Noodles Big Sleep Over

“Hey Noodle, do you want to sleep over at Grandma's tonight”, my mother so lovingly asked my baby.

“Sure, GaMa, I will love to sleep at GaMa's house”. He answered with affirmation.

My heart dropped and I lost my breath for a split second.

Noodle has never, ever, ever, even remotely, had one drip of desire to sleep outside of our home, and has never, ever had the need to. He has been asked before, and declined. He has attempted to stay out and changed his mind last minute. And, never, has there been such a definitive YES!

OMG, I wanted to pass out. He'll change his mind, I told myself to calm the about to come on panic attack.

Why?

Why did I react like this?

Schmoogie had slept over my parent’s house a gazillion times by the time he was Noodle's age. He had slept at my grandmothers, my sister-in-laws, even at a girl friend’s house, and I never felt like this. For the love of God, why, oh why, did I have such trouble with this?

After a mulling it over, missing him so bad it actually hurt, and then yearning to pick him up. After having him run into my arms to embrace a gigantic hug, kisses galore, a million and one I missed you’s, and then wishing for a moment's peace, I asked myself again, WHY did I react that way?

Well, he is my baby. He and I have one of those relationships, he's a mama's boy good boy, and he's my baby, oh I already said that, and, he’s my last, need I say more?

When our first bones are little, we cannot wait for their accomplishments, it's as if we want them to experience everything by the time they are a year old, and it’s insane, really. Once you experience just how fast it all goes by, you learn to embrace the little ones, and their stages.

This time, second child, I KNOW how fast it goes, and quite frankly, I don’t want to let go of his baby innocence. I am like this with every step of his existence, Noodle walked later than Schmoogie, he spoke later than Schmoogie, and we didn’t even correct his speech until recently. And, it is all okay; we weren’t as vigorous in the coaching, because I don’t want him to get big.

He stayed the night at my parent’s house, without crisis. I called three thirteen times, and by 5:05 last night, I had him back in my arms. I put him to sleep in my bed and just schmooched him all up, we snuggled, and I fell asleep with his warm (still baby) breath in my face, and I loved every minute of it.

I know I sound selfish, but a baby is only a baby for a short time, and I love my baby!!

Peace.

The BIG Goal Announcement

As many of you know, I am riding in the Tour de Cure for Diabetes this Saturday. I will be riding 16 miles honoring my best childhood friend’s daughter. At first, I wasn't entirely sure that I could complete the 16 miles, but today, I am certain I can do it.

Funny thing is, “training” for this event has rekindled my love for bike riding. I have dusted that bad boy girl off and given her a real workout. I have the same bike for about 12 years now, nothing fancy, just a typical street riding Schwinn bicycle, but I do love my bike. Unfortunately the ole gal was gathering dust hanging from her jumbo hook in the ceiling of my garage for quite some time. The bike, she and I have officially become one again!

It is my goal to continue riding throughout the summer and as long into the Fall as possible, taking a break over the Winter and begin again early next Spring. I would really like to complete the next level of the Tour next year, the 35 mile ride. Whew, that sure sounds like a long ride, so very, very far, but it’s a goal, a personal goal I am hereby setting for myself.

In order to do the 35 mile ride, I will need to really train hard, which I believe I can do, because of my love for riding. Only time will tell, but if I can do it, hell, there is a whole bouquet of benefits to come. I may end up in the best physical shape of my life, I will definitely be healthier, stronger and feel better, mind, body and soul. Those bene’s cannot be beat!

So I have done it, my hands dripping with sweat on my keyboard, I have set this goal! Wish me luck, and hey, if you would like to sponsor me for the ride this Saturday, I would really appreciate that!

Peace.

This is why I am so Happy!!

Big D rings the office at about 8:45 a.m.

"Everything O.K.?" I ask.

"Yeah, yeah, everything is fine. I just wanted to tell you the cutest thing that Noodle said to me on the way to daycare this morning."

I'm thinking something to do with Father's Day (or Farta's Day as Noodle says).

"Daddy, I am gonna miss Mommy today."

"Aww Noodle, that's so sweet, are you gonna miss Daddy too?"

"No, Daddy, just Mommy"

I have to tell you, That. Made. My. Day.

I miss him too, every Monday I miss both of my boys. It really is tough getting back into the work week groove after spending the entire weekend together.

Just to think that Big D would unselfishly pass that dialogue on to put a smile on my face.

Even though, the Noodle Doodle totally blew him off, he still gave me my props. That is why he is the best husband and Daddy ever and I am so happy!!

Big hugs all around tonight when the workday is over!
Peace.

The Perfect Pizza

Noodle and I went for a dinner date to the local pizza restaurant. It was nice and quiet, we chatted about his day at school, and "Mommy, what did you do at your office today?"

My salad arrives with his slice cut in half to create two mini slices and as we ate, we chatted a while more.

Just like that, the sweetest Italian lady appears with a wad of pizza dough, just the right size for those mini 31/2 year old fingers to mold.

"Go ahead", she says, "make a pizza."

Curiously, he asked her "how?"

"Usa your fingers, and make a pizza"

His small chubby little digits get to work, pushing and poking and maneuvering that dough.

Molding the perfect pizza is hard work, you know.

She comes back and asks him, "are you ready for the rest?"

He looks to me for reassurance, "the rest?" he asks, "sure!" (With that there's more look on his face)

She quickly shuffles away and comes back with two small plastic containers, one filled with sauce, the other with perfectly shredded mozzarella, and a spoon.

"Here you go, spread the sauce and sprinkle the cheese, I will be back in a bit."

He immediately gets to work. First the sauce.

Then the cheese.

I asked him if he remembered to add a dash of love. Love always makes everything taste better....He said he did!!

Impressed with his work, she brings it to the big oven. He watches her every move, eyes widen by the second.

Every time the oven opens he gets excited, "there it is, Mom. MOMMY, there is my pizza"

The long awaited final product arrives complete with a box for the masterpiece.

Man, that was fun (for both of us)!
Peace.

BTW, I am riding in the Tour de Cure for Diabetes, will you sponsor me?

I am Riding for a Cure

When my life long friend called me nearly 8 years ago to tell me her 7 year old daughter was admitted to the hospital, I, like anyone else, was devastated to find out more.


"She has been diagnosed with childhood diabetes, aka, Type 1 diabetes", she explained.


"She will be insulin dependent for the rest of her life", she sobbed.


I immediately drove to the hospital. We cried, we hugged, we thought of how this would not only change her daughter's life, but how it would change the entire family. There were two other sisters, one older, one younger.


We continued to talk, and then, I remember saying to her, you know, lets be grateful that it's only diabetes, and nothing worse.

Just then, things changed. My friend realized that she could muster up the strength to take the disease head on and learn how to live with it. It's not life threatening, after all, unless it goes untreated.

So, learn she did. She read and watched everything she could get her hands on. Sugars, carb counting, insulin measurements, oh my. Within no time, she was an expert.


Today, at fifteen (15) my dear friends daughter is a happy, otherwise healthy, gorgeous teen.


Recently, when I learned the Tour de Cure would be in my neighborhood, it was a no brainer. In five minutes (literally, thanks to Facebook) I assembled a team, and was registered to ride 16 miles to help find a cure for this disease on Saturday, June 27th.


As a participant, I need to raise money for the cause, and could really use some help. Would you sponsor me?


Peace

June came really quick this year.

Remember the good times you spend with those you hold dear, because like they say, all good things must come to an end.

I was feeling overwhelmed with sadness as I concluded a phone call with Schmoogie's third grade teacher. She explained that he is sad to see the end of the school year is nearing. He is upset that he will not get to see her each day. He has really grown to love Mrs. B, and so have I.

For Schmoogie, it has been one of those years where your child falls into who he is, who he always wanted to be, who he was meant to be. With the selfless guidance of Mrs. B. and personal maturity, Schmoogie has been polished this year.

He has always been a shining star, always the love of my life, always an intelligent, athletic and charismatic child. But this year, he has become more. He has developed the skills that will make him the best kind of friend and just the gentleman any Mother could ask for.

More good things are to come, of that I am sure. New chapters in the life of a Scholar Athlete will soon be here. However, for now, Mrs. B, I do believe your goal has been met. Thank you so much for being the that teacher that students hold in their hearts for years to come. We have been blessed with the opportunity to have had you in our lives.

As for you, kiddo, your father and I are so proud of your accomplishments this year. We are thrilled that you have the natural ability to effortlessly excel. You never cease to amaze us. Here's to a terrific summer stock piled with camp and sports which will lead you into your next chapter, forth grade.

Can it get any better?
Peace.

Noodle's in Trouble

Noodle came home from school (daycare) with a laundry list of infractions for the day. Doesn't happen often, as he is a relatively well behaved child.

Surprised, I acted so. Bright eyed and that NOOOO? is what I exuded, not knowing that it was only the first on the list.

"Mommy, I said potty words."

"Tell Mommy what else you did" Big D coaches from the couch.

"Oh. And. What? What Daddy, what else I did?" He had already forgotten.

"Tell her what you said to Miss. D." He is smiling at me from the couch, as I am left to be the disciplinarian in the kitchen.

"Oh. That, Mommy I say "NO" to Miss D."

The eyes widen and the NOOOO becomes, NOOOOOOOOOO!

"And tell her what else, Noodle." Comes from the cheerleader Dad.

"What else? There's more?" The eyes were bulging at this point.

"Oh, and I hit my friends."

"OH MY Noodle!"

A brief lecture loaded with disappointment, drenched with Mommy guilt and sprinkled with an affectionate expectation occurs and the tot decides he will NEVER do those things again.

Giggles from the other side of the couch are muffled by a throw pillow. Yes, Schmoogie found humor in all of this.

Why? I asked myself, well, why not? Noodle doesn't give us much grief and is rarely "in trouble." Schmoogie, on the other hand, is the king of punishment in our house. I guess he thought it was funny that someone else was getting the disappointed bulging eye NO's instead of him.

Kids.
Turned out to be a good night!
Peace.

Overscheduled?

Is it really fair to make him choose between two activities that he truly loves (and is really good at) next year when we delve into the LAX/Baseball overlap?

Big D and I have always said that we would NEVER overschedule our children with extracurricular activities. It isn't fair to them, and it really isn't fair to us either.


As you know, Schmoogie tried Lacrosse this year, and, as it turns out, he is pretty awesome at it. I was concerned because practices would overlap with the up and coming baseball season's practices and early season games. It was a bit of a juggle, but we made it through, while both coaches knew in advance that there may be an occasional conflict. With the final game of LAX, this Sunday, now we are able to solely focus on baseball.

Baseball season should be interesting this year, as Schmoogie has been selected for the All Star Team, and a newly formed traveling world series team. Lot's of baseball ahead!

Big D and I were chatting about what to do next year, when we are faced with the LAX/Baseball overlap, because, admittedly, it was a constant juggle. We have agreed that Schmoogie, who is not like all kids, NEEDS stuff to do. It just works for him. He has always been a very active child, has always needed constant attention, and has always needed to be moving. For him, it will work. We have decided to allow him to play both sports at the same time, so long as he wants to do that come next year.

This decision was not made lightly, we thought long and hard, went back and forth, but in the end, we feel it will work for our child. And, most importantly, he maintained his school work, without ever even a threat of falling behind.

Note: SCHOOL Work ALWAYS comes first in our house, and there was never a night when Schmoogie went to a practice or a game without homework done.

A totally different discussion may take place when faced with similar circumstances for Noodle. One never knows, and we may find that, he like many other children, may not be able to handle two sports at one time.

Peace.

Field Day 09

He awoke with a sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his face that you could see for a mile. It was afterall, the most wonderful day of the school year, FIELD DAY!

Decked out in his favorite silky shorts, the official Field Day t-shirt, fastest sneakers he owns, clean socks and his coolest undies, he enters my bathroom and applies deodorant. "Mom, I'm Ready" declares Schmoogie. He is all set for the big day!

The cooler is packed, we are armed with energy enhancing goods, including carrots, cucumber slices, water bottles and juice bags for the class.

The rain gives way and allows the sweet sun to shine through. It will be a great day. Dolce and Gabanna's on, we are off.

I explain to the Schmoog~Master in the car that I, as a child wasn't as enthused about field day. "See Schmoogie, they didn't have fourth and fifth place ribbons, the didn't have "participation" ribbons, so I, very rarely ever got a ribbon."

I go on to tell him "one time I remember receiving the first place blue ribbon for the tug of war." (You know tug of war is a class event, and the win was no thanks to me, that's for sure!)

Quick stop for breakfast sandwiches and we arrive the school.

We eat breakfast at one of the picnic tables.

Set up our sheet under his classes tent.

Carry over the cooler and into the classroom to help Mrs. B apply tattoo's on all of Schmoogie's classmates' arms.

Out to the field for the day to begin...

Second place in the 50 yard dash.

First place in the 400 meter race.

First place for the three legged race he so eloquently won with his pal from his class!

Now it's time for tug of war. I lead the class in chants to encourage their enthusiasm, have them flex their tiny muscles to arouse their adrenalin flow, chicken dance their finger tips to get them ready for an ultra tight grip on that rope. One of the Dads spell out some more strategy. First you dig your feet, then lean back and pull! And they are on. Mrs. B's Bolts are strong, the girls turn up the girl power and the anchors are secure.

PUUUUULLLLLL! The parents, janitors and other school staff cheer them on.

They were psyched. They did really well, blew away the first competitors, and were ready for the next. Only, the next team was big, they had been practicing, they looked ready, I was nervous, but our kids were ready too.

PUUUULLLLLLL!

They got us, but hey, we did well, 2nd place, not too shabby!

At the conclusion of the morning activities, I make my way to my office. Big D will stay and enjoy the afternoon's water events.

The most wonderful day of the school year was exciting, fun and a great time for the kids to let loose, and have some fun. It was great! Congrats Schmoogie, you rock!!

Peace.

UPK for Noodle?

Our school district began offering a UPK program two years ago. I was thrilled, because Noodle will qualify, or so i thought, this September.

Our elementary school is UPK through 4th grade. Next year, Schmoogie will be in fourth grade, and Noodle becomes UPK age eligible. Perfect, Noodle will get to ride the bus with Schmoogie and get acclimated to the school making the kindergarten transition a breeze, right? WRONG.

It's a huge game, and we came out losers.

Mark your calendars for one of the coldest days in April that we have ever had and go wait outside of the building where registration will take place. Get there early (like 6:00 am, early), because space is limited, and it's first come first served procedure.

I arrive early, not 6 am early, but early enough. I stand outside freezing with the dozens of other parents eager to get their 4 (or almost 4) year olds into Pre-K. With necessary paperwork in hand, I make a mental checklist. Birth certificate, check. Tax returns, yes I said tax returns, check. Immunization record, check. Utility bill, check. I am all set.

UPK is a half day program, whereby you select am or pm class times, and need to have daycare lined up for the other part of the day. First and second year UPK classes included two am and two pm classes and, you could request that they bus your child to your daycare center afterwards, perfect! CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!!!

I excitedly complete the necessary paperwork and stand in line, waiting for two hours to finally be greeted by the Registrar, who informs me:

There will only be one am and one pm class, unless the budget changes. We no longer bus to your daycare choice. Because Noodle will not turn four by September, he cannot board the bus, you will need to drive him until his 4th birthday. Low income families, and those with special needs will get priority.

Check, check....CHECK OUT! Why didn't they tell me this before???

Call me dumb, but I remain hopeful. Maybe the second set of classes will open up and I could drive him back and forth for two month, oh, and maybe I will get a babysitter or a Nanny, at least Noodle will get to ride the bus with Schmoogie for most of of his first year of academics.

WHAT AM I CRAZY?! Well, as it turns out, yes, I am crazy.

Months have past without notification, so I call the UPK coordinator. Here is what I heard...

Noodle is number 7 on the waiting list. We had more indigent applicants this year than usual, and they have filled up most of the available slots. Unless another class opens, it sounds like your son will not be able to attend.

WHAT!?

I wonder how much those who were accepted pay in school taxes each year. OH YES I DID GO THERE! I am pretty burned by this whole procedure.

So, he will stay at his daycare, who offers a wonderful Pre-K program, for next year, and will have to board the bus without his big bro, should be interesting. As usual, I am keeping a positive attitude that he will not hang on my leg to the point of being shaken off to get on that kindergarten bus.

Peace.

Deductions de Noodle

Mommy, the car wash is open. Your car is dirty. We should go to the car wash.

Mommy, I like cats. Cats are soft and cozy. We should get a cat.

Mommy, who's light sabor is that?
I got it for B for Christmas, but he already had one, so I am going to save it for the drop box next Christmas.
Oh, well, I don't have a light sabor. I like light sabors. You should buy that one for me.

Ahh, the delicious deductions of a three year old. If life was only so simple. 'Tis the reason I have such angst about my children "growing up". It's such a bittersweet evolution. I love that they learn, discover and mature, but I fear that the "real" world will corrupt their sweet little selves.

Logic and reasoning skills are so innocently developed at such a young age. Why then as we age, do we allow that very innocence to be dipped in evil which becomes deception and manipulation?

Didn't set out to have a negative post, hmmmm.

Peace.