Subject: What's Christmas
From: Nathan
To: Banner
Hi Banner,
I am sorry if I'm being a bad friend by not writing more frequently. It's been a busy week at my house ever since Thanksgiving. And, as far as I can tell, Thanksgiving is just like a birthday party only without the wrapping paper. I don't know where all of these people come from, but I have to figure out how to get my parents to stop taking me places where I get passed around like a hot potato. I was so worn out by the end of the day that I couldn't sleep. They seemed to understand that I wasn't happy and we went back home early, which did mean another ride in the car seat, but I was so exhausted that I slept through most of it.
But, anyway, when we got home, my dad was all excited about putting up something called a Christmas tree. The next day, I saw him carrying around this big green thing and he set it up in front of the window. I am not sure how much my dog liked having his window for squirrel watching taken away. But, the interesting thing is that then my dad got out this big ball of glowing lights and he and my mom put these lights all around the tree. Wow, glowing lights are pretty. I think that I could stare at them for hours. Then, they put lights on the outside of our house, too. I didn't really see much point in that because we never go outside. But, then, we took my dog for a walk one evening and a whole bunch of houses in my neighborhood put lights outside their houses, too. I still don't know why people do it, but I do like looking at the lights when we walk the dog. My mom and dad let me spend a lot of time looking at every house, but I don't understand why they ignore the coolest (and brightest) lights on the cars as they drive by. I mean, if we're looking at lights why wouldn't the moving ones be interesting?
Also, my Mom is acting funny these days. She is trying to feed me milk with a spoon. At first I thought that all of my bottles must be hiding from her, because she just kept doing it, so I finally gave in and ate a little. It seems like a very inefficient way to feed a hungry baby, though. But, then, she must have messed up because all of a sudden there were these little flakes in the milk. Seriously, couldn't she see that something was wrong with it? I draw the line at eating bad milk, so I have to keep turning my head when she brings that spoon to my mouth. Dad keeps telling me its something called cereal and I'll love it, but I do not believe him. I have seen his cereal in the morning, and it turns his milk into chocolate milk. The milk in my cereal is DEFINITELY not chocolate. And, it's not like Mom and Dad are helping themselves to any of this "cereal," so there's no way I'm touching the stuff.
A funny thing happened to me at daycare last week, too. I was laying on the mats trying to suck on my toes (every now and then I get them, so yummy!) and for some reason I found myself on my tummy. I don't know how I did it! But, there I was, laying on my tummy. Then, this weekend, my mom laid me down on her bed, and I heard my dad talking, so I turned to look for him, and all of a sudden I was on my tummy again. You should have seen their reaction. They were jumping all over the place like monkeys. It was so funny! Who knew parents could be so entertaining?
Well, I hope you had a good Thanksgiving, too, and let me know if you find out anything more about this Christmas event.
Nathan
Date: Dec 7, 2012, at 3:29 PM
Subject: Re: What's Christmas
From: Banner
To: Nathan
Hi, Nathan –
No worries about not writing. It’s “the holidays”. Not entirely sure what that means, but mom has been saying it a lot like it is an excuse for everything. Don’t know what it is exactly, but she’s been more stressed than usual lately and in a bad humor. Maybe the holidays are like germs? She stresses about those a lot, too, and you get them from other people just like these “presents” she keeps talking about. Only difference is that she also seems to be arming herself with something called “gifts” to give to these other people when they give her “presents”. It all sounds very scary if you ask me.
I also have to go and have my picture made with some dude named “Santa” on Sunday. Not sure who he is, but it seems like everyone has to go see him this time of year. He is so busy I even needed an appointment. My grandpa made it for me. Mom says that in the future I’ll also have to make a list to give this Santa guy. I have no idea what I’ll have to put on this list, but something about it will make Santa decide if I am good or bad. I am already worried about it because EVEN IF Santa decides you are good, he STILL breaks into your house and drinks all of your milk and eats all of your cookies. Mom hasn’t mentioned what happens if you are bad, but I heard something horrible on TV the other day about some poor kid named Rudolf. Santa made his nose all red and forces him pull his car around everywhere in something cold called “snow”. Even worse – Santa’s car doesn’t have any wheels. Can you imagine? It doesn’t sound like you want to get on Santa’s bad side. Plus, he has an army of little people called “elves”. I overheard Caroline’s brother at day care talking about how one of these elves sits on a shelf in his room and makes sure he doesn’t do anything bad. I’ve looked all over my room and so far no elf, but the whole thing has me very worried about what I will do if one shows up.
Dad really wanted to get one of those Christmas tree thingys for our house, but mom said that were a “death trap” with me almost walking this year. So instead mom got something else called a “rosemary bush” and told dad that we could pretend it was a tree and put it on the dining room table. It is still outside, though, so I don’t know what is going on. The bush definitely doesn’t have any pretty lights on it, although my dad did put some of those on our house next to our front door. I can’t see them when I am inside, though, so just like you I really don’t get the point.
I hope Christmas is like Thanksgiving, because all I did on Thanksgiving was eat. Mom and Dad let me try all these new things, and everything was so yummy. I loved it. And then I took a nap and woke up at the ranch. I don’t know where the ranch is, but there were all these awesome trucks for me to play with that used to be my Uncle William’s. And it was Thanksgiving there, too, so I got to eat some more. It was great! But then I took another nap and woke back up in Dallas. I thought if I took another nap, I’d wake up somewhere else cool for more Thanksgiving but so far nothing. I hope it is Thanksgiving again soon. Mom had been saying it was her favorite, and now I know why!
In other news, I found out the other day that I am supposed to transition to the toddler room at school sometime soon. I was kind of excited at first because I am going with my BFF, Brox, but then my mom started to cry. She said I was “growing up” and “wasn’t her baby” anymore. Then I overheard one of my teachers say that I can’t have my bottles once I move to the new class. Just sippy cups. I was kind of okay with this, too, because I’m really good at drinking out of my sippy cup. But this news only made mom cry more. I don’t know what to do because I want to move to the toddler room so I can still play with Brox, but I also want to keep being my mommy’s baby. What should I do?
Ban-Ban
Subject: Re: What's Christmas
From: Nathan
To: Banner
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2012 18:33:21 -0600
Hi Banner,
I think its awesome that you can take a nap and wake up some place fun. Some times I fall asleep in my carseat and wake up at daycare. But I've never found myself at a ranch. Maybe I should try sleeping in the car more often.
I have heard about this Santa guy before. Dad said he comes on Christmas Eve and brings lots of presents and even fills something called a stocking. I hadn't heard about Rudolph or elves, though. But now I really hope I'm not bad.
I am sorry that your mom is sad about losing her baby. I think my mom is sad at times to see me growing, too. Although Dad said that is what I am supposed to do because babies grow. I don't think you have to stop being her Banner, an that should make her happy. Also, whenever my mom is sad, my dad gives her a hug. Maybe you can try giving your mom one of those.
Nathan
Date: Mon, Dec 17, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Subject: Re: What's Christmas
From: Banner
Yo, Nathan -
A big, happy HELLO from the Toddler Room! Technically, it was only my first day and I only got to stay for an hour and a half, but it was FABULOUS. They have stuff to climb in there! I'm so excited to go back tomorrow for day two!
The only thing is that everyone in there has that whole walking thing down. I need to catch up. On Saturday I snuggled with mom all morning, gave her lots of hugs and tried to let her know I would always be her baby. But then she left for brunch with her friend and it was time to get down to business. Within ten minutes of mom leaving, I took my first three unassisted steps! Only problem is that dad was supposed to keep it a secret so mom wouldn't get all sad again. But wouldn't you know that he texted her right away! Sheesh. I'm not going to take anymore steps for awhile. It causes too much excitement.
I also met that Santa dude and his wife last weekend. I wore my plaid pants and bow tie. He was pretty cool considering I projectile vomited all over the Santa Claus Holding Room moments before being introduced to him. I wish I could say it was nerves, but honestly it had more to do with eating too many ginger snaps before playing the one, two, three, SWING! game with daddy and Uncle Adam.
In other news, I overheard my mommy talking about my first birthday cake. I've never had cake, but I overheard some of the other kids in my class talking about how awesome it is. Mom says she is looking forward to taking lots of pictures of me with it on my head and face. I don't understand what she is talking about since you are clearly supposed to EAT the cake, not wear it. Parents are so weird.
How's the rolling over and solid food experimentation going? My favorite are peas. Well, that is, until I got to try something called "chopped steak". Dad says mommy doesn't eat steak but it is okay because that means there is more for us.
Hope all is well!
Peace out,
Ban
Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:41:00 -0600
Subject: Re: What's Christmas
From: Nathan
To: Banner
Ho, ho, ho Banner,
Wow, congratulations on making it to the toddler room! You make it sound like fun! I hope that the toddler room at my daycare is that neat. I'm impressed that you managed to figure out how to take a few steps, too. Good idea to practice while your mom was out, that way when you get ready to walk for her you will be perfect at it. After hearing that your dad couldn't keep your walking a secret, I am starting to wonder if all dads have this trouble. My dad is the same way, and I have been told that my grandpa is a blabbermouth, too.
What was Santa like? I have been a litle afraid meeting him because I didn't want to mess up around him and be "naughty." I don't want to have to pull his sleigh or become an elf and make toys forever. But, if he wasn't too scary, maybe I'll ask my mom and dad if I can see him, too.
I've been having a rough couple of weeks. First my ears started hurting again, and then I had to drink that sitcky stuff mom and dad called medicine for days. Then, as soon as I was done with that, every one in my room at daycare got sick. Mom said it's because they were moving us all over to the other baby room in the evenings and we all caught germs. But, after trying for months to get sick, I finally got it right so that I could stay home from school. Staying home sick is a lot more fun than being at home with mom and dad on weekends because they held me the whole time.
I got some really bad news when I went to the doctor, though. She said that my teeth are close to coming in. Getting teeth has been awful, worse than getting shots! My gums hurt too much to eat, so I'm hungry a lot. And, because my gums hurt so bad, I can't sleep well, either. I've tried to chew on things, but it doesn't help much. How long does this go on, Banner?
My mom gave up on feeding me cereal, but she made my dad be in charge of it so I realized I couldn't get out of it. It's lots of fun to eat cereal with dad. He tells me jokes and keeps me laughing all of the time. My mom said I'm ready for something called vegetables now and I'm going to get to start eating it at daycare after Christmas, too. I just hope that I get to start sitting at the big table with my mom and dad soon. I like my bouncy chair, but it's not fun to be on the floor with my dog when they are sitting up high.
Oh, and when my mom dropped me off at daycare, my teacher told her that I'd be army crawling by Christmas. She thinks that its a hint that I'm already doing it at daycare, but they're not supposed to tell parents when we do new things for the first time. She asked me about it, but I'm not saying anything!
From what I hear, Christmas is close, so if I don't get a chance to write you before then, I hope you have a fun Christmas. Oh, and I can't wait to hear all about your birthday cake!
Ho, ho, ho,
Nathan
From: Banner
To: Nathan
Subject: RE: What's Christmas
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:16:38 -0600
Hi'a, Nathan -
I hope you had an awesome Christmas! Santa came, but it wasn't creepy at all. I didn't even see him, but he left me a really cool fire truck in the study under the Merry Christmas bench. And, better yet, I saw absolutely no interruption in my milk or teething biscuit supply. If he did go through the fridge, he chose the right night to do so. Mom and Dad had a Christmas Eve party at our house, and the fridge was jammed with all sorts of goodies. That Santa guy could have gone to town and I doubt they would have been any wiser. I just hope he shared with that poor kid, Rudolf.
Sorry to hear about your ears. I can totally relate. Remember last time mom was about to go on a two week vacation back in August, and I faked being sick on her last day at the office? Well, I did it again. Except this time I really didn't feel well at all. Turns out I had something called a "double ear infection". I also had to take more of that crummy tasting medicine stuff. The good news was that I got to spend some extra time with my Auntie Amy and Uncle Adam over at their house. They always spoil me rotten, and have a dog named "Teddy" that is just my size. I just wish he didn't lick me all the time with his weird underbite. Auntie Amy told my mom that I had my first french kiss. I don't know what that is, but I got the distinct impression that it wasn't supposed to be with a yorkie-poo.
As for that teething thing: Bad news, dude. I think it happens forever. Just when one place starts to feel better another one swells up. Mom and Dad have, like, a bazillion teeth. I'm not sure it ever stops. The only good news about teeth is that they make chewing things a whole lot easier. Gumming everything to death is just so tedious. Especially when you are really hungry.
Oh, and mom made Happy New Year's cards. I didn't have your address, though, so I just scanned one in and I am attaching it above. Apparently, we are about to start a new year. Don't know what is wrong with the old one, but mom says it has absolutely nothing to do with my birthday. Birthdays = cake. New Year's = black eyed peas. Figure that one out.
Anyway, Happy New Year!
Banner
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2012 18:33:21 -0600
Hi Banner,
I think its awesome that you can take a nap and wake up some place fun. Some times I fall asleep in my carseat and wake up at daycare. But I've never found myself at a ranch. Maybe I should try sleeping in the car more often.
I have heard about this Santa guy before. Dad said he comes on Christmas Eve and brings lots of presents and even fills something called a stocking. I hadn't heard about Rudolph or elves, though. But now I really hope I'm not bad.
I am sorry that your mom is sad about losing her baby. I think my mom is sad at times to see me growing, too. Although Dad said that is what I am supposed to do because babies grow. I don't think you have to stop being her Banner, an that should make her happy. Also, whenever my mom is sad, my dad gives her a hug. Maybe you can try giving your mom one of those.
Nathan
Date: Mon, Dec 17, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Subject: Re: What's Christmas
From: Banner
To: Nathan
Yo, Nathan -
A big, happy HELLO from the Toddler Room! Technically, it was only my first day and I only got to stay for an hour and a half, but it was FABULOUS. They have stuff to climb in there! I'm so excited to go back tomorrow for day two!
The only thing is that everyone in there has that whole walking thing down. I need to catch up. On Saturday I snuggled with mom all morning, gave her lots of hugs and tried to let her know I would always be her baby. But then she left for brunch with her friend and it was time to get down to business. Within ten minutes of mom leaving, I took my first three unassisted steps! Only problem is that dad was supposed to keep it a secret so mom wouldn't get all sad again. But wouldn't you know that he texted her right away! Sheesh. I'm not going to take anymore steps for awhile. It causes too much excitement.
I also met that Santa dude and his wife last weekend. I wore my plaid pants and bow tie. He was pretty cool considering I projectile vomited all over the Santa Claus Holding Room moments before being introduced to him. I wish I could say it was nerves, but honestly it had more to do with eating too many ginger snaps before playing the one, two, three, SWING! game with daddy and Uncle Adam.
In other news, I overheard my mommy talking about my first birthday cake. I've never had cake, but I overheard some of the other kids in my class talking about how awesome it is. Mom says she is looking forward to taking lots of pictures of me with it on my head and face. I don't understand what she is talking about since you are clearly supposed to EAT the cake, not wear it. Parents are so weird.
How's the rolling over and solid food experimentation going? My favorite are peas. Well, that is, until I got to try something called "chopped steak". Dad says mommy doesn't eat steak but it is okay because that means there is more for us.
Hope all is well!
Peace out,
Ban
Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:41:00 -0600
Subject: Re: What's Christmas
From: Nathan
To: Banner
Ho, ho, ho Banner,
Wow, congratulations on making it to the toddler room! You make it sound like fun! I hope that the toddler room at my daycare is that neat. I'm impressed that you managed to figure out how to take a few steps, too. Good idea to practice while your mom was out, that way when you get ready to walk for her you will be perfect at it. After hearing that your dad couldn't keep your walking a secret, I am starting to wonder if all dads have this trouble. My dad is the same way, and I have been told that my grandpa is a blabbermouth, too.
What was Santa like? I have been a litle afraid meeting him because I didn't want to mess up around him and be "naughty." I don't want to have to pull his sleigh or become an elf and make toys forever. But, if he wasn't too scary, maybe I'll ask my mom and dad if I can see him, too.
I've been having a rough couple of weeks. First my ears started hurting again, and then I had to drink that sitcky stuff mom and dad called medicine for days. Then, as soon as I was done with that, every one in my room at daycare got sick. Mom said it's because they were moving us all over to the other baby room in the evenings and we all caught germs. But, after trying for months to get sick, I finally got it right so that I could stay home from school. Staying home sick is a lot more fun than being at home with mom and dad on weekends because they held me the whole time.
I got some really bad news when I went to the doctor, though. She said that my teeth are close to coming in. Getting teeth has been awful, worse than getting shots! My gums hurt too much to eat, so I'm hungry a lot. And, because my gums hurt so bad, I can't sleep well, either. I've tried to chew on things, but it doesn't help much. How long does this go on, Banner?
My mom gave up on feeding me cereal, but she made my dad be in charge of it so I realized I couldn't get out of it. It's lots of fun to eat cereal with dad. He tells me jokes and keeps me laughing all of the time. My mom said I'm ready for something called vegetables now and I'm going to get to start eating it at daycare after Christmas, too. I just hope that I get to start sitting at the big table with my mom and dad soon. I like my bouncy chair, but it's not fun to be on the floor with my dog when they are sitting up high.
Oh, and when my mom dropped me off at daycare, my teacher told her that I'd be army crawling by Christmas. She thinks that its a hint that I'm already doing it at daycare, but they're not supposed to tell parents when we do new things for the first time. She asked me about it, but I'm not saying anything!
From what I hear, Christmas is close, so if I don't get a chance to write you before then, I hope you have a fun Christmas. Oh, and I can't wait to hear all about your birthday cake!
Ho, ho, ho,
Nathan
From: Banner
To: Nathan
Subject: RE: What's Christmas
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:16:38 -0600
Hi'a, Nathan -
I hope you had an awesome Christmas! Santa came, but it wasn't creepy at all. I didn't even see him, but he left me a really cool fire truck in the study under the Merry Christmas bench. And, better yet, I saw absolutely no interruption in my milk or teething biscuit supply. If he did go through the fridge, he chose the right night to do so. Mom and Dad had a Christmas Eve party at our house, and the fridge was jammed with all sorts of goodies. That Santa guy could have gone to town and I doubt they would have been any wiser. I just hope he shared with that poor kid, Rudolf.
Sorry to hear about your ears. I can totally relate. Remember last time mom was about to go on a two week vacation back in August, and I faked being sick on her last day at the office? Well, I did it again. Except this time I really didn't feel well at all. Turns out I had something called a "double ear infection". I also had to take more of that crummy tasting medicine stuff. The good news was that I got to spend some extra time with my Auntie Amy and Uncle Adam over at their house. They always spoil me rotten, and have a dog named "Teddy" that is just my size. I just wish he didn't lick me all the time with his weird underbite. Auntie Amy told my mom that I had my first french kiss. I don't know what that is, but I got the distinct impression that it wasn't supposed to be with a yorkie-poo.
As for that teething thing: Bad news, dude. I think it happens forever. Just when one place starts to feel better another one swells up. Mom and Dad have, like, a bazillion teeth. I'm not sure it ever stops. The only good news about teeth is that they make chewing things a whole lot easier. Gumming everything to death is just so tedious. Especially when you are really hungry.
Oh, and mom made Happy New Year's cards. I didn't have your address, though, so I just scanned one in and I am attaching it above. Apparently, we are about to start a new year. Don't know what is wrong with the old one, but mom says it has absolutely nothing to do with my birthday. Birthdays = cake. New Year's = black eyed peas. Figure that one out.
Anyway, Happy New Year!
Banner
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