Hailey is 11 Weeks Old

Dear Nathan and Hannah,

Remember last week when it went from flurries to snow? Well the next day school was canceled in AISD due to freezing temps in the morning. 

 My MOPS group had a playdate planned and a little bit of snow did not keep Santa from visiting. He was actually late because there was too little snow for his sleigh and he had to drive on mopac, which ended up being shut down at certain sections.

Nathan, you had a great idea to bring the letter that we worked on, and you even brought a candy cane for old St. Nick. He was touched and gave you a bit hug.

 We had talked about how to spot a fake Santa vs. a real Santa and after talking to the guy, you had determined that he was a real one.

 All the kids were enthralled to listen to a story read by the old man in the red hat, himself.

 Afterwards, you guys decorated cookies and hung out with some friends. As you can see here, it takes a Christmas miracle to get 2 toddlers to smile at the same time when cookies and sprinkles are involved.

 After some cookie decorating and crafts, it was time for us to take pictures with Santa. Both of you approached slowly...

 and after some small talk, including Nathan telling Santa all the details of what you want for Christmas, and Hannah, even though we had talked about what you wanted, (Wonder woman lego figure, a gun, and eyeballs) you completely made something up on the spot...you told him, Barbies. You have more barbies at age 3 than I ever had. You don't need more barbies.

 That night, we had friends come over for make your own sushi night. We were able to sit most of you guys at the kids table and you guys were so funny; telling each other jokes, asking questions, and just having little kid conversations. Too cute!

 And Nathan, you had the great idea of making Kale chips for our friends. It turned out to be a hit!

On Monday Daddy and Hannah started to get sick (coughing, congestion). So we've been taking it easy at home.  We are trying to keep Hailey from getting sick, so Daddy's been spending lots of time with both of you. You guys have been playing with duplo legos, building tents, and regular legos. And perler beads. Now that Nathan has figured out how to search the internet using speech to text, there is no limit on what you want to make. This is all thanks to your friend, Abby, who brought some ornaments that she made over to you a few weeks ago.

  I've been trying to delegate more of the household to-do list with everyone in the family. Tonight, you guys were in charge of ripping up the kale for kale chips, and building the pizzas.

You two also helped with putting the stamps on all the Christmas cards that we sent out. 

Otherwise, things have been pretty low-key. I guess a few things to note, is that Hannah really likes to wear Nathan's old shoes, and Hannah is doing a little better with keeping undies dry. Hannah, you seem to be going through a growth spurt, or something, because you are always hungry.

To simplify things we have been taking showers together. I guess this is Hannah's first time to take a shower. You two like to wear my shower caps and that is like the funnest part of taking a shower: hearing the water make spatter sounds on the vinyl just makes both of you giggle like crazy.

Dear Hailey,
You continue to grow and today, you giggled audibly for the first time. In fact, it happened while I was bouncing you on my knee, while humming the William Tell Overture. You are too cute.

 Sleepwise, you continue to sleep just under 3 hours at a time at night. You will wake to feed and then go down easily without having to spend a lot of time burping you. I think you've finally figured out a good latch, and you are no longer sucking in a lot of air. I still have not gotten a 5 hour stretch from you since a few weeks ago.

You've been waking up around 8:00-8:30 and then taking a long 2-3 hour nap starting around 10. The next nap you take is about an hour, and then the rest of the naps last only about 30 minutes. At night, you'll go to sleep anywhere between 8:30 and 10:00. You are sleeping for about 11-13 hours a day (not counting short cat naps). Generally you are pretty happy, but you still hate riding in the car seat. There is about a 10 minute stretch where you will be happy if we get in the car right after a feed. A few times, you have fallen asleep if you are really tired, but most of the time, you just cry and cry and cry. It's so stressful to drive when you are wailing at the top of your lungs.

You've rolled from your tummy to back once, but you have no interest in rolling from back to tummy. You have just hit 11 pounds at 11 weeks old.You are now officially heavier than Teddy.

Keep up with growing because you older sister and brother are anxious to play with you!

Love you all bunches. Until next week,
Love,
Mom