CHILD LABOR

What to do with a broken rake?  Save it for your first-born child to rake leaves. We knew it would come in handy one day.  That and it was too big to fit in the garbage can.   It's never too early to instill a good work ethic, right? 

And if you notice, your father somehow strong-armed you into wearing jeans.  This is of course the same weekend I finally broke down and resorted to buying leggings in 100  different colors in preparation for a cold winter due to your stubborn insistence that you wouldn't wear jeans because princesses, fairies, ballerinas and mermaids don't wear jeans.  But they do wear leggings.  Who knew?

THE LIBRARY

Today was a momentous day in the Hansen household.  At the age of three, you became the proud owner of your very own library card.  Not that you don't have enough books, thanks to your Grandma Kathy.  A woman can never have too many shoes or purses, and a kid can never have too many books. 

Your official signature...

Or at least what I thought was your official signature, when I asked you to sign your name one the card.  You then informed me you were drawing mountains. 

SOCIAL CALENDAR

Over the years your dad and I have received compliments from people who are on the fence about taking the plunge into parenthood.  Uncertainties arise about kids affecting their freedom, social calendar, or life in general.  But then they see us taking you to events that one wouldn't necessarily see a kid at, or at hours most kids are sound asleep, and it gives them hope.  Or at least their social life?  Maybe.  If Mike and Lisa can do it with their kid?  Why couldn't they?

But then again I sometimes wonder that in saving our social life, what affects that will have on you later in life.  Case and point?  The punch bowl at Laurin and Aubrey's annual Halloween party...

Yes, your dad had something to do with it.  He helped design it.  I'm hoping this doesn't come back to bite me in the pocketbook for counseling down the road. 

BREAD & BUTTER

Did you want some bread with that butter, AJ?  This is what happens when we try to encourage independence.