Activity #9 - Go to Work With Daddy Day

I took Kari to work today. There are some special work colleagues who have been asking to see him. They even got him a coloring book and crayons. They were excited to see him. He met some of my other work colleagues who were very instrumental in raising funds for his communication device. He was like a celebrity. He's a little shy like his daddy so he didn't really know how to deal with all the attention. He definitely enjoyed himself though. He colored with Flo; smacked Laura around; and flirted with Clare. I almost wanted to say a boy after his dad's own heart but Annesa might read this blog so can't say that.

I have decided to advocate for a 'Bring Your Child to Work Day'. That would be cool if on Father's Day for example, you see hundreds of fathers with their kids heading to work. This would include fathers with newborns (just get wifey to squeeze some milk from her breast in a bottle and you're all straight). Who's in?

Activity #8 - Father-Son Lunch

Kari and I had a lunch date on January 19. His school had to relocate for the day because they're doing some work on the building (I think) and he was much closer to my workplace so I decided to capitalize on that opportunity and do something with him.

When I got there, he was just returning from playing outside and he was excited to see me (or more like the bag in my hand). He washed his hands and was ready to devour whatever I had. I got him spaghetti and meatballs (which he enjoys) and got myself rice and fish. He ate just about 1/4 of what I took him (not a big eater).

I'm happy I took the time off to have lunch with my son. I'm challenging all fathers to do that one day this week or very soon. I was able to prove that age doesn't matter, they will enjoy your company as well as the meal (if you plan carefully and treat them with sometime they like).

Activity #7 - Volunteer at Bermuda Race Weekend

On 17 January 2010, Kari, Annesa and I volunteered at the Bermuda International Race Weekend for two hours. We got there about 7:45 a.m. to start at 8:00 a.m. The time wasn't much of a problem - at least for Kari and I who usually get up early. However, for Annesa it was a little challenging. She was up to the challenge though. We were the first volunteers to get there so we had to start setting up the tables and stuff. We were later joined by a work colleague of mine and his son (just remembered I owe him $3.50 for purchasing batteries for my Flip) . Our activities included:

1. Filling cups with water
2. Filling cups with Gatorade
3. Cleaning up trash
4. Handing water/Gatorade to runners
5. Cheering runners - You Can Do It!
6. Kari drinking the runners' Gatorade

Watch the video to see how much fun we had (keep an eye Kari all the way through).

Kari and I will be running the Bermuda Day Half-Marathon (May 24) and recently Annesa decided to join us. Seeing seniors participate in the race on January 17, inspired her. "If they can do, I can do it," is now her mantra. She's now going to join us for training.

Activity #6 - Walked Kari to School

On 15 January 2010, I walked Kari to school. I would feel proud to say it was our way of contributing to the environment (less car emission and all that stuff...going green) but that wasn't the real reason. The car was actually in the garage. We did decide to walk instead of taking the bus, a taxi or calling his uncle to pick us up so it counts for something that we did decide to walk. I'm also considering doing this at least twice monthly. It was really fun! We saw things we didn't used to see because we were always driving. The distance from home to his school was about 1.5 miles which took us 1 hour (only because we stopped so often to check stuff out.

What about you dad? When was the last time you walked your kid to school?

Activity #5 - Fun at Kidports

Kidport is probably the best addition to airports in recent years (at least the best that actually benefits flyers and particularly parents). Kari and I recently traveled to Boston and had the opportunity to entertain ourselves at two Kidports. The first was at the L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda. This Kidport is rather small but better than nothing. It was sponsored by the Phoenix Stores and has a slide that is almost as tall as Kari who is 34". So as you can imagine, by the time he gets to the top and stretches out his legs, he's already touching the ground (maybe its a safety measure since Airports are so big on safety). The Kidport also has a small bookshelf with some popular kids' titles.

The other Kidport was at the Boston Logan International Airport. There are actually two Kidports at this Airport. The larger of the two is at Terminal C (Departure Level in the main terminal area) and the other is at Gate A18. The one we actually saw was at Gate A18. This Kidport is nice!!! It was sponsored by the Boston Children’s Museum. Again, It's a great idea! Since Kari and I were traveling by ourselves, it was a lifesaver for us (just me really). We checked in rather early and so had a wait time of about two hours. Kari was totally fascinated with the play space. There is a rocking chair for parents with babies. There is a nice airplane that Kari and I could fit in which he really enjoyed. There are tunnels and luggage kids can climb on plus a nice slide (just a little bigger than Bermuda's). The area is nice and open but still serve as a real haven from the rest of the busy airport. We actually ended up spending about 60 minutes there. It was really cool!

I hope other airports will do the same.

Here's a riddle for you. Why would you be extremely concerned (maybe even scared) when you see a guy exits the restroom and remarks to another "This happens all the time. I always make the wrong turn when exiting this particular restroom." l'll give a gift to the first person who gets this correct.

Activity #4 - Watch a Dr.'s Clown Show Together

On our last trip to Boston Children's Hospital, Kari and I noticed an unusual gathering next to the elevator (to the ground floor). Of course, we decided to check it out. We were glad we did! What we found was not something you see everyday or week or month... (at least not in Bermuda). There was a small stage and on stage were medical doctors dressed up as clowns performing for patients. It's easy to understand why they do this. I have read research that shows that patients who are generally happy (like Kari) recovers much faster than patients who are not (like many of us). Despite their reasons for doing it, it was a good deed. Pretty cool. Kari (who was ready for his nap) and I stayed for the reminder of the show (about 20 mins.). He thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here is a clip from the show.

Activity #3 - Father-Son Travels

Kari and I travelled alone for the first time on January 12. It was a rewarding experience. We were traveling to Boston (Children's Hospital for check-up) connecting through Philly. We left Bermuda around 3 pm on US Airways. I couldn't believe we had to pay $25 for our first piece of luggage. I was so tempted to carry it on the plane but we already had a few stuff and didn't want to burden ourselves any further. Kari is so used to the requirements of flying that just before we got to the security checkpoint he kicked his shoes off. Everyone around including myself found this so fascinating (and cute). The flight itself was pretty cool. It was a 2 hour flight and he stayed up about half the time. Everyone commented on how well behaved he was. On our connecting flight from Philly, there was this guy in front of us (older-looking guy) who keeps turning around because Kari was a little excited. I actually heard him say out loud, "He's so loud, I can't hear myself". Jerk!!! I really didn't entertain him. He eventually took out his expensive Bose headsets. He probably could have sold his Bose and upgraded to first class and that way he would not have been bothered by Kari all the way seated in 25F. Overall, it was a great flight and I'm looking forward to traveling again with 'Happiness' (Annesa won't enjoy that too much - she worried nonstop). She tried to make me feel good by saying she was worried about both us but I know the truth...you hear me...I know!

Activity #2 - Football with the Big Boys

We recently played football with the "big boys". It wasn’t really planned. Actually, we were on our way to do laundry (Sunday morning father-son ritual) when his uncle called and asked if we were busy. I thought about it a little and told him no. And so we decided to go to the football field to play ball. When we got there, I almost changed my mind because of how windy it was but Kari was excited to see his friends (family friends) AJ and Tony. We stayed and played ball for about 90 minutes and it was a lot of fun.

For about a quarter of the time, I played football holding Kari and he thoroughly enjoyed it and so did I. All in all, this was a great way to spend some time with my son.

Here We Go...Activity #1

I feel as though 2010 has sneaked up on me. I should have been prepared but I really wasn't. After visiting friends and family, we didn't get home until after 2 a.m. on new year's day. Kari finally went to bed at around 2:45 a.m. I really couldn't believe he stayed up so late. Annesa seem to believe I am the cause of him staying up way past his bedtime which is usually 8 p.m. (will ramble about that in another post). Anyway, the phone woke us up around 8 a.m. (my mom calling to wish us a Happy New Year). Of course, Kari was in our bed (came across around 4:30) and Annesa was at work (tell me about it!).

Kari and I made breakfast and watch a little TV before we left the house to attend to some holy matters (installing banners at my church). I'm always amazed at how helpful he is. He wants to be involved in everything and is always trying to help with something. In fact, Annesa and I can not do dishes, vacuum, make the bed, clean the toilet bowl, sweep the floor, etc without Kari's involvement. I think my mom would've been happy if I was like that growing up but it wasn't to be...

We did a few cool things today but the one I'll use for our first activity for 2010 is Drum Rehearsal For Our Father-Son Band. Check it out... (Kari in yellow top with his friend from school, Zane helping us out).