So hard being a working mom

This morning, I got the boys up and asked them to get ready so we could leave. It wasn't long before my older son went into the bathroom and closed the door. It wasn't long before he called me into the bathroom.


When I entered, I found him in tears. Of course, I asked what was wrong. He said he didn't know, he just didn't feel good all of a sudden. I couldn't get any more out of him. I gave him his allergy med and a pepto pill for his tummy and had him eat half a banana suspecting perhaps his allergies were part of the problem.


After dropping them off... I started to think back. He was doing this last year when he was having trouble with an older child telling him he couldn't talk to his friends. Last week, his lunch box went missing - shortly after a couple of trouble makers in his class took three others and put them in the trash can. Yesterday, his favorite sweatshirt didn't come home.


He also has an issue with remaining focused. I asked him about it - because when we do homework and such at home, I don't see this issue. He said it's easier to stay focused at home. I asked how so, he said there are other people at school. It's hard to stay focused on his teacher. I told him I wasn't sure what he meant because there are plenty of distractions at home. He said that wasn't what he meant. But he couldn't describe it.


So I wrote his teacher and told her of my concerns. I can't state it for sure, but if I had to place a bet, his inability to focus recently seems to be based in an issue he might be having with someone else. I hope beyond all hope he isn't being bullied again. Because, if that is the case, this mama may not be too good at holding her mama bear instinct back.


For now, I asked his teacher to keep an extra eye out in case something is going on. I told her that based on his answers to the questions I have asked, I am suspicious that someone is the root of some of this and not a general inability to focus as it appears on the surface.


Hopefully we are able to flush this out and he hasn't had his lunch box and his sweatshirt (which was a gift from his cousin) forever.

Time is flying

You are 6 now. You'll be 7 in two months.


You are intelligent.
You are witty.
You are creative.
You are REALLY fast.
You have an affinity for numbers.
You love to read.




You aren't sure about writing. But we can work on that.


I can't believe you're already wrapping up your first grade year. In two weeks, you will officially be finished with this year... and you'll be a second grader. It blows me away to watch you grow.


You have the most amazing eyes and such a sweet nature.


You are everyone's friend.


I am so blessed to have you as my sweet first born son. I can't wait to see what the future holds, even if I always wish silently that you will slow down on growing up just a little because mommy's heart just can't take it.

Change is on the Horizon

Things you have taught us:

You are one of those children that time out does NOT work for. You are intelligent, creative, and just plain stubborn. You don't like being forced to sit still, and you take out revenge the minute you are released. This often causes more problems than simply submitting and owning up to the reason you were punished in the first place. But you always voice your discontent in the most creative manner.

Debate skills are a necessity. You are a future debate champion, I just know it. I don't know whether to be impressed or embarrassed by the fact I routinely lose debates to a 3.5 year old.

You are caring and compassionate. Keep that up. You are so sensitive to the needs of others, and when you don't know how to help them, you get visibly upset. Don't ever let anyone change that.

You have a sense of adventure that should be envied by all. You don't shy away from anything, and you love to travel and experience new things.

You are intelligent. Not just standard "your parents think you are smart" intelligent. I mean, surprisingly and frighteningly intelligent. You have made it your goal to learn about the things you like and how they work - that being airplanes and trains right now. You can tell people all about them. That, and butterflies. You did a butterfly project at daycare almost a year ago...and you still tell us about the stages of a butterfly's life.

Your memory. OMG your memory! You never forget anything. It's both amazing and frustrating at the same time. But more amazing.

We love you so much. Continue to amaze us and make us proud of you, LM.

Growing Up Brothers

Lately, you have been such a wonderful big brother. You help mommy and daddy when brother needs food or a snack. You let us know when he needs to be changed, if we haven't already noticed. You even play and teach him new things.

It is heartwarming to hear you talk about your brother being your best friend. Your latest conversation with me:

I want to fly big planes.
Me: You mean you want to be a pilot when you grow up?
Yes. I like big planes.
Me: That is good. You have a goal, that is very important.
I know. I want to fly planes because why, because I want to learn to fly and take my brother places.
Me: Aww, you want your brother to go with you?
Uh-huh. I want to take him with me. He can be my co-pilot. I want to take him because he is my best friend.
Me: You love your brother, don't you?
Yes. He's my best friend. I wuv him too much. I can't wait to play with him outside.

You have been dying to go outside and have a watergun fight with your brother. Soon, my little monkey. Soon you will be able to play outside in the warm sunshine.

Three Years

They say that the terrible threes is much worse than the terrible twos.

You are about halfway through the milestone known as the terrible threes.

We had big changes when you were almost three. Your baby brother came into the world.

We feared your adjustment. We weren't sure how you'd handle no longer being the center of attention. Yes, there were some rough spots, but overall you adjusted very well.

You are a loving big brother. You love to help us feed baby, and love to play with him and show him things.

You make me proud every single day to be your mommy.

You are so vibrant and loving. So intelligent. So observant.

Above that, your communication skills are absolutely amazing.

Your vocabulary continues to amaze us. Your compassion is a beautiful thing. Don't ever let anyone change your heart, little one. You are perfect.

Little Monkey, you are awesome.

LM and His Big Bro Status

As the time for the Stow-away to be born starts to get closer and closer, we are asked somewhat frequently if LM is ready to be a big brother... or if he's excited... or if he's even aware of the fact his life is about to change almost as much as ours is going to again.

On the surface, it would appear that LM hardly really notices any changes in mommy's condition. But, if you were to be a fly on the wall in our house, you'd learn a much different tale. LM is actually pretty stinkin' excited he's going to have a new little brother to spend time playing with.

How do we know this? Well, he takes care not to hurt mommy, but loves to snuggle in mommy's favorite chair. He also, with increasing frequency, kisses the bump, or hugs and snuggles with the bump. Thus far, the Stow-away hasn't kicked or lashed out at him as he's doing this... but it would be totally cute to see his reaction if it did happen.

LM has even started to refer to the bump affectionately as his little brother. It's so precious - I love that he is so aware of the fact he's going to be a big brother soon... and so excited for the responsibilities this new status will hold.

Where Has Time Gone?

This Saturday, our LM turns two. Two! Can you believe it?? It seems like just yesterday, we were welcoming the sweet little bundle into the world and wondering what he'd turn out to be like. Now, WHAMMO... he's turning TWO!

We have affectionately started to call him the "Tornado Monkey" due to his ability to twist and turn on a dime while climbing and jumping off of nearly everything in sight. All the while he's making a mess, we're laughing because he's just so stinkin' cute that you can't get angry.

This child is nothing short of fast paced. He already talks so well... and he knows how to communicate when you don't understand, often taking you to show you what he wants. He is polite... using please, thank you, and you're welcome as often as possible. And he is already doing preschool work at daycare.

We adore this little boy.

Son, as you turn two... and we wrap our heads around the fast pace of your sweet life... we want you to know - no matter what, we love you. We will support you in whatever you do. We are blessed to have such an intelligent, charismatic, and sweet child. Never let anything or anyone change you.