Loyalty

So, you’re on to something Cole. Today you talked about loyalty in school – I love when they teach these subjects. I still am not quite sure as an adult what loyalty looks like these days since it’s pretty hard to come by. But you’re off to a great start. 

Your friend Liam, he’s lucky to have your loyalty! And just so you know, I will ALWAYS be your #1 loyal fan – even on the days you hate me more than life itself. For now, you believe me and I’ll take it.  Someday, you may feel differently – but I sure hope deep down, you always know I have your back. Love you buddy.

Rite of Passage

Our first broken bone. Not a bad one – just a little buckle fracture of the wrist playing indoor soccer.  

You handled it like a champ – but make no mistake Cole, you are trying to milk it every which way to Sunday too. I don't blame you. After xrays and a cast, you have a new appreciation for our friend Adam, our military friend who lost his arm and legs in Afghanistan. Hero just took on a new meaning.

You’ll be as good as new in a few weeks.  You'll never forget the day you got your first cast.

First strings concert

Last night was your first strings concert!  You both are playing the Viola this year, much to Dad's and my surprise. You both did a beautiful job last night and we could not be more proud. It was a Christmas concert and we loved it.

I have to admit, playing an instrument was never high on my list and therefore, I don't really give is as much credit as it deserves.  I thought this might be a fleeting interest but you both seem to really enjoy it - and you've learned so much in the last few months about reading music and learning to play.  You never practice at home - which is why I didn't realize that you enjoyed it so much. But last night you were nothing but smiles and so full of excitement to perform.

While Dad contends that it's "good for your brain development", I just love that you are enjoying something that could be come a lifelong hobby for you. Even if you stop playing next year, or the year after, you've been exposed to music in a great way by your fabulous music teacher. She is a SAINT, by the way.

You both have declared that you want to continue playing for the rest of the year (something we have to make a decision on now), which is awesome.  And there is even talk of playing a different instrument next year - like the trumpet or trombone!  Great job boys - and it was a bonus seeing you so handsome in your fancy clothes!

Love you!

I Can

These were posted in the halls at school when I went to your parent conference today. Yes, you certainly can!

World Prematurity Day 2015

Thankful for miracles. 

Writing journal treasures - 3rd grade

Found these in your writing journal JD. I love every one of them so much. Love seeing life through your eyes. 

3rd Grade

Goals

Much to your dismay....

I keep wondering when the year will come that you are happy to collect donations instead of gifts for your birthday - this year the push back was a little less than last year. But we're not quite there yet. Nonetheless, we collected donations instead of gifts again this year, and you picked your charities.

Cole, you picked NICU - which I love so much.

And JD, you picked the Annapolis SPCA. Someday maybe we're going to make the dream of a pet a reality for you - but not quite there yet.

There's not a thing that the two of you "need" so I'm hoping that the desire to help others and give instead of receive will take hold at some point...

Great job boys! One birthday at a time, we're chipping away at life's lessons. Love you both so much.

Birthday hangover

You guys turned 9 yesterday. I still don't know how this happened. It really feels like just yesterday you were born. As all of us Moms say, I wish there was a way to slow down time.

I woke up early (no surprise) yesterday feeling very heavy. Heavy heart, heavy head and just generally out of sorts. I know why. But I was hoping I could talk myself out of it and put on my happy face for you both since afterall, birthdays are the BEST, especially for 9 year olds. I did my best. With a lump in my throat all day and on the verge of tears at any second. We were busy all day with soccer so that helped. But anytime I had a few minutes alone, the tears just came. As hard as I tried to hold them back, they came.  I sat in the grocery store parking lot a little while later in the day and just sobbed. It felt good.

It's Calvin I miss so much. As the years go, it never fades. August 29 is such a bittersweet day and it's just so hard to figure out how to cope. I want to enjoy the day for my living kids sakes - you both are such miracles and gifts. And you absolutely LOVE your birthday, like any other kids.  But it's also the day that part of my heart went to heaven.  That part of my heart will never heal completely - and I know that. I just wish it wasn't so hard.

When I woke up today, I felt lighter. A LOT lighter. I can smile again today without crying. The 29th came and went - and we forge on to have another banner year ahead. Your ninth year will undoubtedly bring lots of new milestones and fun. All the while I always wonder about that brother of yours - what would he be like; and I'm sad we are missing out on another Licameli boy.  Calvin, continue to watch over us and help us be the best we can be. You are still our little hero boy - and I can't wait to see you someday when we get to meet again.