STAND UP!

Jacob came over today. Watching him made me want to stand up ALL BY MYSELF over and over. Mom, beware. I know I can walk. And I'm beginning to think I should walk. -maddox

MADDOX MOVING COMPANY, INC

Need help moving furniture?

Now you know who to call! I love moving NaNa's chairs. I charge by the hour. -maddox

BUMBLEBEE ME

This weekend Mimi and Grandpa came to see me. I was wearing my "bumblebee" shirt and buzzing all around, as usual. I thought Grandpa might be hungry, so I fed him teddy grahams...LOTS of teddy grahams.

Mimi worked hard at getting all my sugar. But I am so sweet, no one could ever get it all!

I played hard. And yet...

...I skipped my afternoon nap. It's rude to sleep with guests in the house! Luckily for Mom, I went to bed pretty early and haven't skipped another nap since. Of course the day is coming when I drop a nap, but I can't do that to Mom just yet. -maddox

THE FORK

I woke up a little bit older today. Instead of using my fingers or having Mom feed me, I took charge of the fork myself.

It took some concentration and a few jabs to get the waffle to stay on the fork.

But I sure was proud of myself when it worked! -maddox

THE GRAPEVINE

Papa Joe has taught me about how to survive as a country boy.

Every morning and evening we pick grapes from his grapevine. I even know what the good ones look like.

I put some in his pocket.

And then we eat some, too.

When it comes to picking grapes, I get tunnel vision.

I can't help it - they taste so good!! -maddox

HAIRCUTS, MANGOS & THE LIZARD MAN

A lot can happen in 7 days. I got my first all-around haircut. My curly "rat tail" fell to the ground and now Mom says I look like a mini man. It was a bit traumatic to see my hair not on my head, but shockingly, it didn't hurt.

I felt back to normal by the end of the day.

I even ran around a little bit. Still, I am too scared to walk on my own. I say, why do it when someone else will do it for you? Mom claims this is how a lot of men think.

I love playing in the grass and dirt. It doesn't taste too good, but I still try a sample every now and then.

In the house, I am a mess. I've tried getting into the stove and the cabinets at the same time. Unfortunately, someone always seems to be watching and will quickly remind me with the dreaded "no no."

I played with a mango.

And then I ate it. I ate at least half of it.

It's almost as yummy as my old standby: corn on the cob.

The latest fun adventure in the last 7 days was the Greek Festival. I tried souvlaki and got a lizard painted on my face. I didn't even flinch! Now there are rumors that I am related to the fabled Lizard Man. Time will tell. -maddox

THE CAN OPENER

The can opener used to scare me to tears. But, now, it provides me with endless amusement.

-maddox

IN HONOR OF MY DAD

Dad lived through hours and hours of marching, sweating, folding clothes precisely, scrubbing, sleep deprivation, getting screamed at and the pig flu. He looks pretty good! I wish I could get my hands on that hat and that shiny pin....

He cleaned this shower day and night. Look - it's SPARKLING clean! Hopefully Mom's bathroom-cleaning technique will be up to Dad's standard.

This is where Dad slept a few hours every night. Don't let it fool you. It might look like a real bed, but Dad says it sure didn't feel like one!

Dad's drill sergeant is trying to stand up really really straight so he looks bigger than Dad.

Dad looks mighty skinny to be eating a meal like that! But, according to Mom, he cleaned his plate.

Mom was so happy to see Dad! We are all so proud of him from back home.

Dad sent me this bear. I'm going to see him really soon! I can't wait to be in his arms again. -maddox

MOM'S TRIP

I'm sad because Mom is leaving for 4 days. She is going to see Dad far far away in Texas. Because there is a swine flu outbreak where Dad is, I'm not going. But I will get to see Dad soon when he moves to Mississippi. I did help Mom pack, though. Er...Well, I kinda unpacked what she already packed, but everything looked so fun to play with!

The best part of all this is that Dad is graduating basic training and we will all be together again soon. I love you Dad!! Congrats from your biggest little fan! -maddox