Thursday, May 23, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Dancing Girl
Dear Scarlett,
As I write this, you are spinning around in the living room to Paul Simon's Graceland. This is solidly one of your favorite albums. We're listening to it on Rhapsody, one of our new afternoon activities. Some days we listen to Elizabeth Mitchell, who came recommended by Amanda and was an instant hit. Other days it's The White Stripes or Brett Dennen. Today we tried G. Love. "Is he saying baby has sauce? I don't like this one." Then I tried to expand your Paul Simon repertoire with a little Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. Nixed. But you were into 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.
We spent the weekend in Arizona to celebrate your cousin Grant's high school graduation, and at the big Saturday night party, you played DJ for a bit, requesting Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen and The Ghost Inside by The Broken Bells. Arizona was awesome, full of hours in the pool and lots of time spent with family, especially your number one pick for the weekend, your 19-year-old cousin Jade.
We've been traveling a lot lately. Aunt Shishie and Uncle Rob's wedding was this month in Chicago. It was an incredible event, held at the coolest wedding venue I've ever seen, Salvage One. The short description is that it's a furniture store in the West Loop, but the reality is so much better than that.
After the 175 guests had filed into their seats, Uncle Rob walked down the aisle holding Baby Jack. You, as Flower Girl, followed with a small bouquet of pink carnations. I couldn't believe what a great job you did, heading down the aisle all alone. Once you got to the front, instead of sitting down, you decided to dance. The song was Wildflowers by Tom Petty, played by a few members of the ridiculously talented wedding band.
Uncle Rob told you to just keep dancing as the rest of the wedding party took their places. Then it was time for Nonnie and Pops to escort Shishie down the aisle. I have never seen her look more beautiful, and she looks pretty good most of the time. Uncle Rob's college roommate and good friend, Daniel, married them. He started the wedding off by yelling "Let's make some noise!!" So that's the kind of wedding it was. I can't wait to see the video. That night, back in our hotel room with Nonnie and Pops and the newlyweds, we went over every detail, so hesitant to let the amazing evening come to an end. One of my favorite parts was when Uncle Rob stood up to speak and announced that he couldn't put his feelings for Liz into words. The band started to play, and I thought his speech was over, but then he launched into a Sam Cooke song, Nothing Can Change this Love. HIGH. LIGHT.
It's not always music and parties these days. There are house renovations to deal with, summer plans to make. But for now, let's just keep dancing.
Love,
Mom
As I write this, you are spinning around in the living room to Paul Simon's Graceland. This is solidly one of your favorite albums. We're listening to it on Rhapsody, one of our new afternoon activities. Some days we listen to Elizabeth Mitchell, who came recommended by Amanda and was an instant hit. Other days it's The White Stripes or Brett Dennen. Today we tried G. Love. "Is he saying baby has sauce? I don't like this one." Then I tried to expand your Paul Simon repertoire with a little Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. Nixed. But you were into 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.
We spent the weekend in Arizona to celebrate your cousin Grant's high school graduation, and at the big Saturday night party, you played DJ for a bit, requesting Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen and The Ghost Inside by The Broken Bells. Arizona was awesome, full of hours in the pool and lots of time spent with family, especially your number one pick for the weekend, your 19-year-old cousin Jade.
We've been traveling a lot lately. Aunt Shishie and Uncle Rob's wedding was this month in Chicago. It was an incredible event, held at the coolest wedding venue I've ever seen, Salvage One. The short description is that it's a furniture store in the West Loop, but the reality is so much better than that.
After the 175 guests had filed into their seats, Uncle Rob walked down the aisle holding Baby Jack. You, as Flower Girl, followed with a small bouquet of pink carnations. I couldn't believe what a great job you did, heading down the aisle all alone. Once you got to the front, instead of sitting down, you decided to dance. The song was Wildflowers by Tom Petty, played by a few members of the ridiculously talented wedding band.
Uncle Rob told you to just keep dancing as the rest of the wedding party took their places. Then it was time for Nonnie and Pops to escort Shishie down the aisle. I have never seen her look more beautiful, and she looks pretty good most of the time. Uncle Rob's college roommate and good friend, Daniel, married them. He started the wedding off by yelling "Let's make some noise!!" So that's the kind of wedding it was. I can't wait to see the video. That night, back in our hotel room with Nonnie and Pops and the newlyweds, we went over every detail, so hesitant to let the amazing evening come to an end. One of my favorite parts was when Uncle Rob stood up to speak and announced that he couldn't put his feelings for Liz into words. The band started to play, and I thought his speech was over, but then he launched into a Sam Cooke song, Nothing Can Change this Love. HIGH. LIGHT.
Love,
Mom
Monday, April 15, 2013
Our House
Dear Scarlett,
We got some big news last weekend--we have a new house! It won't officially be ours until next month, but that hasn't stopped us from going there and breaking into the backyard, where you catch ladybugs, and I look out at the ocean, in awe that this place is our place. I love the apartment we live in now, but Dad and I have wanted outdoor space for you for a long time. We've wanted a home of our own. And recently, we've wanted to get away from all of the stairs leading to our apartment.
Our new home is all on one floor, and when we first saw it, we knew we could be really happy there. I wrote a letter to the family who was selling it, telling them all about us. On Saturday, we got a phone call. Our offer was not the highest, but they wanted to sell the house to us. It was a really exciting moment, and a little hard to believe. I still haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact that I am a homeowner for the first time. This is the first house I'll have lived in since I was a kid growing up on good old Gunderson.
The place needs some renovating, so we won't be moving in right away. We're working with an architect to open it up a little more, to update some of the rooms, and to put a big deck up so that we can really enjoy the backyard and that beautiful view. Plus it needs a paint job. We'll have to go in phases, but when it's done, I know we will love it. I can't wait.
You are so funny about the house. When I first told you about it, you asked, "Are we in it right now?" We were in our current kitchen at the time. Your imagination is practically explosive, and it is so much fun to play and talk with you. I spent the weekend in Chicago, celebrating your beautiful Aunt Shishie at her bachelorette party. When I got home last night, you shrieked and giggled, "I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU!" The feeling was definitely mutual. Although I appreciated the amount of sleep I was able to get on my own, I was really ready to be with you and Dad again. Wherever you guys are, that's home for me. I'm just glad it's going to have a backyard in the near future.
Love,
Mom
We got some big news last weekend--we have a new house! It won't officially be ours until next month, but that hasn't stopped us from going there and breaking into the backyard, where you catch ladybugs, and I look out at the ocean, in awe that this place is our place. I love the apartment we live in now, but Dad and I have wanted outdoor space for you for a long time. We've wanted a home of our own. And recently, we've wanted to get away from all of the stairs leading to our apartment.
Our new home is all on one floor, and when we first saw it, we knew we could be really happy there. I wrote a letter to the family who was selling it, telling them all about us. On Saturday, we got a phone call. Our offer was not the highest, but they wanted to sell the house to us. It was a really exciting moment, and a little hard to believe. I still haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact that I am a homeowner for the first time. This is the first house I'll have lived in since I was a kid growing up on good old Gunderson.
The place needs some renovating, so we won't be moving in right away. We're working with an architect to open it up a little more, to update some of the rooms, and to put a big deck up so that we can really enjoy the backyard and that beautiful view. Plus it needs a paint job. We'll have to go in phases, but when it's done, I know we will love it. I can't wait.
You are so funny about the house. When I first told you about it, you asked, "Are we in it right now?" We were in our current kitchen at the time. Your imagination is practically explosive, and it is so much fun to play and talk with you. I spent the weekend in Chicago, celebrating your beautiful Aunt Shishie at her bachelorette party. When I got home last night, you shrieked and giggled, "I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU!" The feeling was definitely mutual. Although I appreciated the amount of sleep I was able to get on my own, I was really ready to be with you and Dad again. Wherever you guys are, that's home for me. I'm just glad it's going to have a backyard in the near future.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Saturday, March 23, 2013
3rd Birthday!
My dear, darling birthday girl,
Now you are three. We've spent the past week telling stories about your birth and watching the video over and over. This video starts with Aunt Shishie reenacting one of my contractions as she and I sit on the couch, and then skips to you in the hospital room, all wrinkled and noisy, being weighed and swaddled, quieting down only when you are placed back in my arms, where--if you listen very closely--you can hear me say, "I can't believe how much you look like your Dad."
You were delighted by this video, so excited that the baby was you, and you snuggled close against me as we watched ourselves snuggling for one of the very first times. You were particularly interested in the nurse who swaddled you. "Who is that?" you asked. "That's Barbara," I said. And now at bedtime you ask me to tell you the story about Barbara.
You are having a big party today, your first ever birthday party. Most of your friends from preschool are coming, and a lot of friends from other classes and the neighborhood. Teacher Lenka from music class will be performing, and I will be giving all the kids temporary tattoos. Because it's a music themed party, I want you all to feel like rockstars. Nonnie made cookies in the shape of musical notes and we are lugging our big Bose soundsystem to the rec center, where we will play all of your favorite CDs while you and your friends dance. Also there will be cupcakes. What could be better?
Scarlett, you are literally the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, and I know Dad agrees. We love your feistiness, your sweetness, your humor, your independence, your smile...we just love YOU!
Happy birthday!!
Love,
Mom
Now you are three. We've spent the past week telling stories about your birth and watching the video over and over. This video starts with Aunt Shishie reenacting one of my contractions as she and I sit on the couch, and then skips to you in the hospital room, all wrinkled and noisy, being weighed and swaddled, quieting down only when you are placed back in my arms, where--if you listen very closely--you can hear me say, "I can't believe how much you look like your Dad."
You were delighted by this video, so excited that the baby was you, and you snuggled close against me as we watched ourselves snuggling for one of the very first times. You were particularly interested in the nurse who swaddled you. "Who is that?" you asked. "That's Barbara," I said. And now at bedtime you ask me to tell you the story about Barbara.
You are having a big party today, your first ever birthday party. Most of your friends from preschool are coming, and a lot of friends from other classes and the neighborhood. Teacher Lenka from music class will be performing, and I will be giving all the kids temporary tattoos. Because it's a music themed party, I want you all to feel like rockstars. Nonnie made cookies in the shape of musical notes and we are lugging our big Bose soundsystem to the rec center, where we will play all of your favorite CDs while you and your friends dance. Also there will be cupcakes. What could be better?
Scarlett, you are literally the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, and I know Dad agrees. We love your feistiness, your sweetness, your humor, your independence, your smile...we just love YOU!
Happy birthday!!
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
New Things
Dear Scarlett,
So much has happened this year that it's hard to keep it all straight, let alone find the time to stop and write about it. Or perhaps that's just me making more excuses.
Nonnie and Pops and Layla the dog lived in San Francisco for two months. We got to see them every day, and you were definitely in a joyous place. Pops came with me most days to pick you up from school, sometimes carrying you out on his shoulders when you were reluctant to leave (every day.) Nonnie took excellent care of Baby Jack and we met them in the afternoons at the playground for swing time. We all felt lucky to have them here for such a long period of time, and we celebrated with lazy Sundays at the Park Chalet, family taco dinners, and numerous happy hours in the kitchen. I could--and probably should--write an entire blog on their time here. I promise that there will be at least one post of photos coming soon.
You took it all in stride when they packed up and drove out of town, and Shishie says this is because you are very secure. You always have a lot of people coming in and out of your life, since we have so many visitors. And I'm happy to see how flexible you can be, sometimes waking up and asking me who is in the guest room today and can you please go wake them up right now?
And right now, our guest room is taken for an extended period of time, because your Uncle Mike has moved in with us to take over where Nonnie and Pops left off. Mike drives us to school, to swim and to the playground. He takes you into the backyard where you pick leaves (not allowed) and chase the neighbor's cat, and he plays catch with you whenever you ask, which is all the time. "UNCLE MIKE!" I hear you screaming frequently. "WHERE ARE YOU?" This is if he has walked away from you for two seconds to do something like drink water or blow his nose.
You also have a lovely new babysitter, Katie, who comes over on Mondays. Today she took you to the zoo and to the beach, and when you came back you couldn't wait to tell me how much you wanted to go into the ocean in your zebra coat, pants, shirt and shoes, but alas..."SHE said no." Instead, "she" helped you find a shell and a flower to bring home to me. It sounds like it was a wonderful day.
I hesitate to put this in writing, but I feel like you're turning a corner in your behavior. You are no longer the constantly frustrated toddler who falls to the floor when stymied. You now have so much language at your disposal, and it is simply amazing and hilarious to talk with you and to hear your interpretation of events. But lest I whitewash this too much, we still have our moments where you sweep everything off of the kitchen table and then bite me.
Love,
Mom
So much has happened this year that it's hard to keep it all straight, let alone find the time to stop and write about it. Or perhaps that's just me making more excuses.
Nonnie and Pops and Layla the dog lived in San Francisco for two months. We got to see them every day, and you were definitely in a joyous place. Pops came with me most days to pick you up from school, sometimes carrying you out on his shoulders when you were reluctant to leave (every day.) Nonnie took excellent care of Baby Jack and we met them in the afternoons at the playground for swing time. We all felt lucky to have them here for such a long period of time, and we celebrated with lazy Sundays at the Park Chalet, family taco dinners, and numerous happy hours in the kitchen. I could--and probably should--write an entire blog on their time here. I promise that there will be at least one post of photos coming soon.
You took it all in stride when they packed up and drove out of town, and Shishie says this is because you are very secure. You always have a lot of people coming in and out of your life, since we have so many visitors. And I'm happy to see how flexible you can be, sometimes waking up and asking me who is in the guest room today and can you please go wake them up right now?
And right now, our guest room is taken for an extended period of time, because your Uncle Mike has moved in with us to take over where Nonnie and Pops left off. Mike drives us to school, to swim and to the playground. He takes you into the backyard where you pick leaves (not allowed) and chase the neighbor's cat, and he plays catch with you whenever you ask, which is all the time. "UNCLE MIKE!" I hear you screaming frequently. "WHERE ARE YOU?" This is if he has walked away from you for two seconds to do something like drink water or blow his nose.
You also have a lovely new babysitter, Katie, who comes over on Mondays. Today she took you to the zoo and to the beach, and when you came back you couldn't wait to tell me how much you wanted to go into the ocean in your zebra coat, pants, shirt and shoes, but alas..."SHE said no." Instead, "she" helped you find a shell and a flower to bring home to me. It sounds like it was a wonderful day.
I hesitate to put this in writing, but I feel like you're turning a corner in your behavior. You are no longer the constantly frustrated toddler who falls to the floor when stymied. You now have so much language at your disposal, and it is simply amazing and hilarious to talk with you and to hear your interpretation of events. But lest I whitewash this too much, we still have our moments where you sweep everything off of the kitchen table and then bite me.
Love,
Mom
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