He also included a storybook. I finally took him to the stables - a local farm actually. He thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought he would be frightened of the animals, but as soon as I set him down, he was attempting to capture the loose chickens. He's drawn you all the animals we saw and refused my help with the drawing. His exact words: "Henny do it." I fear for my sanity during his teenage years.
Despite your detailed instructions, I did not attempt to change my car's tire. Yes, yes, you can say I didn't try, but who owns a car jack? No, I would much rather leave that to the professionals.
I did, however, end up converting the spare bedroom into a playroom for Henry. You're right. There is something therapeutic about painting. You'll be happy to note that I did indeed wind up with paint on my hands and face, though. I'm not as perfect as you assume. How that paint landed on me when I was careful and precise I'll never know.
I hope you enjoy your birthday, Emma.
Regina
December 26 2002
Hi Regina,
I was going through our old letters, and did you realize my handwriting got progressively better? The plus side of snail mail, huh?
Thank you, again, for the package. It means a lot to me that you've sent something two Christmases in a row. That's crazy, isn't it? We've been at this for a year. It's nice.
We had a pretty good feast here. August and Neal started up this giant Christmas carol sing along in mess hall, and we all got to relax for the day. It was back to training today though, and I'm really regretting that second helping of stuffing.
Speaking of food, I have to try this famous lasagna and apple turnover I keep hearing about. You cannot mention it multiple times in letters and expect me not to want it. I'm even at the point where I will accept it through mail.
That gala sounds like a good time. Look at Storybrooke's finest celebrating the holidays together. I don't know how you do that all day long - mix and mingle. That's clearly the reason why you're the mayor and I am not.
Thanks again, Regina. And have a safe holidays.
Emma
January 19 2003
Emma,
I've discovered why Henry was feeling ill. We've caught the chicken pox, and yes, I mean we. I never had it as a child; my mother was strict and preferred me in her care rather than daycare, and now I see why. The doctors assure me it is not shingles, and judging from my Internet search of those symptoms I'm praying to god that it's not. Even now I'm writing with my gloves on because if Henry isn't allowed to scratch then neither am I. He caught me one day. If you haven't been scolded by a 21-month old then I advise you to keep it that way.
How are you, Emma? You sounded despondent in your last letter. I know you'll be deployed soon, but you are a very good soldier. Remember your shooting scores ranked the highest, and you've been training during your downtime. You are ready for this. And you will come home. I know you will.
I'm proud of you, Emma. Only a handful of people are doing what you do, and though it can be terrifying, what you do matters.
Promise me you'll be safe, though. Perhaps I will reveal my secret turnover recipe at your homecoming.
Take care,
Regina
January 28 2003
Hi,
Thank you. For that pep talk there. I really needed that. The reality of the situation is just kind of catching up on me. I can't really say much about my deployment. There's been more and more talk about it, but you know how people can get.
And I will. I'll be safe.
I am good, though. It helps coming back to camp and finding your letter sitting on my bed. This may be one of my last ones before I ship out. I don't know what it's going to be like in Iraq or how frequently I'll get your letter or how often I can send one out. I'll try though. I promise.
I laughed out loud reading the first bit of your letter. Be careful or Henry might ground you. Is there a little mayor in his future? That totally brightened up my day. If Henry is anything like you, and by anything I mean hard-assed mayor (in the best way) I can picture the kid with sock puppets on his hands with his hands on his hips, and little lotion dots over his spots, and a tiny little glare on his face. That kid is adorable. Imagine if you start dating, the interrogation he's gonna give your significant other is gonna be the best thing ever. Film that for me.
I know you said it wasn't shingles, but just follow up with the doctor every now and then. I heard adult chicken pox is really bad, and I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. Who else would give me the secret apple turnover recipe then? I'm kidding. Seriously, just make sure you and Henry are okay. Have you tried sock puppet gloves? The TV says they work so it must be a good idea.
Oh! Happy birthday! I think I'll make it in time this year so that this letter will get there in time. Can I just say that my mind was blown to find out we're only nine years apart? You're a mayor, and a mom, and you're really awesome, you know that? See. I've used that word to describe you multiple times so it must be true. I hope you have a good birthday, Regina. High five the kid for me.
Emma
P.S. Thank you for everything, Regina. If I don't get back to you, I just want you to know that I really appreciate this year you've spent including me in your life. There's no way I could ever repay you for that. Your letters, your gifts, Henry's drawings, they mean so much to me, and they always helped to get me through the day.
February 5 2003
You're acting as if you're not going to return. Don't talk like that, Emma. You'll be home soon. I know, I can't promise that, but you will be. This time next year you and August will be home visiting his friends.
Thank you very much for the birthday greeting. I'm pleasantly surprised you remembered. That was very thoughtful, and I truly appreciate it. I did manage to receive your letter the day after, so you made it on time.
Our spots are clearing up, so it's safe to assume it wasn't anything worse than chicken pox. You weren't too far off from your vision of him though minus the sock puppets. I gave those a try after reading your letter, and now I'm finding it difficult to remove them from him. He now has a whole collection and insists on sleeping with them. I highly doubt I will ever get back into dating. Henry is the only man I need in my life, thank you very much. He should be wary when he begins dating and be aware of all the hours of footage I have of him refusing to wear a diaper and running amuck. Now you've gone and had me wondering what his teenage years will consist of. Not appreciated, Ms. Swan.
Well, if you deem me awesome then it must be true. I have the Certified Emma Swan Stamp of Awesome Approval. Did I get that right? Henry has sufficiently been high fived. He sends his hugs - "Hug Emma, Mommy?"
Take care, Emma.
Regina
April 1 2003
Hi,
I'm here. I'm not injured. Well, I got some scrapes here and there, but I'm okay. I wanted to send you a letter before we left, but it sprung up on us. We sort of just woke up one day and they told us to pack, so here we are. I'm sorry I worried you, but I'm okay. It's pretty ridiculously hot here, so if I don't sweat out my body weight I'll be good.