Happy Birthday, Sunshine

So today my little boy turns 4. And because I'm not nearly emotional enough, here are some photos of the little boy through the years:

In the hospital

3 months

6 months

9 months

1 year old!

18 months

2 years old!

2.5

3 years old.

3.5

Enjoying his birthday ice cream.

It's still hard to believe he's 4. You know, I'm going to say stuff like this every time one of my kids has a birthday! He's become a wonderful, independent little guy. There are times when he's challenging, and there are times when I can't get enough of him. He is my sunshine, my life and my little guy. He can recite all the players on the Blackhawks, loves to play hockey outside and has begun recognizing words and what letters they start with. He's come a long way this year from entering preschool, becoming comfortable in his Sunday School class and is a bundle of energy. I love you big guy. Happy birthday!

Heartbreaker

So my little guy turns 4 tomorrow. I'm feeling all kinds of reflective (what else is new!), and I kept telling him that today was the last day he'd be 3. And that 4 years ago today was my last day of work and how Papa took me out to lunch. And that he was born the next day.

Those 4 years have flown by. I'll try to get on here and post his 4 years in pictures, but here's a preview of what he looks like now.








Where did my little guy go? You know, the one who was just learning how to say, "Mama." The one who comes running to me and gives me great, big hugs and strokes my hair when he has a bad dream? Who is this handsome young man? *sniff, sniff* Enjoy your last day as a 3 year old. Life flies by way too fast, little one.

Volunteering

Posing with the kids.

Last week I spent two days helping out at Riley's school. I love that I can do this as it gives me a chance to put faces with the names that Riley is always talking about. Plus it makes me feel productive. Growing up, I don't remember moms (or dads) coming into the classroom to help. We had room moms who helped out for pizza parties and stuff like that, but never to come in and assist with day-to-day activities.

I went in on Wednesday to help Riley's teacher organize Scholastic book orders, sort through papers and work on my tracing skills. Her teacher is busy assessing the kids' abilities for the third-quarter report cards, so the kids spent most of the hour that I was there coloring, cutting, stapling and reading. They've all settled down into a pretty good rhythm seeing as there are just a few months left. (On a side note, I found out today that Riley's last day of school is May 28. May 28! That's just crazy to me.) Riley tried to get my attention during most of the hour I was there, and I had to remind her to be quiet.

When it was time to leave (the kids were off to gym), the kids all lined up at the door. Riley insisted on giving me a big hug and kiss, and it made me think about how much she's grown. (Forgive me, as lately I tend to be a tad emotional about the kids and how much they've changed.) She's blossomed during this year of kindergarten, more than I thought she would. I'm so proud of her, as she's learned how to read, tie shoes and make a bunch of friends (as evidence of her three impending birthday parties to attend).

Then on Friday I volunteered to help out with the school's Jump Rope for Heart campaign. It was a lot of fun, seeing the kids jump rope, although Riley was having problems and could only jump rope backward! I was in charge of counting the money for her class, and (if I can brag) she brought in the most money for her class. A special shout-out to the grandparents for helping out with that. Riley was just beyond excited to see me there, and I spent time with her and some of her friends watching her jump. And as a bonus I was able to catch up with one of the gym teachers at the school who grew up a block away from me and went to the same elementary, junior and high school as me. Small world!

There was another mom and dad there helping out for Riley's class, and I watched the little girl want her dad's attention during most of the 1.5 hours we were there. I told him that there will be some day when the girls won't want our attention and won't want us near them all the time. He said he has a 4th grader, so he already is dealing with that. It makes me sad that Riley won't always want me to kiss her and give her hugs. Guess I'll just have to enjoy it while I can. And volunteer as often as I can.

Hockey Days

I hope everyone has gotten a chance to see Jeremy recite the Blackhawk players. Seriously, this kid is like Rainman. And for those who follow the 'Hawks as religiously as we do, one of the players returned to the ice this past week after being out for the whole season. Jeremy and I played hockey outside the day after Adam Burish returned to the ice, and Jeremy kept saying that he was number 37. I wish I had a memory like my son.

With the weather being so pleasant, Jeremy and I have enjoyed many hours already this week being outside. He can ride his 2-wheeler so well, that he insists I put on my "exercise" shoes to go for walks with him. And we pulled the hockey net out and dusted off his hockey stick and now practice his slapshots. Uncle D would be proud.

So when we play hockey, one of us has to be the Blackhawks and the other is the Yuckies (AKA, the Redwings, who Jeremy doesn't know the team name to this day since they'll forever be the Yuckies in our house). And then if you're the Blackhawks, you have to pick which player you are. Jeremy tends to be Kane or he was Burish this week. And I need to brush up on my Detroit players, since Jeremy insists that Detroit be represented.

I usually end up being the ball shagger, and I warn Jeremy that I'm going to throw them to him underhand. He said it's a good thing I don't throw them uppercase since that might hurt. Uppercase. Cute, kid.

Uncle D better be prepared when he returns, since Jeremy's been working on his slapshot. We're starting them young around here.

Jeremy's Blackhawks

Click on this to hear Jeremy recite the team members of the Chicago Blackhawks. I'm so proud!

Moms

I've been feeling rather reflective as of late. I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's due to my impending birthday. Maybe it's due to Jeremy's birthday. Maybe it's just my mind continually running.

I look at the kids and realize they have their entire lives ahead of them. Whatever they want to be or do, it's entirely possible. That's pretty darn cool to think about. Yet it's also a little scary. Why? Because as parents, we have the ability to control or put limits on those dreams.

I became entirely wrapped up in the Winter Olympics this year. I think it's because this was the first time I was home during the day and was able to listen to athletes' stories about how they got into the crazy sport of snowboarding. Or how their parents would drive them 1.5 hours away just to practice ice skating. That takes dedication. And money. And time. And perseverance. I'm not saying we don't have these factors available to us. But that's a lot to ask.

And I would do almost absolutely anything for my kids. I've been hesitant to enroll Jeremy into ice skating/hockey because most sessions are early in the morning on Saturdays. And for those who know me, I am SO not a morning person. Never have been. And now that I'm freelancing, I work in the evening after the kids go to bed until I can't stare at the computer screen anymore. Now I know there are two parents in this house, and I know Phil wouldn't complain as much as I would about the early-morning sessions, but I just feel like I should be there.

I blame all those Olympic commercials from P&G that said, "Thanks, mom." They made me misty-eyed almost every time.

Not that either kid desires to become an Olympian, but you never know. I've already told the kids that they better not forget about me when they go on to bigger and better things. After all, we'll be the ones who paved the way. Whatever way that may be.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Casey

I think the title of this post says it all. But in case you aren't quite sure, just push play below.

Happy birthday to the best sister-in-law one could hope for. We miss you guys terribly but are so proud of what you're doing. We cannot wait to spend time with you both this summer. And we hope that husband of yours treats you well on this day and every other day.