HARLEY'S PLAYHOUSE

Just a quickie...

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:25:00 +0000

I went to the dentist! Here I am wearing the cool sunglasses they gave me.
They let me suction my mouth with a vacuum cleaner.

This nice lady stuck her fingers in my mouth. She's lucky I didn't bite her.
My mom was watching so I had to be good.

The dentist says my teeth are perfect.

My first vacation

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Thu, 28 May 2009 02:51:00 +0000

I've spent the last week in New York. Mom and Dad took me to visit Aunt Jenna. We spent a few days in Binghamton, where she lives and then drove to Niagara Falls.

From NY

(Aunt Jenna, Use that NY link to see all of our photos, not just the ones here.)

I really liked flying on the airplanes! Takeoff is my favorite followed closely by the moving walkways. Hotels are cool too. I like sleeping in the same room as Mommy and Daddy, but don't like falling out of bed and I don't like bright flashing cell phones that wake me up.

In Binghamton, we visited the zoo where Aunt Jenna works. She let me touch a chinchilla and an armadillo. I especially liked watching the meerkats get fed!

I'm playing tug of war with Dad.

We also painted pottery. This is my lizard.

We also hiked around Watkins Glen park. It's full of waterfalls. I can't count as high as the number of waterfalls we visited in NY.

Mom and Dad dragged me to a few wineries. I danced to the guy playing guitar and played under the chair.

Long car rides are boring. you need to be silly to survive it.

Niagara Falls is really really really big. There are lots of blue people on boats, scary haunted houses everywhere, and candy and ice cream stores everywhere you look.

I WANT TO LOOK IN THE BINOCULARS!

Thank you.

There are lots of pretty flowers in Canada.

After the splashy boat ride, we went to another zoo that had reptiles and birds.I got to touch this snake. Its name is Marley.

I tried to catch the seagulls, but they kept flying away.

Happy Mommy's day

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Sun, 10 May 2009 02:51:00 +0000

Mommy,

Happy Mother's Day. Daddy says that means I should try to be extra quiet and helpful today, but I think that means I should play with you all day.

Thank you for getting me drinks at 2am. and 6am. Thank you for changing my sheets at 7am. Thank you for letting me hate the potty. Thank you for giving me treats anyway. Thank you for letting me get dirty. Thank you for letting me hate the bath sometimes. Thank you for making me such good food. Thank you for being patient when I refuse to eat it. Thank you for taking me to so many wonderful places. Sorry we had to leave swimming lessons that one time. Thank you for kissing my owies and wiping my nose and giving me hugs and letting me fingerpaint and playing with me and reading me stories and... Thanks for giving me literally everything.

And because it's been awhile. Here's some pictures from the last month.

Easter of course.

I found eggs!

This is at the zoo.

Insert cute title here

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Sometimes it's just too hard to be creative and cute with my blog posts. So here are some pictures.

Dad's home! and I'm a bunny.

Painting Easter Eggs.

Helping mom put the new desk together. She looks tired.

Here are a few of me putting myself into weird places.

I fit in a paper bag.

I also fit in the end table

I put this on my head. But I refused to smile for a picture because I was a scary monster.

My favorite place: the fort.

6 days and counting!

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:23:00 +0000

It's almost time for my dad to come home. I can't wait!! I've missed him so much. These last couple weeks have been busy and fun. I've really had a crazy good time with the people who've kept me and my mom company since my dad left. A big thank you to all the people who helped out.

Thank you to Max for letting me taking you on walks.
Thanks to Justin and Kim for hanging out with me while I wait for my mom to get home from work.

Thanks again Justin for letting me play video games.

Thanks Uncle John for playing and being silly with me.

Andrea and Mom took me to the Children's Museum on Friday.
They have a Clifford exhibit. My favorite part was when we went out to eat afterwards.

As I was walking back from the bathroom I slapped the waitress on the behind. My mom explained to me later that you are not supposed to do that. Even if the person's behind is right in your face. I guess I'm lucky that the waitress thought it was funny.

Another dancing video. I hope you enjoy my mad skillz.
I can dance with my eyes closed. Sort of.

This video was taken at Kim's. In case you don't get it, my hands are kittens.

Coming soon....swimming lessons!

That's how I roll...

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:19:00 +0000

This is my new car. I was very excited to climb on (all by myself) and wanted to push all the buttons. Unfortunately my new car is being kept at my Great Aunt and Uncle's house so I don't get to ride it very often.

I have had a very busy weekend. I think my mom is trying to keep me busy so I don't realize my dad is gone. She can keep trying but it isn't working.
When people ask me where my dad is I just get a puzzled look and say "I don't know." Why do so many people keep asking me where he is? Doesn't somebody know?

I think my dad taught me this.

This is my Great Grandpa and his dog, Molly. She was so much fun!

Me, Grandma and Grandpa, and Daisy, out for a walk.

Grandma and Grandpa took me to see the baby chicks. They were so cute. I loved touching them. I didn't understand when mom said "mmm, chicken."

Just me being silly. I'm showing off my crazy bed head hair.

Like I said, it was a long and busy weekend.

Budding Musician...

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:59:00 +0000

This is me with Grandma. I am *SO* excited to hear her play her oboe.

My dad has only been gone for 3 days and I'm already learning to play the tuba! Grandma thought I should start with something nice and quiet and eventually work my way up to the bagpipes. It's a little hard because I'm so small but as you can see, I'm getting the hang of it.

In other news, I also had two other major accomplishments today...
1. I asked to use the potty.
2. I pooped on the potty!!!

I miss my dad...

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:06:00 +0000

My dad left for China today so I thought I'd update him on what I've been doing since he left. This blog will probably be a little different b/c usually my dad helps me with it. I miss him lots.

Here's a picture of me at 3 months old.

Here I am now. Which one is cuter?

Here's me rockin' out. This is from before my dad left but I think it's a good example of me dancing so I thought ya'll would want to see it. Sorry it's sideways. I don't know how to fix that.

Today I finger painted.
Dad told mom that was very brave.

Sticky fingers!

I'm pretending I'm a sleepy fish. No one is sure why.

Awesome Fun

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:57:00 +0000

Okay, so there's no way that I can tell you about the last 6 weeks today or I'll be up till midnight like I was on Christmas Eve so here are the hightlights.

BIG NEWS!!! I don't sleep in a crib anymore! Dad took the front off of my crib so now I can get in and out all by myself. I still yell and wait for Mom or Dad to come get me in the morning.

I took a trip to the Children's Museum with Sophia and it was awesome. Our parent's even had fun playing with balls and crawling through tunnels.

Mom and Dad took me to see the Hollidazzle parade and it was awesome. I got to have my first taste of hot chocolate and it was also awesome. I loved the Christmas lights on the floats and kept jumping up and down on Dad's shoulders.

My new favorite thing to do is color. I would rather color than eat lunch, dinner, go anywhere, or do anything that my parents want at that time.

I stayed with Grandma and Grandpa A. last weekend since Dad was in Vegas. I think I had more fun with Grandpa.

Of course there are Christmas pictures too.

I had awesome fun pulling the adults off of their butts.

BEFORE

AFTER

Handsome

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:50:00 +0000

Yesterday was my Aunt Sandra's wedding. I had to wear uncomfortable clothes and walk slow while lots of people stared at me. I did good though, cause I followed my cousins' lead. Mostly that means I ran around the church for all but the ceremony.

Oh yeah, and that cake was gooood! It was so good that I cried when Mom stole a bite.

Afterwards, I went with my aunt Jessie to spend the night at her house. Thank you for taking me away from the boring adults that were worried I'd get all dirty.

Can you guess they song I'm singing? (Answers below.)

Answer: Happy Birthday of course. Why else would I blow out a candle?

Tricks and Treats

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:29:00 +0000

I've got to say, with my birthday, leaves, and Halloween, October is definitely my favorite month.

Mom and Dad carved pumpkins last week. I helped. I liked pulling the gooey parts out best.

I've been pointing out Halloween lights for a few weeks and like to look at the spooky houses, but Friday night I finally figured out what all the hubbub is about. This makes October magical. CANDY, CANDY. AND MORE CANDY!

We had a Halloween party at Jamie's house [daycare] too! My favorite part was the firemen that came!

This is when I learned what fun can be had with balloons.

Now that I know...

This weekend, Dad fixed our garage. I tried to help, but they wouldn't let me. They must've forgot how I'm a good helper. I even helped Dad move all of the wood into the garage this week. He took one end of those long boards and I took the other. There was a LOT of them too.

Partay!

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 03:40:00 +0000

Raise your hand if you're Two!

Dad would say I've been 2 for awhile, but I'm not sure what he means by that.

Thanks to everyone who came to my party on Saturday. I had a blast. I loved playing with my friends and taking my toys away from all of you; they were mine. The SpongeBob cakes were delicious and I've been having a piece for dessert every night since!

I went to the science museum last week.

Science is awesome. So is this chain thingy!

Grandma made 2 Spongebob cakes for me.
I guess next year she'll make 3 cakes since I'll be turning 3, right?

PRESENTS!

This is the tricycle that Grandma A gave me. I love it.

We didn't stay out long, though, 'cause Dad was a wimp and complained about the snow.

Finally. I know, right?

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:35:00 +0000

So I finally have something blog-worthy to share with everyone. Are you ready? Are you on the edge of your seat? What could be worth such high honors you ask?

I used the potty!

So really Dad asked if I wanted to since I was crabby about a bath then told me to squeeze, but it totally counts. :)

I've got some big events coming up so I promise you'll see some regular posts (Birthday, Halloween, Aunt Sandra's wedding).

This is Mom's new office. I helped set up.

I know you can't tell, but I wanted to look through the log.

Holy sugar rush!

The otters were definitely my favorite at the zoo.

The bears were sleepy.

I love my new pajamas.

Mojo loves it when I pick him up.

Gamma Gappa

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:52:00 +0000

I just got back from a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's last night. They have the best house because they have lots of toys and I get lots of hugs. I also went to church with them this morning and had a lot of fun with the other kids. Tonight I got to play with my cousins who helped me release lots of energy. I was super hungry when Mom and Dad came. They say I eat a lot, but my little tummy only holds 2 bowls of fruit, all of the beef in Mom's stirfry, some broccoli, 5 fish sticks, and a serving of cake. Is that a lot? That's normal for me.

Yesterday was Dad's 30th birthday. We went for a walk, played in the dirt, and he taught me how to roll down a hill. I think he was trying to prove that he wasn't old yet. I know better though. I was worried he'd break a hip.

I ran a race with Mom last week. It was super fun. My favorite part was the fire truck.

Photo overload

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:01:00 +0000

NEW PHOTOS!!!

I'm so adorable.

Holy cow, do I love the sprinkler!

I like to be a baby after my bath.

We spent last weekend back at Aunt Jessie and Uncle Dean's cabin.

This time I liked the floaties. At least until I was dumped.

Yep, still adorable.

Today we went to the state fair. I can sum it up in 2 words. Food. Animals.

Tickle, tickle.

This was a nice sheep. I also liked the goat that ate grass from my hand.
Mom thought it would eat my fingers and gave Dad a disapproving look.

I TOUCHED A COW!

Harley 1, Containment 0

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:31:00 +0000

I've learned a new trick, and it allows me a little more freedom. Hold your breath... I can now open doors! That's right. I figured it out while at Grandma and Grandpa's a couple of weeks ago. Dad came to pick me up and I was ready to go, so I opened the door and went outside. He made me do it again. Here's some proof.

Funny how now that I can open them, I don't want the doors to be closed anymore. Especially at night.

I love playing in the hose and sprinkler. I'm a good helper and water all of Mom's flowers too.

Can you see the bite mark? That happened at daycare. I consider it a badge of honor.

It's a good think I was the bitee and not the biter though, cause I'd have to give hugs and say "Towwy" I do that a lot now. Like when I hit Dad in the face, or hit Dad with a drumstick, or kick Dad in the stomach, or headbutt Dad in the tooth. You get the idea.

Wow. I haven't posted in a while, huh? This is from the 4th, with me in the parade.

I had a ton of fun with my Aunt Jenna. We went to the drive-in. I ran around a lot and Dad got hit in the face with a softball.

Last weekend we were at Aunt Jessie and Uncle Dean's cabin. I got to stay up super late and sit by the fire and swim in the lake.

I'm ready, where's the fish?

Mush.

Don't you even think about taking this away.

Sand Crabs

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:43:00 +0000

I hope everyone else's summer is as fun as mine has been! I spend every minute outside that Mom and Dad let me. I love playing in the water! The sand on the beach is so much fun, Mom brought some home and put it in my backyard. Now I can play in the dirt whenever I want.

My friend Garrett and me at the beach.

This was taken on Father's day. Dad

We went to Como Zoo a few weeks ago. I like the monkeys. I go "Oo Oo Ah Ah".

I talk a lot more now. I understand a lot more too. It makes it way easier to get what I want. I've even learned that when Dad says No, if I say "Peeez" he changes his mind. It's like that's a magic word.

Cages and Caterpillars.

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:28:00 +0000

I've had a busy couple of weeks. Here are some of the highlights.

My parents finally did it. They installed a cage for me.

Running around with Dad and Grandpa at the drive-in

I had fun with Aunt Sandra and Eric.

Dad's been trying to get this on video for about 2 weeks not.

I love this truck that Grandma A. gave me. I push it around everywhere we go.

Today we biked over to Minnehaha Falls and had a picnic.

CATERPILLAR!!!

I am so S.M.R.T.

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 19 May 2008 02:44:00 +0000

I love the look on Mom and Dad's faces whenever I do new things now. Judging from their reactions, I'm pretty sure I'm a genius.

Here are some new things I've learned that you may not know since I am a genius and you might only be of average intelligents.

I know what nose, ears, eyes, mouth, teeth, and hair are. Mom and Dad must keep forgetting because they now ask me where they are all the time.

I can point to things in picture books when Mom and Dad ask me to help find them. I can find dogs, kitties, bubbles, books, balls, fish, cars, mommies, daddies, and lots more.

I know how to say milk, more, eat, baby, and bath in sign language. Mom and Dad's friend Andrea was especially impressed.

I now can say the words story, truck, car, booby, stick, apple and grapes.

If you hide something, I'll ask "Where'd it go?" [Ere O?]

I'm getting pretty good at jumping. I even spent some time on a trampoline this week. I wasn't sure about it at first, but after I realized it doesn't hurt to fall I loved it.

Oh, Oh, I almost forgot! Speaking of getting hurt, the kitchen wall bit me yesterday! Mom and Dad were about to start painting and the neighbor girl had just shown up to watch me while they painted. I realized that the outlet had a hole in it and when I touched it it bit me. Holy cow was that scary!

Garreth is so much fun.

This is my Musikgarten teacher Miss Laurie.
I can be really shy in class sometimes.

Grandpa's are good at peekaboo.

Cool! I can push and pull the new kitchen chairs around.

Alright already! New pictures!

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 12 May 2008 02:24:00 +0000

I blame Dad. He's been refusing to help me post as punishment for not letting Mom and him sleep for the last month or so. Really, it's their own fault, since I sleep just fine in bed with them. I need lots of room though, so I try to kick Dad out of bed. Literally.

Turn it UP!

My new favorite things.

#1 Trucks. I push my trucks everywhere. Around the house, onto the porch, back inside, down the block, up the alley, into the neighbor's yard, up Dad's face, down Dad's back, everywhere. The only thing better than a truck is 2 trucks. One for each hand.

#2 Sand. I finally found dirt that Mom and Dad approve of me playing in. I love digging. Since I don't know where to put the sand I dig up, I usually dump it in Dad's hands. Sand is also great for throwing.

#3 Shoes. Specifically, Mom and Dad's shoes. I love to clomp around in them. Sometimes I just put them on and take them off over and over. I feel so big when I wear them.

#4 Tantrums. I finally found a way to express the feelings of rage and betrayal I feel when someone (Mom or Dad) takes away a toy or makes me do anything I don't want. There are 3 basic rules to a tantrum that will drive any parent to cave. First, insist on being put down and squirm like a slippery fish. Second, scream bloody murder. Third, throw anything handed to you.

#5 Being understood. So I've been talking up a storm for months and months now (at least the vowels) and it's really nice when someone finally understands. For example, Dad figured out Ee-EeO last week. See if you can get it. The answer's at the bottom.

#6 Slides. Holy cow do I love slides!

#7 Outside!

Like my shiner?

I like playing Fort, but sometimes I get stuck.

Ee-EeO: Cheerios, of course.

Words

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:31:00 +0000

Quick update. Last weekend I was home alone with Dad while Mom took off. Other than getting sick all over Mom and Dad's bed and having a fever most of the time, we had fun!

It has since been confirmed that I had hand, foot, and mouth disease. So did most of the kids at daycare. I'm better now.

I love this warm weather so much I throw a tantrum every time I'm brought inside. Anyone blame me?

This morning we went to Aunt Jessie and Uncle Dean's house. I loved playing with my cousin.

Mom and Dad tried to put together a list of words I say. I use most of these correctly. Of course Mom and Dad are the only ones who understand me.

Uh-Oh
Kitty
Hi
Up
Down
Doggie
Snugli
Bubbles
Duck
Mom
Dad
Knock Knock
Harley
Cheese
Ow
Truck
Beep
Meow
Oink
Two
Three
Hot
Thank You (I'm so polite)
Giddy-up
No

Happy Snowy Easter

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 01:29:00 +0000

Happy Easter. I love all of the snow we got this weekend. I've been able to play in it while Mom and Dad shovel over and over again.

The Easter bunny left me a basket full of eggs and toys to find this morning. There are plastic eggs EVERYWHERE! After a super long nap, we went to Grandma and Grandpa P.'s house where I wrestled with my cousins.

I had a blast touching the dog.

That's two weekends in a row that we went over there, because we celebrated my cousin Tavito's birthday last week, too!

I love Grandma and Grandpa

My cousins tire me out!

This is me in a nice restaurant (Cheesecake Factory) last night.

...And 2 minutes later...

It's SCIENCE!

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:37:00 +0000

First of all, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief because my eye is just fine. The drops weren't that bad either.

I've had a really fun week. Saturday afternoon we went to Underwater World at the Mall of America with Garreth and Andrea. I liked the big fish and the rays a lot, but my favorite part was definitely the moving walkway!

I also got to hang out with my cousins for a little bit. They even played fort with me!

Monday my buddy Garrett came to visit and our Mom's took us to the Science Museum. That place is awesome!

Doctors?... or Aliens?!?!

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 05:19:00 +0000

With news like this, there's no more excuses for Dad to put off helping me with my posts. I just got back from my first trip to urgent care. I hurt my eye earlier today and it's been watering non-stop and hurts. I have to squint a lot. For some reason, my parents thought that the best course of action was to take me to have someone hold my eye open and squirt things in there. That did NOT HELP. How did this occur? Mom, Dad, and two strangers co-conspired to hold me down in a death grip while one of them wrenched open my injured eye! I think I saw part of a movie on TV where aliens held someone down and put a probe into his eye. That's pretty much what happened, except that Mom and Dad not only approved, but participated!

Dad insists I let him tell his side of the story.

Harley started to cry and rub his eyes around 6pm like he'd been poked in the eye or something, but was able to open it. After 2 hours, when his right eye was still watering, (and Michelle came home and insisted I call the nurse immediately), we took him to urgent care, thinking his eye may have been scratched. Luckily we got right in since it was already past bed time. The doctor put numbing drops in, then put a dye in his eye that will fill a scratch and fluoresce under a black light. Harley's so strong, it took 4 of us to hold him still and keep his eye open. The dye showed a decent sized corneal abrasion (scratch) right in the center of his eye. What Harley doesn't know yet is that we have to administer antibacterial eye drops 4 times a day for a few days to prevent any infection as it heals. Hopefully it will get better as he gets used to it rather than worse as he realizes what's we're up to.

I'm too traumatized to talk about it anymore. Let's move on...

Happy Birthday, Garrett. Your party was fun, thanks for inviting us. I really like your toys and your room. I've been trying to talk Dad into buying me a remote control car. Maybe he'll feel guilty enough now that I got hurt on his watch. Next time I see you I'll teach you how to go down stairs. Slide down on your stomach if you're in a hurry, but the butt slide is much more fun.

I'm learning to share.

Still the babies.

I needed a break and was ready to go home.

Dad's been building forts for me to climb on and I love it!

There was actually one day in the last month warm enough for me to play outside.

Hello? How come nobody ever calls me?

One... Ooo... Eee

HarleyPeterson@gmail.com (Harlan Peterson) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:40:00 +0000

Sorry for the long breaks between posts. Dad's been too busy to help me. I hope the pictures were worth the wait.