Another Milestone!

The other day at the grocery store, when my mom was busy looking for mangoes (my favorite), I grabbed her shopping list and pen and started writing. At least I tried to, but the cap was on the pen. I spent the rest of the shopping trip trying to write a list like Mom does. When I didn't wipe the look of intense concentration off my face, Mom made a beeline for the school supply aisle and bought me my first box of (washable) crayons. When we got home, Mom set up my art station. She taped big pieces of paper to the floor and handed me my box crayons. I immediately began ripping the paper off the floor and chewing on the crayons. It quickly became clear that I was not quite ready for this milestone.

Then this morning, as Mom was busy working on her list of things to pack for our beach vacation, I kept pointing to her pad and pen. So she pulled me up in her lap, took the cap off the pen, and let me go to town. Here is the result: my first drawing!

This Weekend

Some of you may have noticed that blogger has had some problems this weekend, so I couldn't post anything new until now--but I've had a busy weekend and there is alot to post!

First of all, we got a brand spankin' new vacuum cleaner this weekend. It's a shop vac and it is amazing. Cat fur be gone! My mom went crazy vacuuming all the radiators and window sills for like hours on Saturday. Then Dad took it outside and vacummed the car. Poki crumbs be gone! When they finally took a break, my folks let me give it a go. I did not hesitate to run right over and pick up the hose. They thought I would try to move it on the floor just like I had seen Mom doing, but look what I did instead:



The next morning, Dad took the shop vac's box and built an addition onto my house. It's awesome! It' like a garage or something, but I use it as a second entry.







Also yesterday, I had a date with Scarlett at her house. Being the romantic that I am, I dance with Scarlett for alot of the time. And once I discovered how to turn the music up, there was no stopping me. (In case you were wondering why the video is so shaky, my Mom could not stop cracking up at my move, which has now become even more disturbing to her since I took out the knee bend).



That's just a little taste of my weekend. It's hard to believe that next weekend I will be running around the beach in North Carolina!

A New Move! ...Finally

Question:
What does a dance-crazy baby do when he hears music while strapped in a highchair?

Answer:
I move the only body part I can: the legs.

I love the fridge magnet toy that Penelope got me for my birthday. During breakfast, when my highchair is in the kitchen, I constantly point to the fridge to ask for my fridge toy. I love it. Then I make it play music and do my best to dance along.

Banjo

Bluegrass and dancing are both in my blood, so it seems obvious that my dance move would become twice as...um...intense when dancing to banjo music. And when my intensity causes me to fall, I even dance sitting down. My mom is making a pretty big effort to teach me new dance moves by clapping and moving side to side (instead of my front to back move), but I'm sticking to it. Hey--it's my signature move!

Check out this video of me dancing to Babushka's banjo music:

Walking Doggie

One of my favorite toys is my dog, Doggie. I love taking him for walks on my street. I'm not sure if he likes going for walks as much as I do. He seems to have a little difficulty actually walking.

Even More Dancing

Just when you thought I could get any cuter, I decided to start dancing. And now I can't stop. It's pretty much my Mom's favorite thing ever--which is why she keeps filming me doing it. Here is yet another video of Poki the Dancing Machine.

Things On My Head

Lately, I've really liked putting things on my head. Weird, huh?

It all started with Mom's sunglasses.



Then I became totally obsessed with the doggie ears Mom got me to wear at my birthday party...which of course I didn't wear at all at the party. It may look like I am pulling them off in these pictures, but I'm actually trying to put them on.







Since I like putting things on my head so much, Mom thought I might like to use her head scratcher. Ummm...not so much.

More Dancing

Now that I have learned to dance, I can't stop. I'm a maniac--maniac on the floor. And I'm dancing like I've never danced before. ...Cause I haven't danced before. That's obvious, right? I mean, I am only 12 months old. Anyway...I'll dance to pretty much anything: 50's music, Hip Hop, Country--whatever my car radio will play.

1 Year Check-Up

I had my 1 year check up today and yet again, my pediatrician said I am perfect. (Umm...Duh). The best part about my visit is that he said that I can eat anything I want now that I am a year old. You know what that means, don't you? Peanut Butter!





You can bet there was some "nyum nyum" going on!

Family Day!

Yesterday, me, Mom and Dad met Babushka at the Bronx Zoo. I woke up at 5 am, much to my mother's dismay, and was more than ready for a nap by 8 am. We arrived at the zoo a little after 10 am, and by noon, I was ready for nap #2. So my schedule was a little off, and that didn't exactly bode well for a day away from home, but I toughed it out. When we left to go home, I got a second wind and stayed awake, talking to myself in the back seat for a while. Finally, I cuddled up with Meri and my silky blanket and crashed...hard.



When we got home, I ate dinner and played with my toys...hard. I didn't stop running and squealing until my mom's favorite summer show, So You Think You Can Dance, came on at 8 pm. I have to admit, I really like Mom's show too. In fact, as soon as it started, I grabbed my sippy cup and climbed into Dad's lap to watch. I was hooked. I was studying some new dance moves.



I'll post some pictures from my trip to the Bronx Zoo very soon!

Now This Is A Milestone!

I got a very special present on my birthday: My very first remote control car! This is a very important, special day in a boy's life. Unfortunately, I don't quite know how it works. I know to press the button, but I still get really surprised when the car moves. I haven't quite put two and two together. It cracks my mom up.

Chasing Kitties 2.0

I recently discovered how to play with the kitties. I mean, I've pretty much always had fun with them, but now I know how to get them to have fun with me!

New Digs

My dad, an architect, built me a house from the box my kitchen came in. Our living room and dining room look like a miniature world now with my Poki-sized car, my Poki-sized kitchen, my Poki-sized vacuum, broom and swifter, Poki-sized shopping cart, Main Street Village, and now my Poki-sized house. I have to tell you, I wasn't crazy about it at first. But this morning, my mom put some of my toys in there and then I started to like it some more. Also, Max the cat discovered my house and he really likes it alot. I think he thought it would be an ideal place to hide from me--of course that made me want to go in there more. I love to catch kitties. It's only my favorite game.

Here is the house my daddy designed and built for me:

This is the side window.



Here is the front door. Notice the little handle on the off-center door and the skinny window so I can check out who is knocking on my door. Daddy thought of everything.



Max really likes my house. Here he is peering in through the window. Also notice the window sill that Daddy put on the back of the house. My monkey doll likes to sit on it and enjoy the view of Main Street Village.



My house is a little short so I have to crawl in and out of it-- it's pretty fun!



So that's pretty much it. You guys are welcome to stop by my house any time. I can give you a tour of the interior then.

Dancing Machine!

After overhearing my mom complaining that I haven't started dancing yet, I decided to throw her a bone. After busting a move for her, she said my move (not "moves"--there is only one) was precisely the type of dancing that got dancing banned in that town in Footloose. I basically just thrust my pelvis back and forth. There is no bending of the knees, no swinging of the arms, no clapping--I can't be bothered with that business. I just move my pelvis back and forth and back and forth. See for yourself:





As many of you know, my mom is a dancer. She has danced all her life and even taught dance. Well it's a good thing because she has a lot of work to do with me. I don't know what her problem is--I think I am a really awesome dancer.

A Poki Party

I had so much fun at my party this weekend. My best friend, Scarlett was there, and a new friend, Will was there too. Their parents Joe and Lauren, and Marika and Peter brought them. Also, my Aunt Rachel and Uncle Charlie came all the way from New York--so did Sean. And Mike, April and Michael (9 years old) came all the way from Boston! Can you believe all the people that love me? The person who came the farthest was Babushka. She came all the way from Tennessee. Technically she is doing work in NYC, but I think she really came to see me. Here are some pictures from the big day:

Scarlett was one of the first to arrive and she really liked my car.



She even pushed me around in it.





Shortly after everyone arrived, my mom brought out the cupcakes. Unfortunately, she didn't think to take a picture until after she gave me mine, so one is missing here. It had a blue paw print and a tall blue candle...



...and it was delicious!





...but I may have eaten too much of it.



Wait--am I wearing a hat?



Then it was time to open presents!



Scarlett helped. She's a pro since she just did this a few weeks ago at her party.



I got so many amazing presents, but my Aunt Rachel crocheted me a very special alien doll. When I took my nap (just moments after I opened my presents), I snuggled with it.



When everyone left, they got a doggie bag filled with dog bone cookies and a cupcake to go.



Later, I played with all my toys. Like this awesome book from my new friend Will.



And Main Street Village, from Scarlett and her parents, Lauren and Joe.



This thing is so cool. I think Granddaddy will be jealous of my train.



And guess what arrived just moments before my party began? A kitchen from Granny! I love this thing! I haven't stopped playing with it.



Well...maybe I stop every now and then, but only to do some driving or cleaning.



And that's just a taste of my birthday fun! I wouldn't be surprised if I decided to post more later. Tons of people took pictures and I bet there is more fun stuff to come!

Birthday Boy

I have so much to tell about and show you from my party yesterday, but I'll have to do that a little later. For now, I'll leave you with a little snippet of the day:



Let me just say that was at the start of the mess...my mom actually found cake in my diaper.

Seeing The World From A Whole New Perspective

Today I did something that only one-year-olds can do: I rode in my car seat facing the front. Seriously! How cool is that? I could see so much more than I ever have before. I never really liked being in the car before, but I think I'm going to like this front-facing business. I guess this is some sort of momentous occasion or something, because my mom got it on video (big surprise). Check it out...my first time ever seeing where I was going, instead of where I'd been.

First Birthday Present

Yesterday, Mom and Dad greeted me in the morning with my birthday present from them. They got it about a week ago, assembled it, and "hid" it in Daddy's office. Said office is off my parent's bedroom, separated by a glass-paned door. My point is...I saw my present a while ago. In fact, the morning after they stayed up late putting it together, I walked right back to the glass-paned door, saw my present and banged on the door trying to get to it. My parents knew this, but they still insisted that I wait to really get it until my birthday. So yesterday morning, they wheeled it in and I was so happy! Dad got a good video of my reaction, but we'll have to put that up later. In the meantime, here are some pictures of me enjoying my new toy:

Happy Birthday, Poki

When you were born, I mourned the loss of you.
Hand on my soft, empty belly, I longed
to feel you move inside me,
and cried when I knew I never would again.
Phantom kicks and flutters
made me miss you even more.

Now, a year later, you cry when I leave the room,
you fall asleep faster the tighter I hold you,
have kisses only for me.
And I wonder if you don’t miss me too.


--------------------------------------------------

But I am glad you are here. I am so very, very glad you are here. Now that I know you, I don’t think I could live a day without you. There is so much you have changed in me—too much to broadcast in a blog. I’ll save those details for a letter only you will see.

I will just say that right away I knew that I must have done something to make God happy. I don’t know how else to explain you.

I love you, Carson.

-Mom

The Day It Began

(A Story From Poki's Mom).

This time a year ago, I was in labor with you. I woke up at 8:30 am, walked to the bathroom and watched a flood pour out of me. When I called the doctor, he said I could come to the hospital, if I was sure I hadn't just wet my pants. Oh...I was sure... but, thanks, Doc. At the hospital, the doctor said I had indeed broken my water (duh), but my contractions were weak and far apart, so...he sent me home. In preparation for Babushka's arrival, I cleaned the house. (I know...I don't know what I was thinking either). I think I ate about three lunches to be sure I had enough strength for when you were ready to arrive. I didn't check back in to the hospital until around 6:00 pm. And you came seven hours and eleven minutes later.

I've been thinking all day about this day that it all began. But of course, it's not really how it all began--just about how your arrival began. When I found out I was having you, I began to document my/your progress every week by writing a poem. I did this for six weeks--I began as soon as I found out about you. I immediately called my doctor, and my heart sank when I found out they wouldn't see me until you'd been in my belly for ten weeks. I was already four weeks along, but those six weeks were the longest six weeks of my life.

Waiting

I.

I stare at the test on the sink
in front of me, squeeze
my hands between my knees to keep
from wringing them any more.
Try to convince myself it’s a mistake-
I know this won’t happen for me.

I watch the faint blue line grow
darker, form a solid plus, hear
the ding of the kitchen timer.

II.

It will be five weeks until
the doctor says you are mine
to keep or to try again.

Each twinge or cramp
from stretching tendons and growing
uterus fills me with worry
and relief.

I expect to lose you, expect blood
each time I stand from the toilet,
every trickle to be the mucus plug,
my body to fail you.

And know my fear
could be killing you.

III.

I cannot swallow.
Cannot force food down
to nourish you.
You are so small, only
a lentil that should grow
to a raspberry this week.

Your heart should pump blood
and the beginnings of hands move.
But will they if I cannot
give you what you need to grow?

IV.

Only two more weeks
until I will hear your heartbeat
alongside my own.

I want that sound to be glue,
connect me to you
and to your father.

To be proof that this body
I’ve lost has been given
to someone else—
that you really are inside me.

Then, maybe I can allow
myself to love you
despite my fear.

V.

Three years ago, no one knew
what was hurting me, what caused
intolerable pain, joints so swollen
they froze in stillness, lymph nodes
like grapes shoved under my skin
behind ears, under arms, in my groin.
Six doctors, fifty-eight vials of blood,
two biopsies, eight prescriptions,
ten pounds, three straight weeks
of sleep-- no one knew. Sick leave
from work, fainting on Subways,
no tests could determine.

Today I lie here, rub my swollen
belly, fight tears as the doctor
searches for the heartbeat you hide,
twist to vomit in the dish the nurse
holds next to me, try to listen and believe
as the doctor says: Extreme but normal.
Morning sickness. Dehydrated. Nothing
wrong with you. Will forget in time.

I think of three years ago, fear of death,
questions of Cancer, lymphoma, what they couldn’t
tell me. I want to ask those doctors why
this new life, what they can name,
feels so much worse.

VI.

Today I saw you dance
inside me, your heart,
a butterfly in a jar.
For a moment, I felt well
again, thought the proof
of you cured my selfishness.

They say you are healthy, perfect,
will stay with me, that I am doing
everything right.

So now I wait again.
This time to feel you move,
to find out if you’re a girl or boy,
give you a name,
see your face.


I love you, Poki. It was worth every minute of morning/noon/night sickness. I would do it a million times over.

-Mom

Funny And Sad All At The Same Time

I'm still getting over my sore throat/cough/virus and I'm really hoarse. It hasn't kept me from talking though. Daddy just pretends I'm sounding like that on purpose. He'll ask, "Poki, how does a dinosaur say 'hello'?" Or, "how does a dinosaur say 'daddy?" He thinks I'm combining my tricks. Oh, Daddy...

The Cutest Thing I Do These Days

You guys all saw the video of me at the Peabody where my mom would ask what a dinosaur says, she would roar, then I would roar. (See here ). Well the next day, she asked what a dinosaur says, and I told her without being prompted. She loves when I do it. Everyone does. It's pretty cute.

Last weekend, when we went to Dinosaur Crossing (see here ), I made my dinosaur sounds the entire time. My parents thought that was sort of strange, because I have never really seen a dinosaur like that before--just the bones or a stuffed animal version. Somehow I still knew what they were. Go figure. Anyway, I roared all day without even being asked. Again, everyone thought I was adorable...even though they all thought I was a girl--but that's another story.

That brings us to this week. For a while now, when my mom changes my diaper, she gives me something to play with, otherwise I try to fly off the changing table. This week, she started giving me a wooden dinosaur to play with. (Mommy Note: It's not really a dinosaur--but it is another giant reptilian creature, and I don't have the heart to correct Poki). As soon as she handed it to me, I roared like a dinosaur. Mom had to get it on film, but by the time she got Dad to come watch me while she found the camera, I was sort of over it--so she had to ask. And I was more than happy to oblige.

You Be The Judge...

There is a new debate in our house. See, my hair is really starting to grow, and there is a little place in the back that is flipping out a little. So here is the question: Curl or Cow-lick? What do you think? Will I have a head full of funky cow-licks like my daddy, or a head of curly hair like some of my uncles and cousins?

Yet Another First

Poki went to the doctor again this morning for this sore throat/cough/fever that he has. He couldn't even hold his head up this morning, poor guy. He saw his usual doctor this time, which perked him up immediately. But that all changed when the nurse walked in with (gasp!) the throat swab. That's right, folks. Poki had his first throat culture. Looking back on it, I think it actually went very, very well. He didn't throw up, he only squirmed a little, and I managed to hold back the screams of "Stop Torturing My Baaaaabyyyyyy!" Don't get me wrong. He cried. He cried more than he ever has in that doctor's office. And you better believe I cried too. (With the internal screams of "Stop Torturing My Baaaabyyyy!").

In the end, the quick test came back negative--thank goodness--and Poki perked up a little after we left. I think he probably figured if he could survive that, he could survive a sore throat and fever. He even walked his dog, Doggie, around the living room for a bit before he went to bed.

So that's our adventure for the day. Another first. Another milestone. Another story for the blog.

-Poki's Mom

A Year Of Videos

We have posted 100 videos of Poki on Youtube this year! To see all of them, feel free to visit the Pokolodi Channel on Youtube by clicking here. We've taken the liberty of putting together a dozen of our favorites (in order from the earliest to the most recent) for you here. Feel free to vote for your favorite(s) in our latest poll, seen to the right of this post. If we've left your favorite Poki video out of the top 12, please tell us your fave in the comments section. Enjoy!

Poki Talking To Mom



Milk Drunk Poki



First Poki Laughing



Poki Loves Kisses




Poki Chases Max



Poki Loves Kitties



Poki Gives Kisses



Poki Swims



Poki’s First Steps!




Poki’s Mad At Food (aka Meet The Saw Nose)



Poki Laughing At A Water Bottle



Poki’s First Word

1 Year Ago Today...

I was most likely lying on the sofa with my feet propped up, after moving to our new apartment a couple of days before. Poki was getting bigger by the second...and so was I. I would get up from my sofa-nest to unpack half a box every hour or so, but my aching back and hips wouldn't allow for much more than that. I was miserable, exhausted, swollen beyond recognition, and ready to meet my little guy.

Today, Poki is fighting his first real fever. Since yesterday afternoon, he has spent most of the time either sleeping or cuddled up in my lap in a sofa-nest with his favorite blanket, Mery the lamb and a cup of juice. I would comment on what a difference a year makes, but in this case...not much.

Check back in later for a birthday countdown poll featuring our favorite videos from the last year.

Til then...

-Poki's Mom

When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth...

...there was a little boy named Poki, and only he could understand the dinosaur's language--ROAR! He was known as The Dino Whisperer.

This weekend, we took a family trip to Dinosaur Crossing, a real live dinosaur park. First, I merely observed and allowed the creatures to become comfortable with me.










Then, slowly, I approached them, and with a gentle stroke of the tongue, I tamed them.




So much that I could even climb in their mouths and they wouldn't hurt me.




I even got to ride one!






This one trusted me so much that she let me look at her eggs.




You would think that this guy was stalking me, looking for his lunch, but he really just wanted to play fetch with that stick I was holding.




This one was too tall for me to stroke his tongue...




so we had to leave. We hung out at the pond instead...




Where we met this big fella.




Somehow, while I was busy taming dinosaurs, Daddy managed to tame me. I don't usually like to hold anyone's hand while I'm walking, so he must have put a spell on me or something.




I was so busy holding his hand that I wasn't looking where I was going and I stepped on a T-rex's foot!




Thank goodness Mom was nearby and she rescued me, as she often does.




Just in case that T-rex was still upset, I thought I'd better ride on Daddy's shoulders.






Then we went to the playground and I rode on a seahorse.




And then I did something for the very first time! I rode down a slide! It was a really cool rolly slide. At first I wasn't so sure about it...




But then Daddy helped me go down by myself and I LOVED it!



That's all from my day as the Dino Whisperer.

Check back as the countdown to my birthday begins!