Growing Up

Little C on his first day of 4th grade

 A 4th grader? Oh me oh my.

He looks so grown up doesn't he? There are other little boys in our neighborhood two years older and Little C rivals them in height.

4th grade is a big deal.

I remember feeling so grown up at that age. Clothes started to matter - my bangs needed to be displayed as high as possible, being in strict competition with the extravagant bow atop my head.

I had my first "boyfriend" - which in elementary school definition means you stop talking to the boy you like until you break up because now you know you like each other. :)

  And now my little guy is there.

He's turned into a sarcastic, witty little thing, with a quick, clever grin to follow.

Although talented in the sports dept he's in no way competitive. 

He would be social 24/7 if allowed which is sometimes detrimental to his school assignments.... poor guy takes after his mama. 

This is Little C's first time attending the same school two years in a row. He had never experienced being excited for school to start, missing old friends, and feeling the joy of being reunited with them again. It was fun to observe.

He acts so grown up in many ways but is still a fan of his mom.

We went on a Mommy/son date the other night. Eating dinner at downtown Cafe Ole' and then catching the latest Spider man flick.

He held my hand while we walked around - chatting - dancing around to the music playing in the streets - and squeezed hands tighter when we were walking to the car and a person barked at us. What?

It was weird but memorable and we both laughed while sprinting to the car avoiding further stranger outbursts.

The Beloved and Little C have recently formed their own fashion of bonding with the love of golf. I love that it is their thing. I'm not involved - brothers aren't involved (quite yet) - they can just go and be.

It's cool.

 

 

Lou on his first day of pre-school

Lou has been counting down the days for school to start for the last two years.  Little C and Lou and are such buds that sometimes I forget that Lou isn't older. He's so smart and READY to be challenged.

After his first day of school he was depressed that all they did was sing songs and get to know each other. They didn't even sing the ABCs! he said. He wanted homework. He wanted letters and numbers! Dang it Jim~! ( for some reason I had an old Star trek line go through my head.. something like - Dang it Jim! I'm a doctor not a scientist (sisters, do you remember Kent K. saying that a lot? :) - but I made the dang it kid friendly because those weren't the exact words... anyhoo.. now back to the Lou dog)

Our little Lou IS NOT a morning person. He usually wakes up around 9:30 even when he goes to bed at 8.

On his second day of school, with all learning enthusiasm gone, he had no desire to roll out of bed.

Although they've started working on letters and his mood re: school curriculum has changed significantly - nothing is going to put a smile on his face before 10 o'clock in the morning. (I definitely can't claim the morning person card - but I do have to point the finger at The Beloved for this one. Like father like son. :)

When Lou decides to attempt something, he's going to strive to be perfect at it. Coloring, tricks on the trampoline, Wii games, riding his bike -

he likes to be the winner of all and the director.

If he loses or you disagree with his way of thinking...

things get a bit harder. :)

But after a few tears... all is forgiven and he's our sweet little spirited guy again.

 

The other day I got a bit nervous - I felt overwhelmed thinking life is going by just too quick! Next year Little C will be in 5th grade. What?!

Lou will be in Kindergarton and Ruckus will be in pre-school and it will just be me and the baby at home.

How lonely.

I don't want my babies to leave their nest.

At that minute I rededicated my self to the moments I have with them now. They're the reason I'm home. Am I taking advantage of spending time with them and getting to know their little personalities as much as possible?  Am I creating fun and teaching memories alike? Do they know that I am fun? LIKE WAY FUN?! I need them to see that side of me more often - lose the stressed, tired expression on my face.

I love these little humans. I am so glad to be their mother.

Here's to another school year -

 filled with less wasted moments.