It's Like A Mini-Vacation, Only We Aren't Going Anywhere.

My Mom is taking both (yes, that's right...BOTH) of my boys for a few days starting Saturday. I'm having conflicting emotions about this. I'm of course very excited to have a few days to myself and to spend some time with Shawn, just the two of us but I'm going to miss them like crazy. I don't think both of the kids have ever been gone together at the same time. We are going to be child free for at least 3 days, probably 4. Am I even going to know what to do with myself? No diapers to change, no endless cups of milk to fill (seriously, sometimes I think we should just buy a cow or a dairy farm), no cars or action figures to avoid stepping on. That of course also means no morning hugs and kisses, no cuddles, no tickles, no sound of their laughter and no tucking the kids into bed. I'm going to miss them both so much. At least when only one of them is gone, I have the other to help fill the void in my heart. I'm going to have no one to do that. It's going to be nice though and I'm not going to lie, I could use the break. I've been working my ass off since Shawn was laid-off from his job and I'm tired.
Shawn and I don't often spend a lot of time together just the two of us. It really is going to be nice to spend some much needed quality time with him. It's hard to do this with two small children. I thank my Mom (and Grampa) for giving us this opportunity. You guys are the best!

My Budding Photographer

For Christmas, Jack's Nana and Grampa bought him a kids digital camera. Until this past week, he hasn't really played with or used it. I took my camera with me when we went out for a walk the other day and Jack decided that he too wanted to bring his camera. While on our walk, he took a few photos. It was very sweet watching him decide what he wanted to take a picture of and taking the pictures. I think at least 1/3 of the pictures he took were of his thumb or a finger in front of the viewfinder. He was quite sad when we got home and there was no picture of the slide at the park. I think this turned into one of the thumb pictures. I'm quite excited to watch his picture taking skills develop as he continues taking pictures. It's pretty interesting seeing the world through his eyes. I can't wait to see the next set of pictures he takes.

Happy 5th Birthday Nicholas!!

I just wanted to take a quick minute to wish my nephew Nicholas a very happy 5th birthday!
I remember just two short months ago how hard it was accepting that Jack was turning 4. I can't even imagine how Laura and Jonathon are feeling about Nicholas turning 5. Five seems like such a big number!!

Hoping you had a fantastic day Nicholas! We all love you very much!

Registered Jack for School - Check

Well I think I had to do the hardest thing yet to date today. I went and registered Jack for school. I put on my brave face and walked with the kids to the school and dropped off his registration form. It may seem like a small, simple task but it was hard. I have to try really hard not to let Jack see how much it's killing me that he'll be going. I don't want him to think it's a bad place. I want him to be excited about school so I have to pretend to be excited about it too, and I am, really. Of course I'm excited for him to start school and make his own friends and help satisfy his thirst for knowledge. But I'm sad about it too and that's okay.
I remember my doctor confirming with me that Jack would be starting school in September. He then proceeded to say that it's a good thing he was born early in the year because that will make him an older kid in his class and that is good for boys. When I turned to him and said "so I guess Oliver is shit out of luck being born in November and all", he kind of half smiled but didn't really say anything. I think he knew he put his foot in his mouth. I thought it was funny.

Quick Update

It's been a while since my last post. I just haven't really felt the motivation to sit down and write about anything. To be quite honest, I still don't really have to write about. Not much is going on over here. It's time for me to go to our local public school and register Jack for school. Maybe I'm finding this a little bit harder than I thought. Part of me is excited for him to start school. Meeting new friends, learning new things, developing his own identity. Another part of me is sad. I'm sad to say goodbye to my little boy. Not being there for him if he's feeling scared or lonely, not being able to help him tie his pants or zip his coat if it gets stuck. It's really going to be hard to let go.
Shawn is excited that Jack will be attending the same elementary school he did. I threw around the idea of putting Jack into french immersion next year when he starts S/K but Shawn completely squashed that idea. Shawn has these preconceived ideas on "what type of people those people are". I kindly reminded him that I went to a french immersion elementary school. I suppose I still have a year to get him to change his mind.
Oliver is doing well. He is now 16 months so it's time to prepare to take away the soother. Although it's going to be a couple of shitty naps and bedtimes, it's almost time for it to be done. My deadline is to have it gone by 18 months. We currently only have it for naps and at bedtime and for long car rides. I think I should have done it when Jack was at my Mom's. I thought about it. I tossed around the idea to Shawn but never actually did it. Jack at least wouldn't have had to listen to the crying/yelling I'm anticipating for those few bedtimes. I suppose we'll likely end up carrying around another blankie or some kind of teddy. Hopefully I'll be able to buy a double of whatever it is that becomes his snugglie. Mind you that didn't work out so well with Jack. We went from having one blankie to two.
Oliver is way behind on his immunizations because he's had a cold his last two check ups. We have a lot of catching up to do over the next couple of months. Should be good times. I hope Drs realize that this is probably why children are afraid of them. Although, maybe that's why he gets the Nurse to do it so that she is the bad guy. Thankfully it's spring now so we shouldn't have too many more colds to worry about.

Happy 4th Birthday Jack

"It is truly a gift to have a son like you who grows more precious with the
years!"

Author Unknown

Done and Done

We are now all moved and just about settled. The move went smoothly thanks to Scott and Derek. Seriously, I love these kids. Because of them, I never have to help move big, heavy, bulky items. Ever. As much as I know they must hate helping us move (especially since this was like the 4th or 5th time we've moved now), they just come over with smiles on their faces and help out without ever complaining. Well okay, maybe they do a little complaining but they at least use humour.
The highlight for all the boys came when Scott took one look at the back of our couch and realized it came apart into 3 sections. (Back Story: When we moved into the apt downstairs, when they finally got the couch inside, they all said it wasn't coming back out). Now, aside from organizing our bedroom, we are pretty much good to go. Thank goodness too because it's time for Oliver to come back home. He's been at my Mom's house for 10 days now!! He's coming back here a walking toddler. He even got a haircut so that of course ages him. They always looks so different after a haircut. I'm excited though. Beyond excited. I can't wait to see his smile, wrap my arms around him and squeeze him so tight I'm sure I will almost break a rib. What I'm looking forward to most however, is having Jack see Oliver again. Aside for about 10 minutes last Saturday, they haven't seen each other for 17 days. Jack tells me every day he misses his brother. He's going to be so happy to see him again.