Tadpoles

Friday we graduated another kiddo from Primrose! We are happy to get a little pay raise and usher Daniel into Kinder.

Primrose has started a new online system and they send pictures most days. I miss Wendy's colorful commentary, but will try to share the pics here in the blog.

Michael action shots:

Primrose Mail: Sibling Rewind

Leave it to Wendy to have the memory of an elephant! Look what she dug up.

 

The Text reads:

Rewind 2 ish years ago to conversation #1 “Wouldn’t that be cool if somewhere way in the future we have little siblings that are not only as cute as we are, but are BFF’s like we are?” “Yep! By the way, I like your onesie!” Fast forward to present day conversation #2 “Dude! I bet when our sister and brother were in this class together, they weren’t BFF’s like us!” “I know! By the way, your skin is really soft! Kinda like a baby’s!”

Ana and Owen were in the infant room at the same time. Now 2 years later Michael and Owen's little brother Riley are classmates. The pictures are super cute!

Ana and Owen

Michael and Riley

Primrose Mail: Super Sleeper

It reads:

Hi Mom and Dad,

     I don’t think my onsie is false advertising. I mean, I DO have a (child-sized) hand full of kid super-powers. I can get & retain the attention of everyone with my powerful cuteness. I can drink a bottle at the speed of light. The problem is that while having powers is awesome, you don’t get to choose them. I may have the power to melt the hearts of the teachers, but for the life of me, I can’t even finish a work-out without falling asleep!

     The other day, I  didn’t even get a single rep of my customary 3 sets of crunches in before I was out (at the speed of light).  Maybe it’s my body’s way of telling me to focus on a different muscle group or that I need to alternate days of cardio/strength. I don’t know, but I figure the average superhero is in their mid-late twenties (except he man, he’s gotta be at least 37 by now) so I have plenty of time to build strength and refine my powers. You have to learn to crawl before you can fly.

Love, Michael

Primrose Mail : Michael's Olympic endeavors

More Primrose mail!

 It reads:
Hi Mom and Dad!

I just wanted to forward this (made up) article written about us in the (fictitious) Primrose Post…

“While they aren’t yet eligible to participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, these  Olympic hopefuls are already practicing regular luge runs (laying in their bouncy seats) daily at their training facility (the Primrose infant room) in Centennial, CO. They plan to take Gold, Silver and Bronze (when they learn their colors) in the 2034 Winter Olympic Games!

     These young athletes know that in luge (bouncy seat relaxing), precision matters, as they reach speeds up  to 90 miles per hour (or just bounce a little) down the tracks (actually remain stationary on the mat) on their sled (bouncy seat). Their (nap) times are measured to the thousandth of a second, so even small changes in drag (getting to sleep) can make a big difference in results (how they sleep for Mom & Dad at night). Go Team USA 2034!”

And a closeup of the picture

First Day at Primrose

Michael's first day at Primrose. It was a bittersweet day, taking the LAST baby to day care. We love the ladies at Primrose.. Virginia, Roni and Renee (pictured) all take such great care of the babies. I know Michael will be rocked to sleep, spoiled and played with from 8-4pm and that I will go back to work and have all of the adult interactions I care to. Michael will roll over for the first time for Renee (Nay). He will crawl to her, he will learn to walk under her watchful eye. It brings a tear to mine. My mother must have felt the same way when she had Nana Kay taking care of me.
Nay will be as special to Ana and Michael as Nana Kay was to me, and that makes me smile.

Primrose School Pictures - Fall 2013

Who forgot School Picture day for the Littles? This Mom. Yep, I think it was the first day Daniel went back to preschool after having his tonsils out. I was just so happy he was feeling better I must have spaced out on the actual day. It looks like they took Ana's picture twice. In the Siblings photo she has on her "I Heart Nana" T shirt. At least the yellow matches the stained shirt Daniel was wearing that day. I swear we drop more cash on school pictures....

Primrose School Pictures - Fall 2013

Supporting Miss Denise - Komen Walk 2013

The Primrose teachers and staff are like a second family. Truly these women are the "Other Mommies" to our little ones, especially Daniel and Ana having started out in the infant rooms at Primrose. Through the years we've come to know many of the teachers and they have supported us with Charlie's Cancer journey and fund raising events. Last year practically our whole Light the Night team was comprised of Primrose staff! Miss Denise, with the early toddlers, was one of our supporters. Denise was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. She and Charlie were on the same meds and had the same "tubies & bump (port)" for much of the first half of 2013. We are happy to say that Miss Neese is doing great and is a Breast Cancer SURVIVOR!!! She is currently Ana's primary teacher. Below are a few pictures of the Hooper Clan supporting Miss Neese's Komen Walk team this past Sunday.

Komen 2013

Ana moves up at Primrose

To commemorate Ana's transition into the 'Older Toddlers' Room, we received this funny gram from Primrose today the text reads:

Hi Mom and Dad,

     I was feeling nostalgic recently, as I started to think about where I’ve been and where I’m going. So I took a literal & figurative journey. I (literally) went next door on a (figurative) trip down memory lane. It was, of course, a short trip, considering the baby room is 7 feet away &  being so young, my “lifetime” of memories is pretty limited thus far.

     Anyway,  The reason for my trip was two-fold.

1)      I wanted to go back to a simpler time. A time when all you had to do was decide when to sleep & when to eat There was no stress about making it to your ONE nap a day or worrying about your neighbor trying to swipe your lunch at the community table.

2)      I felt it was important to let the babies know they should relish the time & freedom to can kick back in a bouncy seat (or play some b-ball)…all day if you want, because you’re a baby & you can. Because before you know it, you will have to fit Circle Time, Art and Thumb’s Up! in all before lunch. As a toddler there are more scheduling demands & no more bouncy seats!

However, they say  you can’t live in the past. All you can do is move forward. So that’s what I must do! I’ve been a baby, a Young Todd & now I must forge ahead to the next phase (the older Todds Room)!

Love, Ana

A close up of Ana invading the Infant room.

Primrose Curriculum in Action

Another funny-gram from the directors at Primrose! This one came at a great time when Mom was in the middle of a long week away from home on business. I think Wendy knows just the right time to send these things! The text reads:

Hi Mom and Dad,

     You know I am not one of those “Conspiracy Theorists”, but I am beginning to question the design of the curriculum and my teachers’ motives for our different educational activities.

     The other day we were playing with manipulatives and they were talking about how these linking toys help promote our small/fine motor development and give us early exposure to color recognition. While all of that might be true, I just think it is quite coincidental that they had a camera ready right then when the “crown” was placed on my head. I’m just saying that it is possible that the they use the curriculum objectives as an opportunity to do things for their own amusement. Then again, who cares? It was pretty funny!

 A close up of Miss Ham Bone:

Spaghetti and Cheese

Super Cute Poem From Ana at school today. They are celebrating Dr. Seuss's Birthday this week. The Text reads:

Spaghetti and Cheese

By: Montana Hooper

(In the theme of Green Eggs and Ham)

I am Montana

Montana-I-am

Do you like spaghetti and cheese?

Would you eat it every day if you please?

Would you get it  in your hair?

Would it end up everywhere?

Would you smile and cheer?

When you discover it really does smear?

Yes, I love spaghetti and cheese!

I say “Give me more, Yes Please!”

Primrose: Daniel's Resolutions

Ah the Primrose emails. It must be Wendy writing these little notes home. Wendy is the assistant Director with a killer sense of humor. I have a feeling this one was sparked by a cranky Daniel drop off a few days ago.


The Text reads:

Hi Mom and Dad,

As each year starts, people tend to make resolutions…eating better, exercising, kicking a habit, etc. Well, since I’m 2 ½, those don’t really apply, so, I’ve deemed 2013 “The Year to Right My (VERY minor and TOTALLY age-appropriate) Wrongs”. In order to implement this resolution, I decided it was imperative to make a tell–all “confession” of sorts. So, I pulled aside the highest authority I could find (by trapping her with my imaginary “Pider-man” web) and put it all out on the figurative table, telling her (virtually) everything like:

1)      The single, solitary time I yelled at Mom-Sorry about that! Sometimes my emotions get the best of me. Hey!  I’m a sensitive guy!

2)      The incident when I hid behind my bed-I apologize if you wondered if I ran away to look for Pider-man, but you know I’d never do that-I  don’t know how to scale a wall upside down or jump across buildings-YET.

3)      The one and only time (each day) when I shook my booty.-Actually, that’s kind of cute, so no regrets there!

4)      That occasion when I tested that word (the opposite of very intelligent) out on Dad.  Again, I’m sorry…As soon as it came out, I knew it wasn’t okay.

So, for everything, I’m sorry. I can’t promise I’ll never do anything like that again (as I am 2 ½), but I got it off my chest & it’s in the past. Here’s to a great 2013. Love, Daniel

Primrose: Stock Show Field Trip

Charlie's Kinder class took a field trip to the Stock Show. First, taking 20+ 5 year olds anywhere, let alone a place filled with animals and probably crazy pointy things, is a feat. The fact that the high temp that day was 14 degrees. Priceless.

Note the ski gloves in the top picture and the sacked out bus riders in the other pic.

The Text reads:

Howdy Mom and Dad!

     I just wanted to let you know that the field trip went off without a hitch! We had so much fun!

     I really felt that I had some idea of what the stock show would entail. We’d look at some animals, the scent of pigs and cows in the air, as we walked around taking in the sights and smells. What I didn’t realize is how absolutely exhausting it is! HOLY COW! (no pun intended) you pose for a few pictures and ride a pseudo horse and when you say “Happy Trails” to the stock show and mosey back to the bus, you find yourself in need of a nap! If only the seats reclined!

Love, Charlie

Best Santa Picture Ever

Every year at the kids' preschool (Primrose), Santa comes to visit the classes and the school staff is nice enough to take pictures and give them to the parents. I love that they do this. It saves me a trip to the mall or some other hectic, crowded place with three cranky kids just to sit in some Santa's lap.  Last year Daniel was about 18 months old and as you can see from the picture, wasn't very excited to see Jolly Old Saint Nick!

This year Daniel and Charlie were both happy to see Santa.... Ana, not so much.



Its sad for me to think that next year I'll HAVE to take all of them to see Santa. Charlie will be in First Grade and only Daniel and Ana will get to see Santa at Primrose. Maybe Shelly, the Primrose Director, will let me sneak Charlie into the picture :)

Splash Day Every Day!

I was just thinking that it had been quite some time since we received a "Primrose Email." The directors send funny little emails  and pictures to us every now and then. The context for this note was that last Friday Ana was the only baby in the infant room ALL DAY LONG. She must have been spoiled rotten by Miss Roni and Miss Renee,  her "teachers." I heard that she visited each of the big kid classroom including Daniel and Charlie's classes. The Splash day further explains her wardrobe change that day :)

The Text reads:

Hi Mom and Dad,

     After these pictures were taken, they really got me thinking about my future aspirations.  I wanted to propose some ideas I have to you, so I waited a few days to make sure I had my thoughts together and could put them down on “virtual paper”…So here we are!

     They say it’s good to have goals. Some people want to be doctors. Some want to be lawyers or vets. Right now, I just want to be a toddler! Here are some of my preliminary goals:

1)      Find a way to maintain the 1:1 ratio that I had on that day EVERY DAY! I loved not having to contend with anyone else for bouncy seat time or make Exersaucer reservations.

2)      Since I was the only baby, Ms. Renee let me hang with the toddlers and do Splash Day, so I also vote for Splash Day EVERY DAY (at least until temps dip below 84 degrees)

3)      Find a way to convince babies and toddlers alike that rolling your onsie up to create the belly shirt effect should be considered a fashion statement. I’m not saying it’s a “go” for everyone. I mean you have to draw the line on what’s socially acceptable. Spandex and belly shirts are not for everyone, but I mean, I’m cute and make this “half shirt” look good!

Daniel's Party Trick

Oh that smile!
Daniel has been caught on camera again at school. I think Miss Wendy has taken a liking to this little monster.

The text reads:

Hi Mom and Dad,
Recently one of my classmates older sibling’s asked…”So, can YOU recognize all of the letters in the alphabet?” To which I responded…”Huh?”
Then he asked, “Can you recite the months of the year in English AND Spanish?” To which I responded “No hablo Español!”
Before he was able to ask me another question in a feeble attempt to show me up, I said “Look, Dude, you’re 5 and you obviously think you are incredibly intelligent, but there is one thing I can do that you can’t…” I took a sip of my Cheerios and just as I planned, one stuck to my forehead!”
Classmate’s big brother was speechless for a second as he waited for the Cheerio to fall. When it didn’t, he said “Forget 2 + 2 = 4, That was sheer genius! Show me how it’s done!”
For some reason he called me “Yoda” and I don’t know why. I was just pleased that I could show off my party trick and that I schooled a Kindergartener.

Love, Daniel

Young Love

Ana used to be the youngest in the infant room, but not any more! The director's grandson, Owen, just started and he is about a week younger than Ana. Aren't the so cute on the play-mat together?! Owen and Ana will probably move through the Primrose classrooms together just like Charlie, Tessa and Chloe did over at Bearcreek. I wonder who is going to roll over first?

the text reads:

Hi Mom,

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner (like Monday when it happened) but it’s because I know you are going to try to talk me out of it. I’m sorry, but I can’t help it…I’m in love!

I know you’ll say I am too young, but you don’t choose when you fall in love, you just know it when you get there!

I know you think that I should take things slow, but when you hold hands with the one you love, your heart races!

I understand your reservations, but don’t worry! There hasn’t been a proposal YET (because we can’t talk). For now, we’re just enjoying each other’s company (and our shared love of comfy onsie sleepers). If we both have the same goals down the line (ie: sitting up, rolling over etc.) and are going the same direction in the future (ie: the YT room in a year or so), then we’ll see where we are and how serious our relationship is at that time! Right now, we’re just having fun! Isn’t love grand?

Orange Hair

I love the Happy gram emails from Primrose. The one above came while I was working in Richmond. It is so nice to get pictures of your kiddos throughout the day. I can tell he is having a great time!

The text reads:

Good Morning Mom and Dad,

I know that recently Charlie has been fascinated with garbage trucks and dad’s occupation as NOT a garbage truck driver.

Well, I have been fascinated with the idea of having long hair. Not just the length, but the color, too! I mean, how many 1 ½ year old boys (or girls) do you know that have silky, shoulder length orange hair? Talk about a statement! I know it would be a big commitment, with all of upkeep…the brushing, shampooing and conditioning (especially if it’s true that mayo helps your hair look shiny…ewwww!). And yes, I’m sure people might do a double take, but as soon as they see how cool I look head banging & hair flipping to my favorite song or putting it up into the punk spike mohawk, they’ll be heading straight to Sally’s beauty supply for hair extensions.

If I do go for it, The big question will be…Bangs or no bangs?

Love, Daniel

Ana's first day at Primrose (Daycare)

Play time is over for Mommy and Ana! Mom is officially back to work on Monday, January 9th after 6 weeks home with baby Ana. Ana, Daniel, Charlie and Chad piled into the car and went to Primrose this morning. Chad's comment after drop off, "That was crazy!" I can only imagine what it looked like hauling three kids and all of their gear into day care at 7:30 in the morning!

Here is a the most recent "happy gram" from Primrose detailing Ana and Daniel's time at school:

The text reads:
Hi Mom and Dad,

It’s another wonderful day. The sun is shining, and I’ve been enjoying the morning, starting in the bouncy seat (Which is a great place to relax and reflect, by the way). Well, it was a great place until the Primrose paparazzi showed up to take MY picture! Daniel warned me about them! As soon as I heard the door handle turn, I knew they were coming for me. I totally tried to evade them by hiding behind the animals dangling on the bouncy seat. No luck!

When I told Daniel about it, he said that Charlie said that he thinks they take our pictures because we’re cute and that he’s not worried about it because Charlie’s not worried about it & he’s older and wiser, so I shouldn’t worry about it! (Did you catch all that??). Clearly, Daniel isn’t paranoid anymore and gave him the Hooper smile! So, next time they come back, I’ll reiterate how cute we all are!

Love, Ana

I love how the Primrose staff sends these notes out during the day! The other Primrose didn't do it, and I think it is a wonderful communication tool. I'm going to try to post all of them on the blog. It will be neat to go back and read through in the years to come.

New School for the boys

Monday was a BIG day for both the boys and for Mom and Dad! Daniel and Charlie both started at Primrose of Centennial today. It was sad for Daniel to leave all of our great friends and teachers at Primrose of Bear Creek, but with Chad's new job at Willbros, he now commutes to the Tech center instead of all the way to Lakewood. Taking Daniel across town for school was a 3 hour ordeal! We were lucky enough to get Daniel and Ana spots at Primrose Centennial. Charlie had moved to Most Precious Blood for Pre-K back in August, but after 4 months it was obvious he wasn't adjusting well. We contacted the Director and teachers at Primrose Centennial and talked to them about Charlie, Leukemia and some of his "special" needs. They agreed to make room for him in the Pre-K room with Miss Alicia and Miss Paige. So both boys had their first day of school together! Mom and Dad were a bit nervous about the transition. Miss Wendy, the Assistant director must have know this because she sent this cute email in the middle of the day. If the text is too small to read, here is what it says,

"Hi Mom & Dad!

     Charlie asked me to shoot you a quick e-mail since he was in the middle of a math rotation.  He’s learning about spheres, cubes and cones. Personally, the only kind of cone I care about is the ice-cream kind.  Anyway, he did ask me to let you know that he loves “jumping in the snow”.  While his class hasn’t gone outside yet, that is what he said when he was asked what his favorite thing about school was so far.

   My favorite thing so far is my new friend the frog.  He’s not much of a conversationalist and he won’t tell me his name, but he seems nice enough. While Percy has been my long time Primrose BFF, I figured that since I’m at a new school, it’s time to make some new friends and expand my social network. Which is also why I am going to start my own Facebook page.  Since no one’s caught on that I’m on the computer (you’d think it’d be obvious with me sitting at the front & even answering the phone…once), I might as well! I might even check out stocks on E-Trade or see if there’s any good frog collections on eBay.

Love, Daniel"