pops!blog

"Pop! Stuff"

2010-01-22T16:55:00.003-06:00

Hey Dendie and Will,

I sure didn't take Pop! very long to break my ONLY New Year's Resolution and that was to blog to you once a week. But I'll try to do better. I posted on Facebook that I was coming to town in February and I can't wait. But I really nearly messed up BIG TIME. I made a comment that Daddy and Momba needed to "beware". Will, I know you don't understand this yet but Dendie can explain the "secret" stuff we do that sometimes it is better not to tell Daddy and Momba, now not bad stuff, just grandparent stuff that we do with our very special grandkids. I think I fixed it when I told Momba that I meant to say "take care" not "beware". Anyway, I believe that we'll still be able to do all that "Pop! stuff".

I hope you guys really like your new place in Texas. From the pics on Facebook it looks like you have a really nice place and I can't wait for you to show me all the new things at your new place. Hopefully Momba and Daddy will let us boys have some time by ourselves to explore the neighbor-I promise I won't get you into trouble-and we'll have a blast doing it.

I miss both of my little buddies and remember,

Pop! loves you

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T10:48:00.002-06:00

Hey Dendie and Will,

Well, pop! has made ONE New Years's resolution and that is to blog to my little buddies at least once a week. Hope you are enjoying your temporary stay at Travis while you are waiting for the move to Abilene. I think you are going to love living in Texas- "hook 'em horns." Pop! hasn't done a very good job in blogging the last few months but I hope to do better in 2010.

I do think about both of you EVERYDAY...I wish that I could see you everyday but that is life. I love you both very much and I hope to see you for a WEEK (if momba and daddy can put up with me) in March but until then remember....

pop! loves you

2009-08-26T18:43:00.002-05:00

Hey Dendie and Will,

A week from tomorrow pop! and Jadda will be in California to see my two best buddies. I can't wait and Jadda feels the same. We plan on having a great time with you two guys. Dendie you and I will get to play some golf in the backyard and hopefully we'll celebrate birthday with a bunch of presents. And little Will, we'll get to meet in person for the first time. It's too early for you and I to break any rules yet but just ask Dendie what is in store when you get a little older. But we have to be sure to keep all this between me, you and Dendie-our little secrets. I know it will be Dendie's birthday but there will be some presents in store for you also.

I'll see my two buds in a week and remember...

pop loves you

I want pop! and Jadda

2009-07-30T18:20:00.002-05:00

"You mean we're NOT going to get pop! and Jadda"

"Now, when did you say that they would be here?"

2009-07-29T20:04:00.003-05:00

These are my little buddies!!! Aren't they great?

Growing pains

2009-07-23T18:59:00.006-05:00

Hey Will,

How's my little buddy doing? Daddy, you know that big person that acts so goofy, says that you are doing great. I wouldn't have expected any less. I try to look at the pictures your daddy posts everyday. I talk with you everyday, too. I can't wait to meet you in person.

I also understand that Dendie is becoming quite the big brother. He is really a special little boy also. Now when I come to visit I'll have to partners "in crime". Most of what we do is very innocent but we just have to be careful about letting momba and daddy know about it. Dendie especially likes it when...I guess I should be careful in case they are reading this. Your Jadda keeps saying that I am going to get us banned as grandparents, but the way I see it is that what we keep between us is our little secret.

See if you can talk momba and daddy into posting more pictures...I know you are finding it hard for them to understand you but think about your brother. At least now he has the partially trained. You want have to go through as many growing pains with them as Dendie did. But for now just remember...

pop loves you...just ask Dendie

A New Little Buddy

2009-07-12T05:52:00.004-05:00

Hey Will,

Well, you are FINALLY here. Your daddy, who you just met, called me about an hour ago. I am so excited to be awakened from a not so deep sleep. Your daddy's voice was just like it was when he called announcing your brother's arrival. A soft nearly serene voice. I could hear the joy and happiness in his voice. I'm glad your here my little buddy.

You'll get to meet your brother, Brendan, soon and he is a great boy. He's my little buddy also. I have wondered how I would feel when you finally got here and I feel GREAT. I can't wait to meet you in person. As I sit here I am already imagining what you look like. I sure wish I could see you.

Your Jadda is away at a Yoga thing. I sent here an email announcing your arrival. She is the BEST. Jadda and I will be out in September to see you and celebrate big brother and Uncle Zac's birthday. But until then remember...

pop loves you

The Potty Thing

2009-07-07T18:56:00.002-05:00

Hey B,

Just a quick note to my favorite little buddy. I am eagerly awaiting young Will just like you are. I was hoping maybe that he would make a grand entrance on my birthday but it looks like Will has plans of his own. It is probably best-he won't have to share his day with anyone else-it'll be his special day.

Daddy says that you and Opa have been playing with your golf clubs. I can't wait to get out there and hit a few with you. Don't learn any bad habits from Daddy or Opa. I here that they are both pretty dangerous.

I also understand that my little buddy is getting quite good with the "potty thing". And when little Will gets here you can help teach him about the "potty thing". What a great big brother Will is going to have.

I gotta go but tell momba that she canhave the baby now and remember...

pop loves you

You want it-You got it

2009-06-29T20:16:00.007-05:00

Hey B,

No baby will yet? I guess you'll just have to be patient like the rest of us. But I bet you've had a great time with Aunt Kendal. I also bet if you play up to her just right some of the little tricks will work on her also. Aunts and Uncles are a lot like momba's and daddy's. You just have to know how to work them. You see with grandparents you don't have to know how to work us-we are just easy. You want it-you got it. That is the way it works and the way it should be.

Yesterday, pop got to be a part of a baby dedication at my church. We had an Italian feast right in the main sanctuary and then I led a prayer of dedication for a new little friend of mine named Zane Crockett, he is Gavin's little brother. And I must say that I thought of my little buddy and the one to come during the festivities. I miss you my buddy and remember...

pop loves you

Baby time is near

2009-06-23T18:26:00.002-05:00

Hey B and W,

The time is getting very close. My little buddy, you'll get to meet your little brother very soon. I remember when your Uncle Zac met your daddy for the first time. The first thing Zac said was,"he's got ears". I don't know what Uncle Zac expected but for some reason he didn't think that your daddy would come into the world with ears. I guess Uncle Zac believed in evolution as a kid. :) And my new little buddy, Will, you are going to get to meet your big brother Brendan. And let me tell you something, he is a great kid. And he's going to be a great big brother. Will, your going to get to see Momba and daddy soon. They are great parents!!! ANd you'll get to meet AUnt Kendal and Oma and Opa. I must admit that I'm a little envious of them. :) But Jadda and pop! will be out to see you when you are a couple of months old. I can't wait. Now I'll have two little buddies. Double the fun!!!

And Will be sure to listen real close to big brother Brendan. He has already learned a lot of pop's! secrets. He can tell you about all our "adventures" in going to the park, going for walks and walking into town. But you must remember-this is just between us boys. We sort of keep Momba and daddy in the dark on a few things. I can't wait to see you. ANd Brendan I love talking with you on the phone. When pop! gets out there we're going to have a few golf lessons. I'll have you beating daddy by the time your six, right probably five 'cause he ... oops sorry daddy.

Remember...

pop! loves you BOTH

My future golfing buddy

2009-06-16T18:57:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

I talked with you and daddy today and that was really cool. Up to now it has pretty much been me and daddy on the phone and maybe I'd hear you in the background but now it is very different.

Daddy was telling me about you watching GOLF!!! So now maybe I have a budding golf star on my hands. Daddy said that when you see them hitting the golf ball on Tv that you say, "hit it a long way" or something like that and when you heard him say that I could hear you yelling in the background, "hit a long way". I guess pop needs to buy you your first set of golf clubs (plastic of course).

And daddy got you to say, "I love pop", and boy did my heart melt. I love you too and can't wait to see you in the fall after little Will gets here. Your little brother will be here soon and that means you'll get to see Opa, Oma and Kendal.
Daddy and I had to cut our conversation short because we couldn't hear each other, you were talking so much that we finally gave up on talking. I see that you took my blog on the power of words to heart. Keep it up little buddy and remember...

pop loves you

You gotta out think them

2009-06-09T18:26:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

I've been talking with your daddy and he tells me that you are talking non stop now. And that it is not just words but sentences. I guess you are learning quickly the power of words. And not just the power of words but how you say them. You probably need pop for a lesson how to use the words for your greatest benefit. Daddy and momba probably don't want you to know these secrets but here goes.

1. It is not just what you sat but how you say it. Like when you get time out you got to learn that "sorry" goes a long way but when you can say it the cutest way you know how then time outs go away quicker. A "sorry" with a sob will work wonders but don't use this one too often or they'll catch on to you. Maybe even add a "please" to the "sorry". You'll know it is working when they turn their backs after you say it. They are trying for you NOT to see them laugh.

2. Speaking of please- it has so much power on parents. When you want that forbidden treat, try saying "cookie-please". They can't resist. WHen you want to go outside and daddy seems too busy, "outside-please", and out you'll go.

3. Now to the fine art of using words. Saying the same word over and over and over will often get you what you want. Most times they'll give in just so you want say the word again. There is a danger here. If you use it and it doesn't seem to work give up and try later. If not you may get time out but if you do get a time out remember, sorry-please with a cute little whimper or snubbing cry. Now real tears with a sorry please will really work but that takes a lot of skill and practice.

4. The skill of using a new word or sentence. You've already got these new words in your mind but next time you have something you want or want to do something special like go to the park, use the new word or sentence and then after daddy and momba make a big deal out of the new word or sentence, then you say "park-please". You've got to learn that words can get them in the agreeing mood.

5. Right now these little tricks can work wonders but as your vocabulary (words) get larger you'll have to resort to using parental mind games. The key is to know that they are trying to use mind games on you. Then you just reverse it on them. Like when daddy uses the "pirate" word to get you to drink your milk. Go ahead and give in and drink the pirate milk and then ask for the "pirate cookie-please". You've got to learn to think on step ahead of them.

Remember words are power and...

pop loves you!!!

A late night surprise

2009-05-21T18:15:00.001-05:00

Hey B,

It has been a while since pop! has blogged to my favorite buddy. Pop! has been busy and travelling. Pop! and Jadda went to Chicago for a few days. It was business for me but we got to turn it into a mini vacation. But just so you'll know, even on vacation Jadda and I talked about you all the time. We thought how much fun it would have been to have you along on the trip. We decide that we'd start saving our money so we could take you (and maybe Will) on a trip with us sometime soon.

Will time is just around the corner. I understand that you are now sleeping in the "big boy" bed. How neat is that? Now anytime you wake up you can go in and surprise daddy and momba. Make sure you do it at like 3 in the morning. Just sneak up to the bed real quite like and then just let out a big scream. They'll really appreciate you for that. :0) Parents love nothing better than to be woken up from a deep pleasant sleep by their screaming and darling son. Try it-they'll be really surprised. Just don't tell them I told you about it, that would spoil their fun.

I sure miss you. I look at the pictures from my last visit all the time. We sure did a lot of different things. The park, the zoo, walking all over Berkley, playing in the garden, riding in the wagon, riding on the bike(or "peen"), trying to get daddy to chill out about his thesis, and so many other things.

I also loved the pictures of you on your trip to Pensacola. It sure looks like you had a grand time with Oma, Opa, Uncle Brandon, and Auntie Kendal. The beach was probably really fun. I understand that all the ladies fell in love with my little buddy-that's so easy to do.

That's all for now but remember...

pop! loves you

Play in the dirt

2009-05-04T19:05:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

I just talked with your daddy and he told me that you and mommy were heading back to California today. I hope you and momba had a great time. I hear from your daddy that you really liked all the girls. That's my boy but there again what girl in their right mind could resist such a "looker" as my buddy.

I was thinking today about my time with you a couple of weeks ago. I was thinking about the day that we went to the park. Boy did we have a great time or what? You played your little heart out. I think that we spent most of the day playing in the sand, or at least you did. I spent most of the time just watching as you played with your backhoe. I think you could spend hours just playing in the dirt or the sand. I do remember as we were playing by the big tree and you were digging in the dirt with your backhoe and you found a penny. You held it up with a big grin on your face and said, "Money".

I also remember you taking me by the finger and taking me toward the basketball court and saying "bakitball" as you point to the ball on the court. Just remember that when you think "bakitball" you should always think "Duke Blue". I understand that when you went with your daddy to the park later that when you got to the basketball goal you looked up and said, "pop."

When I finally decided that it was time to go you didn't really cry but you did plead, "Pop!...park." But by the time we got a block down the street you were sound asleep. I can't wait until we can go back to the park. I had a blast.

That's all for now but always remember....

pop! loves you

Swingin' at the zoo

2009-04-28T16:09:00.006-05:00

Hey B,

Well, it's be a week since pop! had to get on a peen(plane) and go back to Birmingham. It sure was good to see Jadda and Uncle Zac but I sure do miss my little buddy. Although, you sure are growing up fast.

I was thinking today as I was travelling about our day at the zoo. It sure was a lot of fun. And we even got to have mommy with us on this trip, although she did have to study. I really enjoyed watching you have so much fun and tell pop what you wanted to see next. I can tell that you've been to the zoo a lot because you know where everything is.

" Boy pop! this Redman is really good. Can I spit at the zoo?

I remember when we tried to sneak up on mommy at the zoo but she heard us coming. We went down to play in the big field but it was so funny that you would look back to make sure that mommy was still there. You sure do love that mommy of yours.

"Pop! is momba still up there?" Yep, were cool now."

But coming back to see mommy was always fun. At least the smile on your face says that it was.

"Look momba, I can fly."

Always remember, pops! loves you!!!!

Butterfly Kisses

2009-04-22T13:41:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

Wow, what an amazing 3 1/2 days! Pop! came to California to help take care of you while daddy did his thesis stuff. I know it helped daddy and mommy out but pop! was the real winner. I had a blast and I think my little buddy had fun also.

I really enjoyed our conversations. You are a pretty good listener. I enjoyed our talks about little Will and how much you can help daddy and mommy when he gets here. And I'm sure you undestand how much pop! loves you because you heard me tell you so much. And I do love you! I wrote this sitting in the airport (after we finally got to the right one, tell mommy thanks :), and I already miss you. I had to stand outside the airport after you and mommy dropped me off because pop! had to get rid of my tears before I got in line. I can't decide if I cry because I'm going to miss you so much or because I love you so much. Probably both.

As I sit here thinking about what all we did, I can't decide what was the most fun. Spending the first day in Berkley was a lot of fun, even though I spent most of the day pushing you in the stroller. The new stroller is so cool because you can stand up on the back while I push. And boy did I get a work out. I didn't realize how out of shape that I am. Maybe the most fun was our stay under the big trees and letting you stand in the stroller while I pushed you down the big hill. We'd get to the bottom and start back up and you would say "huwwie, huwwie" (hurry). And off we'd go again. Mommy would probably have freaked if she had seen her little boy flying down that hill-so don't tell her.

But maybe the most fun was waking up and hearing you say "pop!" and then seeing my little buddy. I never knew that hearing you say my name could make me smile so big on the inside and the outside.

But probably the most fun was getting my first Eskimo and Butterfly kisses. Butterfly kisses-nothing better.

More later but for now, remember...

pop!'s loves you

Think Duke Blue

2009-04-08T16:56:00.006-05:00

Hey B,

Old Pops! is beginning to count down the days until I get to see you again. I'm about nine days away. I am going to get to spend a lot of time with you while daddy works on the thesis. If we have good weather, you and I will spend one day at the zoo. Just think all the candy, hot dogs and cokes that you want. :) I really think that it will be ok with mommy and daddy. Hopefully one day we will spend all day in Berkley, maybe we will go to the farmers market.

Daddy tells me that you are saying a lot of new words. I plan to teach you a few while I am out there, but they'll all be good ones. I think it is time that you learn "War Eagle", "Go Auburn", and "Boo Bama". These are probably the three most important phrases that you'll ever learn. Although these are football phrases, but when it comes to basketball you'll be a "Dukie". You'll have to learn the real blue is the Blue Devils, not the Tarheels. That Carolina baby blue is just plain gross. Daddy will try to tell you otherwise but remember he is also the one that says the o word all the time. Trust the guy who always lets you do all the fun stuff- it's Duke all the way.

"Pops! I'm trying NOT to let anyone see me in a Carolina blue shirt."

I'll see my little buddy soon and always remember...

pops! loves you.

Double Trouble

2009-03-30T13:16:00.003-05:00

Hey B,

It's has been a while since I have blogged but you have been on my mind a lot. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about my little buddy. I have talked with your daddy several times and he tells me that you have really began to say a lot of new words. Have you figured out any new names for daddy and mommy? You will probably soon but just be careful when you say them to their face!!! You'll hurt their feelings and get in trouble. I'm sure your daddy has some names for me that I've never heard, have you heard any of them?

I'll let you in on a little secret. Pops! is probably going to see you soon. You and pops! will probably see a lot of each other for about four days while daddy gets caught up on his thesis. The thesis is that thing he keeps doing on his computer every chance he gets.

Yesterday, I took Daisy out for a walk and she and I had a great time playing keep away with a stick and I thought about how much fun it would have been with my little buddy around more often. You need to talk daddy and mommy into moving back closer to pops! and Jadda. I miss you so much. I feel that I am getting behind in my grand parental rights to spoil my little buddy. We would both find ourselves in "time out" quite often. But with the fun we would have it would be worth it. They would call us "double trouble" for sure.

Gotta go but remember,

pops! loves you

Happy Birthday, Jadda

2009-03-17T15:07:00.006-05:00

Hey B,

Today is a really important day. It is St. Patrick's Day but more importantly it is your Jadda's birthday. She is one of a kind and a very good one at that. She is really special to your pops! and she is going to be very special to my little buddy. Your Jadda thinks that you are a real special kid and you are. Just remember your Jadda on her birthday. Remind daddy to call Jadda. He's getting old you know, so he might forget.

I sure have missed you the last few days. Pops! got spoiled being with you for a week. I hope that soon we can be closer together. I miss being able to watch my little buddy grow up.

I guess old pops! will come see you sometimes after little Will is born. Are you ready for that big event? You'll be a great big brother. You can teach Will all our little secrets.

I know this is short but just remember...

Pops! loves you

Here's Daisy

2009-03-08T20:43:00.006-05:00

Hey B,

Well, you finally got back to the left, uh I mean west coast. I got to see you when you were in Columbus but you didn't even know it, you were asleep the whole time I was there. But it was good to see your daddy and spend dome time with him. I am quite fond of him.

I also heard you on the phone when I spoke to daddy this evening. It sounds like you are getting the talking thing down pat. I heard you say your name and daddy's. I guess daddy better watch what he says or you'll be hearing, "Now I wonder where he heard THAT."

I sure hope that you enjoy the next few days with your Jadda. Daisy and I really miss her. But Daisy and I also are really looking forward to seeing her and Daisy can't wait to meet her big brother Zac. I've already told her all about Uncle Zac and she can't wait to meet him. I told her that he would be great to play with and that she'd learn to catch the frisbee with her new big brother. I include a picture of Daisy, my little girl.

"I know mom is here somewhere"

I sure miss you and can't wait to see you again. And remember...

pops! loves you

Cherrios-They're better with water

2009-03-05T07:00:00.003-06:00

Hey B,

It sure was great being with you last week. Pops! had a lot of other things that he had to do while he was out there last week but I sure enjoyed my time with you. You are quite the kid. Your daddy and mommy have every reason to be proud of my little buddy.

I really enjoyed the time that Uncle Zac and I spent with you at the Oakland Zoo. It was really amazing to see you and Uncle Zac together. I have (if daddy ever sends them) some great pictures of you riding on Uncle Zac's shoulders. I think we all had a great time. And I also enjoyed taking you to the indoor playground the next day. You went non-stop for over two hours and I loved every minute of it, even when your poured water into your Cherrios snack. I guess you were trying to break pops! in right.

I saw you yesterday. I visited with you and daddy at Oma's and OPa's house but you were asleep the WHOLE time. But that's ok because that gave me some time to visit with your daddy. I hope you have a grand time with Oma and OPa. Check with daddy and see how his golf game went yesterday. I hope he didn't kill anybody.

Just remember my little buddy...

pops! loves you

"W"-It has new meaning!!!!!

2009-02-18T12:39:00.002-06:00

Hey B and W,

Wow, what great news!!!! I wrote a post this morning that I took off the blog (for other reasons) and said I thought you were going to have a baby brother. W(not to be confused with any other "W") is going to have a great brother. I can't wait to see you two together. Two boys!!!!!

And W, this is my first post to you. I can't wait to see my newest little buddy. Just imagining holding you is awesome. Imagining what you will be like is so cool. I thought after your brother was born that I would never have that feeling again, but I was so wrong. I can't wait to meet you. Pops! and Jadda are so excited about our newest addition.

And B, be especially good for mommy and daddy. And remember,

pops! loves you BOTH.

Daddy's Birthday

2009-02-05T17:20:00.002-06:00

Hey B,

It's your daddy's birthday. You probably don't appreciate it so much yet but one day you will. The older you get the less important they become but yet become more significant. Be really good to your daddy on his special day.

As you get older I'll share some really good stories about your daddy that you'll love. He was really some character growing up. He, along with your Uncle Zac, provided pops! and Jadda with some really special memories.

I'm really proud of your daddy. He's a special guy. He's also a great dad. And, of course, he is a great son whom I love dearly Give daddy a big hug from pops! And remember...

pops! loves you

Aunt Jan? I don't believe all she tells you...

2009-01-31T10:05:00.003-06:00

Hey B,

How is my little buddy doing? I sure am glad that you are finally feeling better. Pops! has decided that you were sick because your system is needing some sugar and JUNK. Next time your with Pops! I think we should sneak off and get you so good old candy, or have we already done that? If we have, please don't tell mommy or daddy. I'm afraid that they might strip me of my pops! credentials.

I also hear that your Aunt Jan has been visiting this week. I've got some really good stories about her but please don't believe ANYTHING she tells you about me. See, she was the BABY of he family and she has a distorted view of what really went on when she was little. SHe'll probably tell you things about how I used to be mean to her but beware of her stories. You know pops! better than that. She'll tell you all this stories about pops! then she'll go out and buy you stuff to try to "win you over". I bet she's already done that, see I told you so!!! Be careful. :)

But, if you press me on the subject...she's really ok. She loves you. I think you are really special because you were born so close to her birthday, but she's so old I'm surprised she remembers her birthday. Enjoy the old girl because she really is a winner.

Remember...

pops! loves you

My President-Barack Obama

2009-01-20T16:21:00.003-06:00

Hey B,

I hear that you have been sick, along with daddy and mommy. I'm glad that you all are better. I was really sad when I heard you were sick. I hope that you helped daddy and mommy feel better.

B. probably what I say today want make a lot of sense to you for years to come but maybe somehow you'll be able to read this 20 years from now and you'll appreciate it. But today is a very historic day. This country inagurated our 44th President. That within itself is not historic but the fact that he is an African American is. Twenty years from now I hope that this doesn't make sense to you, in a way. I hope that the events of today can forever change the course of this country as it comes to racism. Your pops! grew up in a racist country, specifically a racist south. I still live in an area that racism is still alive and "well". The inaguration of President Obama begins a new "beginning" in our country. I hope that the events of today will lead to a time in this country that no one will be judged by the color of their skin when you are a young man. I hope that when my little buddy is a young man that the idea of a "historic day" as it relates to minorities obtaining to the "mountaintop" of success is hard to imagine, not because it so rarely happens but because it is so commonplace. I hope that your generation sees people make it to the mountaintop because of their character and integrity, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or whatever ....

I was in meetings during the inaguration but before and after I thought of my little buddy. I happen not to agree with all of our new President's politics but he is my President and I want him to be successful. My prayer is that this country my be unified and that a new day has truly dawned in our republic.

My prayer is that today dawns the beginning of an era in which people who disagree politically can unite for the comon good of her people. I pray that today begins an era of true reconciliation between the peoples of this country that have been divided because of the demigods (sp?) that influence this country. I pray that today ends the political shenigans of the religious right and the venom of the liberal left and we become a people who grow and prosper because of our diversity.

I hope when daddy and mommy read this that they file it back somewhere and read it to my little buddy in about 18 years. Old pops! will probably be dead and gone but maybe just maybe you will understand the significance of this day to your pops! and remember....

pops! loves you

The Henson men

2009-01-12T16:39:00.005-06:00

"Hey babe, what's your name?"

Hey B,

How's my little buddy doing? Pops! sure misses you. I had a great time visiting you over the Christmas holidays. It will probably be a long time before we get to see each other again and that really hurts. Your old pops! sure wishes that you were closer to Alabama.

Jadda got her new puppy after we got back from California. I sure wish you could be around to play with her. Jadda and Daisy have really gotten close in a short few days.

Tell mommy and daddy to update your blog with some new pictures.

Chef Brendan at your service

I have really missed getting up early and having breakfast with you and your daddy. I even enjoyed making your eggs every morning. And then when we finished breakfast you and I would cook on your new stove. It was really great seeing you with your new toys on Christmas day. Hopefully soon, you'll be back closer and we'll have Christmas everytime I see you. I could really spoil you. I guess with a little sister coming along(that's my guess) I'll have to make more money so I can spoil both of you. You haven't told mommy and daddy everything that we talked about, have you? We have to have our secrets!!!!

It sure was a lot of fun having all the Henson men together. I think we make a pretty sporty bunch myself.

"Pops! you look short and fat!!!"

And you were right when you said that you had daddy and mommy right where you wanted them. But be careful, they are pretty sharp and they my figure it out.

But remember,

Pops! loves you

Da-da and momba

2008-12-28T19:00:00.000-06:00

Hey B,

Wow, it's the last day already!!!! I looked forward to this time for so long and it has gone so quickly. I've made so many memories on this trip. Seeing Uncle Zac taking care of you as we walked through Berkley was awesome. Your Uncle Zac thinks that you are awesome. I really have enjoyed watching him watch you and the smile that you bring to his face. Going to the zoo with you yesterday was fun. I think you enjoyed the train ride most of all.

But tomorrow morning Jadda and I will have to make our way back to Birmingham. And yes, pops! is sad. I miss my little buddy already. It may be that the next time I see you that you'll have a litle brother or sister. I hope I see you before that but you never know.

You are quite the little fella if I do say so myself. I love hearing you make all your animal sounds. And probably the best thing is hearing you call for da-da and momba and watching you interact with them. Da-da and momba are really good parents, aren't they? I know they are because my little buddy is always(nearly always) so happy. I've enjoyed cooking with you on your new stove and cooking eggs for you in the mornings on the real stove. And boy do you have an appetite!!! I've never seen a little boy eat so much and eat such a variety of things.

I'm going to miss you my little buddy but ALWAYS remember....

pops! loves you

California Raisins

2008-12-26T16:50:00.004-06:00

Hey B,

Although we are staying with you during the holidays, I thought I'd blog to you anyway. What an awesome Christmas to be able to spend it with you, mommy, daddy and Uncle Zac. It made me remember Christmases when your daddy was little. Your Jadda and I always made a big deal out of Christmas for your daddy and Uncle Zac. I guess what I remember most was the great fun that we had on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. As I write this you are asleep on mommy. Daddy is next to you and mommy watching a movie with Jadda.

Yesterday (Christmas) was really a lot of fun. I really got a kick out of you opening presents. The present you seemed to like the most were the raisins in your stocking. Everything had to stop while you ate your raisins. But later I really enjoyed helping you cook on the "little kid" stove that pops! and Jadda gave you. I must say that you really seemed to like that gift. I especially enjoyed making mashed potatoes with you on your stove this morning.

Then today we got to go with you to the "farm" and feed the cows, goats and sheep. I think that you enjoyed looking at the rabbits the most. Our trip to Berkley was fun but I think that you were still a little tired from yesterday.

The time here has really flown by. We only have two more days and then it is back to Alabama. I can't believe that I'm going to have to leave my little buddy again. Sometimes I just look at you in amazement. Old pops! loves you more than you will ever know. Maybe I can talk mommy and daddy in letting you go home with me. Probably not but it sure is fun to think about. You and pops! would have a great time. At least pops! would. But maybe in a couple of years mommy and daddy will move back to the south and then pops! will be able to really take care of my little buddy. I imagine the day when you'll come to my house to spend the night and we'll stay in trouble with Jadda ALL THE TIME!!! But she'll only pretend to be mad at us. She's the one we have to watch out for. She'll be the one that slips you the forbidden chocolate. She'll be the one that says, "Pops! go to the store and get that boy some junk." So we'll have to be careful and not tell mommy and daddy about us "bending the rules" sometimes. Believe me there were plenty of times that me and your daddy had to "keep some secrets from Jadda." As they say, boys will be boys.

But remember....

pops! loves you

Apple pie and ice cream

2008-12-17T07:15:00.002-06:00

Hey B,

Well, only a few more days and pops! is going to get to see ALL his favorite buddies-all four of you. Jadda and I are very excited about spending a few days on the left coast. POPS! IS COMING TO TOWN!!!!

Last night I got to spend some time with your great grandparents and I had a wonderful time. I must say that they are quite proud of their first great grandson and rightly they should. You are a great little fella. You sure make your pops! swell up with pride when I hear others talking about you. Last night we had BBQ and all the fixins and probably the best homemade apple pie that I have ever eaten. Apple pie and ice cream, what a great treat for me.

And boy did I get some good stories about your mommy from your great grandparents. Your great grandmother used a word to describe your mommy as a little girl that I have heard your mommy and daddy use to describe you-precocious. Hmmm.... I'll share some of those stories with you. Just don't tell mommy that I was the one that spilled "the goods" on her.

Enough for now but remember....

pops! loves you

Practice makes perfect?

2008-12-08T09:22:00.003-06:00

Hey B,

Pops! and Jadda will be in California two weeks from TODAY. I can't wait to see my little buddy. Talking to daddy and mommy about what you are doing is great BUT seeing you will be the best. Pops! and Jadda will have some shopping to do when we get there. I want to take you to the toy store and see what my little buddy really likes. SO be thinking about what you want to hit pops! up for when we get there. There is just something about us grandparents that make it hard to say no.

And now, it is official. My little buddy has another little buddy on the way. I guess that will make you my big buddy when that happens. Being a big brother is going to make life a little different. But I have no doubts that you are going to make a great big brother. Daddy and mommy are really going to need your help. Not that they are not capable but you'll probably make a big difference. :) Now that they have had plenty of practice on you and with your help they'll probably do ok.

That's all for now, but...

remember, Pops! loves you.

Pops'! Boo Boo

2008-11-30T15:49:00.004-06:00

Hey B,

Pops! finally has a pretty good excuse for being so long in blogging to his little buddy. Pops! had to have surgery this week. I guess you could say that I had to have a boo boo fixed. I had hernia surgery on Wednesday and other than being a little sore I am doing fine.

Jadda and Pops! are really excited about coming out to see you in a few weeks. I guess it will be three weeks from tomorrow. The time is really flying by. Jadda and I will have to some shopping when we get out there. I bet we can find some neat things at that toy store in Berkley.

What is on your short list for Christmas? You'll probably have to get daddy and mommy to help you with that list. Pops!and Jadda have something already figured out but we'll need to know what special toy to put with it. Christmas for kids is all about the toys.

I'll keep counting the days and remember....

pops! loves you

Counting the days

2008-11-20T16:20:00.002-06:00

Hey B,

Again, it has been a while since I have blogged and this time I offer no excuses. I do think of you several times EVERYDAY and really miss my little buddy. I understand that you got to spend some time with Oma and Opa last week. I know that had to be a lot of fun and I bet you got a bunch of new stuff. Grandparents are great, aren't they? :)

Pops! is counting down the days until he sees you. I think the number is 32. I can't wait!!!! It'll be a great Christmas for Jadda and myself. We get to have the WHOLE family together and it has been quite a while since that has happened. I bet you've changed so much!!!!

Pops! is going to have to take it a little easy when I'm out there. I'm having some minor surgery next week and the doctor says that I shouldn't have any problem by the time we get to California. He just said not to try and "push" it too much. But, what he doesn't know won't hurt him. I can't wait to see some pictures from your time with Oma and OPa. Hint, Hint.

Remember,

pops! loves you

2 + 44 = hope

2008-11-08T07:57:00.004-06:00

Hey B,

I really been thinking about this blog since the election and I've been rolling around in my mind what I wanted to say to you about this historic event. But last night I got a call from your mommy and daddy that changes a "little bit" what I will write.

Mommy and Daddy found a really clever way of announcing a new event in all of your and our lives. They called and we put you on the speaker phone so that we could hear what "Brendan had learned to do". Daddy asked you what a duck says and you responded appropriately. Then it was what does a sheep say. Then a monkey and so on. Then the big one was what does your little brother or sister say. I was totally surprised. So now Brendan is going to be a big brother. My little buddy, you now are entering into a whole new world which is that of not being the only child. But Pops! has the feeling that his little buddy is going to be a great big brother. Mommy and daddy are going to need your help with the new one. They're pretty good parents but I'm sure that they will need your help. You did a good job helping them the first time around. :)
I bet the second time with your help, they'll do great again. 2 certainly changes things.

But there was another big event this week with the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. I was not a supporter of Barack Obama and neither was I a supporter of MCCain for reasons I have discussed in popthoughts-pops.blogspot.com. However, this election was historic and inspiring. Obama's story alone is amazing. The son of a goat farmer from Africa has risen to the highest position of power in the world. A man who has overcome the Achilles heel of the American story-racism. I think now about the futures of both my grandchildren, hoping that this man and his administration can change the course of American politics forever. I'm not talking about conservative or liberal values but am talking about a country where diverging values can come together for the common good of her people. A country where morality and religious values are not legislated from Washington but are "legislated" from her people in their homes, churches and communities. I see a country for my two grandchildren that can be much different than from what Pops! saw as a youngster. A world in which I heard adults around me spewing venom for those of "another background". A world in which I learned that those described by using the "n" word were to be feared. A world in which those so described were considered to be a little less than "human". A world in which until I was in high school that those so described were not allowed to attend schools with us. I see a world in which you and your sibling will wonder how decent people could have EVER thought the way they did. I see a world where the racism that I knew is total foreign to my "little buddies'. Is this world possible? The election of Barack Obama, whether one likes is politics or not, says that this kind of world is possible. I do often think about what your life will be like when I'm no longer around. I pray for a country that is at peace with the world, a country where racial bigotry is a gone, a country where religious bigotry is gone, and a country where bigotry for any reason is gone. I pray for a world where money does not any longer buy power but where ideas are powerful.

Always remember that pops! wants the best for his "little buddies". And 44 suggests that that might just happen-it changes things.

And remember...

pops! loves you.

My Southern Boy

2008-10-29T16:35:00.008-05:00

Hey B,

I've really enjoyed the recent posts about my favorite little buddy. It sure sounds like that you are keeping daddy and mommy on their toes. I also talked to Uncle Zac a couple of times and I hear that you guys are becoming quite the buds.

I really enjoyed the foot stomping harmonica playing pics of you. Even though you weren't born in the south, it is obvious that you might take the "boy out of the south but you can't take the south out of the boy." Hopefully, it won't be too long and you'll be back in the area and pops! will make a true southern boy out of you. I'll probably teach you how to spit but don't tell mommy. I sure by then I'll think of some other fun southern things for you to learn.

"Mommy and daddy, I'll play and ya'll dance."

"C'mon guys, this is how you dance! I don' know what ya'll were doing?

Boy, I've got that Southern charm!!!!

I'll soon start the countdown to seeing you again. Pops! and Jadda are planning to be in California for Christmas this year. It'll be a lot of fun being around you, mommy, daddy and Uncle Zac. This will be the first time in many years that Uncle Zac and your daddy, Pops! and Jadda have been together on Christmas day. I can't wait.

Well, that's all for now but remember...

pops! loves you

You should have seen the other guy

2008-10-16T15:35:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

Pops! is really sorry that it has been so long since I've written to you, but I've really been busy. But that is not really a good excuse-you are my little buddy!!!!

I really do miss my little buddy and love talking to daddy because usually I can hear you in the background really going on about something. Daddy called this morning telling me about you eating three eggs and a bunch of other stuff. Your going to get fat like pops! Your daddy was surprised and impressed.

I just want you to know that there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and wonder what you are doing. Your daddy told me that Uncle Wookie tried his hand at babysitting and that he did a really good job. He's a great guy and I hope you two become great buds.

Daddy also told me about your fight with the concrete driveway- boy, you're beginning to sound more like your daddy everyday. There were times that he was a walking disaster waiting to happen. Get him to tell you some stories. I've got some really good ones to tell you when you get older.

"AW, I can take you with my eyes closed. Just try me."

Anyway, got to get back to work but remember....

pops! loves you

Bottle, Burp and a Grin

2008-10-02T19:30:00.003-05:00

Hey B,

I know it was trying circumstances for the family but Jadda and I were glad that we were able to see you this past weekend. You don't really understand about funerals and such yet but your mommy really needs some big hugs from her two boys. She was very close to her cousin, so give her some special "Brendan love".

But boy, have you changed. The little buddy that left a few weeks ago isn't really toddling any more but really moving along. And boy can you eat. Three bottles and some regular food in a short three hours and I was wondering were you were putting it all until...Twice in an hour. Jadda got to change one and then you broke pops! in REALLY good with the last one about an hour later. But we did pretty good didn't we. I bet nobody stayed in the bathroom long after that diaper was put in the trash.

And I think your daddy has taught you the burp technique just right. You'd take your bottle, burp and grin. All I knew to say was "good job". You were really good through the whole thing and mommy and daddy deserve a lot of credit.

It was a treat to see you. I can't wait until Christmas. And remember...

pops! loves you

Pops! Market

2008-09-24T16:15:00.002-05:00

Hey B,

I talked with your daddy today and kind of got caught up on my little buddy. I heard you in the background really talking. I heard yo say "mooo" for the cow and "arff" for the dog. It really made pops feel good just to hear you.

Daddy said that you had a good check up at the doctor. He said the doctor said that you were doing great. I could have told daddy that!!!! You're perfect!!! I sure do miss you my little buddy.
Pops! has been really busy at work and pops! is even working on starting a business in Birmingham called "Pops! Market". I guess you could say that my little buddy has been my inspiration. I want to have a fresh produce and food market in a local community of Birmingham. In my market I will have a wall dedicated to the pictures of ALL my little buddies, but yours will be at the center. Hopefully all our customers will bring pictures of their kids in to put on the wall. Nothing for sure-still in the thinking stage. But I already have this dream of my little buddy coming to spend time with pops! and Jadda every summer and my little buddy will get up and go to work with pops! at the market. Of course that will be on the weekend because I have my regular job. But I'd love to teach my little buddy "how to sell". At your age, you just smile and say please. If I did that at my age, they'd put me away.

Enough for now. And remember.....

pops! loves you

2008-09-14T19:12:00.011-05:00

Hey B,

Happy Birthday!!!! I can't believe that it has been a year. Jadda commented this morning that the time has really flown by this past year. It usually does that when you get old like me. I sure wish that I could be there for the FIRST birthday party but maybe next year. I hope that you have had a great first birthday.

I really miss you. I think about you all the time and can't wait until I see you at Christmas. Have you seen much of Uncle Wookie. I talk to him some and he REALLY likes California. If I was there with you I'd like California too.

I thought I'd include some pictures from your trip to Birmingham.

"Pops! don't tell daddy but I peed in the water."

"Jadda, pops! says you drive like an old woman. You don't. do you?"

"Yep, she drives like an old woman but I love her anyway."

"Hey Jadda, who is that good lookin' blonde daddy is staring at?"

"Jadda, you have the coolest feet. Pops! feet stink but yours aren't so bad."

"Yo, dis is me and da Godfather. Ya betta watch out."

"C'mon Daddy, I KNOW this thing isn't real. But for you I'll do it."

"Am I cute or what?"

That's all for now. Happy Birthday!!! And remember....

pops! loves you

Jadda and the Lemon Wafer

2008-09-07T18:55:00.013-05:00

Hey B,

I sure hope that you had a good trip home and that you took it easy on daddy on the trip. I sure miss my little buddy. I thought I'd send you some of my favorite pictures of my glorious 3 1/2 weeks with you.

"Man, I love this horse Jadda got me."

"This is good but how about some of that lemon wafer stuff. I won't tell."

"Hey pops!, is it time for our walk yet."

"Pops! please give me some of Jadda's lemon wafer. I won't tell Daddy."

"Jadda, don't look so guilty-it was just a lemon wafer."

" I'm glad I didn't get my rhythm from pops!"

"Hey pops!, catch this."

Hey Jadda, that lemon wafer you weren't supposed to give me was GREAT!!!

I guess that's all for now, but remember....

pops! loves you

Retail Therapy

2008-08-28T16:33:00.003-05:00

Hey B,

I guess I seen you for the last time until we see you either at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Your pops! is already missing you. As I think back over the last few weeks, I am amazed at how fast the time has gone for me. It seems like yesterday that I was hurrying home from work to see my little buddy. I was trying to get home before daddy put you to bed. I made it and remember walking in the door and you were in the middle of the floor with daddy and daddy said, "there's pops!" Daddy got you to show pops! how you had started walking. I guess you could call it walking, but it was more like a few straight legged steps and then plop on your bottom, but not now. Now you are climbing up stairs and on to chairs. I can't imagine what it'll be like in 3 or 4 months when I see you again. Also that night you made your dog sound for pops! Now, you can say a few more words and even the name of a certain Presidential candidate that I won't mention less I implicate the guilty but Jadda might be the "guilty" one.

I was also so surprised at the routine that daddy had gotten you into about going to bed. After your bath and a story you are ready for "lights out." And you even got to the point that you were sleeping through the night and that really makes daddy happy. I have watched as you have acquired some strange tastes in food. Pickles, things with garlic and tomatoes. Not that any of those things aren't good but they just don't sound like 11 month old kid food.

Pops! was also impressed with how well behaved his little buddy was when we went out to eat. Now, there may have been a huge mess around your high chair but at least you made the mess in a well behaved manner :). I must say that you are a pretty good kid most of the time. You have your moments when you are tired but other than that you are a GREAT KID. Have I told you lately how much I love you?

And what a morning kid you are. I could set my watch by you most mornings. 6 AM and you are ready to go. I loved slipping into your room or standing right outside the door and watching you and daddy cuddle and play in the mornings. You're a sweet kid most of the time but especially in the morning. And like I've said before, our morning walks are times that I'll always treasure. And those Brendan kisses are awesome.

What can I say Brendan, other than your pops! loves you more than you'll ever know. There is absolutely nothing I wouldn't do for you. And your Jadda feels the same way. Jadda says that since we won't see you for a while and since we are going to be "home alone" this weekend that we need some "retail therapy". That means we go shopping for our little buddy, so expect a package in the mail next week. And remember....

pops! loves you

Home Alone 2

2008-08-24T18:37:00.007-05:00

C,mon Dad-not another picture!!!
Hey B,

Probably by now you and daddy are on your way to Columbus with Oma and Opa. I sure hope that you had fun at the Aquarium. It sure was a LONG ride home for pops! Jadda probably got tired of me saying, "I sure miss my little buddy." And I sure do. But I must say that the last 3 1/2 weeks were some of the best times that I have ever had. I sure do like doing the grandfather thing. You are the best and I do say that totally unbiased (get daddy to explain that word-he's the writer). Your daddy is pretty good also. The second most thing that Jadda and I talked about on the way home was about your daddy. He is a great dad, so take it easy on him.

But thinking about your dad and then having to come home this afternoon reminded me when in 1999 your Jadda and I delivered your daddy to Samford University for his first year in college. I did pretty good until we got home and we suddenly found ourselves "home alone." I remember picking up one of your daddy's tee shirts and the waves of emotions flooded. Well, I didn't quite make it home today before the wave of emotions flooded. I barely made it to the car after kissing you and daddy goodbye. Jadda told me that I should find a place to park and get myself together, but I made it ok. Jadda and I went to Trader Joe's and then the Varsity to eat lunch. I pretty much held it together until we got home to "home alone 2." There were reminders of you everywhere. The fire truck, the pull behind doggy, the police car, horsey and the dragon, the AU bear, and cherrios everywhere. I must admit that I had to go to my room so Jadda wouldn't see me crying AGAIN. But I'm ok now. But I do miss my buddy. And remember....

pops! loves you

A memory maker

2008-08-21T18:50:00.002-05:00

Hey B,

Pops! will be home tomorrow from my business trip. Usually Fridays are exciting to me because I get to see Jadda after being away for the week, but the last few weeks have really been different. Fridays mean that I get to see Jadda, my little buddy and your daddy. Well, this is the last week for that but it has been awesome. The weekends have been absolutely full of things to do even if it was just playing with my little buddy. I sure hate to see you leave but I know that it has to happen. I know you don't quite understand it yet but having you here the last three weeks has been an experience that I'll never forget. Just always know that pops! loves you more than you could ever imagine. One day when Jadda and daddy were both gone I slipped into your room and just watched you sleep. As you slept I quitely talked to God about you. God and pops! have had quite a few of those conversations lately.

There are times that I wish that I could make time stand still so you wouldn't have to leave but I realize that that is really selfish of me. Hopefully one day we can be closer together so pops! can experience more of what is going on with my little buddy. (Daddy, how about that for a quilt trip?) In a couple of weeks, you'll be back in California and pops! and Jadda will try to get back to life without Brendan and it won't be easy. But I know that we have all made some memories that will last for a lifetime. Like strolling through the neighborhood and you holding my finger. Like walks every morning that always include picking up a couple of rocks or picking a flower. Like watching you become infatuated with Jadda's feet. Like teaching you where your ears are. Like feeding you a bottle. Like teaching you to eat pickles. Like busting Jadda over feeding you the "forbidden cookie with sugar." Like watching you and daddy in a stalemate over eating "two more bites." Like getting that rare kiss from my little buddy. Pops! could go on and on, but always remember that you have changed at least one persons life-mine. You have taught me the value of just spending time with someone for no other reason than to spend time with them. I'll miss spending time with you. I'll miss you. And remember....

pops! loves you.

The Cookie Monster

2008-08-18T16:51:00.003-05:00

Hey B,

As I write this, you and daddy have gone to Montgomery to visit mommy. I am really glad that you are getting to see mommy while she is off on duty with the Air Force. You should be really proud of your mommy. I know you don't understand but this has been really tough on mommy. And daddy, too. You have really great parents and it makes pops! really happy. You've done a great job with them. And they have done a really great job with you. You're a great kid.

Jadda and I spent about an hour at Starbucks talking about you. It was really fun talking about all our experiences with you over the last three weeks. I know that you have really made it a fun three weeks for me. I really enjoy our morning walks. This morning was really an experience having you follow me around the house until I got my shoes on to take you outside. I guess we have started a morning tradition when we are together-a morning walk. As we were walking today, I wondered whether that tradition would continue as you get older. I sure hope so. The older you get the bigger the morning adventure will get.

Last night was quite an adventure also. My little buddy can have quite the stubborn streak. It was time to eat but my little buddy wanted a cookie and daddy wanted you to eat "two more bites". Just a little advice, daddy is probably going to win those battles most of the time. And as you get older you'll hate hearing this but what daddy does is for the best. Just eat the "two more bites" and enjoy the cookie. The hardest part for me was when you looked at me and stuck your arms out like you were saying, "pops! save me from the cookie monster". Well my little buddy as much as I love you the "cookie monster" was right. I was really proud of your daddy for standing his ground. He is a really a GOOD DADDY, even if I do say so myself. So go easy on him, ok?

Tomorrow pops! has to go on a business trip so I won't see you until Friday and then on Saturday will have another really fun day. BUT then on Sunday pops! and Jadda will take you and daddy to Atlanta to meet OMA and OPA. I sure hate having to give you up but Oma and Opa need to spend some more time with you. Pops! can't be selfish on this one even though I want to be. But pops! sure dreads saying goodbye to his little buddy. I have really become attached to you. I can't wait until Christmas when we see you again. By then you won't be toddling anymore, it'll be an all out sprint. But I really look forward to spending Christmas with you, mommy, daddy and Uncle Wookie. This will be the first time in a long time that we have all been together on Christmas day.

That's all for now but remember....

pops! loves you.

My Prince

2008-08-13T18:59:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

I've been meaning to write since Tuesday but have just been really busy. This weekend with you, daddy and Jadda was great. I am amazed at how quickly you are learning new things. You now know where your ears, nose, tongue and feet are. And thanks to daddy even your pee pee. I bet by the time I get back home your daddy and Jadda will have taught you something new.

I really enjoy our walks in the morning. It really makes me laugh when you wave bye bye to all the people in their cars in the morning and most wave back at you with a big smile on their face. Usually on most mornings we see either a bird or a plane and you are quick to say bird for both of them.

Pops! really enjoyed walking with Jadda as we strolled you around the neighborhood. It really made pops! happy when you stuck out your hand to grap my finger as we strolled around the neighborhood. It made me feel REALLY good.

And then on SUnday when we went to church, I must admit that I enjoyed showing you off to all my friends. They FINALLY got to meet the one and only BRENDAN. One of them said, "So this is this little prince." I really thought about that off the cuff comment and it is really true. You are my little prince. Prince Brendan. And Prince Brendan was quite the flirt with the young ladies that sat behind us in church.

Have you eaten anymore pickles? I guess I can claim teaching you where your ears are AND eating pickles. I can't wait until next summer so that I can teach you to eat green plums!!! All Henson men love green plums. The tradition will continue.

I told Jadda this weekend that I couldn't believe that our time together this summer was nearly over. As much as I enjoy my little buddy I am already dreading you guys leaving. These past couple of weeks have been really great for Jadda and myself and thinking about not seeing you for four months is really tough. It'll make Christmas 2008 a great Christmas. I'll be together with ALL the family this year. Jadda, daddy, mommy, Uncle Wookie and YOU. It'll be great.

I am so glad that you got to see mommy for a little while today. Jadda said that you were sooo excited to see mommy. I think Jadda really enjoyed seeing you with mommy. I wish I could have been there.

To Gavin's House We Go

2008-08-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

Fridays are usually a day that I really look forward to because I get to see Jadda after being gone for a few days. However, today I have added incentive because I get to see you and your daddy. It is really great to have you at our house for several days.Saturday we are really going to have a big day. Our plans are to go to Gavin's house to swim. Daddy tells me that you love to play in the pool so I plan to have a really big time with you. We'll probably stay at Gavin's house most of the afternoon and eat dinner with them.

I sure hope that you have a fun day today with Jadda. Your Jadda really loves you. And I know that you love your Jadda. She's the best. Old pops! can't wait to see you this weekend. I bet we might even be able to sneak in some shopping for my little buddy. I think you need some new toys. Remember...

pops! loves you.

The New Abbott and Costello

2008-08-06T15:22:00.002-05:00

Hey B,

What a fantastic few days with my little buddy!!!! I am amazed at how much you have changed since I saw you just a few weeks ago. You are walking like a champ. And I love to hear the mouth sounds that you make. That'll probably be my claim to fame as a grandfather, the one who taught B to make mouth sounds. You have taken mouth sounds to a new level. I love to watch you toddle around and making all your sounds at the same time. I really get a belly laugh out of it, and with my big belly that is a dangerous thing.

I think it was Saturday and I watched you and Jadda play for probably 30 minutes. It was really fun to watch you interact with Jadda. She will probably be by far the "COOLEST" grandparent. And she sure loves her Brendan. I've been trying to work a financial agreement with your daddy so that when it comes time to go back to California that you just stay with us. :) I sure have enjoyed being with my little buddy but I can already tell that I am really going to miss you.

How are the horsey and dragon doing today? I bet you have "loved" on them all day. I am so glad that you have liked Jadda's presents so much. She really knows how to get really cool toys!!!! I love the "Abbott and Costello" routine that you and your daddy do with the horse. Daddy really needs to work on his part but you have yours down pat.

I'll be gone a couple of more days but I'll see you Saturday morning. You'll probably be in the bed asleep when I get home Friday night. I'll get up early with you on Saturday and we'll go for a long walk. And remember...

pops! loves you

The Freight train

2008-07-31T07:03:00.003-05:00

Hey B,

Just a quick note to let you know that I'll see you tonight. You probably will be asleep when I get in from Columbus. I have to work some tomorrow but we'll get to spend some time together. I understand that you got a little weary of all the carseat action yesterday. But I bet Jadda will help make up for it today. She has the best pots and pans to bang around in the kitchen.

Jadda told me last night that you were doing a great job with the walking thing. I can't wait for you and pops! to get into something. Remember our plan-blame it pops! and let me take the heat. I'm used to it. :) I'm really sorry I didn't have a room cleaned up any better but I didn't think that would be where you slept last night, but that will be ok tonight if you wanted to sleep with pops!, although the snoring might keep you awake. Your daddy used to say that I sounded like a freight train. Anyway, have a great day and don't let Uncle Wookie teach you any bad words. And remember...

pops! loves you

Pure Joy

2008-07-22T17:46:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

I sure hope you are having fun at the beach. I sure enjoyed seeing you last Saturday. I was really excited that Jadda got to see you after three or four months. Just watching you and her walk around in the yard and visiting with the neighbors dogs, Thelma and Louise was worth the trip. I guess you have noticed that when you are with Jadda that you get real calm. I swear I thing she has some "yoga magic" dust that she uses on you. I guess more than anything else it says something about have secure and comfortable you are with your Jadda. She's the best.

It was also sooo much fun watching you play with mommy. She was baking cookies and you would follow her around the kitchen island and she would sneak up on you. And when she did, seeing the smile and laughter coming from you was awesome. The look you had on your face when you "found" mommy was priceless. It's hard to describe other than call it pure joy.

I can't wait to see you in a few days. I really hate that mommy is going to have to be gone off to work but I hope that everything can be worked out so that you can see her on the weekends, at least for a little while.

On an one more thing, that rocking horse that makes all the horse sounds that Oma and Opa bought you is awesome. I think I liked it as much as you did. Why don't you see if you can sneak that in the car when you come to pops! house? Well, that is all for now but remember,

pops! loves you

Grandparental Needs

2008-07-17T16:50:00.003-05:00

Hey B,

What a wonderful day I have had today!!! This afternoon I got a call from your mommy inviting me to meet you, mommy and OMA at Barnes and Noble. Well, pops! was in a management meeting when I got the call, but there was no question in my mind as to what I was going to do. I went back in the meeting and announced that my grandson was in town and I was going to see him. Seeing you made my day. It made my week. And you have changed so much in a few short weeks. I can't believe how much you are walking. Your Oma kept commenting on how confident you were with walking. I'd like to think you were showing off for pops!, so that is what I'm going to tell everyone.

I sure hope you are enjoying your time with Opa and Oma. I saw the pictures of you swimming with mommy and your "same size" cousin. Boy, that really looked like a lot of fun. The pictures of you and your mommy were really great. It really looked like my little buddy was having a great time. I kind of get the feeling that Oma is trying her best to "spoil" you and I think that is great. Grandparents are really good at doing that and we REALLY enjoy doing it. I saw that Oma was buying you some new books. Believe me, you want it - she'll buy it. And that is not being mean, that is helping her fulfill her needs as a grandparent. It works on all grandparents and it is your job to help us fulfill all our grandparental needs. It's you job, and so far you're doing great at it.

I guess that is enough for now. But it was great to see you (and mommy and Oma). And remember....

pops! loves you

Double Trouble

2008-07-10T18:00:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

Well, pops! is about to wind down another week in Columbus and away from Jadda. I really look forward to Fridays so much because I get to see Jadda. And in a short few weeks, you'll get to see Jadda. And like I said last time get ready for a really big adventure with Jadda. I'll be in Columbus Tuesday through Friday but you'll have my attention from Friday night until Monday and I can't wait.

Maybe your daddy remembered to tell you that pops! had a birthday Monday (Daddy did you feel the heat of that zinger). Old pops! was 55 years old or young depending on who is looking in the mirror. But my little buddy having you around really makes the age thing really of no importance. Pops! and B, just think of everything that we can get into-that way you can blame it on pops!. They might even start calling us "double trouble". I've already got it figured out. You blame me and then I'll just blame it on being old and forgetful. What a plan!!! When you get to Birmingham we'll have to test the plan and see if anyone catches on to our shenanigans.

POPS!

I don't think they're looking, let's hide!!!

I think we can probably get it by your daddy but it is your mommy that worries me. She's pretty sharp you know. Not that daddy isn't, he just forgets things a lot. Oh, by the way my birthday was July 7th. Daddy, that is the right day isn't it? Anyway, remember.....

pops! loves you

Precocious?

2008-07-07T18:08:00.003-05:00

Hey B,

I talked with your daddy last night and he told me that you had a great time with Oma and Opa. I am really excited that you had a few days with them. I think that you are probably beginning to realize that grandparents are really fun to have around. Your Jadda and I are already making plans for when you and daddy are with us later this summer. I really hate that mommy is going to have to be gone to work but Jadda and I will do our best to treat you to a good time. I sure hope mommy can arrange to have some time on the weekend to see you. As much as we want to see you, we want mommy to be there also.

I need you to get daddy to let me know what necessities that Jadda and I need to have for you when you get to our house-not just the necessary toys. We sure want to be ready for you when you get here.

I asked your daddy about you last night and he used some really big words to describe you, like precocious. I really don't know what the word precocious means, but I know that when we would go on our walks and I'd talk to you about all sorts of different things, I really knew that you probably understood more that I realized. I know everyone thinks that their grandchild is cuter and smarter than the rest. Well, I don't think-I know that you are the best!!!! I don't know about precocious but I think your the BEST!!! And remember...

pops! loves you.

Always a big adventure

2008-07-03T13:54:00.002-05:00

Hey B,

I know it's been several days since I've emailed and I am really sorry. I have really been busy at work and just haven't had time to stop. But today, I made time. I really miss you and hope to see you soon. Unless things change, I'll be seeing you in a couple of weeks. Jadda and I are already getting things in order(that means buying things for you). Jadda bought you something that you are going to really like.

Your daddy tells me that you are beginning to walk more on your own now. I know it is kind of scary to let go and try to make it by walking but it sure will change the way you see and do things once you start walking all the time. You'll be walking by the time pops! sees you later this month. Jadda and pops! can't wait to get you around for a few weeks. You'll love how Jadda makes everything an adventure. I remember when your daddy was little and how Jadda always made a big adventure out of the things they did. She was a great mom and is a great Jadda-she's the best.

I also hear that Opa, Oma and AUntie Kyndal (sp?) are in town. I am sure that you have already had a great time with them. And I'm sure that they are so excited to be with you for a few days. Remember-grandparents are easy. I know that they will have as much fun with you as I did and I can't wait to see the pictures on your blog.

Today, is Jadda day. I'll be leaving work in about an hour but I'll be thinking about you on the way home. Pops! can't wait to see you. And remember...

pops! loves you.

It's Friday

2008-06-20T13:26:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

It's Friday and you know what that means. It's Jadda time. Pops! gets to see Jadda after five days. If you can't tell, I really love Jadda. She is definitely one of a kind. I guess that is why I love her so much.

Your daddy and mommy have been keeping me posted on the adventures of B. I hear that you have taken five steps on your own and that is awesome. It won't be long before you learn to stand up on your own and you'll be forever on the go. The next time either pops! or Jadda sees you, you'll be walking for sure.

I also hear that you are now saying momma and dad. Isn't it good that finally mommy and daddy are understanding a little of what you are saying? They'll start understanding you better from now own. I know that it is frustrating to be talking to them and they not understand a word your saying. Daddy knows Spanish and mommy knows French, yet they couldn't understand you. Go figure?

As I've said before, just be patient.

And remember,

pops! loves you

The Hat Trick

2008-06-16T18:05:00.010-05:00

Hey B,

I hope my little buddy had a great weekend. You did take care of daddy yesterday, didn't you? I'm sure daddy had a great day on his first daddy's day. My Daddy's day was great. Jadda took me out to eat, your Uncle Wookie called, I got a voicemail from your daddy and a very nice blog that he wrote me. So, it was a great day.

I travelled to Columbus on Sunday night and as is my usual routine I was thinking about my little buddy, along with Jadda, daddy and Uncle Wookie. I was remembering the "Hat Trick" that you pulled on your old pops! We were going out to eat in Berkeley and as we were walking down the street, you decided to drop your hat. Pops! then let you swoop (nice redneck term) and pick it up. We followed this routine until pops! was too tired from swooping and laughing to do it anymore. Your mommy and daddy had to divert your attention by playing the "I'm going to get Brendan game". But buddy, it has been a long time since I have laughed that hard.

Let's see if pops! can figure this out.

He is old you know!!!!

How does it do that? Right to the ground every time!!!

Wheee!!! The swooping thing is fun!!

I got it. Unswoop now.

Is it a earthquake? No, it's just Pops! laughing.

Remember the "hat trick" and maybe you can play the trick on Jadda when you get out here this summer. I'll make sure not to let her in on our trick. And remember,

pops! loves you

Father's Day

2008-06-14T17:32:00.003-05:00

Hey B,

Well, I got to see Jadda after about eight days and that was really exciting. She and I have spent the day catching up on our past week. She'd tell me about things that happened at Yogaville and I'd tell her about B stories. She had a great week and I had a great four days with my little buddy. I know one thing for sure, Jadda can't wait to see you.

I got a call from your daddy last night announcing another first for you. You took your first steps alone. That is really exciting and now Oma and Opa will be able to chase you around when they see you at the end of the month. You are about to give everyone a run for their money now!!! You will hear that word no a lot more now-remember what I told you on one of our walks. You'll see what I meant soon.

Now don't forget, tomorrow is a big day for daddy. It's his first Father's Day. There is nothing like that first one. Try to be extra good for your daddy tomorrow. He's made pops! so very proud and pops! can see that you have already made your daddy so very proud. But for sure keep him on his toes tomorrow. And remember,

pops! loves you

Is this heaven?

2008-06-13T15:08:00.005-05:00

Hey B,

Well, it's Friday and you know what that means!!! It's Jadda Day. I get to see Jadda after a whole week. We both flew out of Birmingham last Friday, she was fling east and I was flying west to see my best buddy. So, I'm really anxious to see her today.

I just wanted you to know that you gave your old pops! a memory last Sunday that he'll never forget. It happened when we went to the park. I certainly enjoyed the walk to the park(just not the walk back which was straight uphill) and watching your hand dart out of the stroller to touch a bush or flower as we went down the sidewalk. It was really fun to get on a hill and let the stroller go and me run beside it-just kidding mommy. :) But we got to the park and laid out the blanket and watch the other kids for a while. You also played with the grass and a leaf for a long time. Then you played the hat game, you took it off and I put it back on. That went on for a while. Then we "wrastled" for a while until you finally pinned me. I had seen you give mommy and daddy a kiss sometimes when they asked you, so I thought I'd try it. A BAM!!! I got this big and sloppy kiss. And when that happened, I thought I'd gone to heaven. The scene from The Field of Dreams came to mind when Ray asked his father as they were playing catch if this was heaven. That's how old pops! felt. It may not have been heaven but it had to be close. We continued the kiss game for a while. Pops! would kiss you, then you'd kiss Pops!. Man, it made this old man feel sooo good.

That's all for now, but remember...

pops! loves you.

The Cucumber Kid

2008-06-12T19:00:00.003-05:00

Hey B,

How you been my little buddy? Pops! is still missing you, but am loving the stuff mommy is putting on your blog. I was thinking this morning about my trip out to visit and was remembering our trip to Berkeley on Friday. That was the day that we went to Moop's toy store. And I haven't decided who had the most fun-you, me or your daddy. Right now I think Daddy had the most fun. I picked out my toy for you right away, because you had already told me what you wanted, but daddy looked and looked and looked!!!

I still haven't figured how why we did all that walking. We walked all the way across Berkeley-bought toys and then walked all they way back across Berkeley. And our toy bags were so big that we had to carry you and push the toys in the stroller. I guess we looked like rednecks from Alabama-oops I am from Alabama. I guess your daddy had noticed the extra weight I had put on and took it upon himself to be my personal trainer. But anyway, we then went to this really cool park (after we bought a Berkeley blanket) and hung out in the park and waited on mommy to come for a visit. And the minute you saw your mommy your face lit up. I think it is so cool the way that you get excited when you see your mommy after you have been away from her for a while. There's nothing like a mommy, is there?

Then we went out to eat at PF Changs(my favorite place to eat). I got to have "just you and me time" while mommy and daddy ate dinner. I really enjoyed our talks while we walked around outside the restaurant. And then I saw you do something that I don't think I ever seen a nine month old do-actually chew on a piece on cucumber. You loved that cucumber!!! I wished we had gotten a picture of that cucumber sticking in your mouth. It was so funny and cute.

But believe me when we finally left to head home you were one tired puppy. Man, you can really scream when you are tired and fighting going to sleep. Seems to me that I remember your Uncle Wookie fighting going to sleep. WHen he was little Jadda actually had to put her legs over him and hold his eyelids closed for him to go to sleep.

Got to go my little cucumber kid and remember,

pops! loves you

"Come on, pops!"

2008-06-11T16:32:00.004-05:00

My pops! loves me.
Hey B,

How's my little buddy doing today? Pops! really misses you. My three days with you, mommy and daddy were really a blast. I couldn't believe how much you had grown and developed in the last couple of months. And you are certainly MR. PERSONALITY.

I guess, as I look back on my trip, the first memory that was made was on the ride from the airport. You were asleep when I first got in but you woke up when daddy put you in the car. You just stared at me at first in the car. But shortly after we left the airport, I was looking out the car window and I heard the "raspberry" noise that I had taught you to do. When I looked over at you, you just gave me that full faced grin of yours. I know people will probably think I'm crazy BUT I know it was your way of telling me that you remembered me. It certainly made your pops! feel special.

After that we did all sorts of mouth noises and each time you would imitate the noise. But we didn't make any of those noises that mommy wouldn't approve of, at least not yet. But mommy beware!!!

And when we got to your house, I got down in the floor to play with you and you started crawling toward your room. You'd crawl a little then stop and look at me as if you were saying, "come on pops!" SO I started crawling behind you and every few feet you'd stop and turn around to make sure I was coming. We got to your room and I think you eventually showed me nearly every toy and book in your room. I certainly appreciate you making pops! feel so welcome.

Enough for now, but remember...

pops! loves you

2008-06-10T16:55:00.008-05:00

Hey B,

The following pics are for the most special lady in my life, your Jadda. I hope that she enjoys these pics of you and me while she is in Virginia.

I'll write you again soon.

I love you, pops!

Three Generations of Hensons

Who cares about the picture, I want the green plum!!!

Pops! can you tell mommy and daddy that I want to go with you to Birmingham!!!

Still flying high

2008-06-09T17:43:00.005-05:00

Pops! and B-best buddies
Hey B,

Pops! is back in Birmingham but my heart is still in California. My little buddy I had a GREAT time. It was the fastest and best three days I've had in a while. I sure hate that Jadda missed it but like I explained to you on one of our walks, this is something that she had planned for a long time(her trip to "Yogaville"). And you can finally find something good about the Bush Administration, pops! used his tax stimulus package to come see his little buddy. :)

I guess you can say that pops! is still flying high from his trip. I tried to read on the plane but I kept thinking about all the fun that I had, and I think you did too, in California. Later in the week I'll write to you about some of the special memories pops! made.

Make sure you tell mommy and daddy that I enjoyed being with them, too. I used to refer to them as my son and daughter-in-law but now they have a more honored name- B's parents. You've actually done a pretty good job with them. Another three months and they'll probably figured this thing out. REMEMBER-patience is all that it takes.

I love you,

pops!

A Brave new world... look out here comes B!!

2008-06-02T14:44:00.004-05:00

Hey B,

This will probably be my last blog until I arrive in sunny California. Three days and counting and pops! can't wait to see my little buddy and your mommy and daddy if they happen to be around. ;). I am really getting excited about the trip and my few days with you. I think that the first order of business will be to get you that new toy.

I understand that you have now mastered the art of standing alone. Now, it is only a matter of time until you are walking. You will be amazed at how the "world" changes when you start walking. You'll see things that you can get into that you have never seen before. You'll really keep mommy and daddy on their toes for sure. You'll hear mommy and daddy say things like, "Have you seen Brendan?" If you think they are paranoid about the things you do now, wait until you start walking.

I also hear that we'll go to the petting zoo in Berkley over the weekend. Do you think we ought to let mommy and daddy go? It'll probably be a good thing to let them go, they can get rather pouty, you know. Parents will be parents. You know what they say, "Can't live with them and can't live without them.

See you soon and remember,

pops! loves you

"Granparents are easy"

2008-05-28T16:13:00.007-05:00

Hey B,

Well, I'm counting down the days. Only 7 1/2 days until pops! comes to town. I can't wait and I am so excited. I understand that my man B has really been up to a lot lately. You've already enjoyed your first major league baseball game, although I understand that you were more fascinated with the popcorn machine. Your daddy tells me that he caught you actually climbing your high chair. Now, that sounds like you are becoming a little dareangel ( I just can't use that other word when referring to you). Just be careful. I also understand that you have learned to clap and I saw it on the video. Your daddy called today and let me hear you laughing at something he was doing. You were laughing uncontrollably and it was so funny. It kept a smile on pops! face all day. I also hear that you got to spend Memorial Day with your great grandparents.

Pops! I really like this toy. I need it.

I understand that there is this certain toy that you played with at your friends house that really fascinated you. I know you have figured this out yet, but grandparents are real easy. Pops! will see what he can do about getting you that really special toy when he gets out to California. I sure wouldn't want my grandson NOT to have something that was so important. Some people might think that this is spoiling you. They may be right but that's our business. Just you and me. And that's the way it ought to be. But you already have me wrapped around your little finger. I'll explain that to you when I see you. But be sure you don't let mommy and daddy read this. ;) Sometimes it is better just to keep certain things between us.

Remember,

pops! loves you.

Play Ball!!!

2008-05-23T12:44:00.002-05:00

Hey B,

I've really been busy and haven't been able to email. But my little buddy, in two weeks you and I will be having a grand old time. I can't wait to see you. I hear that you have really learned a lot of new things. I understand that you are getting very close to learning to talk. At least you are trying to repeat sounds that mommy and daddy make. Get daddy to practice pops! with you and maybe by the time I get out there I can finish teaching you to say pops!

I also hear that you have learned to play ball. So you have learned to roll the ball to mommy and daddy!!! Now, that is exciting. I guess by now your daddy has gone out and bought you a glove and a bat. I can't wait to play ball with my little buddy.

I hope to be leaving work soon. I get to see Jadda. Now that is the highlight of my week. I'll see you soon. And remember pops! loves you.

pops!

Jadda Jing

2008-05-16T13:58:00.005-05:00

I love my Jadda!!!

Hey B,

Pops! is getting ready to leave work and head home. For most people that might be a short drive home but for me it is 2 1/2 hours. I leave home on Monday and go back home on Friday. But this isn't really about the drive but why Fridays are so much fun. I get to see Jadda. My bride-your Jadda. What a wonderful person!!! As you get older you'll appreciate how cool your grandmather(Jadda) is. Not many of your friends will be able to talk about grandmothers who can do backbends, but your Jadda can.

I bet your Jadda can't do this!!!

Also, not many of your friends can talk about how their grandmother goes outside and CLIMBS trees with them, but you can. I have come home from work before and couldn't find your Jadda because she was outside in a tree. Crazy? Not really, just a really cool Jadda. She is the best. I know, I've lived with her for thirty years and there is NO ONE like her. I consider myself very lucky and blessed. She indeed is the love of my life.

Your Jadda even has a song about herself called "Jadda Jing". Now, how cool is that. Get your daddy to find it and play it for you on the internet. I guess that is enough bragging on your Jadda but she is simply the best.

And remember,

Pops! loves you.

Strawberry fields...

2008-05-14T17:01:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

I really have loved all the pics and the posts on the blog the last few days. It really looks like you and mommy and daddy really had a good time at the zoo. I guess when you saw the monkeys you probably thought about your daddy and what a monkey he is sometimes. Did you see any one monkey that really looked alot like your daddy? I heard that after your trip to the zoo that you slept for three hours. I guess all that new stuff wore you out.

Oh, man look at that-it's huge !!!

The pics of you and daddy playing with the piano were really good. I love piano music and wished I could play it. Maybe as you get older you'll learn to play the piano in addition to learning how to hurdle and run fast. Your daddy already talks about how quick you are and that you are already showing signs of being a future track star. Remember-daddys will be daddys!!! We tend to live our lives through our kids. Get used to it-it's really not that bad. Has your daddy already started to time you with the stop watch? Get ready, it's coming.

The Piano Man... I mean baby

When I talk with your daddy, it is obvious that he is really proud of you and loves you so much. I can see it in his and your mommy's face in the pics. And if you play it just right, you'll have them where you want them, if you already don't. I'll help you out with that when I see you in THREE weeks.

Your daddy asked me what I wanted to do when I come out and really just hanging out with you and them is good enough. I can't wait to see all your new tricks. And maybe you'll learn a few more with me ;0).

When I saw the pic of you eating the strawberry, I thought about taking you to Clanton when you come here this summer. We can go there and pick our own peaches. Then we can go home and peel them, put sugar on them and then pour them on top of vanilla ice cream and you won't believe how good that is. Peaches and ice cream are probably one of my favorite things-especially if they are fresh picked. We we go to Clanton we'll go by where Jadda and pops! used to live. We lived there when your daddy and mommy were at Samford University.

B's Strawberry Face

Well, enough rambling but I really am excited about seeing my little buddy soon.

Remember, pops! loves you,

pops!

Uncle Wookie did it !!!!!

2008-05-11T17:57:00.001-05:00

Uncle Wookie and B

Hey B,

I hope you had a great day celebrating mothers day with your mommy. I bet you and daddy really tried to make it a special day for mommy. Jadda hasn't been feeling to good so we have just kind of taken it easy on Mother's day, but I did get Jadda a present for Mother's day. Just remember, you can never go wrong with jewelry for the women in your life-you'll learn that soon enough.

Jadda and I spent yesterday getting Uncle Wookie moved from Auburn. He is now a graduate!!! And he has certainly overcome a lot of obstacles to get this degree. I'm really proud of your Uncle Wookie. He may have taken the hard road but he has done it and I guess you can say that he has "done it his way." And in about two months he will be living just a few miles from you. Uncle Wookie will be your eccentric uncle, something that he probably relishes. He is a really a good guy and you'll probably enjoy being around him-just be careful that he doesn't get you in trouble with mommy and daddy. But I think your daddy has already discussed the rules with him-but Henson guys have always been known to bend the rules a little. But I think Uncle Wookie will do just fine. I really think he is looking forward to getting to know you. Uncle Wookie will be the one who always tries to sneak you the "forbidden junk food" and ruin your dinner.

Pops! is beginning to count down the days until I see you. I think we are down to twenty five days. I can't wait!!!

Remember, pops! loves you and I'll see you soon,

pops!

Memories of State...

2008-05-05T17:38:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

This time of year really has some fond memories for your old pops! It was this time of year when your daddy was in high school that the state track meet was held. Actually, it was always the first weekend in May. I try to go to some of the state track meets to see if your daddy's state records hold up but this year it was in Gulf Shores and that was too far to go. But old pops! eagerly got up Sunday morning to get the results. Your daddy still holds the 4A state record in the 300m hurdles and his relay teams of the 4x400m and 4x800 meter still stand today. So B, you can see that I am really proud of your daddy and when you can really understand all this you will be also.

One day maybe your daddy will tell you about the year he pulled a boneheaded stunt at his prom the week before state and wound up pulling his hamstring. That story is one that he'll never live down as long as I live. And the story seems to get bigger every year. It has something to do with him trying to do the splits on the dance floor at his prom, or at least that is his story. I really don't want to imagine what the "true" story might be. That is kind of freaky for a dad to think about. But regardless, this time of year hold special memories for old pops!

I sure one day your daddy will look back at certain times of the year that relate to things that hold special memories for him about 'ol B. One of the few benefits of getting older is memories.
And old pops! has some doozies of memories that relate to your daddy. I'll start filling you in on some of them so you have some leverage with your daddy one day.

See you in a month!!!!

I love you,

pops! (the instigator)

Just you and me kid!!!!

2008-05-02T07:20:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

I was thinking about you this morning and my trip out to California in a few weeks. The plans have been made and I can't wait. I really look forward to having a few days to catch up on all the new things that you have learned to do and maybe even teach you a new trick or two.

I guess you might be walking by the time that I get there. How is the standing alone thing coming? I know it is kind of scary to do that but when you master the standing alone thing and walking there will even be a newer and bigger world out there. You'll be amazed at how many new things you'll discover ( and get into). You'll hear that no word even more.

I just wanted you to know that I think mommy and daddy are going to let you and me go solo one night-maybe. I think we can handle it, don't you? It'll be just you and me kid. I sure mommy and daddy will be a little nervous living you alone with pops! and that is perfectly normal. I remember when Uncle Wookie and your daddy were little and when Jadda and I would leave them with someone else, we spent our time wondering what they were doing. Usually that separation is worse on the parents than it is on the kid. Sometimes I think growing up is harder on mommy and daddy than it is for the kid. But anyway, I am excited about seeing you. Be good or at least be cute doing whatever you do.

Remember, just you and me kid.

I love you,

pops!

Pops! is coming to town...

2008-04-27T19:39:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

Pops! is coming to town on June 5th. And I can't wait!! Jadda is going on a three week Yoga training and rather than sit at home, I'm going to see my little buddy. I've already cleared it with your mommy and daddy, and they said it was ok. I actually think they're going to let me keep you while they go on a date. You probably don't really want to know what they do on dates- at least not yet. Yuck!!! But I am really excited about spending some time with you. I need to check on your "raspberry" progress. I hear that you are getting quite accomplished at blowing "raspberries".

I've been trying to decide what we can work on next. I'm sure I'll come up with something by the time I get out to your house. From reading your blog I understand that you are getting quite good at the crawling thing and playing hide and seek. I also understand that you are getting quite accomplished at pushing the envelope on doing the "no things". I think I remember telling you that there would come a time that you would think that no was your middle name. I think that time has arrived.

Your daddy was really good at the "no thing" when he was your age. He really responded to his new middle name-he didn't like it at all. So he got very creative in trying to get around the "no" situations, as Jadda says, just ask your Uncle Wookie. Maybe when I get out to your house I'll tell you some of those stories about your daddy. But my little buddy, try not to push the envelope to far. The no's are really for your on good, and boy will you learn to hate that phrase in the future-"for your own good." Maybe we should write a book called, "Parents, they say the darndest things." And knowing your mommy and daddy, we'd be rich. I mean just think about the names they have for you. Like Goobity, Goopy, Goober-nut and Stinky Cheese Butt. Maybe I need you to tell me what they call me besides pops!

See you soon and remember, pops! loves you!!!

pops!

My little AU tiger

2008-04-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

How is my little buddy doing? Your pops! misses you so much. Getting to see you for three weekends in a row really spoiled me. I can't wait to see you again later this summer. From reading your blog, it seems that you are learning new things everyday. And I understand that you have really taken to solid food. All that means is that you are growing up fast. It seems like yesterday when your daddy was a baby just like you. People say it all the time but it is true-"it seems like yesterday".

"Pops!, they made me put it on."

I really enjoyed the pics from the blog. I really understand why you were crying with that Georgia Bulldog crap on, I'd be crying also. We're going to have to talk to your Aunt Kendal about the PROPER attire for a Henson boy, and it ain't the red and black but the ORANGE and BLUE. This summer will have to start working on your "War Eagle" yell. It is obvious that you are a true Auburn Tiger with that smile on your face.

"Whew, I feel better now."

I remember taking your daddy to Auburn football games. His favorite player was Lionel "the train" James. I guess though I'll have to give in to your dad when it comes to basketball and let you be a "Carolina Tarhell". He maybe orange and blue during the fall but he is all Carolina Blue in basketball season. As for me, I'm a Duke Blue Devil during basketball season. So as you can see already, your daddy isn't correct on everything. But your pops! is the one to follow, AU on football and a Cameron Crazy in basketball. I guess I better stop before your daddy bans me.

I sure love you.

pops!

B's Birmingham Buddy

2008-04-16T16:32:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

It has been a few days since I have written to you and thought I'd just catch you up on what is going on in pops! world. One thing for sure is that pops! world had sure gotten used to having B around or at least knowing I'd see you soon. I sure do miss you, mommy and daddy. Tell mommy that the kitchen will never be the same :).

It was really strange getting up on Sunday morning with the three of you around. Jadda and I both were just kind of dragging around Sunday and a little down without B being around. We made it to church and the first people we saw were Sam and his parents. Sam resisted coming to me at first but then just gave me this cute little look and gave be a big hug. Jadda said something about me still having your essence on me and that Sam recognized it. Then Sam went to Jadda and gave her a big hug. I finally figured out what was going on. The Sunday before you spent time with Sam in the nursery and you must have told him that me and Jadda were going to be missing you and that Sam needed to help you out. Well, he did. I still missed you but little Sam helped. So you really owe him one.

I hope that you got the present that Jadda and I sent you. We went to get Gavin something for his birthday and just couldn't resist getting you something. I hope that you like it. I think you'll look really good in it.

There is not a lot going on here. You are in my thoughts often. I love you.

I thought you might like a picture of Sam, since he helped you out so much.

Hi, B. It's me-Sam!!!

I love you,

pops!

Daddy's little boy

2008-04-12T19:18:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

The three weeks are finally over. You are probably glad, so that you can get back to your house, your space and your toys. For pops! it is sad. I got to see you three weekends in a row. What a treat for your old pops!. I know mommy and daddy were glad to be going home. I'm sure it has been a tough three weeks for them.

I was kind of glad that you were asleep when you left. It was hard enough kissing you bye when you were asleep. I had tried to make myself not cry when you left but I just couldn't help it. I really do miss you so much. I'm glad we got to take a walk this morning by ourselves. I really enjoyed talking to you-telling you about all sorts of things. But remember, you can't tell mommy and daddy about everything we talked about. :0). But more than anything else, I enjoyed just getting to hold you.

It was really awesome to see how much you changed in only a week. When you left our house last weekend you weren't crawling, but this weekend you were crawling. You were so funny. You would crawl fine until you got excited then you would revert back to the low crawl-pull yourself along mode. I guess by the next time I see you-you'll be walking. Jadda and I decided that we would get our house "B proofed" before you come this summer.

And boy, do you love your Jadda or what? It was really fun seeing you get so attached to Jadda. You really made your Jadda happy. She just beamed when she would hold you. It reminded me when your daddy was your age. He loved your Jadda, too. Except he didn't call her Jadda. He called her mom. I know this is probably confusing but you'll understand it later. When your daddy was your age, he liked for Jadda to hold him and he liked to play with Jadda's pots and pans just like you do. You do look like your mommy but you remind me so much of your daddy. I guess that is what being a pops! is all about. I get to enjoy you and I get to go back in my memory and enjoy your daddy all over again. Just like you are your daddy's little boy, your daddy will always be my little boy. Some things never change.

Remember my little buddy,

pops! loves you,

pops!

I'll never tell !!!!

2008-04-10T19:09:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

Boy, I sure have missed you this week. It is funny how I have so quickly gotten used to seeing you on a regular basis. The past few weeks have been a lot of fun for pops! and Jadda. After this weekend we'll have to get used to seeing you in person every few months. But hopefully mommy and daddy will keep your blog posted fairly often and we can get our "Brendan fix" that way.

I really was excited about you meeting a lot of our friends Sunday at church. And I must say that you were really good during church. I am especially glad that you got to meet Gavin, Sam and Andrew. They have heard a lot about you from pops!.

Your daddy thinks that I taught you how to do the raspberry thing with your tongue. And maybe I did. But I'll never tell. I want you to promise that you won't give away our secret. But it is really cute to see you do it. Jadda said that you were doing "the raspberry" in Barnes and Noble yesterday and everyone thought it was really funny. But here is just one thing about the "raspberry"- you can only do it in fun. Because it won't be so funny when you do it when you get mad at mommy or daddy. They won't think it is so cute then.

But for the moment the "Raspberry Award" goes to my little buddy-B. No one does it better or cuter than you, except for maybe...oops, that is our secret.

I'll never tell!!!

I love you,

pops!

I saw it in your eyes.

2008-04-05T20:03:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

It was really exciting to see you tonight, even though you slept through most of the evening at Cafe Botegga. We were celebrating your mommy's birthday. I really enjoyed talking with your Uncle Brandon and Aunt Emily, they are really cool people. And your mommy got to meet the famous Chef Frank Stitt. I even think you got your picture made with him.

When you woke up and finally got oriented, your mommy let Jadda hold you and I could see it in your eyes...you recognized your Jadda. And then, I began to play with you and we made eye contact and my heart melted. I could see it in your eyes...you recognized me. People probably think I'm crazy but I know you did. I could see it in your eyes. It made your pops! feel soooo good. I saw it in your eyes and then I got your "I like you smile". Thanks my little buddy!!! You definetely made me feel important tonight.

I really won't get to see you a lot over the next couple of years and probably when I see you this summer or in the fall you may not remember pops! right away but tonight I knew we connected. I could see it in your eyes and it was so cool. That moment, that instant and that look will be something that I will treasure forever.

I know I've said it before but it'll always be true...Pops! loves you. I'll see you tomorrow.

I love you,

pops!

Better off not knowing...

2008-04-03T16:42:00.000-05:00

Me and pops! have a secret.

Hey B,

I can hardly believe it, I'm going to get to see you two weekends in a row. How awesome is that?!

I liked the new pics of you on your blog, I can't wait to see the ones from the trip to Jadda's house (no pressure D&A ;)). But seeing you so soon is really great.

I have a new picture of you on my screen saver (maybe one day I'll learn how to post pictures on my blog) and every time I open my computer I smile really big. Everybody who sees it talks about how cute you are, and surprisingly enough no one has said that you look like me. :) I'm trying to find something called a "pack and play" for this weekend. Do you really want to be in that thing? But I guess you really do need it so that you'll have something to sleep in at Jadda's house.

Well, he... Oops, I forgot I can't say those words around you, BUT I did figure how to post your picture, I just can't figure out to get it where I want it in the blog.

Hopefully, Sunday you'll get to go to church with pops! and meets some of my special friends that I told you about. Some of the "big" folks from church would like to meet you also. Everybody has heard alot about you and now they want to meet you. And if you get bored with Pastor Garry's sermon then Jadda and I will fight over who gets to go outside with you and probably both of us will lose to mommy or daddy. Unfortunately, parents do overrule grandparents and that is why sometimes we just have to keep them in the dark about a few things. Sometimes they are just better off not knowing... I wonder if that is what you are thinking in that picture.

I'll see you soon and pops! loves you,

pops!

Spoiled? Absolutely not-just perfect!!!!

2008-03-31T14:37:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

What a great weekend!! Everything seemed to go by so fast but I really enjoyed being with you and your mommy and daddy. After I dropped you guys off at the airport, I thought about everything we did over the weekend. I sure wish we didn't have to try to cram so much into such a short period of time, but maybe in the next couple of years you'll become a Southern boy.

It was really good for so many people to meet you for the first time. Grandmother, Nana, Aunt Jann, Aunt Pat, Uncle Rick, Uncle Jay, Aunt Kay and Barbara. You certainly were the center of attention, but that really isn't new for you. I don't know if you enjoy being the center of attention but I enjoy it for you. Your Pops! is so proud of you.

I really enjoyed playing with you. I need to start working out if I'm going to keep up with you. You move so fast and are never still unless you are asleep. You have gotten the low crawl down to an art form. I bet you'll be up on all fours and crawling in the next couple of weeks. And let me warn you now. The more you start getting around the more your going to hear a word more often-NO!! And it is not your middle name, you'll only think it is.

After all the toys that you got this weekend, I think your two favorites were your dads old Mickey Mouse radio from 25-26 years ago and Jadda's cooking pot and wooden spoon. Boy, the wooden spoon and cooking pot make a great noise don't they. And the hide and seek game your mommy and daddy played on the stairs was funny. I loved watching you try to figure out where their heads were going to pop up on the stairs.

I guess I could go on and on, but I think you know how much I enjoy and love my little buddy. You are a blast. I tried to get mommy and daddy to let me keep you but your daddy said something about...well it has something to do with where you get your main meal and I can't quite fit the bill there.. Maybe one day, when you are older you can spend a few days with Jadda and Pops!. And in case mommy and daddy are worried, we won't corrupt you. Well, maybe a little bit but nothing that will cause any permanent damage. Will we spoil you? Well, if that is what you call it, yes. That is a pops! prerogative isn't it.

People ask me if you are spoiled and I say, "Absolutely not-just perfect."

I miss you already and look forward to seeing you again soon. After next weekend, I'll be the one who is spoiled.

Dancing eyes

2008-03-26T06:23:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

Last night was really great. You have really changed in a short few weeks. Seeing you and your daddy walk across that hotel lobby was exciting. Seeing my D caring my little buddy was heartwarming and satisfying. To see your daddy caring a six month old baby doesn't make me feel old, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. In a sense, it makes me feel that me and Jadda did something good as parents. (Both my sons make me feel that way). And I know that your Opa and Oma feel the same way about your mommy. Your parents are really good parents. You know how I know that? Because I could see it in your eyes as you watch them. Yesterday, when I held you I watched you watch your mommy and daddy and I could see your eyes dance for them. After a while of me holding you, I could see you eyes long for them. With all the things we did together in two hours, seeing your reaction to mommy and daddy was the most gratifying. They are awesome, aren't they?

And you are soooo active. A constant ball of energy!! You remind me of your Uncle Wookie (Z for most folks) at that age. He was constantly moving. You remind me of your daddy with your look of determination when you see something you want and you do the intense low crawl to get it. There wasn't much your daddy couldn't do when he was determined. And you look so much like your beautiful mommy.

I also enjoyed you falling asleep on my shoulder as we walked to dinner. I got to eat all my salad and half my dinner with you asleep in my arms. Man, I loved that so much. And the minute you woke up, you wanted mommy.

I really enjoyed seeing you and daddy and mommy playing together. The little dance that they do together that makes you smile and cackle is so funny. One day when you are older and see that on DVD (or whatever it is by then) you'll roll your eyes and think how silly they look. And they do, BUT it is sooo funny. You have become the joy of their lives, and rightly so.

As much fun as I had yesterday, seeing the pure joy with you three was the best. Thanks for yesterday!!! And I'll see you Saturday. I'll see what kind of trouble I can get us into. Can't wait to see those dancing eyes.

pops!

Is it over?

2008-03-24T16:14:00.000-05:00

Hey B,

Yesterday was Easter and Jadda and I were at church and we were sitting with our friends. Those friends include a really special friend named Gavin. Gavin is a couple of years older than you but when I am around him I think of you often. I have a few of these special friends at church, like Andrew, Gavin and Sam. I guess I've really never grown up-I really enjoy being around the kids. I have a blast!!! And some of the things they say are so funny. Yesterday in church, we did the communion thing different than normal. They had set tables up at the front of the sanctuary and you went up whenever you felt like it. When everyone started getting up to go to the front, Gavin said, "Is it over?" I thought I'd fall out of my chair laughing and I thought of you. Jadda and I talked on the way home that that would be like something you will do when you get older. Gavin is so full of life and I kind of ad fuel to the fire at church, because when church is over he and I always go play "bakitball". I think for both of us that is the highlight of the service-sorry Pastor Garry.

But really playing "bakitball" with Gavin is more important than anything else, in my opinion. For with Gavin, when it is over is really when it all begins. Church really isn't about what happens on Sunday but what happens when it is over.

See you soon. And pops! loves you.

pops!

Jadda's B'Day

2008-03-17T15:47:00.000-05:00

One proud Jadda!!!!

Hey B,

Today isn't St. Patrick's Day, it's JADDA'S BIRTHDAY!!! What an amazing woman!!! She has put up with your pops! for over 31 years. That alone deserves some sort of award. I have been told by either your Dad or your uncle Z (I don't remember which one) that when I married Jadda that I "married up". I certainly don't disagree. As a partner in life, I couldn't have asked for a better one. As a mother, my sons had absolutely the best. And as a Jadda, you have the best.

Happy Birthday Jadda!!!!

pops!

Paying for your raisin'

2008-03-14T13:16:00.000-05:00

I talked with D this morning and he was talking with me while he was changing B's diaper. The problem was that D was having to change B while he was on his(B's) stomach. Seems that B is really intrigued by mobility. D says that he can really move, constantly seeking out something new. I remember a "upwardly mobile" kid about 24 or 25 years ago. We were living in Orlando. We had taken our son Z to a soccer match. Z was just a young kid and we were watching what could be loosely termed as a soccer match. It was more like a swarm of kids all converging on a ball at the same time, but I digress. We looked around and there was D jogging around the track at the soccer field. He was kind of like Forrest Gump, "Run D, Run". This experience was a shadowing of things to come. D discovered track in high school and became a stellar high school athlete who went on to run track in college. Can you tell I'm proud? Hell, yeah!

Z, that budding soccer star, has become an accomplished researcher and academician. Proud again? Damn straight!

What does this have to do with B and his constant activity? I don't know or really care, but I did get to tell a story that makes pops! proud.

D, you're paying for your raisin',

pops!

I love you, D.

For B

2008-03-10T17:09:00.000-05:00

Wow, me blogging!! What has the world come to? Hell, I don't even know what to do when I finish writing this. If it is like everything else I do on the computer, it'll probably end up for days lost in cyberspace. I'll try it anyway.

A few months ago my life changed dramatically when my little buddy made his grand entrance into the world. I can still here my son D saying, "You have a grandson." I had known this moment was coming but when it happened it was so strange. I didn't know I had anymore room in my heart to love like I love B. I really love my wife and two sons and didn't think that there was anymore room in my heart for that kind of love, but how wrong I was. My little buddy has stolen this old fart's heart. I thought that there could be nothing like the experience of fatherhood but how wrong I was. Being pops! is just awesome. I remember the first time we travelled to California to see B and how awesome it was. I remember having to leave after a few days knowing that it would be a few months before I would see him again, and it nearly killed me. I cryed like a baby ( no guilt trip intended D and A). It was really then that I knew that B had stolen my heart.

What does all this mean? I left my heart in San Francisco ( or at least right outside of it).

B, I'll see you soon.

pops!