Timeline

what: I was born.
when: Monday 7/7/2008 at 9:00 p.m.
where: Saint Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah
who: Mom, Dad, Jeep, Granny, Aunt Toodie, Grandma Stephie, Grandma Donna, Grandpa.
details: I was born 1 month early, and had to spend 14 days in the hospital.

what: I was baptized.
when: May 30th 2009
where: The Newman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
who: Mom, Dad, Jeep, Granny, Aunt Toodie, Aunt Kristi, Uncle Jeff, Auntie Rie
details: Aunt Kristi and Auntie Rie are my Godmothers

what: My family moved.
when: April 2011
where: From Salt Lake City, Utah to Millcreek City, Utah
who: Mom, Dad, Christopher, Alex
details: I used to live on Edith Ave, but now I live on Lambourne  Ave.

what: I split my head
when: Feb. 11th 2015
when: On the playground at Saint Vincent de Paul school
who: Mom, Dad, Alex, and some friends.
details: I had to get 5  staples


what: I received First Holy Communion.
when: May 1st 2016
where: Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic church
who: Mom, Dad, Alex, Jeep, Granny, Aunt Toodie,
Grandma Stephie, Grandma Donna, Grandpa,
  Uncle Jess, Uncle Jim, Uncle Booker.
details: I received first reconciliation in the same school year.

what: My family went to Disney Land.
when: June 15-22, 2016
where: Anaheim, California
who: Mom, Dad, Alex, Aunt Kristi, Uncle Jeff, Toby, and Miles
details: We went to the beach and a Dodgers baseball game

what: First day of 3rd grade
when: August 15th 2016
where: Saint Vincent de Paul school
who: Christopher Pedroza
details: My brother started 1st grade, and I had the same teacher I had in Kindergarten

Christopher Pedroza
James             

Kindergarden VIP Letter

Dear Christopher-

You are such a blessing. From the day you were born, you've taught us so many things. Mainly, you've taught us to recognize the joy that is in our lives. Both you and your brother bring so much joy to our lives and to all our family. We laugh, have fun, be silly, play games, wrestle, see new things, go new places all because you are in our lives.

Although you were named after your two loud and wild uncles, your personality tends to be more gentle and kind. You are very caring. If someone is sick or doesn't feel well, you will write them a letter and draw them a picture to make them feel better. If someone gets hurt, you will rush to get them a bag of ice in order to make their pain go away. 

It’s been so wonderful to watch you grow and learn over the course of this year. You've gone from our timid little boy to such a happy, adventurous, smart, kind, funny big boy. You are detailed and focused, especially when working on a puzzle or one of your lego creations. But we do get to see your goofy side when you’re playing with your friends, wrestling with Dad, or running around with Alex. It’s so cool to watch you read your books, write your notes, and take an interest in your other school activities. You and your classmates are so lucky to have awesome teachers, and I hope you all always remain friends.

You’re a great helper around the house, cleaning up your room, putting your laundry away and helping me with my chores. Sometimes you even help Alex clean up his room. It’s always nice to see you sharing your toys with Alex and teaching him how to do new things. And I know he loves it when you let him have a sleepover in your room. You’re the big brother and he will always look up to you.

Our lives changed the day that you were born. It’s hard to put into words all the joy that you have given us. It has been truly amazing watching you learn and grow and become the special person that you are. You bring a smile to the face of everyone you meet. You are a blessing and we thank God for you every day. We are so happy that we get to be your mom and dad. We love you!

January 2014

1/13/2014
I know I won't be able to remember all the significant things that have happened since the last time I posted, but I'll do my best.
-  thanksgiving day was a mellow day with grandma Donna.  We didn't go to grandpa curly's because he was in the hospital, but you made sure to pray for him.
-  the day after thanksgiving you and I went with auntie rie, uncle booker, uncle Jim and Emma to see the Disney movie Frozen.
-  December went by so fast, but we all enjoyed the advent and Christmas season.  You kept us on task with the advent calendar and prayer each night.  You even helped set up the advent calendar with the candy.  We went to the zoo lights where you got to sit on Santa's lap and you asked for a remote control helicopter.  Dad and I gave you a ninjago Lego set and a woodworking project kit.  After one week of Christmas break you said that you were ready for winter vacation to be over.  I think you missed your friends.
-  you have been really into playing super Mario on the wii.  I'm amazed at how coordinated you are with it.  You and dad will sit and play and Alex will sit and watch you.  You are constantly asking if you can play video games.  I guess it's never too soon to start teaching you everything in moderation.
-  last week you went to a trial karate class.  Luke E from your kindergarten class went to the trial class too.  You boys were by far the youngest kids in the class.  I was actually really anxious about it but you did great.  You listened to the instructor and followed directions and you were actually able to perform some complicated moves.  Dad and I decided that the class just wasn't going to work for us right now.  It would require Alex to stay at nano pretty late on those nights and we just didn't feel right about that.  Son this week, tomorrow, we are going to try out a class at the little gym.  It's a class that you and Alex can be in together. Plus, at least for right now, Josh and Jake Pino are in he class as well.  I'm looking forward to trying it out tomorrow.

October 2013

10/20/2013
Christopher-


9/8:  Your first night in your new bunk bed.  It was rough getting you to go to sleep, maybe because you were so excited, but you eventually fell asleep, but it was on the bottom bunk.

9/18:  Your first soccer game.  You participated really well and seemed to really be having fun.  What a completely different experience from tee-ball!

10/2:  You have your first loose tooth!

10/3: was Emma Houston's birthday party and we celebrated it at our house.  We turned out the lights and we all sang to Emma.  When she closed her eyes to make a wish, Alex blew out the candles.  While the rest of us all started laughing because it was funny, you started crying and were upset and yelled at Alex not to do that.  Sometimes you are so sweet and sensitive.  It's cute, even if I don't completely understand it.

10/8:  You've been playing really rough lately with your friends.  I'm not sure how to address it with you.  I know you are your friends are just playing and having fun, but someone always seems to get hurt.  So our mantra lately has been: "keep your body to yourself",  I'm hoping you guys can find a way to play with each other that doesn't involve wrestling and pulling on each other, etc.

10/18:  You slept on the top bunk in your room last night for the first time.  I'm not sure what made the difference, but you did it!

First Day of Kindergarten

8/20/2013
Christopher-
Today was your first day of Kindergarten.  How did that happen?  Your teacher is Mrs. Williams, and the classroom aides are Mrs. Bonner and Mrs. Akiyama, they all seem like really nice ladies.  I think that this year is going to be a really big change for us and our schedules.  From what I hear there is going to be a lot of homework and very high expectations.  I am really excited about what you're going to learn this year.  You and Dad and I dropped Alex off at his first day of the 3yr old class (he had a great dropoff), and then Dad and I took you up to wait for the bell to ring.  You got to "catch up" with a lot of your friends from last year, particularly Josh and Ben.  It was so cute to see how excited you all were to see each other and how comfortable most of you seemed.  I was mentally prepared for you to have a rough time, but you didn't?  I think you were a little anxious (or something) when we first walked in, but once you found where you are supposed to hang your stuff and you found where you were supposed to sit, you relaxed a little.  (Plus you were sitting at the same table as Ben, so I think that helped).  Before the parents left, Mrs. Williams had you kids all stand in a circle and you sang a song with the some music.  It was so cool to see you participating and not being shy or nervous.  There is so much about your personality that you obviously get from me.  Some good, some not so good :).  But I want to do everything in my power to help you have the self-confidence that I have always lacked.  I'm proud of you and so excited for what this year has in store for you!

June 2013

6/6/2013
- Yesterday was your last day of Pre-K.  It was field day and I volunteered with your class and we played games and did other activities.  But I'm not really sure that you understand that it was your last day of Pre-K.  Maybe you'll start to realize it next week when our schedule is different and you just go to summer camp in the extended day area, I don't know.  I think it's having more of an emotional impact on me than you, but what's new?
-  Granny is in the hospital with pneumonia and today you decided (all on your own) that you wanted to write her a note.  With a little help on spelling, you wrote her a note that said:" Dear Granny, Love Chris", and you put a sticker of a flower on it.  When you showed it to me you said "this is going to make Granny so happy!"  It was such a sweet thing to do.
-  Tonight you said that you wanted to write me a note.  I gave you some paper but you didn't ask me for any help.  You brought me the piece of paper with the word "efri" written on it and you asked me if that's how you spell "every".  I told you that it wasn't and you immediately started to get teary-eyed, but I tried to make you understand that you did an excellent job of sounding out the word and trying to figure out how to spell it.  Some day you will understand that the English language is confusing and that things are not always spelled how you think they should be.  I'm amazed at the things you are learning and the things that you are figuring out on your own.

May 2013

5/28/2013
Christopher-
I cannot believe that you have less than 2 weeks of school left!  You have grown so much this year, and I've really enjoyed watching the transformation.  You did have a few rough games of tee-ball, but by the end I think you really had fun.  You mentioned to me tonight that you want to start swimming lessons again, so we're working on that.  We decided to throw a big pool party for your 5th birthday.  I haven't told you this, but it will probably be the only party that you'll get to invite your whole class to.  It's definitely not something that we'll do every year.  But with all the birthday parties that you have been to for your friends, I'm really excited for you to get to have one of your own.
The summer will be interesting...  I'm really going to try to keep you boys busy...doing things with friends, stuff with family, stuff outside, but also some educational things.  You'll be going to the summer camp at St. Vincent's on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I hope it's a smooth transition for you when school ends.  And you'll be going to the Vacation Bible School in July.  I know that some of your classmates will be doing both of those, so you should feel at home on school grounds with your friends.
I'm sure you know that Dad and I are making all this stuff up as we go along, we really have no idea what we're doing.  But, despite the challenges, we love watching you and Alex live and learn and grow, while we live and learn and grow ourselves.

April 2013

4/28/2013
Christopher-
Yesterday was your first tee-ball game.  You are on a team in the Millcreek League with a bunch of kids from your class.  We've been hesitant to sign you up for any team sports because we weren't sure what you would think and if you would be willing to play.  Well, I think I figured something out about you yesterday...I think you need to observe something first before you are willing to try it.  I was on the playground with Alex when the game first started, so dad was with you.  When I looked over I could see that you were crying and dad was talking to you to try to get you to calm down.  I came over and dad passed you off to me because he didn't know what else to do.  So, you and I sat on the grass and we watched your friends play.  We talked about what was happening and we pointed out that some of the other kids missed the ball, or knocked the tee over, or didn't know where to stand, and that these things were totally fine, they're just part of the game.  So when it was your turn up to bat you decided to try it.  And I think you had fun.  I'm really proud of you for trying.  And I feel really happy that maybe we've figured out a way to approach new things with you.
The funny thing about this is that dad and I are the same way.  We like to observe things first to see what's going on and what we're supposed to do before we want to jump in and try it.  So we really shouldn't be surprised that you're that way too.  Your next game is in a couple of days so we'll have to see if your comfort level has changed since Saturday.  I really want you to just have fun and learn new things without worrying so much.  Believe me, I worry enough for all of us, it's my job.  Your job is to be a kid and have fun!

March 2013

3/22/2013
Since you first started going to Nano Nagle 2 and a half years ago, I have always tried to get a sneak peak at you playing before you see me.  But you always see me before I see you and you come running over to me.  Well, this past week when I went to pick you up from extended day you were all outside playing and you didn't see me coming.  I looked all over for you and finally saw you sitting on the grass with Matthew, Ben and Parker.  All of a sudden you and Matthew jumped up and you were chasing him all over the playground.  A second later you were both sitting back down on the grass.  I soon realized that the four of you were playing duck duck goose.  You looked so happy playing with your friends.

February 2013

2/24/2013
Christopher-
I know you're only 4 and a half, but I'm already tired of this phase you're going through...we are starting to play board games with you but you throw a fit if you don't get to go first.  If you don't get to go first then you have a fit and you don't even want to play.  On the rare occasion that you do actually get to go first and we make it through the game, you throw a fit if you don't win.  I'm guessing that it's a phase that all kids go through...now that I think about it I might even know some adults that act this way.  How do we teach you that you don't always get to go first and how do we teach you that you won't always win and that it's ok to now always win.  And it's now even like you can get better at games like chutes and ladders the more you play.  There is no skill involved, it's all luck.  Maybe the more we play you'll start to see that sometimes you win and sometimes you don't.  I probably just need to have more patience with you while you figure out this life lesson.  I think it's one of those things that we take for granted as adults and we forget that it's a life skill that we had to learn and develop.  I'll cut you some slack, but I really hope you learn soon.

January 2013

1/16/2013
For your 4th birthday, dad and I got you a mosaic puzzle that has different patterns that you can follow or you can just build your own mosaic.  You really haven't played with it much...until this past week.  You've been building your own puzzle after puzzle and giving them to me and dad like they were gifts.  The really interesting thing about it is that almost every puzzle that you put together on your own is perfectly symmetrical.  So I decided to watch you put one together and I noticed that every time you put a piece down on one side, you put a matching piece on the other side.  It's very methodical.  I'm not sure if this is unusual or if it means anything, but I thought it was worth noting.  Maybe it's a significant characteristic of your personality.

December 2012

12/9/2012
Christopher-
     Today we had some friends over...(The Johannessen's: Joe, Kelly, Kira, Henry and Alaina.  and the Aoyagi's:  Jeff, Krist, Toby and Miles) to do some holiday baking and for you kids to play.  I'm amazed at how much you have changed.  Last year we went to Joe and Kelly's to do the holiday baking and if I remember correctly, you were very clingy.  I had a really hard time helping with any of the baking and stuff because you constantly needed me and didn't really want to play with the other kids.  I realize that today we were at our own house and I'm sure that makes a big difference, but you did so great with the other kids.  You all seemed to play really well together.  I'm so happy to see your social side developing.
     I meant to post something last month but just didn't get a chance...  we had parent teacher conferences with Mrs. Sanderson and Mrs. Keochareun in early November.  They said you were doing really well but they did want us to work with you a little bit on your number recognition 6-10 and also on holding your pen/pencil correctly.  I have also noticed that when you write your name you always start every letter from the bottom.  We should probably start correcting you so that you develop good habits.  You are doing so great with school.  Drop off hasn't been an issue for a really long time.  You say that you don't like going to the extended day program, but I know that you have fun and get to play with friends and even make new friends.  It's only 2 days a week, so I know you can handle it.  And I don't think that you complain much when you are at school or at extended.  I think you are just testing me to see if you can get out of going.
     Last week you completed your second level of swimming lessons.  It is so cool how comfortable you are in the water.  You are much more comfortable than I have ever been.  I'm proud of you and so happy that we have found something that you are interested in, at least for now.  We have no intentions of pushing you to become a star swimmer or anything, just getting you involved in something that you can enjoy and learn and grow with.

August 2012

8/20/2012
Christopher-
- Today, 8/20, was your first day of Pre-K.  I am so excited for you and the year ahead.  While dad and I are still trying to discern what school we ultimately want to send you and Alex to, I know that St. Vincent's is the right school for this year.  You already have some good friends so you're comfortable with your class.  The teachers seem really great.  I was noticing today on the calendar that you guys are going to be talking about how God made you special.  I hope you always know how special you are.  I know you are going to learn a lot in a safe and loving environment.
- So the 2012 London Olympics just ended last week.  4 years ago the Olympics were in Beijing, China and you were barely 1 month old.  I was home with you full time and we spent a lot of time snuggling and watching the games.  It brought back a lot of fond memories when we watched the games this year.  Although we do allow you to watch more tv than we should, you mostly watch dvds or children's shows on Netflix.  So I think it was a big change for you and Alex to be watching the various Olympic events.  We tried to tell you what was going on and explain that these people came from all over the world to compete in these events.  After watching some gymnastics you became suddenly interested in doing somersaults.  You would try to do one and then you get really upset and cry and tell me that it was too hard and you couldn't do it.  I tried to explain that I'm sure the athletes on tv had a hard time at first as well but they stuck with it and kept practicing and practicing until they could do it and then move on to harder things.  Well, you have been practicing and practicing and I'm proud to say that you can do a pretty good somersault.
- Almost every time you go to Grandma Stephie's house she takes you swimming.  I don't know how she does it, but the thought of taking both of you guys swimming by myself makes me panic.  We have been trying to find a time all summer when we could go swimming, but we have been so busy and most of the pools aren't open very late so we have had a hard time trying to coordinate it.  However, we finally went last week to the outdoor pool at Murray Park.  Wow, pools have changed since I was a kid.  They have the beach entrances so it gradually gets deeper.  That way you and Alex can find a depth that is comfortable for you.  You wanted to go down the waterslide.  So, I climbed up to the top with you and you decided that you wanted to go by yourself.  I said ok.  As you were halfway down the slide I started to panic.  I got nervous that when you hit the water, you would go under and wouldn't be able to get back up.  Thankfully, when I got to the bottom, Dad and Alex were there with you.  I was absolutely amazed at how comfortable you were in the water.  You kept going down the slide and putting your head under the water.  And even when you swallowed some water or got water up your nose, it didn't stop you from wanting to swim some more.  I guess my next step is to check into swimming lessons.

7/20/2012

Christopher-
I am so proud of you.  Drop off at school is always difficult (for both of us).  This morning, Ms. Caitlin wasn't there.  You usually go to her and she comforts you when I leave.  So today, rather than try to get you settled with someone else, I just asked you which door I should go out.  You told me you wanted to wave through the window.  So you stood there by yourself and let me walk out.  When I looked through the window you looked kind of sad but you still waved at me.  I know it was hard for you, but it was a big step. It's hard for me, too.
I love you!

May 2012

5/19/2012 - Pier's bday party at The Little Gym.  Jeep took you to the party.

5/29/2012 - Today you helped me put Alex down for his nap.  You wanted me to hurry so you told me not to sing him any songs but since that's part of our routine, I told you that I was going to do it but that you could sing with me.  You asked if you could tell him a story instead.  Ok.  You proceeded to tell your version of the story of the three bears.  You were actually really close and I could tell that there were some parts that you were repeating word for word from the book that we read sometimes.  You were concentrating really hard as you made your way through the story, and when you were finished, Alex's eyes were closed.  Thank you.  It was nice to have you both calmly sitting on my lap for a change.  :)

April 2012

4/26/2012
Christopher-
It's Thursday morning and somehow I guess I managed to wake up before you.  Usually you come wandering into my room and tell me it's time to get up.  So, since it seems that I have a few minutes before today officially begins, I though I'd take some time to write to you and Alex.
You are getting to be such a big boy and so independent in some ways.  Although we usually have to remind you to wash your hands, you totally take responsibility for knowing when you need to go to the bathroom.
Oh, spoke too soon, you are awake.  I suppose I will have to finish this later...

March 2012

3/4/2012 - Jeep bought you a helmet (I don't know why she buys you so much stuff).  It's kind of a monster helmet; it's green and it has eyes and big scary teeth.  The day after she bought it for you you insisted on wearing it all day around the house, from the second you woke up.  *****need to post the picture of you watching tv on the couch with your helmet on.

3/20/2012 - Auntie Rie and I took you to your first movie in a theater on Sunday.  We saw "The Lorax".  Surprisingly, you sat through the entire movie and were really quiet.  Although, it probably helped that you had a bag of popcorn to munch on.  You ate A LOT of popcorn.  And when the movie was over all you could talk about was the popcorn.

February 2012

2/19/2010 - We took you and Alex sledding for the first time ever today.  You went down the hill with dad and started crying when the big poof of snow hit you in the face.  You didn't like it at all, until....  we walked over to a slightly smaller hill and Alex was trying to climb on the playground and I was talking to dad and I turned around you had gone down the hill on the sled all by yourself.  You loved it.  In fact, you even pulled the sled back up the hill by yourself and kept going down.  You were sad when it was time to go.

2/26/2012 - I don't know why, but this past week you have been horrible about eating your dinner.  You mess around and then you'll say that you don't feel very good, or that you're full.  We have finally resorted to a "love and logic" tactic where we give you a time limit for your dinner.  When dinner time is over, it's over, we take your plate away and you get nothing else to eat.  I know it sounds horrible, but I promise you that you are not going to starve.  I hope you're learning that you need to eat and you need to eat during the time when we eat, not whenever you want.

January 2012

1/22/2012
I am finally willing to let go of your naps.  You've always napped well, it was just getting you to actually settle down and lay in your bed that has always been kind of a struggle.  I kind of noticed lately that you'll sleep in, so you won't be tired at nap time.  And if I force you to take a nap, then you're not tired at bed time.  So, I (we) decided to take it one day at a time.  If you sleep in a little and aren't overly active then I'm not even going to try to get you to take a nap.  So far you've actually been pretty good.  The problem in the past has been that if you don't take a nap then you become a little demon around 5:30, and by then it's too late to take a nap and too early for bed.  But so far you've stayed pretty mellow and you've fallen asleep much faster at bed time.  Plus, it gives you and I some one-on-one time during the day when Alex is sleeping.  And to be honest, while I really liked the time to myself while you and Alex were sleeping, it's actually less stressful not having to deal with your nap time.  You're growing up :)

You currently have 6 stickers on your diesel 10 sticker chart.  So, dad took you on Friday to buy the train.  The deal was that we would buy the train when you got 5 stickers, and once you got 10 stickers you could actually play with it.  4 more to go!  You have been doing really well, I am really proud of you.

Last week, Josh (from school) and his mom invited us over to their house for a play date.  You were so excited and you played so well with him at his house.  It was really great.  That is until it was time to go and you had a melt down.  You did not want to leave!  I guess that's better than having a melt down when we arrived.  We'll just try to do better next time.


1/29/2012
Tonight, you and Alex were sharing a snack of a hot dog and some applesauce.  So Alex was sitting in his high chair with his tray and you pulled your chair up to face him.   You got Alex a spoon and you were showing him how to use it.  When you guys were finished eating you cleared all of the dishes.  It was nice big-brotherly love!

1/31/2012
We have been trying to help Alex learn how to talk.  "Christopher" is a long word so we were trying to teach Alex to say "CJ".  We asked you if it was ok if Alex called you "CJ" and you said "no, he can call me Christopher 'cause that's who I am".

December 2011

12/16/2011
Today was your Christmas program at school.  You really haven't said much about it so I'm not really sure what to expect.  You've been singing a little bit at home and you mentioned something about being a cow.  We were sitting in the front 2 rows at the school gym (which I knew was a mistake but all the grandparents beat us there and picked the seats).  We watched the little kids come out first and do their thing.  Alex came and sat with us immediately.  Your class walked out in a line and you, in your cute cow costume, were not about to go stand in the manger with the rest of your friends, you came straight to dad and sat on his lap through the rest of the program.  I knew we should have sat where you couldn't see us :), maybe you would have lasted a little longer.  You were cute no matter what.

12/20/2011
You have too many toys, I don't think anyone (except maybe you) would argue that point.  And I know that you are going to get even more toys for Christmas.  You were complaining about something so I told you that you needed to choose 2 toys that we could give to a child that doesn't have any toys.  You immediately said that you weren't going to share.  So I gave you the option to choose 2 toys or Dad and I would choose 2 toys.  You hopped right up and grabbed a "little people" monkey.  Ok, it was a very small toy, but at least it was a start.  Then you grabbed another toy of similar size, only this time it was one of Alex's toys.  Tricky, tricky.  Nope, you had to pick something else and it had to be bigger.  So, you grabbed the Finn McMissile car.  Again, this toy is Alex's.  So, you ended up with the talking Lightning McQueen car.  I asked if you were sure and you said yes.  We still have way too many toys, but at least it's a start.

12/21/2011
You have really been struggling with drop off at school.  Before we even get there you start whining and saying that you don't want to go and you start having a melt down.  Believe it or not but I have a hard time with drop off too.  It's hard for me to leave you but I know you're in good hands and I know you have a lot of fun while at school.  It's just that initial separation that causes us both anxiety.  Anyway, today is your last day of school before Christmas break.  You were whining before we even left the house.  So, dad and I came up with a plan, if we can do drop off 10 times without you crying then you can get Diesel 10.  You were excited about that so it got you off the couch and we were off.  We walked in the door of school and you yelled over to Ms. Allison:  "Ms. Allison, you know what?  If I stay at school for 10 minutes then I can get Diesel 10!"  hmmm.....  you're probably a lot smarter than we give you credit for.

12/26/2011
It was really fun with you yesterday seeing how excited you were about Christmas.  Although you got a ton of cool new toys, I think your favorite toy is the dinosaur train that Santa put in Alex's stocking.  I do think you were excited that Santa brought you what you had asked him for: Rheneas and Skarloey (from Thomas and Friends).  Now we need to work on getting rid of some toys, we really do have too many.