How To Grow Smart Babies

How do you grow smart babies?  You water them with words, of course.  A couple of months ago, two-year-old Hudson, the son of some very close friends of ours, Laurie and Errick, took the time to write a letter to our girls.  He may have had a little help from his mom, but I think he probably could've done it completely on his own.  He also sent over some books and cd's for the girls, which we are very thankful for having received.  I decided that I wanted to make sure the girls know that one of their first friends, even one they haven't met yet, was already thinking about their education.  Below, is his letter with some pics of this really cute kid.

Dearest Izzy, Maddy, and Sophie,

Rumor has it that your 'rents think I'm pretty intelligent!  They asked my folks what "they" did to make me such a smarty pants, but let me tell you the truth...I was born that way, babies.  Kidding....Of course my parents helped out!  I took them shopping to pick out some of my fave books because books make you smart, right?  I was reading from birth.  They also scooped a few music CD's to help calm you in cars (or just at home) and debated for hours on which Einstein DVD's to get you...because they all rock.  I could watch them on repeat, so I'm guessing you'll be able to, too!  There are SEVERAL more if you find they hit the spot.  (Baby Beethoven & World Animals are great ones!)
Some other helpful hints include:

• Sign Language (I still sign, even though I can actually say "please," "thank you," "more," etc.)
• Flashcards (Tell your parents don't be afraid to make animal sounds & sing songs)
• Puzzles (Melissa & Doug brand are the best)
• Peek-a-boo books...or just Peek-a-boo (seriously calmed me down if I was in a tizzy)
• iPad (Duh! I'm a techie, but any kid loves Duck Duck Moose apps)
• Baby Bjorn Bouncer...(get 3, helps with reflux after feedings, well worth the money)
• Sensory activities (go outside and touch the snow, the tree trunks, the dirt...hehe)
• My mommy is always talking to me, telling me how many there are of everything and what color everything is...She sings songs a lot and even makes up her own songs.  What a silly goose.
• Action Songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, Wheels on the Bus, If You're Happy and You Know It, etc.
• Exersaucers are fantastic and a Jumparoo is a must-have (the rainforest one was a blast!)
• LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table (you can put it on the floor or take two legs off to prop it up on an angle to help promote sitting)
• LeapFrog Chat & Count cell phone (in violet, of course) & My Own Leaptop (also in violet)
• Bright Starts Hop Along Carrier Toy Bar (what a joy when I finally could "push da buttons")
• Bright Starts Lots of Links or Sassy Ring O' Links (rattles rule, especially with skinny handles)
• Don't do the squirty bath toys, they will eventually collect moldy water - try Sassy Count & Spell Bath Appliques and stackable cups and/or rings (also good on dry land...)
• When I was as young as you ladies, my mommy and daddy rigged an activity mat with those crossing beams (big mobile of sorts) so that a rattling giraffe was at my feet and I could kick, kick, kick, to my heart's delight (we called it the "kick drum," ever seen "The Breakup?")
• All time favorite toy when I was "little": LeapFrog Baby Counting Pal (it's a counting, singing, colored caterpillar...brilliant!)

I know there's so much more, but your own mommy and daddy will come to know what makes each of you "tick."  Having ONE baby is the steepest learning curve on the planet, let alone THREE!  We'll offer more suggestions as time goes by, but you don't need to know that Color Wonders are ingenious just yet :)

Much love to all of you beautiful gals.  Can't wait to meet you and tell your parents to remember to take a breath here and there...

- Hudson

Hudson is now two.  He really is a smarty pants.  We haven't been over to visit with Errick, Laurie, and Hudson in about a year and a half, but I'm hoping to get over there next week.  These pics are the last ones I took of him when he was a wee bit smaller.  His mom posts pics of him all of the time on facebook and he's still just as handsome :)

Letters To My Daughters (#1)

Dear Isabelle, Madelyn, and Sophia,

You're still a couple of months away (hopefully) from taking your first breaths and melting our hearts, though to be honest, mine is already complete mush.  If you've gone back and read this blog from the beginning, then you've noticed that most of what your mother and I have written has been about our journey and experience with the pregnancy.  In fact, most of the posts on the blog aren't really written for you, but for our friends, family, and the small fan club that's formed around you!  Reflecting on this, I realized I wanted to write directly to all of you.  This actually serves a couple of purposes.  First, assuming that we'll have lots of time together when you get older, it will be fun to look back on the thoughts of an expecting father and compare them to a, then, experienced one.  Second, if something ever happens to me, and I don't get an infinite amount of opportunities to help mold your beautiful minds and share my experiences with you, then I want you to have pieces of my heart, in the form of these letters, to hold next to yours.  Before I get on to the main point of this letter, I want you to all know how much you mean to me.  You were all "daddy's little girls" since we saw our first ultrasound and no matter how tall you grow, you'll always stay that way in my heart.

An old friend shared a post recently with the thoughts, below.  I read through it and thought to myself, "This is one simple way to summarize a healthy approach to and outlook on life," and I wanted to share it with you.  There will be times in your life when you feel overwhelmed and may possibly be searching for some direction.  Don't over-think everything.  Most of life is pretty simple.  You'll be faced with tough decisions at certain points in your life, but there's a lot of living to be had in the in between and you need to do your best to enjoy it when you can!

"This is your life.
Do what you love, and do it often.
If you don't like your job, quit.
If you don't like something, change it.
If you don't have enough time, stop watching tv.
If you're looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
Stop over analyzing.  Life is simple.
All emotions are beautiful.
When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Open your minds, arms, and hearts to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating.
Life is short.
Live your dream and share your passion."

Love,
Dad

P.S. - Don't use the third line as an excuse to quit every job.  There will be times in your life when you have responsibilities and obligations and those may trump your dislike for your current job.

P.P.S. - Your mother told me to tell you that you better not be allergic to cats or else she might have to make some tough decisions about who stays and who goes.  At this point, I'd say your odds are slightly better than a coin flip.

P.P.P.S - I want you to know that your mother is adorable.  I'm sure your thoughts on your mother will change over time, but she is a sweetheart who smiles at every opportunity and loves to laugh.  In fact, sometimes she laughs so hard she almost pees her pants.  You should know that, thus why I included a picture of her in today's letter.