Sole Preparation

Daddy continues the positive front, and, really, we are feeling very positive about Henry's upcoming school change.  Yesterday, when Daddy picked up the boy, he took him immediately to turn in the registration paperwork and to see his new school.  The report back is that Henry entered his mostly empty classroom timidly but that it only took a few seconds for him to warm up to the assistant teacher, and then, he literally bumped into his buddy M who Henry always loves to see.

Next on the to do list was a trip to Target.  There, the boys bought cookie mix and frosting for H's going away party scheduled for this afternoon, some water guns for his friends, and a new pair of incredibly tacky but dress code appropriate Spiderman shoes.  We are certain that our biggest primary challenge is going to be making the switch from slip-on, comfy Crocs to tennis shoes and socks to fit the school's requirements.  

 

We are pretty sure that it won't take long for Henry's feet to get used to socks and sole support.  How does he feel about them?  He seems to be excited while cautiously accepting.  He's still reluctant to leave his Crocs behind and selected Crocs to wear on his last day at the yW.  

And, yes, they are the light up kind of shoes.  We may be going overboard.  

College Next Week

Despite our love of Henry's teachers and the community at the yW, we recently encountered some policy issues regarding siblings and the yW's inability (read: unwillingness) to reserve a spot for Baby Cocks.  We fought a decent battle--involving the executive board chair and the experience of other parents, but, in the end, the policy remained unfriendly, and, in reality, in conflict with their mission to support its families and the community.  The result was that we were forced to research the non-profit child development center options in our area, and we believe we found the right place for our boys at our technical college's child development center.  It's also NAEYC accredited (a rarity in this area due to its stringent guidelines), incorporates many of the same principles and philosophies to which we are accustomed, and it's the lab program for the college's early childhood education program.

And, guess what!  They serve lunch!  We won't have to fix H's lunch anymore, which will mean a lot, especially when it comes time to pump and fix bottles for Baby Cocks.  And, we can get a doctor's note to bring in our own organic milk for Henry.  Organic dairy is a hot button for me.  Seriously, if I can taste a huge difference, then there is something wrong with the conventional product.  I digress... 

Despite the benefits, though, it's still a major change in the midst of our morphing home life.  My emotions have been running super high the last few weeks, and this drama and additional change sure as heck didn't help things.  I know that I tend to project my anxiety on Henry, so I have been very careful.  Thankfully, my superhero husband was already planning on staying positive about the whole situation, and this morning, we broke the news to Henry about the very quick change.  (A spot came open much more quickly than we anticipated.)

We left the telling up to Cory after we rehearsed last night, and it was clear that I can't do it without my eyes twitching while I gag and scratch the palms of my hands as my nose starts to run and I look for the nearest exit.  I just keep wondering if the teacher will rub his back when he lies down for nap, will they think he's hilarious and brilliant like Mrs. Hanna and Mrs. Nicole do, will he still relish group time, and will he make new friends and remember to stand up for himself?

It went perfectly this morning.  Cory said that we had something very important and exciting to tell him.  He said, "Guess what!  We are going to let you start going to a new school with a new place to play, new toys, and best of all, new friends!"

To my relief, Henry said, "Whaaaaaat!?!?  A new school!  Yea!  I'm excited!"  He did say, "That means I won't see Wesley anymore," but we assured him that we will see Wesley in other places.  It's true.  That particular friend's parents are also part of the bar association and attend family events.

I knew I was worrying too much, but I think I also knew he would take it just fine. Thankfully, I have been getting lots of reassuring support from my mom and mom-friends, one whose child also left the yW and moved to the same center for the exact same reason.  She reminded me, among other things, that we are going to love not fixing lunch every night.  Another friend reminded me that our kids still tend to operate on the id level, less so than the ego and super ego level from which I see things.  An additional positive aspect is that Henry's current assistant teacher, Ms. Nicole, will be in H's new room every Wednesday to complete her own lab requirements.  She is of the opinion that Henry will thrive in his new room and that the teacher is a good fit for our boy.  The kids also know they are getting a new friend and are very excited about it.

Sure, there is stress associated with any change--good and bad.  We have lots of adjustments ahead of us, and there are going to be rough patches.  The new center won't be perfect.  Nothing is.  I'm not even perfect!  Gasp!  But, our family will be OK.  Henry will be OK.   I'm OK.  You're OK. 

While I'm considering the existence of imperfections, though, let me put out a plea.  The new CDC follows the college calendar and has a week of spring break, two weeks off at Christmas, and a week off in July.  We will need some additional help during those weeks.  Hint, hint.  Nana?  Grandjane?  Elizabeth?  

Sympathy Pains

Tonight, as Daddy was closing Henry's door at bedtime, I heard Henry whimper, "I think I have heartburn."  Poor guy.  Does he really hear me complain that much?

At 3 Years, 3 Months, 3 weeks, 3 Days

Today, Henry is 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days old.  To commemorate the day, we had a parent/ teacher conference with Mrs. Hannah.

Here's what we covered today:

• Henry knows oodles of words to provide examples for beginning letters
• He shows empathy and compassion and even met a goal of being more open to sharing the floor and accepting others' opinions when it comes to their book, song, and felt board choices
• Another goal of being more proficient with fine motor skills was also met.  He now uses his fork and spoon with confidence and enjoys using pens and pencils to do an impressive job of writing his name
• He listens well and follows directions (must do a better job of it at school than at home)
• Henry looks out for his friends, but, thankfully, he's not the class tattle-tale
• Our boy likes calling people "tootie head"
• Mrs. Hannah says he's a "model student" and that he's "brilliant"
• Up next?  Beginning reading--sounding out words and recognizing sight words

And, if we needed more reason for our heads to swell, she gave us an example of his cognitive skills via anecdote.  On their fieldtrip to the GSP Airport last Friday, the airplane mechanic asked the group if there were any questions after the tour of the control tower.  Most questions went something like, "Why is there a leaf over there?"  "Airplanes fly up high!"  Henry, though, requested, "I want to know why some airplanes have propellers and some don't."

Yes.  We are proud of the boy.  But any parent knows that we're a lot less proud of his skills than we are of him being here--being our boy, our son.

After Dinner

Cory has been responsible for picture taking lately, but I wanted to get a few of my cute guys watering the garden after dinner.  I think Henry was shocked when I walked around the corner.

I love H's face here.  It's not a bad shot of Cory, either.

What started out as one flower...

... turned into a few more, all gathered from the neighbor's yard.

It was nice to watch my ketchup-faced boy run around outside.  I don't get to see enough of it lately.

And, if you are thinking that Henry's outfit is just stunningly cute, well, give props to Elizabeth.  She agreed to brave the mall for me to pick up a couple of knock around outfits for Henry to wear to school.  There are some perks to being on bed rest, for sure.  And, it's just one example of the love and support we receive every day from friends and family.  Our village is vast!

Sweet with a touch of crazy

Tonight, I went into H's room to give him a kiss and to check on him, which basically entails making sure that he isn't out of the bed and then fixing his covers, as he insists we do nightly.

I leaned over to kiss him, and he said, "You're sweet."
"You're sweet, too, Henry."
"Actually, I'm a little crazy."

Sun in Your Eyes

The temps are up and and the sun is out in full effect.

 

 

You can do it, Henry!

Wild Man

What must the yW think of us?

Last week, while Henry's class was studying airplanes, airports, helicopters, etc..., they discussed people who work at the airport and on airplanes.  Mrs. Hannah asked the class what flight attendants can bring you on a plane.  One kid said snacks, one kid said drinks, and Henry shouted out, "She can bring you beer!"

Yesterday, Henry went to the potty and re-entered the classroom without wearing underwear, pants, or shoes.  He didn't just walk in.  He ran around the room.  The teacher (stifling her giggles) told Cory about it, and Cory said, "Henry!  You're not supposed to run around nudie tudie at school!"  And Henry yelled back, "I wasn't nudie tudie!  I was wearing a shirt!"

Good Idea/ Good Day

Last Saturday, Daddy thought it would be a good idea to skip Artistphere, housework, and yardwork.  Instead, he and the boy bought a slip n slide and put on lots of unnecessary gear and pulled out our cheap blow up whale pool.

It was a good idea and a good day.  And those of you familiar with Penny's penchant for water drops know that she was quite satisfied with small sprays of water that landed all over the front yard.

I should note that Daddy did clean out a portion of the garage later on.

You Raise Them to Leave You

It's the circle of life.  In so many ways.

We opted to let the butterflies fly free on Friday evening.  Henry was excited about their departure.  

One of them even flew to the garden, and according to Daddy, when they went to water the garden later, it actually landed on H's shirt and stayed there for a little while.

Not all of the ladies, a term I use loosely, left, though.  It seems that a couple of our younguns opted for a honeymoon.  

They grow up so fast, I guess?  We let them have another night together.  The next day, we let them go, but one didn't make it out unassisted.  It was dead.  What does it all mean?????  (It means that we shouldn't have left the net on the deck since it contained fermenting fruit that attracted a small colony of ants who just might be a Painted Lady predator.  I'm considering using it for a sex ed illustration later, though.  Henry, it will kill you!)

Henry made quick work of dissecting the dead lady.  C'est la vie!  

Super's Theory

When I was preparing for my comprehensive exams for my graduate program, I chose to focus on Super's Theory of Career Development and just incorporate other rehabilitation counseling theories, which fits my brain's need for an outline when under pressure.  It just so happened that I was able to incorporate the theory into one of the exhaustive essay questions.  (Lucky!)  The main reason I chose it, though, was because it really makes sense to me--focusing on personal development, environment, education, and the flux of influence and experience that leads to change and discovery as individuals search for meaningful work.  It was also an uncanny fit for and validation of my own career about-face.

I now find it fascinating that I am not working when my main employment is all about helping people return to the wold of work.  My current job is centered around keeping my baby safe, and my family is of utmost importance to me, but I struggle every single day with the idea that I am stuck at home.  Even here, I contribute very little to our household's daily functioning.  I also wonder how this bed and couch time will influence my eventual return to work since I am losing stamina at a rapid rate.  It will certainly be an adjustment with a mixed bag of emotions.  But, then, very little about being a working mom is without ambiguity.  Heck, nothing about parenting is a sure thing!  As hard as it is to admit, we are just doing the best we can and hoping for happy and responsible adults that will follow their own path towards meaningful living.

My sanity likely hinges on knowing that my husband is amazing--an almost unbelievable source of round the clock uncomplaining support.  In the back of my mind, I also sometimes worry how my apparent laziness will influence Henry's view of work.  Henry sees Daddy work hard, but I think it's important that he sees that I value work, too, not just through appreciation of Cory's employment, but also through my current attitude towards my job as a mother since I am not working right now.  Occasionally, and, admittedly, rarely,  I remind myself to speak about the opportunity to work as opposed to the drudgery of it.

There is a great deal of comfort, though, in that he does talk about what he wants to be when he grows up.  Ironically, it usually encompasses a "Super" Hero.  And I love that his career goals change all the time, and, in keeping with Donald Super's theory, the influences are very obvious.

Most recently, he told us that he wants to be both Spiderman and Batman and grow up to be Spider-Bat.  I happen to think that, not only does he like popular super heroes, but he has a Super Dad to boot.  Cory set the bar for husband and daddy very high and still manages to make it look fun.

So, if there was such a thing as a constant career, here's what H's would look like:

As long as he is happy and self sufficient, it "works" for us!  

But, wait.  Should I be discussing his secret identity?  Will he say, "Oh, mom... you blew my cover!"  Oh, well.  Part of my job as a mom is to embarrass him.  And you know that I'll insist that he wear a helmet.

Mother's Day

For my mother's day treat, Cory said that I could lie around all day while he did all the work.  Where in the world would we be without his sense of humor regarding his heavy load of responsibility?  Cory fed us well, of course, and included my parents and sister.

I think this pose is the only one I have done in order to get a belly shot this time around.  Lying in bed all day for the past ten weeks does not bode well for my figure.  In fact, I have a feeling that I am carrying this boy in both my uterus and my thighs.  

I was feeling pretty, though, for Mother's Day--soft and smooth, thanks to my Sugar Scrub gift from Henry.

He was so excited to give it to me that he asked me on Friday afternoon, "Do you want to see something?  It's a surprise!"  I asked him if it was supposed to be my mother's day gift, and he confessed that it was, but he wanted to give it to me now.  He came back and was so proud to hand me the "sugar scrub!  I put vanilla in it!"  I used it Sunday morning, and I have to say, it's an excellent product.

We spent some time on the deck on Sunday evening, and when the daily thunderstorm started, H wanted to try to stick it out.

My brave boy lasted a few minutes before coming inside.  And notice the blue in the background?  It's the color of my new lounge chair meant for resting on the deck.  I am a very lucky Mama who has a husband and son who make me glad to be a Mama every single day, sometimes even all day.  It's going to be fun to add Baby Cocks to the mix.

Healthy Social Life

My boys had a busy Saturday last weekend, which I adore.  They do a good job with their social schedules, and this time they opted to attend Advent's Festival at Five Forks for a mid-morning to mid-afternoon day of driving a fire truck, listening to some live music, refueling while avoiding all fruits and veggies, and just chilling with some friends.  Thanks, Sarah, for the photos!

Here was H's menu for the day.  Breakfast: cereal; Mid-Morning Snack: popcorn and a snack mix consisting of Cheerios, m&m's, and white chocolate chips; Lunch: cheese quesadilla and a brownie; Afternoon Snack: more snack mix

Dinner...

Corn Dog on the deck.  Not a fruit or veggie in sight.  He was in a great mood all day, so I don't know.  Maybe fruits and vegetables aren't all that good for us?

They missed out on the neighborhood picnic since they opted to spread pine straw and do some shopping, but I was glad that I got to dine with my health nuts.  

Pre-Lesson

Cory is going to start taking H to swim lessons, so we are going ahead with the getting used to goggles phase.  He is also practicing putting his face in the water to grab quarters.

Don't you love the fit of these goggles?  I love the folded ears.  

All Together Now

Our fifth PLB'Fly (Painted Lady Butterfly) emerged from its chrysalis on Saturday afternoon, and now they are all together in their little home.  They eat a lot--feasting on their fruit, flowers, and a recently placed bouquet of leafy bush stems knocked down by the hail storm.

They truly are amazing.  Besides the meconium, they also start out in shades of mostly black and grey, but then their bright orange colors become prominent after just a few days.  They also seem to grow in size and definitely in strength and activity.  I get the feeling that, if I started blasting "We are Family," they would squeal and gather in an obnoxious circle dance.

We have been discussing their release date and think it will be soon.  Henry seems perfectly OK with letting them fly free, but we want a better weather forecast.  

Kayce, if you are interested in exposure therapy, I know five little ladies who would be happy to assist.

Hail on Earth

Check it out... tons of hail--even some golf ball sized ones.

Growing Family

We have another butterfly, emerged from its chrysalis on this very special cinquo de mayo.  Our family is getting so big!

Birth Announcement

After a few weeks gestation, we are the proud parents of three Painted Lady Butterflies.  We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of two more metamorphosis completions.

Proud Papa

Daddy thought the butterfly garden would be fun, and I thought it would be a good experience for a little boy who might learn something about development and birth--sort of.  Did you know that the chrysalis actually leaks meconium?

I'll keep our extended family and friends posted on the birth of the other two and maybe, just maybe, the names.  

That face

I considered editing out the milk 'stache.  Nah...

How does your garden grow?

On Saturday, Cory and Henry planted two of our three raised beds with tomato and pepper plants.  We are keeping it simple this year.

Why does this picture remind me of a Reservoir Dogs poster?

Dude doing da double dig

Daddy and his helper/ instructor

Patting down the dirt.

What did I do to help?  I sat in a chair and took some pictures and tried to keep H from running to the front yard, out of sight.  Cory later reported to me that, assuredly unprompted by him, Henry sat in my chair and said, "Now I'm going to be Mama."  You would think that just sitting in the chair and being gentle and patient would be how he would "be Mama."  But, instead, he sat in the chair, and after a while, told Daddy, "Water that one.  Now water there."  And when Daddy didn't react?  "I said water over there!"  

Wow.  He really got "Mama" all wrong.