Reflections

I'm having a hard time coming to grips with Jeremy almost done with preschool. Our one-on-one time is going to be diminished because Riley is almost done with school as well. I cherish the time just the two of us have, and I'm struggling some days to keep it together.

Just last week he finished up his last session of spring hockey, and of course I was a blubbering idiot every time I thought about it. He had his last time being at Miss Carla's to play with other young kids last week, and that was a place that I'd been taking him for the last 5 years. Add to it that he has 3 more days of preschool, followed by his picnic/graduation next week, and I'm a mess.

I know that it's not like he's moving away or even will forget about me. But I'm the first person to admit that sometimes I have an unhealthy relationship with him. I tend to hold J a little closer than I probably should. I had a smaller bond with Riley, mainly because I went back to work after she was 3 months old. I did have one extra day at home per week with her until she was about 15 months old, but Jeremy and I have been together from the very beginning. Thanks to him (and Phil), I was able to be at home full-time once J was born. He never went to daycare. He was my shopping buddy, my park companion, my playmate, for lack of better words.

I took J to get his hair cut on Monday, and as he sat in the chair, I thought about how grown up he is. I used to carry him on my hip wherever we went. He would put his head on my shoulder and play with my hair. His first word was "mama," and he still looks to me for approval and to play with him. But he's growing up and turning into a talented, athletic little guy, and of course I'm proud of him.

When Riley started kindergarten, I was sad but I never once doubted that she wasn't ready. I know J is ready, too, but part of me wishes it was half-day kindy. Maybe more so for me than for him. So many of the preschool moms are excited for their kids to start kindergarten, and although I am excited for all that he will learn, I will miss my companion. I know both of us will be fine without the other; after all, life is about changes.

I'm just mourning what used to be, especially since he's my last little guy.

Trash Talker

So I'm letting Jeremy watch a replay of last night's Lightning/Bruins hockey game because it was on past his bedtime last night. A promo comes on with Mike Green (Capitals). Jeremy says, "Oh yeah, Mike Green? You're all done. See you next year." Nice to know that my kid can trash talk.

 

Jeremy's First Blackhawks Game

As part of my birthday present, Phil surprised me with tickets to a Blackhawks game. And not just any game, but a game against the rival Detroit Red Wings on the last game of the season! Of course I was beyond excited, after I harassed him for spending so much money on me. But then he left me with a difficult decision: who should I take to the game? And as the title of the entry states, I took my favorite little hockey-obsessed boy. (Don't worry, even though Riley voiced her displeasure at not being able to go, Phil treated her to a day of Riley. Included were bowling, Dairy Queen, and playing with the neighborhood kids.)

In our hockey gear before the drive.

At first I was a little apprehensive driving into the city by myself. Yes, me, who lived in the suburbs for 20+ years of my life still gets a little anxious driving into the city. But after I got over my fear, I asked Jeremy if he wanted to go to the game with me. And I was met with a resounding YES!

The game was scheduled for 11:30 since NBC wanted the game for their Game of the Week. That meant we had to leave by 9:15 because Chicago was hosting its annual Shamrock Shuffle, which is an 8K race, and we didn't want to deal with traffic. We made pretty good time, and found a parking spot by 10:40. We walked around the parking lot, and there was a guy dressed up in goalie gear for Degree deodorant (I have no idea why), and they asked if they could take Jeremy's picture with the goalie. Why not?

We walked around the inside of the building and found where our seats were. And wouldn't you know, they were right near one of the bars? We found our seats, and Jeremy began to get scared. I think the height bothered him -- he wasn't used to being up that high. People began filtering in, and it was getting loud due to the speakers and the people. Jeremy got even more scared and actually told me he wanted to go home. They dimmed the lights and ran the pregame highlights, and Jeremy was scared. (Sensing a theme?) When it was time for the anthem, he knew that Jim Cornelison was doing the anthem, and it was LOUD! He buried his head in my shoulders.

Watching the Hawks before the game started.

But then the game started, and it got quieter. The Hawks scored first, and I lifted him up so we could dance to the song the Hawks play when they score. He loved it, and he told me he wants to do it again. Luckily we were able to do it 2 more times.

He did great during the game, although when there was 2 minutes before the first intermission was over, he declared he had to go potty. I was a little frustrated that he waited until the last minute, but we went and had to wait a bit to sit back down. So I reminded him before the game was over that we were going to use the potty again before we got in the car because it was a little while to get the Papa and Nana's. He said, "That's OK, Mom. I've had to go potty since the second period, but I didn't want to miss anything."

During the shoot the puck contest, Mr. T took a shot.

Unfortunately, on Jeremy's first Blackhawks game, they lost to the Red Wings 4-3. The players stayed on the ice afterward and gave their jerseys off their backs to "random" fans (which I'm sure were season-ticket holders). At the time, the Hawks needed the win to secure a spot in the playoffs. Luckily since the Wild lost that night, they did make it in with the eighth spot.

Me and my boy.

Focusing on the game.

Being sly.

Smiling for the camera.

The Hawks tried to make a rally.

The scoreboard shows the final score.

But for the hockey-obsessed boy and I, we made it out of the stadium, to which I found several text messages from Phil containing some vulgarities regarding the Hawks' performance. It was a balmy 86 when we got out of the arena, so I let Jeremy change into shorts and take off his shirt when we got to the car. Traffic was horrible, and he actually ended up falling asleep on the way to Papa and Nana's. But in the end, we both had a blast. I cannot wait to go to more games with him in the future.

All worn out.