Veni, vidi, vici: I came, I saw, I conquered. To Abby's nursery school graduation, that is. I had been anticipating the day ever since her first “moving up” ceremony in the 2s. I watched the seemingly “old” 5-year olds get up on stage (not run off the stage, as my almost 3-year old did), sing all the songs and know all the moves to their choreographed dances. I watched as the 4s parents took pictures, cried and congratulated each other on their children graduating from nursery school and moving on to kindergarten. And as I sat there, with my 5-week old baby boy near me, I did not think that my time as a parent of a grad would be here anytime soon.
Yet, in a flash, it was. Fast-forward 2 years to watching my 2-year old trying to run to his sister on stage and the same little girl who 2 years ago ran off stage crying who was now singing along with her friends. My big girl, all grown up and ready for kindergarten. Well, sort of…she still needs my help every now and then and still acts every bit her age of “almost 5.”
In some ways, I feel that I’M the one who graduated – from my first experience with nursery school, making new friends of my own, navigating the PTA/school board world and draining my bank account for every school fundraiser, photo and field trip. And what a wild ride it’s been for me, one that I’m anxious and excited to start all over again this fall with Zach, who will entering the 2s. I’ve learned that graduation, while not as sad as I anticipated it would be (I brought a stack of tissues with me), was an emotional time to look back on the people and place that helped shape Abby's first few years. I realized that without this experience, she might not be the person she is now – happy, funny, smart, sensitive and caring. I hope she made friends who will stick with her for years, despite attending different schools and living in different towns.
And as for me, I hope I’ll have the strength I had at Abby's nursery school graduation come time for my “baby” boy’s graduation 3 years from now. Which should be interesting considering I am already teary at the thought of sending him to camp alone for 4 hours a week!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Busy Little Bees
This past weekend was whirlwind at my house! Well, technically not AT my house, considering we were rarely home, but with my household.
Saturday, we trekked by car, subway and foot to "The Great Googamooga," a food, wine and music festival in Brooklyn. I had received comp VIP passes through a work acquaintance, and figured with the perfect 75 degree day, it would be a fun adventure for all of us. It's possible that the last time I was in Brooklyn was while running the NYC Marathon in 2005, and I know it was the first trip to Brooklyn for Abby and Zach. In fact, it was also their first time on the NYC subway (which of course they loved and I hate). After eating, drinking and navigating our way through Prospect Park and the crowds at the festival, we were ready to hit up the next borough, Queens, to pick up Grammy Sheryl.
We were exhausted after wandering around Prospect Park for hours, but we still managed to get Grammy at LGA and head into yet another part of the city, one which we used to call "home," on the Upper East Side. There, we enjoyed a quick and delicious meal at BareBurger and watched as Zach fell asleep for the night on the way home after a long, long day.
Sunday was no less exhausting, with back-to-back activities from 11:30 am - 6 pm. With two birthday parties and a school BBQ during that time, we also somehow managed to squeeze in a trip to Bed, Bath & Beyond (Jason), Buy Buy Baby (me and the kids) AND Stew Leonards (all of us). WHEW! It certainly was a whirlwind of a day and I was very happy to put the kids - and myself - to bed.
While these types of weekends don't happen all that often, it does remind me to stop, sit back and enjoy these times when the kids are happy, busy and full of energy. Now if only I could stay as full of energy as they do!
Saturday, we trekked by car, subway and foot to "The Great Googamooga," a food, wine and music festival in Brooklyn. I had received comp VIP passes through a work acquaintance, and figured with the perfect 75 degree day, it would be a fun adventure for all of us. It's possible that the last time I was in Brooklyn was while running the NYC Marathon in 2005, and I know it was the first trip to Brooklyn for Abby and Zach. In fact, it was also their first time on the NYC subway (which of course they loved and I hate). After eating, drinking and navigating our way through Prospect Park and the crowds at the festival, we were ready to hit up the next borough, Queens, to pick up Grammy Sheryl.
We were exhausted after wandering around Prospect Park for hours, but we still managed to get Grammy at LGA and head into yet another part of the city, one which we used to call "home," on the Upper East Side. There, we enjoyed a quick and delicious meal at BareBurger and watched as Zach fell asleep for the night on the way home after a long, long day.
Sunday was no less exhausting, with back-to-back activities from 11:30 am - 6 pm. With two birthday parties and a school BBQ during that time, we also somehow managed to squeeze in a trip to Bed, Bath & Beyond (Jason), Buy Buy Baby (me and the kids) AND Stew Leonards (all of us). WHEW! It certainly was a whirlwind of a day and I was very happy to put the kids - and myself - to bed.
While these types of weekends don't happen all that often, it does remind me to stop, sit back and enjoy these times when the kids are happy, busy and full of energy. Now if only I could stay as full of energy as they do!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
May Days
I am not entirely sure how it came to be the middle of May when I swear it was just April! Regardless, the first half of this month has been hectic, with a trip to the Ardsley Firemans Carnival, a dual dentist appointment, Mother's Day and our typical errands (Stew's, Costco, Target, etc.).
Mother's Day weekend was a lot of fun, starting Friday night with dinner at PF Chang's and receiving my early Mother's Day gift - a spa day at Red Door! Yay! Saturday was a combination of errands and the carnival, followed by pizza out with friends. On Mother's Day, Zach did not want to leave my side, so he and I relaxed in bed while Abby and Jason whipped up some delicious pancakes, followed by a huge brunch at my ILs country club. After all of the eating out we did, we chose to stay in and BBQ on Sunday night, ending the weekend off nicely.
Abby and Zach's school is coming to an end soon - Abby graduates on June 4 and Zach's last day of the "Wondrous Ones" is next week already! I can't believe my babies are growing up so quickly. Over the next few weeks, we have a lot planned - including the end-of-the-year school BBQ, many May/June birthday parties, a trip to Hershey Park, graduation and of course, a month from now, Abby's birthday :). These May Days are flying right by, and before I know it, summer camp will be in full swing!
Mother's Day weekend was a lot of fun, starting Friday night with dinner at PF Chang's and receiving my early Mother's Day gift - a spa day at Red Door! Yay! Saturday was a combination of errands and the carnival, followed by pizza out with friends. On Mother's Day, Zach did not want to leave my side, so he and I relaxed in bed while Abby and Jason whipped up some delicious pancakes, followed by a huge brunch at my ILs country club. After all of the eating out we did, we chose to stay in and BBQ on Sunday night, ending the weekend off nicely.
Abby and Zach's school is coming to an end soon - Abby graduates on June 4 and Zach's last day of the "Wondrous Ones" is next week already! I can't believe my babies are growing up so quickly. Over the next few weeks, we have a lot planned - including the end-of-the-year school BBQ, many May/June birthday parties, a trip to Hershey Park, graduation and of course, a month from now, Abby's birthday :). These May Days are flying right by, and before I know it, summer camp will be in full swing!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
2 Years Old!
My little boy turned 2 yesterday and I can't believe how far he's come. In the last year, he learned to sit up, crawl, walk and talk in full sentences. He is funny, smart and adorable in every possible way. Does he throw food, pull hair, throw a tantrum and hit? Why, yes he does. But overall, our little guy is still just as sweet as he was when he was born.
And still as little. He weighed in at a not-so-impressive 22 lbs, 10 ozs (0%) and is 32" (4%) at his 2-year checkup. He is smaller than his "big" sister, who has always been little but weighed more at his age. Our doctor would like for him to see an endocrinologist in a few months to hopefully rule out any issues like a growth horomone deficiency or pituitary gland. In the meantime, we are supposed to keep him on whole milk and a diet high in good fat.
Zach's birthday party was a blast! We bought (yes, bought) a huge bounce house which the kids LOVED. Also had finger painting and picture frame making, both of which were a big hit along with the Papa John's pizza and monkey face cupcakes. Zach had a great time and napped for 3 hours afterward while we cleaned up. Overall, it was a success and I am just glad it's over!
Coming up in the next few weeks, we have birthday parties galore and will be getting ready to watch Miss Abby graduate from preschool! We also need to decide where to send Abby for kindergarten as the debate between private and public school continues.... Stay tuned for more in May!
And still as little. He weighed in at a not-so-impressive 22 lbs, 10 ozs (0%) and is 32" (4%) at his 2-year checkup. He is smaller than his "big" sister, who has always been little but weighed more at his age. Our doctor would like for him to see an endocrinologist in a few months to hopefully rule out any issues like a growth horomone deficiency or pituitary gland. In the meantime, we are supposed to keep him on whole milk and a diet high in good fat.
Zach's birthday party was a blast! We bought (yes, bought) a huge bounce house which the kids LOVED. Also had finger painting and picture frame making, both of which were a big hit along with the Papa John's pizza and monkey face cupcakes. Zach had a great time and napped for 3 hours afterward while we cleaned up. Overall, it was a success and I am just glad it's over!
Coming up in the next few weeks, we have birthday parties galore and will be getting ready to watch Miss Abby graduate from preschool! We also need to decide where to send Abby for kindergarten as the debate between private and public school continues.... Stay tuned for more in May!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Will Travel With Toddler
This past weekend marked a milestone for me: My first time traveling with one of my kids who is old enough to not need the typical travel gear (i.e. diaper bag, change of clothes, stroller, car seat, etc.) that one would usually take on a trip. Abby and I boarded the plane from New York to Chicago with our two carry-on bags and a large tote. That’s it. 3 bags total! Our necessities for this trip were simple: snacks (for her), iPad (for her) and magazines (for me). Of course, I forgot that a 4.5-year old still touches everything on a plane and a small bottle of Purell would have been helpful, but I digress.
It felt like a treat to be able to breeze through security without the stroller struggle, and have her walk through security like a big girl. And her new Trunki (rollable suitcase that she can pull herself or ride on) was a HUGE hit – literally, people were stopping and staring at her cruising through the airport in style, and even asking what it was and where to get one. Score one for mom!
A minor setback occurred at the car rental agency, where an agent swore to me that the car seat would be installed when I reserved it and of course it was not. Thankfully, Jason had given me a last-minute refresher the night before, and another agent gave me a few pointers as I installed it myself. Abby even took a little nap on the way from the airport to our destination in the ‘burbs. What a treat!
While the purpose for our trip was to attend a mother/daughter party for my mom’s stationery store, we also made time to visit a children’s museum, have breakfast with a friend, and enjoy a playdate at another friend’s house. It seemed like such a nice change from the stress and hassle of traveling with Zach. She even allowed me to “sleep in” when she woke up and played on the iPad one morning in her room.
I never imagined that the day would come when I’d be relaxed while traveling with my child(ren). I never thought it was possible to go away without a diaper bag, stroller, change of clothes and all of the other “stuff” that one needs for a plane ride with young kids. This gives me hope that in 2.5 more years (or less), I might actually enjoy a trip away with both kids!
In the meantime, I’ll make sure to never leave New York without a Trunki, iPad and Purell handy for whoever may need it!
It felt like a treat to be able to breeze through security without the stroller struggle, and have her walk through security like a big girl. And her new Trunki (rollable suitcase that she can pull herself or ride on) was a HUGE hit – literally, people were stopping and staring at her cruising through the airport in style, and even asking what it was and where to get one. Score one for mom!
A minor setback occurred at the car rental agency, where an agent swore to me that the car seat would be installed when I reserved it and of course it was not. Thankfully, Jason had given me a last-minute refresher the night before, and another agent gave me a few pointers as I installed it myself. Abby even took a little nap on the way from the airport to our destination in the ‘burbs. What a treat!
While the purpose for our trip was to attend a mother/daughter party for my mom’s stationery store, we also made time to visit a children’s museum, have breakfast with a friend, and enjoy a playdate at another friend’s house. It seemed like such a nice change from the stress and hassle of traveling with Zach. She even allowed me to “sleep in” when she woke up and played on the iPad one morning in her room.
I never imagined that the day would come when I’d be relaxed while traveling with my child(ren). I never thought it was possible to go away without a diaper bag, stroller, change of clothes and all of the other “stuff” that one needs for a plane ride with young kids. This gives me hope that in 2.5 more years (or less), I might actually enjoy a trip away with both kids!
In the meantime, I’ll make sure to never leave New York without a Trunki, iPad and Purell handy for whoever may need it!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Kindergarten, Here We Come!
Last year at this time, I saw many of my friends' Facebook status updates that mentioned how they just registered their son/daughter for kindergarten, with lots of exclamation points. I figured I'd be just as excited when our time came. Wow, how wrong I was!
Today I am going to register Abby for kindergarten at John Paulding school. While we are also in the process of applying for her to attend Solomon Schechter (a private, Jewish day school), we know that if that doesn't work out, she'll end up at our local public kindergarten. I am sad and nervous about this process for a few reasons:
1. My little "baby" girl is all grown up! Sure, she still has meltdowns and needs a reminder to wipe after going to the bathroom, but kindergarten seems like a HUGE milestone. It means a full day of school, homework assignments, a much larger class size than she is used to, riding the bus and making all new friends. Maybe she'll be ready for all of this come September, but I'm not so sure I am!
2. With the beginning of kindergarten comes the end of the innocence of preschool - the "fun" days, playtime, snacktime and friends. In preschool - you colored on someone else's paper? Don't do it again, please. In kindergarten - that will get you a trip to the corner of the classroom, or the principal's office if it happens again.
3. Parental involvement at preschool seems easy and fun - you can get involved if/when you want to, do drop-offs and pick-ups, check in with the teachers whenever you want. In kindergarten, unless there's a real issue, I'm not expecting to have much interaction with the teachers other than at conferences.
4. Preschool was somewhere Abby looked forward to and had fun at. Will kindergarten have the same feeling of excitement and anticipation?
5. And then there are my own fears for her: will she make new friends easily, be able to handle herself socially, will she be bullied or be a bully, will she learn and grow as quickly as the others?
I can't answer any of those questions today, but I can say that I am trying to get past my own fears and be excited for this new chapter in all of our lives. In about 5 months, Abby will be embarking on her first day of "real" school and I'll be cheering for her and rooting her on, even though I'm wishing I could pause time and keep her innocent and young forever.
Today I am going to register Abby for kindergarten at John Paulding school. While we are also in the process of applying for her to attend Solomon Schechter (a private, Jewish day school), we know that if that doesn't work out, she'll end up at our local public kindergarten. I am sad and nervous about this process for a few reasons:
1. My little "baby" girl is all grown up! Sure, she still has meltdowns and needs a reminder to wipe after going to the bathroom, but kindergarten seems like a HUGE milestone. It means a full day of school, homework assignments, a much larger class size than she is used to, riding the bus and making all new friends. Maybe she'll be ready for all of this come September, but I'm not so sure I am!
2. With the beginning of kindergarten comes the end of the innocence of preschool - the "fun" days, playtime, snacktime and friends. In preschool - you colored on someone else's paper? Don't do it again, please. In kindergarten - that will get you a trip to the corner of the classroom, or the principal's office if it happens again.
3. Parental involvement at preschool seems easy and fun - you can get involved if/when you want to, do drop-offs and pick-ups, check in with the teachers whenever you want. In kindergarten, unless there's a real issue, I'm not expecting to have much interaction with the teachers other than at conferences.
4. Preschool was somewhere Abby looked forward to and had fun at. Will kindergarten have the same feeling of excitement and anticipation?
5. And then there are my own fears for her: will she make new friends easily, be able to handle herself socially, will she be bullied or be a bully, will she learn and grow as quickly as the others?
I can't answer any of those questions today, but I can say that I am trying to get past my own fears and be excited for this new chapter in all of our lives. In about 5 months, Abby will be embarking on her first day of "real" school and I'll be cheering for her and rooting her on, even though I'm wishing I could pause time and keep her innocent and young forever.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Dr. Mom
Unfortunately, sickness hit our house (again!) last week, as the little man was down and out with a very high fever. And of course, that same little man not only refused to take any medicine, but he proceeded to throw it up (twice) and spit it out (numerous times). We had to resort to a suppository to bring his 104 fever down. After a visit to the pediatrician to rule out an ear infection or strep (Zach pointed to his throat and said "hurts"), we figured we would just have to wait it out.
When we thought we were in the clear on day 3 and after he had been fever-free for 24hours, we ventured out for a much-needed haircut. That afternoon, I noticed he had a little rash forming behind his ears, which I thought was related to the products used at his haircut. Well, the next day, I saw a lovely red, bumpy rash all over his back and had an "ah-ha!" mommy moment - it must have been Roseola!! I had heard about this tricky little virus from various people it had affected and knew that the rash meant he was not contagious anymore. Luckily the rash didn't bother him and seems to be better today. Poor little guy!
This weekend, we also celebrated Jason's birthday. Saturday night was a yummy dinner at a new restaurant in Ridge Hill and a movie. On Sunday, we ventured out to the Bronx Zoo. It was a beautiful spring day and while not all the exhibits were open, there was enough to see for the two hours we were there, and kept the kids busy and they passed out on the way home. The birthday celebration culminated at our favorite hibachi steakhouse, Noda, with Jason's parents.
Needless to say, it was a hectic weekend and one that I am happy is over!
When we thought we were in the clear on day 3 and after he had been fever-free for 24hours, we ventured out for a much-needed haircut. That afternoon, I noticed he had a little rash forming behind his ears, which I thought was related to the products used at his haircut. Well, the next day, I saw a lovely red, bumpy rash all over his back and had an "ah-ha!" mommy moment - it must have been Roseola!! I had heard about this tricky little virus from various people it had affected and knew that the rash meant he was not contagious anymore. Luckily the rash didn't bother him and seems to be better today. Poor little guy!
This weekend, we also celebrated Jason's birthday. Saturday night was a yummy dinner at a new restaurant in Ridge Hill and a movie. On Sunday, we ventured out to the Bronx Zoo. It was a beautiful spring day and while not all the exhibits were open, there was enough to see for the two hours we were there, and kept the kids busy and they passed out on the way home. The birthday celebration culminated at our favorite hibachi steakhouse, Noda, with Jason's parents.
Needless to say, it was a hectic weekend and one that I am happy is over!
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