Happy Halloween 2009

The black cat's about to go trick or treating

Trick or Treating is over.

This is Jojo's first Halloween, I think, that Brady missed. But Nana came to our rescue and drove us around. Jojo made nine stops and got lots of candies. He had a really great time. He's already talking about what he's going to be for Halloween next year. We'll make sure that Brady is off for Halloween next year.

In Retrospect: Movie Night, Race, School, and Wish Granted

We had a movie night tonight. We watched the Transformers while Jojo decided to play his computer instead. But once in a while, he made comments about the movie.

Play computer or watch the movie?

Last weekend Jojo started playing with some of the presents he received during his party. A particular favorite is the remote-controlled motorcycle. It's good to know that he could actually move the little joystick to drive the motorcycle forward and back; he needs help with turning right and left.

Jojo loves to race. So he decided to drive his wheelchair and the motorcycle

to see who's going to win.

And last week, I had to do some paperwork at home and had the opportunity to see Jojo with his special ed. teacher and his adaptive P.E. teacher. That Tuesday, he was not very receptive to his teacher and was acting very playful/silly. His caregiver said it was because Jojo knew that Daddy and Mommy were both home :0) He did enjoy his session with his adaptive P.E. teacher. He played with some theraputty and tried to pop some bubbles.

The best part of being home that day was that I got to listen in when Jojo had the phone interview with the wish coordinator from Kids' Wish. We're happy to report that Jojo will have the opportunity to go to Disney World next year!

My Sweet Boy

Last night some friends from work had a "Twilight" party, and I actually went and joined them for a couple of hours. When I got home, Brady was just getting Jojo on the bipap and he told me what Jojo had to say tonight...Jojo: "Daddy, do you like it when Mommy's not here?" Brady: "No." Jojo: " I don't either. I miss her." And that was after I had not been very patient with him the whole day because we didn't have a babysitter and there were things I needed to do. Oh, my sweetheart...I missed you, too! I realized that home is the only place I'd rather be. And that's because that's where you are.

Vaccinated

A short update. We bit the bullet and took Jojo to his pediatrician this afternoon to get the H1N1 vaccine. He said, "I want the cold spray," just as the nurse was about to give him the shot. He was a big boy about it and he did not cry.

It's a Party!

Saturday was a perfect day for Jojo's party. Cool weather, maybe a little breezy. We had a great turn-out. I think everybody had a great time. Jojo was his usual cool self, kind-of-quiet and just observing, when he's around a big crowd. He said he had a great time. We knew that he was excited about the magic show; he positioned his wheelchair in front and watched the magician set up for the show. I was a tiny bit disappointed that there was no spontaneous and unprompted interaction between Jojo and the other kids, but I guess that was to be expected because this was his first time to meet most of them. In the grand scheme of things, it was a superb party and everything we prayed for. And as a bonus, Jojo got presents and money! Now we can really buy that adapted vmotion game from Jana Gundy ;)

Pig is roasting.

Great turn-out. Pretty girls and cute guys.


Watching the magic show. Even the adults liked it.


Time to cut the cake.

Almost-birthdays

We are having Jojo's almost-6th birthday party this Saturday. His birthday is not until December, but that time of the year is never a good time to have people over because of illnesses, or busy schedules due to Christmas shopping or family get-together. We thought this weekend would be perfect for people to come; but my goodness, we did not realize all the church fair, weddings, babyshowers, birthdays, etc, going on this weekend! We'll see how many people can make it to Jojo's party. I personally prefer to have just the family, but Jojo insists on having many people to celebrate his birthday. Here are some pictures of past almost-birthday celebrations...

2 1/2 year birthday

3 1/2 year birthday

Two months before 4th birthday

(We had this party because one of his godmothers was visiting from out of the country.)

First Tooth

Friday night, Jojo lost his first tooth! During the past few weeks, his bottom teeth had loosened and shifted, creating gaps. Now he looks like he lost two teeth instead of one. We really need to see a dentist, soon!

Got It!