Horton Hears A Who

Sunday morning, drizzly, quiet house, sick daughter. You woke up sad and in pain from various things (teeth, swollen runny nose, crusty poop-butt) and it took a long hot shower with your dad to make you feel better. Then you ate five cherry tomatoes for breakfast and sat and watched Horton Hears a Who, for like the 27th time in two weeks. (concerned anti-TV people- not to worry- she only watches snippets at a time).

The major theme in your life continues to be: balls. Cherry tomatoes- you saw the tantalizing round and yellow balls in the fridge and said "ball? ball!" excitedly. We haven't had cherry tomatoes since last summer, when they were a central feature of your little baby life. And whenever you want to watch your only favorite movie (Horton), you ask for it by pointing at the TV screen and saying "Ball? Ball?" This is because the movie starts with a big weed seed ball that knocks into a sunflower and bounces a tiny little ball (the speck of dust) into the air, to float over a tantalizing jungle. It was like, made for you. Plus, as a bonus, there is a big silly elephant and a pink flower. I really don't know why this one particular movie has so captured you, but you are fiercely loyal to it alone and to no other cinematic experience.

So this morning: at first, you were happy sitting on your green stool at your usual station, but then you got a little sad and so we finished watching it together, with you sitting on my lap with my hands clasped around you like a seat buckle. You insisted that the arms stayed tightly wrapped around you. It was so cute. Then we nursed by the fire and you got really sleepy and I put you to bed in your crib, tangled amongst your softest stuffed animals, and you sighed happily. 10am: a full two hours before your usual nap. You must really not be feeling well. As I was shutting the door you looked up at me and gave me the happiest grin, lifting your face to the ceiling because that is the joke.... you look up at the ceiling and we tickle your neck under your big moon face. Then you collapsed onto the bed and were out. And I am going to go paint. I love you, sweetie
-Mom