Hanna's Home

Tomorrow

When I was a young girl, the first Broadway song I ever performed was Tomorrow from the movie, Annie. The words went like this:

The sun will come out
tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
that tomorrow
There'll be sun...

Today Hanna hasn't been her usual self. She's been running a slight fever most of the day. To see her lay her head down in the middle of the living room floor as she's attempting to play with her toys was tough. It's hard to see children not feeling well. My heart reaches out.

I could see it most in her eyes. Normally, they sparkle. Today they were more reserved. But, her body is efficiently fighting back, accepting lots of rest and fluids. Chin up Hanna. The sun will come out tomorrow.

Nine months old

Hi everyone,

Guess what? Today I am nine months old. I know, I know... hard to believe. But, it's true. And, I'm having loads of fun these days.

Let's see, I've climbed half way up the stairs before mom and dad actually found me. I'm eating all kinds of foods. But, mom, skip the lettuce. It just gets stuck on the roof of my mouth and makes me gag. I'm taking more and more steps each day and have mastered this modified crawl-walk-shuffle thing while still holding on to toys in at least one hand. And of course, I dish out endless smiles that my mom says are to die for (whatever that means...)

So keep checking back and I'll keep writing you.

Love Miss Hanna

P.S. Remember that you can click on these pictures to enlarge them.

Flying high

There is something to be said for the phrase 'Happy parents--happy kids'. Today Brad commented on how energized he feels with Hanna in our lives.

There is no denying it takes energy to care for a child, but the energy we feel in return is endless. She brings new meaning to the words, flying high.

Spread your wings and fly, Miss Hanna. The world is yours.

Yay for Huggies

Hanna loves the Huggies boxes. They're the perfect height for standing up against and they taste not too bad as well. Who knew a box could be so entertaining?

YAY for Huggies!

Looking up

I took this picture as Hanna looked up at her father. It is heartwarming to see how much she adores him.

She is watching our every move. Each morning I do yoga in the living room, and yesterday, as I was stretching in downward dog pose, I glanced over to find Hanna doing the same thing--her hands and feet on the ground, body facing downward in inverted V with her bum in the air. I laughed so hard I fell over.

Equally, she reflects our emotions. When I am upset, so is she. When I am happy, she is too.  She is my mirror. What a treat to learn from somebody so wise.

I love that I look up to her just as much as she does to us.

Everything in the mouth

"I told you Mama, I don't have anything in my mouth," said little Miss Hanna. "Look, you can see for yourself."

OK, I believe you this time Hanna, but lately, everything has gone in your mouth.

I've had to perform a few mouth swabs on Hanna to pull out corners of books, clothing tags, the Westjet in flight magazine...

I guess when you teach them to eat yummy cheerios so well, they don't understand that the clothing tag can't be eaten too.

I'm sure I've missed a few things down the digestive tract, soon to catch them on the other end. It's made us look twice throughout our house to remove all things small enough to swallow.

My little buddy

Last weekend mom and I flew on a plane to Saskatoon. We had so much fun visiting my cousin Taisa, Aunty Patrusia and Uncle Rob. Taisa let me play with all her toys. She has these great wooden blocks that I loved to chew on. I left teeth marks in a few of them. Sorry Taisa!

At bath time, we splashed in the tub together. We both love the water. Next time we'll have to go swimming.

Everywhere we went, we had to double up: two car seats in the car, two high chairs. It was strange to have someone beside me in the car. Usually I ride the backseat alone. This way, I had someone to babble with.

I also had fun chasing Taisa around the house, but man, does she crawl fast. I had to pick up my pace to keep up. Thankfully, she would stop and wait for me to catch up.

Story time with Aunty Patrusia was so much fun. We sang songs and giggled as she threw me in the air. ('Up like a rocket ship, down like the rain' is my new favourite nursery rhyme.) And, we got to see Dido (grandpa) again. He is feeling pretty good these days. His beard was fun to touch.

I like having a little buddy to play with. I hope to see her again soon. Taisa, thanks for the great time.

Miss Hanna

Hand me downs

Growing up, I remember hand-me-down clothes all too well, particularly because I was third in line. In fact, three of four daughters in my family all wore the same turtle neck for our kindergarten picture (yes, the white one with the ruffled collar...remember girls?)

The tradition has continued with Hanna even though she doesn't have any siblings. Whether the clothes are from cousins or neighbours, her drawers are brimming with "gently worn". 

She doesn't seem to mind. In fact, the latest batch of hand-me-downs yielded a very fashionable outfit. We just had to have a photo shoot.

She's definitely not shy around cameras.