Brotherly Love

For the most part they get along. Chad snapped this picture above over the weekend during playtime in the back yard. What the picture shows is a loving Charlie hugging his baby brother. In actuality they were fighting over turns on the baby slide. But they are starting to play together more and more which is FANTASTIC! I cannot wait until the time when they will run off and entertain each other. Wait... then I have to worry about them trying to kill each other with outlandish boy pranks like jumping off the top of the play set or pole vaulting over the split rail fence... Maybe they can stay little and autonomous awhile longer.

Ana Two Months

Nana and Mommy took Ana to JC Penny's for her first "monthly" pictures. Hopefully I can keep up with the tradition a bit better than I did with Daniel. I've placed low-res images in picassa and we ordered a few for her baby book. Honestly Chad takes better candid pictures. I will put together and album of some really good ones a bit later.

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.

Mr. Jimmy

It's a rare treat when our old friend Mr. Jimmy (Stocks) comes to visit. He is a busy 1st year resident in Houston. He works 90+ hours a week and will soon be a successful Urologist, but in his down time he plays Dominoes with our 4 year old! Hopefully on his next trip he can bring his girlfriend and pick a time when the snow is better. I told Mr. Jimmy that he can't stay away as long as last time. We managed to have TWO babies since his last visit! I never worry about the kids driving him nuts.. .he is the oldest of 7, three little ones is noting compared to how he grew up. Come back soon Jimbo!

Winter Baby

Not much for a 5 week old to do in the high country except get bundled up, strapped to Daddy's chest and walk around. Ana snoozed her way around the Village and kept Chad warm.