10 years old - double digits!

10 years ago you arrived in emergency after several weeks of trying to keep you quiet and growing inside my belly.  You were 12 weeks early and we were scared.  We were dying to meet you but wished you would wait a little longer.  Calvin had other plans and into the world you came!

You two changed me completely;  you made me a Mom.  Someday when you have children of your own you will comprehend how much that means.  I’m doing my best at teaching you and helping you grow up.  Sometimes I get it right, often I do not.  You and your needs are always my first priority.

I want you to know how much I love to watch you.  I love watching you sleep, learn, play sports, have fun, be challenged, play with each other and love your family.  I love watching you laugh and smile.  Your smiles light up my world and make my heart happy. 

You two have taught me so many things.  You make me a better person – as I see our images in both of you.  The bond between a Mom and son is special.  It is me who you come to in the middle of the night after a bad dream.  It is me who you yell at when things don’t go quite the way you expect or hope.  You ask good questions, some unanswerable, but you trust in me with your heart.   I hope to always be your safe place. We have our secrets “in the tree”.  I love that about us.

10 years ago, I would have never guessed how fast this time would go.  We’ve had so many firsts that I clearly remember – and so many “lasts” that I haven’t realized until they were gone.  I sometimes wish I could have all of those things back again and enjoy them one last time.  But I also see how much you are growing up and who you are becoming.  I’m proud of who you both are and of all that you have learned and become.  Occasionally I still get to hold your hand – and those days are fleeting.  Each time, I wonder if it’s the last and hope and pray that it’s not.  JD, you still hold my hand at the most unexpected times and every time, it gives me a lump in my throat. I love that little hand in mine.

Please know that as you grow and spread your wings, I am rooting for you.  It may feel like I am trying to hold you back, but I am in your corner and I’m your biggest cheerleader!

Happy 10th birthday boys - I love you always.

-Mommy

4th Grade!

I'm not really sure how this happened but we're here. First day of 4th grade. Here's to a great year my loves!

Soulmates

Cole, you and Sammy have the cutest bond. I'm not sure who loves who more. You tell me every day that she's your best friend. Yesterday I walked outside and caught this moment as you sat out under the tree with her and ate your lunch. ❤️

And that's a wrap - 3rd grade done!

This year absolutely flew by. Everyone told us that third grade was a tough year and boy were they right.  I feel like both of you grew up so much this year and for the first time, had some real challenges in school. And some real challenges at home. You 9 year-olds are trying to find your own way and you are trying to find some independence. We are letting out the leash, slowly. 

We are proud of both of you this year but we have certainly learned a bit more about your desire to do well and how much work you're willing to put in (or not put in). Assuming that this is foreshadowing for the next eight years,  we now know we have our work cut out for us! 

I'm hoping that this summer things slow down and it doesn't go as fast as the last nine months have gone. We all need a break and I'm looking forward to a fun summer of checking off a great bucket list. 

Congrats on a great year and let's not rush the next nine weeks!

St Pats 2016

Since when did Leprechauns bring toys?

Valentines 2016

Lucky Mommy!

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!