Lil' Bub! at The Playground, Japanese Reality TV and A Pop Star

Dear Hen and Hazel, 

Today we went to meet buddies Sylvie and Etienne at the park and ran into a friend and his famous cat Lil' Bub.  Hazel knew right away who he was and jumped out of the van to go pet him and Henry, unmoved by Bub's fame, just needed to get out and TOUCH HIM.  We realized that as they gave Bub lovin' that there cameras and a group of Japanese TV people filming.  Our friend introduced us to the J Pop star, Minami Minegishi, and said they were filming a Lil' Bub show for Japanese reality TV.  

How exciting is that!  Not very for you, too.  You just wanted to pet the cat.  

I don't blame you, Bub is a cute and super calm lil creature. Daddy came to meet us and got his picture with Bub.

Henry, you came home and drew a picture of Bub.  

It was a fun little surprise on a Wednesday afternoon.  I love the weird things we get into sometimes. 

Love, Mama

My Little Hearts

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

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

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

Buddy Round Up!

Dear Henny (and sleeping Hazel), 
You both may not know it yet but you've been getting to grow up with the most amazing kids and adults around you.  Henry, in the same time period as your adoption three other families adopted too (and later 4 when Nissy and Jim adopted their daughter).  It has been a giant blessing in our lives to have these families a part of ours (as well as Doug and Peter who's journey to parenthood took different paths and concluded with a decision to not to become parents.)  Without these ladies Mommy would be much more wack-a-doo.  We can all now say we've met at least once a month for the last several years and more accurately in recent years it has been at least once a week. You do not tolerate long stretches with out your buddies.  Soon you will all be on a preschool schedule of Tuesday and Thursday and I see Wednesday becoming our regular play date.  Last week we met up at the Children's Museum in Indianapolis.  We all have passes so when the power went out and we had to leave early we didn't sweat that we basically watched you guys load and unload fake rocks in the Egyptian for an hour and a half while we chit chatted.  This week we met up at the park and for lunch.  

Keegan and Etienne dancing

A great time running in the field, throwing rocks and playing on the playground makes for a sleepy Peep at bedtime.  I love seeing how much you all care for each other.  

You had to bring granola bars for everyone

Zombie babies

Even if you scare Keegan by playing too rough or Sylvie bonks you in the head with a stick or Etienne sits up at the lunch table with a ring on his forehead from leaning on his straw or Lily runs away from you to play with her new girlfriends she made on the playground you're all still buds.  

Next week we plan on having movie afternoon at our house complete with popcorn and juice.  We can't wait!
Love, Mama

Hanging Out

Dear Peep, 
It is terrific that spring is bring us opportunities to hang out more with friends.  Daddy is pretty much back to himself and building energy by eating better, taking the weekends easy, taking vitamins and working a slightly modified work schedule.  We haven't gone much outside of town yet but hopefully soon we can get over to Grandma LaJean's (who has been through her own ups and downs with a hip replacement and blood clot scares) and GG's.  Bahboo and Grandma P will be back from their two week trip to Florida soon and will be anxious to gobble you up for a little while too.  So for now we are enjoying the gentle ease into normality again by starting up our usual schedule of friend hang outs last week.  
We meet Mike, Megan and Devo at the park to play and fly your kite.  It was a lot of fun and you boys did a great job playing together.   I know you had been missing your buddy so you were happy.  You got a little aggressive at times trying to wrrrrrrrrastle with an unsuspecting Devo, but you were pooped in the end and that is all parents of a 3 year old could wish. 

Thursday we had Abe come over and you were a sensational friend.  You did everything you could to take care of him and keep him happy.  Daddy and I were really proud of you!  Gentle, loving and thoughtful you will make a great big brother! 

Sunday we had the Sisk-Williams crew over to roast some hot dogs at our fire pit. (I can't find the pictures!) We had a nice visit and you enjoyed having kids to build a fire with.   It was great getting back into things this week and reconnecting with our friends.  I love seeing you grow in your interactions too.  More fun times ahead!
Love, Mama

Friends, Friends, Come Out to Play!

Dear Hensry, 
We are so fortunate!  Seriously!  For all sorts of reasons, simple and beyond.  Today I was reminded once again for the good fortune we were dealt when we decided on adoption at about the same moment as five other families in our town.  I would never have imagined I would have found such great friends that I really enjoy spending time with despite/because of our diverse interests and personalities.  It was clearly meant to be, as are each of our tots running around together and playing meant to be in our families.  We try to get together at least once a week and if it is a good week we make it more.  A couple of weeks ago we went to the Children's Museum together, last week we enjoyed Brook and Lily's large yard and animals, and today we owned Olcott Park.  I seriously love these women and kids.  I never feel judged and always feel like I have a mommy team back up.  Which is good because today you fell about 6-7 feet from the top of the jungle gym and Mommy Heather was on it!  
It was a suburb way to spend a new springs VERY windy day.  This time the kids pooped out way before the moms.  I love that you have a fun play group to grow up with.  I love that I have a fun play group too.  I look forward to many more fun play dates with the kids and moms.



Love, Mama

Hangin' With the Big Kids

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