Hanna's Home

One Theory

Conversations on our bike rides always take some interesting turns.

"Mom, I remember when I was just a baby."

"Oh really Hanna? What do you remember?"

"I remember I came out of your tummy and then drank milk from your boobie."

The neighbours chuckled hearing our chat-chit as we rode past their house.

"Actually Hanna, do you remember when I told you that you came from Katie's tummy?"

Hanna, whose little legs had been pedalling like mad, glided for a bit as she processed that thought.

"From Katie's tummy?"

"Yes, Hanna, from Katie's tummy. You remember Katie, right?"

(more pedalling... then more gliding...)

"Oh yeah," she nodded.

(Oh, good, I thought. We've got this story straight.)

"I came from Katie's tummy cuz you were on holidays. Right?"

Um... well, that's one theory. More explanation necessary.

Curious about Smoking

"Mom, do you smoke?"

"No, Hanna, I don't."

"Does dad?"

"No, sweetie."

"Neither does Natacha."

"Oh, that's good. Smoking isn't healthy for your lungs."

"Yeah, mom, but some people like the taste. Right?"

"I guess so Hanna."

"Can I try smoking?"

"Not today Hanna."

"Tomorrow?"

"No not tomorrow."

"On Saturday?"

"Well Hanna, you are such a healthy girl. I hope you never take up smoking. But how 'bout you make that decision when you are A LOT older?"

"When I'm 5?"

Go Fly a Kite!

Okay... says little Miss Hanna. I'll do just that... high in the sky.
So high, you can barely see it!

One minute, she's new to kite flying. The next, she's a pro.

There's nothing quite like capturing a child's excitement.

God I love her smile...

Bug Smackin'

Don't be fooled by Hanna's soft and gentle smile. She has a fiery determination to her.

"Dad, where's the bug smacker?"

"The what?"

"The bug smacker... I need to KILL this bug that swirlin' my ears."

(hint: bug smacker = fly swatter)

Back to School

It's back to school for these three musketeers, her friends from her day home. Hanna's been at the same day home since she was one. I remember dropping her off there just to give me some time alone after my father died. And here we are... three years later.

In so many ways, this home is like a second home to Hanna -- one that welcomes Hanna with open arms. And these girls have become great pals.

Tonight while brushing Hanna's teeth, she told me I was rude and that she was moving out.

"Where will you go Hanna?"

"Emma's."

"Tonight? Or in the morning?"

(She paused, not sure what to say next. )

"In the morning."

"Okay, Hanna... let me know if you need help packing. But, I'll REALLY miss you if you decide to leave! Have a good night. I love you."

And with that, a hug and kiss and we were off to bed.

She thought this conversation was very funny.

Bike Magic

I can't contain my excitement. Yesterday Hanna declared it was time to take off the training wheels on her bike. And voila... like magic, she was cruising. No big spills. No struggles. Just a bunch of laughter from Hanna as she realized she could do this.

"Mom, I'm riding... It's SO EEEEEASY!"

(Notice Brad's proud walk. Prior to this picture, he was hopping behind her, ready to catch her fall. I captured it all on video. It's priceless...)

The smiles say it all. "Mom, are you crying?"

"Sure am Hanna. I'm so proud of you!" Another milestone... another reminder that wow, my child is a big girl.

Don't blink -- next comes the car. Oh, my... Brad's not ready for that! Speaking of which, when a child is ready, she's ready. Not a moment before. More on that tomorrow.

Nature versus Nurture

Recently at a fabulous wine picnic with friends, we got on the topic of nature versus nurture. I'm a big believer that a child's environment is huge in shaping the world he or she sees.  I see it all the time... Hanna reflects back to me the energy I put out there. I listen to her talk to her 'babies', and hear how my parenting is passed on to these dolls. (poor things... )

BUT... and this is a big BUT, when I see Katie with Hanna, I am awe struck by how similar their mannerisms are... how they hold their heads, or smile or sit silently looking at each other.  They may only see each other for an hour, once or twice a year, and yet the resemblance is striking. There is no arguing with Mother Nature.

 

Thanks Katie for a fabulous visit. Know that you are always a huge and important part of our lives... not just Hanna's but ours as well.