Simply Amayesing

Girl, you're amazing, just the way you are

2011-02-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

This one is for our friend Jeni!

Grandpa and haircut

2010-07-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Mayes loved seeing Grandpa

Ears...

It came time to cut the mullet... he sat quite contentedly with his pops,sickle (as he would say)

Oh sweet, sweet boy.

(P.S. I know we haven't posted in a long while... we'll soon remedy this:)

Our goofy little man

2010-04-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's his duck backpack...

Muscles!!

2010-04-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

So Cool...

2010-03-28T17:49:00.001-07:00

The Man Chair

2010-03-14T06:54:00.001-07:00

Mayes has been sick for the last couple of weeks and one of the things he has loved to do is sit in the "man chair", as it is described by Daddy.
He will sit and eat cherrios....
Or watch Sesame Street...
"Mom, I'm going to sit here for a while longer; do you have a problem with that?"

Mayes' new word is "hat"

2010-02-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

In honor of Mayes' new word, we thought we would post these pics of him in Mommy's hat.

Snowmaggedon 2010!

2010-02-06T16:16:00.001-08:00

SNOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

LOTS OF SNOWWWWWWWWW

Snow Steps

2010-01-31T07:02:00.000-08:00

What was forecasted as a light dusting in the DC area became a 5-inch fun-filled adventure. Here are some shots of our brief time in yesterday's snow storm!

I've got sunshine...

2010-01-31T07:01:00.000-08:00

Dad Turns 30!

2010-01-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

Yikes...that was painful to type! I've had 7 days to admit and gain familiarity with announcing that I'm 30 years old. While I'm not ashamed or feeling old by any means, it's just plain odd when the first digit of your age changes.

Anyway, here are a few pictures from last Saturday...a simply gorgeous day in the DC area. After sleeping in (people, we're talking 8 o'clock here), Mag, Mayes and I hitup a coffee shop, scarfed down a couple breakfast croissants, and took a hike along the Mt. Vernon trail. I'm convinced...there's no better way to celebrate life than to sleep in, eat well, drink plenty, play outside, and surround yourself with the people you love.

Just some really cute pics...

2010-01-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, 2010!

2010-01-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

While this is a bit old (Mayes' birthday picture from November 8, 2009), we found it only appropriate to usher in the newest year with a little celebration. Slow on the updates and few in the picture collections, the Johns' promise to make more of an effort to post, share, and inform all of our friends and family of the happenings in our lives in 2010. Stay tuned here for more pics, and be encouraged to follow Matt's few and far between blog thoughts at http://awayfromthewhiteboard.blogspot.com/ as the new year progresses!

Dad, I'm pretty sure my top is on backwards...

2009-12-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

Riding and Reading

2009-12-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

Family

2009-12-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Mayes loved having Grandma Johns and Melissa here for his birthday - he was all smiles:) Check out those teeth (he finally started growing some)!

Fall Day

2009-12-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Mayesical

2009-11-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

Little Man

2009-10-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

I (Maggie) just have moments where I can't believe our little guy is so grown up. He is such a sweet, cautious little man. He takes steps that he knows he can make and if he can't reach something, or starts to get off balance, he stops. gets his footing. and continues on. It's hilarious. As the mom, I hope he continues this! What a joy our precious, giggly, observer boy is.

Here he his in a new duckie sleeper. This is a 6mo size and our little peanut fits in it! btw... He loves sticking out his tongue now-a-days.Who, me?

Dad is his favorite! Seriously, Mayes gets SO excited every time he sees Dad.

Yep...

2009-10-23T08:19:00.001-07:00

Mayes is definitely walking! I promise he does more with his shoes than eat them! (we'll post a video of it soon!)Dad was so excited he starting eating Mayes' feet...
For those of you that don't know, we moved about 1 1/2 months ago so Mayes would have room to roam - we are so glad we have some extra space now that he is walking all around!

Walking in October!

2009-10-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

While we've been a bit inactive during September (blogging-wise), much has transpired in the first full month of Autumn. After receiving a few, sweet gifts...most of which are musical and would make any 11-month old booty dance...Mayes took his first few steps last week, and uttered "light", making it a pretty awesome last couple of weeks. Here are some snapshots of our boy, loving life and taking names.

The Awesome Sequence

2009-08-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Here's what happens when you quick-click a drooling, wobbly 9-month old.

Celebrating 5 Years!

2009-08-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

On Friday, July 31, Maggie and I celebrated 5 years of marriage by taking a romantic dinner cruise on the Potomac. I promised her dining, dancing, and beauty, and that's exactly what she got. Mayes, on the other hand, was not invited to this party.

The Dog Days of Summer

2009-07-28T05:08:00.001-07:00

July's been a great month. From hanging out with Dad on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and eating Stage 3 foods, to crawling around and snooping around the apartment, Mayes has hit a significant growth spurt and we love it!

This is what happens...

2009-07-28T04:46:00.000-07:00

...when you feed a baby Organic chicken, spinach, and rice all in one 79 cent jar.

Hangin With My Peeps

2009-07-28T04:41:00.001-07:00

Over the last few weeks, Mayes had established a core group of homies, and while some live far away (Pic # 1 and Mayes future Cabin 1 bunkmate David), others are nearby (Pic 2 Ben, Pic 3 Ellison). In fact, with the recent flux of female infants within our church community, Mayes has it made for Prom 2026.

Nap Time

2009-07-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Video set up: Over the last few days, Mayes inevitably starts his nap time by scaling his crib and crying when his pacifier drops to the floor. Here's a sneek-peek to what we typically encounter five minutes into nap time.

Saving Face

2009-07-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Our attempt at eating with a happy kid...

4th of July Weekend

2009-07-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

Over the long weekend, the Johns Family headed out to the northern neck of Virginia, spent some quality time with friends and family, and discovered ways of smearing mashed sweet potatoes all over our faces (ok, that was just Mayes...and Maggie).

Total Family Height: 12'6

"Why are you looking at me, goat?"

Enjoy a summer breeze by the Rappahannock River

Uncle Bubba...he he he...Uncle Bubba

This is my friend Ellison (she's in my little black book...i got that gurl's digits).

The 7th Month Roll

2009-07-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun

2009-06-26T04:38:00.000-07:00

June has been a big month for Mayes. No longer confined to his back and tummy, Mayes can sit up by himself and with the help of a rail or an arm, completely pull himself up to a standing position. We've lowered the crib, plugged all the outlets, and are in preparation for MayesAttack2009--The Crawling Monster!

Here are a few pics from what has been a great month of June. Please view our newly updated Shutterfly page for more photographs!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-29T15:54:00.001-07:00

What a great Memorial Day weekend spent together! Walks down to the Potomac, the Falls Church Fun Run, backyard barbeques with family and friends, and quality Mayes, Matt, and Maggie time. Notice how straight Mayes is sitting up, and if you listen really closely, you'll hear him say "Da-Da".

6 Months and Counting!

2009-05-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Mayes celebrated his 6th month-old birthday. While most people eat cake and celebrate with balloons, Mayes swallowed down a wicked oatmeal-prune juice-mommy milk concoction, took a long nap, and received the best body message known to man.

Quality Daddy Time

2009-05-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

So Big!

2009-05-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

After a long hiatus, Mayes is back (and attacking faces)!

Celebrating 5 months!

2009-04-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Mayes turned 5 months while we were on vacation in Florida. We went in the pool for the first time,
and had solid food for the first time,
(yummm)
and got lots of good time with uncie bubbie
and aunt lis... He also got to hang out a ton with Grandma and Grandpa Olson and Grandma Johns (and Mom and Dad got lots of time together with all those babysitters around:) Mayes did great on his first plane ride and was such a trooper during our week long trip. He loves warm weather!

My Yellow Outfit Photo Shoot

2009-03-25T16:58:00.001-07:00

How precious is he? This is an outfit that my mom's friend's Grandmother made for him. The buttons are little ice cream cones:) Mayes is 18 weeks here btw...

Snug As A Bug In A Rug

2009-03-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

This is me...just minutes before braving the biggest snowfall in the DC area in years. Dad says this is nothin, but I was I prepared.

I'm 16 weeks old!

2009-03-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

Hoorraaayyy!! I love smiling and I've just recently started giggling.
I still fall asleep sometimes when mommy is trying to feed me though. That's ok, cause I just get kisses when I do.
I've been getting up early so I can see Dad off to work. Some times we have breakfast together. Oh, and I'm getting so strong, you can hold just my hands and I'll stand on my own. Life is fun!

Morning Play Time

2009-03-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

Early Morning Goodbye

2009-02-17T03:32:00.001-08:00

Just saying goodbye to Dad before he heads off to work. Yesterday, Dad took his stab at taking care for me throughout the whole day and, I'm glad to report, he did an okay job.

Whole Lotta Love

2009-02-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say "Happy Valentine's Day". Also, be sure to check out the Shutterfly picture link to the right...follow, and you won't be disappointed!

Those Baby Blues...

2009-02-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

Whatcha lookin at? I'm three months old!

Question, Mr. President...

2009-01-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

All this talk about change...can I get a little piece of that action? When can I get my underpants changed? Can you fix that, Sir? Can you change MY diapers, Mr. President?

That's what I thought...

My 2009 Debut

2009-01-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

Finally, shots of Mayes enjoying 10 weeks of life! In case you're wondering, 10 weeks is the age when you get to wear clothes labeled with your initials, endless smooches from strange women (just kidding Aunt Melissa), and you're constantly compared to the size of stuffed animals.

Lisa Henry Smith Photography

2009-01-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

Lisa took pictures of me and Mayes when he was 5 weeks old - this is one of the best. I'll post more soon.

Sizing up the Trojans

2008-12-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

I've spent countless hours (along with dad, of course) matching the Nittany Lions up with USC in next week's Rose Bowl, and after thinking...and thinking...and thinking...

...I like our chances!

WE ARE...PENN STATE!

Highlights from Week 6

2008-12-21T15:51:00.000-08:00

Mayes celebrated Week 6 of life in superstar fashion. Not only did he receive a surprise visit from Great Grandma Johns, Grandpa Johns, and Kandy...

...but he also practiced his smile with relative ease! Throw in some quality nap times and a couple sharp outfits, and we had all the makings of a wonderful week.

Good Times

2008-12-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

Winter Stove Meetings

2008-12-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

This week, Mayes was glued into what off-season moves the Red Sox would make. He's also pretty amped about Boston playing in DC this summer. Sounds like a Father-Son outing to me!

Fun with colors

2008-12-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that the baby sling would command so much attention? Mayes' new playmate, which may or may not be tripping him out, is the swirly blue-brown baby sling. It's been our go-to this week and, without fault, has yielded a number of high-pitched giggles and gurgles. Now, if we can only figure out how to wear it...

I'm Growing...

2008-12-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

This week...hanging w/ mom and learning the ropes to life.

Celebrating 3 Weeks Old!

2008-11-29T19:28:00.001-08:00

After dressing me in Mr. Jeff's super-sweet Pearl Jam t-shirt, Dad and I rocked out this morning in honor of my 21st day of life. I even have the words to "Yellow Ledbetter" down pat.

My First Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T10:34:00.001-08:00

Having much to be thankful for, the Johns' spent Thanksgiving at home this year. Grandma Olson and cousin Susie spent hours in the kitchen and made a wonderful meal on Thursday. Mayes had ample family time, and after a long day of eating, being held and adored, and listening to football, he...like the rest of us...just crashed!

Mug Shots

2008-11-29T10:29:00.000-08:00

Family Time

2008-11-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

Our first family stroll down by the water - it was a glorious day!
We probably didn't need to bundle him quite so much, he could barely move:)
Time with Dad
Time with Mom

Best Dressed

2008-11-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

Every morning this week Grandma would pick out Mayes' outfit - Here are a few. What a stylish, good lookin man, huh?

Bath Time

2008-11-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

This week Mayes was given proper spa treatment from Grandma Johns. Known as the best bather in the world, Grandma showed Mom and Dad the in's and out's of caring for Mayes.

Life as a Dad

2008-11-17T07:19:00.000-08:00

One of my many thousands of questions that I solicited clarity on before Mayes arrived last Saturday was 'What, specifically, does the dad do during Week 1?'. So, today, as I mourn the end of what's been the most magnificent vacation of my life, here are my thoughts and captured experiences.

In many ways, Mayes' triumphant entry into the world was similar to the experience of getting married and being a newlywed. The anxiety of caring for another life, the contemplation of minor details, the "extreme close-up" and attention paid to you as an individual/couple (thankfully there are no diamonds associated with this event!), and the mystery of how life will converge into one coherent stronghold were all identical thoughts and emotions I experienced over the last couple months. As with both, there's usually ample time to plan and prepare...to gather the stuff and organize the "what-if's" that naturally exist with such a drastic life change. But, just in like marriage, there remains a need to make the relationship and experience your own; incomparable and intimate.

I had a number of concerns; how would I know if this was the right time to head to the hospital, how many red lights can I actually speed through, how much was too much to see during the birthing process, would I pass out, and how would I react to a healthy/unhealthy child...and this was all during the hospital visit stage! While at home, I wondered if he was breathing correctly or trying to signal that something was wrong? Will my fingers always smell like the tar-like poo substance? What am I doing wrong that's making him cry, even after the major three are finished (feeding, burping, changing)? And finally, and maybe most importantly, will the gallons of pee that bursts out at random-yet-perfectly timed situations really stain the new chair I bought mommy?

And somehow I've made it to Day 10.

Throughout the first week, I took it upon myself to make sure Mag was as comfortable as possible. I wanted to limit her to the main three and sequester her to the friendly confines of our clean, linen sheets. When Mayes would cry or awake from a nap, I would reach for him in the crib/pack-n-play and transport him to mom. I also took on diaper duty, and while Mag fed Mayes in his room, I would catch a couple quick minutes of sleep until the job was complete. I also (voluntarily) took on the role of Mr. Clean; I used the nasty laundry facility in our basement, washed the dishes that were even breathed upon, dusted every nook and cranny, scrubbed the bathtub, and made sure our apt. smelled fresh and new. Throw in a couple cooking responsibilities and shoulder rubs, and you have a full week.

It was a complete pleasure, and my actions were from a deeper motivation than simply "being a nice husband". Seeing firsthand what Mag has been through for the last nine months, and watching her nurse and care for Mayes in the gentle, loving way that she does, I would do anything for her (and I remind her of that). I certainly have a new perspective and appreciation for women; the toll, constant sacrifice and care that loving mom's must put out is absolutely awe-inspiring. What an amazing week of witnessing the heart of a mother come to full bloom. Thank you, Lord.

College Football Saturday

2008-11-15T14:50:00.001-08:00

Today, Dad and I took a warm bath, analyzed JoPa's gameplan against Indiana, and watched Penn State soundly defeat the Hoosiers. Life is good.

More shots from today...

2008-11-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

On the Seventh Day, He Rested...

2008-11-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday morning chillin w/ mom and dad in bed. We celebrated seven days of life together and it was awesome!

Day Six- Meeting More Grandparents!

2008-11-13T17:42:00.001-08:00

Today was awesome...I saw the doctor (who gave me a clean bill of health), I met my Grandpa Johns, and I met my sweet Great Grandma Johns. How lucky am I?

Pooh On You

2008-11-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

Check me out

I'm a big Pooh fan and i've got the diapers to prove it!

Me in the Zanzi-Day Five

2008-11-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

Today, Dad and I spent some quality time together. He let me watch Sportscenter with him and I let him take a couple pictures with my eyes open. And, only after five days, I too can't believe Penn State fell all the way to #8.

Four Days Old!

2008-11-12T18:46:00.001-08:00

Who's Bigger?

Impossible to not kiss him

Day Three-Bustin Out

2008-11-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

After two days of meeting my family, making new friends, and having my parents eat horrible hospital food (order the cinnamon rolls!), I'm outta here!

Day Two

2008-11-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

Do They Make Sox Hats This Big?

2008-11-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

Mayes, meet your family!

2008-11-12T18:09:00.001-08:00

Scenes from Day One

2008-11-12T17:45:00.001-08:00

What's in a name?

2008-11-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

We had names picked out for quite a long time, and although Ezekiel (strong, powerful, prophetic Old Testament leader) was the boy-frontrunner for a majority of our pregnancy, Maggie found a diamond in the rough. "Mayes" means "child/son of Matthew", and from the moment we saw him, our decision was made. Not an easy process, though...

Surprise! It's a Boy!

2008-11-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

Introducing...

2008-11-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

Mayes Ezekiel Johns

November 8, 2008

7lbs, 7ozs / 20.5 inches