In The Picture.

 Those of you who are long time readers know that the LM and I spend quite a bit of solo time together.  I hate to say it, but it's  probably more than Gray and I do, strictly because I somehow became the de facto parent when it comes to athletics around here.  This means I'm the one who drives for hours, and hours, and hours to take him skiing or stating, and while most of the time I love it, there are times that it can be pretty exhausting, especially when we reach our destination and it turns out that the LM is not having it that day.  "But we just drove 2 hours, I say," shaking my hands in the air.  "Nope," is his usual response followed by a few hours of begging, cheering, and tears.  Luckily, this is not the norm, and without question my greatest memories of his childhood will always lie in some freezing cold skatepark in the middle of nowhere, or on the slopes, trying to play catch up as my 6 year old bombs down the mountain.  

A few years ago, when I was feeling a little defeated, wondering if I was more of a stage mom, than a motivator, a friend of mine whose mother had passed when he was in his teens, texted me to let me know that his greatest memory of his mother was her cheering him on and watching him skate. In that moment, that was the most beautiful thing that someone had ever told me, and it most definitely what   I have tried to focus on while driving though blizzards, sitting in traffic, and basically freezing my ass off, while plying my kid with Cheetos and Gatorade... just to keep him going.  The LM is definitely appreciative of my efforts, more so when I bring a friend of his, but until a few weeks ago I never really knew what our weekends actually meant to him.  Without knowing it, one little journal entry was the greatest gift anyone has ever given me, and since that day when talk of whether or not I should take him somewhere comes up, it is now me who quickly raises my hand and says "me, me, me"

You can click to enlarge, but it says that his dream for the future is to be a pro skater, and over to the right that's me IN the picture.  I can hardly even look at it without tearing up, and I wonder if he actually knows that me standing there in his dream future cheering him on is also MY dream for the future as well, but either way, I'm there and that's all that matters. 

Pretty in Pink.

 The things that make Grayson a happy boy can be listed on one hand.  He loves Lego's, his brother, super heroes, weapons of all kind (think toy guys, sticks, bow and arrows,) and the color PINK.  If we were listing them in order, pink would definitely be on the top.  I don't know what it is, but the kid just loves it.  I saw it once with my girlfriend's 5 year old daughter, the everything needing to be pink, and probably inappropriately, I chalked it up as a "girl" thing, remembering how my little sisters were the same.  Well, when it's your almost three year old boy who only wants things to be pink, that can be a different story.  I'm going to start this off by saying I'm not someone who consciously plays in to gender stereotypes, and when it comes to parenting we are definitely on the liberal side, but looking back, we certainly have a majority of male targeted toys and clothing, much to Gray's dismay. The Little Man never asked for anything pink or purple, and honestly, they are my least favorite colors, so I never pushed it. 

About 90% of what Gray gets, comes from his older brother.  He is more than okay with this, and actually gets pretty excited when the big Rubbermaid bin of hand-me-downs comes out.  The first thing he does it tear through it, desperately searching for anything with a superhero, and anything that is pink.  Typically he scores on the first, but is left empty handed on the second.  One day, after a meltdown of meltdowns, I told him that he can pick out whatever new things that he may need, that we don't already have from his brother.  So far, we haven't really needed much, but the kid is in desperate need of some new water shoes for the Summer, and knowing how much he hates new shoes, I decided to let him participate in the picking out of his shoes. 

You all know where this is going.

Of course, he picked the pink pair, and not just a pink (like salmon) but the pinkest, pink of them all. What I like to call Barbie pink.  After a quick call to my husband for approval, we decided to stand by our motto that the kids can be who the kids want to be, and I made my toddler happier than I have ever seen him when I ordered him these. 

Now, I have absolutely NO issue with my kid wearing pink.  None whatsoever.  We are fully supportive of his unwavering love of things the color of cotton candy, and his big brother actually thinks it's the greatest thing ever, since he now has someone to give all the pink whatevers to that come in a box.  BUT I do have to say I get a little nervous about what other people will say.  Not necessarily to him or me, but I feel like my kid wearing pink shoes is automatically going to make some people around here roll their eyes, and think that we (as his parents) are pushing some sort of agenda.  Kind of like how the LM wants to be a vegetarian (essentially by deciding that he hates meat) but I keep trying to get him to try every animal product under the sun, because I know that people will assume that we are pushing our eating habits on him, when the opposite is actually the case.  I realize that this has more to do with me, and obviously I need to grow thicker skin, and in thrush in the end we always do what is right which means the LM eats a lot of beans, and Gray gets pink shoes, a pink birthday cake, and this pink gun (which basically combines all things holy in his world.) 

I remember meeting a Mom once, who had a son that liked to wear dresses.  It wasn't because of gender confusion (that she thought) but instead it was due to his obsession with his older sister, and wanting to be just like her.  She said she fought it somewhat the beginning, but then decided to go with it, even allowing him to dress however he wanted for school.  I remember thinking how bad ass she was, the way she fully embraced who her son was, so I'm going to try to channel a little of her if the time ever comes when I feel a little judgement. I'm pretty sure this is just a phase for Gray (like the LM and his nail polish) but if not, I guess all of us are going to have to get used to a little more pink, in this sea of blue.

The Little Man... Not So Little Anymore.

I can't even believe it, but my little man is no longer little.

 On Wednesday, he graduated from Kindergarten, and is (somewhat) reluctantly bounding in to the first grade.  I remember this time last year, obsessing about whether we found the right school for him, was it right to wait and make him an older kindergartner, and general nervousness about how his year would go.  A year later, it is glaringly clear that every choice we made was the right one for him, and yet another reminder that no one knows your kid like you do.  I couldn't be more proud of the man he is growing in to, and I wish I could stop time because I'm pretty sure this age is the best there is.

 Now, I'm pretty sure that you can't end a school year without a little FUN, and we capped ours off with a pretty epic sleepover to celebrate these little guys' big accomplishment. 

(Deep discussion here regarding which power ranger has the more powerful weapon)

For the LM, when you read this (hopefully) some 20 years from now, please know that you are so incredibly loved by your family, and the charming, unique, funny person that you are becoming brings so much joy to those around you, especially for your Mom, Dad, and baby brother.  I hope you never loose you free spirit, or your strong sense of self, because what you have inside you truly is special, and I know you are going to make a difference in this world.  Congratulations on finishing your first year!!! - love mom

Currently.

 Lately, I feel like most days I'm running on empty.  There is so much to do with/ for the kids, so many details to remember (field trips, dress down days, dress up days, early release days, bring in something with your kid's favorite color, carpool schedules, star of the week, etc, etc, etc.. the never-ending list), and unfortunately, right now, my husband's pain is worse than ever and it is entirely consuming our lives.  I feel like I spend every day running around like a hamster on a wheel, with the track "you are so lucky, you are so lucky" on repeat in my head, so while the days have been very long, I don't forget that yes, we are very lucky. 

In between the circus that is life, we have still managed to sneak in some fun, which will only be multiplied by a trip to NYC tomorrow with my kiddos and sister, to visit my most favorite sister-in-law. It's supposed to be a beautiful, sunny weekend, and is just what the doctor ordered. 

Good and bad, here is a little glimpse into the last few weeks around here. 

This little guy keeps getting sick, this was two Mondays ago. 

... and last Monday.  Luckily his "sick pillow" makes everything better, and he seems to be on the up and up.  It would help if the weather could just stay normal for a few days, I'm sure.  Spring are you out there?  We miss you so, please come visit soon. 

In-between illnesses, Easter came and went, and we finally ate the last piece of candy yesterday.  Okay, I finally ate the last piece. Just had to get it out of the house!

We had a few Spring-like days, and tried to take advantage of them. 

This guy has fully entered his "terrible twos" stage (which he's been definitely been working on the last 6 months) and I have to say it's so hard to stay mad at him when he is just so damn cute. 

Meanwhile, this one just keep getting bigger and wanting less and less to do with us.  At least he still needs me to help wiggle out those teeth. This one was #3.

The marathon came and went, without a hitch, and we all fell in love with this city, all over again. 

The biggest news around these parts was most definitely the little man's winning 3rd place in his first skate competition.  He walked away with that hat and T-shirt and the biggest smile on his face.  It was just the push he needed to fall back in love with skating, after taking most of the winter off cheating with skiing.  Shhhhhhhh I'll never tell. 

So not to be left out, this one has decided he needs his own sport, and right now swimming seems to be it.  I really wish the water was just a little warmer, but hey, if the kid can learn to swim, that will be a very good thing. 

So that's what we've been up to around here. April wasn't too kind to us, so here's to a better May!

What Are you Reading... and a New Book Nook!

  Yesterday, I took the boys up to Harvard Square, since they had the day off for the Marathon. We rode our bikes, on what turned out to be a perfect Spring day and while waiting for Shake Shack to open, we made a stop at their favorite store,Curious George. Immediately, the LM went over to the chapter books, and started telling me about how he "loved" this Jack and Annie series, and how we had to get one because it is "so awesome." Loved! Awesome! To hear my kid say this about reading was just about as good as it gets for me. While we were waiting to check out, he cuddled up with his little brother in the cutest little book nook, built under the shelves, and together they looked at a picture book. After pulling myself up from the puddle I melted in to, I began to think of a way to get our own little reading nook for him. On our way home, I remembered the teepee that had been stowed away, and figured that I could fashion a little reading nook out of that and a few things that had outlived their day. I dug out some pillows that used to be on our bed, a small bookshelf I could never find use for, an old crib quilt, and viola! we had our new little reading area. This morning I picked up some wire, and as soon as the LM gets home I'm going to dig out the Christmas lights and hang a strand from the inside to give it more of a magical feel. I'm sure he won't always be this excited about reading, so for now I'd like to bottle it for as long as I can!

Last night we cuddled up inside, while I read him the first 5 chapters. So far it has most definitely been a hit!

Speaking of reading, have you all read any good books lately? My daily reading isn't exactly what you would call highbrow, but during our trip I found myself unable to tear myself away from a few books I downloaded before we left. If any of you are looking for a light page turner, I highly recommend the following!

This book is most definitely my favorite of the bunch. Set in Australia, it follows the story of three women who are all connected through, you guessed it, the husband's secret. Loved, loved, loved. 

Labor day, is the story of a tragically depressed woman, her son, and a convict on the run. It follows the three over a Labor Day weekend, and is expertly told through the eyes of the child. It's sappy, and a little over the top, but I loved it all, especially the ending!

I just finished this one, and like most Jane Green novels, I couldn't put it down. While reading it in bed, my husband was getting annoyed with me because I just kept saying, NO! over and over. I don't want to give too much away, but it's the story of a aging housewife, who meets a handsome younger man. uh huh... it's a good one. 

I'm a sucker for a sequel, I need to know what happens to my characters, so there wasn't a question whether or not I was going to read the new Bridget Jones. While this one is probably the worst of the three, I thought it was cute and although the ending was predictable, I like knowing how it all ends for Bridge. If you liked the others, you will like this one. 

Now I'm at a loss for books! I keep putting of reading The Goldfinch (mostly because it's 800 pages) but unless I can find something else, I think that's my next move. 

Currently.

 After a non-stop, action packed weekend, I can't even begin to tell you how happy I was, last night,  to curl up on the sofa with my hubby, a fairly large glass of wine, and my new favorite show True Detective (are you watching? last night was insane!!!). When I woke up this morning, I couldn't believe it was already Monday again!  Where did the weekend go? Actually, where did January go?*  

Before I forget it all, here is a little of what we've been up to these last few weeks. 

The LM started playing hockey err skating at school. He tries so hard, but let's just say this is one things that does not come easy for him!

This guy got a "big boy" haircut, and is suddenly a big boy!

That might have something to do with the amount of shake shack burgers he's been consuming. Having one right around the corner is dangerous, very dangerous. 

The LM and I have been doing a LOT of skiing. 

Now, that he's found the jump park... I have a feeling we are going to be doing quite a bit more. 

We are still buried in snow. 

Which finally worked to my advantage last Wednesday when the kids were snowed in, and I had a baby sitter booked to take the LM skating. Cut to me and my sister running out the door for a viewing of Her (amazing) and afternoon cocktails (equally as amazing.) 

My Dad found this beauty on Craig's List for the LM, and he's already dreaming of all the things he will do on it, the next time we go to Costa Rica. I have a sneaking suspicion it is going to be hard to pull him out of the water!

Finally, these three... I love them so much. 

Let's just hope Friday comes as fast as Monday did!

* I am most definitely not complaining. The warmth of April can not get here fast enough!

Gone Skiing.

 Today is a snow day for us, even though we barely broke the 4 inch mark for new snow (isn't this always the case???) so the LM and I are off to take advantage of what powder there is, on the slopes. Hope you all have a great (warm) day! Be back tomorrow.