Boy am I glad that month is over!
I know. Comparatively, my life is a breeze.
But this one was just a doozy. I am working my tush off and it seems like there's always something going on. I just can't seem to catch up.
And I don't think April is going to be any better.
On a positive note, I bought a lottery ticket today. And it smells like a winner!
My brother's birthday was Monday and to celebrate he went to watch wrestling.
So of course I had to watch to see if I could catch a glimpse of him on television.
I haven't watched WWE in quite some time. I was pretty disappointed.
In fact, I was creeped out by a lot of it--especially the guy crawling around on the mat all slithery with his shimmery oily body. Gross.
But, I've decided I will have to start watching again. All because of one man . . . Santino.
Santino is the greatest. And I think if you watch this video, you will agree.
You're welcome.
Dear Jackson,
I know. I'm the worst. I'll make the same promise to you that I made to Sophia. I'll never be late with this letter again. But you other poomongers . . . well, no promises yet.
It's not that I forgot or didn't care. I took a whole week off to spend with you for your birthday. And I was having so much fun, I just didn't have the time to get to a computer. I know that's not a good excuse and you didn't ask for me to come stay with you but that's tough. Who else cooks you French toast and puts peanut butter on your apple slices?
You, Sir, have not diminished in the adorable area. Everyone who sees you can't help but smile.
Last week, we went out for sushi. We sat down and the hostess came running from out of nowhere. "You came back!"
She wasn't talking to Daddy or to me, the people who actually spend the money there. She was excited to see you, the kid who makes a mess. You win everyone over.
Your daddy held you when we were leaving and put you down as we walked out the door onto Mass Street. You threw your arms up in the air and hollered and laughed. This continued as rushed down the street. It was as though you were yelling "Freedom!" Every person you passed laughed and their gaze followed you as your little legs ran.
You have no other speed but run. You never walk. You're always rushing to somewhere. There's so many things to do and see and never enough time.
Which isn't to say you don't have time to stop and give those you love a good pat. A short and sweet gesture that says so much.
I know that since you're still so young and not yet talking that we tend to underestimate you, but you are smart and learn things so quickly. One of the presents I bought for you had a pirate on it. It only took me once to tell you that "A pirate says 'Aaaaar!'" and you had it down pat.
On a recent trip to Clay Center, Mamo was going through the usual "Where's your nose? Where's your belly?" routine.
She ended with what used to be the best and final part. "Where's your armpit?"
You showed her and then, even though she didn't ask, you pointed to your rear-end.
"That's his booty," Grammy explained. "Aunt Bee taught him that."
I really missed you last week. Not the diapers or anything. But after spending a week with you, going cold turkey was hard. There's no belly to blow raspberries on; nobody to sit and watch Spongebob with. I miss hearing your giggle. You've really won me over, Sir!
You've been through a lot in your first two years. Unfortunately, your life isn't going to be as careless and perfect as I had wished. But you're tough. And your family loves you. Every one of us would do anything we can to make you happy.
We figure we owe you.
Enjoy year number two!
Heart,
Aunt Bee
"That was in my angry drunk phase."
"In what phase are you now?"
"The one where I fall asleep before I get drunk."
Dear Sophia,
Wow. I promise to never ever be (this) late in posting your birthday letter. I have a lot of excuses, but I'm not going to waste my time. It all comes down to I didn't get it done when I should have.
But that doesn't mean I forgot your birthday! I risked my life just to be there for your party!
As I was driving up to Newton, your dad called me. "What are you doing?"
"I'm on my way. Why am I late?" I asked.
"No. The tornado sirens went off and everyone freaked out."
"Um. Am I driving into danger?"
Turns out the storms weren't a big deal in our area. But boy does Mother Nature love to celebrate your birth in a weird way!
You have amazed me yet again this past year. I believe you may be the second smartest kid who ever lived. The first, of course, being yours truly. On your birthday you and I chatted away. You told me all about your day and your sister and your cousins and how your favorite color is red. And your necklace is beautiful. And where is Evan?
Evan. It's always about how much you love Evan.
It just seems crazy to me that you have such a large vocabulary and understand so much. You're even aware of politics!
At dinner one night, you pointed to the television. "Look! It's Obama!"
You're very concerned about Sadie. You're even teaching her to talk. You're quick to tell your family you love them, even when you're not looking for something in return.
Of course you have a naughty mean streak in you. Sometime before I arrived to your party, you had bitten your mom.
"Sophia! Did you bite your mother?!?" I asked.
Your face turned downward and pouty. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry I bit her! I won't do it again! I promise! I won't bite her again!"
You were so remorseful and sad, I felt bad. So I laid off, even though I know you'll most likely do it again.
But it's hard to see you sad because you're so much fun when you're happy! In Target a few weeks ago, I was pushing you and Sadie in the cart. You two were squealing with delight and then you suddenly broke out into song. The Spongebob Squarepants theme song. At the top of your lungs. I probably should have been embarrassed but I laughed.
On your birthday, your mom, sister and I joined you for a dance party. Which was fun. But darlin' . . . we need to talk about your dance moves. You're not allowed to move your hips like that until you're thirty.
I keep talking about things we did on your birthday. Because I had an exceptionally good time with you that night. Apparently, you had been pretty naughty and in a bad mood before I arrived. Everyone noticed a change in your attitude when I showed up.
You always turn my mood to good, too!
Hope you're enjoying your third year!
(A Very Late) Happy Birthday!
Heart,
Aunt Bee
Dear Everyone,
So I just got back from a week in Lawrence. I haven't touched a computer during that time, so give me a chance to catch up.
Heart,
Aunt Bee
"My body probably wouldn't go unidentified because I had to be fingerprinted to work for USPS."
"There was that one time I was arrested . . ."
"HAHA! Oh yeah! For giving booze to a minor?"
"Was I actually arrested?"
"Did they take you in?"
"Yeah. And then we went right back out to the bars."
Ah stupid stupid youth.
