Mama Musings on A Celebration of Five

My youngest, the baby, the kiddo, boy, buddy, and bubby is five years old today. This is the one who still snuggles me, loves things and people unconditionally, shows every known emotion, and knows how to fib to get an extra treat (or, to get out of eating a fruit or vegetable).

Regular conversations with me go something like this: "Mama, pretend I'm your baby." "You are my Baby," I always reply. "Mama, pretend I am your newborn baby" "Ok" after which I always do an exaggerated "Come here baby, how's the baby?" and tickle his tummy so he'll finish our turn-taking roles and giggle, then sleepily close his eyes for a baby nod-off.

Where have the five years since his birth gone? Well, in the past year, our moments have been spent at soccer, baseball, and basketball practices. Playroom hockey and football scrimmages, playing cowboys and being ninjas. Lots of play fighting as pirates (but never meanly), lots of answering what [fill-in-the-blank word] means and playing "Ask a Hundred Questions" (our version of 20 Questions); multiple debates about the qualitative difference between "light savers" and "light sabers" and arguing about wearing shorts in 20 degree weather. Along with writing his name, learning math in everyday life, leading rock group sing-alongs, and running. Always running, racing, daring this Mama to follow, keep up and try to catch him!!!!!!

Oh my boy, today I muse about how wonderfully smart and engaging you are; how easily popular you are, even when you are shy in the mornings. I get to have this amazing child love me and ask me to be Anakin or Luke; cowboy camp director, or an NHL player on a daily basis. I get to be the recipient of kisses and hugs that have no hesitation or embarrassment. In fact, he just said this: "I'll never let you
go. Mama, this might be kind of sad, but I'll let you go only when you are dead." You see? This child....FIVE today, and so loving, so thoughtful, like an old soul who knows that those we love are worth holding on to.

And, as for me, I genuinely see these are special days. I know I am lucky. That, and knowing how fast your childhood is moving brings the tears. Kid, it's like the peed of light. Really peedy (and because you still cannot say your s-consonent words, that means speedy in this family). Oh, and, you drive me nuts. Yes, you do, with incessant requests which you repeat despite my replies. With your tenacity and persistence that literally tire me out. And sarcasm, already. You take work and energy that I simply run out of some days. And since I tell you so, it makes your invites to lay down to read all the more sweet; the "Want a kiss?" questions that much more precious. And here is a truth that you and I know: You don't take it personally. You laugh. You smile. You try to make me happy. And that, my son, is why you have my heart. And why, when you silently walked away crying tonight when you thought you could not have a full ice cream cake, your whole family tried to fix the problem. And, when we did fix the problem, your happiness made us happy. You have the most infectious laugh of anyone I know. Anyone.

When I asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, you answered "everything." Then, when I told you what stand-up comedians do, you said you wanted to be a "stand up chameleon." We all laughed, and you were then convinced, stand up chameleon, now that is a great aspiration.

Jackson Caulfield, you make me a better person with your love. Today has been a great Celebration of Five. I hope we are always playing, singing, debating, and laughing together. I loved you then, I love you still, Always have, Always will. And...I've loved you longer, Mama

The Best Game Ever

There are certain times since becoming a Mom that stand out as amazing. One of those happened yesterday: Jack's first T-Ball game. Honestly, this little kid stuff can be so hard and I question how good I am at it: you know, being patient, affirming self worth, building up rather than tearing down....but then, we get to watch 3 and 4 year olds play a T-Ball game. Seriously wonderful. The Best Game Ever. Here are some pictures from the game:

Hanging out waiting for something to happen

Making sure he is on his marker as shortstop.

The Kool-aid bunch (Jack's team & coach)

Jack in the batter's box! Ready!

And, Nora was less than thrilled at the prospect of watching a bunch of kids play ball, so she let everyone know it (hehe):

Together

Tonight the Grove clan went to a new park.  While Mama and Jack were playing tag with all the other kids, Nora and I ended up on the swings alone.

g: " Look we are swinging at the same speed."
EKG: "Yeah, I like swinging with you, Daddy."
g: " Me too."

After a couple of seconds.

EKG: "I think we were meant to be together."
g: "I think so too.

Tink and Tuffed

Jack has been getting a nap at preschool every day.  Jack does not need a nap at preschool everyday.  The other night he made several trips downstairs and even helped daddy kill zombies.  After our stern stay the hell in bed voice, I heard him creep down the stairs.

g: "What is it Jack?"
j: "A bug."
g: "What kinds of bug?"
j: "Another one of those 'tink bugs, daddy."

As I go up to kill the stink bug;

g: "How did you know there was a stink bug here?"
j: " ummmmm . . . I was getting another 'tuffed animal."
g: "Do you think you have enough stuffed animals to go to sleep?
j: " ummmm . . .  no."
g: " Grab one more and go to sleep."
j: "OK, Daddy!"

Haven't heard a peep since.

Earth without ART is just EH

The kids both had art shows in the first week of May.

Here is some of their art (Nora, age 5 1/2, Jack age 4):

Nora singing the welcome song to kick off the Art Festival with her class

Monarch Butterfly by Nora

Broadway Boogie Woogie by Nora

Flower by Nora

Penguin by Nora (& the artist herself!)

Ceramic & Marker by Jack

Tissue Paper Flowers on Pipe Cleaner Stems

Georgia O'Keefe inspired flower by Jack

Clay Bug by Jack

Spring Hopes with Bikes!

Yesterday, the sunny, mild weather got us all thinking about bike rides!

Went in for old bike tune-ups and ended up with a new bike for Nora! She was much too tall for her old bike and this was just so cute. The frustrating, sad, and funny part of the story is that she cried the whole time we waited for the installation. Why? Because I said they could donate her old bike. Upset because "You gave me that bike for my birthday, it's mine, I just haven't pictured life without it." So, what did I do after an unconvincing conversation about donating things we will no longer use? Haul the dumb thing back to our house and put it in the garage. *sigh*  I figure that we will keep talking and she will make the decision to donate and actually it will be a better lesson and empower her to donate things herself. By the time we got home, she was all smiles again.

And here is Jack, with a great bike which belonged to his (now 16-year old!) Skyler. It is in great shape and we simply added Nora's old training wheels. Yesterday was his FIRST TIME EVER on a big boy bike and he took off! Sad part of his story is that the wheel, despite being professionally installed, fell off in mid-ride, causing a skinned knee and some tears. He ended up running along side his sister while I drug the disabled bike home. It's fixed again, but I might go get some more hearty training wheels. *sidebar* Can you believe how expensive training wheels are???? $25 - 30!!!!

At any rate, we are READY for Spring and certainly for Summer! We will be going to Oregon for a visit, up North to our family in Lyons, and starting soccer (for Jack) and dance classes (for Nora). Other activities have already started, with Science Scouts and Daisy Scouts; and of course, bike rides, dog walks, and yard work now that the deep freeze seems to be waning.

Belated Birthday Boy

I didn't want Jackson's birthday to get too far in the past for my annual mama musings post. He turned FOUR on December 15, 2012 and is the neatest kid. Energetic, loving, and smarter than a preschooler should be. His laugh is infectious; his questions are thoughtful; and his hugs are strong. He doesn't mind that I call him "baby," even as he reminds me he is growing fast. He runs at sonic peed (speed). He runs all the time; often with a cape and mask on. He still needs a nap, but refuses to take one; likes help with the tooth brushing and balks at baths. Jackson, at four, you eat these foods: pancakes, cereal, chocolate covered granola bars, chicken nuggets with ketchup, spaghetti (which he says "Pa-getty), and peanut butter (by the spoonful, just like his Dad). I can get you to do almost anything for a doughnut; and in the car, you talk non-stop. It wears me out, but I know you will get sullen and non-talkative in a few years, so I am trying to enjoy the moments now.

Masked Crusaders!

We made capes!

The mayhem!

At four, I simply adore being your Mom. Boo Boo Bear, you are an awesome kid, best son a Mama could ever have. I love singing "Soft Kitty" to you; love snuggling your small (but growing so big!) body; and love the way you repeat something that makes me laugh just to hear me laugh again. Kid, as you grow, I just want you to know that feel lucky to be your Mom. I worry so much about you; but am determined not to be a helicopter parent who is afraid to let you live. We really had fun at your Superhero Birthday Party! More importantly, I have fun with you everyday. Thanks for asking me to play with you; I don't mind being the villain, as long as you continue being the good guy.  

These Kids

I'll Always Be Your Kiddo

Dear Jackson Caulfield, you are going through a phase. The phase includes showing adoration upon your Mama at the excruciating exclusion of all others. It means you say the sweetest thing to me, like "You are best mama in the whole world!" and "I [want to] make you feel loved."

Tonight, the inspiration for returning to this chronicle of our life of Growing Up Grove was this: "Mama, I'll always be your kiddo. Even when I'm grown, I'll still be your kid." Yes, I answered, and I will always be your Mama, today and always, no matter how old you or I get.

Then, as I sometimes have a habit of doing, I muttered to myself: "If I could bottle this...keep you this sweet forever." Whenever I think I am talking to myself, they always hear me. So, then Jack said, "Why Mama?" Oh, because you will grow and I hope you will be this sweet forever, but maybe you won't.

Like when you are 5, as evidenced by his 5 1/2 year old sister calling my actions "disgusting" because I made her get off the tablet when she couldn't control her emotions over Jack "destroying her game" (for posterity's sake: the game was Tic-tac-Toe). But, I still love her, because she, too will always be my kiddo.