Ana's Binkie Ceremony

Recently, we decided that it was time that Ana become a big girl and give up her binkies.  We knew this was going to be hard for her, so Mom looked up some good ideas for the task.  The best idea we saw was to take all the binkies to Build-A-Bear and imbed them in a stuffed animal of Ana's choosing.  That way she will always have them close, but she can't use them.

This Saturday we rounded up all the binkies and set out for Ana's big day.  The day got a rough start as we drove all over town trying to find the store location.  Eventually, we arrived at the right place and Ana quickly picked out a Hello Kitty doll.  In true Hooper woman fashion, she changed her mind and finally decided on a pink pony named Pinkie Pie.  We thought this was suitable as we renamed her, Binkie Pie.

Ana was a very brave girl throughout the process as she placed binkie after binkie into the pony.  She was a little hesitant, but she never cried.  At the end, she was very excited to have her new doll.  We knew that the hardest part was yet to come at nap time and bedtime.  Sure enough, nap time was a bit of a challenge, but dad had a good plan for bedtime.  Ana got a "spend the night party" with both Daniel and Charlie Saturday night.  The boys were very good big brothers to keep her company and support her as she fell asleep Binkie Pie in hand.  It was a very successful evening until Daniel got sick and threw up every where, but that's another story . . .

Ana's Binkie Ceremony

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

Remission Day 2014

April 29th is the day we celebrate as a family. In 2010, just 3 short weeks after we found cancer in Charlie's blood, the intensive Chemotherapy had reduced the cancer to 0%! 

This is his REMISSION DAY! Happy Anniversary Buddy! We love you!

Easter with the Secker's

We decided to get up REALLY early and go to the 7:30 am Mass for Easter this year. Nana went with us and helped with the crew. Our church closes the nursery on special days so the caregivers can spend time with their families. Early Mass was totally the way to go! We were able to sit in our normal seats, with a few hundred extra new friends, and we had plenty of time for baskets and our egg hunt before heading down to spend time with the Seckers.

Easter 2014 in CS

WE spent most of the afternoon and evening in the Springs. Laure cooked a nice ham dinner and the Easter bunny hid 100's of eggs in the front yard for the bigger kids to hunt. Too bad I couldn't keep the kids in their nice clothes for some of these pictures.....Sam and Evelyn look good in their finery.

Easter 2014

Easter 2014

A few pictures of the bunny hunt and candy aftermath!