Henry Loves a Theme

Dear Peep, 
You sure do love a theme.  Your school has been having themes each week.  You get very excited about this and go all out.  Last week was camping week.  You were REALLY excited about this, gathering up your things the night before.  I had put out some clothes the night before and when I told you to go and get them you I heard a rolling thunder of steps directed toward me coming from the hall.
"MOMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEE!  I can't wear those clothes!  They are not camping clothes.  Camping close have to be blank and dark."  Uh, okay, so I went to your room with you and we picked together.  This is what we came up with, along with a lantern, sleeping bag, boots and ball cap.  You also brought out your book Gisby and the stuffed dude that goes with it, as well as another book about camping. You rushed me along to get you to school and you were full of such energy.  We get to your classroom and we talk to the teacher about your excitement and you share your books with her and she says, "Oh, you should have gotten here earlier.  We are cleaning up the tents now."  Your shoulders slumped and you went back to the cubby and put your hat in and took off your vest.  I had no idea that the themed stuff was in the morning.  I thought it was all day.  I do wish, however, that you at least got a little 'way to go kid' speech from the teacher.  She seemed to be a little stretched thin that day so I'll give her a pass.  Daddy not wanting you disappointed sent me a text to give to you letting you know when he got home the two of you would camp out in the basement and watch a movie together and eat hotdogs and beans.  This pumped you back up and for two hours prior to Daddy's arrival home every five minutes all I heard were, "Is it time for Daddy to get home now?"  That's love.
Today you created your own theme, checker board clothes (orange and white checker board shirt, sweaterhoodie, pants, and shoe laces).  You picked out this look head to toe, asked me to take your picture on your great grandpa's chair.  

I asked you what you're doing in the first photo you said, "I'm trying to look cool."  Lawd help us!
Love, Mama  

A Night Away

Dear Henny and Hey-zel, 
Last weekend we were able to spend a night away in Evansville to visit Gavin and his family.  He has three awesome daughters, one high school, one middle school and one pre-school (just a month older than you).  You were a bit smitten with Miss Alyissa. Yep.  The oldest.  I think it was the light saber popsicles she made for you all to eat.  Hazel you just hung out like a little sweet pea, enjoy snugglin' from Gavin.  We ate at a cool German restaurant near their home.

Poor Delilah puked right before we left.  Oh my!  So she carried her little puke bucket on the walk over hanging close to me and holding my hand.  Poor thing.  Alyissa was able to get you to try pig knuckles of all things!  You loved it!  
After dinner we went to the hotel where you swam for a while in the cool pool.  The two of you were excited about the big hotel bed and all of the pillows. 

In the morning we got breakfast down the hall and you ate a ton!  We got ourselves together and met Gavin and Delilah at the Children's Museum in Evansville.  IT WAS GREAT!  Olivia and Alyissa had Girl Scout Cookies to sale.  You were so excited!  We could have spend four hours vs the two we were there.  There was exciting water room to play in.  Hazel, you had an abundance of things to stare at and enjoy.  It was such a nice time!  

You were in love with the pilgrim home and civil war scenes you could role play in, but then maybe you loved the various ways to build more.  

You were sad to leave the interactive art gallery but they were making a last call announcement and we didn't want to get locked in! 

We loved catching up with Gavin and his girls and hope to return to spend an extended time at that the Children's Museum.  I also think we would really enjoy the riverwalk and activities in the warmer weather.  We can't wait to return.  So grateful we have such easy travelers.
Love, Mama 

My Little Hearts

Dear Babies, 
Cupid got three arrows in my big mama butt because I'm in love with Daddy and my two little Valentines.  We had about an hour on Valentines Day where the sun was shining and the air had a soft hint of warm and it carried us to the park for a short time.  It was just enough of a taste of spring to make me yearn for more.  You guys were in the swings for about 15 minutes with big smiles and happiness to be outside.  Baby girl I was so excited to see that you fit in a swing and that your little silver shoes were flipping back and forth with a full smile on your face.  

Henry I think you were missing our alone swing time where I could push and push and push you but give Mama a chance, it was my first time for me to get two swings going at once.

The next time you're begging me to get you to the moon I will make certain that I do.  Thank you for your big brother patience the last 5 months Peep.
Love, Mama    

Your Waves on Study

Dear Hey-zel, 
Over the last three years Henry and I have gone to IU to participate in some non-invasive IU psychology department studies.  He has always enjoyed them so we signed you up too.  You have participated in two thus far.  During the first study you sat on my lap nice and close as they watched how your eyes looked at an arrow, a hand or some other shape.  The second study you got to put on a funny hat with soft little pads all over that were warmed up in water. You listened to some sounds for a few minutes so they could read how your brain waves respond differently between people's voices, animal sounds or object sounds.  You looked too cute in this little hat and busted your golden smile out for the study administrator, Marianne, a sweet French woman.  I enjoyed hearing her speak to you in French and seeing a a broad smile on your face.
Last week as we were leaving I saw a familiar face on the wall.  It was our little dude Henry!  His picture was featured on a study he participated in around 30 months.  When the study gets published his picture will be attached.  So cool!  I love that we are participating in the studies and gathering of information on how early brains work.  

Your next study is next week. You do get to wear the fashionable hat again. 
Love, Mama 

A Little Project for some BIG Drool!

Dear Hay-zel, 
I'm just going to say it, you're VERY drooly these days and rather than build a mote around you to catch it I found this fun little sewing project from a book I checked out at the library.  I was able to use scrap fabric and make you look stylish all at the same time. Easy and reversible!  Teeth are on the horizon.  Lord help us through the teething stages!  Poor girl!  I won't like seeing you in pain at all and I am certain you won't be a fan either.

After you're done droolin' on them and you get bigger you can put them on your head too.

I have a few more easy patterns to try too.  I hope I don't make you look too ridiculous.
Love, Mama  

To the Theater

Dear Peep and Zell, 
When Grandma LaJean asked us to attend a puppet performance with her in Indianapolis Clowes Hall at Butler I was excited!  I've gone with many student groups to see performances there and they have always been high quality and entertaining.  We arrived just in time at noon and found our seats in pitch black with the usher using about a light with a quarter sized beam.  We sat down and the lights faded in on the stage.  The music was very sweet.  You had lots of questions about the puppets and sets, but the first half of the performance had a quiet pace and your attention was drawn away by the snacks we brought. 
You made it through your bag of gummies, granola bar, fish and a piece of Laughy Taffy you sneaked from the cupboard at home.  Hazel on the other hand was engaged and flapping her arms soooo fast from Grandma LaJean's lap.   

The second story was one you knew well of the Little Nutbrown Hare, based on Anita Jerams story Guess How Much I Love You.  
You were more excited about this one and we both loved how the bunnies hopped on the stage.  The scenery and puppetry was quite beautifully executed. After we walked around the theater a bit to look around and got a couple of pictures.  I was really excited to go with you for a new experience and to meet up with Grandma LaJean playin' hooky from work. 

Ah, should have used my flash

I hope to go again to see a play!  I think you would love one that is fast paced with a clear story but with enough lights and pretty music like this one for Hazel. Here's to new experiences! 

Love, Mama