Hailey Signs and High Fives

Dear Nathan, Hannah & Hailey, 

It's been over 2 weeks since I last posted. I think this may be the new norm, but I'm going to try to not let things go any longer than that. 

Seems like Hailey is now eating better. Last week the only way you would eat was if Hannah fed you food. This week, the same trick doesn't work anymore, but you seem to be more hungry, so you want to eat by yourself. Feeding is no longer acceptable. 

 Hailey, you are quite the dare devil. You love to go super high on the swings,

you love to slide down big slides on your own, 

and this week, you started doing assisted forward rolls on the couch. You will bend over and put your head down to signal that you need a little push on the tushy. We support you and roll you onto your back. You absolutely love it and can repeat this forever. 

You seem to have made another leap recently as you are signing even more and with more intention. You will sign "more," "book," "cracker," "eat," "milk," "sleep," "baby," "bath," and nod or shake your head. Between pointing and walking to where you need to go, I'd say you are able to communicate most of your wants. 

Just last night you finally slept through the night, like really sleep though the night from 8pm to 7:10 am. You have been waking up around 5 and then going back down, but last night was amazing! I even felt a pep in my step this morning and made berry pancakes for everyone! 

You love giving high fives. At the end of martial arts, all the students run around the room, giving high fives to their senseis and observers. When it's about that time, you wriggle off my lap and run towards the mat. And then you assume the stance: 

Every time someone gives you a high-five, you turn around and show me how proud/excited you are. It's definitely the highlight of your day.

Nathan and Hannah, you both have been going to martial arts for about a month. Nathan has 3 stripes on your white belt and Hannah, you have 2. You both love attending and are always eager to practice your skills on each other at home. Hailey will even start to imitate you guys. In fact, when you two are kicking in class, she will stand up and try to kick herself. It's adorable how much she looks up to you two.

Sparring: Hannah's favorite activity.

 Last week, I was so glad to be able to go on a field trip with you Nathan. We went to play at the park for a bit and you showed me all of your friends.

 And then afterwards, we went to the Thinkery. While you explored with your friends, I had a chance to hang out with Hailey and let her explore for a bit too.

Last week was also the science fair. We stopped by during family viewing to look at all of the projects. You are very proud of your work and you didn't want to leave school without it. You did an experiment to find out what ingredient makes pancakes fluffy.

 And then last weekend, we got together with a few Chinese families and celebrated the Chinese new year, Texas style. The original plan was to have hot pot at one of our homes, but then the thought of 7 little boys running around anyone's house helped us decide to take the celebration out. We went to Rudy's for BBQ, the kids played outside and afterwards, each child received some red envelopes.

 One day I had to make a quick trip to the market. Hailey since you are now walking so well, I grabbed a little cart for you to push. Your facial expression when I first put you down was like you were saying, "really? that's...for me?" After a few encouraging nods and words, you quickly took off. It took awhile, but soon you mastered steering. Meanwhile, the other shoppers just looked down at you with adoration at your cuteness... at least that's what I'd like to think.

 Hannah you stay home on Wednesdays now because you want to spend more time with us. So, we went to the Thinkery to explore for a bit, and it was cool to see you show Hailey all of the things.

 Afterwards we went to the Chinese market, which you love going because I bribe you guys with being able to pick out your own Asian snack item. And then we went to Kura sushi, AKA the caterpillar sushi place where they have food on a conveyor belt.

 On Friday we got some hail/freezing rain/sleet...not sure but while I was working, Daddy stayed at home with you guys and I guess there was enough accumulation to go outside to play for a bit.

With Valentines day coming up, a piano recital for Nathan (I forgot to mention that Nathan, you have been going to piano club after school for about a month), a 4 day weekend for Nathan, things will get busy, but fun. In the meantime, stay warm and don't get sick!

Love,
Mommy