Contrasts

New Hair Cut
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

A few months back Michael had saved enough money to purchase a small "Captain Underpants" doll. I have noticed that he has been sleeping with it every night; he cradles it between his right arm and chest, like you would a baby. What is interesting about this is that Alex has been sleeping with "Big Bear", but "Big Bear" is the one that has Alex in his arms!

That is not the end to the contrasts of their sleeping styles. Alex insists on having two night lights and the closet light on, whereas Michael is happy without such illumination. Furthermore, Michael goes to bed without complaint or delay, where as Alejandro drags it out -- he needs hugs, he needs milk, he needs you to lay down with him. The irony is that once Alex is done delaying, he is out like a light, but Michael is often awake for an hour or so; occasionally you will catch him with a flashlight reading a book, but eventually he quietly succumbs to the sandman.
RAP

Thoughtful Thinker

Thoughtful Thinker
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Each year, Eli Pinney holds an assembly and recognizes all students for something that they excel at. Many of the awards are pretty generic: "Good Friend", "Most Improved Reader" etc. Honestly, I find some of them condescending, and they make we wonder how the "Walk and chew bubble gum at the same time" award was excluded.

Last year, Michael received "The Love of Learning" award, and this year he was selected for the "Thoughtful Thinker" award. I hold that those are two of the better ones a parent could wish for there child. Furthermore, I think that aptly describe our Michael in a lyrical prose.
RAP

No one is a stranger to Alex

Contemplation
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Alex has completed his third year at Little Shepherds, and is ready to enroll in Kindergarten this autumn. It was an emotional moment for Alex, and in my mind's eye I always pictured him standing up and giving a speech like this: "I would like to thank all the bears who made this possibly; Big Bear, Baby Bear, Cuddly Bear...." He didn't make that speech, but that does not mean I still can't hold on to the image.

While Jenny was gone, Cinda took Alex to lunch one day with her friend Jill. They were both so charmed by him; through her observations, Jill concluded "That no one is a stranger to Alex." During their time together, Alex repeatedly walked up to people, and found a way to talk to them like they were old friends. I wouldn't say this talent is effortless, that would belittle his skill and that fact that he intiates each contact. What I would say is that this behavior appears completely natural and he he makes it appears effortless.
RAP

Amy's Organic Turkey Chili

Line Drive
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Baseball has calmed down a bit in recent days; we are only having one game a week, for the next two weeks, before settling into a two game a week pattern that will prevail into July. Michael has continued to make contact with the ball, but he has been hitting it down the first baseline (as I predicted), causing him an occasional problem getting to base.

Another new thing with Michael is that he expanded his palette with "Amy's Organic Turkey Chili" today. The Verdict: it was a good. He liked it quite a bit and said it was unlike anything he had ever tasted before.
~R

Just Browsing

Just Browsing
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

In Jens absence we have spent a good amount of time in the company of books. We went to the bookstore Friday night, the Library Saturday evening and on Sunday afternoon we made a sojourn to the comic store. Michael was reading a Disney "Scrooge Duck" (Donald's Rich Uncle) comic book this weekend, so I thought I would take him and let him pick out another. Instead of another Disney tale, he chose something called "Owly;" it is very innocent, and is in black and white.

Alex picked "Monkey Versus Robot." Even thought it was more action than Michael's, it was a good selection for him. It was made for young readers and had very few words, but it made him feel like he was reading "a long book."
RAP

First Game Tomorrow Night

Fast Ball
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael has his first game tomorrow night, and I think that he is ready. We have been practicing at home each evening for the last three weeks. At first we concentrated on fielding, but the last two weeks the emphasis has been on hitting the ball.

Last night was Michael's best batting to date. He was hitting about 5 out of 8 pitches, and for the first time they were going up. Line drives may be more practical, but for a little kid, there is a thrill to see the ball take off into the sky. In addition to hitting balls from a machine, we do another drill where I swing a ball around on a rope; last night he hit one hard enough to knock it out of my hands. Also, his baseball acumen is increasing; I told him to use a particular bat because it was wider, and he responded, "Oh, you mean it has a bigger 'sweet spot.'" All is not sunshine though. He is a lefty and as result he keeps hitting it towards first. Since the ball is headed straight for the baseman this may make getting on base a wee bit harder for him.
RAPatton

One day a kid is going to come to the library and be excited to get thenew Michael Patton book!"

Hilarity Ensued
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

We thought that Baseball would keep us busy while Jen was gone, three games scheduled in five days, but Saturday's was washed out. However, we still found plenty to do over the weekend.

We made our weekly trips to the grocery stores, both Krogers and WildOats. We practiced baseball at home and at the batting cages. These were good expeditions, but the highlight of the weekend was our journey to the library. The boys love it there; Alex plays with the computers and Michael loses himself in all the new books. He was particular excited that there was a new Eric Carlisle book: "Mr. Seahorse." Michael was telling Alex all about it as we left, and Alex turned to him and exclaimed, "One day a kid is going to come to the library and be excited to get the new Michael Patton book!"
/////Robert Allen Patton\\\\\