Hey! What Is Going On Back There?

Dear Hazelnut, 
What?!  You can get anry?  You can!  The other day we were driving in the van and I hear giggling from the back, then full on laughter.  I turn to see what is going on and can't see anything unusual.  Then again I hear it.  Daddy looks in his rear view mirror to see that our sweet little Hazelita is kicking brother Henry in the head and getting a good laugh out of it.  Why did Henry not mind?  He was passed out asleep.  You were tangling your toes in his hair and then wackin' that right food against his head.  Watch out Henry!  Your lil' sister is workin' up to your speed.  
Love, Mama

Water Baby

Dear Hazel, 
We took you to the splash pad for the first time.  We didn't keep you in the water long but you seemed to like it and get really stimulated by it.  You tightened up and your tongue started moving and you looked all around.  We enjoyed watching you experience it.  We will go back when it is hotter out and you won't get so cold.  Can't wait!

Love, Mama

Music and Gettin' Your Booty Shakin' On!

Dear Booty Shakers, 
Lately we've been really getting our dance on.  One awesome week we decided to go down to the library and went to first grab a little lunch to find out that People's Park had an African music and dance group playing.  You both were so excited!  We grabbed two hot dogs and a root beer from the hot dog cart and were on our way to a special afternoon.  We sat up front and Hazel sat on the ground in front of me.  One of our occupational therapy goals for you this week, Hazel, was to have you opening your hands and raising them more.  I know the amazing role music has played in my life, I shouldn't have been surprised that it got you doing these two things for almost an hour.  You watched the dancers with a a big smile and intense look and put your arms out just like theirs and moved back and forth, clapping at the end of each song.  Henry wouldn't get up and do his fancy footwork but he did rock around too while eating his hot dog and sharing a root beer.   You told me you have to, "drink your root beer with your mother around it so the spicy (bubbles) don't bite your lips."  

 It was such a great, unexpected time. I wasn't able to capture her happiness dancing.  Henry tried.

Just before we left, Hazel slept through our library visit.

I sat there in the breezy warm sun and thought what a lucky, fortunate woman I am, complete with a boy, a girl and a hardworking, loving husband.  
Love, Mama

Sweetie Pie, Honey Bunch

Dear Hazelita, 
My little socialita.  You love being near people and are so readily loveable.  You are also very sweet and if someone is talking to you or playing with you they are likely to feel the softest buttery tiny fingers rubbing their arm.  I love when we sit close, like right now as I type, your left hand is rubbing my arm and leg intermittently while reaching to your limits to try and take over my keyboard.  You are really working hard on using your hands and pushing up.  We are starting to make some progress here and there.  Our goal this week is to work on pushing up on all fours and lifting a hand while maintaining the position.  Yesterday evening we were all playing out on the lawn and I went to put a ball away and as I walked back you did the best you could and lifted that sweet pudge of a hand and waved at mama.  

 

Yes!  I loved this!  A couple of nights ago Daddy came into the living room and I was holding you.  You waved at Daddy and said, "HI! DADA!" What!  Soon you'll be repeating this regularly.  I adore that you're a little love bug.  I hope you always want to reach out to Mama.  It is such a gift.  Love, Mama.