Happy 5th Birthday!!

My sweet baby girl. You turn 5 today.

I can't believe we've reached this milestone - it seems like just yesterday you and I were laying next to each other in that hospital bed trying to figure out what to do next. So far, so good!

You are such an amazing little girl. You have an amazing heart, and an exceptional mind. You are constantly striving to learn and to achieve. And much like your mother, you are always seeking perfection. I fear I have passed along this little burden to you.... you are so talented in so many things: signing, drawing, puzzles and other strategic games (it's kind of crazy how good you are at strategic/think-ahead games!) - but you get so frustrated if you can't do something perfectly the first time! If we're in the car on the way to school listening to Lady Gaga or Adele, Berit is singing at the top of her lungs, and I look in the mirror and you're just mouthing all the words. And since you are so much like me, I know it's because you don't want to sing the song until you have it mastered. You approach most things in your life like this.

One of your New Year's Resolutions was to learn to read. I fully intend to help you realize this sooner than later. We read together every night and we work on sounding out words. You always start off so strong and so excited, and after a few minutes I can see you start to get frustrated and you want to stop. It is so funny.

You learned to ride your bike without pedals about two months ago. We started you at Boulder Indoor Cycling in a Strider class, and after a few lessons you were a pro! We put your pedals back on after a few weeks and without any assistance you just took off down the driveway! It was amazing. You impressed all of us so much even your 2 year old sister decided to take classes. You are so strong and so athletic. Your little muscular body is going to take you so far in your life. I just hope you always appreciate how amazingly strong and agile you are, and how blessed you are to be so healthy. Not many girls are as strong as you at this age - and it shows in how fast you run, how fast you ride your bike and how quickly you picked up the "snow plow" in your first ski lesson!

I am so excited for this next year for you. You start Kindergarten in August and you are so ready. You continue to amaze me with your kindness as a daughter, your understanding as a friend, and your unbelievable patience and never-ending love as a sister.

Happy Birthday, Hadley Palmer.

iloveyoumadly.
mama

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I'm a day late. So sorry. I'll get into that later....

But HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY my sweet angel. I can't believe that 4 years ago I became a mama. You make my life so bright, and my days so unbelievably wonderful. Every day I get more and more glimpses as to what kind of person you are going to become.

You continue to amaze me with your generosity - especially when it comes to your baby sister. She wants to be wherever you are, do whatever you're doing, wear whatever you're wearing ALL THE TIME! And most of the time you have incredible patience with her. You love her so much and it makes me so happy. The ups far outweigh the downs. I couldn't be more proud of who you are as a sister. And it's not just me who notices. Almost everyone who sees you interact with Berit comments on how gentle you are with her, how giving, how forgiving, because she can be an outright turd. (Shhhhh....don't tell her I said that!) You're never harsh with her. Never. And we rarely have to ask you to share your things with her because you readily want to show her everything. This has to be the most beautiful thing about having a family, seeing my children interact and laugh with each other. Yes, the laughing the two of you do together is second only to watching you lead her by the hand into the playroom. Daddy thinks I am Berit's favorite person in the world, but I'm going to share a secret with you: Berit may call out for me when she's scared or has an OWWWIEEEE, but she squeals when she sees you climb up those stairs in the morning. She runs to be by your side. She imitates your every move. I think you are Berit's hero. As your mother I am blessed to be able to witness this. Thank you for being such an amazing older sister.


You struggle with wanting so desperately to be independent and yet still needing us. We struggle with it too. We want for you to be able to do certain things on your own (like fall asleep!) and get frustrated when you won't. But we also love it when you need a hug to "put you back together" when you're feeling low, or that sometimes you just need to hold our hand as we watch tv. It's those moments I try to breathe in and just hold there.

The other weekend Daddy was gone, and you had a rough night. I knew Berit was sick and would also probably wake up at some point, so I offered the rare opportunity for you to come sleep in our bed. You crawled in under the covers, and even though we have a huge king bed, you snuggled right up against me. I just smelled your hair, and listened to you breathe and absorbed every ounce of it. Even though I knew I wouldn't get much sleep, I didn't mind - it was exactly where I wanted to be at that moment.

Daddy is going to leave for China again in a few weeks. I always dread this trip. It's a long time for him to be away from us. I know I am going to count on you to help more this time - and I know you are going to rise to the challenge. You are my Hadley, and I can't wait to see what this next year brings us.

iloveyoumadly.
mama

Big Sister Love

Daddy called me on the way to work this morning (I went to the gym early, so he stayed with you guys and got you ready for school). He said “I have to tell you something.” Which made me a little nervous – he sounded to so serious! But what he said was the cutest thing I’ve ever heard.

Apparently you and Berit were sitting on the floor playing while he was making breakfast. You picked up “Moo Baa La La La” (a recent favorite of your sister’s). Berit saw this as an invitation, apparently, because she sat down in your lap. You proceeded to read the book to her – word for word. Daddy was very impressed.
And then you went and got even cuter: you taught her how to sing Baa Baa Black Sheep. I wish I had been there.

You’re the sweetest big sister she could have ask for. And she loves you probably more than any other person on this planet. Remember that when you want nothing to do with her in a few years….. :-)

Iloveyoumadly.
mama

"A B C D !!!!! "

Nana was here this past weekend. I just realized she came and went and I didn't take one picture.....d'oh! Anyway - she just came "to get her fix" as she says. You were so excited all of last week. You couldn't wait for her to come pick up at school, show her your new bathing suit (which you never actually put on since it was 50' and raining....IN JUNE!), but most especially, you were so excited because she was bringing your 'wedding dress' for Aunt Erika's wedding. So she pulls up in the SuperShuttle and you ran as fast as you could across the yard into her arms. I thought she was going to explode with happiness! You made her week. (Even if the first thing you asked her was where your dress was!)

One of the things she pointed out when she was here was how amazed she was at what an awesome big sister you have become! And how seriously you take this role. Do I sound like a broken record yet? One of the things she loved witnessing the most was your tactic to get Berit to stop crying: you sing the ABCs. This started a few weeks ago - you thought it might entertain her in the car - and it did. She was mesmerized. And it has worked almost every time since - in many situations. But at one point this weekend Berit was exceptionally P.O.ed about something and crying/whining pretty loudly. This didn't stop you. You just YELLED your ABCs. It was the funniest thing any of us witnessed in a long time! And you were so serious.

The other thing that Nana noticed is that you are ... how did she say it?... a girly girl. Yep. No question about it. You love all things sparkly, pink and feminine. You want to wear lip gloss all the time, your favorite outfit is your ballerina t-shirt and your tutu and you have almost as many purses as I do. I think it's awesome. Daddy...? Not so much. Though he did say if he could find some pink camo pants he'd be pretty psyched.

Preschool is getting pretty adventurous these days. You guys are taking all these field trips! In the just the last 2 weeks you've done the following:

-(2) trips to the YMCA for swimming (more on that in a bit)
-a 1/2 to Pearl Street
-a 1/2 day at 34th Street Park
-a 1/2 day at Scott Carpenter Park

And next week you guys are going to the Zoo! (I might actually chaperone that one)

Anyway - for all of the above - minus the Zoo - you guys take the bus. It is the cutest thing. You walk down the sidewalk holding hands - just like Madeline and the Cats of Rome. And you all have on your little backpacks that hold your hat, your lunch and a sweater. And you get on the Jump or the Hop and ride all over town! YOU LOVE IT!!

So swimming lessons. For 2 years I've talked to Daddy about getting you in swimming lessons. He kept arguing saying there was no reason - we both taught lessons as teenagers so we'd just teach you. Except we could never get to a pool with you. Too much effort. But school offers swimming lessons through the Y in the summer - it's so great! So Daddy went on your first trip as a chaperone. So cute. Anyway - apparently you are one of 3 kids in your class that actually likes the water! Go figure. :-) So you are in the advanced class. You get to jump off the wall, blow bubbles in the water, and do bobs. You love it! And you love your teacher. Apparently you think it is very funny that he is a boy and doesn't wear a shirt. Anyway - we are just thrilled that you love swimming! We'll have to head to Ba's pool this summer as a fam.

And on a final note....your sleeping issues aren't improving. Ce la vie. We have started a reward's chart to see if that helps. It doesn't really. But you sure like getting sparkly stars and chocolate when you get through the night without needing us! Just when you get out of this phase, Berit will go through it. Here's to not sleeping until you're in Kindergarten..... ugh.

iloveyoumadly.
mama

The Rise of the Big Sister

I know I have mentioned this before, but you are the best big sister EVER! Man oh man how you love your little sister - and in case you don't know this yet, you are quite possibly her favorite person the planet. For starters, you can't stand it when she's upset. You do everything you can to help her: give her your toys (even Peef!), ask us if she needs a snack - you name it. But you also have learned that sometimes Berit just gets "fussy" as you say. One of the funniest things you've picked up on from us - after all other things have been tried - is to just ignore her/listen to her complain (which in all honesty doesn't last very long). For example: the other day we were in the car on the way home from school and Berit was just annoyed that she was stuck in her seat. She throws her toy on the floor and instantly starts yelling because she isn't holding it anymore - this is a common occurrence. You looked at her, and in a very calm voice say, "That was your choice Berit." I almost died. It was hysterical. And of course I couldn't laugh.....

Along with this increased level of big-sister'ness has come your ability to be our little helper. It is so wonderful! You help put the dishes away, you help put your laundry away, you pick up your toys, and you LOVE to help your daddy outside! This past weekend we bought some plants and shrubs, and daddy decided he wanted to build out the garden boxes. You spent hours with him in the yard helping to hold spikes in place, use your little shovel to help dig dirt, and generally just entertain him while he worked. You've always enjoyed working outside with him - even back when you could barely walk. It's something he cherishes and I know he has his sights set on your taking over some of these responsibilities one day..... :-)

You've been asking about getting a puppy lately. I am not totally sure where this comes from - probably school. I know you're learning about pets this week - but it started before this. Daddy and I have decided that Berit has to AT LEAST be in Kindergarten before we'll even consider it. We would love a dog, but wow - I just don't know how people do it with little ones around..... Anyway - because this is pet week at school, Katie is taking you guys to PetSmart on a little field trip today. I suppose in an effort to educate on all sorts of different animals people have as pets. She mentioned being excited about the hermit crabs.... So help me GAWD if you come home with a gerbil.

iloveyoumadly.
mama

There's No Room for You.....

So we were in the car yesterday on the way to school and you were telling me how daddy had asked if you wanted to have a slumber party in the backyard soon. Let me lay out here EXACTLY how our conversation went:

ME: "I think we're going to have an Easter Egg hunt in the backyard this weekend."

YOU: "After we sleep in the garden?"

ME: "I am not sure it's warm enough to sleep outside yet."

YOU: "That's OK.......(your face squishes up) I don't think there's room for you mommy."

ME: "Oh."

YOU: "But Berit can come!" (all excited and smiling)


For real?

iloveyoumadly.
mama

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!

You're THREE!!!! Or as you like to say it, "FREEE". We're both right. :-)

We had such a fun weekend. Saturday was your fairy party. It was magical. We invited just a few of your closest girlfriends, and of course baby Bodhi. The girls all dressed up as fairies - wings, wands and all - and Bodhi came as a Super Hero. It was wonderful! You were all so precious and well-behaved. Daddy and I spent the night before making stars for the "Pin the Star on Tinks Wand" game, organizing stickers for the cup decorating and pre-making the Fairy Punch. You guys didn't want or need any of it. You were all so content to just play in your playroom, eat your lunch and of course, the cake and ice cream! We moved your little art table into the dining room so you could all sit together. It was fantastic. You wore yourself out so much that you were asking for Daddy to take you to nap before Neva Diva even had her coat on!

You've really take this big sister role to new heights over the past few months. I think it has something to do with the fact that Berit is so in love with you! She reaches out to hug and kiss you the second you get within arm's reach. You are always willing to share your most prized-possessions....specifically, anything related to your baby dolls. On that subject......we decided to take you shopping for your birthday to let you pick something out. We went to Grand Rabbits. On the way there, we asked if you had any ideas about what you wanted. After a few seconds of thinking you replied, "ummmm.....something like a baby doll." (You say this same thing when I ask you want to you want for breakfast...."something like oatmeal." It's so funny.) Anyway - we get to Grand Rabbits and immediately walked to the doll section. There were so many to choose from! After careful deliberation and examination of each of the dolls and accompanying gadgets (potty seats, bottles, pacifiers, etc.) you settled on a nice-sized baby that came with a diaper, bottle and pacifier. You promptly named her Becca. Precious.

You crawled up the stairs yesterday morning, realized that none of us were out of bed yet, and walked into our room (this is a new development for you - getting out of bed on your own and walking upstairs). When you crawled into our bed, Daddy and I started singing "Happy Birthday" to you. You had the funniest look on your face throughout the entire song...and then when we were done you said, "Guys, it's not my birthday. There's no cake."

Apparently cake is all you need to make your birthday spectacular.

iloveyoumadly.
mama

Thirty Two Months

At least that's how old I think you are. Counting your age in months now is a bit tedious.....

You started pre-school this week. I can't believe it. You are so grown up. You left Miss Linnea in Tod 2 quite devastated - she loves you so much. We'll probably ask her to babysit you both one of these days, assuming your daddy and I actually go out and do something. haha. Your new teacher is Katie and you seem to like her quite a bit. From what I can tell, she is very patient and kind.

Already this week you've taken a walk with your class to the park, you've learned two new songs and you've taken your first Spanish class. SPANISH. AT AGE 2. Crazy. I am insanely jealous of you. I never took a day of Spanish. German. That was my foreign language choice. Go figure.

Your baby sister is growing increasingly more aware of, and in love with, you each day. Watching your relationship blossom is so spectacular. You are so lucky to have a little sister. I hope you cherish it always as you do now. After your bath tonight you wanted to go visit Berit in her crib since she was already asleep (usually you get done with bath soon enough to kiss her goodnight as she is eating in the rocking chair). So I scooped you up and we went in her room. I reminded you to be quiet and told you to say "Good night Berit". And you know what you said? "Good night Sweetie Pie." Sweetie Pie. How precious are you?

iloveyoumadly.
mama

Soooooooo Tiny

You're filled with funny phrases and sayings - you come up with them all the time. One of my latest favorites is "sooooo tiny" when talking about anything smaller than you. Sometimes you say it with a long drawn-out "soooooooo" and other times you say it like it is one word: "sotiny". No matter how you say it, it's adorable. Here are a few examples:

1) While in the car on the way to school, you were feeding your baby doll (Baby Shel to be exact) spoonfuls of something out of your baby bowl. I asked you what it was and you said "sotiny pasta".

2) Sitting next to Berit on the floor last night, you grabbed her feet and said "Berit's feet are sooooooooooo tiny".

You are so freaking adorable.

iloveyoumadly.
mama

Big Sister

Well, it's official. You're a BIG SISTER! And what a big sister you are. Berit Louise was born on 4.14.09. As you can see, that was a month ago. Sorry for the delay in updating this blog but we've all been a bit busy trying to adjust!

You love your baby sister. In fact, it was love at first site. You came to visit us at the hospital the day after Berit was born and you immediately wanted to hold her. Once you had her in your lap you were all smiles and kept kissing her little face. It made me cry! I was so happy to have both my girls together.

Before I got pregnant with Berit I was convinced that I could never love another child as much as I love you. Logically I knew this wasn't true, but I was almost afraid to get pregnant because I didn't want to take away anything from my baby girl. Everyone who had two kids told me my love would grow exponentially and my heart would just expand to love both children. But I never knew - or expected - that once I had you both in my arms not only would my heart expand to love your baby sister, but my heart expanded to love you even more than I did before. You are spectacular and I love you so much. Thank you.

In the last few weeks you have grown up so much! I don't know if it is because of your new role, or just because you are hitting your developmental milestones, but it is so much fun to watch! Your vocab is especially fun. Here are a few highlights:

1) "What doon mommy?" This is my favorite question. You are so curious and you always want to know what we're doing. Whether it's folding laundry or nursing Berit.

2) "The curious case of the missing 6 & 7." You love to count. In fact, you love to count so much you count everything! Trees, cars on the road, your own fingers. It's wonderful. You've mastered 1-5. But things get a bit confusing after that. For some reason, you've decided numbers 6 & 7 don't exist. You skip right over them and go straight to 8!

3) "Time-outs for bad stuffed animals." You rarely seem to express jealousy over one of us holding Berit, but you certainly don't like it when daddy pays special attention to one of your stuffed animals. Two in particular: Mommy Fly and Masher (these are your little Ugly Dolls - both of which came with their own names, but you chose your own for them instead. Why Mommy Fly & Masher? We have no idea, but we went with it). When daddy holds these little guys during story time, or carries them around in his shirt pocket to be funny, you don't like it at all. But instead of getting mad at daddy, you punish the toys! You give them time-outs, forcing them to sit ont he floor and face the wall!

4) "Mommy is a chair-bubble." I know you love me. I don't question it at all, even when I am usually the one you get mad at for no reason, the one who witnesses the most tantrums over picking the wrong shirt for school. These things don't really upset me. But I have to say, being called a "chair bubble" was a bit....disconcerting! We were celebrating Aunt Ba's birthday a few weeks ago and we went around the table choosing which animal we each were. You decided you were a puppy. And you made daddy a giraffe and Aunt Ba a turtle. Me? You decided I was a chair bubble. Yep. A fart. And you were dead serious about it.

iloveyoumadly.
mama