Holy Hiatus

Whoops. Sorry, Hoos. We've been out living life together over the past year and a half. Blogging was booted to the bottom of the pile. Hootoo, you're three. "Mama, I'm three." Then,

Hootwo, you're ... almost twenty months. Almost two. Wild. The last time I wrote, you were ten WEEKS. Your hair has evolved from ginger, to an envious platinum. You say words. You make signs. You're the master at mimicking animal noises.

At best, you're both hilarious. Dad and I have a large vase propped on the mantle, where we write on cards memorable moments or phrases you each create. We'll review them on Christmas as presents to ourselves. At best, you're both creative. Hootoo -- your imagination is out of control. It's great to watch. You both adore the Avengers, even though the sole exposure comes from stories in Golden Books. I think that Hootoo can cite the collection off by heart.  At best, you're both so loving. Always remembering two things before you leave one of us, or before you sleep at night. You both love to snuggle close, at meals, while reading, whenever we're sitting. You love Amma, Afi, Uncle Gucky, Aunt Ashleigh and Gram. You love your dogs, and Bew Bew kitty. "I'm good with kitties, Mama." 

At worst, you're beasts to be tamed. Your minds are growing, as little people you are learning and exploring. Three is a challenging age for you, Hootoo, because you want to be an independent superhero -- not realizing that you're just a little boy. You abhor getting your hair brushed, or combed, or cut. It's out there, freestylin', and that's okay. Mama always has to collect you from your carseat when you come home from school. That's okay, too. You're learning what words are kind, and which ones can only be said in the bathroom. You can melt at the sight of a broken bar, if your brother glances at the toy in your hands, etc. (See: asshole parents). Hootwo is fiery, too. But only when tired. That's okay. It's genetic. Mama is a terror when she's pooped out.

Mama is also tired because she's growing your sibling. You don't know it yet, although I'm not sure why we haven't yet told you. Hoothree will be here in the Spring of 2016. Then, a blog post will show up once in a decade.

xo

Mama

Letters to Hoos - Quick Update

Eeps! It's been a few weeks since my last post, but I've got a legit excuse. Hootwo is just around ten weeks of age now. You are such a blessing. You're cooing all the time, smiling big smiles, and continue to protest being anywhere but in our arms.

Hootoo is a little man. Holy God. You're saying phrases now. They're hilarious:
"Can I help?" also, "I can help?"
"I did it!"
"Here you go!"
"I'm stuck!"
"Mama, I sleep!"
"Daaaa-daaaa, where arrrre youuuu?"
"Sun shining?" A hearty rendition of Let the Sunshine In must promptly follow.

 You also have some great one liners.
"Try?" in Hoot-speak: give me your food.
"Hands?" means: let me make a watery mess of myself and the kitchen counter. You rub your hands ferociously in case we didn't understand or get to to the sink fast enough.

Three men and a lady. I wouldn't have it any other way.

xo
Yo Mama

Letters to You Hoos - Bedtime

Lately my favourite time of day is your bedtime. After dinner, we'll snuggle on the couch over an episode of Elmo's World while Dad runs the bath water, load the tub with your crayons and the empty shampoo bottles for colouring and water play. Sometimes, Hootoo, you lay on your stomach and "kick! kick! kick" your legs. Sometimes you laugh and want to sing songs. Sometimes you just cry because you've had a long day and don't want to wash your face. Regardless, when you're lifted out of the bathtub and into our arms in a big towel, you normally get heavy eyes or put your head on our shoulder. You stare at yourself in the bathroom mirror, and you've just started brushing your teeth with real, big boy toothpaste. Thanks, Raffi!

Gingers fighting gingivitis.

We plop you on the bed and read a book while dressing you in your diaper and pajamas, put Thieves Oil on the soles, slather cheeky salve on your nose and cheeks, and rub lotion on your arms and legs. So pampered! After a book or four, we'll say, "Let's turn on your machine!" and you pop up and walk to your room to click on some white noise. Dad gets a goodnight hug, Mama gets a goodnight hug, and one of us will sit and rock with you for a little while. You snuggle upright, with your head on our chest, and fall fast asleep! Sometimes Dad will hum you a song, and you're sure to hear Moon River each night with Mama.

Lately, it's been harder for me to snuggle because of your brother. At forty weeks, he's the size of a watermelon, but we make it work. Sometimes, when you're falling asleep on my chest, Hootwo will kick or move and it makes me smile to think of my two boys together. Hootoo, you don't really understand yet that your brother will soon be on the scene, but you're going to love having him. You love your friends, and always point at any baby in the room.

We've had lots of great memories lately, aside from the daily moments like bath time. Christmas has come and gone. We started a new tradition of Christmas pajamas, book and holiday movie on Christmas Eve. Of course, this year's movie featured Elmo, and we learned all about Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christian traditions. Part of Amma's gift were two books about the birth of Jesus and the animals in the stable, and you really enjoyed reading them. We had a lazy day together and it was great.

Amma and Afi, Justin and Ashleigh, Adam and Annie will all be here at various times in the next two weeks for a visit, hoping to catch a glimpse (or a glimpse of the catch) of Hootwo. In the meanwhile, we'll all be entertained by your antics and sillies.

xo
Yo Mama

Listening to: Lucius – Don't Just Sit There

Letters to Hootoo - Autumn

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. 

September and October have been full. Apple picking, Sesame Street, weekend Farmer's Markets, trips to the park. Soon we'll be en route to Amma and Afi for Canadian Thanksgiving!

You're in school full-time (most weeks) and loving it. You learn more words, new dance moves, and have a great time socializing with your friends. Wednesday is your first picture day and I can't wait to start my collection.

You sleep like a champ. Big nap at school, solid hours at night at home. It's a beautiful thing.

You're growing both psychically and cognitively. You look less like a baby and so much more like a little boy. 

You make Dad and I laugh a lot. You're hardly ever terrible. 

You are obsessed with Elmo, love to wail on your drum, pluck your guitar and dance to all sorts of different styles of music. Thanks for being so awesome.

xo

Yo Mama

Letters to Hootoo - Back in the Grind

I don't even know where to begin, so much has happened since your birthday post.

Let's start with you. You are quick, in body and mind: you motor when you walk, pull yourself up on chairs or on ledges that I initially think are impossible for you to champion. You have a wealth of vocabulary in sign language and spoken word. You seem to understand more of what Dad and I are asking of you, whether it be a silly question, or a warning of an undesirable behaviour. 

You go to school most weekdays and you LOVE it. You've made some great friends and are learning a ton. Your Dad and I value education, and although it's another expense, it is so worth it.

You're starting to morph into an independent little man. It's a trip, and a great lesson for Mama learning what not to sweat, and when to discipline. You blow kisses, give high-fives, can tell me what sounds farm animals make, sleep through the night, snuggle and still love Elmo, Amma and Maggie.

Life for Mama has changed, too. Child, I am so glad that you love to nap so I could enjoy a few daily moments to refuel. Things have been wild: completing my final, most difficult semester (emotionally and cognitively) of nursing school. Graduating. Studying, then passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Landing two amazing jobs at the local hospital.

My body is changing, too. I'm so excited to see you share your life with a younger sibling. You're going to be an awesome big brother. Hootwo is going to rock our world.

xo
Yo Mama

Letters to Hootoo - From Dad

Your Dad wanted to write to you, too. He wrote this letter last December and since there's been an extended vacation from updates (the next one will be a doozy), it made great sense to post it here and now. 

xo

Yo Mama (and Professor Papa)

Dear Rhys,
You entering my life has made me learn a few things. Not just how to change diapers or about babywearing. You have taught me a different kind of love that I never felt before. You have shown me a different kind of happiness that I never considered. You have also taught me that I am selfish. Yes, I am selfish because I want to enjoy every minute of you. I want you to share every smile, laugh, cuddle and tear with me. Each moment that you share with me makes me crave the next. I want to always be there for you. I want to laugh, grow and experience life with you. I want to be a part of every milestone in your life. Budding teeth, crawling and your first words are just the start. Does this make me selfish? Possibly. What I do know is that you have shown me things about myself that I never knew were possible. For this I can never thank you enough.

Love,
Dad

Letters to Hootoo - One Year!

There's no way you're one! I would just like to say to you, Hootoo, YOU'RE WELCOME. Your life rocks.

Your first birthday party was held at COESPACE. It was such fun. Your friends were there, Amma and Afi too, Gram, Adam and Annie ... you had a blast. Sweet Sarita made vegan cupcakes that were DELICIOUS. It was a little man theme: mustaches galore! We dined at Dysart's later but you missed it:

I'm so proud of you. You make Dad and I so happy. You're happy, healthy, and any fussiness is short-lived. 

I'm also proud of me. Surpassed my goal of nursing you for one year. (TMI? Deal with it, kid). We're going strong. I celebrate not because breastfeeding makes me 'badass' (language!) or a super Mama, but because it was hard work and important to your health, and we managed it together.

You have stopped smooching me, and instead plant those open-mouth-sloppy-kiss on Dad. COME ON.

For about a month, I had a few phrases on repeat:

"We don't pinch Mommy's tummy." 
"We don't bang our head on windows."
"We don't bite people we love."

Now I just say in a booming voice, "DON'T you do it!" and you know that what you're doing is wrong (because you'll shake your head 'no', adorable!) and that tickles are coming your way. Tickles = distraction and opportunity to refocus on a different, more appropriate activity. Works every time. Plus your giggle is SO CUTE.

Big milestones: you walk now, eat with a spoon, hold a sippy cup, say a few words, point to things you want, and play hard with friends. You're curious, smart and brave. 

I love you, Hootoo. Here's to another great year full of adventures! We'll start after that nap...

xo

Yo Mama

Letters to Hootoo - Ten Months

You have grown so much in the last month, cognitively and physically. You are standing, and walk with assistance. Your new favourite thing is a musical activity walker. It gives you a jazz accompaniment as you motor around the living room. You babble a lot, as though we're understanding the words coming out of your mouth. Your sleep patterns have been changing, thanks to new teeth and new developmental milestones. We're all still snuggling in the family bed and it's working for us. You don't sleep through the night but the two or three times you wake, it's short-lived and you most always fall back asleep within minutes. I can't believe I've begun to think about planning your first birthday party.

Things are crazy for me, little Hootoo. Wrapping up school, going to work, loving on you and your Dad -- it all adds up. Sometimes, I feel guilty for not giving you my whole self. Sometimes, I'm tired, unfocused, and impatient. Not myself. You seem to know when I'm at my worst, and will put your head on my shoulder or move in for one of those slimy smooches. You are happy to be with Dad or Adam and Annie, and make us all laugh when you burst out in giggles, or push out that patronizing laugh that I LOVE.

You seem to be doing more with your left hand. You keep us guessing on that. You have been eating so much more new food and loving it: black olives, bacon, chic pea patties, bread, strawberries ... you are not finicky and I love that.

You are so handsome, fun-loving and happy. I hope it sticks. I love you!

xo
Yo Mama

Letters to Hootoo - Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day, little man! We're at that point now where you've now lived more in the world than in my womb. Man, does your age ever show. You're transforming into a boy, and seem less baby. You wear separates. You shriek your mind. You grind your teeth. You pull yourself on toys, couches and can walk a distance with a little bit of help.

You're super studious with things that catch your attention. Wooden puzzles, musical books and certain foods. The wheels are turning and it shows. So cute.

Love you big, not just today but always.

xo
Yo Mama

Letters to Hootoo - Catching Up

Little babe, we have been having fun and living large lately -- so these are all things that I jot down as they happen so that we'll never forget these moments.

You hate tin foil.
You love your reflection.
"Dada" is all you talk about. When you're not babbling up a storm ("Here, kitty kitty" might be next), you're clicking your tongue, mimicking the sound of zerberts and waving to your fans. Hence:
You melt the hearts of ladies everywhere. Young and old.
You had two Christmases this year: one in Old Town, and one in Canada. You were spoiled with Elmos, and a Rockin' Ernie. Your uncle bought you a drum set! We Skyped with Aunt Ashleigh as she were overseas. Justin, Amma and Afi love you. We could have spent the entirety of vacation staring at you.
You sing. Dad and I will belt out matching noises on a similar pitch, in which we are rewarded with big smiles and encores.
You're crawling, and pull yourself up on -- and sometimes over -- furniture.
You still have only two bottom teeth but your ginger-flavoured alfalfa sprouts are growing like mad.
You are beautiful and handsome, but your passport photos are hilarious.
You and I both need to write Feist a thank-you letter. Metals is the best lullaby out there, and her Sesame Street appearance mesmerizes you every time.
You are happy, healthy and so bright. I am proud to be your Mama.

xo

Letters to Hootoo - Your Kiss Is On My List

You've learned all about smooches. Smooching Mama, really. You get serious, open your mouth wide, tongue out, and slowly move your face toward mine. Your kisses are wet, and sloppy -- but I love it. I can prompt your smooches now with just one sound. You have yet to smooch your Dad. I get it. Dude stuff.

This morning you zeroed in on Dad. We thought it was going to happen. You went in for a big one, and instead quickly whipped your head around to his ear, grabbed a patch of hair and yelled, "a-HA!" Sneaky sneak. We both died from laughter. Yo Mama xo

Letters to Hootoo - Out with the Old

Hey, baby. You've learned a bunch of new tricks so I thought I'd write them down to mark the times.

You've upped your crawling technique. Butt in the air and all.
FaceTiming with Amma and Afi is a new fun thing. You become entranced with Afi's "One, two ... THREEEEEE" finger shaking on the screen, and improvised sing songs.
You babble a lot. No real identifiable words, but you're talking non-stop.
You have two matching bottom teeth.
Those two matching bottom teeth help you eat some of your favourite foods: pears, apples, sweet potato, blueberries, avocado, and, you know, CURRIED TEMPEH. You eat them as they come. I'm amazed at your coordination and ability to feed yourself. You've come so far in such a short amount of time.
You dig Yo Gabba Gabba, but Elmo is still number one in your books.
You giggle uncontrollably at wagging tails, the sound of vomit, and when Dad eats up your neck and armpit. It's all on video for future leverage.

I love you, Hootoo. You're a joy to be around and your happy little self lights up my life, and the lives of those around you.

Yo Mama
xo

Letters to Hootoo - RÖCH, Digital Artist

Aquamarine
Rhys Ö. Coutu-Hurtt
Digital Painting
2012

Red Red Red
Rhys Ö. Coutu-Hurtt
Digital Painting
2012

Untitled
Rhys Ö. Coutu-Hurtt
Digital Painting
2012

Letters to Hootoo - Plans, the Sequel

I don't know what it is about this time of year that makes me conscious of the future. Yesterday I was reminded to make PLANS. You were sleeping in the car on the way home from some errands and I wanted to extend the drive to maximize nap time. It was just the two of us on a beautiful, crisp fall afternoon, Pink Moon playing softly on Spotify as you breathed deeply in your carseat.

My mistake was driving through a cemetery. I thought of all the people I had known, or known of, that had passed away within the past year. Oma, El, Gary, DJ, Lynn. Real people. People with families; with partners and sons or daughters.

The crisp fall afternoon faded away and the music became inaudible behind my thoughts. My thoughts made me panic; as though I was facing my mortality in that moment -- and in that moment, I was. I couldn't shake the dread that one day, it will all end. There are no guarantees that I will live a long life, and of course the day will come when I'm no longer here, in body, with you.

So we'll take each day at a time. Each day I will tell you I love you and kiss you all over your cute face. I will try not to worry or stress about the little things. We'll have dance parties, eat fruit, get dirty, love our friends, love God, work hard, snuggle, talk, and plan to do it all over again.

Life can be cruel, but life can be sweet. Like now. Neil Diamond is crooning from the kitchen. Annie is teasing Adam about his moustache. Dad is snacking and talking about the history of the song.

I choose to believe that I'll live until I'm an old woman. One that was successful, impactful, happy, a mother of many children. Part of my self will live on in you, and in the memories we will form together. You have already made me proud.

Letters to Hootoo - Just Can't Get Enough

You're ridiculous. You have become so vocal. Cooing, practicing words, letting out little roars with clenched fists. It's all very entertaining, until the day where the latter won't be so entertaining. Then we'll SHUT IT DOWN. But for now, roar on, little Hootoo, roar on.

You can sit independently now, and teased us last week with some crawling action. You have big smiles and conversations for the people you know, and have started complementing shyness with big stares for those you don't. You are digging food. Avocado, sweet potato, broccoli, bananas and apples are your victims (strawberries, not so much). Maggie is still your best friend, now with a stuffed frog that 'ribbits'. You FaceTime with Amma and Afi once a week. We celebrated Halloween at Sesame Street Live, and are now planning for your first American Thanksgiving. Life is hurried but thankfully, sweet. Just like you.

Love,
Yo Mama
xo

Letters to Hootoo - Sweet Dreams

You have been an amazing sleeper since the day you arrived home from the hospital. I am LUCKY, and so are you — you have inherited one of my superpowers, the ability to sleep at any time or place. You sleep through the night. You crash in the BOBA. You nap in the car. Sleep is a non-issue.

Until Maggie speaks.

When Maggie speaks, the dreams end, the eyes pop open and you start to crane around looking for her furry little body and listen for the next little chirp. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a light sleep or in a deep, dark slumber; the show is over.

This, of course, is what we call PAYBACK. Runt kitten? Mama brought it home to Amma and Afi, and you know him now as Feta. Cute bully breed needs a home? You know that naughty pup as Toastie Toast. Superpower number two: a love for animals. Already. Maggie brings you such joy. Your smile grows so wide when you see her and you could stare at her forever. Dad is doomed, but the impending farm is fine with me.

Letters to Hootoo - STOP IT.

You are seriously adorable. It’s all just too much. We’re off living life together (giggles, walks, naps) so I haven’t written much lately. In brief, you’re cute.
You have this new laugh now that sounds like a sinister chuckle. It’s hilarious.
You snuggle hard in my neck. Keep that up.
You recognize and remember. Morning grins at Mama. Big smiles for Dad.
You love Adam and Annie, and Mama is thankful for them.
You’ve mastered rolling over. Crawling will be a breeze.
You smoosh Amma’s face with your hands and press your face to hers. She loves that.
You’re easy, happy and healthy. That will never change. I will see to it.

Essence of ginger. You are your father’s child, and I am going to be in big trouble.

xo
Yo Mama

Letters to Hootoo - 10:37 PM

This is my favourite time of night. We get in bed first and you nurse while Dad closes up the house and tucks in the pets. Ten minutes later you’re in a deep sleep. Dad crawls in with us and we stare at your beautiful little self, your mouth hanging open (complete with drool), and a chubby pale arm flung across my chest. We’ll stare for a long time, talk about our day and finally, fall fast asleep.

Letters to Hootoo - Time Flies

It’s been a month since we pulled and pushed you from the comforts of the womb into this world. Literally PULLED and PUSHED. I worked hard, and Dad will retell your birth story on days you choose to get fresh and be naughty. So far, you’ve been neither of those things.

You love to be held, to snuggle, and to sleep at night (and sleep in!) in bed with us. You’re slowing discovering and becoming aware of your surroundings. It’s pretty cool to be audience to. You have the healthy appetite of a hungry hippo, which sometimes makes Dad feel put out. You’ll have to pencil in some serious man time down the road. My little man is super cute; everyone comments that your lips are mine and the rest is Dad, and that you’re already a ladykiller. You’ve started cooing and making new faces, and it’s hilarious. Thanks for that.

Happy one-month birthday. We’re glad you’re here to stay.

xo