Welcome to Babyville: Population Us!

Box 'Em Up

2012-01-24T22:15:00.000-05:00

Dear Peep,

What we can't do with a box?! I dragged up the box that cradled your guitar on its journey to the house upstairs yesterday. I let you mess around with it for a while and then asked what you wanted to do with it. You wanted to make a little house out of it. You played like that for a while then as you pulled the loose take off and flattened it out I saw a car ramp in our future. We laid pillows down and bridge the cardboard down the chair and pillows. We tried out about 10 cars and zoomed them down the ramp flawlessly, cheering each run more than the last. The next night you wanted more ramp time. It is exciting to discover new ways to have fun together. So what's next?

Henry and Mama's race face!

Love, Mama

Match 'Em Up

2012-01-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Dear Puzzle Master,
I have really enjoyed all of our puzzles lately. Backhoes, tractors, seasons and farms. I love when you start to get it. You cheer yourself on! I need to trade in some of our board puzzles out for some more jig saw puzzles. You seem to love putting together the big picture but if you_can't_quite_get_the_piece_in where it should go, you get frustrated. All I have to do is remind you to give it a little twist, the piece settles in and peace returns. I can't wait until someday we can do one of those crazy big 1000 piece puzzles like I would do with my family as a kid...for now 24 piece and large floor puzzles will have to do! :)

Love, Mama

Little Toes

2012-01-23T17:03:00.001-05:00

Dear Twinkle Toes,
Some days I wonder if I will ever find the feelings of gratitude that I have for you have become less intense, or normalize. Do all parents feel this way or only the variety that fought tooth and nail to be parents month after month, year after year? The ones like us, that put all of their personal information, medical history, police checks, flaws and strengths out there to be read by strangers and put aside time again until the right time, the right woman looking to make a plan for her baby sighs with relief because you are in fact undeniably the family for her baby. We are almost three years into your life and I still feel like parenthood is new, a novelty, a dream. You are an intense little dude. You love to explore, to dance, to play, to laugh, to test. You are very independent and like your space. You are very cuddly but sometimes at your own terms. Lately my challenge has been finding a way to cut out the hitting when you get frustrated...direct to time out, keeping you busy, breathing deeply together all seem to help but sometimes you flip out. Despite this challenge big and small moments happen that warm me up and overwhelm my heart...

This weekend you had a fever and were wanting to cuddle on the couch, watch a movie and fall asleep. You were slumpin' down slowly, stretching yawns creeping across your face and tiny toes marched up under my jean's leg to nuzzle my leg (which you didn't announce was spicy and needed shaved this time). I tried so hard to get a picture but every lift of your bicycle blanket you woke up.

Such love. Nope, the gratitude doesn't seem to dissipate.
Love, Mama

80's Mania

2012-01-15T00:27:00.001-05:00

Dear Peep Boy,
The 80's have taken hold of the Thompson household. Earlier in the week it was Back to the Future night, yesterday you busted down a cardboard box and started dancing on it (with no prompting, Daddy says it is instinct), this afternoon we watched breakdancing video's on youtube, and this evening we watched ET and ate a homemade banana split. Watching ET with you was divine; you snuggled closely on the couch, asked lots of questions, showed lots of concern, professed your admiration for the older brother Michael, and best of all, you held my hand through out. As the movie started and I read the title page you asked what does terrestrial mean. I explained and you said, "No, it means eating food." It is now surprise that soon after you need to eat something. At the part where Elliot waits in his sleeping bag on the back porch to see if his enticing Reese's Pieces would lure ET back you said, "Uh, I'm scared!" and held my hand tighter and leaned waaaaaaay over. Then as ET approached and he was makin' the noises ET makes you asked about him. I said, "He is an alien, he came from another planet and his ship had to leave quickly and left him behind." Your anxious body said, "No, no, that little guy is just going to be a baby." I said, "No, he is an alien." You corrected me again, "No, he's just going to be a little baby and stay with them."
The sweetest part was you kept calling him RT. You originally wanted to watch some dragon catcher movie that was terrible, but you kept pointing to the screen asking if that was RT yet. I had no idea what you were talking about. You tired of the stink bomb of a movie quickly and we put in ET. You said, "Is this RT?" I said, "Who is Archie?" You said, "NO! RT!" Then I finally figured it out. The rest of the movie you said RT then immediately corrected yourself. It was sweet watching this with you. You thought it was pretty cool. We love re-experiencing these things with you. You give them new life and lots of laughs! Why all of the links? It isn't the 80's with lots of product placement. So what's next? The Goonies?
Love, Mama

Banner Parade

2012-01-13T11:58:00.004-05:00

Dear Peep,
I've changed the banner at the top of the blog many, many times over the last three years. I thought I would get the ones I could up and together in one place. I love putting you into different scenes. I almost can't stop laughing as I do it. Which do you like best?

Love you Snoot,
Mama

Henry of the Future

2012-01-12T20:32:00.000-05:00

Henry dubbed this picture, "Henry of the Future!"

Dear Doc,

So glad you like Back to the Future as much as Daddy and I do. Anytime it is on TV our remote sticks there, no matter how we try to get away from it. You particularly love the scene of the Doc trying to get the cables connected to the clock tower before the rod is hit by lightening. This evening after a pee on the potty you were stretching out the plug on the end of the humidifier across the room saying, "I'm trying to connect the clock like the man. I have to connect the clock!" I was like what the heck are you talking about, as I watched you grunt and stretch....light bulb, ding! You were playing out the Doc in Back to the Future. sigh. It made my heart leap but again in total admiration of your smarts, creativity and weirdness. It is only going to get better from here on out.

Love, Mommy

P.S. This is the second blog reference of back to the future. Check this one out from a long time ago. Click here... which is kind of funny because it was posted almost exactly 2 years ago...

Playin' in the Cold

2012-01-12T13:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Snow Bird,
You start seein' that flaky cold stuff fall and we couldn't chain the doors, twist on double bolt locks and put furniture in front of the doors to keep you out. Nothing would work, you love it. We have had one day where enough snow dropped to really go out and play in it, but baby they say it is coming now. No more early-spring like days for a while. I hope it snows enough that Daddy can pull you around the driveway on the sled, I can try out the snow blower, and we can build a snow man. Here are some pictures of our one snowy day. You wanted to help clear off my car window with the new window scrapper Grandma P bought me for Christmas. We threw a couple of snow balls and you kept eating it off the ground. I had to get you to stop! so gross! It wasn't deep enough to put a protective barrier between you and the gross things on the ground. Ewe!

Love, Mama

Bee Beep Peep

2012-01-07T22:27:00.001-05:00

Dear Peep,
We are a creative crew here in the Thompson house. We had a delivery today that was contained in a perfectly square, perfectly Peep size box with the contents wrapped in that silver bubble wrap insulation stuff. As a secondary thought I threw the box and bubble wrap into the living room while I put away the stuff. After cleaning up the kitchen I came into the living room and you were still playing with the box and wrap. I asked you if wanted to make a robot. You perked way up and with super excitement and our little impromptu project came to life. I asked you what else we should use for our robot and you grabbed a little cascade tabs tub Grandma P had earlier cleaned out for you to stuff things in. I said, "Great idea! Where do you want to put it?" Front and center we created a robot pocket you could put stuff into. We set about looking for some "knobs" and settled on a couple of milk jug lids and a glue stick lid. We had to go down stairs and use the drill, of course! You were down for business and drilled the holes in each cap and into the box while I got the pipe cleaners ready to fasten them into place. I found a little twist on light and a flameless "candle" and we drilled a whole in the front of the robot pocket to place the candle. We put the twist on light the front of your hat.

You were fully engaged and on it for an entire hour plus! We tried it on and it looked pretty tuff! We decided to go outside to wave to cars from the side walk. Honestly, you were tired at this point and I didn't get the coolest pictures because you didn't give me much opportunity. Daddy and I both believe this is one of those things we will remember for a very long time. A total family effort. I wonder what we will build next.
Love, Mama

The Christmas Present that Keeps on Giving! Wonder Lab Pass-o-rama

2012-01-02T18:42:00.001-05:00

Dear Hen-Einstein,
Lucky for us! For your Christmas present this year Grandpa Tim bought you a pass to The Wonder Lab, a local science center focused around school age kids. We've had this pass less than a month and you have gone 4 times already! While Grandpa Tim and Trish were here to help out while Daddy was very sick they took you twice to break in the pass. You and I have met your little buddies there twice! That would have been close to the price of the pass right there! You love it and the newest interactive exhibits on air. You and the twins love to play with the magnet upstairs.

Etienne, Henry and Sylvie making magnet sculptures.

Three faces of Henry

Henry enjoying popping ping pong balls across the room.

All of ya love the water and have started looking like real scientists experimenting and testing together.

Etienne must be thirsty!

Henry, Etienne, and Lily playing with water.

Sylvie, Henry and Etienne experimenting.

We can spend lots of time here to make the day go faster while insuring a deep, solid afternoon snooze, plus you're learning at the same time.

Keegan, Sylvie and Henry making bubbles

Drums and Light

Each visit there is something new you discover. I am sure we will be visiting again this week.
I love learning with you! Thanks Grandpa Tim!
Love, Mama

JoJo's Got Wheels Now!

2011-12-31T02:16:00.001-05:00

Dear Peep,
The most wonderful thing happened yesterday, a visit from JoJo and Tommy to our house! That's right! JoJo recently acquired a car and it just so happened that we bought her a gas card for Christmas so she drove over to see us. You were SO excited. Playing it cool on the couch watching Curious George waiting for them to arrive until the text came that they were five minutes out. You couldn't sit still, checking from the front door to the side window. Finally her little black car pulled up and the excitement was jumping out of your little limbs faster than you could move them. Your feet staccatoed to the side window and your right arm started flapping a vigorous wave as they stepped out of their car. You ran to the door and started opening it at the same time they were. They came in and we hung out by the Christmas tree so we could exchange presents.

JoJo brought you a little dump truck, some mini m&m's and a Darth Vader head that spits out candy when you press his tummy. You loved them. Tommy loved his Star Ward trouble game, little cd/radio player for his room and a book with 5 new stories he had never read but have been Mommy's long time favorites. You were shootin' those Darth Vader candies out all over and eating them like a dog. I didn't worry though. JoJo knows you're a crazy little squirrel. After presents you were ready to show them your room. You had been planning this since I told you they were coming over. I left the three of you on your own to spend some time together. You read some books together huddled close on your bed.

JoJo asked you about each of your stuffed animals and you told her their names. After a while you came to get me sayin', "Mommy, you should come back there too." I waited a couple of minutes then I did. Soon, you and Tommy decided you needed to play outside so you put on your shoes and a hat. You told Tommy with concern, "You better put your hat on it is cold outside." Then you "whispered" to me to, "Close the strap on my hat so Tommy doesn't try to take it." I laughed and Tommy heard you and said, "Why would I want your hat?!" It was a sunny warm day considering we are in the final days of December.

You had a lot of fun, almost having a hard time placing all of your excitement. You rode Daddy's old tractor around the back deck, or I should say JoJo or Tommy pushed you and Tommy sped around all on his own. You thumped sticks together and you whacked JoJo's butt with your plastic bat. We were getting pretty hungry so I made some Coney dogs and baked beans, which we took downstairs to eat while we watched Monsters Inc. You and Tommy cuddled with some blankets in the little pillow nest you made. You gave him a couple of noogies.

Then it was time for them to leave. Tommy wanted to stick around but in Indiana about dusk those deer start poppin' out. With an hours drive to go they had to leave before the movie was over. Tommy made her stall a bit before they could leave and you pulled out the tent kit Grandma P bought you at a garage sale. You set it up together and slid underneath to play with your lap top. Tommy spelled out his name and then you did yours. I packed up some left over chili so they wouldn't have to cook when they arrived home. The stall allowed, we had to pull you guys out of the tent to move on outside to the car.

You didn't want Tommy to go either. We followed them out and in lieu of a hug and kiss you growled at JoJo while making animal faces and postures at her, she returned the favor...clear you weren't going to give up any cuddles or lovin' she stole a squeeze and headed off...

she made it to the end of the driveway when you shouted after her rolled down window and outstretched hand, "I love you!" This made her happy.

This made me happy too. I know a lot of people won't understand, hell, I am not sure I totally understand why but I felt light. Really elated to have her come for a visit. I believe in part it is because I am excited about the positive things that have been happening for her...a car, seeing her local college sweats with an official ID to back up that she is enrolled in classes starting this semester, or just the love we feel for her. It doesn't matter, it is what feels right for our family. To see you happy and to see Tommy enjoy hanging out with you at your house felt very true. Having JoJo in our lives doesn't make you any less "our" son, if we even needed to go in the direction of such a possessive word (as if), contact almost feels as if it makes us more your parents. By giving you the gift of your entire story and heritage we all couldn't be committing more of an act of loving parenting. After all, she often faces people saying, "I don't think I could do that," her choice to give us to you was the ultimate act of loving parenting. (Or at least we try to live up to such an endowment) How could we live in denial that you have a connection? If all parties are willing and able how could we not welcome something that is good for you, us, them? I suppose we could make it more complicated but somehow it just isn't. As the years go on and JoJo is going to school or working, or you're in school as with most family get-togethers the in betweens could stretch out out longer than the frequency but it will never change the visits significance in our lives. Always grateful to be your mom, and to have become your mom in the way that I did.

Love, Mama

Christmas Excitement and My 400th Post!

2011-12-27T10:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Peep-St. Nick,
After a rough week leading into the Christmas holiday Daddy began recovering from pneumonia and the hospital mishap and returned home late on the 20th. It took a couple of days to feel sort of normal again at home. While we recouped Grandpa Tim and Trish took you to Wonder Lab with the annual pass they bought you for Christmas. We are so excited to use it! We reworked Christmas a bit this year. We went to Grandma Jean's on the 24th for our traditional brunch and Grandma P and Bahboo joined us along with Auntie Krispie and Currie. We opened presents, had some pie and came home. It was a nice low key Christmas and we will meet with Grandma P and Bahboo later in the week. We received such cool and thoughtful gifts. Grandma LaJean bought you a very cool garbage truck, which you just happened to play with ANY time we were around the toy aisle at a store. Your aunties came in with some exciting new toys; popsicle makers, a play dough dessert and ice cream pumper, and a baking kit just for you with an apron and utensils. We were very proud of how you showed gratitude. We were happy that absent was a sense of greed on your part.


Henry helped Aunt Krispie play Santa to deliver the gifts.


Eating all of the special treats his aunties brought to share.

Conducting Silent Night for his aunties.


Playing hide and seek with GG.


Reading the Run Away Squash with GG.

Ready to eat GG's homemade apple pie. Yum!

On the 25th when it was time to open our presents together you were excited to see all the gifts but you were not at all interested in opening any. We said, "Henny! Those are your presents in the middle! Open them up!" You said, "Nooo. I got my presents already." We had to beg you to open yours. When you finally did you showed so much enthusiasm it was the most fun Christmas in a really long time.

New Toy Story boxers got as much excitement as your very own red guitar, although you wanted to sleep with your guitar and your pluck (pick) and the undies you did not. You loved Mr. Potato Head, all the cooking toys, and you gave us exams with your doctor's kit.

I had taken your old unfinished table and made it to look like a half stove/ half hibachi and drilled knobs into the side. You pulled off the blanket with the skills and posture of a distinguished bull fighter, swiftly and cleanly. We heard a gasp and, "Uh, uh, uh, uh hibachi!" All of the gifts were as big a hit as the last.

We have a hunch that you're not really buy the whole Santa Clause story just yet. You watched tons of holiday movies and we went to visit Santa a the mall but you sat on his lap stiff as a board. After you opened all your presents you said thank you Mommy, thank you Daddy, without solicitation I might add. We played the old line to the t but you weren't biting. That's okay. Santa or no Santa your energy makes for a great Christmas, not to mention we are all incredibly grateful and happy to be together to try to get back to normal after Daddy's hospital visit.

After all the gifts were opened we were pleasantly surprised that you took to our tradition of watching A Christmas Story as many times as it could show in a day. We played with toys, ate some chili, played diving board into the blue blanket, you chewed on Daddy like a zombie baby, took a nice long bubble bath, went for a drive to see Christmas lights, and you passed out on the kitchen floor on our return. It was wonderful having a relaxing day with my two favorite guys.

A shark emerged from the tub!

Christmas the last few years has been all over the place in emotions....this year it was Daddy's unexpected illness, last year just before and just after Christmas Mommy's grandparents both died, the year before Mommy's free spirited aunt Judy died and the year before we got our first call from our friend and your birthmom J, a joyous occasion for certain. I know everything will always turn out okay as long as team Thompson can stick it out together, nothing is going to stop us. I can't wait until next Christmas!

Love, Mama

A Little Stressed Fella

2011-12-16T05:42:00.000-05:00

Dear Henny,

This has been a little bit of a difficult week for you. Your Daddy has been a little out of commission. What started out as a little bit of a cold has turned into severe pneumonia. Daddy is never sick and for him to get sick with severe pneumonia is a very bad thing. You and I can trudge through a nasty cold or whatever but Daddy just keeps on feeling awesome. So when you saw Daddy just hanging out in the living room this week being pretty quiet and not playin' like you're accustomed you started showing signs of stress like not wanting to stay at school, staying close and loving on Mama, and lashing out with full on intense tantrums out of the blue. Well, we had to take Daddy to the hospital on Wednesday at about 2 am. Breathing became very difficult. He seems to be getting the appropriate treatment and while you're hot tubbing with Bahboo and Grandma P he is trying to get some gunk coughed up so you can get home and on a normal routine and play time again. I am not gonna sugar coat it though, Daddy is very sick. Because of his spinal cord injury coughing is not an easy thing for him to do so the stuff sits and makes things worse. Thought you don't know exactly what's going on you know something is up. You've been refusing to go to sleep for example. The night before we went to the hospital Daddy wanted to stay up so when I tried to get you to go to bed you refused.

I tried all my tricks and you weren't going for them. You kept grabbing this or that and telling me, "I need to take this to Daddy, he needs it, I need to tell him (xyz), Daddy needs to come to bed...This potato chip will help Daddy's lungs to breathe." It wasn't until I picked you up and made Daddy tell you it was okay to go to sleep that you went directly in to flop down and to fall instantly asleep at 12:30 AM. We don't know how long this illness is gonna take to kick, but Daddy was in good health before and he will be ready to play around again soon.
Love, Mama

Reuniting at Great Auntie Linda Lou's and Uncle John's

2011-12-13T15:27:00.000-05:00

Dear Peepso,
When Mama's Aunt Linda; a domestic goddess of decor, food and hospitality sent me an e-mail asking if we would be able to join them for a pre-Christmas dinner with my cousins David, Nora and Margaret and their partners and kids we had no other choice than to say yes! You were able to meet Nora and her husband David's little boy Owen. You were quick friends and skittered up and down the hall, messed with the Christmas lights, played with a train set and squealed late into the night. We played a dirty Santa gift exchange. Daddy ended up with a mustache comb, appropriate since he was in fact the only one with a beard. I ended up with a designer Lush Bust cream to enhance the bust line. I have yet to try it out. We had a nice dinner and Auntie Linda had a couple of thoughtful treats just for you.

When we returned home Sunday evening and you were readying for bed you said, "I am grateful for Auntie Linda tonight." I said, "Yeah, that's really nice." You said, "She gave me milk at the table and has that little boy Owen at her house."

It is a wonderful thing to reconnect with family that you've not seen in a long while. I am glad that you are a part of that too.
Love, Mama

Turkey, Rain, Rain, Snow, Christmas Tree!

2011-11-29T16:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Peep,
After two beautiful days over Thanksgiving weekend full of lots of outdoor play and food we've had three days of constant hard rainfall! We enjoyed two days of good eating...a turkey and ham with all the excitement that too many side dishes bring seasoned eaters. First at Grandma P's and Bahboo's with Uncle Gary and Cousin Tony, and Mommy's cousin Rick with his three kids on Thursday. You enjoyed the woods and filling your shirt pockets with acorns. Friday was a repeat at Grandma LaJean's where we ate and played. GG was celebrating her 94th birthday so of course we

added some pieces of cake into the mix. Daddy's sister, Aunt Krispie and her partner Aunt Currie, his aunt and uncle and cousin David, Angie and their five kids were all visiting. You sat at the "boys' table," and played outside jumping and endangering your little body trying to keep up with the big dudes.Normally we don't get our Christmas tree until a week or so into

December but you've been SO exuberant about seeing Christmas everywhere we bought it Sunday at a local tree farm, Twin H.

We finally found a tall tree that reaches high to the ceiling! Decorating it sent you into a tizzy, along with listening to carols and Daddy singing along you were flapping around the room with such enthusiasm that I do believe your arms nearly flipped off of your body and knocked that gorgeous tree right over. You rolled, jumped, squealed and hung as many plastic ornaments on the lower three feet that your little arms could get up before Daddy and I were just over it and decided it was time to tame the Christmas beast. As the old adage of "just one more" was completed we whisked you quickly off to bed and by the time I counted to one hundred twenty you were sleeping. It is so much fun to feel the new breath that you bring to the holidays. I am beginning to see them as I did as a kid again, inflated and filled with electricity.

Today about 1:30 the yucky rain switched to fluffy snow. Your eyes nearly popped out of your head and you leaped from the couch saying, "Snow! It is snowing big snow!" We played in it a bit then headed in because your hands were frozen. Thanks Peep!
Love, Mama Claus.
*Note to self, make sure our insurance policy is well and good, we hope 2012 and your new even more daring self does not bring any with it broken bones or stitches!

A Regular Orvillle Redenbacher

2011-11-29T13:33:00.001-05:00

Dear Peep,
Since the summer you have been anxiously awaiting the time when Bahboo's popcorn could be picked and shucked. Last week he gave us a call asking if we could come help him collect it all. You were excited and decided you needed to bring your special blue bucket to carry it. You shucked and picked, picked and shucked and then were over it. Two buckets full. Your enthusiasm diminished once you discovered it had to be taken off the cops and dried for a period of time before you'd be able to eat it.

It was still fun and a great way to spend a beautiful November afternoon.
Love, Mama

Move Over Little John Deere, Grandpa Tim Bought a New Tractor

2011-11-13T20:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Peep,
Grandpa Tim was on his fall visit and to your delight he bought a new giant John Deere tractor.
Loaded with attachments like a scoop and a bush hog. You were a little intimidated at first but cozied into the seat on Grandpa's lap just fine. As the light fell we had a little fire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.

On another night, with a full moon shining Grandpa Tim brought out his telescope and you took a glimpse.

You exclaimed, "It is bigger! The moon is big." Yes! The moon is bigger in a telescope Hen, that's the idea. So glad that you get so many new experiences so young.
Love, Mama

Johnson Potato Apple Cider Juice Thompson

2011-11-05T08:43:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,
We have news we've been easing you into for the last few months. With the arrival of Ariya Rose and Abraham you've talked often about a "little boy sitting here and a little girl sitting there." Daddy and I have been talking about it too. Thus we are starting the adoption process for a second time! It is a little daunting and tedious getting the paperwork done, working on a dear birth mother letter that goes out to prospective woman/families looking to place but it will be worth it! We know it will from experience. Never did we think we would open up to so much love and a broader view of family and then we met feisty, funny and sweet Jo Jo and she introduced us to you! When asking you on an afternoon drive what you would name a little brother you said, "Hmmm Johnson Potato Orange Juice."

It was so certain and definite so I was surprised this week when you changed it to Johnson Potato Apple Cider Juice Thompson. For the record we will not be naming a child either variation of Johnson Potato (insert juice of the day) Thompson. Last week you helped me send off our recommendation requests.

You decorated the backs with fall stickers and pictures, put the stamps on and helped me send them at the post office. You said maybe our baby will come over now. Not quite yet. But we hope to be on the books by January 2012. You will make a sensational big brother! but for now never forget that there will never be another Peep in our lives.
Love, Mama

PS If you know of a woman looking to make a plan for their baby and are researching their options don't hesitate to give them our information, even if we aren't the family for them. More info and updates to come.
Thanks!
Lisa T.

Hangin' out with Cousin ToeHee

2011-11-04T12:20:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,
Before you, before John John there was Cousin Toehee. He was a little buddy that we did all kinds of fun things with...he was great practice for when you came into our lives. Now he is 15, soon to be 16 and learning to drive. Now that they have moved to Fishers we are able to see him and Uncle Gary much more frequently and it has been great. Toehee is so good with you! A few weekends ago he kept you buys by flying you around Grandma P and Baboo's yard, letting you ride him like a horse,

reading books, bowling and stomping around a pumpkin patch. We love having him around. We hope to have him come to visit again in a weekend or two. You've been asking about him.

I am glad you have a special big buddy and our Toehee is close by!
Love, Mama

Trick or Treat it is!

2011-11-03T11:04:00.001-04:00

Dear Peep,
You are a trick or treat champion. You had the opportunity to wear your costume and ask for candy four times this year. First you dressed for the IU Frat/Sorority trick or treat, then school, then the mall and finally Doug and Peter's neighborhood. Continuing our Star Wars theme of last year's Chewbacca this year you were a very convincing Yoda! We gathered the parts of your costume from garage sales, thrift stores, Walmart sweat pants and turtle neck, hardware stores and the fabric store. I made the robes myself. The hat came from a garage sale 2 years ago. The feet came from a thrift store. The belt I made and daddy made the custom to spec prop light saber to hang off of it. The light saber was quite impressive.

Complete with its own illuminated red button it looked pretty tuff hanging from your belt. Of course, we also purchased a light saber that telescopes out and glows green! You were great! At the mall you and Devo really wanted to eat the candy more than collect it, and let me just publicly point out the worse mall candy came from the actually candy store.

They handed out generic flavored tootsie rolls, the type you can't get the wrapper off of because it is hard, old and gooey. On the street you followed with us great! People loved your costume, exclaiming, "YODA!"

You were gracious, minus one incident where a lady gave you a green piece of candy and you told her you wanted blue and threw yourself on her front steps screaming. To be fair that was at the end of the evening and you were getting tired. You came back around when it was time to hang out with the kids at Doug and Peter's house.

While I was admiring their top notch, beautiful remodel you played with the other 4 toddlers. Banging out on the piano (poor piano), feeding Etienne chex mix or stuffing your mouth with a brownie when it came time to go you didn't really want to.

You hid in their coat closet. It is wonderful experiencing Halloween all over again. On the way home we stopped by Krispie and Curries and got some play doh and hugs.

We love getting you together a costume, seeing you be a kid and watching all of our babies from the adoption group grow up together. Perfect!

Big Daddy Cheeky Robot and Little Baby Cheeky Robot

2011-10-27T11:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Little Baby Cheeky Robot, eh, eh I mean Henry,
For about three months we've seeing signs that you've been missing Daddy terribly when he is at work. It started with rejecting Daddy some and then it went to rejecting me once Daddy arrived home. You stopped wanting Mama to sit in the room with you at bed time and you begged for Daddy. You were asking to go see Daddy during the day. If one of his forks is left in the sink you suggest that we take it over to him. If you find a pencil you fear he forgot it. You tell me you want him to just come on home from work early. You bring him drinks of water and hold the straw pinched between your little fingers of one hand and the cup with the other hand so it is easier for him to take a drink. You enjoy going outside and playing catch with him or batting at the ball with him. You throw your arm around your best bud's neck as you ride on his arm rest.
When he arrives home you run to him and stay by his side all night long, only allowing him to read stories or watch Kipper with you at night. You beg to "sleep in our room on a pallet." Today you insisted on napping in our bed on Daddy's side. Dinners are starting to only be successful if Daddy feeds you like a backhoe or a race car. One night you went as far as begging him to sit next to your bed as you fell asleep while keeping your feet on his chair so he couldn't leave the room! I had to come and put you up on the bed so he could go to bed too! Every evening when Daddy arrives home he brings you M&M's on his lap. You pick each one up and tell him the color then crunch it in your mouth. If any of this ritual deviates he is not happy. For so long Daddy thought you liked this routine because of the candy.

It is clear the candy is a bonus but is the time connecting with Daddy everyday you are really seeking. We've been working on ways for you to express your emotions lately. Since we've made a concerted effort you've cut down on saying, "I don't love you Mommy!" and have started saying, "I am mad because I didn't want you to move me away from the hamper, I was hiding in there from Daddy."

All this work came in handy this week when you told Daddy a story about what you wanted him to tell you a story about. As you laid down for bed and begged for a story Daddy asked if you, "What do you want a story about." You replied, "I want a story about Big Daddy Cheeky Robot and Little Baby Cheeky Robot and how Little Baby Cheeky Robot sometimes cries and is sad when Big Daddy Cheeky Robot goes to work." Daddy and I melted. Daddy asked, "Does Big Daddy Cheeky Robot come home?" You said, "Yes, but he wants him to just stay home with him." I love Daddy too, so I really understand missing him during the day. He does always come home.
Love, Mama

Henry and Willie Dog!

2011-10-20T15:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,
It was such a wonderful experience for you when our friends Joe, April and Willie visited from Dayton. You had an older buddy to look up to and to play with. You immediately showed him your room and you set about taking cars back to play on your road rug. You both decided you wanted to go outside and play so you allowed Willie to drive you around in your powerwheels we scored at a garage sale for 10 bucks! You followed each other around at Cascades playground and had to sit next to him at dinner. While walking to our cars after dinner it was cold out and you allowed Willie to use your blanket to get back to his car!!! That's big! At bed time you wanted him to sleep in your room and offered up your taun taun sleeping bag. The two of you went on an hour and a half or more read-a-thon! I said, "Man! You guys are wasted on books!" You couldn't get enough! A few days later you kept asking when Willie was going to come back. Yesterday morning you declared you were going to have a band with "Willie Dog." You shared so nicely and find fun and fast way to become friends. I admire that quality in both of you sweet young boys.

It was great visiting with friends and seeing you hold your own with an older kid. I hope we can all get together again soon. You've got a new bud to visit!
Love, Mama

The Lost Post that was Not Posted Until Now.

2011-10-19T20:51:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,
I started this post two months ago. I was so consumed with love for you when writing it I couldn't finish it. I have yet to post of the things I mention below...time whittles on whether or not I get around to a post. When I miss getting up big ones I feel down as f I am failing the record. Perhaps a few sappy posts about absolutely nothing are important too.
__________________________________________
I want to make posts tonight of events and experiences that you've had lately, like our Foldenauer family reunion, Ariya Rose (Jim and Nissy's baby girl! born a couple of months ago), the county and state fairs, going swimming at the reservoir with Lily and Brook, not to mention that I have yet to finish documenting our St. Louis trip nor have I completed my alphabet posts.....but alas, tonight I won't take care of any of those posts because I have other things on my mind.

The couple of weeks before the summer cools down and fall colors itself in I always feel nostalgic. This year I am thinking of how the coming of September marks the halfway mark that we get to spend our days together in their entirety. Don't get me wrong, this is not a tally to freedom but a tally of the inevitable, kindergarten. Perhaps you have forgotten the YEARS (7.5) that we waited and dreamed of you being with us...I mean we practically conjured a child into fruition with our extensive imaginative stories of "when we have a little Henry he will do this and we will be all like that and then we will..." The magnitude of the trust and the choice by your birth parents for Daddy and I to be your parents is never far from my soul, coupled with the years of wait and wonder, every day is a present and a reminder that someday you will be grown up and living your own life. These sweet first years before expectations, self consciousness and life have yet to murky your view of your parents and yourself are swiftly ticking by. Tonight I was working to calm you before bedtime and we made our way to youtube to listen to some soothing lullabies.

The last month or so your sweetness and need for me have intensified. You've become gentle and more expressive about your love for Mommy and Daddy. Tonight I was overwhelmed. It started with the first video we watched. A pretty rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star set to a video of an owl that flies high into the night to meet a star, as they meet they gaze at each other and reach out to touch the other's hand. In turn, you reached out to touch my hand.

Your eyes rolled back as El Condor Pasa played and your once little body has inflated and filled my lap completely now, with poking elbows and drooling mouth. Where did all that bone and muscle come from? It really is as if each new turn I loose you only to get the opportunity to know another little boy that stretches out your skin, is funnier than the last, and thoughtful. I mentioned before there are a pile of Henry's in my heart. It's true. There is baby Henry that peed all down my shirt after his first bath, strong baby that pushed the bowling pin (5 weeks)

over with his head over and over again, one year old Henry walking and talking(10 months), and 2 and a half year old Henry that talks, sings and devours books. I love them all, though one does not follow the other as time marches on. So today I will savor the simple fun we had walking to the IU student Union to play pinball and air hockey, eating popcorn samples, hiding out in the old phone booths eating frozen yogurt with rainbow sprinkles and when finished you asked me to fly you through the building as fast as I could. I am pretty sure most of that Henry will be gone by 13, but the love we are building and the spirit of fun and happiness will only grow.
Love,
Mama

20 Teeth All Snug in Your Head

2011-09-29T10:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Teep,
You survived your first dental appointment like a tot toothie trooper. No problem! I think it helped that I told you that J recommended this dentist because Tommy and Uriah really liked them. We waited a while in the waiting room, painted in a giant mural with hidden treasures we spent our time searching through to find them all. The nurse called us back and you marched back without reserve. This room had a farm mural. You told me a little story about the horse, then the cow and the little chicks and in no time Dr. Tammy came in. She made buddies with you right off the bat by handing you a little tooth mirror but when it got time to count your teeth and give them a quick look over you were more comfortable sittin' on Mama's lap then the elevated chair.

The best part for you was getting the goodie bag with the little flossers. Thank goodness too! You are constantly taking ours and trying to floss your chicklets then tossing them this way and that. I find them everywhere. You are also now allowed to use fluoride toothpaste too! As we left you were given two tokens to get a prize out of the machines by the check out desk. You thought that was pretty cool. So for Henry, the dentist was no sweat!
Love, Mama

Little Fella Chef Henratouille

2011-09-14T14:56:00.001-04:00

Dear Chef!
Since the very first days of summer when a careless driver u-turned into our beautiful 1 year old Honda Odyssey you've been stuck to the DVD player in our rental van playing Ratatouille EVERY time we are in the car. You quote the movie often, talk about the characters, and desire to be a little chef. You pull out all of the bowls in the kitchen, whisks, and spoons and proceed to look very busy diligently whipping up a major high class meal. Often you asked me to pull out a cookbook for you to look through. You enjoy serving it on my pizza tray, balancing it deftly on one hand as you walk through the room. (You just screamed out in your nap, "MOMMY! There's a dragon! I can chase that!") So this week we bought you a chef's hat just like Ratatouille. After ordering a pizza for delivery last week you've also added on to your food services home delivery of all sorts. Cookies, Mexican, Chinese, Pizza. You're great at letting us know what you bring each time. Your first delivery was pizza with pineapple for "a penny, penny, buck, buck." For Mexican delievery you brought three tacos, rice and beans and flan, and then Chinese was soup, noodles and chicken, each time you announced the food. Then you say, "Thank you, have a nice evening."

A perfect gentleman chef, except you don't go into the customer's pocket to get the money!
Love, Mama

2 year 6 month Doctor Visit

2011-09-14T09:45:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,
Went to the doctor this week and waited over an hour. In an office for babies and toddlers!?@ Cruel! You did the best you could...you hung off my leg, ate my arm with a shark finger puppet, rolled around on the doctor's chair and climbed up and down, up and down off of the table. Then you shot to my lap the moment he came in to look you over. Your speech and such is way over the 2.5 range...your head is 55, you weigh 30.75 lbs and you're just under 36 inches tall. You were able to snarf up the flu vaccine. You've graduated from the bucket scale to the standing scale and from measuring your height stretched out and struggling on a piece of paper to the sliding stick attached to the scale.

Our boy is gettin' big! Small milestones that often go unmentioned but another reminder that you're growing up and every moment is fleeting. I still try to catch them all to add to the pile of Henry's in my heart.
Love, Mama

Labor Day! All Fun for the Thompsons!

2011-09-12T12:36:00.000-04:00

Dear Henry,
Sometimes the best days just fall into our laps. Just as we were heading out the door last Sunday to go grocery shopping Mama received a text from Mama Brook, "Free bouncy houses until 4 at our park." Whattttt!!!! Free bouncy houses. We diverted our shopping plans to Smithville. They have a labor day festival at a local church. Live music, food, face painting, car show and yes, FREE bouncy houses. You and Lily jumped around the bouncy houses for quite some time until our hungry tummys lead us to brave the long lines for food. We had some great hot dogs then grabbed a bag of popcorn to eat while taking in the cars. We are not typically car show frequenters but this was a really high quality gathering with music and interestingly beautiful cars from all eras. Daddy was most excited by the DeLorean! It is a stainless steel marvel.

Everything about it was cool. After the cars we tried to wait in line to get your face painted but the wait was long so we opted for the no line painting across the way, less elaborate but just as fun for you. You even took your turn at painting Daddy's face a little robot silver.

You fearlessly rode your first merry go round ride....pushed expertly fast by an ex-military strong man you spun quickly! A bigger boy next to you kept making sure you were okay. You liked it a lot but as you jumped off it was clear the world was still spinning as you stumbled about.

A couple more jumps in the bouncy house and it was clear nap time was imminent so we returned home. We were all so tired but had a wonderful family day together.

Love, Mama

JoJo! A visit was due!

2011-09-12T10:36:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,
After a summer of garage sales Mama had amassed a small pile of clothes for Tommy to wear to school and since his first day had passed I decided it was time to get on over to pay JoJo a visit. You were excited but bummed to not see the two boys there. We ate at a buffet in town and stuffed our faces. Then we went to play on the little playground at their apartment complex where you asked JoJo to push you really high. You are starting to get little pieces of your adoption story together. On the way there you were playing with your microphone and grabbed the cord and said, "Hey, Mama! This is the cord I was attached to JoJo with?!"

It was a nice visit and you were happy to paint her finger nails and hold her hand to the mailbox. Open adoption is still feeling pretty perfect for us.
Love, Mama

Preschool for Peep!

2011-09-02T11:20:00.001-04:00

Dear Henny,
Yesterday was your first day of preschool! Now hold up! I am not giving up my stay at home mama status just yet! I just needed to find some more hours in the day to catch up on things I needed to get done at home or to get to appointments. You'll only be attending the Giraffe class 2 days a week for 4 hours. Still, these are the only hours we've spent apart since the moments after your birth. (With exception visits to your grandparents houses!)

The night before you helped us get your lunch together. Cheese, yogurt, apple sauce, a bag of teddy grams and in the morning I will make you a PBJ sandwich (which I cut into a heart shape).
You've got sleeping in your big boy bed down! So the night before school we knew you were nervous when you came to sleep in our room. In the morning we woke you up and got you dressed. You begged to wear your red boots, which turned out to be a huge hit. You told us, "We need to get your lunch for school out of the fridge!" We did and you insisted that you carry it to school.

We dropped you off and you were ready to jump right in and play. We felt a little teary that you weren't all worried about us leaving but also very proud. You know you can come to us when you need us so you feel free to be independent. We have to be cognizant that we don't pass our anxiety on to you...though it was hard on such a big day.

Mama came home and felt lost the first hour...then I got to work on staining the sides of the deck and got it all done! I went to pick you up and felt I couldn't drive fast enough!

You did alright! Miss E said you were pretty quiet in the morning then in the afternoon you were much more chatty. She said you wanted your blanket really bad and wanted to take it outside to the playground. She told you it had to stay inside and this freaked you out a bit. You begged for the blanket, she told you it could get leaves on it and get dirty. You still wanted it. She asked you if you were missing Mommy and Daddy or were tired or scared and you just responded, "I want my blanket!" Then at art time you got to use scissors! Oh my! Miss E said you wanted to use both hands and kept getting frustrated and walking away and then would come back and try again. Mommy doesn't allow you to use scissors just yet, although we just happened to practice on Monday. I will get you a pair so we can start learning how. Then when it was nap time you told all the other kids shhh shshhh but they were trying to get you to shhhh from shhhing...then when they asked you to rest you blew razzzberries at them! They asked you to put your head down and you were out like a light. When I arrived you were still napping. It was the cutest thing to see all of the little cots around the room with little bodies and little blankets sleeping. I walk to yours and gently brush your curls and cheek and call your name. You looked up and smiled and said, "I was crying for you mama. I was crying for you!" I told her the blanket thing was likely that you were feeling anxious. You did say you had fun and recounted all of the same stories that she did all on your own. Thanks for sharing your day with me! I especially enjoyed the tone you used to tell me she wouldn't allow you to have your blanket outside...it was "as if?!!!" Last night as you fell asleep in your bed you told us more, about the girl that ate carrots and how the lady laid out all of the cots herself, and how you painted. Then you said, "I won't cry when I go next week." It is okay to cry when you are in distress. I told you so and asked you to tell one of the ladies if you were feeling sad so they can help to make you feel better. In the early morning we heard you come into our room to sleep on the floor...then an hour or so later something happend that hasn't for about 4 weeks, since the move to the big boy bed, you crawled into bed with us and wrapped your arm around mine. As we sat on the couch this morning to eat Cheerios you put your arm around my neck. This morning you told Daddy, "Thanks for going there with me Daddy." We love you Peep and all the adventure you bring us! (I just told you we should get some clothes on and you said, "I already goed to school, Mommy!"
Love, Mama

Sandbox in Our Own Yard!

2011-08-30T14:24:00.003-04:00

Dear Digsy,
A couple of weeks ago Bahboo and Grandma P were over. They could hardly stand it when they saw you trying to dig in the dirt with your yellow backhoe and the dirt was entirely too hard to get a good scoop. So Bahboo took off and returned with a baby pool and bags of sand. Then as he watched you dig your little finger toes into the sand for the first time he and, then Grandma P, could not bear not joining in. Mama hid stuff in the sand for you to dig out.

You were really trying hard to play fair. You contorted your face in all directions in an attempt to keep your eyes shut until the word go! was released. Oh my! The faces you were making trying to ward of peepin' were priceless. Look how much love you get!

You are worthy of it Henny bear!
Love, Mama

2011-08-01T10:10:00.001-04:00

Dear Peep,
My sweet baby/big boy in transition. After Saturday's stunt we decided we needed to just make the big changes, rearranged your room and..... removed the crib............(dramatic pause)
I cried. Daddy and I gave each other a few saturated melancholy glances, our hearts thumping back to how not so long ago we were putting this crib together for our new baby we had yearned for so very long. Here we were anyway, taking it apart and moving over the twin bed into its place. I asked you where are you going to sleep tonight and with a stoked holla you said, "IN MY BIG BOY BED!" Bed time was simple. Per usual, we read a few books together in the rocker; Where the Wild Things Are, Bard and Hugs. Then we tried to get you to allow Daddy to "hold you like a baby," but instead tonight you gave him a big squeeze and a kiss...slow down buddy, you don't have to be such a big boy so quickly. Then I gave you my huggings and our song,

Squeezin' Means Lovin'

Lovin' Means Squeezin'

I -Love- You! SOO MUCH!

Then a kiss...you gave me an extra big one tonight. You did the traditional flop backward at the end, the fall wasn't as dramatic as from the side of the crib. We connected gazes and you giggle and scream back, "TOO MUCH MOMMY! TOO MUCH!" Daddy and I always respond, "NEVER TOO MUCH! SOOO MUCH HENNY!" And you asked me to stay a bit tonight. I did, sitting in the rocker you asked me to tell you a story about 'Enrique' (Spanish for Henry complements of Bahboo). I did and then I listened to your breathing getting heavier until I was sure you were asleep. I slipped out of the room with a heavy sigh. I was sayin' good bye to my baby and welcoming in decidedly a new phase for you. This is the first time I felt a milestone was a metamorphosis, a leaving behind of who you were in exchange for who you are going to be. I have to get used to the pile of Henrys that will gather in my heart.

I debated over whether I wanted to share this here but more than ever I am grateful I have kept this record of my sweet peep, so I will. As I was re-shelving your books out of the blue and over the music you said, "I was in your tummy Mommy." I said, "What honey?" I was surprised and wanted to make sure I heard you clearly. You said, "I was in your tummy." I don't even use the term tummy when I refer to where a baby grows so I was a little surprised. I said, "No baby, you didn't grow in my tummy but I wish you could have, but I am just as happy that you grew in JoJo's tummy because we all love each other so much." Then I called Daddy for back up. He asked you if you'd like to hear about the day you were born and then started to say, "Daddy was there and Mommy and..." You changed the subject. We didn't press. Daddy went back with cousin Tony and we went on with our work. A few minutes later you mumbled to yourself, "I wasn't in your tummy but mommy wishes I was, I was in JoJo's tummy. She loves us all TOO MUCH! TOO MUCH Mommy!" You redirected it towards me and jumped into my lap giggling saying, "JoJo loves us TOO MUCH!" I said with a snuggle, "NO, NO, NO! So much!" I think maybe you too were feeling the changes. You needed to feel close to us. We always love you baby. No matter how independent you get. Even though it is bittersweet, that is how we have decided to raise you. We wish for you to be thoughtful, self reliant, confident and capable. We also do a lot to make sure you know that we are always here for you when you need us. I suppose we can't hold ya like a baby forever, even if we wish that we could. (You're up! You slept until 9:37!)

Love, Mama

Houdini

2011-07-29T08:02:00.001-04:00

Dear Peep,
Tonight your two cousins Jonny (5) and Tony (15) are staying over. You are so excited that they are hanging out for a couple of days. The first hour we were home you ran around the house chasing Jonny while yelling his name. Little by little however, I saw little signs from you today that you needed Mama a little more after some attention competition crept into your territory. You needed Mama to get you up from your nap. You threw a major out of the blue fit at dinner and ...drum roll please!....YOU CLIMBED OUT OF YOUR CRIB FOR THE FIRST TIME! Your bed time routine has been a snap since about 5 weeks. We do our thing, you lay down, cuddle your blankets and you go to sleep. Tonight, with Jonny asleep next to your crib in the big boy bed you apparently felt restless. Mommy, Daddy and cousin Tony were in the basement watching a movie when about 20 minutes after we put you down I hear feet pattering....bam, bam, bam, bam down the stairs. I don't see Jonny's head as he comes into the basement room. Huh? Then I see a bright shiny face smiling at me quite proud of himself and it is Henry! What the heck. I ask you if Jonny got you out of your crib. "He's upstairs." Ok, so how did you get down here? I go upstairs looking for Jonny only to find him asleep in your big boy bed sawin' logs. Mama gives you an incredulous look! What!?! You got out of bed yourself and came all the way down stairs on your own?! What the hell am I supposed to do now? I put you back to bed and for 15 consecutive times you get your buns right back out and are at my heals before I can even walk to the living room. Finally, I try the Super Nanny method of sitting quietly in the room and inching my way out. It worked! But what is going to happen tomorrow night? I started to think about why it happened tonight. I thought about your previous unusual outbursts and thought perhaps you were having an escape response. You were worrying about Jonny sleepin' in your bed and the attention the other two boys may be getting so you needed that extra attention and this was enough motivation to get ya out. Whatever the reason I am a little freaked out not knowing what the next few weeks will bring. Plus, there is a little burning spot in my heart between the place my baby used to hold and the place this new big boy is to inhabit. You won't stop growing and learning so I had better get used to it. We love you peep.
Love, Mama

JoJo, T and Jmom Get a Thompson Visit

2011-07-24T12:42:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,

I am forever grateful for the on-going relationship we work on having with JoJo, your birth mom. Not everyone gets to have such a unique and close relationship...even some children who join their families through adoption like yourself. Sometimes adoptions are closed, or sort of open...Every time we have a visit I appreciate the honesty, friendship, bond and happiness it brings to see JoJo and the boys. Even as JoJo's life is currently under construction and going through some heavy changes our relationship stays positive and happy. Some people don't understand our desire for openness and contact, but then they haven't met JoJo, and they weren't placed with the special honor of a loving and caring for such a handsome, smart baby that turned out to be you either, so it could be hard to understand I suppose. How could we not do everything for you? How could we not give you the gift of knowing about all parts of yourself? We are all family. I love that JoJo sees us grow as a family, that we share moments together. She has seen (and laughed at me) that I can handle you calmly when ya throw a fit in the middle of the restaurant and scream. She has enjoyed you telling her you want to hold her hand or to sit by her only to swipe her fries. We also saw Jmom on this visit (JoJo's mom)...what is better than surprising someone to tears of happiness just by showing our little faces at her work.

She immediately retrieved cookies for you and Tommy and nearly got hit by a car rushing across the parking lot! She was so respectful of the space you might need to ease into the situation. Let me tell ya, it took a great deal of restraint to not just snuggle on ya. That shows a lot of caring and concern for you. I appreciated as she introduced us to others at her work (they all already know about you) she said, "This is my daughter J and her boy T and this is our adopted daughter Lisa and she adopted J's son Henry. This is Henry! She is Henry's mom."

We had to stop her in her exuberance and laugh. No need to over complicated it...we are family. For something that was so hard for her, she had been so supportive and loving to us. We have created together some unspoken limits and boundaries mostly to protect the positivity of our relationship. All families have to do this at one time or another with each other. Henry, our open adoption has taught us the value and importance of making our actions reflect our promises. Doing so has made all of our lives richer.
I love you my sweet boy,
Mama

St. Louis! Good Friends, Good Fun

2011-07-19T20:56:00.002-04:00

Dear Peep,
Summer 2011 Road Trip! After a little bit of planning we were on the road to St. Louis, Missouri! Mike, Megan and Devo were meeting us in the heart of the wonderful St. Louis Zoo! July has shaped up to be one hot mother of a month so with a little spray fan to keep us cool, tons of snacks and a lot of enthusiasm we met up at the carousel. The zoo has done an excellent job of making sure most areas are very wheelchair accessible. Daddy joined us on the carousel and you found your elephant and Devo a wild ass, just be glad that isn't what you're called!!! You really enjoyed yourself next to your blond buddy. You both had to flatten a penny and then off we were to ride the train. Daddy sat in front of us and Devo, Mike and Megan behind us until Devo needed some "more Henry." I loved how you kept your hand firmly on my right leg, much like last September when we rode the water taxi in Chicago. What could be better! An orangutan hiding under a blanket, squirting passersby in the outdoor water fountains, talking about the giraffes, eating some "Frog Spit," getting close with a snake, coolin' off with the penguins, brushing goats, and sitting in a hippo's mouth. We covered that zoo top to bottom! (Feel free to look at all of the photos from our adventure in the slide show below.)

Unfortunately the beasts were smarter than the people and many were staying cool indoors. It didn't matter. You had a blast. We really enjoyed watching you little fellas with the goats. You were both so gentle and thought it was funny when the goats kept walking under Daddy's legs and especially when the large one bit the map out of my back pocket and took off! Devo was a little goat whisperer. He would make his goat sound and all the goats would check in with a ehhhhhhhehehehe. The last time we went to St. Louis Daddy and I had such a wonderful time together, but we were dreaming of you. That's right, we talked about you as we walked through the zoo one day with us enjoying the animals and the sights. I wrote about our last trip here http://www.lisaandsteven.com/ Look in the what's new section. Dreams do come true.

Love, Mama

You Ain't From These Parts

2011-07-18T13:35:00.002-04:00

Dear Sweet Bear,
Your verbal skills for 2 years 4 months are over the top. You love to do word plays or tell little stories. Sometimes you're a little poet.
Yesterday on the way back from an exuberant trip to St. Louis we did our traditional stop in a small town, Greenup, IL. Greenup, the sight of Pank's Pizza, the Candy Kitchen, and Abe Lincoln's first statements negative to slavery. A 1.7 square mile town of 1, 532, as we entered Pank's Pizza for dinner it was clear we were not likely going to be welcomed as number 1,533, 1,534, and 1,535. Laser beam eyes traced our path as we sat down to order. Growing up I was stared at a lot. Maybe I dressed a wee unconventional, but I really didn't think so, or maybe it was my Polish honker?... but ask my mom, my clothing choices were the bane of her existence. Everywhere we went, "Why are people staring at you." How am I to know? Does it have to be such a negative thing? So for the most part I can block out poppin' eyes until it gets really intense as this experience in Greenup was. At the end of our meal a woman that was sitting to our left, reading a book alone enjoying her mean came to us, bent down and told us that she was an elementary principal and she wanted to tell us that we had such a nice boy! He was eating his dinner so nicely and she really like hearing him say his please and thank you's!!! Wow! Good thing she didn't see you flinging your water bottle across the grass at the Arch a couple of hours earlier screaming! She may have concluded a different opinion. I have to remember sometimes that people aren't always staring to be rude or to pry, sometimes it is just because they think we're interesting and might like to get to know us! Maybe we just didn't know the secrete town head bob or something.
After Pank's (which was delicious) we went to the historic Candy Kitchen. Daddy had a chocolate soda, good but not like Lou's at Zaharako's in Columbus, and you wanted a scoop of homemade butter pecan ice cream. You professed its yumminess. While reading the Candy Kitchen's brochure you started "reading it out loud" and graced us with a lovely and poignant poem to round out our trip.

"Ice cream"

"How I eat ice cream?"

"Its all gone."

-Henry John Carl Thompson July 17, 2011

I know! It is brillant. Perhaps you were inspired by the spirit of Mr. Lincoln to really express yourself. Who knows?! It is possible? Right?

Screaming, "I LOVE ICE CREAM!"

Love, Mama

Grandpa Tim Gives a Lesson on (un)Safe Usage of Power Tools

2011-07-13T01:20:00.000-04:00

Dear Henny,
Let me start by prefacing the subsequent post by noting that if Grandpa Tim didn't know me well he wouldn't have put power tools in your little baby hands near your little baby eyes. He knows that I've taught you the name of many tools and how they are used but some of them you have yet to put into action...like, say a cordless drill? Grandpa Tim on a recent visit grabbed a couple of pieces of scrap wood from his barndo-minium project and set about to give you some first hand cordless drill experience. You were so excited! You were so intense with your selection on where the board needed a new hole...specifically you wanted the corners drilled off. A dangerous venture but Grandpa Tim guided you through it. Funny how in the picture you guys make the same work face. Daddy makes that face too. I did "draw the line" when he handed you a compass. Yes! a metal pointy ended compass! to a boy with waving arms and quick legs. Well, he is a Purdue graduate so, ya know....

Ok, maybe this positioning wasn't such a safe choice, but the boy had to see!

No worries though, he quickly rethought that one. Of course, I am joking because I know Grandpa Tim reads our little blog. I had no worries. You were in safe hands. After all this hard work you needed a drink from the hose, of course! You love your Grandpa Tim.

Just the other day you admired how your shirt pocket was like Grandpa Tim's shirt pocket. You wanted something to put in your shirt pocket too, "Just like Grandpa Tim!" It is sad we won't be able to go to Florida for our summer visit because some yahoo u turned into out new van! Hopefully winter will bring us south!
Love, Mama

Rolls and Snugglin'

2011-07-12T16:28:00.001-04:00

Dear Henny Bear,
Mama and you are still trying to bake new things from time to time.
A couple of weeks ago we tried some cinnamon rolls. We really enjoyed making the dough, watching it rise over a couple of hours and cutting it into slices. Following each step of the recipe spot on, five minutes of kneading and it didn't make them taste very good. I did enjoy how you placed the ball of dough you kneaded on top of mine to rise together in the big orange bowl. You kept peeking at it from the side. Then you became sleepy and cuddled next to Daddy for a bit, your eyes drifting off while happily suckin' on that stinky thumb of yours.
It may be simple, but I feel like I live a good life.

Love, Mama

Shawk an' Awe! Shawk an' Awe!

2011-07-11T19:55:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep!
This 4th of July weekend celebration was one to remember.

We started out at Bahboo's and Grandma P's where all of Mommy's lady cousins, Uncle David and Aunt Lea, Aunt Clarice, and baby Jack were there along with JD, Kolsen and Jonny, You had a great time running around and playing but weren't ready to go swimming just yet. After the rest of the crew went out to Ogilville to Uncle David and Aunt Lea's (with Aunt Clarice next door) to prepare for fireworks we waited for our buddies Mike, Megan and Devo to make it to Columbus. With Devo excited to swim, you got in by his side. Bahboo pulled Devo and his parents by tractor across the pool in a tube.

Such fun but you weren't willing to give it a try this time. You happily played in the hot tub for quite a while with Devo. Before we left Bahboo gave the little dudes a short tractor ride. Our tummies started yellin', "EAT!" So we left Bahboo and Grandma P at home to rest, they'd been watching Jonny (5) for a week while Uncle Gary visited Aunt Michele and were beat!

We made it down 25th Street and pulled into our spot at Becker's Root Beer Stand. This isn't a first for you but for the Emmetts it was. I turned around to get food to you and Jonny in the back and you both were O-U-T after a long day of running and playing! They were excited about the little rootbeer mugs, as were you and cousin Jonny. You love to giggle at the exuberant belches the root beer produces. After eating we continued out to Ogilville for an evening of family and fireworks.

I should mention like many families that combination can cause for an "exciting" fireworks show. I should have known when Wendy and Nash went to buy the fireworks and she had the 6ft long package set across the cart, swung around a corner and knocked out an entire display of red wine at Sam's Club that it was going to be one of those kind of nights.

While the big guns were being set up Megan and Mama lit the sparklers for the kids to play with. You all loved swinging them around, with the assistance of my hand on yours because your excitement made your arm fly around haplessly.

JD and Matt came to make their annoncement that the light show was ready to commence. We took our seats and JD proceeded to promise a display of, "Shawk an' Awe! Shawk an' Awe!" few moments later the first couple of fountains blast into the sky and my heart starts to beat faster as it feels rather close...for such big plumes of sparks! Then about the third thrust clearly something went wrong as a rocket launches straight to the left hitting a back hoe nearby with a bing_and a sparky loud explosion, and another shoots next door in front of Aunt Claricee's kitchen window. HOLY COW! I couldn't stop laughing, you begged for your blankets from the van, Jonny came to cuddle on my lap and Daddy backed up. Kyra was shoutin' how she felt like she was dreaming, Mike thought he was witnessing battle and we all were stuck to our chairs not knowing where the next would land. In the midst of the chaos you and Devo were screaming repeatedly, "Shawk an' awe!" Luckily on the first set nobody was hurt and it turns out even Sam's Club fireworks can put off a might percussive blast that can knock the whole rocket unit to its side. After some adjustments, the rest entertained us without a hitch and was one of the best displays ever! We really enjoyed laughing with family and friends but our little dudes were getting sleepy. We watched Kolsen show off his Michael Jackson-esque moves, applauded loudly and headed back to the van. What a lot of laughs.

We are so fortunate to have such a great family. Too bad everyone couldn't make it, but there are more fireworks out there and more 4th of July's. It made it all the more fun experiencing it with our Peep. "Shawk an' awe!"
Love, Mama

Touch a Truck

2011-06-29T15:25:00.000-04:00

Dear Peepsie,
If ever there was an event made for you it was Touch a Truck. For a buck all afternoon you can walk around a parking lot and touch, ride, inspect, push on and climb on all different varieties of vehicles. Cement mixers, city bus, school bus, garbage truck, bookmobile, helicopter, pipe declogger truck, ambulance, fire truck, bucket truck and many others. We met Megan and Devo there to romp around the vehicles together. You loved it and it wore you out. You and Devo loved sitting in the bus and the ambulance the most. We enjoyed seeing your reactions. By the time we made it to the fire truck you laid on the ground in front of it ready for a nap. We went home and you passed out for several hours and on waking you couldn't stop talking about it. The next day you woke up to ask to return to Touch a Truck. I can't wait until the next one! I really appreciate inexpensive summer fun!

Love, Mama

Buddy Power!

2011-06-21T15:22:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,
Most of us old people can't think of something more fun than being a little kid and getting the chance to hang out with friends. At least once a week Mommy tries to set up time to play with others. Mommy needs adult lady talk and Henny needs him some play time with kids. One week we had Heather, Etienne, Sylvie, Brook, and Lily over to play in the sprinkler and hang out. Now that you're all walking and communicating better it is a good time to watch you play. You, over all, share well and are just too cute for us to handle. After sprinkler time we drove across town to have lunch at Heathers. We stayed until it was clear the 4 babies were in need of a nap...and you slept a LONG time. Here are some photos...

Love, Mama

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T12:39:00.000-04:00

Dear TAco,
This post is for you. It would have been a tragedy for you not to be a daddy. Your boy loves you so much. I get so warm when I hear you and Peep in the other room deep into one of your "construction" projects, building the greatest swing set any man, woman or child has ever seen or the most elaborate sand box a Peep could ever need or want. The steam roller rides at night and the skink kisses before bed are more than many boys ever get and they are unique to you. Each night at 5pm, an hour before you're home, like an eager pup Henny prepares for your arrival. He begs to hide so he can surprise you as you roll into the house. He gets so happy doing this. He picks out your pencil for the day with great thought and attention. Speaking of pencils, if you ask him what one is used for he says, "As fingers to type with." He loves singing with you and I am sure there is not another boy alive who has taught their son all the words to Just a Gigolo. Perhaps, only you would drive around very slowly and lovingly, neighborhood after neighborhood on an Easter Sunday so your boy could take a restful nap in the car because while out of town he can have a troubled time trying to sleep.

You go to work everyday, long hours so that I can have the honor to stay home with the boy. I feel I can't tell you often enough what a gift that is. I know what a sacrifice it is for you. You would love to be in my shoes as we climb the stairs of the pool slide on a sunny afternoon, as we go on a fall nature search, or to chase him through the library on a rainy day, but gratitude is not lost here. Someday your lil' buddy perched on your arm rest will be too heavy with legs too long to partake in a ride around the block but you'll find new ways to be close with your boy, because that's what great dad's do. We love you. Thanks for being such a man.
Love, Wifey and your little Pizza Wolf

Henry wanted to say....
Hanny Henny Hinny, Henny, Pinny Penny Pine, Pinny Penny Pinny,

Maybe Goats are GOOD!?!

2011-06-18T12:03:00.001-04:00

Dear Hank,
Per invite from our pals David, Kate and Abraham on a Sunday afternoon we took an1.5 hour trek to Capriole, a little goat farm cozied up in some rolling Indiana hills. Mama and Daddy love to go on long rides that meander through small Main Street towns and you love animals so the trip satisfied all of our tastes. Upon arrival there were soft drops of rain making us doubt this jaunt but soon after setting out through the barns it left and a beautiful day unfolded. As previously mentioned goats and Henny equals a love/scared relationship. You love them, but then at night when you're curled in your bed, thumb in mouth, blankets in hand you hear them knockin' on your window. The first barn was full of young goats rousting about. Big buckets of food hung from the fence edge, which your little fists shoved in and out of, dumping the food on the goat side of the fence in a near continuous motion.
As other people left that barn I set you up on a big bail of straw and you discovered if you

ripped out a bundle and stuck it out the goats would gladly snack out of your hand. You giggled and laughed as an eager mouth tickled your hand. We moved to the barn where the bigger goats and mama goats were housed. We had just missed a baby goat being born! The after birth still clung to her hind side and baby worked to get to her wobbly legs. Bummer! but the lessons of life weren't missed too. You enjoyed finding and pointing out, loudly I might add, those goats having a poop or pee or the mama goat giving her baby milk from her utters. All that goat feeding made us hungry so we went to sample some goat cheese. I am no foodie, I have never had goat cheese, so goat cheese after goat watching wasn't sounding very appetizing. We tried some anyway and it was very good. You tried some and decided, "Goat cheese is VERY GOOOOD! I like goat cheese!" We ate our sample down by the pretty pond. A boys playground! You fed goats, saw chickens, walked long rock walls, threw pebbles into the water, poked sticks through the mud, climbed in a tree, bug watched with Jackie (Kate's mama) and watched Abe's diaper change. Daddy had to work the next day so we started to leave about 5:00. I say started because our van was parked passed the goat barns and we got caught up feeding the goats again. So another hour playin' with the goats and you've shown NO FEAR! NO APPREHENSION! -Until- the adult barn.

A doggone goat with a big long black beard came to the fence while you were feeding three other goats and scared you! You started backin' away, and wanted to leave. For the next week all we heard was, "Goats are nice! I don't like that goat with the big bad black beard." You slept with us that night. A week later you've started to let it go of the goat with the big bad black beard but just before sleep you tell us, "Don't be afraid of the goats!"
Love you!
Mama

I'm Talkin' About My Best Friend

2011-06-08T18:54:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,
You've gotten several round ups with your good buddy Devo. It is cool that at least now you try to stay near each other. A couple of weeks ago we went to a little school fair at Harmony. Devo's Daddy, Mike, was playing with his band and there were games, food and fun to be had. You and Devo were excited to see each other. You sat close to each other to eat your snow cones, all your own doing.

The next week we met up at the Saturday Farmer's Market. You were both already into raising a grumpus that day but found some happiness weaving in and out of the large chair sculpture, playing hide and seek. After you all started tramplin' your size 6.5s into the plants and swingin' your mits out to a hot grill both mama's and papa's decided to head on home. You little dudes are giving us the run around already. Oh teen years please be gentle and kind!

Love, Mama

Hangin' With the Big Kids

2011-05-31T10:51:00.002-04:00

Dear Peep,

A few weeks ago we were able to hang out with some long time friends. We had breakfast and played in the playground for quite a while. Bryan, Brad, David and Kate, Mason and Samantha, Oliver and Ruby and Max. It was fun hanging out and Brian enjoyed seeing you. You insisted on sitting next to him at the table. :) Kate gave Abe his first ride down a slide, although he didn't know it yet. We love that you're so cool we are still able to hang out with friends too.

Love, Mommy

Bloomington Bike Project and One Little Henny's Cool Ride

2011-05-25T12:45:00.000-04:00

Dear Wheels,
After finding a cool, tuff green, 12" bike at a thrift shop costing 7 bucks you were excited about having a pair of wheels. We brought it home and put it in the drive for Daddy to see when he came home. He immediately posted a picture on facebook to announce how long the wait in his life had been to see the glorious sight of a boys bike perched out front in the driveway waiting to find some trouble around the neighborhood. There are only three little girls that we've seen in the immediate streets around ours, while there are at least 8 boys all in the 2-3.5 year old range. Believe me, we expect a bike gang to take over Blue Ridge with in the next decade.
Well, the bike needed a little work so on Saturday we took it to the Bloomington Bike Project. The Bike Project is a non-profit, volunteer driven program where you can volunteer and earn a bike, come to fix your own bike, or go for help fixing your bike for a donation.

We were hoping to pick up some training wheels and to get new tubes in your tires. You loved looking around at the parts laying around, the people working on the bikes, identifying the tools and watching your own bike get worked on. In less the 15 minutes you were all fixed up. Unfortunately we will have to return the training wheels, they were too big for your bitty bike. This doesn't diminish your desire to play with your bike and soon enough you'll be riding like a pro. Can't wait!
Love, Mama

Babe-ra-ham is Here!

2011-05-19T16:19:00.001-04:00

Dear Little Buddy,
Since finding out four months ago that our friends Kate and David are expecting you have been so excited to meet baby Abraham. In preparation you have been diapering your baby, holding him and learning gentle touches. Well! He is here! Abraham James was born late on the 17th of May, weighing 6lbs 1oz and stretchin' 18 inches long. Yesterday morning when I came to get you from your crib I informed you on his arrival. I told you he was "out" of Kate and you could touch and see Abe now and an impossibly big smile came across your face and you screamed out, "YEA! I am going to teach him to stand on one leg!" While he isn't quite ready for standing on one leg, he was ready for a visit. While getting ready to go the hospital you kept laughing and telling me that you are going to see "Abe-ee Baby." We clipped the finger nails on your quicker than a cheetah hands and sanitized them twice on the way to the room. I begged and pleaded that you refrain from yellin' or scratchin' that baby! After we entered the room 'Henny wanted out of his stroller' immediately! "Let me see that baby!" It was hard to hold you back. We went closer and like every newborn he was perfect, tiny, preciously pink and golden. The trio that is now Kate, Dave and Abe have been through so much the last few days. What a crazy storm that ended in this new life wrapped tightly, sleeping peacefully in his bassinet...only to have big Henny come to take a peek 'n' a poke or two.

You were born at the same hospital as Abraham. As we walked to Kate's room today I would feel little rolls of emotion thinking, "This is where Steve and I stood while we listened to Peep's first cries, or that is the room where we stood with Jo Jo and held you, the three of us admiring your handsome features." Then while seeing Abraham and Kate, on an uneventful day, getting to know each other as we did all those days ago I was yearning for those flashes of love back. We all really do start out so very perfect, hopeful, and unique.

I can only hope for you, as well as Abraham that we as parents and that life, in general, leads you gently to adventures coated by enormous love, awesome people, resilience, and a way to not be ashamed of or too shy of your own uniqueness. I asked Kate, "What is the first thing you hope that Abraham learns." After a pause she said, "To laugh." Trust me, I haven't met two people with more robust laughs so Abe better get that lesson down quickly. There is a deeper element to laughter though...it is looking at the bright days more than the dark (or at the very least finding humor in unlikely corners) and knowing that there is always happiness waiting for us. It is a necessity to seek it out. I want happiness for you, our family...and Abe and his family.
Love You!,
Mama

Be Gone Goats and Ducks! PS! Please Cancel the Tooth Fairy

2011-05-17T17:39:00.000-04:00


Henry after his 3rd haircut! It was long!

Dear Mama's Tuff Guy,
I seem to remember previously writing about your newly developing fears, but just in case I couldn't allow it to go unannotated. We still frequent our library once a week. In the last month you've been really getting excited over the bigger books with more text, more story, and more information. You love to pick out books or allow the librarian to pull some for us. On this particular loaner book batch you loved the book by David Shannon, Duck on a Bike. This story opens with a spunky duck that sees a bike in the barnyard. He decides to give it a try and rides through the barnyard showing off his riding abilities. The other animals make various comments about that duck on a bike until a gang of kids come riding through the barnyard to visit the house. The other animals decided to ride the bikes while the kids are gone. Seems like an interesting choice for a kid that loves books with animals until we read it about 20 times...and that 21st read sparked at fear of the goat. You were sitting up next to Daddy as he read it to you and as the page turned to the goat you started trembling and crying your eyes out. You didn't sleep in your bed for a week because, "Dat goat been knockin' on my window!" and, "I saw that cow and horse flying on the ceiling." After a week of ending up in our room I decided to take a small pump spray of all natural room freshener and told you it was "goat spray." If I spray it three times around your room and say, "GOAT BE GONE! GOAT GO HOME!" Goat in fact will not come to knock on your window. Alas you returned to your regular habits at bed time. Until this week when the Tooth Fairy joined the bunch on your scary list. After reading Squirrelly Grey, by James Kochalka. Squirrelly looses his front two teeth and when Tooth Fairy comes to take the teeth she is caught in a spider's web. Because Squirrelly helps her out she gives him a magic nut for his teeth.

The magic nut helps him get Hungry Fox away from him and creates a rainbow to color his gray world. It is pretty much about do good and good comes to you, karma. We saw a problem with this book the first read through when you asked Daddy to not allow the tooth fairy to come into Henny's room. We explained that she only comes when you loose a tooth and if Mommy and Daddy should call her. This helped for 10 minutes then I was on an elaborate hoaxed phone call to cover up the hoaxed lady that takes teeth in your sleep. I told, "Ms. Tooth Fairy that Henry would really rather you not come right now to see him." As I talked on and on you stared at me and bobbed you head making sure my words were conveying the depth of your desire to never see Ms. Tooth Fairy in your room. I was convincing enough that Daddy whispered, "Who did you call?" You've stated all day that the Tooth Fairy is a nice lady trying to reassure yourself. At the conclusion of our night time rituals that night the spray came out and you snuggled into your blankets and asked with heart delievered from an earnest raised brow, "Mommy, Don't be afraid of that goat or the tooth fairy." Thanks, baby for the concern but I am okay.
Love, Mama

There Hasn't Never Been Anybody Else Like GG!!!

2011-05-09T14:25:00.001-04:00

Dear Peepsuki,
You're going to hear many times in your life about this or that person being referenced as there "sure ain't anybody like..." Well, they don't know what they are talking about, unless they are talking about your Great Grandma Hazel, Daddy's Grandma Hazel, Grandma LaJean's mommy. As far as you're concerned she allows you to get into just about anything. If you're being just a little naughty she has a sweet, harmless way of eggin' you on...I've never seen her smile with more light than when you're "pushin' it." She reads magazines with you, cooks all of your favorites, allows you to drag all of her spatulas/things our of her drawers, sets you up to pretend cook along side of her, has you water her flowers, and shares cuddles and kiss without abandon. She is so accepting and exceptional.
Her love knows no depths. GG is forgiving and strong in character and resilience. There will never be anyone like her.

We can only hope that we all carry a little bit of that spirit inside of ourselves. We are lucky to have been dropped into her family. There is just about nothing that Daddy and I cherish more than seeing you play with your GG.

You say she is nice and makes you cookies. I mean that says it all for a two year old.
Love, Mama

When things get quiet...

2011-05-06T11:36:00.000-04:00

Dear Henoosk,
When things get quiet it is time to hunt you down. Most of the day you are by my side playing, doing whatever I am doing or vice versa. Then a minute here or there you go this way and I go that and as long as I hear you I can go about putting the dishes away or hanging some laundry, but when things go quite...I am on a manhunt for a 3ft tall 28lb 2 year old with curly locks, quick wit and lightening speed for find himself a "situation."
The last two incidents...
1. You had just peed in the toilet and didn't want to leave the bathroom, in an effort to get you out I turned off the light and went back into the living room. I heard you in there standing on your step stool talking to yourself in the mirror and then static....my cue to find you asp.
* I entered the bathroom to find you had turned on the light, climbed back up on the step stool and were moisturizing your hair with loads of hand lotion. You'd smack a handful in, rub it around vigorously and look at yourself in the mirror with a self praising gaze. You did this over and over and over and over again, even offering me a handful. My baby was a little greaseball.

2. You love the bowls in the kitchen and pull them out everyday to pretend you're cooking for me. You were in the kitchen, I was in the living room and I hear the bowls shuffling, clank, clank, clink, clank and then static....then rustling...but no talking.
*I go into the kitchen and first see the bowls all lined up along the edge of the island and I pan up to you gnawing through a cellophane wrapper encasing a marshmallow bunny, with three or four wrappers strewn around your feet. You bite a little piece off, pick it out of your mouth and toss it in a bowl and say, "Here Mommy, this is for you to mix up." Then you continued gnawing through that paper. My baby was a little wild animal gettin' him some chocolate.

You never fail to make me laugh in a day. I am grateful for these moments. I am also grateful my camera is always only an arm lengths away so I may share these moments with your future self.
Love, Mama

Hippity Hoppity Easter Came and Went

2011-05-02T01:40:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep Peep,
We had a great Easter this year, despite the rain on rain off weather. We started out at Grandma LaJean and GG's house. We visited with Daddy's cousins who live in Colorado. They have a girl and a boy, Sarah and Johnny. Krispie prepared a couple of yummy vegetarian dishes and GG prepared Sloppy Joes. You ate a lot then played with Johnny a bit. The rain took a break so we took a walk around the block so the Easter eggs could be hidden about the yard.

Our walk ended and the rain began again so the hunt was conducted with a quickened step. You really enjoyed spotting an egg and running to it. After the three of you had full baskets we hung out on GG's porch to open the plastic eggs and to riffle through the Easter baskets from Grandma LaJean.

It became clear quickly that you were ready for a nap!

You took the two hard boiled eggs you found and with chocolate all over your face, crushed them all up into GG's empty blue jean pot. GG tried to get you to settle in with her, happy with the thought of a nap with you in her recliner. She laughed and said you were afraid to stop movin' or you'd fall asleep. Attuned to your cues, Daddy and I loaded you into the van and drove you around for an hour so you would nap. You did without a fight. We returned to Grandma Lajean's to say our goodbyes and headed out to Great Aunt Clarcee's to see cousin Tommy's and Amy's new baby boy, Jack. He is sweet and you were so very gentle and loving with him, rubbing his head, smooshin' noses and showing amazement over his tiny fingers. Nash came by for a bit and you ran with him for at least two hours.

You guys had an awesome time. After hugs and kisses goodbye we went back to town to see our friend's band play some olde country. You started out looking like sleep was leading you by the hand but when a talented guy played guitar with lots of pedals the variety of sounds inspired you to pop your foot up and down on a lonely kick drum.

At one point people turned around and the guitarist stopped and smiled at your efforts. A really long fun day was past over so we loaded in the car and spent the night at Bahboo's and Grandma P's. We hung around on Sunday for an awesome bacon and egg breakfast. Then off to Grandpa Tim's for one more Easter basket. He gave you a bug hunting kit with a shovel and bucket. You loved it...and were filthy and tired from all the hunting and digging and digging. You helped him fill the bird feeders and went on a little walk and brought me back a mushroom.

With all of us tired and dragging and rain falling again we trekked back home. A very eventful Easter 2011. Love being with family, love getting to spend some time outside. Love candy. Love you!
Love, Mama

The Indianapolis Children's Museum

2011-04-22T13:51:00.000-04:00

Dear Peep,
I will no longer make comments as to why I haven't posted in a while or why I am behind. Anyone with a two year old, or has been around one understands. I will say the hacker backed things up for a while. Jerk hole!!! Who would mess with my precious boy's memory book?

Now that you're two Daddy and I decided we would go to the Children's Museum more frequently so we bought a pass with pass for the year. We have already gone twice with guests so from here on out it is "free" visits. It really is amazing how a pass to a place calms your nerves. No more rushing, now more anxiety that you won't see everything. We've been twic
e since the purchase. Once with Heather and Phillipe, Sylvie and Etienne. Then we went with your best dude Devo and Mike and Meagan. Both times were great, both times were different. I just browsed for the photos with the twins and there aren't there anymore. I am not sure what happened! Here are some photos of you and Devo to enjoy as you orbited around each other all day. Your favorites this trip...playing in the ice cream parlor/house, looking at the Star Wars costumes with Daddy, trains, and building your own Chihuley sculpture with Devlyn.

Henry and Devo on the carousel

LOve, Momisk

Did this work?

2011-04-17T10:29:00.001-04:00

Hmmmmm......

Dear Bumbling Hacker...

2011-04-16T16:55:00.003-04:00

Dear Person Who "Hacked" Our Passwords Recently...
Seriously, you are like a novice, right? I mean, I appreciate the broken English, the offers to meet online to chat and discuss paying you off, and 30 consecutive emails asking to send you money (isn't that against the Hacker Code - to demand money?), but you gotta tone it down a couple notches. Because instead of coming across as scary and/or threatening, you just sound desperate and sad.

Granted, most of my knowledge about Hackers comes, in fact, from the movie "Hackers" (and to a lesser extent "War Games"), but shouldn't you be waiting for US to come to YOU?

Aaaanyway, I wish you well in your hacking career. You got a lot of moxie, kid, and I think you're gonna go far.

PS, have you ever seen "War Games"? You know in the end, Matthew Broderick almost blows up the world right? Do you really want to blow up the world???

HOW ABOUT A NICE GAME OF CHESS.

test

2011-04-15T18:57:00.001-04:00

12345

Lurkers Report

2011-04-13T08:45:00.001-04:00

Dear Readers,
I was rather distracted in January when it is tradition to ask for your readers to delurk. The last time I did this it was so exciting to hear from people.
So I'll ask you now...
If you read frequently, I'd like to hear from you.
Please, either leave a comment here by clicking the word comment at the bottom of this post or e-mail me at lisa@whatelserecords.com
Let me know who you are, where you're from and how your found our little blog. Please add yourself as a reader too on the right side of the screen. When I post a new blog you'll get a notifying e-mail.
Thanks, I really look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Lisa T.

2 Years in the Making

2011-04-12T13:38:00.000-04:00

Dear PeepsTWO,
You are now two years old and 1 month. It is time to update all of your exciting abilities.
A list will be the easiest to get out the latest and greatest...
1. You sing ABC's (knowing what they are and that they make up words mean), Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, Happy Birthday, Mary had a Little Lamb and our made up Jammie Time song.
2. You can identify at least 20 letters of the 26 letter alphabet army.
3. You've moved on to to more involved story books. You really like to read Goggles!, Peter's Chair, Hi, Cat!, Man on the Moon, and Skates by Ezra Jack Keats. Keats was an author that based his character Peter on a photo booth picture he found on the ground one day. Peter grows up through the books with his sister Susie. You loved the characters names and pictures in Keats books so much Mommy put them all on reserve at the library and we spent a week reading them over and over again. You also love Blueberries for Sal by Robert McKlosky, Trashy Town by Andrea Zimmerman, Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion. It appears that you like mostly books written in the 50's-70's. The stories are crisp and clear with sweet characters.
4. You have started "reading" books to us. For about 6 months you've "read" Machines At Work by Byron Barton. One afternoon I said why don't you read it to Mommy this time. And you recited each page accurately. You do the same with most books after 2 or 3 reads.
5. You have a super charged memory for books or events you've experienced.
6. You easily talk in 5-10 word sentences using nouns, pronouns, verbs, contractions, adjectives and verb tenses. I should add that you LOVE to talk. You speak very clearly too.
7. A great joy together is art time. We paint, stamp, stick stickers, play with play dough, markers, glue, glitter, and crayons. You tell us you're drawing cool backhoes.
8. With all of the road work in town you can identify every type of heavy equipment. You point out the window and yell, "BACKHOE, CEMENT MIXER, LARGE EXCAVATOR, BULLDOZER!" It isn't unusual for me to hear begging from the back seat to turn around because the crane is now working.

9. You are starting to have dreams and with that comes fear because you aren't quite sure how cows and horses are floating in the sky or why there is a goat in your room.
10. We are so pleased that you now say yes more than no. It is particularly endearing when you say, "Yes, I do!"
11. Word games are a favorite of yours. You mix and match the middle and ends of words or swap out the vowels as if you conjugating verbs for fun. Tico Taco Toco Tico...Henusk, Henisk, Mamisk, Mamusk, Smack, Smook, Smeek.
12. You can identify and say the colors... red, blue, green, brown, black, yellow, orange, silver, gold
13. You can identify and say the shapes... circle, oval, square, triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, octagon, hexagon, pentagon, heart, star, plus or cross, diamond, crescent, half circle, and quad foil (four leaf clover). You find these shapes around you all around you and shout them out.
14. Still love sweepin' for Mama, which is wonderful but you can make a lot of mess.
15. Pee in the potty often.
16. Brush your own teeth and wash your own hands. You love washing your hands. It is hard to pull you away from the sink! If I try to help I get a quick, "Henny do it his ownself!"
17. You make good playtime practice at the library train table of always handing a toy to someone else before you begin to play. Along with your new understanding of playing with others, this has seriously cut down on your desire to swipe other kid's train cars.
18. Most nights before bed time you look out the window by Daddy's office to find the moon. As soon as you find it you let us know if it is a crescent moon, half moon or a full moon. I love that!
19. You are obsessed with poop. Someone got you the book, Everything Poops, and all you can talk about it poopin' in mud and running over it with a backhoe. I hope this one passes quickly, no pun intended.
20. You can id most money, and can tell us who's picture is on the penny & 5, quarter &1, the 20 and sometimes the 10 and the nickle.

21. You now love our night time ritual. Daddy and I take you back to your room after reading for 20 mintues (you'd have us reading all night long). Then you ask daddy to, "TICKLE BELLWEE!" Daddy does that for about 5 minutes then you have him hold you like a baby. Next you give him a hug and kiss. Daddy says, "Goodnight, see you in the morning, I love you tantamoose!" Then it is my turn. I give you big hugs and snuggles and sit you on the edge of the crib. I slide you back and forth with a big hug and sing with you, "Squeezin' means lovin'. Lovin' means squeezin!" With a kiss on the nose I say, "I love you, I love you SOOOO much." You lay down and you say, "So much! Too much, Too much Mommy." I say, "Never too much! Never!" You roll over and put your thumb into your mouth and curl around your blankets and say, "I love you Mommy, I love you Daddy!" I say, "Goodnight, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. I love you." Daddy yells out, "Dude abides." We close the door and you shout it back a couple of times and you're asleep. Thanks for being so easy.
22. You can spell your own name! We were at the zoo with cousin's Ella and Tyler and Tyler asked me if you could spell your own name yet. I waited a second, looked at you and said, "Henry can you spell your own name. H..." You said, "H-E-N-R-Y!" Never under estimate my dorky obnoxious songs doing some good!

You scare us with your knowledge sometimes but can't get enough of you. We are so fortunate.
Love, Mama

A Sharing Heart is Sure to Bring Happiness

2011-04-09T16:10:00.000-04:00

Dear Peepso,
Yesterday we went visiting to Heather, Phillipe, Sylvie and Etienne's house. You had not been lovingly playing with your little barn any longer so we decided it was time to pass it on to your friends. You handle it like a champ! You helped me wash the animals and put them in a bag and carry it all to the car.

When we arrived we handed it over to the twins and you didn't even think twice. Not even a hint of a ruckus. We stayed a while and played on the street in front of their house. Etienne has now mastered the step and was easily coasting down the hill on his push toy. It was pretty awesome.

Sylvie and you worked on getting your bubble gun from cousin Wendy to work. Check how fetching Sylvie is in her purple sweater dress, jelly shoes and 3D glasses. It was pretty awesome how you all happily took turns. It was a sunny warm afternoon of friendship and play.
I am grateful for great friends big and small.
Love, Mama

Welcoming Walks that Usher in Spring

2011-04-07T08:43:00.000-04:00

Dear Peepster,
I think that just about everyone that lives in areas where the seasons have drastic changes get to the point during each season where they sigh and say it is time for the proceeding magical actions to take hold and finally transform the cold to warm, the hot to cool... My goodness we had a really inviting warm week! We got our jackets and shoes on and played most of the day in the sun and warmth tangled with chirping birds and tulips wiggling their way up through the ground. Thank God! Cabin fever would be an understatement to our restlessness. You were to the point you wanted to bring sticks and handful of leaves into the house with you when passing from the car to the side door. We needed some love from the outside.

So we went on walks, rolled down the driveway together on a skateboard, took a basket and went on a nature grab, drew on the driveway with sidewalk chalk, and picked up sticks to clean the yard.

I love spending time with you just being active and happy together. It was icing on the cake when we shared this with Daddy and we roller skated in the driveway and threw loud poppers on the asphalt.
More of this goodness is on its way!
Love, Mama

Florida, Henry Loves You But You're Whoopin' Its Butt! Part 5

2011-04-02T12:44:00.000-04:00

Dear Big Peep,

After we returned to Grandpa Tim's from Homosasa Springs we had a little birthday party for you. Aunt Krispie just arrived as our visits overlapped by a day. So Nanny, Cathy and Jim, Grandpa Tim and Trish, Aunt Krispie, and Mama and Daddy all sang happy birthday around two bright candles lit on a cake that Mama made from scratch. You were very excited. Aunt Cathy made homemade ice cream to complement the cake. Very full and tired we played with the cool magnetic fishin' pole Cathy bought you and read the book from Nanny and you were in bed snorin' soon after. I was really happy we were able to celebrate together since Grandpa Tim isn't quite up to make a trip just yet and Aunt Krispie's roller derby season would be starting on the Saturday of your birthday party. Visiting family is so much more challenging at times with you along, but it is also sooooooooo much nicer and funny too.

I'd like to note our last visit to Florida was about three years ago. Daddy and I finished the final paper work and website stuff to get on the books. We were so excited. I felt strongly we would find a boy in our arms within a year. Pretty amazing how quickly it all happened. We are so grateful.

Love, Mama

Florida, Henry Loves You But You're Whoopin' Its Butt! Part 5

2011-03-29T19:13:00.000-04:00

Dear Tantamoose,
Our last day in Florida Daddy I found Homosassa Springs on the map and we took off. Homosassa is an animal wildlife preserve full of alligators, a variety of birds, fish, wolves, a hippo, a black bear and manatees! When we arrived we got on a boat and floated down the canal to the animal park. What a way to start out an adventure with you! You helped me look for gators while sucking on a Dum Dum. The park is set up on a circuit of deck-like pathways and bridges that take you to various animal habitats. It is clean, completely accessible with no stairs (other than the little capsule one can climb into to watch the fish underwater) and kid friendly with various affordable snack stops and metal mesh that covers the handrails so you don't have to worry about your two year old climbing through and running into the bird poop covered habitat. To say you loved it would be understating it. The habitats are set up for maximum human visibility balancing the habitat needs for the animals.

You loved the fish down in the underwater capsule, smashing your face against the window to see them as close as possible. Next the path took us up over a bridge to see the manatees just at eating time! They floated around trying to munch at the "salad" (heads of lettuce and cabbage) as you put it. You needed to hug the manatee sculpture.

Moving on around the path we met a big hippo on our left and giant alligators on our right! Oh you shouted at them, pointed and really became interested in the hippo as it climbed out of the water. It was time for him to eat too..."grass" (alfalfa) and then to poop.

Before we saw the sign other visitors warned us of the splash zone...hippos poop and use their tail to swipe back and forth and wipe it off. We backed off and yes, with about 10 other visitors we waited for the hippo to poop. What else does a 2 year old want to see?! When he was done I made a noise and hippo made a very loud noise back that sounded like laughter Jabba the Hut makes. You copied it a few times. I was never really interested in birds as a kid but you really seem to enjoy watching them and knowing what their names are.

The flamingos you knew right away and starting pointing out pelicans. I think that is pretty
impressive for a dude your age, but what really blew me away was when I wasn't able to find the name of this one pinkish bird. I said, "Hmm, I don't know what the name of that one is." You said, "A pink crane?" No, but sweet that you were really thinking about it.

You also became really excited about the black bear. He lumbered around and splashed in the water for you. He really captivated you...almost as much as the box put there to take donations for his upkeep.

After the brown bear we returned to a pick up point...this time we took a little train back, there is no much that excites you more than a boat trip, lots of animals, and a little train trip except maybe the penny squasher in the lobby of the gift shop. It was a wonderful trip and I would recommend it for anyone with children or with walking difficulties (they even had free chairs and strollers to use while there.) It was such a relaxing fun day as a family. Daddy and I love exploring with you!

Love, Mama

Florida, Henry Loves You But You're Whoopin' Its Butt! Part 4

2011-03-23T13:23:00.001-04:00

Dear Peep Blanket Bingo,
After the springs Daddy drove us to Daytona Beach to walk and roll on the sand. The grains are so compact that Daddy was able to roll his chair out onto the beach with us. It was really exciting! You giggled and ran and ran as fast as you could across the beach, like a little water bug. Its flat expanse sped up your ever-quickening strides. You used your speed to chase the birds with me and Tantanoose (Daddy).

You relished standing at the water's edge only to be reduced to jitters and howls when then cold water gripped your toes.

You also poked at unfortunate jelly fish beached and de-tentacled by the hungry pestering from the birds. You pocketed a couple of seashells to bring back to Grandpa Tim and we pried ourselves from the sand back toward the car.

"Tinkle Tinkle, Ding Ding, Tinkle!" What!?! A bright yellow ice cream truck drew closer from the horizon line to stop just in front of us. Daddy and I flashed looks of excitement ordinarily relegated to 10 year old's rummaging spare change from their pockets. I leaped to Daddy's back pack for his wallet, this was no spare change priced ice cream truck. We purchased a 3 dollar Bomb Pop. I've failed to mention your excitement! I mean this is all about you, right?! You ran up and studied the pictures on the side.

After I purchased the Bomb Pop your mouth opened as wide as it cold and in it went and the world disappeared. It was hard to get your attention and a word to cross your blue lips. Wanting to take a fun photo I asked the driver if we could sit you on the steps. Who would have know that this may have been the highest point of the trip for you? You dangled your legs off the step and smiled happily. The next few days you brought it up no less than 10 million times. "Henny ATE POPSICLE ON THE ICE CREAM TRUCK!!!!"

Yes, caps are certainly necessary. You now talk so loudly we are constantly reminding you to pipe it down a bit and are playing the whisper game at least once a day to give our eardrums a rest. Finished, we walked down the boardwalk then we returned home. You were a sleepy dude and passed out as soon as your head hit the bed. It feels like we are being good parents to wear you out with new experiences.

AAAHH! What a wonderful family day this was! I can't wait until our beach visit includes warm water splashing around! Daytona has free beach wheelchairs on loan. On our last trip as a couple we used a rental chair. It was AWESOME to play in the ocean water together. I can hardly imagine how much fun you would have doing this! I should add, I know we would love to see our little dude splashin' around in the ocean as well. Our dream.

Love, Mama

Florida, Henry Loves You But You're Whoopin' Its Butt! Part 3

2011-03-18T09:11:00.001-04:00

Dear Hankster,
The next afternoon we went to De Leon Springs to eat at an old Spanish mill turned into a pancake place where you fix your own pancakes on the table in front of you. It is a standard when we visit Grandpa Tim. We had a wait so you were able to play on the playground a while. Grandpa Tim even went down the slide with you. With more time to kill we walked on the trails and then around the spring. Grandpa Tim dipped your feet into the water which made you so happy. You are so drawn to water. You loved it!

We ate our pancakes. They were so yummy but you wouldn't eat any of the pecan and banana ones I cooked for us. You were tired already. You were LOUD AND CLEARLY mad about something. However, when a man next to our table showed you he had a five dollar bill I said, "Henry! Who is on the five dollar bill?" You said, "Abe-a-ham Lincoln." We've been working on this but the guy was so impressed he asked you to do it again for his wife. You also say George Washingtown for a buck or quarter which at times morphs into George Washinglinc. At this point you were about finished sitting there. You threw a piece of sausage at Trish, she was sitting across from Grandpa Tim!

I suppose you can see it on your face in the picture above, if you can't just click on it to make it larger. You're disgust is written all over your face just as clear as the mole on Abraham Lincoln's face. Even in the photo of you "smiling" the emotion is forced.
After I recovered from death by embarrassment we quickly removed ourselves from the table and walked around the spring dipping our feet in at each set of steps. In the car later we asked you why you were so mad. You said, "I was mad at Mommy. Henny wanted to sit next to Grandpa Tim." !!!! Huh? Well that would have been easy enough. Daddy told you to just let him know next time instead of getting mad. It was pretty cool that you articulated how you were feeling. Hopefully we get effective at teaching you how to do that more because clearly it isn't okay to throw sausage at other people (one of your two favorite foods). After the springs we parted ways with Grandpa Tim and Trish and took off for Daytona Beach. We stopped at Walgreens first to get some Tylenol because we were suspecting that your final molars that were almost through were hurting you. We were right. You were much calmer and in control the rest of the week.
Mommy is still learning how to take care of you and to read your signals when you can't tell me what is up. I hope I keep improving.
Love, Mama

Florida, Henry Loves You But You're Whoopin' Its Butt! Part 3

2011-03-17T12:43:00.000-04:00

Dear Hen-rida,
The next day we went for a long boat ride down the canal at Grandpa Tim's. Together we spotted a larger sized gator and a then a baby alligator. For me spotting a couple gators makes it a successful trip. However, you decided you would spend the boat ride sitting next to Grandpa Tim rather than near me.

Thankfully you did come and snuggle in close when the big gator was near.

You made me so nervous how you climbed up on the seats or stand by the little gates! I mean what don't you get? It is water, you don't swim and there are gators everywhere! Grandpa Tim suggested that we tie a rope to your life jacket to keep you in control, you weren't having that for very long. Trish brought some plastic wine glasses and put some sparkling cider in it. It transformed you into a high roller hanging out on your personal yacht. You thought you were cool.

Cathy and Jim live just a few houses up the canal from Grandpa Tim so the next night we went to their house for one of the best dinners I have ever had. Parmesan chicken, fancy green beans and I can't remember what else because I couldn't get past wanting more of the latter! Cathy is quite a cook!
Before dinner, Great Uncle Jim took you fishing for the first time. You caught a shiner and a blue gill. You nearly kissed the blue gill but abandoned the plan at the last minute.

You loved tossing out the fish food into the water. At one point you turned to throw in the fish food and we were surprised to see a baby gator sitting right there at the dock!

You screamed out, "ALLIGATOR!" Instantly that gator slid out of sight under the lily pads. You didn't scare all the fish away though. Daddy caught a large catfish that day. He is super proud of his catch. We took a "trophy photo" of Daddy, you touched the fish and Uncle Jim threw it back into the water.

At this point of the day your mind had been sufficiently stuffed with new things and you were tired. You were turning into a major grump and kept falling down any ole place saying, "Henny lay down in the grass, Henny lay down on the wood." Dinner time came and you sat there pretty chill until after we moved into the livingroom. I had to take you back to Grandpa Tim's due to outburst and you raising a total grumpus. Jammies on and blanket in hand you laid down and you were O.U.T!
Love, Mama
*I want to make note that you are for the most part easy going and calm. This was out of the ordinary. So Daddy and I combed through it all and teased out that you were getting your upper back molar in the rest of the way and it was hurting you. The next day we bought some pain medicine and you were back to yourself the subsequent day. I'm really sorry that I didn't put it together earlier buddy.

Florida, Henry Loves You But You're Whoopin' Its Butt! Part 2

2011-03-14T11:16:00.001-04:00

Dear Hen-rida,
Arriving at Grandpa Tim's the next day you were very excited! You woke up when the van stopped. Looking around to get your bearing you saw Grandpa Tim walking out of the house to snatch you from your seat. You had the biggest smile on your face as Grandpa Tim picked up his Henry. The minute we walked into the house they slipped on a life jacket...knowing how you like to explore! With a pool, hot tub and canal filled with gators near by at the very least you would be buoyant. The next morning Grandpa Tim and Trish took you for a boat ride down the canal. You came back and told us you saw your first baby alligator, lots of birds and trees.
That afternoon we picked up Daddy's grandma, Nanny. She has an orange tree in her backyard. After a lot of grunting and tries you picked your first orange. You climbed down from Daddy's lap and started throwing dirt around joyfully. On the way back to the car you declared that you love mud and want to play with mud. I cleaned up your hands and we stopped to have an ice cream cone at a twisty treat, yet another larger than life object to take a photo next to. Vanilla and chocolate twist dipped in chocolate in a waffle cone, the three of us happily shared it together.

That night Mommy cooked some spaghetti with turkey for dinner and Cathy and Jim, Daddy's aunt and uncle, came down too. Before dinner you danced around the pool in your life jacket dipping and pouring, dipping and pouring your little heart out watering the pool.

After dinner Cathy read to you a little then they returned home. It was time for you to cuddle on the couch with Grandpa Tim to watch a show about the jaw power of sharks. You both fell asleep together at the same time, it only took 6 minutes according to the time stamp on the photos. Sweet! It was a big couple of days for such a little dude, and for a big dude too. It was great getting to see everyone and enjoy dinner. We are fortunate we were all there for a relaxing time together.

Love, Mama

I'm 2, My name is Henny Thompson

2011-03-09T21:46:00.002-05:00

Dear Birfday Peep,
2 years old!!! This year we had a super duper birthday party duo with your buddy Devo. Mike and Megan had arranged for us to rent a bouncy house and the Harmony gym so we could have lots of running space with little hassle for the little dude and dudettes at your party. We kept our list this year to mostly friends and mostly kids under five due to the bouncy house and kids runnin' around but it was a blast! Mama stayed up till 2 creating Yo Gabba Gabba cupcakes with icing and fondant. Mike made the Muno cupcakes with a marshmallow eye. Daddy stayed up makin' a mix on his I pod. It was fun to have all of your little friends there. Lily was a jumpin' queen and Devo ruled the house. You liked to get in and lay on your back smiling as others got you to pop into the air. We sang happy birthday for each of you. Then you spent the rest of the time taking turns with Devo riding and pushing each other on his cart with the handle. Every so often you'd nicely switch off with someone else too. No fighting! Except for one time you pushed Devo to the side to give Abilene a ride. Not very cool Henry! Great turn taking over all for little dudes though. I felt really proud of you.

Today on your actual birthday we are making stroganoff and having a little cake. This morning when I got you up you told me, "I am two!" I asked you what you wanted for your birthday and you said, "I want breadsticks, a milkshake, and oatmeal." That was easy enough to deliver. Daddy and I talked about your birthday at the hospital when you were born and we texted Jo Jo a message with a video of you jumping off of the couch. She sent us a video with her singing happy birthday to you. This made you very happy. I must mention that you are tuff as nails at 2. Before we could stop you, one of your candles was put out with your fingers! We love you with all of our hearts Peep squeak-a-doo. I'm so happy that I have a boy that is two! I wouldn't change any part of it.

Love you!, Mama