So Much for Routine

I got my first phone call from the school nurse today. Wesley was complaining that he didn't feel well and had a headache. Turns out he has a 100.9 fever and I had to go pick him up.  And since he has to be fever free for 24 hours before he can return to school, looks like he'll probably be out tomorrow too.  Good thing he had a check up schedule for today anyhow.

New Routine

We are almost a week into school and it's starting to feel like we've got our school routine down.  I make sure to check Wesley's backpack for homework or notes from the teacher as soon as dinner is over.  Wesley decides at night if he wants to pack or buy his lunch and we pack it if needed so we don't have to worry about it in the morning. Same with my lunch, my work bag and his backpack, so there isn't any morning rush.

I still get up at my normal time and the boys are still getting up at their normal time, but the big difference is that instead of hurrying out the door and me grabbing something to eat in the car, we actually have time for all three of us to sit at the table and eat breakfast together. It's taking some getting used to and I'm going to have to start getting creative with my own breakfast options, but it's really nice to have that time with them.  It's not that they eat a ton or that we are having deep meaningful conversation, but we are able to slow down a little and enjoy ourselves.

After breakfast there is time for them to play for about 15 or 20 minutes before we have to get shoes on, load up the van and think about heading out. I even have time to sit down with a cup of coffee and do the blog! I know we'll have to leave earlier on rainy or snowy days, but right now, I love that we have the opportunity to ease into the morning.

I think I could used to the new routine.

Melt My Heart

I often talk about what a little stinker Ryan can be, but I don't know that I share his sweet side as much as I should.  Yesterday may have been Wesley's birthday and all about him, but last night was all about Ryan. 

First, it should be noted that Aunt Paula and Uncle Stacey haven't had the chance to see Ryan for awhile, so they had a birthday present for him: two boxes of Matchbox cars. Little Guy was in Heaven!! In fact, he put them all in a basket when we got home and took them to bed with him!

Shortly after Duane put the boys to bed, I walked into the kitchen and could hear Ryan calling me from upstairs. I went up to his room, peeked in and said, "What do you need, Bud?"

Ryan stretched his arms out wide and said, "I have a kiss for you."

Needless to say, that sweet gesture when he is usually quite stingy about kisses meant that he and I ended up reading in bed together and snuggling.

After a few minutes I could feel Ryan looking at me rather intently.  "Mommy, I like your face," he announced.

Touched, I answered, "Well, I like your face too."

"You have a Mommy face. I have a little boy face," he told me.

I may not be a supermodel or grace a magazine cover in my life, but as long as my little boy likes my face, it's all good. A mommy face is probably the best face of all.

Happy Birthday, Wesley

How did my little baby Wesley turn into a six year old boy?

Seriously, we started with this, in 2005

To THIS today

 How does that happen!?

Wesley had a great birthday.  When he woke up this morning he announced "Now that I'm six, I"m tougher than I was before."  Good to know.

He had requested rainbow pancakes for his birthday breakfast, so that's what he got.

Wesley wore a special birthday ribbon to school today since it's only the third day of school and we wanted everyone to know it was his special day. He got a special card and a pencil from the principal and Wesley proudly told me that "everyone I know at school said happy birthday to me!"

Instead of another party, the family went out to dinner tonight to celebrate. Wesley was in rare form, but it was a really nice evening out. I just can't believe my boy is so big! Happy Birthday, Wesley!

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not start tearing up a couple hours after I left Wesley at Kindergarten because I couldn't just call and see what he was doing.

I was not a little sad by how easy the whole starting a new school thing was  - especially not the second day when he practically sprinted from the car to the building.

I know I didn't pop in a Phineas and Ferb CD and start singing along when the kids were not in the car with me.

I certainly didn't take a nap each day this weekend. That would have been a waste of beautiful weather.

I'm Not THAT Bad!!

The other day Wesley was imparting some big brother wisdom to Ryan and "teaching" him all about monsters. Wesley would name a monster and then act like it, so Ryan would know what they were. Wesley did a great impersonation of a vampire, a werewolf, Frankenstein's monster and a witch.

I got a little concerned though when I heard him say, "And then there's the Mommy, who is covered in bandages and walks like this."  I peeked into the living room to see him walking stiffly with his arms straight out in front of him. 

"Wesley, that's a MUMMY, not a MOMMY," I said.

"No, I'm pretty sure it's a mommy," he answered.

Maybe it's time for a makeover or something?

The Car of His Dreams

As many of you know, Ryan has a real interest in cars.  Toy cars, real cars, model cars - he loves them all. We were walking into the library Friday morning and saw a real beat up car in the library parking lot. This was one of those real fancy cars that had plastic duct taped over some of the windows and was painted two different colors of primer.

Ryan pointed to the car and said, "That car fabulous!"

"That car is fabulous?" I asked him.

"Yes. It black and blue and it makes me happy," he told me.

I guess is really is the little things.

Second Verse, Same as the First

The second day of school seems to have gone as well as the first. Wesley woke up this morning exclaiming, "I get to go to school again!?" Now that's excitement!

As we got ready for the day, Wesley shared his brand new school vocabulary with me. It's a book bag, not a backpack. When you bring your lunch you are a packer, if you buy it's called hot lunch.  Kids that get picked up are walkers and those that ride the bus are bussers. The things Mommy needs to learn!

My plan for today was to park the car and then Ryan and I would walk Wesley into the gym, which is where he will need to go until the bell rings. You know what they say about making plans though. When I got about a block away from the school all I could see were buses and cars everywhere! I quickly discovered that  the idea of walking Wesley into the building was a pipe dream.

"Wesley, I think you're going to have to walk in by yourself," I told him.

"Okay, Mom. You can just let me out here if you want," he replied.

I drove up to the drop off area and by the time I got out of the car and over to his side, Wesley was already hopping onto the sidewalk and giving his principal a big hug.  I told her that Wesley might need a little direction getting to the gym and she assured me that the custodian was right inside the door to direct kids. I could see that he was and watched as Wesley hurried into the building with a big smile on his face and not even a backwards glance.

I didn't want to block the drop off area, so I hurried back around to the drivers side and got into the car, only be greeted by a near deafening wail.  Ryan was screaming for his brother with tears running down his cheeks. Checking the clock, I saw we had nearly half an hour before Grandpa was picking Ryan up at the library and 45 minutes before I had to start my day.

"Hey buddy, do you want to go get a donut or some juice someplace?" I asked him.

"NO! Mommy, I so sad!" he cried.

I didn't know what to do, so I drove to the library (not even 10 minutes away) and decided Ryan and I would just go to the library. We'd hang out at my desk and he could play on the computer for a bit until Grandpa came to pick him up and it was time for me to be on the clock.

I think he was a little surprised to be at the library first thing in the morning, but he talked to my co-workers, played with his car and typed on the computer until Grandpa got there. And then the poor little guy didn't want to leave me. Of course he did just fine once he got in the car and they were driving away, but the new routine is proving a little rough for him. Poor guy.

First Day - Hooray!!

We survived the first day of school. Actually, that isn't right. We ROCKED the first day of school!  Wesley did such a nice job today!

I love his school. I love his teacher. I love his principal. I think Wesley does too. According to him, the first day was "Awesome! So fun. So fun. So so fun!"  He knows the names of the boys and girls at his table and the librarian's name. He ate everything in his lunchbox and pronounced it "Delicious - no, SCRUMPTIOUS!" He's going to buy his lunch tomorrow and is really looking forward to that too.

He had such a good day and was in such a good mood that we went for a little celebration dinner at the restaurant of his choice - which was McDonalds. Well, the first day of full day Kindergarten does work up a pretty big appetite.

Ryan didn't do too badly today either. He did tell Grandma he was bored at one point, and he probably was without his big brother there. Overall though, today was a big success!

First Day Jitters

Wesley starts Kindergarten tomorrow and someone in our house has the first day jitters. Unfortunately, that person isn't Wesley - it's me! 

I don't know what is wrong with me! Wesley has gone to preschool for two years and seems to be just fine about starting at a new school, but poor Mommy is stressing a little bit. What am I stressing about? Well, just like my book character friend Wemberly, I'm worried about "big things, little things and things in between." 

• Will Wesley like his teacher?
• Will be behave appropriately in the classroom, or will we run into some of the problems we've had at the beginning of preschool the last couple years?
• Will he make some friends?
• How does the lunch program work?
• Will Wesley eat the lunch? He gets really grouchy when he doesn't eat, so this is a big concern.
• How will the new morning routine work? We haven't really changed it in years.
• Where will I park for orientation tomorrow? The school has a VERY small lot.
• Will I be mistaken for the teacher since I have to go to work right after orientation and will be dressed for the work day?
• What should Wesley wear for the first day?
• Is he going to get picked on?
• How will Ryan handle his brother being gone all day?

I know that most of these are worries almost every parent faces when their child starts school (well, except for the whole being mistaken for the teacher thing), but this is the first time MY child has started school.  Wish us luck!

Future Football Fan

On Sunday the W. family was heading up the freeway to Wesley's birthday party. We pass the Ohio State University campus when we go up that particular freeway and get a good view of Lincoln and Morrill towers, the library, the hospital, and most importantly in Columbus, the 'shoe.

As we were driving by, Ryan looked out the window and saw a view much like this one:

"Hey!" He yelled, pointing at the stadium. "Dat Ohio State!"

And that my friends, made alumna Mommy and football fan Daddy very proud indeed.

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I was not a little bit disappointed because Wesley's school supply list contained only things like tissues and hand sanitizer instead of "fun" things like crayons and folders.

There is no way I was a little bit proud that Wesley and Ryan banded together to stand up to an older boy that was picking on them at McDonalds play area.

I did not have to go buy a laundry hamper with a lid because a certain orange feline was mistaking our laundry for the litter box. That would have been gross.

Pool Party

Having an early birthday party seems to be becoming a tradition in our family. We celebrated Wesley's birthday with his friends today at the community center pool.  Aunt Susan took some amazing pictures to capture the day! Thank you, Sus!!!

Little Mooch

Ryan: Mommy, dat your pop?

Mommy: Yes.

Ryan: Is it purple?

Mommy: Yes.

Ryan: Is it empty?

Mommy: No.

Ryan: Can I sip it?

Mommy: No.  (because I wanted him to ask using manners)

Ryan: Please Mommy? It tast-es extra good....

Mommy: No, because that's not how you ask.

Ryan: Please may I have a sip of your yummy purple pop? Please?

Now who could say no to that?

Good Morning

Everyone survived the sleepover. Three of the four boys were awake when I had to leave for work and were happily munching donut holes and watching tv. I tiptoed upstairs to give a kiss to a sleeping Ryan before leaving, only to discover him sitting up in his bed. I told him the other boys were downstairs having breakfast and he asked me to carry him downstairs.

As we were walking down the steps Ryan hugged me and said, "I love you, Mommy."

"I love you too," I told him.

"You can give me kiss and I not wipe it off," he said.

Well, that's an offer I cannot pass up! Especially on a work day!

What a Zoo

Tonight Duane and I are hosting a sleepover. Well, Duane is doing most of the hosting. I am going to Susan's for a little bit. Coincidence, really. Anyhow, Sho and Kei are staying the night and Wesley and Ryan have been looking forward to it all week.

Cathy and I took the four boys to the zoo this morning for awhile. We only stayed for a couple of hours because it was really hot, but we had a good time anyhow.

I love this picture. He looks so handsome.

Who is that masked man?

The boys got canteens to take with them around the zoo. I don't think they ever put them down.

What happens when you try to take a picture of four active boys.

Those are some strange looking prairie dogs.

Dino surfing

Sho was so very good to Ryan. Just as sweet as could be.

Three out of four isn't bad.

I love this picture. Sho asked me not to put it on Facebook, so I'm putting it on the blog instead.

Cooling off in the spray.

Drumming up business.

As you can see, a good time was had by all. After the zoo we stopped for frozen yogurt and now the four boys are currently tearing apart my house. Seriously, I can barely walk through my living room at this point. But they are having fun and that's all that really matters.

Do, Re, Mi

You know those people you pull up next to at stop lights and they are completely oblivious to anyone around them because they are totally rocking out and singing along with the radio in their car? Totally me! But instead of rocking out to the radio, I'm probably singing along to Phineas and Ferb.

The other morning I was singing a little solo when Ryan asked, "Mommy, how you sing?"

I wasn't sure how to answer him so I said, "I listen to the music and I just do."

"Well, I just hum," he answered.  Guess he forgot the words.

On a Roll

Check out what Wesley taught Ryan today

Slug Bug!

Wesley and Ryan have recently become obsessed with Volkswagen Beetles. Every time we are in the car, they are on the lookout for "Beetle Buggies." They keep a running count of how many they see each day.

The other morning I was reminding Wesley to fasten his seat belt to keep him safe in case there was an accident.

Wesley: But you're a good driver, Mommy.

Mommy: Thank you, Bud. But you always have to be careful when driving. You just don't know when someone might not be paying attention and hit your car. That's why it's called an accident.

Ryan: Mommy, if our car gets broke we can fix it into a Beetle Buggie!

That would be about the only way we'd get one now. I've become quite attached to the Mom-mobile!

Gonna Need a Nine Iron for That

As we were driving to Grandma and Grandpa's this morning, the boys looked out the van windows and saw the moon, still bright in the morning sky. It looked a lot like this - except this is a picture I got off of Google images.  Well, you didn't want me to break out my camera while I was driving did you? I didn't think so. Anyhow, it looked a lot like this.

The boys both stared at it in silent appreciation for a moment, then Ryan said, "The moon looks like golf!" 

Yeah, that's my little jock in training. Um....fore?

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I was not incredibly relieved that the temperatures dipped from the 90's into the upper 70's for the day our house was shown to a perspective buyer. And it certainly wasn't because the air conditioning doesn't do a whole lot for the upstairs.

I did not suffer every ill side effect from an antibiotic and end up a sloth-like, depressed, lump for part of  a week.

I did not need to be reminded by my nine year old nephew that putt-putt is supposed to be fun and it doesn't matter if your children play it "right" as long as everyone is having a good time.

There is no way I asked Duane to stop at an ice cream place on the way home from a picnic where I had gorged myself on all kinds of delicous food just because the ice cream place is kind of far away and I never get to go there and I wasn't about to pass up the chance!

Friends and Dogs and S'mores - Oh My!

Last night was a staff picnic at our deputy director's place. She and her hubby live kind of way out there in an amazing house on lots of land. It was the perfect place for staff to gather - tons of room for kids, dogs, food and friends. We had a blast! In fact, we had such a good time that I forgot to take very many pictures.

Wesley was enthralled with all the dogs. By the time everyone showed up, I think there were 6 or 7 dogs running around - everything from small dogs to boxers to mastiffs. Wesley's favorite was a small dog named Milo. Ms. Debbie (Milo's mommy) let Wesley hold Milo and he was in seventh heaven.

Wesley spent a good part of the night chasing Milo around calling "Puppy!"  One of my co-workers said to Wesley, "You must really like dogs!"  Wesley turned to her and with a completely straight face said, "No. Not really."

After a while he started playing with a brother and sister duo - especially the brother. Wesley would tell me every chance he got, "This is my new friend!"

Ryan loved the place too. He ran around with some of the kids, played beanbag toss and ball, ran some more and threw rocks. Total heaven for him!

Of course, the best part of the night was when the fire got going and the kids (and maybe a few of the adults) got to make s'mores. With the help of another one of my co-workers and his wife, Wesley and Ryan toasted marshmallows, sat on logs and gorged themselves on chocolate. When I told them they were done and we had to get ready to go home, Ryan begged for one more s'more (which would have been one more than he had technically had) and who could say no to this face?

No, Ryan hasn't grown a moustache. That's chocolate.

The big news is that Wesley actually ate a real honest to goodness s'more - with the graham cracker touching the chocolate touching the marshmallow. It was his first one! I'm very happy to report that he loved it. Now I have someone to gorge on s'more's with.

Both boys fell asleep on the way home. Wesley talked about s'mores and his new friend for a while before getting quiet and falling asleep. Ryan was a little motor mouth for about 10 minutes. He talked nonstop about the friends he played with and the house and the dogs and marshmallows and everything he could think of. Then he crashed - HARD!

It was a wonderful night!