Your Waves on Study

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

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

To the Theater

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

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

Ah, should have used my flash

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

Love, Mama

WW a Four Month Visit

Dear Skittle,
Really happy that we were able to make to visit with your birth mom, WW this week.  It was doubly exciting that we were getting to see her home!  While you were baking she was staying with friends and an extended stay hotel.  Now, she has a beautiful home that couldn't be more perfect for her.  We are so happy to see this for her.  We love WW!  She has lots of applications in for a new job and a great, caring boyfriend.  We had a wonderful and relaxing visit.  You gave her some snuggles and smiles.   

I love that we are the same age.  We have lots of reference points from over the years that we share.  She found her box of old photos and shared them with me.  I LOVED seeing some of her big bang 80's days and straight two toned hair 90's.  I took some picture of the pictures for you to see someday.  

She has always been so beautiful and your big smile reminds me of her as do the way your brownie eyes sparkle.  So glad a visit worked out!  Next time I will bring along some photos of me...only fair that she sees my big permed hair.  We left her with some of our homemade chili and a hug.  In some ways it is hard to believe it has only been 4 months since your birth and others if feels like you've been here forever as it just all feels right.  So grateful WW found us for you.  We are in love.
Love, Mama 

Hazel's Waxy 4 Month Check Up

Dear Skittle, 
 Your 4 month check up yielded more than just your weight or height update; you had a waxy right ear.  The doctor had to dig out junk.  You didn't like the nugget excavation and I didn't like it when he discovered your first ear infection.  I wasn't completely surprised.  Conveniently just the day before your appointment you were junky nosed and sounding like a pug half the night, occasionally choking on your thick sticky phlegm.  A good and gross example of this occurred just before the doctor came in, you were on your tummy squealing exuberant smiles at me as I snapped pictures of you and two seconds later and one snapped frame like a cat coughing up a hairball you choked on the stuff.   

The bottle I fed you to keep you satisfied at the doctor's office poured out.  Just after, you were back to smiles.  You're amazingly flexible and resilient!  You were in happy spirits though and smiled radiantly seconds after the assaults to your tiny ear (I did take a picture of the crap pulled out but I'll spare ya) and to your tiny legs when you were a pin cushion for vaccination needles.  With in two hours later you had a 101.9 fever and a whimper of misery.  Here ya are just before bed, insert my sad face here...

The medicine hasn't really touched the fever yet but you're sleeping well.  I can't seem to go to sleep because I am worried about you and just now I am hearing your brother in the next room with a barking cough.  What is a year without a little visit from Croup?  I don't know either because we've not had one.  Let's just hope it doesn't come to that.  The bummer sick stuff aside you are growing great, nearly 14lbs! and 24".  You charmed everyone too.  I hope you feel better soon baby lady, I don't like seeing you so unhappy.  

4 months old

Love, Mama 
You can see your past check ups and growth here and here...and here 

Here is the scene this morning by my side as I finish typing this update.

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Ooops! Spoke too soon!  Just after I finished typing I heard Henny coughing I got up to check on you to find you sprawled in the door to our room with the lights on screaming and coughing and shaking sick as a dog.  Luckily I had an inhaler and it helped calm you down along with misty dragon.  We are camping out on the couch today.