Ugh...and the result....

It is cold out. The house is cozy and lit with lamps. Henry is asleep and Charley is quietly reading with his daddy. Tell me again...why am I going to go jump in a freezing ass pool to swim a few laps. I am wishing I was staying home. Maybe I will pump the tunes on my way there and my feelings will change...but I doubt it. Time for jammies and some mindless tv.

Okay, so it wasn't necessarily fun! But I did it. I swam 45 minutes. 1700 yards...that is 500 more yards than last week. So almost a mile! YEAH! Feels good and the cholorine has me ready for bed. And it really didn't take all that long.

Dear Husband aka Awesome Dad

I have written a lot about my boys. How they grow and change and continue to amaze me. I have not written about the boy who also continues to amaze me. That would be my dear husband Ed. We met in college, dated long distance, got married, enjoyed life as a couple, and then had children. I have to say that the person who has amazed me the most is him. I don't think he did much babysitting when he was a kid..most guys don't. He is an engineer in and out so he has not interacted with children all that much. But I must say, watching him go from single college guy, to married husband, to father has been one of the most amazing experiences. He is a great dad. He gives the boys a bath - almost every night. He reads to the boys almost every night. He builds with lincoln logs and tinker toys, with very little frustration, knowing that they will be knocked down by mommy or a friend the next day. He comes home each day ready to take over and be there as soon as he steps foot in the door. Both boys look up to him and miss him when he is not here. Henry flaps his arms and fusses loudly if daddy doesn't come right over and give him attention. Charley hides in the same place most nights waiting for daddy to find him.

My point....Ed became a dad naturally and does a great job at it. I could not have asked for a better daddy for my little boys. The role model they look up at is strong, solid, and loves them unconditionally.

As for being married to me. The poor guy has a crabby wife more often than not. And I vow daily to not be crabby or take things out on him but minutes later I snap. My mom was here this past week and she noticed that Ed and I are parents who are like a well oiled machine. Working together on this chapter of our life.

Yes, we should be making more time for each other. Yes, we should be getting out on the town and getting a babysitter, yes we need to be reminded that if we are not happy together our family won't be the best that it can. All good things to remember.

This is a stage in our life that we seem to be conquering pretty well. I want him to know that I appreciate all that he does for me and the boys. We have a great life.

I am really glad that I am participating in life with my husband Ed. I love you!

Sir Charley

Today Charley, Grandma Barb, and mama headed to the Renaissance Festival. It was a cloudy day and the temperature was just right. Charley was overwhelmed at first with all the people. However, he warmed up.

He fenced with me and won!
He saw a man eat fire.
He touched some real swords.
He ate a giant pickle and a waffle on a stick.
He watched a jousting match and cheered wildly for Victor with Grandma Barb.
He went on a treasure hunt and found 5 gold coins.
He was such a good boy- never leaving our side and holding our hands.

He had a great day and STILL wanted to play when we got home! His energy amazes us!

Getting Down with Uncle Mike

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The Milwaukee Zoo with friends

We were lucky and got to have a playdate at the zoo with our friends the Dupees. Braden and Charley had boundless energy as they jumped, hopped, and ran from one exhibit to the next. Favorite moment...when the lion stood up and roared! WOW!

I am really glad that we have been able to get our boys together a few times this summer. They know each other now and Charley refers to Braden when we play.

September at Grandma Barb's House (and Grandpa Bob)

Here are a few moments we captured at my parents house this past weekend. My dad was working out of town so he isn't there. Ed finally got there. He had a business trip in the Chicago area on Monday and Tuesday, so this was a bonus trip for us. Spur of the moment.

The Title

Charley wanted to make a book this evening. He said, "First, I need to fold the paper like this. Like a book. Then on the top I need to write the title."

I asked Charley, "TITLE? How do you know what that is?"

Charley responded, " I learned it at school!"

I love that he could tell me something that he learned at school!

I will sleep excellent tonight!

My brother has motivated or reminded me that I used to swim....way back in high school. I was pretty good and ....I think I enjoyed it. So he sent me some goggles and two swim caps in the mail and encouraged me to sign up and go for it. So I signed up for lap swimming at the community pool and it started tonight. It is from 8-9 pm so it shouldn't interfere with the evening bedtime rituals. I am really hoping that it gives me some time to focus on myself outside of the house.

Charley has seen the caps and goggles sitting out the last week or so and he knew I was going to my "swimming lesson" tonight. He wanted to come watch but I explained that I signed up for a time when it was dark and he was in bed so I wouldn't miss any playtime with him. He firmly told me, "Mama, don't be crabby when you go -like I was at my first swimming lessons." (He did independent swimming lessons this summer without mom and dad in the pool. He cried the first week everyday when he had to walk away from me. )I said, "Thanks Charley, I think I will have fun."

So tonight...jumping in it was cold! I started out swimming too hard and too fast but figured out my pace after the first 50 yards. I didn't swim for the whole hour but I made it 40 minutes with very little stops. I am not sure how it will affect my body tomorrow but my mom will be here to assist if needed :) I can tell though ...like in the past...cholorine is great for making you tired.

So thanks Greg for motivating me to give this a try. Mondays and Wednesdays for the next 5 weeks! I will keep you updated.

Taking things for Granted...

Saturday morning the family packed up and drove to my mom and dads house for the weekend and a few bonus days. Ed has a business thing in the Chicago area and we tagged along. he dropped us off and will return tomorrow night. We had a great weekend with my mom. My dad is working out of town...on an oil rig platform of some type...he gets helicoptered in and lives in a room on the platform with bunks and other men. I know he would like to be home: visiting with us, fishing, flipping channels and maybe even mowing the lawn. Today I had the boys on my own because my mom has to work. This morning we went out and about around the Lake Geneva area. We got to see a display of circus cars being displayed in the area. We walked the streets of Lake Geneva and saw some big boats. We ended our morning downtown getting ice cream. Since it was quiet, summer season has ended, the ice cream lady was super excited for the three of us to walk in. She let Charley try all sorts of ice creams. He finally decided on Superman ice cream. OH BOY! I knew he would end with a blue face and red splotches on his pants with a big yellow stain on his shirt. But! To surprise me he ate the ice cream very well. We sat on the bench outside of the shop and savored, probably our last ice cream cone of summer. It was time to go so Charley was determined to finish his ice cream while we walked to the car. He knew when we got there he would have to throw what was left of the cone away. I pointed to two garbage cans and told him to pick one. He proudly picked one and told me firmly, "mama, you stay right there. I can do it!" And off he took off...the next thing I hear is splat and WAAAAAA! He tripped. His cone went flying and the last part of his giant scoop of ice cream landed about 8 inches from the cone. Of course I verbally checked with Charley to make sure he was okay, but I was also grabbing for my camera as fast as I could. I know, I know...blogging has changed my world...but when I get home I will attach the picture of the sad disaster. I thought it was a classic three year old ice cream blunder.

Reflecting on the day...when I got home my sister once again reminded me how lucky I am to have these days with my sons. I do realize that sitting on a bench on Monday morning enjoying ice cream and talking about why crab apples are called crab apples may seem silly to some people. And I often take these days for granted...but I realize more and more that these little things that I take for granted are the most important things in my life. And these times are going fast. My boys are growing, their faces changing, their abilities to do things more independently increase, and they continue to soak up all that surrounds them so that they can think and vocalize their own thoughts and ideas. So the fact that I was up from 2 am to 3 am last night as Charley tossed and turned and Henry cried to be fed, tends to bring out my crabby side; I know that soon enough I will get nights of complete rest when my boys no longer cry out for me. I know that soon enough I will be able to sleep until noon and no one will care. So for today I will look into the expressive face of my Hank and Chuck and I will appreciate the moments that cause me to almost go insane with happiness and craziness. And I will take in the giggles, chats, and quiet moments with a little more gratitude. I am thankful for taking this path in life which includes a splattered ice cream cone.

Henry's a Keeper just like this fish!

Here is the conversation we had today leaving Target and driving to preschool.

Charley: Mama, When is Henry going to go stay with someone else?
Mama: What do you mean?
Charley: I mean, when is he going to go live with another family.
Mama: Well, never, he is part of our family.
Charley: So he will be here for my birthday?
Mama: Yes, he will be here everyday just like mama, daddy, and you. We are a family of four now. Is that okay?
Charley: Sure
Charley: But I don't want Henry to stay with us anymore. He should go live with another family because he is so cute.
Mama: But I would miss him so much. We have to keep him.
Charley: Once upon a time there was a robot.

From one topic to the next. This age is so fun to converse with.

Today...

...Charley fed the goats at the zoo.



... our little bulldog continued to work on letting his top four munchers come in.

The Little Things

Waiting for daddy to arrive home last night Henry kept himself busy with mama's flowers. The little things these days are just so interesting to an 8 month old...to think...only 8 months into this life adventure!

Am I ever caught up?

Laundry...

Another stage...this too shall pass...I hope...

If you have a boy around the age of 2-5 and he has just been potty trained and he is starting to wear big boy underwear...tell me, do you deal with issue or is it only my son.

Everyday when he gets dressed I give Charley his clothes or he goes and picks out his underwear and he puts them on...BACKWARDS! He thinks this is the best. "I like them like this."

The thing is that they ride high on his butt cheeks and even more funny is when he comes down to show me which ones he chose and then heads back upstairs with just his underwear on....it looks hilarious...because his little bubble butt fills them out so funny.

So is my son just crazy or did they just make an error when designing boys underwear...should they have put the main picture on the front instead of the back so he can see the picture...although he has pairs that don't have pictures in one particular spot and he still prefers them backwards. Or maybe he just knows it bugs me. Either way...if this doesn't fix itself, his daddy has some interesting man to man talks ahead of him.

Breasting

This evening at dinner we were discussing how Henry won't eat his baby food. And Charley finally said,
"that is just because he likes breasting. You should just breast him, mama."
I said, What did you say?
He said "Breasting"
I said "Brushing"
He said no Breasting
Ed and I looked at each other.

I said what is that. He replied,
"When you nurse him, or feed him."
I said, "Oh, where did you hear that word"
He said, "No where, that is just what I say."

Okay, so we do not use the word breast in our house...at least not very often. I do not talk about breastfeeding anymore. However, I am still nursing Henry and Charley understands this concept. He surprises us and astounds us with the things he comes up with.

Removed the Pilates Goal

Yeah, won't be doing that three times a week until after I start my lap swimming thing which begins in a week. Just laying down on the floor flat with my arms stretched above my head...well I will be honest...that hurt! HAHA! Hey, I had a baby only 8 months ago so I know my body can stretch but just not in the pilates movements YET!

Feeding My Children

So my brother, an avid New York Times Reader, emailed me a link to an article titled: 6 Food Mistakes Parents Make. He reads my blog daily and remembers me commenting on whether Charley eats what he eats because of us or because of who he is..Nature vs. Nurture. I like to think it is all me! Yes his mama who nursed him for the first year of his life. However, I think it is also just who he is. He is a great eater. When we dine with friends and family they notice and comment. He will eat a good helping of fruit and veggies, he will clean his plate, and he rarely asks for snacks. So after reading this article I thought I would write down just a few of my babbling thoughts on this topic (since this is partly my journel to them and partly a reflection moment for me during the day). Someday they will read this and they can see that being a mom is hard and we do the best we can. There is no one way of feeding your child but my choices, which are exactly that -my choices...seem to have done well with my first child. However, we are on day three of a babyfood strike with Henry. He is refusing his babyfood. He puts his head down and looks at his lap with a grunt everytime I bring a spoon up to his face. He will only eat blueberry muffins (which I baked), graham crackers, and gerber puffs.

First of all, I think one of the most important choices that my husband and I make on a daily basis is to sit down for a family dinner. All four of us sit (all three of us for a long time). I serve a meal that we all eat. I don't make seperate food for Charley. He sees us take a helping of brocolli or squash alongside our finger jello, chicken, rice or whatever it is for the night. I truely believe that him seeing us eat and us sitting together and talking has had the greatest impact on his eating.

Second, because I make sure he eats healthy meals his snacks aren't that important to me. I do not stock our house with all the fun crazy things that are out there. I think friends that come over to play are some times disappointed by a bowl of pineapple, or some carrot sticks...but Charley isnt one that usually asks for a snack. Like today, no snack this morning. I do have a cupboard that usually has fishy crackers and other things like this. I believe that because he eats his fruits and veggies at his meals I can let him have a bowl of crackers without trying to push brocolli on him. However, many snacks are fruits and veggies in our house..by choice. On this note, I agree with the article, that if you don't have the choices in your house then they aren't daily snack choices. I also though strongly believe that normal eating is something I want my children to do. I do not want to deprive them of the crazy cereals or fun snacks out there. I also don't want them to go to the picnic potluck and just take a plate of cheetoes because they never get them and so they have to binge on them. I grew up with a cupboard of cereal ranging from raisin bran to lucky charms...and all three of us kids never put a spoonful of sugar on our cereal (somehting I saw done many a times when at friends houses). And all three of us now prefer the healthy cereals....So yes, I let Charley pick out a box of Trix occasionally. However, I always hope that a box of Kix will be the pick next time.

3. Charley loves to cook. He helps me make dinner, bake muffins, and cookies, and whatever is on the menu that week. He has helped me since he was probably able to stand on a chair safely.

My final reflection:


So these are just a rambling of thoughts on the topic of feeding our kids. And like I tell my friends that are becoming parents..there is no one way of doing things. And all of us do our best and have great kids. So my ideas are just that - my ideas. But I am proud of my son Charley. He is a great eater! (and I am not saying he won't have a plate of cheetos at a potluck - because he will, I am sure). And as for my stubborn second child Henry...oh son of mine, I will keep trying and I won't give up and I will win! You will not just live on carbs for the rest of your life! This boycott to fruits and veggies will be short lived...This too shall pass.

Thoughts and Prayers

We recently went to my mom and dads and made a trip to Illinois to see some of my great aunts and uncles...Charley and HEnry's Great Great Aunts and Uncles. Now we hear that my Aunt Nancy isn't feeling so well. Please put her in your thoughts and prayers. She is at Froedert where my sister works. I am so glad we got to go visit. I truely think it can be theraputic to hold a baby...and she held Henry lots!

Is Honeyweiss Season Over?

I don't know if it is because I was pregnant last summer or what, but I truely enjoyed the Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss beer this summer. And as I looked in my fridge tonight and saw that there was only three left I wonder ---as the weather continues to get colder, if a good ol' Honeyweiss will taste as good. Nothing beats knowing that around 4:45, as I begin the long stretch of the day...awaiting the infamous DADDY, I can say...well it is 5 o'clock somewhere and pop one open, and begin that chore of making dinner. I have noticed that having a beer while preparing dinner, listening to some good music, while listening to my two boys putter around really is what my life is all about right now and it makes me happy....even though I dream everyday that when Daddy does arrive he has dinner in his hands :)

So I will enjoy my last Honeyweiss bought during the summer days...and I will contemplate whether we buy more this fall or will I find a different something something to enjoy.

This also goes along with the song playing today...I'm Going To Miss You When You're Gone!

College Friends turn Mommy Divas

So I have to take a minute and give tribute to the gal that got me hooked on blogging. That would be my friend Sarah. I met her in college when fate put us one floor away in the all girls dorm. Her name and my name were so similar that I was getting calls from who I thought were long lost relatives...but they turned out to be her relatives. The second year of college - fate once again placed us as next door neighbors in another dorm. Could there be a stronger sign that we should get to know each other. Oh - and our birthdays are one day apart!

We had a lot of great times in college and drifted apart after college, not completely but didn't talk all that much. After we had our first sons we became breastfeeding buddies and talked nonstop on instant messaging and made it through that first year of motherhood (our boys are one month apart). Drifted apart...and after having our second child we have once again found each other during the day when we are home with no other adult communication.

Sarah is a creative friend that inspires others to give it a try. Her outlook on raising kids, being healthy, helping our environment, staying sane through motherhood, cooking/recipes, giving time to friends and our marriage...are all topics we hit often. I always walk away from my computer, I know sounds dumb, but I walk away thinking about life with a little more "sunshine". I treasure that I have her during the day, miss her when she isn't in cyberspace to chat with, and look forward to the occasional face to face visits we have. So Sarah - thanks for getting me started on blogging. It truly has brightened my days. I now take time each day to think of a moment that I appreciate and am thankful for. I encourage everyone to give it a try. Love you!

Slow down fellow!

Henry is for sure on the move now. He is finding his way about the house and getting into all the things we would rather he didn't. So the song playing...well today at least (since I change the song often) I already miss the days that he sat on the blanket, and I could move about the house getting things done without worrying that the cords, garbage, small pieced toys, etc threatening my little hankeroodles! Slow down!

On a side note: Charley is into experiments and as you can see he got himself a thinking cap and a string and a few other things and made his own experiment...of course his now roaming little brother had to come assist.

Charley's Shopping List

I want to log this story on my blog because I am using this blog to share but also as a journel for my boys. This story makes me proud as a mom...but makes me wonder if it is just who Charley is...or is it something we did.

Last time we were at my mom and dad's, Charley was too excited to go to bed. So I told him to think about the next day's grocery shopping outing. At my mom's grocery store they have carts "just Charley's size". And Charley LOVES going shopping. He would go every day when we are there. So before bed I told him that he would go shopping with Grandma. And she would buy him any three things from the grocery store that he wanted. He could put three things on his list and she would get them for him. Charley knows that when we go to the grocery store we have to stick to the list...otherwise we would come home with a lot of things he just sees on the shelves (WHICH BY THE WAY! HOLY COW LOOK AT THAT PICTURE - You don't notice the craziness of the aisles when you are there). Anyways, I told him to think about it and he could share his list in the morning at breakfast.

At breakfast the next morning we asked him what three things were on his list and these are the three things he proudly announced:

1. Bananas
2. Tomatoes
3. Bologna (he has been asking for it for forever, I just don't buy it)

So those are the three things he came home with. However, Grandma couldn't say no to the oreo pudding that he saw when passing by the pudding aisle.

So my question to myself: Did we do something to cause him to love eating. He eats fruits and vegetables and most everything you give him. I wonder what Henry will be like. He already had troubles taking a bottle, didn't want to start table food until 7 months, and strongly looks down at his lap - signalling that he isn't happy with what is coming at him. Time will tell!

I Hoped To Inspire Charley to Question Things Today

This morning we had hoped to do an outdoor September activity...the apple orchard etc....but we woke up to rain. So after a quick breakfast we decided to go to the Minnesota Science Museum. Charley has been wanting to go to a museum where he can see "DINOSAURS" (said with a growl). I knew he would be a little young for the museum but he does seem to show interest in learning so I hoped that today he would get into the theme of the science museum...a place to question the world and figure out how it all works. I giggle now because the museum seemed to be overwhelming and a bit much for him...which I knew. Like every child he just moved from one thing to the next pushing the button furiously hoping for something to happen.

However, on the way he did question once again - his new preschool teacher. He fired these questions at us:

Does my teacher shower?
Does my teacher have kids?
Does my teacher have a house?
Does my teacher have a baby?
Does my teacher have a husband?
Does my teacher have a car? I have never seen it.
My teacher wears a different shirt everyday. Yesterday she wore a brown shirt with twirly things.

For most of these questions we guessed at the answers but told him he had to ask her. I wonder on Tuesday if he will greet her with his questions or if he will once again arrive at school ready to sit "Cris Cross Apple Sauce" ("because that is how we always have to sit, mama") and just be in awe of this new and magical person in his life, who he still insists that I know her name so he doesn't need to tell me. I wonder if he knows or if this is his way of avoiding the answer.

So our day of scientific questioning wasn't all that we dreamed but he did question his world.

I turned to Ed after this conversation in the car and explained that it is so fun to be on this end of the experience. For the last 8 years I have been the teacher and now I can only imagine what my students went home wondering and telling their parents.

By the way Ed and Charley worked hard at changing voltage, he used his sense of smell, and was in complete awe of the large dinosaurs...seen in the picture by his posture! We also all saw the Omnitheater movie that was all about the Great Lakes. Both Ed and I loved this and Charley has a new found love for his stuffed Sturgeon that he got from his Aunt Sara!

An Early September Morning Playdate

Last year when I chose to take a year off of teaching I joined a Mom's Club. It connected me with mom's from the neighborhood that were looking to support each other through this journey of motherhood. It was one of the best things I could have chosen to do. From this group I have made many great friends. Two of the closest friends I have made have girls that have become Charley's pals. So here are a few pictures from this mornings September morning walk. We are all dealing with sending off our kiddos to preschool this year. So we treasure these morning playdates where we can watch and listen to them interact. During which we get to vent, share, and enjoy some adult conversation. Thanks ladies...let's do it again soon!

Sponges...

For the last two weeks we helped out friends and watched their little girl. For the last two weeks Charley had a playmate and it was really fun to see where their imaginations took them. They played: fancy dinner, school, house, etc. I stayed out of it most of the time and just listened while puttering around the house.

Charley of course takes on the roll of daddy. McKenna was of course the mommy. They sometimes took turns being the baby or kid. What I have to admit to hearing...things like "I am going to grill, I am going to nurse the baby, I will pour you some wine, Would you like a beer?" All things that are said at our house. Our children roll play and all of a sudden you get a good look at what you must look like to them. What a reality check! I can guess that he will play this at preschool because after the first two days of preschool Charley informed me, "The kitchen area was still closed mama, Why?" The teacher doesn't know me and I am not there to defend myself. I only hope that the teacher realizes that I don't drink wine with breakfast and the daddy in our house doesn't nurse our baby, and wine and beer are an occasional treat here...not a daily replacement for milk and water. They are sponges soaking all that we share with them up.

Happy Birthday Raina!

I have a sister, her name is Raina. I sometimes call her Raina Bird. She isn't just a sister she is my friend. We talk every day numerous times through email. She has shown incredible excitement in milestones in my life. She is special to my boys. She is too far away but we make it work. My favorite place in the whole world is the cottage with my family, especially my sister. Here are a few moments that we have shared together. Friday, September 12th she turns 28! I am jealous that she is still in her upper 20's and not in her early 30's like me. But I know that what awaits her next couple of years are more adventures with her fantastic husband Andy. My sister seems to sometimes ...well often times get stressed out about big things and little things. This weekend she is flying to Colorado for a friends wedding. I wish her a get away weekend full of relaxation. You have a great life! Celebrate! We all love you in Minnesota!

Proud to announce...

I have some great friends who always comment on things I come up with to do with my boys. I was a teacher, and still am a teacher, just not practicing with the public education system at this time. It is hard to turn off the creativity that drove me to enter into the field of education. So when silly crafts, games, and other projects come to me, I go with it. My son, Charley, loves projects. His grandma Barb, can attest to his love of projects because she has been here when he begs for a project. Anyways...with the encouragement of some good teacher friends and mommy friends I contacted the Prior Lake-Savage Community Ed office and proposed a class idea. So this winter, starting in January----if I get 10 moms, I will be teaching a class. The class will revolve around my job right now...being a mom. It will be a chance to keep "teaching" while also sharing my silly ideas that, pardon my language, are pulled from my a&% when needed. The class will offer mom's a place to share ideas, hear about the silly things I do with my son, and to make and take materials to keep their little tots busy. Anyways, kind of excited, kind of scared, but know that with the friends I have I will learn and grow from this experience. If you know of someone who is looking for things to do with their 2-5 year old keep your eyes on the Community Ed winter catelog. I am working on the description and title for my class next week. EEEEEK!

Conflicted in letting her boys grow up-

So today I need to admit a few things. I may be having trouble letting both of my boys grow up. First off, Daddy arrived home yesterday to witness Henry's mastery of crawling (as quoted in yesterday's blog) and only witnessed an attempt to crawl. He has not mastered crawling yet. He does move forward in a crawling motion but he is not quick or a master. So why was I so quick to celebrate him crawling when selfishly I have to admit to the most wonderful summer. Henry sat on blankets, laid in strollers, and even hung out in a little beach tent thingy...No worries that he would venture far.

Charley's second day of preschool was today. We hopped in the car excited. While pulling in and parking Charley informed me that he wanted to walk in by himself. Being the mama who isn't ready to let him go, insisted on walking him in today - promising that next week he can journey in by himself.

Two sons...both growing up way to fast. I am trying to enjoy every moment and not rush them to the next milestone. So sad to think this time is going so fast and yet it is so exciting to cheer them on. Being a mom is hard.

Watch out world here comes Hank!

Yesterday Charley's world expanded as he began preschool. This afternoon Henry's world opened up as he mastered crawling. His curiousity (shown by the furrowed brow), his excitement (shown with flapping arms), and his pride (shown with a smile when he catches your eye in mid-crawl) can keep his mother entertained for hours. It amazes me how these little beings enter our world and it continues to amaze me how they master the world all on their own. Daddy will rush home from work today to witness his sons accomplishment and watch as Henry finds every unsafe thing in our house. Our job as parents has just gotten a lot more difficult, now that we no longer have a baby who is happy sitting on a blanket cooing. I wish Henry many safe journeys as he figures our world out. He looks forward to showing off his new skill...come see! Come see!

Breakfast conversation

This morning Charley and I blended up a smoothie with peaches, frozen Bayfield strawberries and raspberries, and a banana...oh and we tried a little flax in there too. Then we sat down with Henry to eat breakfast. As Charley devoured his scrambled eggs, toast, and smoothie he said,
"Mama, does my teacher go to bedtime?" I replied,
"Yes, she does." He then said,
"But mama, she doesn't have a bed at our school."

This reminded me that for children, their teachers are these magical people who LIVE at school. Charley doesn't quite even remember what his teacher's name is yet, Ms. Heather, but already she takes up a space in his mind which creates out of the blue conversation at our breakfast table about her sleeping habits.

To end our breakfast conversation I explained that mama used to be a teacher and that I came home to him at night and slept at our house. "Oh," he replied, "but she will be at school on Saturday and Tuesday and everyday!"

I am thankful to have these breakfast conversations with my three and a half year old. But I also miss being that magical person who sleeps at school. Someday!

Mama, I am stuck!

Henry is on the move...he isn't quite crawling yet but he is getting himself caught in all the little nuks and corners in our house. Anyday now he will be full speed ahead.

Charley's first day of preschool

This afternoon Charley ventured to his first afternoon at preschool. He packed up his backpack, grabbed the flowers and chocolate for his teacher, and hopped in the car. Ed and I didn't know what to expect...would he cry, cling, or go off and wave good-bye. We raised him ready to love school because he gave us each a hug and headed down the hallway ahead of the pack (you will see in the picture). I would of course love to be a fly on the wall and see how it all goes...but I know my boy will tell me all about it in his own time. Daddy came home to tag along and he looked very proud of his oldest son. A friend said, if they leave without tears it is a good thing. It means we have raised him to be strong enough for new experiences. A big day for our family .... and now it is time to relish the quiet as Henry sleeps. I can only imagine what Charley is doing with his classmates. His world has just expanded a whole bunch this afternoon.