Diary of a Preschool Mommy

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings I find myself wondering...imagining. Generalizing. Stereotyping. Wondering how bad the morning was to make a mother give in when her son wanted to wear a beach hat, sunglasses and cowboy boots to school. Although we have yet to walk out the door with cowboy boots on, I'm sure our day will come. Well, we don't have cowboy boots, but we have fireman rain boots. So I'm mentally preparing myself for what outfit will go with said boots.

Imagining. Imagining what each one of these women is off to do after dropping their precious cargo off for a few hours. I imagine that the plethora of women that show up in yoga wear are off to do one of two things. Half of them are actually off to bikram yoga or bar method as their perfectly toned bodies suggest. But I firmly believe that the other half just want us to THINK they are. Or maybe they have every intention of going, but then daily errands and housework get in the way. Next are the moms that are dressed to the nines, racing down the hallway already thinking of the day that they have ahead. Hoping they have time to stop for a caffeine fix before heading to the office. My favorite kind of mom to watch are the moms that are dropping off one, holding another by the hand and have one in their belly. I both envy and feel for these women. I envy the state that they are in, however, I feel for them because I can only imagine the craziness that they are about to embark upon! Last but not least, there are always a few moms that show up in their pajamas. They'd like to think that we don't realize that they are pajamas. But we know. We ALL know. I hope I'm never that mom.

While I'm on the subject of moms I don't want to be. I have already done what I have always said I wouldn't. I was the last mom there the other day to pick up Drake. While he didn't seem to mind, Mom, I vividly remember what it was like to be the last one at school to be picked up. Like, there were a few times that I remember the janitors were there to clean the school and I was STILL sitting there. Wondering when my mom would show up. I hated that feeling. So here it was, 11:40 and I was at the horse barn. 20 minutes away. I knew I was going to be late, but I also knew that no one would be in the office, so I couldn't call. I pulled up at 12:03 (pickup is 11:50). The parking lot was empty. As soon as I was in sight, I could see all of the teachers staring at my car. Wondering. Was Drake's mom finally here? Poor Drake was sitting on the ground all by himself, playing with dirt. My heart dropped. I felt so bad. He of course was fine. I apologized to everyone giving some lame excuse as to why I was late. And I vowed to myself and my son that it wouldn't happen again...

Drake has been doing great in school. When he gets into the car after school, we break it down. Did you sing? Yes. What? I don't know. Did you read books? Yes. Which books? I don't know. Did you eat your snack? No. What was it? Cheese crackers AGAIN! AND I had to drink water! Out of an open cup! Lol. Did you play? Yes. With who? I don't know his name. He had a dinosaur shirt on. But the girls wouldn't let us play with them....

That's what I like to hear. Good girls.
Every Friday he brings home all of his crafts. I find it quite humorous, as you can tell he did the bare minimum. Just enough to show the teacher he did it. For example, on a cutout cookie, he was told to put chocolate chips on it. There are literally two chips. Two little dots that say, "Here, I did it. Can I go back to playing now?" I get that. Matt doesn't. He's not nearly as impressed with Drake's drawings as I am. He claims that mediocrity won't be allowed in our house. Ahh. Men. I guess they just want better for their children. Want them to want to do the best they can- be the best- from day one. And I suppose I get that too.
I can't wait to look back on these days when Drake is grown. Well, I take that back. I can wait. I'm having too much fun to wish these days away =)

A Day All About Trey

A child's first birthday. I think that every mother can say that this day is a bittersweet one. On one hand we think- YAY! We made it through the first year! For most it means that we are sleeping through the night again, we are done breastfeeding, most of the teething is over with and we once again feel okay about leaving the baby with the sitter to enjoy a night out on the town. On the other hand we think- WAIT! Where did the year go?? Where is my sweet snuggly newborn with whom I could waste a whole day just lying around and staring at each other?? Why doesn't he need me in the middle of the night anymore? Why doesn't he need me to feed him? I want my baby back! 
It's because of this "other" hand I believe a lot of women keep having babies. We like to feel needed. Loved. Unconditionally. My babies never cared if I had showered, gotten out of my pajamas or brushed my teeth for that matter. If I was having a bad day, they were there to love on me and remind me that nothing could be that bad. For that, I am grateful. But I'm also realistic. Sure. I'd love to have a whole gaggle of babies (I think a gaggle relates to geese somehow...idk. I like the way it sounds). But right now we can house, feed and send the two we have to college. So for now, we are done having these sweet, adorable and cuddly babies. For now =)

So onto the topic at hand...Trey Jaxson! One year ago today at 10:44 am, we welcomed you into our family with loads of love to offer you. You made our family of 3 an even 4. Of course mommy and daddy loved you, but Drake absolutely adored you. My cup over floweth. I never thought I could love my second as much as my first. But you proved me wrong. From the get-go you were an easy baby. You would go to anyone, sleep like an angel and had the most laid back demeanor. Then all of a sudden you started moving...at what? 6 months? Crawling. At the speed of light. And as if that wasn't enough, you decided that you had to keep up with Drake, so walking was a must. At 9 1/2 months. We weren't ready for that! Trey Bird is your nickname...although often it's just Bird. Or lately, Monster. Because seriously, you are into EVERYTHING. Toilets? Check. Garbage? Check. Dog Bowls? Double Check. You want everything Drake has. And of course, that is causing major problems on the toy front. You love chocolate milk, grapes and peaches. Chili, spaghetti and chicken are high on your list too. You love to look at pictures of yourself and of course your brother. Drake started school last week, and on day one, you cried the whole time he was gone. You just didn't know what to do without someone to follow. But day two? We came home and you didn't know what to play with first. For the first time ever, the entire house was yours, toys and all. You aren't talking yet, but I'm convinced that Drake has something to do with that. When you have something to say, you'll say it. I'm not worried. 

Anyway, Happy Birthday Son. Mommy, Daddy and Drake love you more than you'll ever know.  

Busy Week!

Wow. It's been one of those weeks where you look back and think- "what the heck just happened?" Now that Matt's back at school, the boys and I have found that we like to get out and do things again (for those of you that know my husband, know that he's a lounge around the house kind of guy...and it's contagious!). So anyway, here are a few things that we tackled this week...

 

We went to a local horse stable...the boys adored the horses! And the horses truly adored them and loved the attention that they were given by them...we definitely want a horse now. Stella here (the horse with Trey) is up for adoption. Daddy please???

We went to another new (well not new, but new to us) park with Katie, Hazel and Allison. It's really fun to get out with other moms (and moms-to-be!) and just relax. The adult conversation is always a plus too! 

 

 Drake's favorite thing to do after eating at CPK is head to the water fountains at Waterside. He chucks pennies into the water and LOVES dipping his feet in through the bars...the things he's teaching his little brother!!

While Matt golfed, we hit the water park...I hope it wasn't the last time of the summer, but with schedules filling up and the park's hours dwindling, it just may have been. It was fun while it lasted though!

And last, but certainly not least, the boys had their first "costume party"! It was Addie's 3rd birthday and the kids were to dress as their favorite princess or super hero...I was shocked that Drake didn't want to dress as Bumblebee or Optimus Prime. Ahh, the whims of a three year old. And Trey, well Trey doesn't talk yet, so Trey doesn't get a say =)

So...that's that. Busy week. But we all know that I wouldn't change it for the world. What's up for next week? Preschool for Drake and Mommy's first football game...wish us luck!

Back to School

So, as most of you are aware, school has started. And with the start of the school year, brings the craziness. With Matt back at work, I'm alone to fend for myself with these two busy boys. When Matt ventures home from school, I'm off to cheer and dance. Some days the day can't go fast enough, others, I wish the clock would stop moving so that I could stay with my boys a little longer.

Next week brings a big milestone- for all of us really. Drake will start preschool...sure, it's only three days a week for a few hours, but I think it will bring change for everyone. Drake will no longer be my baby (let's face it- he hasn't been the baby for awhile now, but this will solidify that for sure!). He will on his way to learning big things. Did you know that kids should know how to read BEFORE they go to Kindergarten? Ha. I'm pretty sure we didn't start learning to do that until 1st grade (you know- back in the 80's!!!) Trey will hopefully take advantage of the quietness around the house to start talking. He's so quiet, but you can tell a lot is going on inside his little head as he's SO aware of everything that's going on around him. The poor kid just doesn't get a word in edgewise with Drake around. He's ALWAYS talking. I kinda feel like he came out talking =) I'm very excited for all of it though. I can't wait to hear the things he comes home with. Which brings me to my next point. Like I said, he talks a lot. I wonder what he's going to tell his teacher about us???!!! He once marched right up to a repairman in the house and said, "My Mom says I'm a pain in the butt." And we all remember what happened at the pediatricians that one day. What if they kick him out of school???!!! Phew. Okay. I'm calm. He'll be fine. And I'll get to spend some one on one time with Trey Bird. That is something I'm looking forward to...

The End of Summer....Really???

Well, here we are, at the end of summer...wondering where the time went. And begging for the craziness to stay away. Matt starts school Monday. Dance and Cheer are in full force. It's all a game of juggling. I'm seriously not ready for it all. I can't wait to start drinking caffeine again. One more month.

The boys are at full speed ahead- 24/7. With our summer being so lax, Drake has resorted to staying up later than me. No kidding. 11:00 has been a consistent bedtime for him lately. It's ri-dic-u-lous. I'm praying that once preschool starts, that all will change. Or I may lose it. He goes all day long. Nana, Poppy and Uncle Kyle got to experience the boys on their own for 2 days. They couldn't get out of here fast enough. They were exhausted and now understand why we can't answer the phone ever =) Trey has been walking for over a month now. Pretty close to running. Yesterday at cheer practice he was lifting 2 lb. medicine balls and walking with them. Watch out Drake. Trey's-a-comin'! He's into EVERYTHING. And he's fast. We turn our head for a second and he's climbing out of his high chair onto the kitchen table. Giving us his s***-eating grin that he puts on when he knows he's in trouble. I made Drake drink out of a cup today for the first time (I mean he's done it before, but it's so much easier to give him a sippy cup!). He started crying because he said he couldn't do it. I said- "Sure you can!" Lo and behold? He poured the whole thing down his front and yelled- "SEE!! I TOLD YOU SO!" It was too funny to contain our laughter. Kids. Gotta love em.

So as I said- we had a couple of days KID FREE! First time ever...it was amazing. No concerns. No worries. Complete relaxation. We headed to the Keys and parked it on the beach with Skinny Girl margs.  I can't remember the last time I was truly that relaxed.

We stuffed our faces at a Brazilian steakhouse and went scuba diving....

 Well. We tried to go scuba diving...we should have just thrown the $200 in the ocean and called it a day. I won't go into too much detail, but let's just say Matt took the most expensive boat ride ever and I mastered how to throw up in a regulator at 30 ft. below the ocean's surface.







Needless to say, it was fun to get away and fun to come back home to the boys.

Dog Days of Summer

So, we made it back. In one piece. Well, four pieces, but you know what I mean. We are back into our routines...the time change in Iowa did us all some good! The boys now sleep until 8:30 or 9:00 am every morning. It's amazing.

We've been hitting the waterpark a lot. And swimming in the pool. It's really so hot out it's hard to do anything outside that doesn't involve water. The dogs don't even like being outside. But we are enjoying A LOT of family time.

Drake and Trey are growing daily. I really can't get over how funny our kids are. I'm sure every parent says that, but seriously. They are funny. Drake has always been a little comedian, but the things that come out of his mouth these days...it's hard not to laugh. His obsession with Transformers continues. He has now memorized 75% of the lines in the Transformers movie. Everything in his day to day activities somehow relates to Transformers. Matt and I are seriously over it.
And Trey- he's only 10 months old- but he's naughty! Downright naughty. He's climbs on EVERYTHING. And out of everything. Out of the high chair. Onto the table. Up a chair. Onto the couch. He knows exactly what he's doing. He takes one look at us and laughs. And laughs. And laughs. He's smart too. He may be quiet- but he knows exactly what is going on. I can't wait to see what he grows up to be.

Anyway, Matt and I just had our 8th wedding anniversary. It's so crazy to think about where we started when I look at our lives today. I never could have imagined. We are headed to the Keys for the weekend (Nana and Poppy are staying with the boys and the dogs...first vacay away. Nervous....but oh so excited!!). We are going scuba diving for the first time in 3 years and 10 months. You mathmeticians out there can figure out why =) I am looking forward to just sitting. I told Matt that I might even get some noise cancelling earphones to enjoy my time away even more.

Vacay Parts 2 & 3!

We have been so busy these past couple of weeks that I haven't had time to update our blog- not to mention that the places we've been visiting barely have cell reception, much less internet. It's actually quite peaceful and relaxing knowing that no one can reach you. I've barely had my phone with me- if at all for the past two weeks.
We had the amazing opportunity to visit Matt's aunt and uncle's cabin in Minnesota on the most peaceful lake I've seen. I think we saw one other boat. We had the best time. There was no t.v. No computer. No phones. I'm shocked Matt and Drake survived- but we did. I think it was a great way to recharge.
We then headed to Matt's grandparents in Minnesota- as they had yet to meet Trey. We spent a couple of days enjoying small town Minnesota- including a dinner at the VFW along with a "early bird" game of Bingo. We then headed back to the cabin to surprise Matt's cousins from Nebraska and Texas and their kids so that we could all be together for a couple of days. The kids had a blast. I know that my kids have never slept or eaten so well. It's been a great experience for us all. Matt got to go back to his college days and wakeboard and tube and I even decided to give skiing a go again. Drake got to fish and Trey got to be spoiled by whoever got their hands on him. They had the cutest little chippies (chipmunks) at the cabin. They would crawl right up onto your body for peanuts. I was quite the chippie whisperer- getting one to crawl through my hoodie pocket =) I would have brought one home if Matt would have let me!
We are now in Wisconsin at my Dad's cabin on the river. It's been pretty rainy, but we did get out on the boat yesterday. It's just so relaxing on the water.
Matt and I have been talking at length about getting back to the Midwest. We love the summers here, but aren't ready for the snow yet. So for now, we are just entertaining the idea of spending our summers here. It will be good for the kids to be around family and good for us to get out of the Naples heat for awhile.
Who knows what's in store...if I had a money tree, we'd buy a cabin on a lake with a boat...someday maybe!
Will post pics once we get home...ahhh. Home. While I love it here, it will be nice to not have to pack ALL OF OUR STUFF (anyone with kids knows what I'm talking about here) over and over again.

We're on Vacation! Part 1...

Now that I have a moment to breathe, I thought I'd fill everyone in on our first leg of our vacay.
We left Florida on Tuesday...Matt per usual, yelling at everyone (me) to hurry because we are going to miss our flight. Arriving at the airport TWO hours early, I felt more nervous than I usually do about traveling. Boarding an airplane with two small children is nervewracking! Already, while we were waiting for our plane to arrive, an older couple asked where we were sitting- as if to make sure that they were no where near us on the plane. I can't say that I blame them.
Drake was an angel on the plane. Fell asleep watching Transformers (surprise right?)...but Trey. Trey. I have no idea what got into him but he didn't sleep a wink. NOT A WINK. A three and a half hour plane ride and the kid had ants in his pants. It was quite possibly the longest plane ride in my life. Thank God it's over.
We spent our first night in Garner. Gma and Gpa Keraus made Drake a special Dinosaur room. It has two twin beds in it. So I took one, Drake took the other (Matt on the couch) and Trey in a pack-n-play. By 2 am it was Michelle, Drake and Trey in one twin bed...Matt still on the couch. Do we see where this trip is going?
We are now in Ankeny at Nana and Poppy's. Drake is following Kyle around like I knew he would. If Kyle isn't in the room, Drake is asking where he is. It's very cute- and I'm sure Kyle will be exhausted when we leave. Trey is loving all of the attention- especially from Poppy. It's very sweet.
Matt has been hitting the Track Nationals meet and the College World Series all week. Does this mean I get next week off?

=)

More to come...

He's 3!

So the biggest news obviously is that Drake is now officially 3 years old. I really don't know where the time has gone. As Matt so politely let me know, he's not a baby anymore. Every day he needs us a little less. And he's right. Every day he's gaining a little more independence. Very sad. But very exciting. He's such a smart and energetic and creative little boy. I can't wait to see what he makes out of life.

We had a Transformers party. Of course. The kid eats, sleeps and breathes Transformers. I am Bumblebee. Matt is Bulkhead. Trey is Prowl and he of course, is Optimus Prime. He watches Transformers 2 every single day. LOVES all of the action and the robots. He YouTubes Transformers all of the time too. Falls asleep every night with that dang iPhone in his hand =)

We had friends and food and the pool. And a great Transformers cake. He got lots of good loot (all of which we don't need, but what are you going to do??) and was exhausted at the end of it.

One fun present he got was a Betta fish. He named it Hawkeye (after a little nudging from Daddy). And he wanted to play with it. Why wouldn't he? We weren't paying attention...and there were cups from the party left on the table (kids LOVE cups and water). Except these cups had a little bit of beer left in them. When I found him, all of the leftover beer had made it's way into the fish bowl. Along with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. He was literally playing with the fish. While funny...Hawkeye joined the angel ranks shortly after. RIP Hawkeye.

Drake fell asleep with his Transformer balloon in his hand...great day!

Now that Matt is out of school, we seem to be equally busy. I had recital last weekend which is always an all day affair. Trey was a trooper for one show, but then had to join Drake and Daddy at home. We bought a summer pass to the local water park and have been twice already. The boys (and us!) love it. Drake goes down the slide face first and is getting over his aversion to having his head under water. He'll be a fish by the end of the summer. Already has a lifeguard tan  (think: top of the butt- so cute!)

We are prepping for our 16 day vacay to Iowa/Minnesota/Wisconsin. Excited and nervous all at the same time. So much to do before we leave. So many things to pack. WHERE DO I EVEN START!!!

After a long day at the waterpark...

Water-Swing!

Daddy & Drake on the lazy river....

Mommy & Trey splashin' around

Stuff

Geez. Where do I start? Let's go back to swim class. I'm sorry moms, but this blog entry is about you.

So as you all know, Drake has been in swim class for about a month now...he wasn't getting much out of the first class he was in, as the other kids wouldn't get in the pool, therefore he had no motivation to do anything other than what he could already do. So we wanted to try another class of the same level of kids, that the teacher claimed was more advanced. Well, it's a possibility that he just said that the kids get in the water. I don't know. We were going to try it. So this Saturday, that's where we were. I was excited to see what Drake could accomplish if he saw other kids swimming, going under water, etc. Instead what do I see? A group of mothers, all getting into the water with their preschoolers! I immediately thought that we came at the wrong time- "is this the mommy and me class?"- nope. Preschool level 1. You've got to be kidding me? These were 3 and 4 year old children (one still in diapers may I add), that were clinging to their parents in the water for dear life. And the moms were allowing- encouraging even- the behavior. After initially being angry about the situation, I felt bad for these enablers and their kids. They are just setting themselves up for a liftetime of enabling their children...as a teacher/coach of high school kids, Matt and I have often seen the results of this kind of parenting. It's not a good situation...95% of these kids go off to college and are back before the first semester even ends. Ugh.

Okay- I'm done venting. On to more fun things! Drake is anxiously awaiting his 3rd birthday...2 more weeks! Where has the time gone?? I actually think it's funny that he's only turning 3. The kid is wise beyond his years. Too smart I think sometimes. We can't wait for preschool to start in August. I think he's going to thrive with a teacher that's not me =)

Trey's teeth are still pushing through. 3 or so on the bottom....4 or so on top. Of course all coming in at different rates. Still looks like a hillbilly! Yesterday he actually took a couple unassisted steps as well! I don't know if I'm excited or scared. 2 boys running around the house?? Ok, I'm excited. I think it will be fun!

This holiday weekend we did some fun things. Saturday we took the boys to a "fun day" of sorts at one of the local parks. They had bounce houses, a playground and a fountain park...Drake was in heaven. And Trey can't wait to get out there and play- soon! Yesterday we hung out with our newly acquired friends...see, we've been neighbors for like 4 or 5 years and we just started hanging out a few weeks ago. They are our age, went to school in the Midwest and have a new baby...so it's absolutely ridiculous that we just started hanging out. Funny how life gets in the way of new friendships...better late than never!