Heart Smiles

So the picture is a little washed out and blurry...it was taken with a blackberry (not by me!), but how cute is this???

William is (okay, was) on a bowling team for twenty weeks. I wanted him to have something just for him that didn't have the word "therapy" at the end (though he loves his therapies). He wanted to take karate. I'm worried that might be too disciplined for him to make the huge financially & time commitment (they want you to sign a contract). So I talked him into bowling first (which he likes anyway) with promises of getting his very own ball out of it. He enthusiastically agreed. (We'll probably still try karate at some point.)

So this Saturday was the last week. They had a pizza party for the kids and parents, and handed out the trophies. William's team was in first place for much of the season...until 3 weeks prior to the end when William was on his own against a powerhouse team. His teammate was sick, and he was having an off day. So they slipped to second. They had been so dominating in the last part of the season that the guy running it even double-checked with me to make sure their slip to second place was correct. Unfortunately so...

Trophy time. Everyone was to get a participation trophy. They were cute little things about 5 inches high. Notice in the picture that William's (and his teammates) were much larger than that. Well, turns out, the boys were a powerhouse. Not enough to get the huge 1st place trophy. But William's teammate got the trophy for the boys' highest average of the series. And my sweet boy got the trophy for High Handicap Series. It has his name and score right there on the front. It was great. Only 4 large trophies for the whole group, and he took home one of them. Don't they both look so proud?

A Poll of Sorts...

If you could watch only one movie over and over, which movie would you choose? Why?

Am I just being overly sensitive about this???

Okay, before I get into the real nitty-gritty ( do people still say that?) of this post, let me give a little background...

William has been gaining weight lately, despite being a relatively healthy, though picky, eater. He still looks good, not too round, but its noticible to me when his shirt is off. He takes in his share of carbs, since bread is his all time favorite food group, but I wouldn't say he eats too much of anything over the course of a day or week. I've taken note of the weight gain, and have even come to the side of complete concern over it...weighing (no pun intended) whether or not I should call his pediatrician now, or just wait until his check-up in July.

So now to the real post...
William and Evie are on spring break and had to come to work with my yesterday. They've been here several times before and know everyone here. So this morning, one of my office-mates commented on how he couldn't believe how big William is getting. I said I know, that's what everyone says when he sees him these days. He is growing like a weed and we are having trouble keeping the boy in pants that fit. Well, this guy looks me dead in the face and says, "No, I mean he's getting really thick." What?!?!?! Did he just have the nerve to tell me that my kid is fat? WTH?

Granted, since I know he's put on the weight, enough that I'm concerned, I probably shouldn't have been so taken back, but really? Who are you to tell me my kid is THICK? Am I just taking this too hard?

And do you think I should call the pediatrician about it now, or just wait a few months? What would YOU do?

It was awesome!

William loves to hug his mom, and his dad, and occasionally his sister, and SOMETIMES even his friends. Otherwise, he just doesn't care for it. He would prefer you keep your affections toward him a little less...restrictive. This is particularly the case when he doesn't see someone very often. When I watch him in those embraces, it almost looks...painful. For him. Just imagine.

So yesterday, for Easter, we head to my dad and step-moms house. There were to be 23 people there total! Most of whom he sees about 4 times a year...if that. That amounts to a lot of painful hugs hello and goodbye, and some in between. But how do you tell people not to hug him? Not to show their love and affection for him? I don't. I figure a few painful hugs here and there might help him get used to this normal behavior, and even begin to welcome it. He'll survive.

So imagine my complete and utter joy when my sister Caity opens the front door for our arrival and instead of slipping past quickly, as is his custom, William stops and gives her a big long hug! It was awesome. And then, rather than slink down past everyone else and find relief from the crowd in the safety of the large family room, he systematically goes through the house and gives everyone the same big welcome hug. It was AWESOME! And people noticed. They had known all along how much he dislikes hugs and were pleasantly surprised to witness a different boy that day. His hello hugs were mentioned to me several times throughout the day.

And though he did retreat from the chaos for a while at one point, getting lost in the animated world of Batman, he maintained his ability to cope. All day. No meltdowns. No tantrums. No lack of focus. No total zone-outs. No cries for escape. I wish I could have stopped time for a while that day. I wish I could have video-taped it for his therapists and teachers to see. Have I already said it was awesome?!?!

One more reason to love Santa and the Easter Bunny...

Okay, so I know there are a lot of parents out there these days who have done away the whole Santa Claus/Easter Bunny/Tooth Fairy thing. I've heard MANY reasons, the 2 most popular being 1. that it takes away from the true meaning of the holidays, and 2. that it is flat out lying...which we tell our kids is so wrong to do. Well, call me a bad parent, but I just couldn't give up on 'em. I have some very magical memories of these mythical creatures from my childhood. They created a sense of excitement in me that has since been hard to find. And I'm selfish...I wanted to share that excitement again through them. So yes, we still faithfully believe in Santa and the Easter Bunny in our house, and the Tooth Fairy will be making her very first visit to Evie very soon.

But I've discovered another reason to love Santa and the Easter Bunny over my years as a parent. Christmas Eve and the night before Easter are the only two days each year that my kids are GUARANTEED to go to bed without a fight, without requests for food or water, without extra trips from their room for more hugs and kisses...without stalling! William has even requested to go to bed early this year. Yea, I gotta hand it to the ol' Easter Bunny and SC...best sleeping pills around!! Thank you, Easter Bunny! Bock, bock!

Nina

Do you remember where you were 10 years ago today? About this time of day, 10 years ago, I was visiting my grandmother in the ICU of the hospital, dressed completely in my wedding gown and veil. And while that probably shouldn't be what's on my mind today, for some reason it is. She wanted so badly to be there, and I assured her that we would come to see her that day. Still, she was doubtful, especially given the cold, snowy conditions that day. I still remember her face when we walked in. And how she kept saying how glad she was that we would come, and without changing first. Since we lived so far away (Tennessee), it would be one of the last times I saw her. Almost exactly one year later, she passed away.

Since that time, I have moved about a gazillion times (actually, only 9, but who's counting?). She would have loved having us back in Ohio and living close to her. My grandmother was a born worrier, and it always unnerved her that we lived so far away. If ever there was a storm within a 100 mile radius, you can bet the phone would ring, no matter what time of day or night, just so she could know we were safe. I remember the first time there was a big storm after she died...I was struck by how sad it made me.

I've had 2 beautiful children that she never got the pleasure of meeting. She would have adored William for his sweet, mild nature, and reveled in Evie's fiesty-ness and independence. She would have remarked, every time we saw her, about how much William looks just like his dad, but has my personality, and how Evie is a born superstar, so full of life. She wouldn't have missed a single performance or game if she could help it. She would be their biggest fan.

She would be overjoyed that my dad and step-mom are trying so hard to repair their relationship with my siblings and I after 30 years of almost constant turmoil. She would have loved knowing that almost every holiday would mean having both of her children, all of her grandchildren, and tons of great-grandbabies to surround her. We meant the world to her.

And she would have written the most beautiful anniversary card for us today. About how much the past 10 years have meant to her too. Her cards were never just "love, Grandma." They were poetry...straight from her heart and full of love.

And I miss her.

Another snow day

Today's giggle...

William (shouting from another room): "Mom, what's 6 babies at one time called?"
Me: "Sextuplets"
William (to Evie): "Let's pretend they're sixtublits!"

Snowed in

20 inches of snow in just over 24 hours! It's been pretty interesting to see it transpire over this weekend. Beautiful!

But of course, that means being stuck inside for the most part. And for once, I can't really complain about that. On a typical snow day, the sibling rivalry does not cease and more often than not, the two kiddos end up being separated...banished to separate areas of the house so that the air will be voided of the screetching and screaming for at least a small snippet of time. Today however, despite the lack of fresh air and mommy's insistance that the TV in this house does not need to run 24 hours a day, the kids are playing very nicely together. As evidenced by the entire Fisher Price Little People Village that has sprouted up in the formal living room this morning. Talk about building a civilization over night...you should see how good these Little People have it!

Their play has led to quite a few things that make me laugh out loud. I'm not even sure what they are playing right now, but I just heard William say, "You better back off before I make a jail cell your new home!" Where does he come up with these things? Its even cuter because he says "cell" like "sale." Hard to take him seriously when he sounds so adorable. He needs to work on his intimidation skills if law enforcement is in his future. Though I've already written about his stellar skills as a traffic cop.

It is now about 2 in the afternoon and peace continues to settle throughout the house. Earlier this morning, Evie had me wondering. She NEVER likes to be alone. Ever. But she was in her room, with the door shut, completely silent. I figured she was sneaking in some TV and decided to let it go because she typically does not leave my side. Ever. And much like me, she never stops talking. Ever. So I feel bad saying it, but I was enjoying the peace while she was away. She did come out of her room eventually, and the reason for the closed door and all the silence was clear the moment I saw her. She was all dolled up in a fancy dress from her closet, complete with full make-up, AND hair done up nicely with her streak-and-style!! It is several lovely shades now, including blue, white, pink, and purple. A punk rocker in formal dress with lipstick all over her face and bright blue eye shadow. Does it get any better? And if we had anywhere to be today, I'd let her go just like that. Because no one loves the attention she would draw from that spectacle more than Evie herself.

Well, they've resurfaced...William with a toy sword stuffed down the back of his shirt and fighting off invisible enemies with his laser, and Evie dancing ballet and making paper flowers (yes, they are still playing together, so I'm not sure how this all goes together!)...with requests for snacks to refuel their adventures. Until next time, may all your days be filled with this much imagination!

Is this contagious? Hereditary, maybe?

I love musicals. I always have. I know all the lyrics to every song of more musicals than I care to admit. There's Miss Saigon, and Phantom of the Opera of course, and Rent. But there's also Baby, and Secret Garden, and Pippin, and so many others. I love getting caught up the in characters, and the passion and emotion evoked by the music. I love it all!


And now, whether by exposure or genes, my kids may have my illness. Their first obsession in the musical world...WICKED!! Now, first, I have to say that I always knew Evie was headed in this direction. That girl LOVES music, and dancing, and singing, and all things dramatic. But I never expected William to join the ranks. I couldn't be more wrong.

Can I just say that these kids even know what number the tracks are for their favorites?! I'm not even that good. As soon as we start heading for the car its, "Can we listen to Wicked?" "I want number 16, the scarecrow song." "No, I want #7--Popular." "How about #9, when they are friends and going to Emerald City." "NO!, #18, where they want to kill the witch." "But #4 is really my favorite. I like it when she calls her dad 'Popsicle.'"


Evie has even been known to walk through the house singing, "I hope you're happy! I hope you're happy now!"


It's so great!


So which musical is your favorite??

First time parents

I signed on to the internet this morning when it caught my eye. A story announcing that J. Lo & Mark Anthony had named their twins...Max and Emme. I actually laughed out loud. Not because the names are outrageous or inappropriate, but because it was painfully evident to me that they aren't used to being around children...or their TV programming. "Max" and "Emmy" are the names of the bi-lingual brother & sister on PBS' Dragon Tales. That's why I thought it was funny :)

Their friend Enrique, Emmy, and Max:

"I wish, I wish, with all my heart, to fly with Dragons in a land apart."