Let's Find Some Make Believe

Dear Hazelita, 
Our suspicions that you have a keen mind, imagination and sense of humor was confirmed last night.  As we were readying ourselves for bed you were standing in your pack'n'play.  Recently, I started trying out some ocean sounds to help you fall asleep quickly.  It seems to be doing the trick, but last night we waited to put you to bed until we were all ready.  You stood and started making motions with your arms and trying SOOOO hard to say words.  Usually these attempts are you trying to charm us into giving you some light night food or a simple drink of water.  This was different....and we soon realized you were SWIMMING in the imaginary ocean along with the ocean sounds.  

I asked you, "Honey, are you at the beach?  
You replied, "I swimmin'"  !  !  !  
I said, "Is Henry there?" 
While signing sleepy you said, "Henny sleepin'."
We were amazed!  You did doggie paddles and jumps into the water and big arm strokes "like Henny" all on your own. 
You told us you were at the beach.  I hadn't said anything about the sounds.  You and your sharp brain picked up on it quickly and drew into a fun little fantasy.  It was such an unexpected sweet moment.  You bring so much sunshine and fun into our lives.  You're light and loving, except when you're watching Kipper.  

Lord! Don't talk to you while you're watching Kipper, you scream, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  No, My DOG!"    

Being a dog.

I didn't want to forget this one. 
Love, Mama

Sweetie Pie, Honey Bunch

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

 

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

Warning!!! This Blog May Cause Whiplash from Your Disbelief

Dear Henry,

First of all, people reading this will think I'm crazy. They are also likely to not believe me, maybe even e-mail me to let me know that I have become completely delusional and am spending too much time by myself during the day and may even recommend people I could see for help. I promise you! Mommy is telling the truth! Grandma can back me up on this. She is my witness.

Here we go...

A couple of weeks ago Mommy started making lots of sounds at you, and from time to time you'd repeat back an "ah" or "eee." This weekend on the long ride to Atlanta and back Grandma P and I made lots of noises with you. Near the end of our ride home, somewhere in Kentucky, just after dark, my smart boy was starin' me down as usual and I was lookin' like a fool, sounding like Nemo talkin' to the whales in "Finding Nemo" and about three times I said, "I love you! I love you! I love you!" You smiled at me, worked your mouth around and looked into my eyes and as clear as day you said, "I love you!" Yes you did! No joke! I paused, grandma paused, we looked at each other with that look that peels into the others brain and we both freaked out at the same time! It was incredible! Now, Daddy and Crappaw, sitting in the front listening to the radio and chatting did not hear you and we tried to make it happen again but it did not, until later that night but it was still only Grandma P and me and not as crisp.


Today you said, "HI."

Now Henry, Mommy isn't an idiot, she knows that you do not know what words go with all the feedin' and cuddlin' I've been giving you so that you spontaneously decided, "I must tell Mommy I love her." I know that you were only repeating sounds, but damn! you put three sounds together and you were SO clear the first time. This is still a milestone. I'm so proud of you! ... and shocked! It doesn't matter to me if you know what you're doing, just yet. I waited my entire life to hear my very own sweet boy say those words while looking into my eyes and I'll take it.

I love you too baby.

Love, Mommy