Proud Mommy...

My little boy is hitting many milestones quickly…and in a little over a month, he will also hold a whole handful of fingers as he turns 5! Really!? Where has that time gone? It honestly brings tears to my eyes when I think about time, and kids, and our lives…and how it is so easy to wish away time to get to another- but with life- we are wishing away those precious moments…and I want them back! Every sleepless night, scratch or bruise, tears of joy or of frustration- through all of these moments he was growing, he was transforming from this little baby, this little boy- that fit perfectly within my arms- to a boy that tests my strength when he asks to be carried to bed every night. He will ALWAYS fit perfectly in my arms, don't get me wrong- just in a different way.

The other day, Monday, Kai lost his first tooth. Wiggly for about a week, Monday morning was the day my little boy showed a little fear in the unknown as I removed the hanging tooth from his mouth, then seconds later- complete elation as he realized the tooth fairy would be making a visit tonight- and making sure to ask me whether the Tooth Fairy was real. The fact there was a question there- although he already knew the answer of yes- was even a little sad for me as hesitation and doubt seems to start so young.

Wednesday was Aunti Bully Day- and they celebrated it at the kids preschool…they put some quotes together and a group shot of all the kids in pink- Kai's quote really touched me- "Will you be my friend." It pretty much sums up the heart of this little boy. I am proud.

Kai gets major growing pains in his legs. I feel for him deeply. I remember getting these as a girl- i recall being older though- i remember having to have my ankles rubbed until i would fall asleep: and now, I rub his legs until he falls back to sleep. Growing pains- again, he isn't that little boy anymore.

He jokes with me often that he is bigger than I am- we both know its a joke- for now. I know, that soon enough, there will be no joke in that. 

Seeing Kai fill the roles in the lives of many is heart warming. He is an amazing son. His compassion, love, curiosity and tenacity for life always astounds me- and he always keeps us on our toes. He has so much love for his sisters. Always playing, always laughing, always loving. He has no fear of showing his affection and will tell you at any given moment how much he loves you- or, he will simply just show you, coming over for a hug or kiss…or both <3

kai waking t from her nap. all hugs!

I just had to take a moment tonight to express my love, gratitude and amazement for my little man. He teaches me something new about himself, life, love or myself..daily.

Take a moment and live through the eyes of children. I really believe you will learn more than you ever thought possible…

Kai I love you. I cannot believe you are going to be 5 soon. Where have these years gone?

I would like a rewind button to re-live the days a little slower…to learn a little more.

But I suppose, we have been doing a pretty good job- because you are one amazing boy.

I love you buddy.

xoxo Mom

Life Reminder....

My husband sent this email to me today that he had received from a friend.
I couldn't NOT share it.

A simple reminder of life, what is important, who is important and to remember to take the time.

You may need some kleenex for this one.
______________________________________

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'

DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.

SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.

SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.'

SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: 'May I please borrow $25?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard every day for such childish frivolities.'

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down and started to think:

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

'Are you asleep, son?' He asked.

'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.

The man saw that the boy already had money and started to get angry again.

The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.

'Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.
___

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love.
If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours... But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

Seeking Sleep...

Our house has been rather sleepless for the last few months. Our wonderfully sleeping baby took a turn when we went on vacation...then got sick- and has never come back from the dark side! My husband and I have found a daily routine of walking zombie for the past while...and we finally decided that we cannot do it any more! The thing is, it wasn't just T...it started with her- then she would generally wake Si up- who would then end up in bed with us as well. Sleepless nights, after nights, after nights.
I am sure many of you have seen the following photo before- and for those sans kids...there is truth in EVERY morsel of this depiction:

I love looking through magazines and finding photos depicting the sleeping family all cuddled closely...really!!!?? Who finds this comfortable!?
In our house...child wins every time. They continuously kick the crap out of my husband until he is forced out of our bed and into one of the kids beds...thankfully they are singles and not toddler beds- but yes, they do have guard rails. I am sure that spells comfort on many levels: Not to mention the waterproof mattress pad beneath to ensure no mess gets through from the kids- this is only a sweat producing, uncomfortable sleep pad for us adults.

Last week we threw our hands up and decided that we had to commence sleep training and find our sleep again! This is a favorite book- but unfortunately not one to read to the kids.

I think the icing on the cake was when T was asleep in our bed with us, and Kai came in feeling sick and proceeded to puke all over her- don't worry, she stayed sleeping. ;-)
So entered Helen Sands- our plan arrived Friday and our training commenced on Saturday.
Some crying was involved...along with one LONG night on Saturday...but something has happened already as we had a glimpse of the future last night- she slept through the night with one very brief sound at midnight...and we woke up more rested.
Here's to hoping we are on the right track!

Dance Party...

Bringing smiles and a little laughter...

Friday is here- and Si is celebrating!