While getting him ready for bed a few weeks ago, I taught P how to jump....into my arms from the changing table :)
Here's a video I shot tonight of him jumping (mucking as he says it!) on the floor and off of his new potty bench.
The video doesn't give the full effect since I'm usually catching him, but couldn't while holding the camera. It's still cute nonetheless!
Check it out :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY3EMa6YRzw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
A Garden "Without Weeds"
You may recall reading this post back in February about the passing of my great-grandmother Marie Caraher. The end of July, most of her family (a large one at that, eleven children, 27 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 18 great, great grandchildren!) was able to gather together for her memorial service and to celebrate the great life she lived. Her children and their families are literally scattered all over the country, coming from as far as the Domenican Republic, Canada, Oregon, the east coast, many more locations as well as right here in Iowa. It was a wonderful celebration and great to chat with family we rarely have the opportunity to see (just wish it was under better circumstances!).
Her son Denny is a wonderfully talented musician who has written many songs telling tales from his childhood and about the family. I highly encourage you to check out his website! I'd like to share this beautiful song he sang for us in honor of his mother, my great-grandmother. His website gives some backstory to points of the song. One addition I'd like to make - one of the two "raising hell in heaven", Rosie, is my grandmother who also passed away recently, in October of last year. I know she, along with Grandma Caraher, are enjoying this song together with Jimmy and Grandpa Caraher.
Grandma, I look forward to one day helping you in that garden without weeds. We love and miss you!
http://www.radioboymusic.com/news-2/
Her son Denny is a wonderfully talented musician who has written many songs telling tales from his childhood and about the family. I highly encourage you to check out his website! I'd like to share this beautiful song he sang for us in honor of his mother, my great-grandmother. His website gives some backstory to points of the song. One addition I'd like to make - one of the two "raising hell in heaven", Rosie, is my grandmother who also passed away recently, in October of last year. I know she, along with Grandma Caraher, are enjoying this song together with Jimmy and Grandpa Caraher.
Grandma, I look forward to one day helping you in that garden without weeds. We love and miss you!
http://www.radioboymusic.com/news-2/
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
We've got ourselves a little bandit...
...applesauce bandit, that is! Snagged this pic Friday morning before work. P is a pro at cleaning out our lazy susan. 
Monday, August 13, 2012
Vacation Day Five (last day - boo!)
Friday was pool day! The family chilled at home that morning munching on cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We had hoped to make it to the pool for the free "toddler time", but P decided to sleep a little later in his morning nap (and we all know the rule - do NOT wake a sleeping baby!).
By noon, we were headed out the door, and it was plenty warm by then. Parker was very excited once we entered the gates of the pool. We had gone there once before for our church family swim about a month earlier and he knew what was to come. In fact, once we were in the pool, it didn't take him long to toddle right over to the slide. He would have played on it all afternoon if we would have let him. We explained that other kids wanted the chance to enjoy it just like him (whether he actually understood this is anybody's guess!).
We definitely enjoyed our time there, which included a few trips around their lazy river (they had floats for babies!), lots of splashing in the pools and under waterfalls, and hanging out with one of our small groups' mama and her little dude Cameron.
Naturally there are zero pics since both Scott and I were in the water with him, but rest assured he was rocking his swim gear and spider hat ;)
By noon, we were headed out the door, and it was plenty warm by then. Parker was very excited once we entered the gates of the pool. We had gone there once before for our church family swim about a month earlier and he knew what was to come. In fact, once we were in the pool, it didn't take him long to toddle right over to the slide. He would have played on it all afternoon if we would have let him. We explained that other kids wanted the chance to enjoy it just like him (whether he actually understood this is anybody's guess!).
We definitely enjoyed our time there, which included a few trips around their lazy river (they had floats for babies!), lots of splashing in the pools and under waterfalls, and hanging out with one of our small groups' mama and her little dude Cameron.
Naturally there are zero pics since both Scott and I were in the water with him, but rest assured he was rocking his swim gear and spider hat ;)
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Vacation Week - Day Three & Four
Day Three:
It was Wednesday already, boo! Amazes me how fast time goes, especially when you're having fun :)
We initially had plans to have a morning play date with Rachel and Parker's buddy Jeremiah, but unfortunately we just couldn't make our schedules work. Due to our freed up schedule, Parker and I decided to pay daddy a visit at work! Parker made out like a bandit, snagging up a ball and nerf toy from Scott's desk. He had fun chatting up Scott's co-workers and throwing the ball in his recycle bin.
After this stop, I realized it was Parker's half birthday today! So in honor of that, we stopped at a local store and picked out a new toy for him (since we don't already look like a mini Toys 'R Us at home). Parker had fun playing with several toys, but finally decided to take this baby home (in the seal version):
http://www.plantoys.com/products.php?Id=5182
He loved his new toy so much that he attempted to play and "roll" in in the car on the way home! Once daddy came home later that day, he was so excited to show it off. Unfortunately, I haven't caught in on camera. The rest of the day was spent hanging out at home and just enjoying each other's company :)
Day Four:
Thursday was Omaha Zoo day!! We were so excited for our mini trip, even if it was a little warmer than we would prefer to trek around the zoo all day. Scott had an early breakfast meeting that day, so we were on the road by 9am. It was a fast trip with minor whines from the back seat, Parker took a short nap and by 11ish, we pulled into the local Jimmy John's for a bite to eat.
The zoo was just down the road from Jimmy John's, so we loaded up and headed on over. The day was spent wandering through the jungle, aquarium (where P gazed at the many fish and sharks) and a few other enclosed areas (these were air conditioned thankfully!) as well as outside to see the many giraffes, rhinoceros, monkeys, tigers, etc. He loved to get out at the inside exhibitions and walk up to the glass. Ook, ooh! was his favorite expression and he just couldn't get enough of the gorillas.
Sorry, that is it for pictures. We brought a camera, but sadly it sat untouched in the stroller. Good thing for camera phones, huh?!
P really was a trooper, we hit just about every exhibit and zero whining came out of his mouth. We piled in the car about 2-1/2 hours later and that kid was zonked out before we were even out of the parking lot. Pooped from the heat, Scott and I decided a trip through the Dairy Queen drive-thru was well deserved for the car ride home. I'm pretty sure a blizzard has never tasted so good!
It was Wednesday already, boo! Amazes me how fast time goes, especially when you're having fun :)
We initially had plans to have a morning play date with Rachel and Parker's buddy Jeremiah, but unfortunately we just couldn't make our schedules work. Due to our freed up schedule, Parker and I decided to pay daddy a visit at work! Parker made out like a bandit, snagging up a ball and nerf toy from Scott's desk. He had fun chatting up Scott's co-workers and throwing the ball in his recycle bin.
After this stop, I realized it was Parker's half birthday today! So in honor of that, we stopped at a local store and picked out a new toy for him (since we don't already look like a mini Toys 'R Us at home). Parker had fun playing with several toys, but finally decided to take this baby home (in the seal version):
http://www.plantoys.com/products.php?Id=5182
He loved his new toy so much that he attempted to play and "roll" in in the car on the way home! Once daddy came home later that day, he was so excited to show it off. Unfortunately, I haven't caught in on camera. The rest of the day was spent hanging out at home and just enjoying each other's company :)
Day Four:
Thursday was Omaha Zoo day!! We were so excited for our mini trip, even if it was a little warmer than we would prefer to trek around the zoo all day. Scott had an early breakfast meeting that day, so we were on the road by 9am. It was a fast trip with minor whines from the back seat, Parker took a short nap and by 11ish, we pulled into the local Jimmy John's for a bite to eat.
The zoo was just down the road from Jimmy John's, so we loaded up and headed on over. The day was spent wandering through the jungle, aquarium (where P gazed at the many fish and sharks) and a few other enclosed areas (these were air conditioned thankfully!) as well as outside to see the many giraffes, rhinoceros, monkeys, tigers, etc. He loved to get out at the inside exhibitions and walk up to the glass. Ook, ooh! was his favorite expression and he just couldn't get enough of the gorillas.
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| Daddy and P (and the sharks!) |
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| Mommy and P (and a gorilla in the background) |
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| Ook! Ook! |
P really was a trooper, we hit just about every exhibit and zero whining came out of his mouth. We piled in the car about 2-1/2 hours later and that kid was zonked out before we were even out of the parking lot. Pooped from the heat, Scott and I decided a trip through the Dairy Queen drive-thru was well deserved for the car ride home. I'm pretty sure a blizzard has never tasted so good!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Vacation Week - Day Two
Tuesday started out much like Monday! We went to a local park and played, then P insisted I stop at Starbucks on the way home (at least that's how I recall it!). Mama could get used to days like this ;)
Parker headed over to daycare for a few hours in the afternoon so I could get the second coat of paint on the basement walls. He really has a great time at daycare and that day was no exception. He and our provider's son were running hot laps in the house with the toy cars when I showed up. Makes me happy to see him having fun and playing so well with the other kids!
We had a fun night ahead of us as well. Good friends invited us to join them at the Indianola Balloon Festival, so off we went to meet everyone for a quick bite at Pizza Ranch. Our little eater filled up on the goods at the Ranch, then we headed off to pick up Uncle Scott and Aunt Tina, who decided to celebrate their wedding anniversary at the balloon festival with us (they live in Indianola). Tina lucked out on two days in a row of Parker time!
Just a couple of balloons were in the air by the time we made it, so we settled down on our blankets and enjoyed great company. It was so much fun and Parker and I were sad daddy couldn't join us since he was in Omaha for work when we left, but we were sure to take lots of pictures so he wouldn't feel left out!
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| Just your typical purple people eater :) |
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| Mom, look at all of those balloons! |
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| Mom, what is wrong with his eyes? |
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| Lemonade break (Aunt Tina insisted he asked for it) |
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| And what goes best with lemonade? Corn dog of course. You know, because we didn't just eat dinner. |
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Thursday, August 9, 2012
Vacation Week - Day One
Monday morning Parker and I decided to take it easy. Breakfast around 7ish, then a little play at home while mom did some cleaning. By 8am, P was loaded in the jogging stroller and off for a run at the local park we went!
I haven't ran regularly since the Dam to Dam in early June, so needless to say it was a struggle (thankful the mornings were still cool!) and I will not be sharing my turtle time. The important part is we got out and enjoyed the fresh air!
The Johnston Parks and Rec guys were doing work on the big kids area, but the little kids playground was still open. P loved watching them with their machines and trucks, yelling and staring at the men at any given time. He loves the slide and could have bounced on the horse for hours!
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| Ooh. What do we have here? |
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| Mom. Really? I'm in the goofiest outfit ever. |
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| Ook! Trucks! Hey dudes. |
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Test - first post from my phone!
This is just a test, repeat this is just a test. Heehee. Sorry, I'm a bit of dork sometimes (my husband will attest to that, I'm sure).
I just downloaded the blogger app on my phone, hopefully this will help me in updating more often!
I leave you with a pic of P and I at the Omaha zoo enjoying the gorillas. Now off to go pout on my last night of vacation, back to work tomorrow. Boo!
**Edit**
Blogger will not allow me to upload the pic to my post and actually "publish" the post. Something about insufficient storage quota. Any clues on how to fix this?!?
I just downloaded the blogger app on my phone, hopefully this will help me in updating more often!
I leave you with a pic of P and I at the Omaha zoo enjoying the gorillas. Now off to go pout on my last night of vacation, back to work tomorrow. Boo!
**Edit**
Blogger will not allow me to upload the pic to my post and actually "publish" the post. Something about insufficient storage quota. Any clues on how to fix this?!?
Monday, June 25, 2012
18 Months!
Hey there! Long time no chat. Can you believe that the dude is already 1-1/2 years old!! Said so often, time simply flies when your having fun. And there is lots of fun being had in our house. Parker's personality is forming and showing constantly. He loves to laugh and snuggle Koda, giving him "loves". His dad is his best bud, but thankfully he still gives his mom cuddles and kisses. He's recently began climbing on the furniture and is using his chair as an apparatus to the ottoman and couch (why in the world would we sit in it?!).
The major news this last weekend - Parker's first tooth finally came in! That last bit of "baby" is finally gone - no more gummy smiles. It is his bottom left tooth and the right one will be popping through any day now. Best of all, so far there has been no change in his mood or sleep habits. Here's hoping every tooth comes on this smoothly!
Here is a list of the latest on P:
- Weighing in at 26 lbs. and 33 inches tall, he's right at the 67th percentile for his age. Let me tell you, the boy is a tank. Try carrying him for longer than 20 minutes, I dare you.
- He's a talking fool. First word several months ago was out, followed shortly by daddy. He now is also saying: up, down, mama, shoes, toes, dat (that), ook (look), book, ball, doggie.
- Meals are still a favorite for him. He's an awesome eater, only occasionally turning down the plain stuff. Even without the teeth, he's a big fan of meat. Unfortunately, he has figured out the lazy Susan in the kitchen, so he is always sure to let us know when it's snack time by emptying it out and bringing random items to us.
As you can see, he keeps us on our toes, but we are surely loving every minute of it!!
I've been on vacation this week, so more posts to follow with details of our adventures!
The major news this last weekend - Parker's first tooth finally came in! That last bit of "baby" is finally gone - no more gummy smiles. It is his bottom left tooth and the right one will be popping through any day now. Best of all, so far there has been no change in his mood or sleep habits. Here's hoping every tooth comes on this smoothly!
Here is a list of the latest on P:
- Weighing in at 26 lbs. and 33 inches tall, he's right at the 67th percentile for his age. Let me tell you, the boy is a tank. Try carrying him for longer than 20 minutes, I dare you.
- He's a talking fool. First word several months ago was out, followed shortly by daddy. He now is also saying: up, down, mama, shoes, toes, dat (that), ook (look), book, ball, doggie.
- Meals are still a favorite for him. He's an awesome eater, only occasionally turning down the plain stuff. Even without the teeth, he's a big fan of meat. Unfortunately, he has figured out the lazy Susan in the kitchen, so he is always sure to let us know when it's snack time by emptying it out and bringing random items to us.
As you can see, he keeps us on our toes, but we are surely loving every minute of it!!
I've been on vacation this week, so more posts to follow with details of our adventures!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Party time! Parker's first birthday party...
Saturday, February the 4th was the big day of Parker's birthday party. And in true Iowa fashion , the good weather surely didn't last long. We were hit with a snow storm that morning (the Texans had to experience at least one snow fall ;))! Thankfully everyone was able to make the trek over to our house to celebrate that special day just about a year ago. I'm pretty sure I can speak for all of our families when I say how happy we are to have Parker in our lives. He has certainly brought us so much joy this last year!!
First of many pics - the cake! Daddy was very picky when it came to Parker's first birthday cake. After checking out quite a few different bakeries, he settled on one that would create the cake. The theme of the party was a bit of a spin-off from our main present to him, and let me tell you, it was ALL boy.
After Parker took a quick bath to clean up (how he managed to get cake in some of his crevices, we'll never know!), he joined the party again to take a ride on his new truck.
Shortly after this point, the sugar high came to a screeching halt. After some failed attempts at pictures with the grandparents, we decided it was definitely nap time. Parker definitely enjoyed his first birthday and we were so happy to have all of the family together to celebrate it!
Here are a few pictures that are just so dang cute. Parker hanging out with dad and Uncle Jonathan.
First of many pics - the cake! Daddy was very picky when it came to Parker's first birthday cake. After checking out quite a few different bakeries, he settled on one that would create the cake. The theme of the party was a bit of a spin-off from our main present to him, and let me tell you, it was ALL boy.
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| Mommy and Parker all ready to party! |
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| Parker soo excited for his guests to arrive! |
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| The house was decorated with pictures of Parker - his pics with mom and dad here... |
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| ...And a few with some of his favorite peeps |
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| You can't see the pics of his first 11 months on this banner, but take a look at that snow! |
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| Chilling with Grandpa Nim |
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| While Grandpa & Grandma Greenfield enjoy the snow ;) |
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| Grandma & Grandpa Jensen - she is SO silly! |
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| Birthday boy wearing his birthday balloon...just in case you can't find him :) |
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| Time for presents! |
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| Parker definitely got the hang of diggin in the bags! |
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| Showing P the tricks of the trade - tear into the paper! |
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| Look at those trucks! Hey, Jonathan - I got my eye on you, no stealing my toys! |
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| Singing to the birthday boy |
And the moment we've all been waiting for.....cake!
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| You mean I can touch it?! |
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| Just a taste of the frosting |
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| Ooh, chocolate! |
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| I wonder if they'll notice if I just smash my hand in here. |
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| First cupcake = success! |
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| Aww mom, is cupcake time really over?? |
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| I like to call this the "sugar high grin" |
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| Oh yeah, I'm a big shot now ;) |
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| And this is what I like to call "prelude to the melt down" face. |
Here are a few pictures that are just so dang cute. Parker hanging out with dad and Uncle Jonathan.
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| Scholten boys. Oh the trouble they'll show him. |
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| For now, it's all sillyness and fun and games :) |
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The boy turns 1!
As his 15 month "birthday" quickly approaches, I feel it is well past due to post the details of Parker's first birthday and 12 month stats. In honor of the big day, both mommy and daddy took the day off (actually we were off a few days as Grandma and Grandpa Greenfield made the big trip from Texas to celebrate with us!) to enjoy Parker's first birthday and reminisce that day exactly a year ago. It's amazing that a whole year can pass, yet we remembered so much of the hours leading up to the wonderful arrival of our sweet boy (as detailed in this post Parker's birth story). The weather this time around was the exact opposite, so nice that we didn't even need our winter coats - last year, complete blizzard that we feared would delay us getting to the hospital on time!
Parker's birthday turned out to be a busy day, starting off with his one year pictures with our favorite photographer, Amy Allen. Parker was a trooper in our shenanigans (minus the rock incident) and Aunt Tina even took the time to stop by for a few pics with the dude. Here are a few of my favorites (although honestly, I love every one of the pics!).
After lunch and a nap, we headed to the doctor to fit in his 12 month well child visit. At exactly 12 months old, Parker weighed in at 22 lbs, 7 oz. and was approximately 29.3 inches tall. Just for comparison, his birth weight/height was 6 lbs 8.5 oz. and 19.5 inches long. After enduring the doctor visit and many shots (what a trooper, and on his birthday too!), we headed home to await the arrival of Grandma and Grandpa Greenfield. For dinner, we met them at Maid Rite, so naturally Parker had to experience his first meal there. No pictures from that meal, but we did stop by the Coldstone Ice Cream shop afterwards for dessert, where we discovered Parker is a big fan of chocolate ice cream. Definitely picked that up from both mom AND dad! :)
The next morning Grandma Greenfield joined us and surprised us with a yummy breakfast. That morning Parker enjoyed some bananas, cinnamon rolls AND scrambled eggs. If I haven't mentioned it yet, we've discovered that he likes to eat. A LOT. I am glad that we do not have to worry about a picky eater yet, but on the same token I've begun to dread the end of a meal. As many of you have witnessed, this usually results in a bit of a tantrum. Also, if you do not feed him fast enough, he WILL let you know. The boy likes his food and the belly proves it ;)
To be continued with his birthday party!.........
Parker's birthday turned out to be a busy day, starting off with his one year pictures with our favorite photographer, Amy Allen. Parker was a trooper in our shenanigans (minus the rock incident) and Aunt Tina even took the time to stop by for a few pics with the dude. Here are a few of my favorites (although honestly, I love every one of the pics!).
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| my little cheeser! |
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| Elephant - Parker stand off |
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| Sharing a sweet moment with his Aunt Tina |
After lunch and a nap, we headed to the doctor to fit in his 12 month well child visit. At exactly 12 months old, Parker weighed in at 22 lbs, 7 oz. and was approximately 29.3 inches tall. Just for comparison, his birth weight/height was 6 lbs 8.5 oz. and 19.5 inches long. After enduring the doctor visit and many shots (what a trooper, and on his birthday too!), we headed home to await the arrival of Grandma and Grandpa Greenfield. For dinner, we met them at Maid Rite, so naturally Parker had to experience his first meal there. No pictures from that meal, but we did stop by the Coldstone Ice Cream shop afterwards for dessert, where we discovered Parker is a big fan of chocolate ice cream. Definitely picked that up from both mom AND dad! :)
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| Chocolate ice cream 'stache |
The next morning Grandma Greenfield joined us and surprised us with a yummy breakfast. That morning Parker enjoyed some bananas, cinnamon rolls AND scrambled eggs. If I haven't mentioned it yet, we've discovered that he likes to eat. A LOT. I am glad that we do not have to worry about a picky eater yet, but on the same token I've begun to dread the end of a meal. As many of you have witnessed, this usually results in a bit of a tantrum. Also, if you do not feed him fast enough, he WILL let you know. The boy likes his food and the belly proves it ;)
To be continued with his birthday party!.........
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