Monday, May 20, 2013

A Letter To My Beanie

Dear Beanie,

I can't believe you just turned 6.  Six.  Where has the time gone?

Even though I still call you my little man, you are not so little anymore.  I know you couldn't wait to turn 6 because that's a "big boy" age.  This morning you woke up all excited because you were officially 6.  Me?  I wish you were still 4.  I'm not ready for you to be 6 yet.  I'm not ready for you to be independent.  Not just yet. 

This year, you've accomplished alot.  So much that I'm so proud of you.  You're in kindergarten.  You're a great reader.  You can pick up a book and read words you've never even seen before.  Not sure how you do it, but keep it up!  You're learning a lot of math.  Addition, subtraction, even some multiplication.  You've come a long way in swim class.  You look so comfortable in the water.  Who would've thought that just over a year ago, you were afraid to put your head under water.  You can skateboard now.  You can ride your scooter.  And the list goes on...  I am so proud of all your accomplishments!

Please don't grow up too quickly.  I'm not ready for that.  I still want you to be my little man.  I love it when you call me "Momsie".  It was annoying at first, but I love it now.  It's that cute way in which you say it that melts my heart.   Momseeee.  Don't stop calling me that, please.  It's the one thing that keeps you little in my heart.  And as much as I love that you're getting older and more independent, I wish you could stay little forever.  I don't ever want to hear you stop calling me Momsie.

I love you with all my heart.  You're the best thing that's ever happened to me and I am so proud to have you for a son.  You've taught me so much in these 6 years.  You've taught me patience.  You've taught me to laugh and be free.  You've taught me to sing and dance.  You've taught me the meaning of unconditional love.  I love you for that.  Beanie, you are and always will be the love of my life. 

Happy Birthday, Beanie!

Love,
Momsie

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Kindergarten=independence?

No one told me that kindergarten and independence go hand-in-hand.  I'm just barely accepting the fact that my little man is a kindergartener.  But now I gotta face this whole independence issue?  Shoot.  Me.  Now.

So yeah.  Last week, we had a pretty late night.  I decided to drive Lil T to school the next morning so he could sleep a half hour more.  No biggie, right?  Here's how the conversation went.

"Why can't I take the bus?"

"Because you're late for the bus.  Finish your breakfast and I'll take you to school."

Pause.  I can see his little mind working.  His eyes move from left to right.

"Okay, but just drop me off in front of the school.  I can walk in by myself."

So we get to the school.  I get out of the car.  "Mom, I can go in by myself.  You can go now." Really?!? But I had to go in the school anyways to drop off a check.  So I walk in with him.  I hear a big sigh.  As soon as we get inside, "Okay, bye mom."

Geeeeez.  And let me tell you about yesterday.

Lil T has been wanting to buy lunch since the start of school.  And lately, he's been doing a lot better with eating his lunch.  No more full lunch box returns every day.  And besides, "all the kids buy lunch".  So yesterday was pizza day.  Pizza day is HUGE!  That's when EVERYONE buys lunch.  In the beginning of the week, I told Lil T I would let him try buying lunch this week.  He was very excited.  That's all he kept talking about.  The night before the big day, I reminded him about it.  I said I would go in and have lunch with him.   That way I could make sure he was able to get his lunch okay and that he had enough time to eat...since lunch is only 25 minutes long.  Besides, the school encourages and welcomes parents to come eat with the kindergarteners.  Again, I could see his mind working.  Amazing how us moms can see these things. He stops what he's doing.  Turns to me and says, "As long as you don't keep saying...keep eating T, keep eating." Oh my gawsh.  That had me in stitches.  He thinks I'm going to embarrass him. Of course, I had to promise him I wouldn't say it.

So finally the big day comes.  I go to the school and Lil T sees me.  I wave to him, but at the same time keep my distance so he can do his thing.  He walks in to the cafeteria and gets on the lunch line.  It's the cutest thing.  He's tippy toeing and straining his neck to catch a glimpse of the whole getting lunch process.  The line leads into the kitchen area which is completely hidden by a large wall.  This is where the lunch server asks them what they want.  Then they move down the line with their little tray on that metal bar thingy until they get to the end and come back out.  Then they're greeted by the cashier.  You can either pay cash or if you have an account set up (which Lil T does), then you just give her your name and you're set.  So I'm standing by the cashier, trying to sneak a peek inside to see the whole process.  But of course, I can't because of that big darn wall.  I do see that he is so small he barely reaches the top of the metal bar thingy as he slides his tray down.  Thank goodness one of the teachers is inside with them to help them reach all the stuff.  He finally comes out.  Lunch tray in hand.  And he's beaming.  His smile is ear-to-ear and I could tell he was so proud of himself.  I was proud of him too!  I was soooo tempted to take out my phone and snap a picture so y'all could see this proud moment.  But I didn't.  'Cause that would've been WAY too embarrassing.

So I walk with him to a lunch table where we're greeted by his little friends.  He sits down and immediately they all get chatty.  It's great to see.  But of course, being the neurotic mom that I am, I kindly remind him to eat.  A slight whisper in his ear.  Just one time.  He keeps chatting away.  Pizza untouched.  Ugh, I'm biting my tongue.  Restrain mommie, restrain. So I turn away and start chatting with the teachers and lunch ladies.  Which by the way, these ladies are wonderful.  They make their rounds to each table helping kids open their milk cartons, handing out napkins, even reminding them to eat.  Lil T turns to me and says, "you're not staying the whole time, are you?"  Sheeeeesh. So much for having lunch with my son.  But he's right.  He's doing just fine.  And I know he's in good hands.  So I bend down to say goodbye.  He puts his arms out, puckers his lips to kiss me goodbye but at the last second changes his mind and saids, "how about just a hug?"  Awwwwww, he's growing up too fast. So I settle for the hug.

I have to say...that was one of those little proud moments that I will never forget.  My little man bought his first lunch.  Some of you might be thinking yeah, ok so he bought his first lunch.  Big deal.  Well yes, it is a big deal.  A big deal for him and a big deal for me.  It's these little moments of transition to independence that I will treasure forever.  Not looking forward to them, but nevertheless proud that they happened.

And you'll be happy to know that through this whole experience, I didn't let a tear drop.  Oh, there were plenty of opportunities for Niagara Falls.  Tears of joy, of course.  But not one dropped.  And knowing me, that in itself is a HUGE accomplishment.  Hey, you know what?   I think this whole independence thing is catchy, lol.

As for that last-minute switcharoo from a kiss and a hug to just a hug.  I understand.  He probably felt a bit embarrassed in front of his friends.  He still gives me a kiss and a hug before he gets on the bus so I know it's not because he's outgrown that.  Thank goodness. It's okay.  It's his first time having me there in front of his new school friends, so I'll give him that.  But next time.  I'm going in for the big smooch!  I mean, c'mon...us moms gotta embarrass our kids.  Can't take the fun outta that!!

 

 

 

Friday, September 28, 2012

Life Lessons Are Hard When You're Five

Childhood is one big learning process.  And so is parenthood.  As a child grows, he/she encounters certain situations that "teach" them about the way of life.  Some positive.  And unfortunately, some negative.  For the parent, this also becomes a learning experience.  How do I handle these situations?  How do I effectively guide my child down the right path (if there is one)?

Well, last night we encountered our first such "situation".  I was in the middle of making dinner.  Actually, rushing to make dinner because it was getting late. Lil T was in the kitchen with me and we were talking about what he did that day in school.  Like I've said before, Lil T loves school.  He's always very happy when he mentions school.  And last night was no different.  He talked about lunch, about going to the library, how funny Mrs. F was.  It was all smiles, until he started talking about recess and playing football.  Apparently, football is the new game that the boys play.  As he started telling me about the game, his voice starts to quiver.  I shift my attention from my half-sauteed brussel sprouts to look at him, and he's getting teary eyed.  The more he talks about it, the more tears he's got.  In a flash of about 45 seconds, the boy has gone from teary eyed to full out Niagara Falls.  Mind you, I'm still trying to talk to him and keep an eye on my brussels.

It started off with how the other boys run with the football (close to their body, like real football players do) and he couldn't get the football.  Then it was how he tried to "tackle" them to grab the football.  Aiyah, tackle?  My little 40 inch pint-size trying to tackle?!? Then it was no one ever throws the ball to him.  "Well sweetie, that's how the game is played.  They don't give the ball to you.  You have to try to get it."  Big mistake. "But they give the ball to everyone else.  Everyone except me!"  More tears.  Then it expanded to "it's because I'm so small."  Great, body image comes into play. Now that I think about it, he's kinda mentioned it before.  But before, it was basketball and how the other kids weren't passing the ball to him.  But he never got upset like this.

So in the midst of all this, my brussel sprouts are starting to get crisp.  Meanwhile, Papa in Suburbia is in the other room fooling around with the piano.  He apparently sees us.  I'm sure he can hear us.  No help from him.  So before my brussel sprouts start to burn, I ask him to talk to his son because he's apparently very upset about this game of football.  Big mistake.  Big friggin' mistake.  Instead of listening to him and empathising and trying to explain the situation, Papa in Suburbia starts to (what seemed to me) taunt him.  Apparently, Lil T must have felt the same way because he got even more upset.  "Well, what are you going to do about it?"  "Are you going to keep crying because they won't give you the ball?"  "What do you want me to do about it?"  REALLY???  WTF?  No freakin way did he just say all that.  Yeah, he did.  Note to self:  if you ever feel like jumping off a bridge, don't ever ask him for advice.

Okay, time for Mom to step in again.  Burnt brussel sprouts or not.  So I tried to explain the situation to him.  How that's the object of the game.  It's not because you're small.  Did you try asking the other boys to pass the ball to you?  Maybe it's because they don't know you want the ball.  If it upsets you, maybe play with some other kids.  "But all the boys play football.  I don't want to be the only one playing with the girls."  Okay. Back and forth it went.  In the end, I just said he should talk to the teacher about it if it's really upsetting him.  Sorry, teachers. Maybe she can arrange it so that the little kids have their own game and the bigger kids have another game.  This seemed to calm him down a bit.

I don't know about you, but stuff like this just breaks my heart.  To see him so happy about something and at the same time get so upset over such minute things.  Well, to me it seems small.  But to him, it's probably the world.  I mean, c'mon, it's recess.  There's no bigger thing than recess when you're a five year old.  And Lil T is so passive.  No comparison to the other kids, who are the aggressive go-getters.  And size?  Yes, he is on the small side.  The other kids weren't being mean.  It's the nature of life.  Unfortunately, Lil T will be facing alot of these situations.  As a parent, I wish I could be there everytime to help ease the pain.  But I can't.  I just have to comfort, empathize and explain the situation.  And hopefully help him along the journey.  As for Papa in Suburbia, well, I think there's a big learning curve awaiting him too.  As a parent, you have to learn to be sensitive in such situations.  You have to talk in a way that kids will understand.  You can't talk to a child like you would an adult.  But it's not his fault, he's never been around kids.  No sibliings, therefore no nieces or nephews.

Dinner did eventually make it to the table.  Brussel sprouts were tasty.  And by the time the dinner conversation started, Lil T was back to his old self again.  All smiles.  No cares or worries.  Thank goodness.

Yup, it's going to be a big learning experience for all of us.  There may be some tears along the way, some harsh words thrown here and there, but we will get through it together.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

The Great Lunch Debacle

Three weeks into school and things are going GREAT!  Lil T loves school!  Let's hope this lasts until college.  Ummm, doubt it.  But let's enjoy it while it lasts.

All is well, except when it comes to lunch.  Every morning I pack him a lunch.  And every afternoon, the lunch is returned...barely eaten.   And the boy is famished when he comes home.  Duh, of course he is...HE DOESN'T EAT HIS LUNCH!  It's not like I pack some health-crazed, exotic, unidentifiable food.  It's ham and cheese.  Or pasta with butter and parmesan cheese.

Every morning I ask what he would like for lunch.

"Ham and cheese."  So I pack ham and cheese.  And what's in his lunchbag when he comes home?  Ham and cheese.

" I want pasta with cheese."  So there I am, 7am in the morning making pasta with cheese.  Packed in a thermos so it'll be warm when it's time for lunch.  And guess what's in his lunchbag when he comes home?  Cold, dried up pasta and cheese.

I've searched websites and cookbooks for cool lunch ideas.  Even made those little cut up ham and cheese on a stick thingys to make it more "fun".  Didn't work.  He'll eat the fruits that I pack.  He'll eat the snack bag of popcorn or cookies.  But no lunch.

I've been warned by other moms to expect this.  With the newfound independence and lunch time being only 25 minutes, I was told to expect that his lunch would be returned.  And so it's true.

I guess I just have to get over it.  He'll eat if he's hungry, right?  Ugh.

So what are some things that you pack your kids for lunch?  Would love to hear some ideas.

 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

It's a lonely road

I am going through addiction withdrawal.  The "my only child is now in all-day kindergarten and I miss him so much" addiction withdrawal.  It is Day 3 of kindergarten.  Lil T LOVES it!  He loves the bus ride.  He loves the teachers.  He loves playing with his friends.  Me?  Ugh.  I miss him.  The day seems so long.  The day seems so quiet.  I have time to do anything I want.  So what the heck is wrong with me?!?!?  I miss him.

I adjusted to life in the suburbs pretty easily when I first moved from New York to Connecticut, about 7 years ago.  Even with no friends and no family around, it was okay.  I never really noticed a void.  I had a job.  Then I became a mom.  There was always someone, something to keep me busy.  Now.  There's a void.  After spending a weekend in NY with family and coming back this week to Lil T going to school all day, every day...I'm noticing a void.  Sure, I keep myself busy for most of the day, running errands, catching up on housework, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, or sometimes doing nothing.  But that's when I realize...it gets a bit lonely.  I was at Tar-jay the other day doing some retail therapy when I noticed all around me were moms shopping with their toddlers or preschoolers in toll.  And I thought...that was me.  Oh how I miss that.  I know, you think I'm crazy.  I thought I was crazy too.  All the times I've had to shop with Lil T I've thought, it would be so nice to just shop by myself.  And it is.  For the majority of the time.  But that day, I missed my little man and the quirky conversations we always have and get this, when I heard another mom scream at her toddler, "stay in the cart and stop touching everything"...it brought back memories.  I'm an idiot, I know.

I'm sure this feeling won't last forever.  Like I said, it's addiction withdrawal.  A five year addiction of having Lil T with me every single day.  It would've been nice to have another child to take care of.  That, of course, was my plan.  But unfortunately, things don't always work out as you plan.  I guess having another child was never written in the stars for me.   But that's another story.  A story that hopefully one day, I will have the strength to tell.

But for now, I will rely on my bonbons to get me through the day.  Eventually I will have to get myself back into the workforce.  I'm sure by next week, I'll be back in the full swing of things.  But until then...I will enjoy my free time.  Because one day in the near future, I will regret ever having complained about having too much time on my hands.

Now if you will excuse me, I have to get ready to get my Beanie off the bus.  Fun time has begun!