert's feet scampering across the paper.

Unassisted

Playing in the park on Father's Day, Gilbert took to the stairs. He holds on to the rail when walking, but he took his first step (as far as I'm aware) without support. Check it out. A bit wobbly he recovered nicely!

Home Sick

Little Man was home today from school. He's not slept well the past two nights and with a bad cough, Kristen took him in to the doctor's. She had some appointments so I came home for the afternoon. He slept long and hard for his nap and upon waking seemed like his usual self.

In just the past few days, he's found a new use for his buddy Porter.

Father's Day, The Follow Up

Sunday afternoon we met up with family at Aunt Katie's apartment. The cool part was both Kristen's dad and grandpa were there as well. So Gilbert got to hang with his grandfather and great grandpa. Cool, huh!

Little Man enjoyed running around the apartment and playing with the family dog, Reggie. Oh yeah, Gilbert has discovered pockets. He was walking around with hands buried with that observing look. Hard to explain, but you know what I mean. He'd walk in a room, stop, look around, give a little accepting sound, and then move on to the next room. I did capture a picture of him in the kitchen so here you go.

Fun Pictures At The Park

After Gilbert's haircut Saturday morning, we spent some time at the park. It was beautiful out and we captured some fun photos. Enjoy.

Happy Father's Day

Here's a shout out to all the father's out there! Happy Father's Day! I had a wonderful weekend spending time with my family and also doing something for myself, playing golf!

I thought it would be fun to compare pictures of Gilbert from this father's day and last years. Look at the differences!

Big Boy Haircut

We gave up paying money to get Gilbert a haircut a long time ago. The experience was miserable for all involved and besides, kids' hair is always messed up anyway!

Kristen has been snipping here and there to make Little Man look presentable, but the time had come to venture back out for the trusted shears of a professional. Instead of going to a kid-friendly establishment, we went old school. Gilbert received a cut from my barber.

In my neighborhood is a family barber shop run by two sisters in their mid-twenties that learned from their father. He was truly old school! Anyway, I've been going to them for awhile and they continually give me grief for not having brought Gilbert in for a visit. Well, beware what you ask for!

I made an appointment for Saturday so Gilbert could get a big boy haircut!

Knowing Gilbert takes awhile to warm up to a new surrounding we arrive a few minutes early so he could soak in the place. Shy at first, he did eventually get comfortable and that was the green light for the trimming of Little Man's hair.

What a fantastic experience! Lexi, the one who cuts my hair, was great with Gilbert and Little Man did not shed a tear. He wasn't exactly all smiles, but he sat in my lap and let her give him a good make over! He'd turn his head when she asked and by the time it was all done, he was offering high fives!

Father's Day At Gilbert's School

Thursday was "Dad's Day" at Montessori. That meant all the dads could come hang out with their kids. I had been looking forward to this day all week. I've felt as if I've been on the periphery of Gilbert and school. This was finally my opportunity to get to know his teachers, see his room, and watch him interact.

Interact. Funny. All Little Man did was stuff his face with food. Each family was asked to bring in some food to share. We brought pineapple. Excuse me, "Pappple". Well, he ate his share of that along with pizza, crackers, waffle cookies, and more. He'd take his plate over to the food, load it up, walk it back (I find it amusing to watch how carefully he walks to keep his plate level and balanced!), pull out his chair, sit down and fill up.

I figured after the second trip he would be done and then Gilbert would be interested in showing me his 'work'. Uh, no. A third, fourth, and fifth trip to the food ensued. We will definitely be taking him to the all you can eat buffets! I had to take the plate away just to get him to stop! Plate not needed, he started to pick off food one at a time. This was getting out of hand!

Finally I distracted him enough to show me the room and his cubby station. After such a large meal, he took me to the 'reading chair' where he plopped down with a good book and read for a few minutes.

I'd show you pictures, but all you would see is Gilbert jamming pizza squares in his mouth!

I finally did get to talk with Gilbert's teachers and they said he is ready for potty training. I guess when the kids are taking into the bathroom, he trots on in, points to his man stuff and wants to sit on the toilet. He even showed me how he flushes the toilet, and then walks over to the little peoples sink, turns on the water, gets his soap, washes his hands, dries off, and then disposes of the towel in the garbage. So cool!

Well, he might be ready, but his parents are not!

The Hangover

Yep, saw the movie. Kristen and I caught a matinee yesterday. It was indeed a funny movie! I must admit, it wasn't the sidesplitting affair I was expecting. What made the movie funny was the premise and the situation, not the one liners. In fact, that was what was different. There weren't any. It is not an instantly quotable movie. And maybe that is what made it good and funny.

And the storyline was actually good. And plausible. It was definitely worth seeing. Mike Tyson did a good job and Heather Graham added to the movie (and still managed to show some boob). And yes, guys would enjoy the movie more than women!

Dinnertime Cleanup

Gilbert is an excellent helper. He's great with picking up his toys, putting his dirty clothes in the hamper, placing his shoes in the closest and even likes to take out the garbage. Oh yeah, our dry cleaner is on the first floor of our condo, and when I say "Let's go see Mr. Dry Cleaning Man," I better mean it, because Little Man is in full gear putting his shoes on and ready to go out the door. He gets mad if I don't let him drag my dry cleaning bag down the hall, to the elevator, across the lobby and on the sidewalk to the dry cleaner. I need to get that on film!

Still my favorite is how he insists on putting his dirty plate in the dishwasher!

Fun Time At Dinner

I'm using a few vacation days this week to detox from work. The best part is I get to spend extra time with Gilbert - drop off and pick up from school as well. He continues to talk more and his words as well as recognition of questions, commands, etc. continues to expand.

When Gilbert wants something now and in response to a question, we get a quick, "YEAH!" I just think it is funny.

Gutwrenching

I decided not to go to Omaha. It was a tough decision and I waited until the bitter end, but as I write this I'm glad I didn't go. USM might go on and with the whole thing, but I would have only seen the first game (maybe the second) and having witnessed the game live, I would have been ticked.

USM was a heavy underdog going into the CWS. We knocked off two #1 seeds, including #8 nationally ranked Florida, to get to Omaha. The lowest seed, USM played Texas (#1 in the nation) for its opener. The team showed no fear and played well. Both teams fought hard and after 5 innings the score was tied 2-2. The game went back and forth the remaining innings with USM taking a 5-4 lead late. And that is where the pain started. 1 out bases loaded, and up 5-4 they failed to get another run across that inning. Immediately following they allowed Texas back in the game with walks and then walked in the tie run and perhaps the lead run (my rage over the game has clouded my judgement!). Down 1 run, they can back to tie it, again! Only to give it up in the bottom of the ninth. Again, by loading the bases with two walks and a hit batsman. The USM reliever threw 8 straight balls to end the game and walk in the winning run.

If I had been at the game, I would have been incredibly pissed. Yeah, sure, great to be there, but to lose on a bases loaded walk-in. That would have been the breaking point. With the game over, the cameras panned the crowd and to see the USM fans writhing in pain, angst, and disappointment was all to evident. I can only imagine the drive back having been witness to that game. Instead, I swore loud for a few minutes, turned the television off in disgust and moved on.

A Night Out With Adults

Sorry for what will be late posts. Decided to unplug from technology for a few days!

On Saturday, Kristen and I did our annual pilgrimage to Ravinia. An outdoor concert venue, we go each year with friends to hear the BoDeans. Not sure who the BoDeans are? Think Party of Five and the theme song and there you go. Of course, that is my least favorite song. No one knows for sure when it all started, but we've gone the last seven years! Brian and Kristina (couple on the right) started the trek and we joined soon after.

For us, Ravinia is awesome! We hop the train north and get dropped off in front of the gates. No worries about parking, the fees, or worrying about driving after having too much to drink! Ravinia has a pavilion and then loads of grass seating with excellent sound. In fact, we've never actually seen the band, we just hear them as we chat, drink, and eat.

Between the three couples you can count 6 kids so it was fun to be kid-free for an evening and just relax. Already looking forward to next year!

Pathetic

My alma mater is going to the College World Series. First time ever! And I can't get anybody to go with me. Pathetic! I'm offering a free trip and still no takers.

I'm getting excuses like, "work", "kids", and my favorite, "I have surgery on Monday". Likely excuse.

I'm this close (picture me with my thumb and forefinger ever so slightly separated) from getting in the car and driving out there myself!

Stay tuned...

A Night Out

And on a weekday! Yep, we went to a Sox game with our friend Eric and his new ladyfriend, Jen.

What did we do with Gilbert? He's a big boy, right? Well, just a precaution Aunt Katie graciously agreed to condo-sit for us. Thanks, Katie!

Now, this time we did take the camera, but failed to snap a photo. So, just imagine us drinking a beer and eating a brat as we watched the Sox lose to Detroit (Eric is a Tiger's fan so he was a happy guy!).

Polar Bear at the Zoo

Waiting for his breakfast, Gilbert decided to amuse himself by doing a few laps in the condo.

Rough Crossing

On one of the walls in Gilbert's room is a quilt my mom made for Kristen. With Gilbert's love of crane's and construction, Gram made a construction site quilt. Recently, Gilbert wants to stand on the changing table and point to all the different vehicles on the quilt. Time to bring it down we decided.

This decision left a blank wall. And that is not acceptable in Kristen's home! Over the Memorial Day weekend we were in MI visiting and Kristen brought back a road sign she STOLE back in her high school days. Yes, I'm married to a petty larcenist!

It is a cool sign though. I thought it would be more appropriate over our bed, but that idea was vetoed (for many reasons). Gilbert is in the stage where he wants to do or mimic everything I do. At one point during the sign hanging, he was up on the stool with me supervising. He is getting so big, so fast! And as for new stages, he's entered the cheesey grin for the camera phase as well!

When I was taking pics of the sign, the flash was on the first time, and considering the sign is reflective, I got this cool picture!

32:13

That was Kristen's time this morning from the Run for Lincoln Park 5K. I'd show you pictures, but, well, I forgot the camera!

Back in our single dating days we would run this race every year. It has been a few years since, but Kristen wanted/needed some motivation so she signed up. I think her expectations were higher, but being sidelined with a sinus infection the past week put a damper on running. Still, her goal was 33 minutes and she beat it.

Way to go Kristen!

Birthday Fun

On Sunday we were in the 'burbs celebrating a birthday party for some friends 1 year old. Great weather abound, we were outside the entire time. One family brought over a miniature bouncy ball pit.

I wasn't sure how Gilbert would take to it. He can be fickle when it comes to his space being violated or being knocked around by other kids. How wrong was I! He loved it. Couldn't get him out. Seriously, Little Man spent most of the day rolling around!

Garbage Truck

Garbage pickup. Occupied Gilbert for at least five minutes watching the workers do their thing. He waved to the them, banged on the window, was yelling all to no avail! So Little Man opted just to sit and watch.

Lampshade

Kristen bought some new lampshades for the bedroom. Enthralling, I know! Now Gilbert has a new toy!

At The Park

Following the recommendation of O for 2, we visited Holstein Park over the weekend. When we arrived, the park was empty. Then again, we were there at 8am!


Yes, 8am. Now that Gilbert is going to school, he is expecting to be out the door and doing activities on the weekend morning. Need to teach him the art of relaxing. Probably need to teach it to myself as well!

He must have thought we were taking him to school, as he chanted his teachers name the whole way to the park!

It was a cool morning and overcast, but nice. Gilbert loved the park. He was not happy when departed. I had to carry him out! Each time I set him down to walk, he did a u-turn and started to run back!

Ham

One night last week, Gilbert was particularly playful. Getting him undressed for his bath, Little Man's shirt flopped over his head. He was giggly and running around so we snapped some photos. Enjoy!

Here Come the Words!

This clip is from last weekend. Gilbert was reading his favorite new book, The Little Engine that Could.

Sunday

Sunday was spent at Grandma and Grandpa house with Aunt Katie too. I thought it was Memorial Day, but it definitely felt like Labor Day!

I helped my father-in-law get the pool ready. That entailed cleaning off the pool cover which had a decaying swamp of decomposing leaves, tree branches, and other 'stuff' from the winter. And from there I had cover cleaning duty. Then we pulled out the patio furniture, cleaned the garage and disassembled the table in the sunroom. What a way to spend the holiday! But seriously, it felt really good to do some manual labor after being tethered to my desk all week! The sun was out, had a good sweat going and it made the cold beer taste that much better!

The whole famiy was pitching in to help. Even Gilbert!

Little Man's Big Boy Table

At school everything is little people size. When it comes time to east at home, Gilbert runs to his yellow chair, sits in it and waits for his food to come to the coffee table. Realizing this was not a good habit and wanting to avoid the high chair, Kristen went to IKEA and purchased Little Man his own table and chairs. We keep it next to the adult table and it works out great!

He sits at the table and will eat and drink in a relatively orderly manner! We often will sit on the floor next to the table to eat our breakfast or just to keep him company. He loves it!

He will also play - if not for very long! - at the table working on his 'project'!

Saturday...Part 2

Come lunchtime Gilbert was an exhausted Little Man. We didn't expect to get him to nap considering all the activity, but Gilbert was clearly tired. I went for a run in the countryside (quite nice!) and when I came back to the house, this is what I found on the bed.

After waking from his nap, it was back outside for more fun. Many beers had been consumed so Little Man entertained himself by loading the empties into a six-pack carry case (along with his sippy!) and walking around. Parched from his efforts, he decided to partake himself!

Besides, at school the kids have to drink from cups so I thought why not teach Gilbert how to drink from a bottle. Beer bottle!

Then, nothing says I'm in the country like slogging down some brew and getting behind the wheel. The wheel of a riding lawnmower! Little Man was treated to a spin around the yard with his Uncle Ryan!

Memorial Day Weekend Recap

We spent the holiday weekend with family. First stop...Gilbert's cousin's house. Jasper turns 1 so the time had arrived for his first birthday party. The weather was awesome on Saturday. Cold-ish in Chicago, the Ann Arbor area was quite warm and sunny. Loved it. We spent the day outside at their farmhouse where we had picnicked!

When you see Jasper and Gilbert together the differences are evident. The funny thing is that they will be in the same class growing up with Gilbert being one of the older kids and Jasper being one of the youngest.

We also joke that the two of them will be, City Boy, Country Boy. Gilbert will visit to get his dose of outdoor life while Jasper comes to Chi-town to see buildings taller than three stories!

But what matters is they have fun together. Both are quite inquisitive around each other, wanting to touch, point, and sometimes push!

Absent

For those of you wondering where I've been, the answer is I'm not sure! The line between work and home blurred beyond recognition this past week to the point the two were indistinguishable.

That said, a lot has been happening with Team Johnson and with Gilbert. I'll be posting more over the new few days.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday weekend!

Sleeping

I couldn't resist. Last night this is how we found Gilbert sleeping as we snuck in to give him some goodnight kisses. So I had to take a picture.

And this is the soundtrack that accompanied his sound sleep.

Happy Birthday to Kristen!

I thought this posted, but mistakenly put it in draft.

Today is Kristen's birthday! A wife, a mother she is like no other. And is now one year older!

I struggled with this post. Do I dig up incriminating photos for all the world to see? Or do I post a nice photo of you? Perhaps with Gilbert? Oh the choices. But, like typical man, I forgot!

Nonetheless, I'll show you how much I love you when I get home the way you I know best...

By not begging and pleading!


Happy Birthday, Babe!

Modern Art

The Art Institute opened to the public its new Modern Art wing. Saturday was free admission so Team Johnson (along with the rest of Chicago!) decided to go check it out! From the building where I work, I look south across Millennium Park and the institute so I've been watching the wing being constructed for so time. Additionally, a ped bridge has been built connecting the park patrons to the museum removing foot traffic from having to cross the street. Very cool.

Saturday was gorgeous in the City.And the park and institute was bustling with life! We walked through the park - witness to thousands walking as well and relaxing on the grass of the open air theatre - on our way to the institute via the bridge. A stage had been set up and we could hear live choir music from a few blocks away. Target was sponsoring the free day so the Target Bullseye was everywhere! All of the staff at the institute were donning red fleece vests with the logo as well. The company went all out to promote the day!

The new wing was interesting. We enjoyed studying the architecture of the new building as much if not more than the modern art itself. Gilbert was tethered in his stroller and after awhile he started squawking wanting to get out and roam - not viable considering all the people - so our tour was short. Out of building we let him loose and he wasted no time exploring as he led us back to the park.

Oh yeah, in the spirit of modern art, I submit this photo for consideration. I title it Man Does Tricks for Food.

Self Portraits

I was downloading pics from our cameras to the computer and stumbled upon some attempted self-portraits. Oh the advantage of being home with Gilbert during the day. So jealous!

One Bourbon, One Beer

One shot of protein shake. How does the original song go?

Anyway, at 'school' the kids aren't allowed to drink from sippies. It is two hands on a cup. Scary! In the morning, Gilbert always wants some of my shake, so I have started giving him a small cup. Really small cup! I love watching him walk around with the shot glass. Just makes me laugh!

School Boy

As of Monday, Gilbert now is a full-time student having started his enrollment at Montessori.

Leading up to the full day, Gilbert has been doing some half-days to become acclimated. Overall Little Man has done well, but the drop off has been tough. He starts to cry and rambles "Mama. Mama. Mama."

I dropped Gilbert off on his first full day so I could become familiar with the process. He walked in all proud and headed straight to his classroom. Once in he realized that it was time to go and he headed to me grabbed me and wanted to climb up so I could hold him. Being strong, we turned him into the room and walked out. We could hear him around the corner crying out, "Mama. Mama. MAMA!"

How tough to walk away when your little one wants to be comforted!

Happy Mothers's Day

To new mothers, veterans moms, and grandmothers...Happy Mother's Day! I hope your day was all that you hoped or planned!

For Team Johnson, we had a low key day. We went out for breakfast at Kitsch'n. Gilbert had a blast looking at the funky scenery and bright colors. And Kristen indulged by ordered (and devouring!) Banana Walnut French Toast.

She was also determined to get a family photo. Yeah right. I attempted to set up a mini-studio in Gilbert's room, but keeping him still was an impossible task.

Now, when Gilbert sees a camera he comes to you because he wants to see the pictures and the videos in the viewer of the camera. While Kristen was getting dressed I attempted to hold Gilbert's attention with my BlackBerry. That only last for a few minutes!