2008 Progress Report

Last week we received Ty’s Progress Report from his preschool, Young Hearts and I was reminded once again why I love this school so much!  The report was brief, but in reading it I was reassured of just how much Ty is loved and cared about, and how well they know him. His teachers, Miss Ann Marie and Miss Christa, are genuine, good natured women who have taken the time to get know our sensitive, silly, sweet and extremely energetic child.

Before landing at Young Hearts, we had tried another daycare/preschool in the area and distinctly remember feeling like Ty was just one of many.  They were kind enough to him, but when leaving him each morning I remember feeling like I was leaving him with folks who were unfamiliar with my boy. These days I feel more like I’m dropping Ty off with family—I’m not sure there is a better feeling than that for a working mom.

Florie and Wolfgang, the founders of Young Hearts, have created a wonderfully creative and interactive environment for their students. The school itself has the charm of an old-time schoolhouse, but is decorated with modern, colorful décor and state-of-the-art learning aids and appliances.

Wil is due to start at Young Hearts this fall and although I’m not sure what to expect from him; I know that he’ll be in good hands no matter what comes.  Miss Danielle will ensure his success and make certain that he feels as loved as his big brother Ty. 

Isn't it Ironic?

I recently spent the weekend in Newport, Rhode Island with my good friend, Elena—a standing trip for the past seven years. We love our annual girl's trip because it affords us an escape from the everyday; the ability to refresh and renew our spirits as woman who work hard (me in the office and her at home); the chance to reconnect as friends; and because we value many of the same things in life.  So, isn't it ironic that our great escape included nonstop talk of those we were escaping from?

As we lay on the beach, one after another, we marveled at our children.  Elena (the mother of three) and I (the mother of two) joyfully shared stories and quips about the five amazing kids we left at home with their [equally amazing] Dads.  The whining protests, sibling rivalry and all-around chaos of family life washed out to sea with every crashing wave.  The little rascals of yesterday were suddenly the angels of today—for the life of me, I couldn't remember a single unhappy moment.

I guess that's why we all need breaks; it gives us the opportunity to count our blessings and recharge our souls. I always return to my life a better person after being in Newport with Elena (for whom I also consider a blessing), even if 10-minutes in I'm dreaming of next year's getaway.  Ironic isn't it?

[This is a photo of Ty and Wil showing off their souvenirs from Mommy's trip.]

I Remember That Day Like It Was Yesterday

Maybe it's my artistic eye or that I'm just a sentimental sap, but every time I see a photo like this one, I feel instantly nostalgic.  Although it was only taken a few weeks ago, I can't help but imagine Ty and his buddy, Brendan coming across this photo as adults and having it reignite the flame of a happy childhood.

They probably won't remember that little brother, Wil kept spilling the lemonade (purposely) or that they only had two customers or that the humidity was raging that day, but hopefully they'll remember how the day made them feel.  Two boys against the world...adventurous entrepreneurs!

As parents, we can only hope that when life gets complicated (which it inevitably will), the pictures of their childhood will offer our children the sweet reminder of simpler days.

What Does It Mean To Be Free?

I recently discovered that having kids makes you smarter! They make you think (and often times: rethink) everything! My boys' endless litany of who, what, why, when, where and how inquiries leave me stumped on a daily basis. Not necessarily because I don't know the answer (although that's happened a time or two!), but mainly because the answer I give is molding their first impressions of life. So, with such an important building block at stake, I take seriously every little question. 

This weekend's questions were of course about the Fourth of July celebrations going on all around us. The barrage of inquiries started with "Why are people making fireworks?" and became increasingly more difficult. Finally, Wil asked, "What does it mean to be a free?"

Oh, boy! A concept question—a level 10 on the parent difficulty scale. I needed help, so after checking in with my pal Google, I did my best to explain freedom and why we were celebrating the birthday of our incredible nation. Wil seemed satisfied enough for the time being, so we moved on to ice cream.  After one bite, he asked, "Why is ice cream cold?" 

Hmm...a science question—let's go find Daddy!

Object of His Affection

If you know and love Ty, you know Bobby—his object of affection for the past 4-years. Like most "blankies," Bobby has been put through a lot during Ty's infant and toddler years. Aside from traveling extensively around the tri-state area, he has made every one of our trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and he even joined us on our maiden voyage to Disney World this past spring.  He's been peed on, puked on, run over by a car, slobbered on by our dogs, bathed against his will and left outside in the rain overnight. He was even lost a time or two, but I assure you—this really is the original Bobby. No one-two-switcheroo here!

When I think back, it makes me laugh that this odd little blanket won the bid for Ty's unending love. I was given several of these small animal-headed, silk blankets for my baby shower and I thought to myself, what child in their right mind would want this half-doll, half blanket hybrid creature?  So, with little regard I exchanged the five or so I had received to Babies R Us for more practical items (...like a wipes warmer and baby work boots—LOL!).

When Ty was around 3-months, we noticed that he loved the feel of silk. Responding to his every whim, Mema showed up shortly thereafter with this dog blanket. Although I appreciated the sentiment, I was secretly hoping Ty would hate it as much as I did. Much to my chagrin, it was love at first sight!

Now, over 4-years later, when I look at Bobby, I smile. He symbolizes the innocence of childhood. Someday I hope to make a quilt of Ty's most beloved boyhood memories. After all he's been through, Bobby has most certainly earned his place as the center square.  After all, it wouldn't be near as meaningful without his odd little dog head poking through the middle of Ty's childhood quilt.

P.S. The football that Bobby is holding is Bobby Junior, Bobby's Bobby, if you will.  A story for another time...