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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Little Mister: A letter for your Half Birthday

Dear Little Mister,

Two weeks ago, you turned six months old. Your first half birthday. I intended to write this letter to you then, but you and your sister were sick, something that's been too regular of an occurrence lately, and I wanted time. Time to make sure that I could properly focus on you, in that moment when you needed me, and in this moment as I write your letter.

When I think of you, I immediately think of your bright eyes, your smile, and your soft, bubbly giggle. Your eyes light up and you get quietly excited when someone you know walks in the room. Your breath quickens, you flap your arms, you flash your two bottom teeth.

Quietly excited. That describes you through and through. You are calm, yet enthusiastic. You watch everything and everyone, and you very gently and sweetly express your pleasure with the world. Your favorite person in the universe is Bean. When she walks into the room your whole face sparkles, and you can't stop grinning. The two of you already share a special bond and my heart warms when I see the two of you touch foreheads and giggle at each other. I can't wait to see what adventures you have together.

The last six months have been a whirlwind, but each and every moment has been full. Full of love, snuggles, drool, tickles, friends, and family. I've so enjoyed the way you nuzzle into my neck, giggling when my hair tickles your face. You did this from the moment you were born, and I hope that you never ever stop. One of our favorite things to do has been to steal a Sunday afternoon nap together on the couch, you resting your head on my chest, settling into the crook of my arm.

And since you've taken to waking at 5 in the morning, we lie together in bed with Daddy while you nurse. Sometimes you stay awhile and drift back to sleep. Other times you prefer to go back to your own bed, for as much as you like to snuggle, you also like and need to have your space to rest. You've always told us when it's time to put you down.

Lately, you've been more eager than ever to MOVE. You spend hours in your bouncer jumping up and down. And just today, you pushed up on all fours in your crib. You'll be tearing up the carpet in no time! No more playtime blankies for you! You'll be all over this house!

I know that during the next six months, you'll literally crawl your way away from life as a newborn and into life as a little boy. I am so excited for you, my little baby. And I pray that we can continue to take joy in each and every moment of your full and precious little life. Blessings to you, Little Mister.


Thursday, November 14, 2013

The World According to Bean: Wildlife

The following conversation took place today on our way home for supper:

Bean: What's that sound in the car?
Me: Good question. I think it's Little Mister's stroller rattling around in the trunk.
Bean: ...No, it's not O's stroller. It's cheetahs.
Me: There are cheetahs in the car?
Bean: No, they're outside....

.....Bean (whispering): Mom! I see groundhogs!
Me: Oh yeah? Where? (it was dark. there were no groundhogs.)
Bean: In the forest.
Me: Is that where they live?
Bean: Yes. That's where they live...

....

Bean: Do groundhogs roar? You know, like bears?
Me: No. I'm not really sure what they do. They're not so scary like bears and lions and tigers and cheetahs.
Bean: Can you play with them?
Me: Well, no.
Bean: Why not?...

....

Bean: Do groundhogs poop in the grass or on cars?
Me: In the grass. Why would they poop on cars?
Bean: Well, birds only poop on cars.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Ah, She's a Witty One

Every day, Bean puts together ridiculous amounts of knowledge that add to her understanding of the world. And then she tells (or draws) us about them. These conversations reveal some one-liner gems and pictorial insights that leave us laughing, wondering, and, sometimes, purely in shock. Today gave us several of these moments. Here are the highlights:

Pre-dinner conversation:

Bean is gathering her art supplies. She's got a tablet and some colored pencils in her hand.

Bean: These are my portrait things, Mommy.
Me: Oh yeah?
Bean: Yeah, these are for drawing portraits.
Me: Do you know what a portrait is?
Bean: No.
(I explain.)
Me: Can you draw my portrait?
Bean: Oh, yeah. Yeah, sure. Let me see if I can find a page here....

Pre-dinner doodles:

Bean: This is your belly button...And Here's your mouth. I think you're smiling. Yeah, you have a smiley face......

Sorry no, that's a frog.

Me: Um.....Can I have eyes?
Bean: Oh, yeah sure.
      And here's a nose. (giggles to herself) It looks like a hot air balloon. It's a hot air balloon nose!
Me: I have a hot air balloon nose?
Bean: Yeah...


Dinner Conversation:

B has gravy left on his plate so he goes to get a piece of bread to mop it up. After peeking at the Bean through a hole in the bread, he offers her half. 

B: Would you like some?
Bean: No. Definitely not.
(B and I raise eyebrows at each other.)
B: OK.....
................

Bean: Can I have some bread?
(Laughter)

Bean: There's no need for laughing!

More Dinner Conversation:

Bean: Boy, you're really tanked up, Mommy!
Me: .......