Summer Break

Joel said, "I want to stay with Becky at Mooncreek [Montessori] forever!"  We're all going to be a little sad when school's out this week.  We don't really have much planned for this summer.  Any suggestions?

Moving on

I signed Joel in at preschool this morning.  As I was leaving, I asked if he wanted a hug.  He said, "No, I'll give you a hug at home."  I was not prepared for this response.  

I was prepared for, "Don't go!" 

I was prepared for a body-slam hug and a death squeeze that doesn't end until I insist.  

I was prepared for an all-out protest, whimpering, even crying. 

That hug has been a ritual for 2 years.  A full-on public demonstration that I am Joel's mom.   The territorial mark Joel needs to show all the other kids in his class that he's loved just as much or more than they are.  

Something happened today.  

I feel like protesting, whimpering, crying, a death squeeze and not letting go.  

I've always liked moving on.  But now I just want to live in the moment.

Dream Big

S: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Jamie: Joel!

Playing hooky

What's more educational?  We're so lucky to be able to take our little scientists to the beach on sunny, gorgeous days like this.   Sand dollars, worms, crabs, sea otters, rocks, mucky muck, and seaweed. YUM!

Whack!

Way to go, Joel!

3 Years Old!!

3 Years of Pure Joy!

What I love about Jamie:

"Don't Shake the Baby!"

He can get a smile out of me no matter what mood I'm in.

He has Feinstein toes.

He loves to be close.

Happy Birthday, Jamie!

Days of Wonder

I wanted to write something profound about how little ones learn by trying and testing and working out puzzles and how I appreciate their tenacity.

I didn't get very far before I felt pretentious.  

If I asked Joel to go write something wonderful, he'd probably get a pen and paper and write "To mamam.  Love Joel."  It's exactly the reminder I need every day and precisely his very desire.  

So I'll just try to say less, and watch, listen and love more.