Saturday, March 30, 2013

The Day Frog Turtle Came to Live With Hope

Hope likes to check out things on the computer with me. One of her favorite stops is Michelle's blog ...Rambling Woods

Hope is thoroughly convinced that Michelle is a "zoologist"; a profession Hope learned about at the science center. In many ways Hope's right. Michelle is a champion for nature and one of the most informed people I've ever known.

Both Michelle and Hope love frogs and so, when Michelle told me she was sending Hope a little toy critter, I assumed it was a frog. It was a turtle. Not to worry. As Hope opened the package she exclaimed "it's a turtle, a turtle, I love turtles!!. They have their own homes you know."


Turtle joined Hope in preparing morning tea.


One must always freshen up after tea.


I will admit that not every moment is magical. I am trying to teach Hope that she needs to do things that interest other people; not everyone is into pink and princesses and tea parties. Sometimes these moments get a wee bit dramatic.

There's cajoling and there's tot rage.


It never lasts long (especially when a new turtle is involved) and Hope soon remembers that she likes lots of things.

Like football. She loves football. One of her first words was "touchdown".

We decided to test turtle's athletic ability.


Typical Jet, he couldn't get down field. Hope decided to pull a Belichick and cheat. She'd airlift turtle into the end zone.


After that there was no end to where turtle could go and what he could do.



And so 'Frog Turtle' is settled into his new family. Comfy and cozy and loved. 


I'm sure you've noticed that turtle wears the pink ribbons of breast cancer awareness and that Hope is wearing a pink 'Girls Fight Hard' bracelet. Michelle sent these things because Hope and Nana are on her team. The team that supports her and cheers her along as she becomes a breast cancer survivor.

I wanted to fix my hair and put on some make-up so we could take a photo together to send Michelle. 
"You look fine Nana"
"I look tired and messy"
"You look fine Nana. You said I didn't need lipstick. So you don't need it too."
Ah, my words used against me.

At the last moment, as I tried to get us into the frame and balance the camera, Hope put her "spring glasses" on me.

"Wear sunglasses Nana, that's what models do when they don't want people to see them"


One last thing. I didn't feel Hope was old enough for a discussion about cancer but I did realize that she understood that the ribbons and bracelet stood for something and she does know that sometimes people get very sick. I told her that Michelle had some problems the way I had problems with my back and my muscles.

"So Michelle has back problems too?"
"No, Michelle has some trouble with her breasts"
"You mean boobies" Hope says smiling. I say yes, fine, we'll call them boobies.
"Tell Michelle it's OK, boobies are pretty silly anyway"

And on we go ...

18 comments:

jaycoles@gmail.com said...

Ha! I love it! "Boobies are funnie" - I also mind "tot rage" to be my favorite picture. Hugs to Hope and you and to Frogturtle..And isn't it wonderful that Spring is arriving. My grass has a green tint to it.

Ron said...

Dianne, I love every single thing about this post - your words, photos, and your final paragraph!

The photos of Hope putting on gloss and "tot rage" were priceless!

The one of you and Hope, FLAWLESS!!! Love the glasses!

I popped over to read your post on Michelle's blog. So happy to read that her surgery went well and the the node was clear!

(((((( Michelle )))))

X to you and Hope!

ellen abbott said...

so wise is your Hope.

Sylvia K said...

What a fun post for the day, Dianne! A great way to start my day! And, yes indeed, Miss Hope is a wise young lady!! Have a great weekend!

Jackie said...

What a lovely read - Hope is very wise (the pink thing will be a phase... hopefully!).

Gentle hugs to Michelle for continued recovery too ((())).

Hilary said...

I think Hope is the most brilliant grandchild on the face of the earth. At least until my kids are ready to have some. ;) I hope your blog friend does well. Best thoughts for her.

Daryl said...

she is a wise young woman, hope is

Mike said...

That was a long post to get to the 'boobies are silly' punch line. :)

LL Cool Joe said...

I love the way she says you look fine. Kids just love us whatever we look like don't they? Their love is unconditional. Hope is a delight.

Kay L. Davies said...

Isn't Hope lucky to have a friend send her a Frog Turtle? And isn't Michelle lucky to have Hope on her team?
A very fun post today, Nana. Thanks!
K

OldLady Of The Hills said...

LOVE this post! 'boobies are pretty silly'...! Out of the mouths of babes---Indeed they are....!

LOVE Hope's new Turtle---So very cute, just like the adorable Hope, herself!

GREAT pictures, my dear....And I LOVE that one of the two of you---It Is Perfect!!!

Hoping Michelle continues to Heal Beautifully!

DJan said...

I am jealous that so many OTHER people recognize that Hope is incredibly precocious and savvy. No, not really. I am glad that Hope is seen as being a true Diva in the very best sense. Ah, those discussions about things we know and are not sure we want to impart to our loved ones...

Reena said...

Such fun! She's such a sweetie!

Linda Reeder said...

Dianne, this is such a wonderful post! I know Michelle will love it too!
About the princess phase, just enjoy it for now. It will be gone soon enough. Irene has informed me that she is thoroughly done with princess stuff, and fancy dresses. She is now into accessorizing her blue jeans. And so it goes.

HermanTurnip said...

Hey, nothing wrong with pink turtles! Real turtles aren't as cuddly and cute as the stuffed versions. :-)

Akelamalu said...

I love reading about Hope, she's such a beautiful little girl :)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Just...so many smiles! You and Hope are both wonderful. She's not just a princess, she's a philosopher! (She's right, they ARE pretty silly!) . I love the way you are teaching her.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hope is getting so big and is such a beauty! Being a pink princess doesn't seem like a bad occupation for a tot --love the turtle and story about Michelle! I must check out her blog.