Dear Hedgehog:
I apologize for the delay in your monthly letters, but there is something you need to realize about the routine of your year:
- Your father is a school teacher
- You live in the Pacific Northwest
This means that once summer starts we hit the ground running, filling our days with fun and activity, and don't let up until fall descends upon us once again. We don't have time for things like blogging, we're too busy doing stuff.
If this year is any indication, you'll take to this routine just fine. You've now been to 9 different states (in order: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois), with two more to be added in the next week (Utah and Nevada). If we were to continue traveling at this rate (unlikely, unless we win the lottery) you will make it to all fifty states before the age of three. If we were to start traveling at such a brisk pace you would take it all in stride. You are an excellent traveler, and when frustrations arise it's usually pretty easy to appease you. One important lesson we've learned through all this: Daddy excites you and makes you want to play. Mama calms you. Which is why I get to be the one in the back seat when you're frustrated during a car trip.
Part of what makes you a great traveler is that you are such an undeniable flirt. When you catch someone's eye you can't help but smile at them. It sure does make having you out in public a pleasure. Although it is a bit frustrating when you are upset as can be in the car, but as soon as we take you into a store you just turn on the charm. Although I have used this to my advantage as well. You're rolling a LOT now. Distance rolling. And sometimes you bonk your head, most likely on your Great Great Uncle Charles' chair. Best way to get you to stop complaining? Get you to see yourself in the mirror above the fireplace.
You've also started eating in the last couple of months. It took a while for you to get into the idea, but now that you know what's going on you love it. You generally want to help with the spoon of whatever it is you're eating or, when possible, feed yourself. Your favorite foods thus far seem to be green beans and asparagus - proving that you are, indeed, your mother's son. You're also working on your first teeth in earnest. Once those cut through I'm sure the adventures in food will increase exponentially.
In all of your developing and exploring and learning one of the most magical things to watch has been your friendship with Samson as it develops. I sort of figured that Samson would go into hiding once you showed up in the house (which he did) and then never come out again. He's not a cat who likes chaos. However, quite the opposite has happened, as you and he have become close friends. When you are playing on the floor he will frequently come up to you to give you the opportunity to pet him. And he doesn't seem to mind that your "petting" often involves grabbing. I keep a close eye on you to, but he really is gentle with you. And your face just LIGHTS UP when he enters the room. Not quite as broad as for me or your Daddy, but he is definitely high on your list.
But now summer is over, and we've got to get back into the routine of daily life.
Love,
Mama
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