The evolution of art

Henry has always enjoyed coloring and painting and his designs have often been quite abstract. Very recently his art is beginning to take on shapes and through no prompting from us he has decided that faces need eyes and monsters need heads. So without further ado I present his latest works:

Swimming

I realized it has been awhile since my last swimming update. Henry loves the water and has absolutely no fear. He just switched from his class called "Little 1" up to "Little 2" and he's moved from singing songs and using floaties to actually swimming! He can now back float on a noodle on his own for the length of his teacher singing the ABCs and can swim forward with his face in the water. It is so exciting to watch him progress from week to week. We're so proud of him!
Here is his back float:

Swimming forward with "scoops" and kicks:

Showing off his "power pack:"

Happy Birthday Lil Man!

To Henry on his birthday,

You are strong and you are brave. You know you who are and what you want to do.

You are fast. So fast that there I times your pregnant mama can’t even catch you!

You are sensitive and caring. You notice when mom, dad, grandma or anyone that is important to you is feeling down and reassure them that it will be OK.

You are funny. Your timing is impeccable even though you rarely realize it. Your laugh is infectious and can cheer anyone up in seconds.

You are creative. Your imagination runs wild while you play. I hope you never stop telling us your stories that never end.

You are smart. You remember, repeat and understand nearly everything. You can count and you know your ABCs but it’s more than that. You know the way home from Monica’s and you know if someone takes you the “wrong” way. To you “yesterday” and “last year” are interchangeable and I love that about you. You ask really interesting questions and challenge us to find the answer. You teach us at least as many things as we teach you.

You are curious. You always want to learn more about absolutely everything. You ask why the clock can tell us what time it is and how planes get into the sky. You ask where you were at my and dada’s wedding (complete with follow up questions accusing us of leaving you home alone that day). You’re always thinking.

You share your toys and appreciate your friends and family. You say thank you without being prompted because you’re truly grateful.

You are three and everything that comes with it. I know you’ll be the best big brother anyone could ever ask for and you’ll teach your little brother or sister everything you know. When you asked me what your new little brother or sister would be like I said I didn’t know but that I was sure they would be awesome just like you. We’re all extremely lucky to have you in our lives and await each new day and each new stage with excitement.

Overheard

Henry (looking at Bill's bowl of cereal): "Dada I want some cereal too"
Bill: "You already have a waffle, why don't you just share some of mine?"
Henry: "No, I want my own bowl"
Me (from the other room but on my way out the door): "I'll get him some"
Bill: "No, I'll do it, you go ahead"
Henry: "No dada!! I want mama to get it"
Bill: "Why? I'll get it"
Henry: "Because mama is the bestest mama I've ever seen."
Bill: "What am I, chopped liver?"
Henry: "Yes"

Everything in it's place

So last night Henry and I were playing with his GI Joes (handed down from his dada) and were digging through the container picking out accessories etc when he came across a non-GI Joe in the box.

He held it up to me and asked: "Mama, what is this guy doing in the GI Joe bucket?"
I replied: "I don't know, someone must have been confused and put it in the wrong spot. Why don't you put it in the people bucket" (where he stores all non GI Joe people)
Henry: "OK!" (walks over and puts it away)

When he returned he said to me: "What do you say?"
Me (slightly confused): "Thank you?"
Henry (nodding): "You're welcome"

He is generally a very grateful kid and often says please and thank you without being prompted at all but apparently he's familiar with the proper way to get a thank you out of someone should the need arise.

Fun in the sun!

Over the weekend Henry, Bill, Grandma Deb, Grandpa Jack and I all went to the waterpark. Henry LOVED it all. Here is a video of him on the big slide and a few pics.

Waterslide! from Marci Mogg on Vimeo.

Our tiger

Henry got his face painted at Como Town over the 4th of July weekend - it's too cute not to share!