First Day of Preschool....According to Maddox

This child!!  Maddox's first day of preschool was yesterday.  They send home notes everyday listing what each child played, had for snack, etc.  And thank goodness they do because the stories I got from Maddox were truly unbelievable!  Here is what the note said and here is what Maddox said...

The note said he ate half his snack of bananas and cheerios.  Maddox said he ate all his banana and all his fruit loops.  He also informed me that he spit out all his water.  The note said he held the flag pole.  Maddox said he actually held the flag pole.  The note said he played alone and with friends.  Maddox said 3 boys hit him and went to time out.  He also said timeout was in the bathtub.  The note said he got to take a trip to the treasure box.  Maddox said he was the only kid who got a special treat. Everyone else was bad and hit the teacher in the face. The note said he followed all classroom rules.  Maddox said a boy peed in his pants and a girl pooped in her pants.  All on purpose.  The note said he played in the kitchen and with playdoh.  Maddox said he played "game with boy and hit in the face and everyone die."  (I don't get it, either.)  He also told me he found a girlfriend.  I believed him at first until he told me she had purple eyes and dog feet.

So probably about 30% of what he said was actually true.  Guess I'll never really know what happened. But here's what I do know.  I had one happy boy yesterday.  As soon as he got in the car, he said, "Mom will you sign me up for school again on Sunday. It was AWESOME!" 

GO TO SLEEP!!

Oh My Gosh!!  Maddox is almost 4 years old and still gets up at least once a night.  Lucky for me, Drew can get up with kids and not remember it the next day.   However, on occasion, I do get up to see what he needs.  At 3:00 am, these are the reasons Maddox wakes up.

1.  I need more juicy.

2.  I have a hangnail.

3.  I'm so hot.

4.  I need more juicy.

5.  I really want to ride a horse.  (Not even kidding!)

6.  I need someone in here with me.

7.  It's too dark. (He has 2 night lights.)

8.  I love you.

9.  Can Sam come over?

10.  My bed is wet.  I throwed up.  ( He didn't.  He peed.  While it's still disgusting, I will take it over throw up any day.)

11.  I lost my key.  (It's a key to a diary that may or may not be his.  He can not read, write, or open the dumb thing.

12.  I heared something.

13.  I need more juicy.

14.  I can't find my blanket.

15.  I miss you.

16.  My dinger hurts. (Don't ask.)

17.  I get up now?

It's annoying but also a little funny.  I know at some point he will sleep straight through the night.  Until then, I will look at this picture every night before bed to remind me just how darn awesome he is!!

Again?

Well, it's here again...the dreaded last day of summer.  I get so sad it's down right pathetic.  I hate the thought of  9 months with no Amelia.  She's the life of the party around here and it's hard not to miss her.  I wanted to do something with her today (just the 2 girls).  So, we did what any 2 girls would do and headed straight to the mall.  I don't know exactly what I was expecting the trip to be like.  I mean, we've been to the mall a hundred times. But today, it was different.  She didn't hold my hand when we walked across the parking lot; she said she didn't need to anymore.  She didn't stop at the Disney store; she wanted Justice and Claires.  She picked out her new outfit; totally not what I would have chosen. She didn't even glance at the play area; she just whizzed right on by.  Sometime in the last year, she's grown up on me.  Amelia, your second grade letter......

Dear Amelia Rose,
      It's hard for me to believe you are starting 2nd grade tomorrow.  It seems like I just brought you home from the hospital.  Anyhoo, you are off to start another adventure.  You walked into orientation last week with so much confidence.  You actually spoke to Mrs. Hutchison and met your new teacher with a huge smile on your face. You ran to hug your friend, Claire....and then you two went off exploring.  It was so great to see you in that way.  You have really come out of your shell lately and I think your gymnastics has a lot to do with that.  You just seem more comfortable around people and that's such a good thing.  Some things, on the other hand, haven't changed...and I'm so thankful for that.  You still have a huge heart and still love playing with Maddox.  You love to do your school work perfectly and of course, you are still flipping all around the house.  You are kind to your friends and care about others.  You always try your very best and work hard in everything you do.  You still get excited over the smallest things and ice cream can fix even your worst day.  You are special little thing, Amelia.  I love you more and more everyday and am so excited to see what you do next.   Please remember while you are at school, Mom watches the clock, counting down the minutes until the house fills with the sweetest voice again.  Maddox misses you, Mama misses you and Daddy misses you.  Have a great year, sis!

Love you to pieces,
Mom

So as we were leaving the mall, Drew called and said Maddox was exhausted.  I caught myself trying to hurry home to help put him down for a nap.  And then, I got caught by that stupid red light at Alexandria and Harrodsburg.  I looked in the rear view mirror to see my girl.  She said, "Mom, turn  the radio up!"  Before I knew it, we were both singing and dancing to Blurred Lines (don't judge the song choice;)  People in the lanes beside us were watching and laughing and we didn't care one bit.  So, yes.  The trip to the mall was a little sad because it made me realize my baby is starting to become more independent.  But it was totally perfect, too.  I just hope I get to see that happy face I saw in rear view mirror today a million more times.

    

Tough Little Cookie

I thought summers were supposed to be relaxing!  Whoever said that obviously didn't have a gymnast for a daughter and an "I want to do everything" 3 year old son.  Amelia was in the gym all week I am absolutely amazed by her.  She started a new class today and I couldn't be more proud.  She learned something today she will remember for the rest of her life.

I saw the coaches head toward the rope and I knew exactly what was about to happen.  Amelia was going to have to climb that thing only using her arms; no help from her legs.  She grabbed the rope and started to pull herself up.  I watched as she inched up slower and slower until finally she came to a complete stop.  As I looked at her face, I saw tears (She NEVER cries at gymnastics, EVER). The coach told her she could use her legs to help her reach to the top of the rope.  Through her tears, she pulled and pulled and pulled.  The coaches, along with her brother and I, were encouraging her every step (or pull) of the way.  It seemed like it took an hour but she finally reached the top.  As soon as her hands hit the metal, she threw her head back and cried like a baby.  She wasn't crying because of fear or pain but because she had simply done it.  Do you have any idea how tough that was for me to witness?  What I wanted to do was grab her off the rope, get her some water, and cradle her like a baby.  But what I did was standby, cheer, and watch a little girl push herself in a way she didn't think was possible.  It was such an awesome thing to see. 

So, yes.  I'm glad she likes gymnastics and I'm glad she has made new friends doing it.   I'm also glad she has won medals and trophies for all of her hard work.  But today made me realize it's so much more than that.  Today, Amelia realized she can do anything.  Did she make it to the top of the rope with only using her arms?  No.  Does she think she will soon?  Absolutely.

( I had to sneak away to write this and as I was heading upstairs, I had to step over Amelia.  She was in the floor....in the splits.) 

Finally, a nap....sorta;)

I felt like poop last week.  My sinuses were out of control.  The kids and I had run around all day and when we finally arrived back home, I begged them for 30 minutes to rest my head.  I pulled out some board games and art supplies and had a great little play center set up for them right beside the couch.  I dimmed the lights and believe it or not, I was able to doze on and off.  I say on and off because periodically I  heard things like, "It's my turn....Leave me alone...I want the blue crayon." I would wake up and beg them to be quiet and let me sleep just a little more.  They started writing letters and making cards and bringing them to me; putting them on my face, my chest,etc.  After about 30 minutes, I opened my eyes and found this note literally staring me in the face.

 

 

Nap officially over.

Talk, Talk, Talk!

OMGosh!!  My kids never stop talking...EVER!!

Things I am so tired of hearing  (pretty sure it will be easy to figure out which one of my kids says what;)

1.  Watch me, Mom!

2.  Do we have to go to bed?

3.  I'm hungry.

4.  Can I have dessert?

5.  Are there any bees outside right now?

6.  Is is time for ________?  (insert either karate or gymnastics)

7.  Where's my sippy cup?

8.  He won't stop bothering me.

9.  She won't stop bothering me.

10.  I don't want to read.

11. Mom, Mom, Mom!!!

Things I will never get tired of hearing

1.  Love you, Mom

2. Will you play with me?

3. Turn the radio up!

4.  Will you spot me?

5.  Will you hold me?

6.  Will you sleep with me?

7.  Read to me.

8.  Let's hang out, Mom.

9. I love my brother.

10.  I love my sister.

11.  Mom, Mom, Mom!!

 

I got the best kids in the world!  (but seriously....they don't stop talking, EVER!!)

So that's what a meet season's like!

Okay. Okay. I know, I know!  I haven't blogged in months.  I have been a little preoccupied.  It's something called gymnastic meet season.  I feel like for the past couple of months I have been a uniform washing, hair rolling, pep talking chauffeur.  It has been so stressful but so much fun.  Yesterday was the last meet of the season and with 24 hours to reflect upon everything that has happened, I have a ton to say.  I have decided it is best to put all my thoughts in a letter to our sweetest girl.

Dear Amelia Rose,
       You did it!  You finished your very first competitive gymnastic season.  It seems crazy to think where you were just a year ago.  I remember when your dad and I were hoping you could just climb to the top of that rope. And then yesterday, you go and win "the biggest trophy you have ever seen."  You learned so much during your first year, Amelia.  You learned to be away from us for 3 and half hours at a time.  You learned to make new friends and depend on your coaches for help.  You learned to win and more importantly, you learned to lose. You learned some days were easy and some days were not.  You learned hard work equals success.  All of these lessons are so important and I'm glad you picked a sport that teaches these.
       You are 6, for Pete's sake!  How can you do all that you do?  Let me be honest.  You were not the gymnast who was first in line at practice; you would always hang in the back.  You were not the kid to raise your hand and ask a question; you only spoke up when you were spoken to.  You were not the quickest; but you did not cut corners.  You weren't even the loudest or the flashiest.  But you were respectful.  You were kind and hard working.  You were patient and teachable.  You were honest and you were focused.  You were determined and you were, in my eyes, perfect.  I must say I am in awe of you.
       So yes, Mom and Dad are so proud of all that you have accomplished this year.  But we are more proud in the way that you accomplished it.  I'm so lucky that I get to learn from you for the rest of my life.  I'm sure you have so much more to teach me.  So be proud of yourself, Amelia!  It's okay to smile and say "I did it!"  Know that Mom and Dad love you very much and can't wait to see what you do next.  I know it will be amazing!

Lots of love,
Mama

      

My Little Firecracker

I am constantly wondering if I am making the right choices as a mom.  This was especially difficult when trying to evaluate Amelia with her little gymnastic "career."  During the summer, she made the team which included much more time away from Mom and Dad, many more hours in the gym, and alot of money;)  Drew and I just kept saying, "She's only 5...Can she handle all of this and school?"  Well, our questions were soon answered and everything has worked out perfectly.  I mean there are sacrifices; like no holidays from school, missed play dates and weekends full of travel for competitions.  But we are so proud that we have encouraged her to participate in a sport that has been able to teach her so much.  She has made new friends and her coaches are such great, positive role models.

Her first competition was this past weekend.  She was a nervous wreck.  We got up at 4 am and drove to Northern Kentucky.  It was cold, she was tired and I was sick.  Not a fun day....so I thought! And then it began!  She had an awesome day!

 Amelia walked away with 3, yes 3 medals and a 3rd place All Around trophy; her first trophy, I might add!

After bath time, snuggle time, and a recap conversation that night, Amelia was having trouble falling asleep.  She just kept reliving the day.  I left the room and started to hear her cry.  I walked back in and asked her why she was upset.  Her reply?...."I just don't want this day to end, Mom."

 I was able to rest easy on Sunday night....Drew and I had totally and completely made the right decision.

ABCs ...Maddox style

How cute is this?

You is smart.....

I reluctantly watched The Help last week.  I say reluctantly because every time I watch a movie that "everyone" is talking about, I end up hating it.  But......I must say I loved it; especially when Aibileen says to Mae Mobley, "You is smart.  You is kind.  You is important."  I thought about that scene over and over.  They were such perfect words to say to a little girl.  So needless to say, I knew I wanted to do something like that for Amelia.  You see, our sweet Amelia is very shy.  She is a perfectionist and a people pleaser, and I have heard her say on more than one occasion, "I can't."   I thought it would be so great for her to know just how Drew and I felt about her.  I sat down and wrote some adjectives to describe her and then I began taping them on the ceiling above her bed.  They were just handwritten on note cards and honestly I wasn't pleased with how they turned out.

But I still couldn't wait to show Amelia when she came home from school.   She jumped up on her bed, read the words and then said she wanted a snack.  Well okay, then...she's not impressed.  As I tucked her in last night, she looked up and read a few more of the words.  She said, "Mom, do you really think I'm brave?"  I said, "Absolutely."  She gave me a kiss, rolled over and then fell asleep.

This morning started Fall Break so I got to sleep until 6:45.  I woke up but decided to stay and  snuggle a few more minutes in my warm bed before getting up.  And then,  I heard the sweetest little voice say," I am talented. I am smart. I am loved."  I had tears in my eyes and went to her room to read the rest of the words with her.

 So yes, it was a rushed project.  I used lined notecards and a black marker that was just about dry.  It was handwritten and unevenly spaced.  And to be honest, I can't be sure all the words were spelled correctly;)    

Did it matter?  Not one bit.  Was it worth it?  You have no idea.

It's Potty Time

It's that time!  No more diapers.  I can honestly say I'm tired of changing diapers. So....we bought Maddox a brand new potty this week.  It sings when you pee pee in it. (genius, right?)  Obviously, he loves it and he did pretty well with his first day of  big boy pants.

Thumbs Up!

Potty Scorecard

                                                 In potty           8 times

                                                 Outside           2 times

                                                 In the floor     1 time

                                                

So a pretty good day for Maddox!  And seriously, how cute is he?



 

and I'm crying again....

It's that time of year again.  The time of year when the laughter stops, the fighting ceases and the little spark in our lives heads back to school. I really am crying again.  It seems absurd especially since its first grade.  I know, I know....I've done this already but I'm convinced I'm just lousy at change.  I love my crazy day to day life; both kids at home, yelling, running, giggling, flipping, hugging, snuggling, and playing.  I don't need anything to change.  I like everything just the way it is...but, nevertheless, here we are staring first grade right in the face.  I'm a mess and Amelia couldn't be more excited.  I mean, she has a new teacher....and "he's a boy." She's had her backpack packed for 2 weeks and her outfit is ironed and ready.  She's pumped, Mom is not. However, I must admit, it does make it easier knowing how much Amelia is looking forward to her new adventure.  So, Amelia, I write to you.....

My Amelia Rose,
Sweet, sweet girl, it's time for first grade!  You are so excited that I think you may pop.  You have a new teacher, Mr. Robinson and you absolutely loved meeting him.  You found out that several of your friends are in your class and I think that will make this year a breeze.  When we walked into orientation, all of the teachers remembered you.  They were so happy to see you.  Mrs. Scott hugged you for the longest time and told you to come to her room if you needed anything.  I could almost see the relief on your face.  I watched you walk down the hallway to your new room with your little ponytail rocking back and forth.  I tried to hold your hand as we walked up the stairs, but you let my hand go.   I don't know why it made me sad but it did.  Of course you don't need me to hold your hand as you walk up the stairs, but I just wanted you to need me or maybe I just needed you to hold MY hand.  It just made me realize how much you have grown up in a year.  You have gained so much confidence around your friends and teachers.  You are still as sweet as ever and funny, too!  You can read and write and sadly for dad and I , you can spell.;)  You are a great big sister and I credit you for teaching Maddox his colors and numbers.  I must say I am most proud of the love that you have for your family...I'm not just talking about me and Dad and Maddox.  I'm talking about the people you pray for every night...Granzy, Grandma, Grandpa, Matt, Dani, Tyler ,and GP.  If you can just continue to remember it really is all about family, then you are ahead of the game. You really are the best kid in the world.  So are you ready?  Heck yeah!  Knock em dead, Amelia.  Just remember, if you ever need anything in your life, big or small, night or day, Dad and I are here for you.  We love you and are proud of you and can't wait to see all the things you accomplish this year.

The Not So Lazy Days of Summer

Wow!!!  Back to school already? On one hand, I cant believe it....on the other hand, I feel like its been a really long, fun summer!  We wasted not one day of our break.  The very first week of summer, Amelia went to acting camp.  Believe it or not, she's a shy little thing outside our house.  Drew and I were convinced it would be good for her and it absolutely was!  She loved it.



 A week later Amelia started pre-team (Hot Shots) at gymnastics.  That child has flipped all over this house for the past 8 weeks...and the Olympics only made it worse;)

In late June, we went to Cincinnati and the kids had a blast. 

Honestly, we could have saved some money and just gotten a hotel room down the street.  Don't get me wrong, they both loved the zoo and the museum and the baseball game but those activities just couldn't compare to staying in a hotel room.  Their favorite thing about the room?  Staying up late and jumping on the beds, of course!  They loved swimming at the hotel, too!  And its a good thing because we swam alot this summer.  In fact we just finished the last week of summer lessons.



So, so, so thankful that we were able to spend time with our family this summer too.  We saw the Ulmers in Louisville and visited Granzy and Tyler a couple of times.  The kids loved swimming at GP's and we even stayed a weekend with Matt and Dani.  And of course, we had our annual July 4th get together!

And finally somewhere in all of the fun, Amelia was able to bust her little tail in gymnastics and make the team.  I don't know how she does it but we are so proud!  All 39 pounds of her:)

Now I also must report that I totally intended to help Amelia with her bike riding and get that paci away from Maddox, but didn't quite get around to it...saving them for the fall;)  So here's to a great summer of 2012!  Now let's get ready for first grade!

Amelia on the bars

So proud of sweet Amelia.  She has been working extremely hard this summer on bars!  First video is Amelia doing her pullover back hip circle.

And finally...Amelia's dismount!  Still needs a little work but oh so proud of her!

She became a little frustrated but maybe because I kept saying one more time, one more time!!  Anyhoo, congrats Amelia!!  Hard work pays off:)

We love love.

I was putting Maddox to bed last night and told him I loved him.  He said, "Me too, Mama."  I then asked him, "Do you know what love is?"  He said, "You, Dad, hugs and kisses."  I think that pretty much sums it up.  I am so grateful that at age 2 he understands that we love him so much.  Drew and I try to make sure both kids feel loved every second of every day.  I know that seems so unrealistic, especially when a good portion of my day is spent saying, "pick up your toys, don't hit each other, no jumping on mom's bed, and don't pee in the floor."  (You can guess who this reminder is for.)  But for the most part, I am proud to say that I think we have succeeded in this department....just ask Maddox;)

A boy with a paci

Today while Amelia was at gymnastics, Maddox and I actually caried on a full conversation.  I looked at him and told him that we had to get rid of his paci soon.  I explained that only babies had paicfiers, not big boys."  I asked him, "Are you a baby or a big boy?"  He said "I a boy!"  I said "But big boys don't have pacis, remember?"  He thought for a second and looked at me and said "I a boy with paci!"  I love him!  But seriously, that stupid thing has got to go.

The sweetest kind of love

Here they are yesterday loving the snow....

and today, poor Maddox is sick.  He started running a fever during the night and felt pretty poopy all day.  Amelia could tell he felt bad because he wasn't playing with her at all.  They have fought like cats and dogs the last two weeks so I thought Amelia may enjoy some one on one time with me but she really missed playing with him.  As Drew carried Maddox to bed, Amelia started to cry.  She said she was worried about him and didn't want him to be sick anymore.  At that moment I thought, wow...you guys really love each other.  Even with all the bickering and occasional spitting episodes (thank you, Maddox), you love each other.  I realized I was watching the love grow between a brother and a sister.  And that love, well...it is the sweetest kind of love. 

(Feel better, Maddox...we love you!)

And this is why I love Drew so much

First of all, I love Drew for many reasons!  But his ability to put a positive spin on everything is by far the most attractive thing about him.  Now for the story.....This past weekend I had 2 shows so Drew had to turn into Mr. Mom; something he enjoys and is fully capable of doing.  The kids had a full day of activities and I had left a fairly detailed "to do" list.  I left at 7:30 in the morning and got home at 7:30 that night.  I knew Maddox would be asleep but I thought I may be able to get to tuck Amelia in bed.  So as I hurried through the door, I was knocked down by a horrible smell.  It reminded me of rubber burning.  I immediately threw my bags down and ran to check the space heater.  Everything looked fine so I went upstairs to check Amelia.  The smell upstairs was even worse.  I asked Amelia what had happened.  Her reply "Daddy burned something really bad.  He had to open all the doors and windows."  After getting both kids to sleep, Drew and I were able to talk about the day.  I asked him, "So how was it with both kids for 12 hours by yourself?"  He said "We had a great day!   Oh but I did almost burn the house down."  Excuse me?  Long story short, he tried to clean Maddox's pacis by placing them in boiling water.  He forgot about them and they completely melted causing the smoke detector to go off...(Thank goodness Amelia has been learning about fire safety at school.  Drew said she kept saying." Dad, there is a fire in house.... Dad, there is a fire in the house.)  After scolding him for leaving it on the stove, he filled me in on the rest of the day.  Amelia had cheerleading that morning.  Of course, Drew took Maddox to watch.  It seems that Maddox became obsessed with the water fountain and when Drew finally made him stop messing with it, he threw a fit...in front of the entire gym.  He hit Drew and spit on him, then screamed bloody murder.  Drew eventually had to take him outside.  Later that afternoon, Amelia wanted to take George for a walk (in her grocery cart), so off they went.  Amelia, according to Drew, had a huge meltdown because he wouldn't let her take off her coat.  A huge screaming match right there on the corner of Claridge and Darien...nice!  He said he finally calmed her down but then stepped in dog poop on the way home.  He decided to make coneys for dinner and I could tell he was very excited about trying something new with the kids.  I just didn't have the heart to tell him that they would hate them and he would have to make a "second" dinner.  And, yes, that's exactly what happened.  So to recap, house fire, dog poop, hit in the face, spit at, and 2 temper tantrums.
Now I don't know about most people, but for me, that is a horrible day.  If just one of those things happened, I would have been crying for sure.   Not Drew.  He was completely upbeat and fine....tired, but upbeat.  So yes, I'm convinced that this is why we work so well together.  I am the storm and he is the calm.

Little Man Playing

Maddox is growing up so quickly.  90% of the time, he has a bat, a ball or a club in his hand! 

 

I love God

....and I love these kids.