This week I got a very special invitation. My husband and I were invited to my son's classroom tea party. The invitation was absolutely adorable. A construction paper tea cup and inside a tea bag with the details of the event. (This is why I could never be a teacher. So not creatively wired.)
Lil man talked about it all week - it was very special. We discussed what he would bring to the tea party (cookies of course), what would happen there and the best thing - that both mom and papa would be there!
When I entered the classroom, I scanned the room (glancing by parents and kids galore), and then I spotted him!! He was handing out cups to all of the kids and parents. He ran right up to me and held me tighter than he has in a long time. I was so proud to be there with him and picked him up and hugged him.
We found our seat and he proudly sat in my lap, hugging me. I was so proud to be there and to be with him! Soon, papa walked through the door and I saw my son's joy erupt again. We spent the rest of the afternoon making decorating cookies, sipping ice tea and lemonade and sharing a special moment. One that could only be complimented by going out for chips and salsa afterwards.
I love my lil man!!!!
Proud Mama of Lil Lady
Proud of my preemie peanut
Proud Mama of Lil Man
Love my lil man
Sunday, January 31, 2010
From the mouth of a pre-schooler
My son is going to be 4 year old in May, and I must say that he is in his prime of saying the best things. I am really enjoying his explorations and discoveries - and then hearing the perception of the world through his words. And I think the best are yet to come!!
From the mouth of a pre-schooler... memorable quotes from the week:
"MaPa!" - his favorite new way to call for mama and papa. I love how he has combined them into one word. Very smart as it's a sure fire way to get a response!!
"Look Frank, I got a new train!! We need to buy Frank a doggie train." - today we went to the store and yes, I hate to say it, but I needed to resort to a bribe. Not typical, but a reality. He picked out a train, Douglas - from Thomas the Tank Engine series - and the first thing he did when he got home was to show it to Franklin, the dog. Talk about no truer sense of man's best friend - or maybe it should be pre-schooler's best friend. It was endearing and I love that he did it!
"Can't go to school today!" - This statement alone proves that he is my son. While it might hold little significance to you, it speaks volumes to me. I have never been a fan of school, and that is putting it mildly. In fact, the only grade I liked was kindergarten. When I got to first grade I use to lock myself in the bathroom stall and cry, refusing to come out (until coaxed or threatened by an impatient teaching assistant that I would be sent back to kindergarten if I did not come out and rejoin the class). I love that he enjoys to spend time at home with us, playing with his toys. It is a special moment as I know that someday he will want to trade at-home time for friend time.
"Where's his mommy? She must be at work!" - This quote is hard to write. Lately when we're watching one of his shows and he sees a child character he always asks, "Where's his mommy?" His response sums up the reality of our situation - "His mommy must be at work!" You seen, I am a working mom. While I really enjoy what I do (and I do), it's moments like these that tug at my heart. In just this one statement he is reflecting on life as he knows it and that is hard for me.
From the mouth of a pre-schooler... memorable quotes from the week:
"MaPa!" - his favorite new way to call for mama and papa. I love how he has combined them into one word. Very smart as it's a sure fire way to get a response!!
"Look Frank, I got a new train!! We need to buy Frank a doggie train." - today we went to the store and yes, I hate to say it, but I needed to resort to a bribe. Not typical, but a reality. He picked out a train, Douglas - from Thomas the Tank Engine series - and the first thing he did when he got home was to show it to Franklin, the dog. Talk about no truer sense of man's best friend - or maybe it should be pre-schooler's best friend. It was endearing and I love that he did it!
"Can't go to school today!" - This statement alone proves that he is my son. While it might hold little significance to you, it speaks volumes to me. I have never been a fan of school, and that is putting it mildly. In fact, the only grade I liked was kindergarten. When I got to first grade I use to lock myself in the bathroom stall and cry, refusing to come out (until coaxed or threatened by an impatient teaching assistant that I would be sent back to kindergarten if I did not come out and rejoin the class). I love that he enjoys to spend time at home with us, playing with his toys. It is a special moment as I know that someday he will want to trade at-home time for friend time.
"Where's his mommy? She must be at work!" - This quote is hard to write. Lately when we're watching one of his shows and he sees a child character he always asks, "Where's his mommy?" His response sums up the reality of our situation - "His mommy must be at work!" You seen, I am a working mom. While I really enjoy what I do (and I do), it's moments like these that tug at my heart. In just this one statement he is reflecting on life as he knows it and that is hard for me.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sign of a great vacation!
It was the first day after the holidays. We had all taken the time off to spend time together. We had family in town visiting too and had many wonderful adventures.
When the Monday after the holidays finally came, my son turned to me and said, "We can't go to school today!"
At that moment, two things happened...
First, I saw myself. You see, I have never really been a fan of school (OK, that is being gentle). I often joke that the only grade I ever really liked was kindergarten. It's a half day and you get to play. What's not to like about that?
When I got to first grade, I clearly remember not wanting to be there. I would go to the bathroom and cry (really) in a bathroom stall. I remember one of the teacher's or teacher's aides tell me once, that they would send me back to kindergarten, but I was too old. (Yes, really!) I remember this so clearly. I hated being at school all day and only having one recess. And this was my normal feeling. After being on vacation, summer break, etc. I can only imagine how challenging it was for my mom to stay strong, tell me to be positive - and always smile - and then have to send me off to school. I always would tell her that, "I don't want to go to school!"
Now, time warp back to present day - with me being the mom... the second thing that my son's words said to me - also reminded me that the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
By saying that he didn't want to go to school - it was a sign. A sign that he had a truly wonderful vacation. Looking at the words in this way, while the words themselves made me sad, they also made me feel good. Good that our time together over vacation was extra special and that he didn't want it to end. That made me feel so good as a mom that I'm doing something right - and that my lil man had a wonderful vacation.
Whenever I get close to the end of vacation, I too always say - "I don't want to go to school." I too have a very difficult time with saying goodbye to vacation with family. I guess I am sentimental and cherish the time that I have - and love the fact that my son does too. He's clearly a loving, sensitive, sweet lil guy.
I see so much of myself in my son. It just amazes me some days. This was one of those days. Maybe we will just have to stay home from school. :)
When the Monday after the holidays finally came, my son turned to me and said, "We can't go to school today!"
At that moment, two things happened...
First, I saw myself. You see, I have never really been a fan of school (OK, that is being gentle). I often joke that the only grade I ever really liked was kindergarten. It's a half day and you get to play. What's not to like about that?
When I got to first grade, I clearly remember not wanting to be there. I would go to the bathroom and cry (really) in a bathroom stall. I remember one of the teacher's or teacher's aides tell me once, that they would send me back to kindergarten, but I was too old. (Yes, really!) I remember this so clearly. I hated being at school all day and only having one recess. And this was my normal feeling. After being on vacation, summer break, etc. I can only imagine how challenging it was for my mom to stay strong, tell me to be positive - and always smile - and then have to send me off to school. I always would tell her that, "I don't want to go to school!"
Now, time warp back to present day - with me being the mom... the second thing that my son's words said to me - also reminded me that the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
By saying that he didn't want to go to school - it was a sign. A sign that he had a truly wonderful vacation. Looking at the words in this way, while the words themselves made me sad, they also made me feel good. Good that our time together over vacation was extra special and that he didn't want it to end. That made me feel so good as a mom that I'm doing something right - and that my lil man had a wonderful vacation.
Whenever I get close to the end of vacation, I too always say - "I don't want to go to school." I too have a very difficult time with saying goodbye to vacation with family. I guess I am sentimental and cherish the time that I have - and love the fact that my son does too. He's clearly a loving, sensitive, sweet lil guy.
I see so much of myself in my son. It just amazes me some days. This was one of those days. Maybe we will just have to stay home from school. :)
Big Brother Quotes
"Santa is going to bring Siena some teeth and a toothbrush!"
"That is my baby sister!"
"Feed my baby!"
"We can't go to school!"
"That is my baby sister!"
"Feed my baby!"
"We can't go to school!"
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Special Lesson - Spirit of Giving
This holiday season has been extra special, as this is the first yeat that my son has really grasped and gotten into Christmas.
He is just old enough to understand what Christmas means. It has made this Christmas the best one yet... Lil man helped (literally) put up the Christmas tree with his Papa, decorated the tree, helped us to set up the nativities (yes, we have three. Two bear nativities and one traditional nativity. When we were done, lil man said, "We need to go buy another nativity!"). He also was a great helper with putting out the wooden Swiss Christmas choo-choo, stockings and lights. From a parent's perspective, it has been so much fun to talk about Christmas, explaining the significance of certain ornaments, decorations and everything.
Lil man's school has a Toys for Tots drive. This year we took this opportunity to teach lil man about the spirit of giving. We told him that not all little boys and girls have toys and that this Christmas he was going to give a little boy and girl a new toy. He was really excited and took a lot of pride in this idea of giving a child who "doesn't have a train, a train."
The day came to donate the toys. I was a little worried that he would suddenly change his mind and want to keep the toys (especially as one was a Thomas train - which he loves). But, he made us very proud. Without hesitation he donated a toy for a girl and a toy for a boy.
When he got home he told us that he gave a little boy and girl a toy. He said he did this because they didn't have any toys. It was a special moment - a good learning moment.
I feel proud as a parent that I was able to teach such a valuable lesson to my son.
He is just old enough to understand what Christmas means. It has made this Christmas the best one yet... Lil man helped (literally) put up the Christmas tree with his Papa, decorated the tree, helped us to set up the nativities (yes, we have three. Two bear nativities and one traditional nativity. When we were done, lil man said, "We need to go buy another nativity!"). He also was a great helper with putting out the wooden Swiss Christmas choo-choo, stockings and lights. From a parent's perspective, it has been so much fun to talk about Christmas, explaining the significance of certain ornaments, decorations and everything.
Lil man's school has a Toys for Tots drive. This year we took this opportunity to teach lil man about the spirit of giving. We told him that not all little boys and girls have toys and that this Christmas he was going to give a little boy and girl a new toy. He was really excited and took a lot of pride in this idea of giving a child who "doesn't have a train, a train."
The day came to donate the toys. I was a little worried that he would suddenly change his mind and want to keep the toys (especially as one was a Thomas train - which he loves). But, he made us very proud. Without hesitation he donated a toy for a girl and a toy for a boy.
When he got home he told us that he gave a little boy and girl a toy. He said he did this because they didn't have any toys. It was a special moment - a good learning moment.
I feel proud as a parent that I was able to teach such a valuable lesson to my son.
The joy of winter through a child's eyes
All summer long (yes, summer), Lil man has been watching Frosty the Snowman, because what family does not watch Christmas specials all year long! He recently transitioned onto Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (which we've been watching for months). He has taken a special liking to Bumble and also now equates snow to Christmas.
The other day we got our first few flakes of snow. When lil man learned of this, he immediately asked "Mommy, can we make a snowman?" Of course, there was no snow on the ground. He also kept saying "Bumble" as he thinks snow and Bumble go together. So instead, in a rare moment of craftiness, we made snowman out of marshmallows! Lil man had a blast using toothpicks to hold the body together and then smaller marshmallows for the arms and legs. I don't know if he had more fun making the snowmen or eating them! And papa got into it as well, putting my little snowman to shame. He made a HUGE snowman. Who knew that making marshmallow snowman would be such a fun family activity.
OK, now back to the snow... So the first snow came and when lil man found out, he was ecstatic!!! I told him when I picked him up from school. When we were walking out, snow was flying everywhere. Now, here is what was so sweet... I put my head down and tried to dodge the cold snow and lil man did the opposite. He looked up in the sky and directly into the snow - with the biggest grin I've ever seen. He was enjoying every moment of every flake touching his face. And he laughed and smiled. Only the joy a lil one could find from a simple, pure moment. It made me stop and think about life's pleasures.
The entire way home in the car, he talked about the snow - how it was covering the trees, cars and that he was going to make a snowman, snow train, etc. The excitement in his voice was inspiring and could even turn someone who prefers warmer weather, into a fan of the winter season.
The next day, lil man proudly put on his boots and talked about making snowmen and snow trains. When we got to school he ran to his teacher and said, "It snowed!!!" (though of course, she already knew this point, she played along). That night after we returned home, Papa did something very special. He and lil man put on their snow boots, snow pants, coats, scarves, gloves and hats - and they went outside. Of course it was dark, but that didn't stop these two. They got out the sled and Papa pulled lil man down the street to the end of the block. I could only imagine what the neighbors were thinking if they happened to look out at that moment. Two boys sledding in the dark. :) What a special time between a father and son.
The other day we got our first few flakes of snow. When lil man learned of this, he immediately asked "Mommy, can we make a snowman?" Of course, there was no snow on the ground. He also kept saying "Bumble" as he thinks snow and Bumble go together. So instead, in a rare moment of craftiness, we made snowman out of marshmallows! Lil man had a blast using toothpicks to hold the body together and then smaller marshmallows for the arms and legs. I don't know if he had more fun making the snowmen or eating them! And papa got into it as well, putting my little snowman to shame. He made a HUGE snowman. Who knew that making marshmallow snowman would be such a fun family activity.
OK, now back to the snow... So the first snow came and when lil man found out, he was ecstatic!!! I told him when I picked him up from school. When we were walking out, snow was flying everywhere. Now, here is what was so sweet... I put my head down and tried to dodge the cold snow and lil man did the opposite. He looked up in the sky and directly into the snow - with the biggest grin I've ever seen. He was enjoying every moment of every flake touching his face. And he laughed and smiled. Only the joy a lil one could find from a simple, pure moment. It made me stop and think about life's pleasures.
The entire way home in the car, he talked about the snow - how it was covering the trees, cars and that he was going to make a snowman, snow train, etc. The excitement in his voice was inspiring and could even turn someone who prefers warmer weather, into a fan of the winter season.
The next day, lil man proudly put on his boots and talked about making snowmen and snow trains. When we got to school he ran to his teacher and said, "It snowed!!!" (though of course, she already knew this point, she played along). That night after we returned home, Papa did something very special. He and lil man put on their snow boots, snow pants, coats, scarves, gloves and hats - and they went outside. Of course it was dark, but that didn't stop these two. They got out the sled and Papa pulled lil man down the street to the end of the block. I could only imagine what the neighbors were thinking if they happened to look out at that moment. Two boys sledding in the dark. :) What a special time between a father and son.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Fav Quotes of the Week - 3 year old style
Wanted to share some of my favorite quotes of the week, from little man to his baby sister...
"She has no teeth! We need to buy some from the store!"
"Babies come from belly buttons."
Now quotes between me and my hubby...
Me to my hubby ..."I need a break or I'm going to jump off the roof." Hubby's response to me ... "I don't want that ... I'd have to clean up the mess."
"Parenting is a constant jedi mind trick."
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