February 10, 2008

January 2008

Dear Kids,

Once again the beginning of a new month has caught me off guard and I am scrambling to find the time to write this here family update. It’s late at night and I’m laying in bed with your mother at my left trying her best to ignore the sound of laptop keys being pressed and the faint sounds of sick Henry doing his best to sleep. You see, a couple of days back I noticed that the both of you had runny noses and little coughs and sadly this has escalated into a full blown cold for the both of ya’s. Hopefully it’ll work it’s way through fast and we’ll be back to normal as soon as possible.

The big news this month was the passing of one of the most wise and loving men to have ever walked this planet. I’m speaking of course of our Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley. I have been dreading this day for years, but at the age of 97 I guess you really couldn’t expect more from someone. He had such a charisma about him and it was plain to see how much he loved people. Every time I think of saying something mean about someone else I think of him and wonder what he would say or do. I doubt he saw nothing but the best in people. His optimism was refreshing in a world full of chaos and on several occasions he lifted my spirits when I was down. I am a better person for his applying his counsel. I am forever blessed for his life. What a wonderful man.

(Editor’s note: Ruby just got in bed with us...Momma couldn’t stand hearing her sad cries. It’s gonna be a long night.)

The other big news is that I’m back in class. This time it’s Math 1010, which is my prep class for the class that will make my graduation official (and that’d be Math 1030 for those of you keeping score). Your mother has been good to endure my continual stream of venting and lamenting over the subject at how much I genuinely hate the time it takes away from the things I’d rather be doing.

(Editor’s note: after lots of squirming Ruby is now back in her crib)
(Another Editor’s note: I just got the “This may be the only two hours of sleep I get tonight so please go to bed”...so, good night.)

(And yet, another Editor’s note: it’s now two hours later and I’m here to report that it is, in fact a long night...and so I’ll write).

RUBY-

I’m not sure if I know where to begin: jealousy, frustration, “no”, streaking, running water and a whole lotta other stuff going on with you my little one. With each day you become more and more defiant and declare your independence in some very painful yet creative ways. You love to sleep, yet we struggle to get you into bed. You love juice, yet when we give you a full cup of it you freak out and act like we’re shoving bamboo down your fingernails. Yep, we can’t figure you out and our new plan is to lovingly stick by you, well that and lots of time-outs on the time-out stool. We laugh. We cope. We roll with it.

Having said that, your charm and cuteness atone for these all to frequent episodes. You crack me up with all your little words and your “Daddy, come here” wherein you take me by the hand to show me how well you can pour one cup of water into an empty cup. I praise you for your trajectory and your no-drip’s and your fortitude to transfer that water until it’s good and transferred.

Having said that, you continue to cling to your mother like there’s a hurricane about to blow through town. I’m not sure if it’s the presence of another being pining for your mothers attention, or if this is the natural course of a two-year-old but regardless I sometimes wonder what happened to my sweet little girl, the one who gave me smiles when I walked through the door. Nowadays when I get home from work you greet me with a “Daddy go back door” and a wave of your hand as if we’ve spent the whole day together. This makes me sad, but I’m sure it’ll pass. Quite frankly, I’m just too adorable NOT to love...you’ll come around.

HENRY-
With each passing day I can’t believe how different you are from your sister. While she gets more and more moody, you are one mellow little guy. Of course there’s the cryin’ and the fussin’ just like all babies do but as your personality unfolds we’re beginning to see a little mellow dude emerging.

You’re quite the charmer with your big smile and happy disposition. It’s fun showing you off to friends, family and strangers alike. Usually the first comment out of their mouth has some reference to your hair, to which I reply “hey, it’s not how you start but how you finish” while pointing to my head (I had a lot of hair when I was a baby). The next comment has something to do with your size and then comes the gasp when I inform them that you are not even five months old yet. “Well, he’ll be an offensive tackle” I comment, knowing full well that this might actually happen.

Besides being a charmer your other favorite pastime is kicking and splashing in the tub. Man, you are as happy as the proverbial clam with all your kickin’ and screechin’. It’s proving more difficult to keep you in your little bath chair doodad as you get more and more physical. Needless to say, it’s fun watching you be so happy.

Lately you’ve become more and more of a momma’s boy. You do well to recognize my face and voice, but when it registers that momma’s in the room you go completely ape. The feeling is mutual as your mom is absolutely crazy about you too. At times this is hard for your sister to accept and she let’s us know through little suggestions like, “PUT HIM DOWN!!!” and “I WANT MOMMY!”. Yeah, she’s just gonna have to learn how to share.

Alright then kids, it’s time to get some shuteye. I think *fingers crossed* that you are both good and asleep now and that your mom and I can get some well needed rest. Honestly, I worry about how much you stress your mom out lately (ahem, Ruby) but spring is right around the corner and it’ll be good to get out of the house and into the park where lots and lots of adventure awaits.

This month we’re heading down to St. George where we’re gonna spend some time with your Aunt Suzy & Uncle Jeremy and witness Tennyson walk with our own eyes.

Love,
Dad

Posted by patatomic at February 10, 2008 10:28 PM

Comments

Oh my gosh, we can't wait to see you! We love you both so much!

Posted by: Aunt Suzy at February 11, 2008 02:16 PM

I miss Ruby and I've just spent 25 minutes reviewing all of your pictures and playing your ABC songs over and over and over. You are smart and we will have fun at Easter!
Love,
Cousin Sam

Posted by: Cousin Sam at March 10, 2008 11:27 AM

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