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.

Riley's Art Show

On Thursday, Riley's school had their annual art show where the students showed off their creations. Parents were invited to come to the school and view the artwork. Each child had 2 of their drawings on the wall, and we found Riley's right away. She drew one picture of a cake with hearts flying around and the other was of her family underneath a rainbow. 

At first glace, we all thought she did a great job on her pictures. There was Jeremy, Riley, Mom and...wait, who was the last one? Let's see...Riley, Jeremy and Mom all had black/brown hair. The other person, who was a boy, had gray hair. Riley explained that was Dad.

That was the funniest thing I've heard in a very long time. I only wish I took my camera with!

Happy Birthday, Uncle D!

Today is Uncle D's birthday, so the kids recorded him a message. We weren't able to talk with him today, as he and Casey are enjoying a vacation in Sri Lanka. But I was able to talk to him on my birthday earlier this month. They'll be home for a bit in July, and I don't know who is more excited: me or the kids! (Except I think Jeremy is more excited to have someone play hockey with him!)

So happy birthday to my favorite little brother. I hope this year finds continued happiness, adventure, success and love. We love you very much!

 

Jeremy's Birthday Party

Almost a month later, I'm finally writing about Jeremy's party! We had a beautiful day for the party, but the weather still wasn't warm enough to open up the house. Ah, life in the Midwest! This was the last year for a full-on family party, since we stopped doing it when Riley entered kindergarten. You know, what's good for one is good for the other. It's only fair. :)

We all had such a great time with all our friends and family. It's always nice to catch up and let the kids play. Perhaps the best part for me was when Phil's brother complimented my guacamole. So a special shout-out to Casey for the recipe (and honestly, several people have commented on other occasions about how good it is. Thanks!) And thanks to all who made the celebration memorable. Jeremy had a wonderful fifth birthday!

Mike with Isabella and Fiona. Isabella couldn't get enough of Mike!

The birthday boy!

Jeremy and Caden.

Caden

Checking out some of his toys.

Looking at the camera.

Dad trying to set up the Toy Story characters.

Riley.

Riley on Skates!

I'm so terribly behind on here. One of these days I'll have time to be current on here. I recently took up another freelancing gig, which is great in the grand-scheme of things, but it doesn't allow for a lot of free time. Not that I had a lot of free time to begin with! Anyway...

Last month, Riley and her best friend Lauren went ice skating with their dads. They met in preschool and were lucky enough to be in the same kindergarten class last year. And I say lucky because the school the girls go to has 19 kindergarten classes! Crazy. Although they weren't in the same class this year, Lauren's mom and I have made sure the girls get together occasionally.

Lauren's mom and I are very close friends, and Lauren happens to have a younger brother who's just a few months younger than Jeremy. We all love getting together and catching up, so the moms and boys played and chatted while the dads and daughters went ice skating. The girls did this last year, and they had a great time again this year. We capped off the evening with some pizza at Lauren's house.

Riley and Lauren.

The girls.

Dad and daughter.

The girls being cautious.

Holding hands.