Up A Creek With Your Buddies

Dear Henny, 
We have loved the years growing up with your buddies who were adopted by their families within the year that you came to us.  We have so appreciated our at least once a week play dates and the first super warm Wednesday of spring has brought us the best play date two years in a row.  This week we went to Olcott park and by the time you all grew tired of the playground we hiked back on a short trail jumping in at a little creek with shallow flowing water.  Etienne fell in first and the moms braced to see if this was going to be a good thing and he popped up laughing only to "slip" again.  After this point it was on.  

You all splashed, explored and laughed big belly laughs.  You looked for fossils in the rocks bringing me crinoid stems and shells embedded in rocks, and a geode that had you exclaiming, "I found some rollie pollies and lobster!"  It wasn't a lobster but it was a miniature crayfish swimming inside the geode. 

Hazel decided the small hike would be a great time to try and ditch her glasses and Heather was our hero searching the trail back to the parking lot looking for your little pinkies.  You played on the blanket happily watching the kids splash, though I'm not sure you could really see them.  
When we called time to go each of you had a negotiating tactic ready to try and extend the time.  Then it was clear exhaustion hit and on the way back we heard whines of "I NEED this stick!"  "I just need to lay down, right now!"  "MOM, could you carry me?"  All signs of kiddos adequately played out.  
We started the search for Hazel's glass and just as we gave in Eunice yelled from the parking lot that she found them.  Yes!  So Hazel, you aren't getting rid of them that easily!  A great play date that is sure to be repeated lots of time this summer.  So grateful for such great friends.  
Love, Mama

A side note, Keeg's parents, Eunice and Matt, are up and waiting to adopt their second child through the IAC in an open adoption.  They are great parents with a wonderful extended family.  Check out their profile:  http://www.iheartadoption.org/users/donovan

Robot Hulk!

Dear Green Monster,
I caught ya!  While I was finishing up laundry, I put you on the back porch with some markers and paper...pointing out that you shouldn't draw on the deck, the house and/or anything other than the baby in front of you.  I forgot to add your body, but as long as it isn't Sharpie I don't care.  So I watched...and then I noticed you were covered in green. 

You were trying to change your skin color to the Hulk.  You did a pretty convincing job on one entire hand and forearm.  

So proud of yourself for getting, "even your fingernails," I told you to give me your best Hulk poses...here is what I got, minus the guttural rumblings coming from deep within your throat as you strained to flex your muscle into a display of tuff glory.

 After this display I ushered you into the shower as fast as possible as anything you even brushed against had a green smudge on it.  A green puddle gathered around your feet.

I love my creative dude, even if you are a little message.
Love, Mama 

Spring Blossoms

Having some chocolate ice cream

Dear Hazel, 
You've really been hatching from your shell this spring.  Yesterday you turned 8 months old.  I attribute your burst of accomplishments to your new glasses, you've expanded your world past your immediate body.  The story goes we've been gathering concerns about some of your muscle strength and control and not meeting a pile of milestones.  The day you first put on your glasses you started reaching out, looking around in wonder, and moving more!  We have First Steps currently involved, we had your first meeting yesterday with occupational therapy.  Our goal this week is to work on your leg movements to help you roll from your back to stomach.  With your left side weakness it is difficult for you to torque yourself over.  I'd like to focus all the obstacles you have over come in the last three weeks...
You are reaching out for things!  Even reaching from right to your left side.  You are holding blocks in both hands and banging them.  You are clapping like a crazy woman,in fact you love watching American Idol and clapping for Candace and Kree as well as working more vocal gymnastics to "sing" along with them.  

You respond to your name now.  You steal things from Henry's plate at dinner and how a big interest in eating what we are.  

You are just beginning to make sure you get your tummy off the floor while pushing up with your hands.  You transfer things from your left hand to your right and try to dump over your blocks bowl.  You grab things and wave them around.  

Henry has been making you some things with K'nex and you you loved to explore them from all angles and roll some wheels around.   You enjoy taking paper and crinkling it up.  You stole my grocery list just the other day.  You love being read to and try to flip the pages.  

You are a sweet little socialite, playing your pudge of a hand on peoples arms and gazing into their eyes in an intense study.  Subsequently you pick up social cues with expert precision.  This past Saturday you figured out how to get from your stomach to your back in the proper movements.  This was a big accomplishment!  All this since those little pinky glasses graced your face.  This week you've also figured out how to rip them off of your face every 30 seconds.  We love you so much baby girl.  You've slipped right into our lives as if you've always been here, and I suppose in some ways you have.  You're sweet and chill, we are so grateful for you and still in wonder if Daddy and I are in some shared delusion of your existence.  I mean we thought we would still be waiting for you, instead you were waiting on us to meet WW again and match and plan for you.  We love you baby lady.
Love, Mama

Ruby Doobies' Bday Pirate Party

Dear Peep, 
You really love a good birthday party!  I can't tell you about them very much in advance because for the days leading up every hour or so you ask, "Is it party time now?  I better get ready."  Ruby had a great 7th birthday party at the Y.  Even though you were almost the youngest there (that walks and talks) you jumped right in and excitedly learned some new games that the bigger kids were old pros at.  I loved seeing how easily you participated.  You especially enjoyed play with a pretty little girl that asked you if you liked dragons.

You stuck to her like glue after she revealed how much she did.  You were quite happy to see a boy there with glasses.  It really helped when you got yours the next day. Hazel hung out with Daddy with her face painted like a sweet kitty cat.  

Ruby is such a beautiful little lady. 
I've known her since she was just a bitty thing and she has just become so cool.  
How fun to celebrate with her again, and to see how much you've grown too.

Love, Mama    

John Deere and Grandpa Tim

Dear Peep and Peach, 
Grandpa Tim and Trish are up from Florida and you (Henry) got to spend the night!  Woot! and Hazel, this is the first time they have seen you since you were just a week or two old.  We had a lovely day out in the woods, eating hot dogs roasted on the fire and visiting.  You're always excited to get a ride on the big tractor and Hazel received lots of hugging.  You helped Trish pick up sticks and Grandpa Tim dug with Daddy's old crane and scoop.  

Glad to have the closer, even if it is for a short time. 
Love, Mama