Aunti Lori

Dear JJ,

The firs person to visit you in the hospital was Lori Moreno - a good friend to your mom and I.When your mom and I got married, Lori came.

I met Lori on Twitter, as I did your mom, and some other wonderful friends.

Today is a tough day for your aunti Lori- because her husband died last night. They had a love story, like your mom and I.  Married for over 25 years, traveling the world together- she always spoke about him in wonderful glowing terms.  He had been ill - and while death can be a wonderful release from infirmity, I know that she will miss him greatly.

But one thing always makes Lori smile- and that is her nephew JJ. So today when you smile- those smiles will be for your Aunti Lori- who selflessly spreads love throughout the internet and life - and today needs it from all of us.

Reaching through the internet to give Lori a smile

Two week Trip

Always ready to travel

Dear JJ, You continue to amaze us as we traveled for two weeks! We are learning a bit more about traveling with a toddler- so much that we started a website just to throw tips out -- EatPackGo.com .

One of the first things we discovered is that you like floor space on the plane!
Our first stop was San Diego- where your mom got to try her hand at paddle boarding- and your father got to cook food in a small kitchen!

Your mom paddle boarding in Santa Barbara Bay in Mission Beach area

Time with mom in the pool

Our view from the room

Small kitchen- but we made a few meals here

From San Diego we went to Portland- so we could celebrate your grandpa's 87th birthday - and your grandparents 63rd wedding anniversary.But before we left, you enjoyed a bit of time in a local water park.

Then we went to Alaska- but a special trip this time.  From Portland we flew to Seattle- and allowed you to "get your wiggles out," - as your mom likes to say.  So for a few hours we had in the Seattle airport we spent a part of our time in the play area that they have for kids.

First stop- my hometown - Ketchikan, Alaska. Where, son - I was born and raised. Funny thing- no matter where you are from, or when you get back to it- home is where mom and dad are.

It was a great trip son- you travel well.

Before we left, you had to say goodby to Gigi, as she left for China

Our water boy- enjoying water in Portland

Hotel shampoo- lots of fun

Ketchikan

My two favorite people leaving Ketchikan for Juneau

Yes, you have to do your puzzle when you get on the plane

Whale watching in Juneau

Everytime we are back at the Captain Cook, we see the view

You like Bears

From Alaska to California- here you and your mom enjoying a meal at Morimoto's

And, what is Napa without visiting Thomas Keller's restaurant

We got to see Uncle Bob and Kim

Eating grapes at Michele Schlumburge winery

You missed lucky- but found another friendly doggie to play with at the winery

Headed home - standing room only on the plane

Walking and Running

Dear JJ,

Little by little you went from crawling, to pulling up, and now you are walking- and running! Still a bit wobbly- still walk like a drunken sailor, but you have gone from preferring to crawl to preferring to walk- and if I chase you then you run, and laugh. The best part is when you walk next to me you like grabbing my hand and holding it.


Still the traveler - with over 40,000 miles - you have gone from an infant to a toddler- with more mobility in the seats.  So much so we opened a new blog EatPackGo.com .

In my clinic the other day a patient brought her son- we spent some time chatting about our children- and one thing I never new before I met you - I really like kids.

Son, you have opened the hearts of your mom and I. Our life is so much better because you are in it.

Love,

Dad

Standing like the big boy you are playing leggos

Mr. JJ at Le Pigeon in Portland, OR

Grandma wants to make sure you are ok

The windows are interesting

Big Jets - for our frequent flier

Reading

Dear JJ,

 You love it when we read to you!  You grab a book- scamper onto my lap-  and sit there as I read it to you. No matter how many times you've read it- you like it.

Some of your favorites - Good night Moon - and Wheels on the bus.  Of course with Wheels on the Bus your dad has to sing it- and when we get to the part where "the people on the bus go up and down.." my knee goes up and down (and if it doesn't you start it for me).

You like turning pages- and seeing books where you move flaps and see things beneath them.

I hope to always read to you- for as long as you will let me. Because reading means you are sitting on my lap- close and comfortable, and I can sneak a kiss onto your head.  I think you like it too.

Food facials

Its getting to where you eat what we eat. Your cupboard is getting empty

Love Dad

One Year Old!

Dear JJ,

I know you won't remember being one year old- but your parents sure will. Because it was one year ago that you came into our lives, and our lives were forever changed for the better.  Never imagined how much fun you would be, never imagined the true joy we have with you, and the feeling of being a parent.  In fact, until I met you I didn't know the meaning of "awesome." Now I do.

Your mom and I met because of a dinner invitation to Debbie and Barry Frangipane's home in Tampa. Debbie came in town today to meet you for the first time- and it was a lot of love that just grew instantly. Fitting that the person who made possible your mom and I meeting is here to celebrate with us.

We had a nice little party for you in Canada - so we won't repeat the cake on your face- but your om and I are enjoying the best year of our life.

Thank you son - you have taught me a lot- what "awesome" means, what it is to be a father, you gave me that "inside" knowledge of that special club of "dads."

One year ago, after you were born at 4:10, your mom and I spent the entire night up just watching you. Now we want to spend the rest of our lives watching you grow - and someday, I hope to be there when you become a dad- because as I learned from my dad -- you brought to our lives "fountains of love."

Love, an ever grateful


Dad

Son, you have given me more than I have ever received

Oh Canada - missing you

Dear JJ,

You continue to amaze your mom and I as we travel from Phoenix to Alaska, and then to Canada. You are a great traveler. Now that you have started to wave, you have become the official greeter on whichever airline you are on. 

Funny thing- all the flight attendants greet people as they come on board, but no one smiles more then when they see this little boy greeting them.

But this week will be a long one for me.  You see, I left you and your mother in Canada, while I came back to do some work. I still wake up early- but instead of having you to play with it is just Lucky and I. When I come home instead of this little boy crawling fast to meet me, it is just Lucky.  Nothing wrong with Lucky- but he misses you too.

Your grandparents cottage on Lake Ontario is a wonderful place. There we had an early first birthday for you - and we met all the people that your mom grew up with.  Plus time with Grandma and Grandpa Grosshans (although they seem to not want to be called grandma or grandpa- she prefers GiGi and he prefers Papa ).

I miss you son- I never knew what life was until I met your mother, and we decided to have you. The best decision of our lives. Take care of mom - and greet and smile for all the folks on the airplane coming home.

Love,

Dad

My little travel buddy- now enjoys the view from the plane

Enjoying the view from our room

Alaska is still home

Portage Glacier - a chilly view

Keeping warm with mom

Cottage on Lake Ontario- view from the living room

Sharing breakfast with dad

Mom makes a great swing

First birthday party- eat all you want

Dig in, son

Meeting new friends - Luke!

Mornings with the boys - Papa and Dadda

You enjoy your coffee- clearly a Simpson/Grosshans

First Father's Day

YES - this was you

Team Grosshans

Two conspirators

Best travel baby ever

Your dad who loves being just- your dad

Dear JJ,

The last time I was this excited by a day, it was when I was a kid waiting for my birthday.  My first Father's Day.  Not because I wanted any gifts - but just to experience that day, for the first time in 54 years, as a dad.

The day started out with you - 4:30 am, almost as if you were excited for the day as I was.  We spent a couple of hours playing til you became tired and I was off for my golf game. Arriving at the golf course, my good friend, Steve, said, "Happy Father's Day." Steve, not a dad, has developed an affection for you, and enjoys watching you grow.

During the day I missed a phone call from your Uncle Bob-- one of the first people to know that your mom and I were expecting.  He left a message with his children wishing me that. 

On social media sites different people wished me a Happy Father's Day- and they were all special people- those who know your mom and I, and those who know how much being a dad has meant to me.

When my dad called me, the first thing he said was, "Happy Father's Day." First time I joined my dad in that special club.

I've done a few things- held a few titles, had a few accomplishments- but the most important one is being a dad.

Thank you, son, for making that possible

Love,
Dad

You at 19 weeks

Your mom and I and special friends on a special day

That's your mom- if she bent over far enough she saw her feet

Our first family photo

Gigi stayed with us for seven weeks

The cap you wore was worn by your uncle Ron over 60 years before

Meeting my parents for the first time

Jimmy - for whom you are named. And whose smile you have

Uncle Rick and Auntie Sandi - who have been great friends of your mom and I from the start

Your first hospital visitor Aunti Lori

Your beautiful mom

Your Gandpa - who got up with me for the early morning shift

You always looked like you had it figured out

Uncle Barry - in whose house your mom and I met

Your Grandma Gigi - stayed with us for seven weeks, she hated to leave you

we are family

My dad - and I - in 1958

And now you with my dad in 2011

Your Uncle Ron- that hat doesn't fit him as well