Whose Girl are You?

This is about a moment from August 9, 2011...I didn't get the entry finished that night, but here it is now.

For many months now (I'm not sure how long) I often ask Baby Girl, "Whose girl are you?"  And for many months she would always say, "Mama!"

Then she started figuring out that she could play along with us.  If Hubby asked her and she replied with Mama, he would say, "Aww..." like he was hurt.  And I would say, "Yay! Mama's girl!" and she would giggle.  But if he asked her again, she would say, "Daddy!" And he would say, "Yay!" and throw her up in the air.  She LOVES that.

Just a few days ago she started responding with whoever asked the question.  If Daddy asked her, she would reply Daddy.  If Mama asked her, she would reply Mama.  The person asking would respond with a yay and the other would reply with an aww.  She enjoys being in control of the outcome.

The other question that happens at night, following the whose-girl-are-you question is, "Do you want Mama to put you down, or Daddy to put you down?"  Almost always, it's Mama.  Every once in awhile she requests Daddy.  So, when she says she's Daddy's girl, we'll ask if she wants Daddy to put her down.  She usually says, "Mama put you down."

Well, tonight, she turned the humor up a notch.  We went back and forth with the whose-girl-are-you question for several minutes, with yays and awws and her being thrown in the air and many many giggles.  Then, out of nowhere, when I asked her whose girl she is, she responded with her brother's name!  Hubby and I just burst out in laughter.  So, I repeated the question, "Whose girl are you?"  And she again said her brother's name (the little guy).  We had some more giggles.

But here's where it went from fun giggles to a straight up heart-warming, precious moment.

I said, "So, do you want (brother's name) to put you down?"  She said, "Yeah, (brother) put you down."

I said, "Okay, (brother), go put (Baby Girl) down."  And I thought he would protest, or act confused.

They grabbed each other's hand and walked down the hallway to her room.  He turned on the light, grabbed a book, climbed in the rocking chair with her, and started to read a bedtime story to her.  Then, he turned out the light and sang her a song.  Big brother came in to join them.  They said our nightly prayer, then walked her over to her crib.

Hubby and I were just standing in the doorway, in complete and utter awe.  They went through the entire bedtime routine without any prompting.  It was beyond sweet.

Now, they can't lift her into the crib, so I had to step in at the point...but wow.  As I was leaning against the doorway watching this, I had a little conversation in my head about how I'd love to go grab my camera and snap a picture of this amazing moment.  But no way in the world will I step away and miss even a second of this.  So, there's no tangible picture to share...it's just for Hubby and I, stored up in our brain and in our hearts.

Thank you, Lord, for this amazing display of love and pure innocence with my kids.  They act irritated with each other most of the time, but this, this, what a gift.  Thank you for the confirmation that they do, indeed, love each other.  Even in the midst of all the normal sibling chaos throughout the day.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Our little guy is hilarious.  He says funny things all the time.  He says really sweet things, too.  He doesn't always get his words right, but we get the meaning.

When we got back in the van after dropping off big brother he said, "You're the best mom that I don't want to ever go away." (or something like that...)

And as I was getting him ready for his drop-off time he said, "Wait, I change my mind.  I love you 2 times.  I love you infinity percent!"  (or something like that...)

And then he said, "I can't believe I'm in school!"  Very excited.  Awesome.

I just wanted to remember.

Conditional Love

Is it really love at all?

Discuss.

Back to School

I gotta go back, back, back to school again.
Whoa, whoa, I gotta go... back to school again! 

-from Back to School Again by Four Tops (Grease 2)

I keep getting that song in my head every time I see a Back to School ad or display...

The following was written during Baby Girl's nap time - with both boys at school...  Yes, this hard-working Mama gets a little break 4 times a week now (except on Wacky Wednesday, which screws up our nap schedule...). 

And here we are - Back to School 2011!

We took lots of pictures, of course, with new backpacks, shirts, shoes...Baby Girl was in on the action, too, insisting that she have her backpack.  And I wore my new "bling" shirt with the school name on it, and Baby Girl wore her "Future <insert mascot>" shirt.  (On a side note, I was sad to not be taking pictures at the front door of our house...I was trying to find a good place at the apartment complex...blah...)

So, with kindergarten and 1st grade the school holds a Meet & Greet with the teacher (like #2 got to do last week).  You get a chance to meet the teacher, see the classroom, find your desk, take some pictures...etc.  Well, by the time you hit 2nd grade, I guess you're a big kid now and they just throw you in!

I forgot how crazy the parking lot and traffic are on the first day...so, we did what we did last year and parked in the weeds and walked a bit.  Hubby was actually in his own car so he could head to work.  He parked in an entirely different spot, so we were separated for a bit.  We went to the blacktop to line up on the room number.  Then the teacher came to the line, said hello to each of the kids and asked how they would be getting home to make sure they knew.  She got to our 2nd grader last.  He handed her our gift, she asked how he was getting home and what his name was, I snapped a quick picture...we walked to the class (kids in a line, parents all over the place).  The kids were all lined up by the door, then she said, "Wave goodbye to your parents!"  And that was it.  We didn't get to see the classroom.  I have no idea where he's sitting.  It was just...weird.  Not like I'm complaining they-need-to-do-it-different kind of weird...just weird to have a big kid now...ya know?  They don't need us there every step of the way anymore.  I'm extremely proud, but it just feels...weird.  I'm hoping I'll get to see his class after school?  Maybe?

We don't know much about his teacher, since he's our oldest and guinea pig for all the grades!  She's cute as a button though, and I've heard good things.  He knows several kids in the class (and I know several of the moms), so we're excited about that.  Even 3 Scouts from our den - fantastic!

Hubby headed to work, and I headed home with #2 and #3.  When we got home Baby Girl asked, "Where's Bubba's backpack?"  I said at school.  "Where's Bubba?"  At school.  Wonder how long that will last?  We relaxed a little, ran a few errands, had some lunch, then it was time to take the kindergartener to school!

Hubby came home during his lunchtime to make the second trip to school.  Traffic was a non-issue for afternoon kindergarten, of course.  At least for the drop-off.  Pick-up is going to be nuts...but I'll worry about that later.  It's kind of funny that once you go through something with your first-born (like dropping him off at kindergarten - all new-at-this and worried), it's like old-hat when you do it again.  I wasn't nervous about dropping him off - and he's so excited.  I think he's a little nervous, too...but he has hidden it very well (although he has told me multiple times today, more than usual, that he loves me...he's trying to connect and get affirmation, which I gladly give!).

We took him into class.  He quickly found his name-tag and put it around his neck without being asked.  Then I snapped a quick pic with his teacher, then he sat down to play with his buddy from preschool.  I snapped a quick pic with his buddy...gave him a kiss in his palm, told him I'd see him after school (which kind of made me get a lump in my throat), then walked out.  And I still regret not staying until the teacher made us leave...  When we dropped #1 off for kindergarten, a lot of us parents just stood there watching them...and then the teacher said something like, "I want all of you to turn to your parents, wave, and say, 'BYE!'"  And we were a little stunned, like...that's it?  We don't get to stay any longer?  So, since we knew the drill, we walked out and visited with some parents we know outside.  As we were driving away, I got the sinking feeling that we should have stayed...like, what if he turned to wave at us, and we were gone?  We did say goodbye already...but I wish I could go back and change that little thing...  I know he's fine, I do...just...want to be there for them whenever I can!

Like when #1 was in the class, the teacher handed me a survival kit.  So totally cute - I love all the cute, detailed things the teachers do for us and the kids in this class!  I still think it's cute.  It didn't make me cry this time, though...I'm a pro now, you know...

So, in just a little bit I'm going to pick up some slushes from Sonic as a first-day-of-school treat, then pick up my two big boys and hear all about their day!  (I decided to do the Sonic thing last year and everyone had the same idea - it was a MAD house...so this year, I'm going before I pick them up, and putting them in a cooler - they'll be waiting for them when they hop in the van!).

I spent my first real break in awhile checking the mail, talking to the apartment manager about some "issues," blogging, looking at pictures, and walking the dogs...but I have more of these breaks coming...someday I might actually just turn on the TV and just sit there...what's that like?


The following was written after putting the kids down to bed after a tiring and exciting first day of school...

I went to the big 2nd grader's class first for pick-up.  When the bell rang, he was the first to burst through the door and come running right toward me.  I got down to his eye-level and asked how his day went.  He just said, "AWESOME!  Second grade is easy!  And you have homework."  I said, "You already have homework?"  To which he replied, "No, I said YOU have homework!"  Yup...mamas have lots of homework the first week of school.  Many, many forms.  And they write many, many checks...  So, remember how I was hoping to see his classroom?  Well, his teacher had parking lot/pick-up duty, so as the last kid went out, she turned off the light, closed the door, and off she went.  Maybe tomorrow?

We walked over to pick up the little guy.  He was more subdued than I expected, although I also thought he'd be really sleepy...he sure misses his nap!  He had a great day, too.  I talked to the teacher and told her how we left, knowing she would ask us to anyway, and how I hoped I hadn't missed anything...she said everything was fine and she did the same thing this year, having the kids wave goodbye as an obvious sign to shoo the parents away.  Whew!

I surprised the boys with their slushes and talked about their day on the way home.  #2's favorite part: "That I got to play on the playground."  #1's favorite part: "Spending third recess with Mrs. (his first-grade teacher) because she had yard duty."  Yup, he walked around the yard with his teacher from last year, probably talking her ear off.

I let the kids watch a couple of PBS shows while they finished their slushes and I did my "homework."  #1 actually did have homework to do.  And the Accelerated Reader program already starts tomorrow!  So, after homework, he went to his room and read a chapter book so he can take a quiz tomorrow.  The boy is addicted to reading.

So, my boys had a great day.  I'm doing my best to get into the swing of things again.  There is so much for a mama to remember each day for her kids in school.  Snacks, lunch, when tests are, when things are due, etc.  It's exhausting, but I love it.


Holy cow...that was long-winded.  Can you tell I had a moment to myself today?  Tee hee!

Moments of thanks:
1. Hubby went into work later to go to school with us, so I had help with the kids' breakfast and he walked the dogs for me (he's out of town tonight and tomorrow...so it's all me tomorrow!).
2. The boys were safe at school - no injuries.
3. The boys had a great day.
4. We were prepared and ready for this day - it went wonderfully!

'Twas the Night Before...

'Twas the night before kindergarten,

and as they prepared,

kids were excited

and a little bit scared.

-From The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing

Tomorrow #2 will start kindergarten!  And the oldest will start 2nd grade...two boys in elementary school this year...crazy.  They are excited to be at the same school, although they won't see each other at all, just when I pick them up.  Big brother gets to walk over to little brother's class after school and I'll pick them up.  They keep talking about next year when they'll have two recesses together!  It's so sweet.  The little guy will have the same teacher his big brother had in the afternoon kindergarten class.  It's nice that we know exactly what to expect when it comes to what will be going on in the class, field trips, etc.  They are two very different boys, though...I expect them both to do great!

Last year I found a book for the oldest called The Night Before First Grade and read it with him before school started (and took a picture of him with it).  I wish I had known about those books a few years back!  They have one for preschool (just got that for my niece, and Baby Girl will get one for next year) and kindergarten, too.  Not for Second Grade, so I had to go with a different book for the big 2nd grader!  For him it was The Best Seat in Second Grade.  Although I missed out on the preschool one for both boys, and the kindergarten one for the oldest, at least this way each kid gets a book first!  #1 got the 1st grade book - and it will be passed down.  #2 got the kindergarten book - and it will be passed down.  #3 will get the preschool book - all to herself.

Of course we read these books tonight, along with The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.  Love that one.  I have a very hard time getting through that one without getting choked up!  I used to kiss the palm of #1's hand most days when I dropped him off for school...but he eventually didn't want me to do that anymore.  It was always so awesome when he would start to run off after I had kissed his hand, then turn around, grab my hand, and kiss my palm.  Love those memories.


So...tomorrow is the big day.  New shoes and shirts are out and ready to go.  Backpacks, snacks, and lunch packed.

I am so extremely proud of my boys...I don't even really worry about them.  They are so well-behaved, and so bright...I just get to let them go and watch them soar.

Meet & Greet

Our little guy got to meet his teacher and see his class today - getting ready to start kindergarten next week!  Wow!  He has the same teacher his big brother had, so we know what to expect and how things work, which is a blessing.

When we walked in I immediately saw a student from his preschool class - awesome!  When the other mom saw us, she was quite relieved.  Her son was really nervous (as was she), so to know that our son would be there with him made her day!  My son started hugging on her son, too...yeah, I think they'll be fine.

Our son will also get to have recess with one of his best friends from preschool.  They are not in the same class, but both have the afternoon sessions, so they'll get to play at recess.  Yay!

His teacher gave him this cute little goody-bag with an explanation of the contents.  It's so cute and clever - I LOVE all of the little things they do in kindergarten!

Here's hoping we have a great year.  Kindergarten, here he comes!!

Being a Mom Stinks...

...and I mean that in a very literal way!

So, as my last post mentioned, our oldest has not been feeling well.  This morning he woke me up before 6 and said he was thirsty.  I told him to get some water with his bathroom cup.  He woke me again a little while later - still thirsty.  Get some more water.  A little while later, I'm hungry.  ::sigh::  See, I've already forgotten my reflections of thanks for him yesterday!  It's early...  I get him a snack, go back to bed.

Breakfast time, he thinks he needs to throw up.  I rush him to the bathroom.  Nothing.  Then I needed to go take care of some business of my own.  As I'm, um, taking care of business, I tell myself that as soon as I get, um, done with my business, I need to grab a trashcan and put it by my son as a preemptive measure.  Why didn't I do that already?  I knew exactly which one I was going to grab, put a liner in, and walk it to him - I already pictured it in my head.

As I was washing up I heard my hubby yell my name from the living-room.  CRUD.  He didn't need to say anything further.  I knew I was about a minute too late in the time continuum to catch the vomit in a trashcan.  I run to the living-room and there you have it...two separate puddles, with splashage up on the couches.  Awesome.  Scrub, scrub, scrub.  Oh, and I got that trashcan ready...

As soon as I got done cleaning that, I headed off to get ready for my shower.  Then in walks Baby Girl asking for some new pants.  Then she turned and I saw it...liquid poo running down her leg.  More awesomeness.  I told hubby to run and see, while I got her cleaned up, if she had been sitting on something (like a couch?  Eww...).  We walked down the hall...and there we saw it.  The pile o' poo.  Wow, what an awesome morning so far!  How a pile escaped her diaper, I do not know...but there it was.  Hubby started to clean it up while I cleaned up Baby Girl, who very obviously needed a bath now.

I was preparing the bath, holding onto her arm (so she couldn't run away and impose her filth on anything else in the place), she proceeded to pee all over the floor.  Yup...mmhmmm...we were getting all of the bodily fluids taken care of today.

And so, you see, being a mom STINKS!

But you know what?  By the grace of God I had a smile on my face during every incident.  I giggled about it and never once got flustered...tell me that's not the hand of almighty God on this already tired Mama???