Month 39 Archives

Dear Henry,

Today you are 39 months old. You are a rambunctious, crazed, energized three year old. You've grown more challenging now that you're three. You have more opinions, and you're not afraid to pass them on to anyone who will listen.

Your shyness is really getting a lot better. I still wish you didn't need quite so much warm up time, but you're really coming along. A few funny phrases that are part of your every day language includes: "Oh man!", "I'm going to bust you!", "Don't freak out!". You're sassing off a little. You want to put me or your dad in time-out all the time. I've lowered down the hammer and have put YOU in time-out every time you say it. And amazingly, it almost never happens anymore. I've also starting incorporating yoga breathing, (for you AND me) when you're starting a tantrum. We do 10 deep breaths, and again amazingly, afterwards every body is calm.

You are really into riding your bike. Unfortunately for you, we live on a giant hill, with a giant hill drive way, and no sidewalks on our street. So you're a bit limited as to where you can ride. Daddy and I will back our cars out of the garage so you can ride around in there. Fortunately, you're still on a trike, and you don't mind the small quarters. In fact, you really seem to enjoy when I am sitting in a chair in the middle of the garage and you ride circles around me all day long. I love it how, (and so does your Grandma), you never get on your bike without your helmet. You say, "I have to be safe, Mom." Keep it up Buddy.

Besides horses and baseball, you do like watching a little TV. OK, maybe a lot, but you'd still always rather be outside, so I'm OK with it. Your favorite shows right now are Imagination Movers, Scooby-Doo, and Phineas & Ferb. I love P&F too, so its fun to watch it with you. You laugh at some things, and I laugh at somethings. Its a perfect match!

Well, that's a pretty good wrap up of your life these days Kiddo. The weather is getting cooler, so we'll be inside more. I'm looking forward to going to the pumpkin patch, going sledding, and putting you on a plane for a couple vacations to Texas this winter. Even though you've done them all before, its going to be like the first time, and I'm looking forward to hearing your play by play account.

Love you Boogie,
Mama

Archives - Month 37

Dear Henry,

I woke up in the middle of the night, and realized that it is July 30th, and I didn't do your monthly letter. For shame! I mean, this was one of the most important months of you life. What with your potty training, and not to mention you attending your first parade! Things are a happenin'!

Potty training is going *pretty* well. I guess I didn't really know what to expect, as far as accidents go. You have a few here and there. The other day you pee'd in your carseat, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't do that one anymore. Although, the poops are the worst. Its just too hard to try to get your undies off without getting poo all over everything. Everyone tells me to just cut them off and throw them away, but your undies are just too darn cute, I couldn't bear it. On the bright side, you have not pee'd your bed (knock knock on virtual wood).

It was fun to watch you at your first parade. You loved the marching band, the fire trucks, and the John Deere tractors. I think you were a bit shocked that people were throwing candy out there, for free, and no rules about how much you could take. And I think you were a little intimidated by the other kids who had been to parades before and were attacking that candy. But in no time you were out there and ended up with a full bag of your own. Which, by the way, you didn't eat even one piece and I ended up throwing it all out the other day. Its all about the chase, really.

We had our bathroom remodeled this month, and you loved spending time with our contractor/friend Cameron. You called him "Camera" which he loved and so do I. You watched him work all day, got in his way, pulled out your tool box whenever he showed up, and followed him wherever he went. I think you miss him now that he's gone, you keep asking if Camera can come over for "One second. Mom, just one second." Maybe that means you'll follow your daddy's foot steps and we can rename the company "Today's Exteriors and Son."

Here's to yet another great month. I can't decide which phase or age I like the most kid, but its just so fun watching, listening, and hopefully influencing you in a good way so you don't grow up to be a serial killer.

Love you so much it hurts,
Mama

Archives - Month 36

Dear Henry,

Happy 3rd birthday Buddy! You're three now. Gotta stop telling people you're 2. This could take a while. I know its hard to get used to. I even told someone I was 36 the other day. Ugh.

For your monthly update this month, I'm going to recap your birthday for you. This was one to remember...or forget...depending on how you want to look at it. I had the day planned to perfection, and was confident it would go off with out a hitch. I mean, why wouldn't it? I made you a tractor cake, with hay, just like you wanted. That was your only birthday request. Well, besides also wanted no one to acknowledge your birthday, or even say the word birthday in your presence. In fact the whole week before your birthday you would get mad if someone mentioned birthday, you told me you didn't want anyone to sing to you, and that you didn't want to blow out your candles. When someone asked you who's birthday it is, you would say, "It isn't any body's." Why I didn't listen to you, why I didn't heed these warnings you were sending me...I'll never know.

We took all your pals, including Patrick, Palmer, Frannie, Lucy, and Rosaleen, and your cousins LC, Presley, and Cody to the Hennepin County Fair. You loved it so much last year that we decided it would be a great place to celebrate your birthday. When we arrived we went straight to your favorite thing...fire trucks! But you wouldn't get too close, and you didn't want to sit in them, and you wanted to be held the whole time. Dude, you're knockin' on 40lbs. I physically can't hold you for extended periods anymore.

Then you said you wanted to head on over to the petting zoo area. But when we got there you wouldn't go in, you wanted to be held, and you screamed in terror (no exaggeration) when a goat stuck his head out of the fence in your direction. So then we headed to get something to eat, but you said you didn't want to eat anything. This was about the same time I remembered you wouldn't eat breakfast either, and that you haven't eaten all day. You don't have blood sugar issues, but who doesn't get extremely cranky when they're hungry?

So then you wanted to ride on some of the rides. And I thought great, let's do a few rides. Surely you'll ride the boats around and maybe even want to drive the cars. As all the kids were getting measured to make sure they were the correct height, and loading into the ride...you walked away and completely, totally, 100%-ly melted dddoooooooowwwwwwwnnnnnn. There went that perfect day...flying out the window. Then, Mommy (me) looked over at you, picked you up, and proceeded to melt ddddoooowwwnnnn. We left all your pals with plenty of ride tickets, and headed out to the parking lot, got in the car, and drove home.

Upon our arrival, you headed straight for two rounds of time out. During the second round, I walked in and you immediately told me you were sorry. No prompting this time. I also brought you a PB&J. We sat up there, and relived what just happened, and talked about how that just wasn't a good idea. You promised we could be friends again and that you would be a good boy the rest of the day. We than came back down stairs, and you even told auntie Niki you were sorry. I was so proud of you, and you kept that promise the entire day.

After about an hour or so, the gang came back to our house from the fair for some cake. You said you didn't want anyone to sing, so there was no song. You said you didn't want to blow out candles, so there were not candles. You even said you didn't want your presents, but thankfully your cousin Cody and Palmer talked you off the cliff on that one, and you enjoyed each and every gift. You exclaimed, "Oh my gosh!" every time you opened one up. It was hysterical and ended up being a great day. You and I even snuck off in the corner and you blew out candles on your slice of cake. It was a great moment.

So far, we're 2 for 3 on birthdays. But like Martina said, if crazy stuff hadn't happened, we probably never would remember your third birthday at all. One day we'll think it was the funniest thing that's ever happened. For the record, next year if you still don't want to have a birthday, I promise I'll listen. We'll spend a quite day at home. Maybe invite just a couple of your buddies. But I promise, no singing, no candles, and no attention. None. But maybe just one present.

Love you booger, Mama

Archives - Month 35

Dear Henry,

I'm just a tad late on your letter this month, but summer (almost!) is in high gear around here already and we're busy, busy, busy with traveling and hosting travelers. Gammy and Grandpa Jack just left yesterday after a great weekend. You went to your first Twins game (we won!), and we hit the horse track for the first time this year! You still loved the racing, but very tentative when Daddy took you to pet the horses or to ride the ponies. You're making progress but not quite there yet.

You're getting really good at naming all of your colors. My favorite thing is that you call yellow things "sun", and that you call brown things "chocolate." I am not correcting you on the way you say those colors. All people should name colors that way. Its sounds magical. Blue could be "water" and green could be "grass". It might make the world a little more interesting if we all talked like that.

Your vocabulary is continuing to expand and its just so much fun. Yesterday I asked if you could help me make my bed, and you said, "Of course!" We had a long lesson on the difference between a Cadillac and a convertible. You thought all convertibles were Cadillacs. Oh no, my dear. But after a little talk about cars with roofs that go up and down, every time you see a convertible, its now a convertible. I'm tellin' ya, just come to me for the most important lessons in life. Am I right?

As far as eating goes, you're not too bad. I should probably be better about making veggies for you, but you love any and all fruit. Your favorite meal is spaghetti and you want it for every meal. It has to be regular spaghetti too, not Chef Boyardee. You want the real deal. And peanut butter and jelly samwiches are your other staple. You're not too much into meat yet. I figure the protein in the peanut butter and the hamburger in the spaghetti...you're doin' OK. I like to call you my little vegan, but you eat yogurt and milk...so you're not quite there.

Everywhere we go people think you're either 3 or 4 years old because I guess you're tall for your age. I don't know about that, but everyone is saying it. I find myself slipping your age into casual conversation with strangers because I don't want them to think you're 4 and still in diapers, or that you're 4 but have the vocabulary of a two year old. Every time I tell them you're 2, they are just amazing at how tall you are. Seems to make sense to me considering your father and I are longer, lankier, and leaner than most.

Loves you booger butt,

Mama

Month 34 Archives

Dear Henry,

This month, the big thing was you going to gymnastics class. I'm thinking you may be too young (mentally) to really get the benefits from the class. Although there are two classes left, we'll see what happens. You talk and talk all week about how you love gymnastics, and you can't wait to go, but when we get there you just won't participate. I have to admit, as much as I hate to, this has frustrated me much more than I want it to, and much more than I expected. I'm out there on the trampoline and jumping through hoops (literally) and doing a freakin' hand stand, all to just get you to try something. I don't know what else to do. I want your dad to take you to class one of these next times. Maybe you'll be better for him. If not, I think we'll take a break and move on to something else. I really think you'll love swimming lessons this summer.

I suppose it all really boils down to the fact that you're still going through a really shy thing. I guess I need to get used to it instead of fighting it. You're dad told me he used to be really shy when he was young too. I know, I don't really believe it either. Its just hard, as a parent, to watch your kid sit by the sidelines and not try new things. This is the time in your life you are fearless, enjoy it! Ok, ok, I know I'm about as big of a chicken that there is, but I didn't used to be. And now that I'm typing this, I'm having flashbacks of swimming the short way across the pool because I was scared of the deep end. And I think I can hear my mom being frustrated with me because she worked nights, just so she could take me to swimming lessons but I wouldn't even get in the water. So yeah, hmmmm... Let's all just take a minute and rethink this whole thing.

In other news, you're hysterically funny. I was hanging pictures in the house the other day, and I was measuring and marking and everything, and you said, "Are you sure that's gonna work Mama?" When Daddy was driving you to school, you drove past a grassy area and you said, "That would be a good place for a lion to live." And we have this new fandangled thing called Bluetooth in my car, so whenever I'm on the phone, you have to talk to that person NON-STOP. Whether its Daddy, Grandma, Laurie, whoever. Grandma was even shocked. She said to me, why is he talking so much? I said, THIS IS REAL LIFE! When he's not being shy, he's talking constantly. You talked more to her on that one phone call than you have in a whole weekend!

So, let's make a pact, I'm gonna worry less about your shyness...and you, you just keep on talkin' little one. I only want you to share your funny stories and your unique outlook on the world with everyone.

Loves ya Booger, Mama

Month 33 Archives

Dear Little Boy Henry,

I say "Little Boy" because you just aren't a baby anymore, and we just don't know when that happened. Daddy thinks it was last Tuesday, but I'm not sure. The conversations we have would rival any I have with any adult. You tell me what you had for lunch: chicken nuggets, yogurt, and corn. Or when you have some really exciting news, you say, "Mama, I have to tell you some thing." You also tell me how you didn't take a nap at Nini's house, and that you yelled really loud while the other kids were napping. Wonderful.

This past month you had your first real illness: a double ear infection! You got it while your dad and I were vacationing in Florida, and you were staying with the Willegalle's. You were very brave, and took your medicine, and got better in no time. It was really hard for your dad and me to see you so weak and lethargic, although we enjoyed the cuddle time. You threw up so much that you lost 3 pounds, but thankfully quickly gained it back, and now you're at your strapping 37lbs.

The most exciting thing of the month was that your cousin Joseph was born. We're all so excited to have Little Baby E finally here. Its going to be so great for you to have a cousin that lives in the same town, and it will be fun to watch you two grow up together. You have so much to teach him little one. But, only the good stuff, OK?

One thing that's new about you is your shyness. You've always been a little shy, but lately you have really been worse than usual. You were even shy when Gpa E came around last week. It seems to take an hour or so for you to warm up to people, as opposed to a few minutes. I know that its typical for a kid your age to be shy, but I really do hope this phase doesn't last too long. You are so fun, and funny, and you have so many interesting things to say. I just want you to share them with everyone.

Not counting this week, the weather is starting to turn. You've been able to play outside more, and you really enjoy it. It will be fun to starting going to the race track, and baseball games, and going out on the boat this summer. I can't wait to spend warm days with you, starting to make memories. I know you probably won't remember anything we've done yet, but its just about to happen, and I want you to know that making memories is something your dad and I work really hard at doing. We want you to have the greatest, most fun memories from being a kid! Because we already have the greatest memories of being your parents!

Loves, Mama

Month 32 Archives

Dearest Henry,

Hey Buddy! You are the funniest little guy these days. I'm always looking forward to what's coming out of your mouth. You're even turning into a true Minnesotan, and getting sick of this weather! Everyday you've been asking if its time to go on a bike ride yet, and when I say no and that its still too cold, you just say "Yep!" Its comin' kid. Here's the skinny, if you can get through January, its all down hill. February is when you're stuck in the middle, but March...March is when you gets tastes of what's to come and things are coming back to life. I bet we get on our bikes at least once next month.

There are a couple things I want to tell you about yourself. The one that really cracks us up is your new southern accent you've developed. I don't know if we were in Texas during a critical point when you were really developing your tone or what, but every thing's got twang. You say things like this, "I dropped it aga-yan (again)" or "I want it nay-ow (now)". Its just so funny; I wonder how long it will stick around.

You are also becoming very scared of monsters. We try to tell you there are no monsters, but you know otherwise. So at least we have you convinced that they go to bed when its dark out, which makes sense. There's also a certain "scary" face that I do that makes you think I'm a monster. You get a little scared, and then you start yelling "Mommy, wake up! Are you in there? Can you hear me?" Again, funny. I love that you think this crazy monster takes over my body, but if you yell loud enough the real me comes back.

For Valentine's Day we bought you the kids version of the Seabiscuit book. Of course that was a no brainer, and you love the book and need to have it read to you constantly, even though you have it basically memorized. But my favorite part is when you say "Sea-bik-sut" and his opponent War Admiral is "War-ammrrll". I know you need to learn to pronounce words correctly, but I just love your little tongue twists. Oh, and you're becoming a pro at knowing that green means go, and red means stop. And I love that you "can't remember" the color yellow, so you just say its sun. Perfect.

On Saturday we took you to your first play, Jesus Christ Super Star. Bridget directed the play, and it was Frannie and Lucy's debut! It was really fun, and we were all so impressed that you sat through the whole thing, and listened and danced. It was a little scary a couple times, but you just grabbed my arm and sat there so good. Maybe you want to be an actor, and that's OK, but I was so excited that 3 times during the play you asked me if we could go play baseball, and let me know you were going to wear a mitt. There ya go!

Loves you booger butt, Mama

Month 31 Archives

Dear Henry,

Hey little one! What a month 31 you had. We did a little world traveling, and a lot of visiting with family and friends. You were such a good boy and I'm so proud of you. I'm always worried that traveling like that, for 3 weeks, with a 2 year old is just not smart, but you take everything in stride and you hung in there like a champ. The whole vacation was fun, and I could have stayed longer.

The funniest story has to be last week when your dad was out of town. I got you up one morning and we hung out in bed drinking juice and coffee and reading and playing. After around 45 min. I went to give you a little pat on your bottom and I realized you DIDN'T HAVE ON A DIAPER. I freaked. I ran to your room because I was sure you pulled it off, but there was none. Your jammies were dry and your sheets were dry. Whew! So I thought lets go for it, and I asked you if you wanted to go potty in the big potty. You weren't real interested until I offered treats, and then you went right in the bathroom and did your business. The rest of the day was exhausting, and potty won 3-6, and poop won 0-1. Between you forgetting to tell me you had to go, and me forgetting to ask you if you had to go, we were defeated. The next day I was over it and we'll try again sometime when your dad is home. I need someone to teach you how to hold "it".

Your vocabulary is expanding more and more everyday. In fact this morning you were reading "Go Dog Go" and you said "That guy has a telescope." Telescope. I don't know where you learn these things, Lord knows... You have a bit of a stuttering problem, but its not really stuttering because you can see in your eyes that your brain is just working WAY faster than your mouth. You'll say something like, "Can, can, can, can, can, can, can, can, I have a sucker?" Sometimes it lasts so long I get the giggles and you completely lose your train of thought and you move on to the next thing. Its so dang cute.

Your dad and I were so excited the other night when there was nothing on TV so we turned on ESPN Classics and watched a Twins game from a few years ago. You completely stopped dead in your tracks, and went right to the TV and placed your hands on the screen. You turned around and asked, "Mommy? Where is my bat?" GOD BLESS YA KID! You were starting to love baseball last year right when it was ending and we were so scared you'd forget by the time it started up again. But there you were, mesmerized by Joe Mauer. Just like Mommy.

Yesterday was a very historic day in your young life. The country is in a bit of turmoil with wars and a really bad economy. So we elected this guy, Barack Obama, who promises to help us out of this mess. Not to mention, he's the first African-American to be President, so the whole country is really feeling warm and fuzzy and hopeful. You got to watch President Obama take the oath of office yesterday at Nini's house with all your pals. I know you won't remember it, but I'm so proud you got to see that little bit of history. Its your first really historic event. Well, besides when Mommy actually says no to second helping at the dinner table.

Loves, Mama

Month 30 Archives

Dear Henry-Mia,

Well kiddo, you hit the big 3-0. Not quite over the hill, but they say 30 is the new 18 months. So well see how it goes. Even though you are a little boy, you do take breaks throughout the day to snuggle and hug on Mommy. You raise your voice up high, and say " Mama-mia, ahhh, ahhh, Mama-mia." It cute and I always welcome it back with a little "Henry-mia, ahhh."

The major milestone of the month is that you are now in a big boy bed. You haven't fallen out yet (knock on wood), and you don't crawl out in the mornings until we come and get you (knock harder on wood). I was a little anxious about the transition and again, you've proven that to be needless. You seem to go with the flow with all the changes. From being weened, to sleeping in the top bunk at Gammy's house - you're a rock star.

We took you to your first movie this past month. It was Madagascar 2 - Escape to Africa. It was a pretty good movie, and you loved the popcorn and soda especially. You seemed to be good with being in the theatre, but you did keep asking, "How do we get outta here?" I'm excited you like movies so I have someone to go to the cartoons with me. Your daddy doesn't really like them. Next up, The Tales of Despereaux!

The new phrase of the month: "That's a good idea for me!" For example, we let you open a present yesterday (from auntie Jodi and uncle Butch that we didn't get to last week.), and when you were done you wanted to open more presents from Grandma and Grandpa, and then said "That's a good idea!" Or when you want a sucker, "That's a good idea!"

You're becoming beyond obsessed with horses and zebras. You carry at least 2 horses with you where ever you go, one in each hand. And now its transitioned a bit into reindeer also. 'Tis the season. Now that you can talk, its fun to learn what you're interested in, and to watch your little imagination starting to blossom. You'll play with those horses and be talking to yourself for hours. I'll give you one guess as to what most of your Christmas presents are...

I need to add this little note, so you know what you did. Your great-grandma Nelson fell a few weeks ago and cracked a few vertebrae. She has been in a lot of pain, and was going in for surgery to relieve most of the pain. We stopped to visit her the weekend before the scheduled surgery. While visiting, you were snuggling and hugging and laying out about a million kisses onto her. Well, a few days after that we heard that she no longer has pain in her back and she canceled the surgery. She credits you with the miracle of healing her pain. Believe what you want, but your grandma thinks you're pretty special little one.

We're looking forward to watching you begin to understand what Christmas is about. When I ask you what you want from Santa, you say "Presents!" but you're not anymore specific. We're off to do a lot of traveling in the next three weeks, and I know you'll be great. You always show up and kiss your grandma's just when they need it. I'm just glad you like to watch movies and that we got that portable DVD player. That's a good idea!

Merry Christmas Booger Butt,

Mommy

Month 29 Archives

Dear Booger Butt,

There is so much to cover this month. You've become such a little boy, and a great conversationalist. We're having so much fun with you, and especially this time of year. Its been fun to start introducing you to holiday traditions because you're beginning to understand what's going on. Granted you still probably won't remember what we're doing now, but part of me thinks you might have a faded memory somewhere back there.

Let's start with fears. I gotta be honest here little guy, you are nothing if you aren't one big chicken. And its OK, sounds like your dad was a chicken when he was little, so hopefully you'll grow out of it. You're deathly afraid of grocery carts, cars on the street (or anywhere), dogs barking in the distance, deer, and monsters. I can already see your imagination going crazy.

Speaking of grocery carts, you will not ride in one unless its a race car or something like that. At Target you threw yourself to the floor, and cried and cried, until some workers came over and gave a sticker. I was ignoring you and then I explained how you only like race car carts, and they agreed to do what they can to make your dream come true.

Next we'll tackle firsts. You went on your first (really, fourth) real airplane ride this month. It was the first time you've had a clue what was happening. You were so good, and sat there with your snack, and watched your movie, and looked out the window. You didn't seem to mind at all that your mom was having a minor panic attack right next to you. Please, DO NOT catch that from me.

When we were in Texas last week, you ate calamari. It was so funny, but full disclosure, no one spilled the beans that you were eating squid. Plus, who doesn't love anything deep fried with marinara! But, you're new favorite food is salad. Yes, salad. I'm as shocked as anyone. But last week, you wanted to eat some of my salad, and now I make you one every night with dinner and order you one when we go out. You prefer ranch on the side. And you like a few croutons sprinkled about. Awwww, just like Mommy.

Loves, Mama Mia (You've been calling me that lately, and then I can't get ABBA out of my head for the next 2 hours.)

Month 28 Archives

Dear Henry,

Happy 28th months! To be honest and true, I never thought we'd make it this far. I don't know why, I just didn't. I got all wrapped up in you being a baby, and never considered that you might grow up, feed yourself, and have a conversation with me.

There's so much to tell you about this month, so the list might be all over the place as many of these don't relate to each other. You know what? I'm just going to go with bullet points. They're easy to read and easy to change the subject.

• I can't believe it, but you told Daddy about our dirty little secret. You know, how I give you a sucker when I pick you up from Nini's house? One day Daddy picked you up, and you asked for a sucker and told him that Mommy has suckers. Honey, these are things you gotta keep to yourself or we could all be up a creek one day.
• Which brings me to your brutal honesty. I just love how you don't know about lying yet. You come and get me every time you make a mess or spill or break something. "Mommy, come wook what I did. Mommy, I bwoke dat." If you tell me about it, I don't get mad. Maybe that will cut down on the lying for the future.
• Lately, and this is mostly my fault, you don't want to come eat dinner with us at the table like a proper family. We, as an improper family, enjoy eating in front of the TV, mostly on Sundays. So when Monday's roll around, you want to eat in front of the TV. But we don't allow it, so you end up in time out. After 2 minutes, you're thrilled about eating dinner at the table. Its a crazy ritual that I hope ends soon.
• You love babies. You hug, kiss, feed, and want to carry and hold the new baby at Nini's house. She said she's not ever seen a boy your age be so loving to a baby. If you're trying to hint at something.....get over it.
• When you first meet someone who you aren't familiar with, you get shy. Which is fine. But if they try to talk to you, you holler at them. This is not cool. For example, auntie Jodi was trying to make friendly conversation with you about your truck, and you yelled "YOU DON'T HAVE IT!" and then you made the stink face. Its going to be really hard to make friends if you keep that one up. So stop it.
• And probably your new favorite thing in the universe is watching the movie Racing Stripes. "I wanna watch horsie racing!" You'll watch it 100 times in a row if we'd allow it. Which we don't. We're heading to TX in the next few weeks....just you wait to see what we have planned for you.

Another great month Baby Bear. We've got a lot of exciting things coming up with travel and the holidays. Its going to be so interesting to see you on an airplane now that you kind of know what's going on, and to see you with Santa. You're already starting to talk about him and you like to go look at the Christmas decorations at Target (already). Watching you awaken and become aware of your surroundings is such a blast, I don't want to miss a thing.

Loves, Mama

Month 27 Archives

Hi Honey,

Yesterday you turned 27 months old. I was very busy with fantasy football, so I'm doing your update today. You're turning into a good little football fan...yelling "Time out!" when it gets a little rough out there. Chanting "Hut hut!" when its time to snap the ball. And running around the room with us after every touchdown! Although sometimes you call it a home run, and that's OK too because its a confusing time of year.

Your imagination is really starting to come to the surface. You are deathly afraid of sharks, dolphins, parking lots, vacuums, and hair dryers - in that order. I cut myself shaving the other day, and there was blood all over and you asked me if I was bit by a shark. You tell everyone a shark bit you when you get an owie. And you tell everyone a shark bit your daddy, but I know he told you that one. He tells everyone that. You also like to tell people about how you go surfing with your daddy and your grandpa. I'd LOVE to see that one...with any of your grandpas. I'm not sure where you picked up on that idea.

You refuse to walk in parking lots, which is OK, but sometimes I have to hold other things too. So I carry you up to the sidewalk, command you to STAY, and then coach run back to my car to get my items. People watching probably want to call social services, but I trust you (too much) and it works for us. I have to give you warning before I turn on the hair dryer or the vacuum. You like to be perched up as high as possible in the room, ie. on a bed or chair or counter, then you sit cross legged and watch with such intent as if you're watching someone remove my gall bladder. As soon as I stop whichever maniacal machine it is that I'm using, you say "All done!" It breaks by heart when I have to turn it back on, but at the same time, you need to get over this.

This morning, as in every morning before you head off to Nini's, you run to me and tell me "I need a kiss!" And then you ask me if I'll pick you up later, and I always say yes. I moved your sock drawer into the bottom drawer in your closet so you can reach in and pick out which socks you want to wear each day. I love your opinions, but your color coordination is a little lacking. We'll work on it. One day at a time. Your new favorite TV show is to watch the rodeo. You are your father's son. You love bull riding, and you are always asking "Should we watch buffaloes?" You're even sleeping with your little stuffed buffalo these days...good thing you have family in Texas. I'm sure they can find a way to arrange some sort of calf roping expedition.

Everyday is an adventure and another word longer in the sentences you make. We're having so much fun, never change, we'll party next summer.

Loves, Ahmmy

Month 26 Archives

Hi Little One,

Late again on your letter, but we were on vacation so sue me. You're definitely turning into a little boy, and less baby. In fact yesterday Nini called you her sweet baby, and you said, "I'm not a baby, you are!" So there ya have it.

Your vocabulary is growing by the minute. You can string together more words in one sentence than some adults I know. You cracked me up the other day when you kept repeating, "We don't say shut up. It's naughty." Over and over and over you kept saying that you don't say "shut up." Which reminds me that you got in real trouble for the first time this month too. You wrote on my new car with your sidewalk chalk. It didn't hurt the car, but your daddy sure gave you an ear full. Even when I mention it to this day, you look down and your little bottom lip comes out. Your dad said this will be a good test to see what kind of a kid you are. Are you going to do it again? I don't think so, I have faith in ya kid!

Speaking of chalk, Nini said you like to draw and color more than a lot of the other kids at school. You seem to really like to color and make your art projects. You're so proud and you come running to me, "Wook what I made!" And its cute when anytime you "write" anything, you say, "Wook at my name Mommy!" There's your little artistic side. I will always make room on the fridge for your master pieces.

A few days ago a lady at the grocery store said you were a big boy and she said that you should be a football player. That was just when we started noticing that people weren't commenting on your size anymore. Your little waist is even getting smaller. I've had to take in the waist of a few pairs of your short as they are falling off your little bottom. (By "take in" I mean adjusting the adjustable waist band.) The point is, you're thinning out, and I'm a little sad about it. Enjoy this time in your life where chunky rules.

Loves you little one,

Mama

Month 25 Archives

Dear Henry,

I am so behind on your letter yet again this month. Between working, planning vacations, planning for visitors, time is flying and I can't believe another month has passed. I am so behind, I had to steal this picture from auntie Brookie's blog. Sometimes its the aunties that seem to take a little more care. Remember that.

These days, you're starting to get interested in the television. You love to watch Caillou, which is good and bad. He's a little bald headed kid that whines a lot, but on the other hand, it allows me a little time to cook dinner and a good bribe to get you to come in the house. Speaking of bribes, you're at the perfect age to take one. God bless Mr. DumDum for his sucker invention. I couldn't get you in the car, in the car seat, through a grocery shopping trip, or stay at the restaurant for a little extra time out of the house with friends, without a baggie full of suckers. They'll probably arrest me for child endangerment on the days I let you have 6 suckers during one grocery store trip, but I do what I gotta do.

You repeat absolutely everything we say. Doesn't matter the length or complexity of the word or sentence for that matter. People tell me you talk more than an average 2 year old, but I cannot be surprised considering your father, and that people in his family are nicknamed "Windy" (not just because they're gassy.) Just this morning when you were leaving for school, you ran over to me and said "I need to have kissy Mommy!" I say that to you every morning before you leave, and today the tables were turned. No better way to start a day.

We're going on vacation in about 3 weeks, and we all could use it, that's for sure. Your big job for vacation is to get over your fear of sand. You won't walk on it. Even with shoes on. Even when you're being held, and that person is walking on sand. You're just a bit uncomfortable. Our cabin is surrounded by sand, so get over it.

I'm learning that really any amount of sugar over a DumDum or so, throws you into fits and craziness. You suddenly run around like a mad man, or starting stomping your feet and throw yourself to the ground and then you head butt the ground. These things only happen when there has been excess sugar. So, having seen a few of these episodes honey, I'm sorry, but we're going to be even more strict on the sugar intake. I'll never give up my sucker bribes, but any more than that are going to really be watched. Unless of course you're with your grandparents (any of them), then anything goes. But you don't really need it because you're as sweet as a booger butt anyway.

I need to have a kissy baby,
Mama

Month 24 Archives

Dear Henry,

In all of the fuss and business of the summer, I'm finally getting around to writing you the two-year old letter. So here goes, and its all the usual things like I can't believe you're two, I can't believe how big you are, you're a little man and I don't know when it happened.

The most fun things about you now are the words that come out of your mouth. I always said I'd write down the things you say, and now I haven't. I need to do better and will work on it. There aren't too many words I can't understand anymore. We're having conversations kid! I ask you what you want for supper and you say "PIZZA!" And you are very interested in picking out which socks you want to wear, or to tell me that you don't want to wear that shirt. When I turn on the vacuum, you say "I'm scared Mommy," and I set you up high on the island in the kitchen so you stay safe.

You still have that little bit of chicken in you, which is great. I probably trust you more than I should, but when it comes to swimming you have NO FEAR. I think its great, but at the same time you really need to be careful. You go down the slides, jump off the boards, jump off the sides and the stairs. We have to pretend we aren't going to catch you because you won't jump to us; you think you can do it all on your own. You pop back up out of the water with your blue eyes gleaming, your mile long eye lashes dripping, and the biggest smile on your face. You never choke or seem to swallow water. I don't know how you learned to hold your breath. The Olympics are coming up, and I've been making you sit down and watch the swimming trials with me. When I tell you that Michael Phelps is on TV, you come running and say "Michael Phelps!" I just couldn't be more proud....maybe you'll live out Mommy's dream. I promise not to force it.

You absolutely LOVE playing outside. Everyday coming home from school is a struggle to get you in the house. And you have to be in the front yard because there might be a chance Andrew or Ethan could be out there. Sometimes I feel like they think you're stalking them, but whatever works for you. Gotta get friends however you can. You love digging in the dirt, lawn mowing, riding bike, and drawing with sidewalk chalk. The drawing one is my favorite. You keep your chalk in a special spot in the garage, and every time you bring it out you say "Look what I found!" Like its the first time you've seen it. Then you say "Mommy, I'm drawing!" Right after my own heart, plus I like to play that game with you too.

I love you my little Mini-Me,

Mama

Month 23 Archives

Dear Henry,

Well this is a little different for your Daddy and I these days. As I write this you are staying with your grandparents for A WEEK. We're on day 5 of not seeing you. Good thing your grandma is so nice and thoughtful to email us a load of pictures everyday, and we've been able to talk to you on the phone everyday too. Yesterday you said, "Grandpa working. Daddy working. I nap with bankie. Bike," and a bunch of other things I couldn't quite make out. You also said you missed me and that you love me. See, these are the things I'm missing most about you, little booger. I just know you're going to be so big and different when we see you again this weekend.

We left you last year when you were 9 months old to go on vacation, but you are so different now its much harder. I miss our conversations; you're such a big boy. In fact, when I ask you if you're a baby, you say NO! Then I ask you if you're a big boy and you say YES! How do you know? You don't know. You're just a little boogey.

I should probably write more about all the new stuff you've been doing this month, but I can't remember anything. I'm too consumed with missing you. But I know this is so good for you, and so good for your grandparents, and so good for your daddy and I. We've been really concentrating on going out to dinner and talking about you the whole time. What can we say? We're hooked on you, little one.

Loves, Mama

Month 22 Archives

Dear Henry,

I'm amazed at how much you are speaking these days! Everyday, more and more words. You know what things are before I tell you and I don't remember teaching you most of them. You are so smart, and remember everything I tell you....days later. (Dad, I know you're reading this, Henry says "Grandpa sleeping" 100 times a day now after that conversation you had with him last week. He'll be so amazed to see you up and about this weekend!) This morning you looked at the pack and play in our room, still set up from this weekend, and you said "Palmer sleeping." I didn't even know you knew that's where he slept. Then you said, "Want to see him." That's a lot of words you just strung together. A new favorite line I like is "what's that noise?" I just don't know where you pick these things up.

You love playing ball. You say "catch!" Then you say "nice catch!" And your arm is really starting to show some progress. HA! Now that it has been nice enough to go outside, you want to be out there ALL the time. You HATE coming in the house. We're going to work on that back yard for ya this year buddy, so you have a nice place to throw and play trucks.

The best thing about you these days is that you are learning how to play a joke. You love to yell "squirrel, squirrel, squirrel!" And then you watch as everyone tries to find the squirrel you see, and then you fall over laughing because you tricked everyone. I really don't know how you learned that, I wouldn't even begin to know how to teach it, but you're definitely you're father's boy. Like there was ever a doubt.

I Could Eat You, Mama

Monthly 21 Archives

Dear Henry,

This month has been crazy for me, and I'm not being a very good mommy or mommy blogger. I've been phone-ing it in all month, using easy video clips, and not really talking about your days. I'm sorry and I hope to be better next month. I thought starting my own business would mean less work, and more free time, but its quite the opposite. Things need to change. I see you less, we play less, and when we're together I think about when I'm going to get to my desk next. I vowed, since you're my one and only, I would never take you for granted and that I would cherish everyday. Lately I feel I've failed you. Right now, I'm going to make you a promise to make your 22nd month the best yet.

The cute new thing you are doing this month is taking your "blankie" with you when you get out of bed. You like to put it up to your face to maybe smell it, and then stick your two fingers in your mouth. Its so dang cute. As soon as you grab your blankie, your fingers go right in. You're trained very well. You talk constantly, and I can understand about 75% of what you say. We're almost having conversations.

We still are having frustrations in getting you into your car seat. You really hate it, and you say "I don't want to", but letting you have your sippy cup during this time helps. You also don't like to come in the house after being outside. I can hear you crying upstairs right now because Daddy just brought you in. The other one that is really frustrating you're papa and I, is that you WILL NOT eat out at a restaurant these days. You will not get in a high chair, you will not sit in a booster, you must have your own seat and chair. We've left every restaurant we've been to, early, without eating for the last month or so. The only thing I can think to do is keep trying. Only once a week though, these days. Thank goodness for delivery!

All in all pumpkin, you are really a sweet little booger. You're learning "please" and "sorry" and there's nothing cuter. For the most part you still have everyone outside our immediate family snowed with thinking your the sweetest baby, which you are, just not always. I'll perpetuate your myth till the day I die.

Kisses Bookie,
Mama

Month 20 Archive

Dear Hanky Panky,

Another month gone. You're twenty months. Almost two years old. Do you know that next summer, when you turn three, you could play T-ball? Do you? Its like you're really a little boy.

This month you learned where your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and hair are located. I'm not sure who taught you that, but you got it down. The other day at school you said, "Lini, I hungry." So she fed you. What? Just now you came in my office and said, "Mommy, I see you." And I said, "I see you!" And you said "Whoa," and ran away. A person could actually sit down and hold some semblance of a conversation with you these days. Its shocking.

The biggest challenge of late is getting you into your carseat. Your signature "back-arch" move, and ear drum popping screams are enough to make us stay home and never leave the house. You fight and fight, every single time we want to go somewhere. Once you're in you're good, well after driving about 5 miles or so, the screaming stops. You need to understand that you will always be in your carseat, no matter what, and I will always win this battle. I'm the mom.

Speaking of speaking, you know that a cow says "moooooooon." Which I think is adorable. You can say your friend's names at school, and you sing along with a few of the letters in the alphabet. You can say grandma. Basically the days are spent with your father and I asking you to say something, and then you do. "Henry, can you say hippopotamus? Can you say oregano? Can you say aluminum?" Even more interesting is that you know what hot means. When you even see a picture of a candle you say "hot". When you see my coffee, or when you see something in the oven you say "hot." But, I won't tell that when you take a bite of ice cream and you also say "hot." Sugar.

Loves, Mama

Month 19 Archives

Dear Henry,

I have to apologize that I'm late on this post. You turned 19 months yesterday, but there has been a lot going on around here and I forgot. Yes, I forgot about your birthday. I know, I would be incredibly upset if someone forgot mine, but I'm human and make mistakes. I'll make it up to you. You can have fudge-cicles for dinner tonight.

Also, I don't have a new picture of you either so I had to dig through the archives. I like this one because you are so chubby in it, and it reminds me of what a beautiful day it was. We were having lunch at a restaurant on Lake Minnetonka, and eating club sandwiches with Gammy and Gpa Jack. It was so warm and sunny, and I remember I forgot to bring sunscreen for you, but you were fine. Its days like today, where the temperature is hoovering around zero, that make you appreciate days like that one in May where spring has just arrived and the days are warm and a bit lazy.

This past month has been interesting yet again. You cried when we left you with a babysitter. That was a first. You have been wanting to come to me, instead of Daddy. That's also a first and I'm not quite used to it. I secretly liked being left alone to lounge on the couch in any position at my leisure. Now I have to share with you, and quite frankly, you're a bit of a couch hog. Speaking of, you watched your first movie the other night. Well first that you actually sat through almost the whole thing....not Cars...no, not Jungle Book....it was Legally Blonde 2, Red, White, and Blonde. To your credit, the movie is filled with all kinds of different dogs, (your favorite animal so far) and you're not alone in your crush on Miss Reese Witherspoon. Your papa would leave me for her in a second.

Seems like you talk a little more than most of the other kids we're around that are your age. Which is hard to believe considering the debilitating shyness your father and I suffer from. (cough) You're putting some words together like "Hi Dada," "I see you," and my personal favorite "Drive safe." You can even say Palmer's name now - "Parmar." Too cute. We'll soon be having life changing conversations about whether or not there is such a thing as too much garlic, or why the Twins just won't resign Johann Santana, or even who you like in the Kentucky Derby. But in the mean time, stick with gaa-gaa-goo-goo as long you'd like. I know what you mean.

Loves, Mama (PS - I drove safe today, even though there were like, a million roll-overs because of the inch of snow we got yesterday.)