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

Welcome, Hootwo!

Mama's opting for a home birth. Come January, Hootwo will be born in the comforts of my own living room. Why? Because I can. Because I should. Because my mind and body scream to make this choice for us.

The journey from this decision is just beginning. I've decided to put this plan out there so that I can chronicle the timeline, the emotions and the experience. I feel independent, empowered, nervous but steady, ready, and share in the hopes of educating, encouraging other women (and naturally, so that in twenty years, Hootwo can look back and thank me profusely, and treat this Mama to a latte).

Yes.

Latest Reads:

American Association of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Home Birth

Is Home Birth Safe?

Home Births in the United States, 1990 - 2009

Listening to:
Everything in Its Right Place - Radiohead

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

Beyond My Self - A Plea

Update: Grace, Divine, and Patrick have been fully funded! Thank you to all that contributed and committed to their care!

As you may know, I sponsor a sweet little seven-year-old in Sierra Leone, an orphan who resides at a wonderful place called The Covering. It is all possible through a non-profit group called The Raining Season. Samuela is so special and important to our family. As is the cause. As is the community.

The Raining Season is hoping to care for three children that live with cerebral palsy. Enter Grace, Divine, and Patrick. 

 

Grace and Divine are currently hospitalized, but have no one paying for medicine or food -- which means they get none. All the hospital is giving them is a bed.

Care for these orphans means helping hands, and money. Because of the special needs of the trio, two caretakers will be responsible (day and night), for providing continual care. The financial cost works out to fifteen sponsors per child at $40 per month, much more than the 'standard' orphan intake.

Talk to your family. Rally with your coworkers. Consider monthly sponsorship or a one-time donation with intent toward these three babes. The donation form is online at http://bit.ly/14obejs, and in the Notes section write 'Grace, Divine and Patrick'.

Connect with advocacy@therainingseason.org, check out their website for more information, or let me know of any questions! 

June is my birthday month. You know what's on my list. Please please please.

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