Beemer

Another fine day. Only downside: omma didn't really spend it with us. She went out with work friends, so Jake and I picked up nana and went for dins. We went to Big City Diner. Jake was in heaven b/c they had pesto pasta. Dude loves pasta these days. Afters we went to Fun Factory (bizarre place: kids, parents and wanna-be gamblers playing the "betting" games for tokens to "buy" toys); Jake had a blast, absolute blast. Finished up with some frozen yogurt (strawberry w/fresh strawberries and blueberries).

Jake is definitely more contemplative these days and it's cute as hell. You can tell his little brain is working overtime to figure stuff out and he REALLY wants to talk. Oftentimes these days he'll put his head on his hand al la the Thinker and look as if he's just contemplating something. It's priceless.

Song of the Day: Jawbreaker: Fine Day

ANGRY

Feeling kind of bothered at the moment. No, not at Jake. I DVR'd the US Men's Soccer Match and found out that they decided to move it to another ESPN when it was supposed to air. Really disappointing. Tried to email a complaint, but their contact form is defective. Figures.

Good day otherwise. Ate dins with nana, although she didn't actually eat (ate earlier). Jake was in a pretty fussy mood all day. As soon as he woke he cried and followed by crying about everything that didn't go his way, which he felt was pretty much...yep, everything.
These pictures are courtesy of nana taken on Saturday. Nice pix.

Song of the Day: The Stranglers: Golden Brown

Bigaloo

I have to add "Bigaloo" to the list I made yesterday.It's another thing I call him. An offshoot of "Bigs" I suppose.


Word to the wise: Stay away from concentrated high-energy drinks unless you have 5 hours to do something active. I've been running a lot lately and I usually feel pretty tired when I do. I had a cup of caffeinated coffee recently just before running and it was great. I could have ran much more than I usually do. (I, BTW, gave up caffeine about 2 years ago) I've been curious about the energy drinks. So I was at Sports Authority and saw some and decided to try one before running. Didn't do much...until I was done running. I took it at 2 and I'm still feeling it (almost 10 now). The upside is that I was all for after-Omma's work activities. We went to Home Depot, Ward Center, and had dins at Sillawon. I was wired the whole time. I'll most likely not be downing one of the little caffeine concoctions anytime soon, unless I run a marathon.



Song of the Day: Gray Matter: Burn No Bridges

Bigs

Another day with the Jakers. Although the majority of these daily posts seem to say, "I picked up Jake, we went home, we ate, he slept." The details of that mundane routine are what I never want to take for granted. For example, when I pick him up in the afternoon, he comes running across the room gigging and smiling, saying "APPA!!" He's so excited to see me and he hugs me every time. It is a truly unbelievable feeling. I will never, ever forget it.

So today was a little different. Omma's sick so I took her to the doctor's and to a stomach x-ray test. Even though she was sick, she made us dinner. (Thanks omma!) A positive side of it is that we picked up Jakey a little early. Nice evening at home. Nana came over for a short spell after dins.

Things I say to Jake a lot these days:

-Bigs (what I call him)

-Boozoos (another thing I call him)

-Bigboy? (asking him if he's behaving)

-Wazoo! (an exclamation that I make when I pick him up, he's big)

-Sleeps? (self explanatory)

-Jimmies (get your pajamas)

Hmm. I hope he's literate when he starts school! Kidding, the rest of what I say makes sense...kind of.

Song of the Day: Taken By Trees: Sweet Child O' Mine

Week...end

Saturday, dinner, Lina, Sunhee, Peter, soju, tired, hoi, Jake, Lina, fun, morning, Ohana Music, nana, botanical garden, picnic, bread, ducks, nap, dinner.Sunday, me, surf, Jake, omma, home, bathers, home, clean, play, Costco, Kate, birthday, Tiki's, dinner...sleep.

Song of the Day: Pigeon John: Hello Everybody

The Bub

Better today with me and omma. Sorry again for last night Jake.

Not better in the weather department. Still unbelievably hot and sticky. Hate it.


Picked up the Jakers and we went home where we did our usual routine of sweep/clean up the house a bit after the kitties. They are hairy, especially Sparky. Jake loves cleaning. Nana made spaghetti (aka "basta") for Jake so we chowed down. Afters we went to Bubbies, Jake's favorite new place. It's official, he knows the difference between food and "food." He can't get enough mochi ice cream.


At dins we were discussing whether Jake was smart or not. We-shockingly-think he is. As soon as we sat him in front of the pasta, he grabbed the fork and started twirling it in the spaghetti. Sujin showed him that once and as far as we know, he hasn't seen it elsewhere on TV or some other place. Nana also sings a song with him, something about "ears hanging low" (to be honest, I'm not a big fan of the song, but Jake loves it). There are hand movements for the song and Jake knows them all. He can do the whole routine without help. The reason why we think this is so incredible is obvious, he's our kid, but he also seems a little different. He seems very engaged, connected, aware. Maybe all other 21 month-olds are, maybe not. Either way he's our special Jakey. For sures.



Song of the Day: Guided By Voices: I am a Scientist

Fighting Bed

The 8PM sharp sleep time may be a thing of the past. This is the second night in a row that Jake was not having it. He was wide awake, eventually did sleep after fussing. He may not need 10 hours a night now. I think he's sleeping more than an hour during the day too.

In other news. Omma and I got in a fight at dinner. I'm not sure Jake understood we were, but he probably sensed it. So stupid. I'm sorry Jake, I really am.

Song of the Day: Joy Division: Love Will Tear Us Apart

Sleepless In Situ

Jakers had a little trouble hitting the hay this PM. First time in a very long time. Took him about 45 mins to settle and sleep. Could have something to do with the fact that it's 85 and muggy as heck. Trade winds decided to take a long break. Weird, it's been hot/no trades more often than not for the entire month-plus. We're sticky and moody b/c of it...including Jake.

Good day otherwise. Dins with nana and omma. Afters we went for a long walk around the building to escape the heat. Jake was obviously loving it. His smiles and giggles make us happy.

In the picture Jake is stamping the bottom of my foot with a stamp from omma's office. I have no idea why he wanted to do that, but he insisted I take off my shoe/sock so he could stamp it.

On a down note I found out today that I'll be going to Guam for a month in July. We're all going to be bummed. I'm going to miss Jake something fierce.

Song of the Day: Red House Painters: Things Mean A Lot

Weel B'day

Funny, I just read this website that tracks behaviour through the first few years. Amazing how accurate it was. It said at 21 months Jakers needs routine and won't like it if things are out of sync. Yep. Omma worked late and when she does, he stands by the door and cries. Did it today, after we went swimming. He had a blast in the pool, but wasn't ready to go when it was time (of course). Seems he wanted to decide when it was time to bolt. I decided for him and he got over it pretty quick.

Dins at Kona BC. Pizza, but he wanted "basta!!!" Didn't get it but he did get a vanilla mochi. He wanted omma's p'at one instead...of course.

Song of the Day: The Rolling Stones: Brown Sugar

Memo'orial

Pleasant Memorial Day. Woke early-ish. Jake actually slept a little late today, about 6:40. Felt inspired, so we went to Ho'omahulia Botanical Gardens. Fun, but Jake was a little restless b/c we got there just about when he as getting tired. We did get some good pictures, and mozzer bites. It was nice.

Lunch in Kailua and home for, what else, work. Safe to say though Jake had a wonderful day. Dins with nana, "American" fare.

Song of the Day: The Cult: She Sells Sanctuary

Laxitatiousness

Just realized it's Jake's "birthday." He's 20 months old, in his 21rst. Crazy. Jake, you're growing up fast, you really are.

Don't know if it's the holiday or that I feel a little sick (stomach feels sour), but I have no energy; no desire to do much of anything. Didn't really affect our day with the Jakers, but did affect my posting last night, which didn't happen. I apologize Jake. Went to the (final) baseball game. I think that had something to do with it. Always seems like I don't post on baseball days. Yesterday Jakers had Ohana Music in the AM. It was just me and him as omma felt kinda sick. Laters we went to meet Odin's new brother, Keagan. Whilst there he played with Odin for quite a while. We had dins together.

Today we had french toast for breaky (thanks omma), then did something that Jake enjoyed immensely: bought a new vacuum cleaner. He loved spending time in the VC area of Sears...loved it. Our old model was there and he kept saying "Appa!" whilst pointing at the vacuum. He was laughing too. Loved it.

Afters we ate lunch and went home for a whole family nap. Swam after the nap. He was on cloud nine for sures.

Interesting fact about Jake these days: Every time we drive by a bus, a Chevron station, the playground Jake and I sometimes play at before picking up omma (in Kahala/Kaimuki), or the smoothie place on Monserrat, Jake points and says "APPA!!" as in, "Appa, there' a place we go together a lot!" or, "You taught me what that is, a bus!" It's amazing to me and blows my mind that he knows/recognizes these things/places. Crazy.

Song of the Day: Cold War Kids: Hang Me Up to Dry

Roh More

No post yesterday. Went to the baseball game. Tournament, so the game started late (and finished late). Bows lost a heartbreaker in the bottom of the 9th. Won today though.

Did take a pic of the Jakers early in the AM. He asked to "pee pee," but didn't actually go. He likes sitting on the pot.
Today we went to Lina's for dinner. I think we were all exhausted. I know I was. Jake ate well (chun-chon, we eat there A LOT). He played with Lina and all was good. Slept on the way home.I had one of those moments this evening when I looked at Jake and it just totally amazed me that he was my blood, my family, my son. He IS Sujin and I. It's amazing. Blows me away. I can't put in words how much love I have for him.

Song of the Day: The Walkmen: In the New Year

Non-event Event

Wednesday, May 20, 2009. What happened in Jake's life today? Well, he woke up, played a little with omma and appa, went to the babysitters. I don't know exactly what happened there,but I'm guessing he played with Lina, Ji-min, and Ben, ate, and slept. I picked him up at about 4 and the babysitter told me every time the phone rang he said "appa, appa!" That made me feel great. We went to get a Minty Fresh smoothie and picked up omma. Went home, omma made mandu-guk. Jakers played a little more and slept promptly at 8.

Song of the Day: Tears for Fears: Mad World

Duck Sauce

Tired this eve, but I'll give it a go...

The upside: Took Jake down the street to feed the ducks with nana. He had a blast. I brought him there last year and he didn't get it. He was definitely interacting with the ducks and birds this time. He didn't want to leave.

The down: Omma worked very late and by 5:30 Jake wanted to see her. When this happens he goes to the door, picks up his shoes and cries the saddest cry in the world. I tried to explain that there was nowhere to go, that omma was on her way home. He was inconsolable. He cried until she came home, about 30 minutes. I felt sorry for him...and me.

Song of the Day: Beck: Nobody's Fault But My Own

Super Million Hair

Monday. What can I say? Normal day? Yeah, but very enjoyable nonetheless. Picked up the Jakers (and omma) and went directly to Ala Moana b/c omma had some stuff to take care of (exchanges, returns, etc.) These days Jake is mos def not into the stroller thing. It must have looked a little funny b/c we decided we were going to get everything done as fast as we could so we wouldn't have to take him out of the stroller. If we did, he'd wander and pull stuff off shelves and do what any curious newish human would do. We were successful! He fussed a little, but with some inventive "strolling"--acting like I was going to crash into displays--he stayed occupied for the most part.

Dins was at Taiyo noodles. Great, basic food at this place and Jake was all for eating with me and omma without hassle. He was great and he wasn't even sitting in a highchair (the only one was occupied). It's days like these that renew my faith in our ability to eat out with the Jakes. A swell time was had by all.

On the development front: Jakers is definitely communicative with us. He doesn't say sentences, but he gets his point across. He'll rub his chest if he wants a bath, he'll say "mam" if he wants kimchi (which is every meal now, the kid is definitely Korean), and he'll point at stuff and say omma or appa if he finds it interesting. It's endlessly fascinating to me and it makes me so incredibly proud to watch him develop.

Song of the Day: Cornershop: Sleep on the Left Side

The Sundays

Early rise, omma sleep, Jake eat. Shopping. Lunch, Hooters??!! Me, baseball, omma and Jake, Odin and Leah. Home, nana, dinner. Sleep. Good.

Song of the Day: David Kilgour: Rolling

Turtle Horse

No post yesterday. I went to the baseball game. Jake and omma went for dinner with nana. He was asleep by the time I got home:(

Fun day today. Me and omma went horseback riding at Turtle Bay while Jake and nana took a walk. Afters we had lunch at the pool. It was an amazingly beautiful day. We decided to go to Kewala Bay for a swim. Jake loved it. Shave ice on the way home at Aoki's. Jake slept the whole way.

All good.

Song of the Day: Bran Van 3000" Gimme Sheldon

Better

Better day today with the Jakers. Omma went out for dins with the ladies so it was just me and Jake after I picked him up. We came home, did some house stuff, ate. After dins he was crying. He wanted his omma. He pointed at the door, cried, and said "Omma!" I took him for a walk, but it didn't help, he cried almost the whole night. I held him as he cried and sang songs. At one point he pointed at the bed. I put him in and he was out.

Out.

Song of the Day: Morrissey: That's Entertainment

Same Same

Today's post could be very similar to yesterday's, but rather than rehash the whole thing, I'll just say that I tried a little harder today when things got difficult. Example later.

Today was a unique day in that I spent the entire thing with Jake. The babysitter was moving so it was all me. The gist: breakers at Whole Foods, school to get my papers to grade, oil change, home for nappers/cleans, lunch with omma (ramen), park for slides down the hill (Kakaako WP) on cardboard boxes, and dinner with Lina at chun-chon. That's where the fun began.

As per usual these days, Jake has about 5-6 bites of food, then gets antsy and starts saying "Omma" in a whiny voice whilst out-stretching his arms (toward omma). We usually take him out of the highchair and he proceeds to, well, do whatever he wants. Today it was open the cooler door, run around, pull stuff off the table, etc. etc. In light of what I wrote yesterday, I decided to try a new tact. I took him outside and for the first time used the dreaded "timeout." I told him what was appropriate behavior, asked if he was ready to go in the restaurant, etc. He kept saying "ne" (yes), so I took him in. He went right back to refusing the highchair/eating. I took him back out, except this time to the car, and talked to him. He listened to me, answered when I asked him questions, and showed he wanted to go back in. I did this about 4 times. I think it was a success. He knows what a timeout is now, and did sit and eat nicely for a while. Patience.

Sunhee suggested that he was too young to get right/wrong. He is in many ways, but he's also understanding what we're saying. He's smart. I think based on this fact it's OK to introduce limits, and that was my goal tonight.

An example of his intelligence: He has a box with 12 miniature Disney (Lion King, Cinderella, etc.) books in it. Each book is about 3"X3". This afternoon we were sitting on the couch and he said "appa" and pointed at a picture of one of the books on the back of the box (all 12 are represented there) and said "No!" I turned the box around, looked for the book, and sure enough, there were 11 books; the one he pointed to was missing. Freaked me out.

Song of the Day: Jimmy Cliff: I Can See Clearly Now

Only the Truth, Sir

If I'm going to be honest with this blog, then I should write how I've been feeling the past couple of days. This is for Jake's benefit after all, and when he reads this, I'm sure he'll appreciate how I feel and the fact that I wrote it. This kind of post is rare, but probably much more interesting for the reader. Wait, Jake's the only reader. (I did, by the way, tell omma about this site, but she hasn't looked at it yet. You can ask her why.)

I've been losing my patience easily the last couple of days. I have a short temper with Jake. I'm expecting him to listen to everything I say and I expect him to react to what I ask of him. I KNOW, this has much more to do with me than him, he is only 2 after all, but I do think that he has some ability at this point to know basic rights and wrongs; I can see it in his eyes. I so realize it's a process and that it's going to take years of patience with him. I guess this is a test for me. I'm his father and I need to be patient and understanding. Actually, I think I am, I'm just going through a rough patch at the moment. There you go...all fixed.

I'll never give up on you Jakey.

BTW, Picked up Jake, home, dinner w/nana, TV, sleep.

Song of the Day: The Thermals: Now We Can See