East coast and back

How fast can I spin out one of these journal entries for my kiddies and Will and I--- lets see...

Benjamin - He has labeled himself the quiet kid at school and after some follow up questions with his teacher she would say that is a pretty accurate description. I know what your thinking- is this my kid!!!!! How is that genetically possible! I've spent plenty of time this year fussing and worrying that he won't have any friends as a result, but every time this kid does open his mouth he is articulate and interesting and kind. I think he will do fine in school - he just needs to warm up to people a little before he really gets talking. He was the one who enthralled all of the people who had him while we were on vacation in the east this past week. He kept all of the aunts and uncles up on his routines and entertained with his intellectual discussions. O and here he is without his two front teeth...which the tooth fairy was about two days late delivering the cash goods and Ben asked us incessantly to text the fairy and remind her.

James - he is hardly a baby at all anymore. He and Ben are starting to play really well together now that they can both talk and say what they need and want. I wish I could say that meant that Ben no longer picks on him but alas scratches on his face that were placed there just this morning would indicate that we are still not over that hurdle. James is a go-with-the-flow type of guy. He is talkative and can pretend play with boys and girls alike. He is a half a year away from being 5 years old but is already fitting into 5t clothes. I'm sorta sad this kid won't start kindergarten this year because he misses the deadline by 7 days. I feel like he is ready to go, but hopefully we can still make it a great year for him. He will be going to preschool three days a week instead of two days a week this next year.

Maddy is starting in on repeating things over and over. Tonight she wanted us to know that she was human. Over and over she said to us "Madison is people" I am people" I am people" I am people." I'm in a kind of watch and see position with her- she isn't a talker but I don't know if that is a speech delay or a Madison thing... we shall see.  So this baby girl of mine is driving me up a wall lately. The tantrums are getting worse headed into the threes instead of better. She also doesn't want to potty train but also doesn't want to be in dirty diapers. So every time she has a wet or poopy diaper- she takes it off and walks around half nude until someone discovers her indiscretions. By the time we get to the discarded poopy diapers there is quite the mess to clean up on walls and around the house - YUCK!

As for me I am buckling down as of late. I"m on a crusade to rid myself of anxiety- unfortunately from all my studies and conversations with other people dealing with this- this little guy doesn't go quietly into the night! In general I can manage and track it now- where before I could not. The real challenge though is to be patient when it is happening.

As for Will and I we just got home from a week long vacation to the East to visit my brother Peter and his family and Will's brother Jon and my friend Janine. It was the perfect mental health vacation for me - I was so grateful for the time off from being a mom to figure out who I really am and especially who the new me with anxiety is. Will I think had a great time too.

Well, try as I did- I was unable to keep it short. Maybe if I could get on and journal more often I wouldn't have so much catching up to do.

I want to leave you with something profound and well thought out but I think this is my time to just be. I have to skip out really on any "public victories" that I might want and hope. For now I'm shooting for "private victories" cause I desperately need them right now....

Until next time wish me luck!

Love,

Summer

My parents took us kids out to eat to the mandarin after 

we put granite all through their house. Fun times!