FaMiLy FuN dAy SuNdAy

"Grandparents, like heroes, are as necessary to a child's growth as vitamins."

- Joyce Allston



About a year ago, my grandfather moved to Overland Park. It was a bitter sweet time for him because he had lost his best friend and partner in life, my grandmother that past October. He moved here from Las Cruces, NM, where he had expected to live the rest of his life. When my grandma, my dad's mother passed away, well before we had all expected, my heartbroken grandpa needed to be closer to his family. He chose Overland Park, because it's only two hours from my parents and my aunt lives here. I have loved having my grandfather close, but I've not had as much time with him as I'd like due to my work schedule and crazy happenings that often occur in our life. I do get to see him once every couple months when he gets his hair cut next to my store. He comes in to buy his fish oil and vitamin D and visits for a bit. It is always the highlight of my day and being the scheduled guy he is, he's always my first customer of the day.

Now that my daycare lady has required every other Sunday off, I get to be off two Sundays a month. I have been planning each Sunday to do something fun with family, so last week I called Grandpa to see if he would like to have lunch with Koko Bean, my brother Polly Wog (he's going to hate me for this,) and myself. There was no pause. There was no "let me check my schedule." It was just "what time and where." We decided to have lunch at 11am sharp (Grandpa usually says he wants to beat the old folks... eh hem.) When he asked where, I told him to decide. Once again, there was not a pause. Grandpa being the decisive man that he is, opted to have lunch at his independent retirement living center.

When we arrived, I knew Grandpa would be standing at the door, checking his watch. Sure enough, I hadn't even shut the car door when I heard his welcome. As we walked through the doors and signed in, we were greeted by many of his friends and some of the staff. We continued to walk through the center to the cafeteria as people ooh'ed and awed at Koko Bean. She sat quietly in her stroller, taking it all in, as each person was introduced to us. Koko Bean didn't say a whole lot during all of the meeting and greeting but man, she was the talk of the cafeteria.

Grandpa led us through the cafeteria to a room he had reserved just for our lunch. It was decorated beautifully with a huge dining room table that seated seven to eight people. There was a rich red table runner across the table, and it was set with all the place settings for eight. Grandpa had invited two couples to have lunch with us. There was Maryenelle (forgive me if I spelled it wrong) and her husband, and Eve and her husband, Smitty. It appeared as if we had a connection with each individual at the table. Eve was a GNC customer of mine. Her husband was a WWII fighter pilot. Maryenelle was from Pittburg, KS and was a graduate of Pitt State like myself. Her husband was from Lawrence, KS, where my brother lives and goes to school.

We chatted while we ate. They were interested in Polly Wog's attendance at the KU Chemical Engineering School. Polly Wog talked shop with them about the petroleum industry as that is one of his three minors. Mostly, we listened. I enjoyed hearing stories about their rowdy bridge games and the inside joke everyone has about my grandpa. Apparently, during happy hour one Friday evening, my grandfather was capable of knocking over every one's wine glasses, spilling them all over the table. Now I know where my klutz gene came from. Don't think this was a incident of old age though. My grandfather is a young 86 years old. He is probably the only man there not in a walker or wheelchair and there is no doubt that his mind is still as sharp as a tack.

After playing peek-a-boo under the table with Eve, Koko Bean was starting to get tired and ready for her nap. We headed up to Grandpa's apartment for another half hour of visiting, but then had to head home so Koko Bean could partake in a much needed siesta. Momma and Uncle Polly Wog needed one too.

We each took our naps, then we headed back to Lawrence to take Uncle Polly Wog grocery shopping and to dinner. Each time we got out of the vehicle my brother retrieved his niece from her car seat as she stared at him in awe. I don't know what it is about my brother, but Koko Bean is always very shy around him. She even admitted it one day this week. "I like Uncle Polly Wog, but I shy." We ate at a wonderful Italian restaurant on Mass Street in Lawrence. Koko Bean was not exactly well-behaved as she was playing musical chairs between her high chair and a regular chair. When it was time to go though, she was ready. I followed my baby brother and my daughter back down the Mass Street sidewalk to the car. I am so amazed at their relationship and their similarities. Both are incredibly smart, and they have a connection that you wouldn't understand until you saw it.

We said our goodbyes and 'I yuv you's' to Uncle Polly Wog and headed home. When we got home, we were greeted by Daddy and cousin J.T. The four of us went for walk then Daddy and I played with Koko Bean on our big, California King bed. She belly laughed as Daddy tickled her and Flex nibbled at her. We finally got her settled down and Daddy rocked her to sleep.

It is days like this where my mind races at the end of the day. It's not because I'm worried, but it's because I want to replay this kind of day every day of Koko Bean's life. It makes me want to think outside the box. It makes me wish I could stay at home with her always, even though there's no way we'd ever really stay home. One day I hope that I don't have to be at the store as much, so I can spend more days like this with my Koko Bean. Until then, I will continue to make each moment count and I will soak in each giggle, each tantrum, and each loving hug around my neck. These days are passing us by faster than we realize.

A Blog from the archives... June 12, 2011

After all the hustle and bustle of my competition last week, this week sort of sneaked up on us. This is the week I had been dreading. It wasn't the dieting and extra workouts I had to do for the show, but the fact that I am going to be without my Koko bean for what was going to be just four days, extended to a week.

In order to make the last two days off work last, we took Koko Bean to the pool yesterday. Our gym has a great facility with both indoor and outdoor pools with zero entry for the youngsters, big water slides for the older kids, a lap pool for the geezers, and a hot tub for the sissies like me who freeze to death even in 100-degree weather.

Daddy and I worked out for an hour or so, then it was off to the daycare to pick up my sweet little girl. I love picking Koko Bean up at the gym daycare because she will spot me, shout my name, "MOMMY," and run to me full speed ahead with arms open, as if we'd been separated for days. She then tells a new friend she just met, "that's MY mommy." The friend is usually not impressed, but Koko Bean is always so proud to tell him or her, that it makes me smile.

Korbin couldn't get to the changing room fast enough. She peeled out of that daycare in her flip flops like a Fred Flinstone cartoon where the feet are moving fast, but he isn't really going anywhere, zipped around the corner, and headed straight for the family locker room. You see, we had been talking about going "fwimming" for a week. It's crazy what this kid will remember too even if you try to change the subject. No sir. Not happening. She will remember what you said, what things happen, and even her dreams. I'm still being reminded every morning as we walk down the stairs how our boss's dog, Missy, bit her finger three weeks ago and that she was a bad dog and that her finger still hurt. She also tells Daddy she dreams of horses when she naps.

I was always hoping I would have one of those kids like I had in swimming class that would do everything I asked of them like prone and supine floating. Well, we aren't exactly miniature Dara Torres, but this kid LOVES the water. We got there shortly after the sun had disappeared in the clouds so the water was less than tepid and the air around it felt like we were in the frozen tundra. In other words, BBBBRRRRRR!!!! With her little blue lips covering her chattering teeth, Koko Bean  jumped, splashed and kicked her little goosebumped body all over the place. I'm not a believer in floaties or lifejackets worn at the pool, so every once in a while, Koko Bean got a little deep and went under water a few times involuntarily. She took it in stride as we picked her up and praised her for being such a brave big girl.

After we finally bribed Koko Bean out of the water, we headed home for dinner. She ate a whole grilled cheese sandwich, and a bowl of macaroni and cheese!! This is huge for her as she eats like a bird usually. It was an overall wonderful day for our family. I look forward to getting her back from Grandma's. Eight days...

Note: Since this was about a month old and I had it in the draft archives, I have no pictures to match up with these event. Bad MOMMY!!

My GrOwNuP gIrL

Having a little girl is the best thing ever!! Not only do I get to fix her hair everyday, but I look forward to picking out her clothes and dressing her up everyday. I adore dressing her up in dresses, cute flip flops, jean shorts and tanks, etc. Shopping for her is much easier than shopping for myself, so the girl has more clothes than her daddy and me put together. That's saying a lot because I bet her daddy could wear a T-shirt a day for three months and he still wouldn't have to worry about laundering any of them!

One morning this week, I decided to let Koko Bean wear one of her dresses I bought for this Fall. Actually, this time, she insisted. When I put it on her, I melted. Not only was she super adorable as to be expected, but she looked grown-up!! My little girl has lost that baby-like appearance and is starting to look more like the toddler she is- almost preschool!

I hope Dad realizes he better stay in shape because this pretty little girl is going to be a knockout. Despite her cuteness, this sweet little girl has been sort of whiny and needy these days. She hates being away from either of us, cries when we leave the room, and is back to sleeping in our bed. I am hoping this is a phase. She also has a separate playroom full of toys in our new house, but never plays in it. In our old apartment, she played in her room for hours. Even though we've lived here for over a month, Koko Bean still asks to go home. I'm also hoping this is a phase. For now though, I will enjoy all the extra cuddles and the fact that she needs both of us. One day, I will look back on this time and miss it.



pIgTaiLs, pOoLs, and PopSicles

The day I found out I was having a little girl, I couldn't wait to dress her up and fix her hair. I remember my mom fixing my hair when I was a little girl. My golden locks had grown down to my rear, and it would be a fight every morning for my mom to brush and usually french braid my hair. On special occasions, we would wake up extra early so Mom could use the waver (much like the crimper) on my thick, blonde hair. All of Mom's hard work paid off in the haircare department because I ended up snagging the Best Hair Award for our senior class awards. It wasn't exactly "Most Likely to Succeed," but my mane was head of the class.

Now that Koko Bean's hair has finally come in a little thicker and longer, I get to make her sit through sessions of combing and pig tailing. I'm glad it's long enough to pull out of her face during these hot summer months.

Speaking of Summer, we have been enjoying it as much as we Midwesterners can. Koko Bean loves to swim in her blow-up pool with her cousin of the same initials, KM. When KM comes over, the girls get to playing, fussing, fighting, and giggling. The other day, we got to keep KM all day so I was able to take some great pictures of all the fun they had.

Koko Bean also developed a love for another summer treat- POPSICLES!! She doesn't love just any popsicle though. She only likes the blue ones.

There's so many new things this girl is doing and saying, it's so hard to keep track. I try to remember them and think it would make for good blogging, but after a few minutes, the cuteness it topped by something else new and exciting she does.

Some of my favorite phrases of hers right now are the following:

"Flex bit me. Sfank(spank) him."

"I wanna hold ya." (I want you to hold me.)

"Open sesame!" (Anytime an elevator door is about to open or daddy has her down tickling her, she says this.)

Mom- "What do you want to eat for dinner?"

Koko Bean- "CEREAL!"

Koko Bean also has some favorite tunes right now. She has a Sesame Street CD player that plays various kids' music. Her favorite track is "Old McDonald." As soon as it is over, she quickly clicks through all the other songs and returns to "Old McDonald." At night, as Daddy rocks her to sleep- a tradition that I think will never break- she and Daddy sing "I dropped my dolly in the dirt." Her favorite part is the "wa wa wa wa wa" part.

Those are just a few things Koko Bean has been up to these days. This little busy body never rests and definitely keeps us on our toes every minute we're with her. I'm so proud of her for everything she's accomplished and it just keeps getting better.

 

Koko bean's photos

Korbin MaKenna

Koko's Kritters

Last February, we had to say goodbye to our sweet, loveable and smart American Staffordshire Terrier, Reese. Reese was one of Korbin's first words. She called him "Breese." Reese had to go live with a new family in Oklahoma because of the breed discrimination laws where we live. It was a really bad experience for us because Reese was Koko Bean's Daddy and my "first born." I was always a skeptic when it came to his breed until he came into our lives. He was the most trainable, well-mannered pup we've ever had. The worst thing about him was that he had a bit of "Mississippi Leg Hound" in him, but only if you were male.

The other furry kid in our house stayed with Grandma and Grandpa for the last six months. Chloe Belle Kersey came into our lives six months after Reese did. She was born December 28, 2005. Chloe is a Rat Terrier. We paid a whopping $50 for her and if you asked Koko Bean's daddy, he would tell you it was way too much. Chloe is what some may call, a spaz. She's deathly afraid of car rides, is constantly on the hunt for squirrels and perches herself on the back of a couch like a cat when she's inside. The first time I met Chloe, she was brought into my office at Wal-Mart, and immediately dropped a load on the office floor. You see, up until then, I was going to get her smaller sister. When she sashayed in the office and took charge like that, I knew she would be a perfect sister for Reese. She held her own with him and the two were best friends. We recently welcomed Chloe back to the city when we got our house. Now, she has a yard full of squirrels and even a chipmunk to terrorize.

(This picure was taken about a year and  half ago. Notice Chloe peeping the squirrels.)

Being the "Ellie May Clampet" that I am, I decided we needed another critter to add to our zoo.

Name: Flex Iron Morrison

Birthday: May 14, 2011

Colors: Tricolor (black, tan and white)

Weight: FAT!!

Height: Short

Breed: Flex is a composite breed called a Mini Bull. (A mixure of Olde English Bulldogge, French Bulldog, American Staffordshire, and American Bulldog.)

At first, Flex was the laziest, most docile canine I've ever met. We didn't think his demeanor would ever fit his name even though his body type certainly did. Now that we have Chloe back, he's a whole new dog. Instead of wanting to be held all the time by Mommy, he wants to chase and nip at Chloe. Chloe usually rebuttles with a nip of her own along with a stern teeth-bearing growl. Koko Bean has really gotten to like him as well.

She plays with him, chases after him, disciplines him, and even gives him kisses. There are times though, that I have to get on to Koko Bean for smothering him too much. For instance, today, she was sitting on him as he gasped for air. She also thinks that picking him up by his throat is standard procedure in puppy care.

I love having dogs in the house. When I was growing up, there wasn't a time that I didn't have a dog or two. I want Koko Bean to appreciate animals just as I do. (The only exception to my appreciation would be snakes and cats.) Cats are gross and poop inside on purpose. Snakes- well snakes are serpents, like the Devil. They're slithery, sneaky, slimy-looking creatures and as far as I'm concerned they have no place on this Earth. I'll stick to furry, fun-loving, squirrel-chasing, spastic pets of the canine variety.



Head, shoulders, knees, toes, hand, foot, and mouth.

In two and a half years, Koko Bean has had two, what I call "major," illnesses. She had RSV (http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/) when she was thirteen months old. She had been coughing and had a lot of mucus behind it. We got to the point we took her to Children's Mercy where the doctor made me feel like a completely inadequate parent. First of all, I have always administered Silver Biotics since she started daycare at eight weeks old. Purified silver is a great way to boost the immune system and/or naturally help the body recover quicker from infection. When I had told the doctor about this, he made a HUGE deal about how it wasn't approved by the FDA and how I was basically poisoning my daughter. He then taught us how to hold our daughter down, squirt drops of saline in her nose, then suck it out with an aspirator. Boy, that was fun. Let me tell you. I was later reminded by my boss, who is a chemical engineer, that you can also put the silver in her nose. It burns less and is antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial. We were told by the doctor that RSV can last up to five weeks due to the fact that the debris in her lungs will eventually break up causing a cycle of more coughing and mucus. Needless to say, I continued the silver remedy and the RSV lasted three whole days.

The second virus happened this last week. Thursday night, Koko Bean woke up around midnight and continued to wake up every hour, needing a drink. She was also very hot to the touch. I thought maybe she had a fever and continued to give her fluids at her request. I'm not one to just shove Tylenol or other over-the-counter meds down her throat as fevers are the body's way of fighting off the infection. The more Tylenol given, the less likely the body is to respond to it. I finally decided she was uncomfortable enough, she needed it.  Unfortunately, the Tylenol didn't work, so the next night we were off to Children's Mercy due to the fever not subsiding.

At Children's Mercy, everyone was very nice. Korbin was given some Ibuprofen to lower her 102-degree temperature, was diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth virus, and we were sent home with some narcotic pain med. Let me tell you. The last two bits of this statement were two big shockers. One, what the you-know-what did my child get into to contract such an awful sounding virus and two, what? Narcotic pain meds!!??? This was the same hospital who told me giving my daughter 10ppm of purified silver was poisonous??? Ha!

The next day, I was home with Korbin and all seemed better. Her fever hadn't come back and I did not have to give her the narcotic. I was afraid to honestly. However, the ulcers in her throat from the virus still hadn't gone away, so all she wanted to do was drink. As long as she was drinking and peeing, I was okay with it. She played and played and it seemed like she was well on her way to recovery.

Saturday, three days after her first fever, the pain was back in full force. We had read the third day was going to be worse but we had no idea how bad it would be. Not only would Koko Bean not eat, but she wasn't drinking. Therefore, she wasn't peeing.

That night, we decided to give her the narcotic. Little did we know what a fight it would be. Both of us tried to coax, bribe,and force the medicine down her, but she was more stubborn that a mule. Like her momma, Korbin is anti-medicine. She hates the taste of any liquid medicine and often gags and spits it out just as soon as it hits her mouth. Now I know what my mom went through with me. After fighting with her for about an hour, we decided to make the two-minute trip back up to Children's Mercy.

This trip for me, was more frightening than the last. I was really worried they would have to hook Koko Bean up to an IV because I was afraid she was already dehydrated. She was lethargic and her skin was puffy. The worst case scenario for me was the IV. The worst case scenario for Koko Bean was yet to come.

In order for the pain in her throat to go away, the medicine had to be taken. As Daddy held her in his lap, and one nurse held her cheeks and her arms above her head, another nurse slowly but surely squeezed the medicine into the side of her little puffy cheeks. I sat to the side, looking away, and weeping as my baby girl screamed with all her might trying not to swallow the liquid being squirted into her mouth. Usually, I'm okay with shots, and even small "boo boos," but this was too much for me. As tears ran down my face, I looked at the nurse. She looked at me and said, "Mom, you okay?" I nodded and she sent me a sympathetic, "I know honey" look. The truth was I wanted my mommy.

After about thirty minutes the narcotic had been absorbed in little Koko Bean's body. All of a sudden this little girl, who had been quiet and sickly, turned into a chatter-box-itchy-face toddler. As she asked us question after question,( "Mom is this black? Dad, is that your shoe? Mom, is this my drink,?") she scratched and tugged at her face and pajamas. Although it wasn't a funny situation, she made us laugh hysterically with each question and each erratic rub of her face.

Koko bean enjoyed an orange Popsicle, some red drink, and Dad's sprite before we were finally sent home. She fell asleep on the ride home, and we finally got some rest. To be safe, I stayed with her again that Sunday and Monday, so no other kids at daycare would be exposed to this horrible virus. I will give it to Koko Bean though. She is a tough, resilient little girl. She has bounced back 100% and you would never know that she was diagnosed with Hand, Foot and Mouth virus... and let's hope that's the last time we see its ugly face.