First Day of School

*Another long and boring post written mainly for my records.

The first day of preschool has come and gone. And while there were a few tears (only from me), I'd say it was a success. The night before we had a special meal, his choice: mac and cheese, green beans, cantaloupe and homemade bread. Turns out, the homemade mac and cheese was not his favorite (I guess he likes it out of the box better, but not me; this mac and cheese was decadent) and Josh got stuck in traffic due to closed bridges from the flooding (his usual 10-minute commute took him two-and-a-half hours!) and by the time he made it home, Will was beyond ready for bed and as I was beyond ready for Will to go to bed as well. Will got to open some presents (a few books, a tradition I'd like to keep for pre-back-to-school night) and then he was off to bed.

The next day, he couldn't contain his excitement. He wouldn't let go of his "leaf" poster and he insisted on wearing his Thomas the Train backpack (and not the cute LLBean backpack Granny bought). Since it was Josh's day off, we both accompanied him to his first day of school. Once at preschool, Will ran in to play with the toys and was completely engrossed, never giving neither Josh nor me a second thought. I tried to get his attention to say good-bye, but he wanted none of it.

When we came and got him, he was jazzed to see us. He ran up to his teacher and gave her a hug, telling her, "I can't wait to see you again, Ms. Stephanie!" It was the cutest thing ever. Then he told us that his favorite part of preschool was Ms. Stephanie. He loved story time, insisting that we check out the Monkey and the Alligator book at the library next time (we even found the very book on Amazon and reserved it from the library). He also told us that there were goldfish and grapes for his first snack, but that he was too tired to eat, so Ms. Stephanie told him to take a nap on his chair. He said he did (lately, "I am too tired" has been his excuse to get out of anything he doesn't want to do, though I'm surprised he used that for snack time). He came home with a nice drawing with his name spelled on it like this: LLIW. Maybe he's dyslexic or maybe it's because he is ambidextrous (he will NOT choose a favored hand. He changes hands mid-meal, mid-color, etc. Should handedness be manifest by now? Who knows?) or maybe it is because he ran out of room (he always starts the W too far to the right of the page). But he loved preschool and he can't wait to go back.

Since Josh was off, we got to have a mini-date, realizing that this could be the only time to be sans children before Lucy makes her appearance. So, we ran a quick errand to Lowe's and then went out to breakfast, where we mostly talked about our cute little boy and how we can't get enough of him and how weird it will be for me to not have him constantly by my side. He's been my partner for so long, it just was sad to be without him (but good, too. I guess that's the way of life). That was a real treat--a daytime date with free babysitters (well, besides the preschool tuition fee, that is).

Now Will gets to go back tomorrow and I'm looking forward to a few weeks of having a few hours of free time in the middle of the day for a couple days a week. Hooray for that. I already have a haircut and pedicure planned for the next two preschool times. That's putting my time to good use, no?

Now enjoy the photos of our cute preschooler.

Here he is showing off his new books.

The before school shot, complete with his leaf poster, filled with family photos for the first day of school.

Tell me he isn't adorable?

He walked right in and saw his cubby with his name on it and was tickled pink that he would have a cubby with his name on it and just for his Thomas back pack.

The Mad-family all proud on Will's first day of school (though Will doesn't look too thrilled, he really was. It's just that he's never thrilled about getting pictures taken).

Lovermont

We lovermont (get it? We love Vermont. I saw that on a bumper sticker whilst there and had to steal it). And why do we love Vermont? We love Vermont because when we're there we get to:

Go on a mini-camping trip at this idyllic lake only three miles from the Vermont Madsens' home (meaning, Amy, baby James and I went home at 9:30 and slept peacefully in comfortable beds located very near flushing toilets while Josh and Nate had the pleasure of sleeping with all three kids in the tent).

Get assistance from older cousin Beth on everything, including going to the bathroom in the woods. (I had to include this photo, though mildly inappropriate; it just makes me laugh. The bathroom process took all three kids: Beth, to help Will put his pants back on and Sam to hold the light while Will went potty in the dark).

Go on fun mountain-bike rides with our cousins.

Go to the beach (not pictured), go out to eat and enjoy all our fun family time. Thanks, Vermont Madsens. What ever would we do without you?

Would You Rather?

Would you rather have a newborn or be this pregnant?

35 weeks pregnant, self-photo.

Admittedly, babies are easier to take care of inside than out, but I could sure do without the constant bathroom trips, the terrible indigestion, the backache, the never-sleeping yet constant tiredness, the inability to walk without feeling as though I'm going into labor this very second, and overall lack of energy (i.e. laziness). Plus, I really miss my toes.

Here's to hoping the next few weeks just fly by. And that I somehow accomplish everything I need to before baby girl comes. And that I don't gain ANY MORE weight. And that my baby girl is born sleeping through the night. And that she's born a few weeks early, like her older brother. That's not too much to ask, right?

Summer Fun

Though I may not have hit everything on our Summer Bucket list, I was far more adventurous than predicted here. And since we didn't get in our annual summer Spokane trip (weep, weep), we tried to have some fun locally. Of course, I didn't document all our outings, but here are some that I did:

1. Mad-time in Maine with the Madsens.

We've done this trip for a few years running--spending time shopping, eating, beaching (maybe some day I'll get those photos from Amy) and just having fun with all the Madsens.

2. Moreau Lake
We hit this one up twice--one time with dada and one time with friends. I love this lake. What's not to love? Warm water, groomed beaches, plenty of sun!

3. Water Wednesdays
For the third year in a row, I've hosted Water Wednesdays at my house--a day for the kids to splash around in the kiddie pools and slip 'n slides and for the mamas to chit chat.

5. Saratoga Horsetrack

We also hit this place up twice--once with dada and once with friends. It is really a beautiful race track and I'm glad we got to finally check it out.

Here's Will, placing his bets.

6. Saratoga Pool

A beautiful, cold pool that was very refreshing on a hot day in August.

7. We also camped (twice--once with me and once without).

8. Hiked.

9. Did plenty of bike rides (well, Will biked--I walked).

10. Swam any chance we could at the Y.

11. Went to Vermont (maybe someday I'll post pics of that).

12. Amusement parked (in Hershey. Again, I need my photos from Amy).

Not too shabby for one very pregnant lady, no? Now, the questions is, am I ready for the fall? Yes and no. Fall means school for Will, cooler weather, and one baby girl. I think the former two I'll embrace. But a newborn? Is anyone ever really ready for that? Plus, her nursery is still a hot, hot mess. Ahhhhhhhhhh, guess I'll take summer, thank you very much.

Today

Today. . .

. . .was the day that Will woke up at 5:40 and was ushered back into his room by his dada until there was a "first seven on his clock".
. . .was the day that we spent raspberry picking with our friends the Packs, covering our hands with the red tart juices, savoring the raspberries' sun-ripened goodness and basking in the sunshine.
. . .was the day that Will climbed on the farm's playground, complete with a pirate ship, and laughed the afternoon away, chasing his friends on his swift three-year-old legs.
. . .was the day that Will took a nap, snuggling his nigh-nigh tightly and looking as precious and calm as only sleep can bring.
. . .was the day that Will's dada woke him up from his nap, where he turned to his dada and said, "You are my favorite cousin" (a compliment in its highest form).
. . .was the day that we went swimming as a family, splashing in the water's weightlessness, jumping on the count of three and racing to the pool's edge and back again.
. . .was the day that we went to Hannaford after swimming, to grab a dinner of "chicken nuggets", fresh corn and hot bread (and don' t forget the free cookie).
. . .was the day that we sat at the dinner table, eating Will's favorite meal, when Will told us, "You are my best parents. I want to be with you forever and ever," only to be followed moments later by a, "I love you lots."
. . .was the day where Will ran out to help his dada mow the lawn, only to lose one precious "cwip-cwop" in the process, the priceless shoe torn to shreds by the lawn mower.
. . .was the first time I've seen my child so scared and so sad as he processed his first real loss (his flip flop).
. . .was the day that I dropped everything (dishes, clean-up, bedtime routine), to comfort my saddened son.
. . .was the day that I tucked in my sweet son, told him I loved him and would see him first thing in the morning, running my fingers through his coarse red hair, rubbing his back and snuggling him tight.
. . .was the day where I sat down and let myself cry, cry for the happy joy it is to be this boy's mom; cry for the blessings of motherhood; cry for the impending loss of this content family of three; cry for the excitement of bringing another baby home; cry for the nervousness that looms from thoughts of caring for another child; cry because I am so happy, so whole as a mother and how grateful I am I get to do this every day and how I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

Lessons Learned in Hershey, PA

My sister-in-law Amy and I decided to throw all the kids into Vinnie (our trusty ol' mini-van that we've acquired. Will calls it the "vini-van"; hence, its name) and trek on down to Hershey, PA, to visit my other sis-in-law, Kasey, and her two kids. It was a fun and fast trip. We learned a few things, to say the least, traveling with all the kiddos. We learned:

1. Never, never put the two three-year-old boys all the way back in the vini-van because it will be impossible to reach their ever-so-needy-three-year-old selves. Seriously, mini-vans need a pulley system or something. And Amy, the copilot, got the workout of a lifetime, reaching back there to divvy out snacks, find trains, fix the DVD player and so on and so forth.
2. Never underestimate baby James. The thirteen-month-old was by far the best one in the car. He didn't cry, didn't really sleep, but did just sit there, happy as a clam for the five-hour drive.
3. Never make a stop at 5 Guys in Scranton, PA (yes, the Scranton of the Office fame). While the kids had been happy in the van, we decided to stop for lunch where they were decidedly unhappy--no one ate one bite of their food and tears and tantrums ensued.
4. Never sleep with Will on vacation (or anywhere else for that matter). Will slept with Amy, Sam and Baby James (I slept on the couch b/c I didn't want to wake everyone all the time with my innumerable bathroom trips) and he would wake up at odd hours of the night (or morning), jump around on the loud air mattress and then sometimes go back to sleep (or sometimes just stay awake). What a menace.
5. Never doubt your child when he/she insists it's wet, rainy and cold in the back of the car. Turns out the window was rolled down unbeknown to me, all amid a stormy, rainy day and Will's complaints were valid. Poor kid.
6. Do have fun with your cousins. These kids adore each other. There's nothing like cousins.
7. Do have a good time playing at Hershey park, visiting the infamous chocolate factory and throwing rocks at the duck pond.
8. Do stay up late, laughing and chatting and getting plenty of girls' time.
9. Do say lots and lots of prayers that trusy ol' Vinnie will make it home safely.
10. Do send Kasey a thank-you card for letting us come and crash her place and eat all her food. Or if you're far too lazy for that, do at least write a blog-post where you publicly thank her for her hospitality. Thanks, Kase! We had a ball. Until next time, right?

Now for the pictures. As usual, I didn't take enough photos and these are all at the duck pond on our way out of town.

All the cousins: Will, Grant, Sarah, Beth, James and Sam. This is as good as we could get.

This cute Will of mine.
Throwing rocks.
And I had to throw this one in. Will and Sam are only four months apart, but look at the size difference. But they don't let it deter them. They love each other.

Willy Will

I'm long overdue for an update. And though I have plenty to post about, I wanted to do a Will update before I forgot some of the funny things he has said/done. It's never boring around here, that's for sure. And I'm pretty sure no one, except perhaps grandparents, will care to read this long, long post, but write it I must, for the sake of journaling.

• We were trying to Skype with my parents one night when our computer was being so slow. My dad called, wondering what was going on and Will answered the phone. He told my dad, "We trying to talk to you on the computer but the computer is so dang, dang slow."




• We were reading our scriptures and I showed him a picture of Enos and I asked him who he was, to which he quickly replied, "Dandio" (the name of his favorite bull from one of our favorite books Toot and Puddle).




• We were driving in the car when the old country song, "Please, Don't Take the Girl" came on the radio. The part about Johnny not wanting the girl to come fishing played when Will asked, "Why he not want to take the girl?" When I told Will that some boys don't really like girls, Will said, "I like girls." I asked him who some of his favorite girls were and he shouted, "MAMA!" It melted my heart. He then proceeded to list all of his favorite girls: Beth, Amy, Kasey Mama, etc., etc., (all his cousins and aunts and grandmas) when he finally declared, "And Lucy! Lucy's a girl! I love Lucy!" (Lucy is what Will is insisting we name our baby girl). It was too precious.




• The vacuum was out the other night and Will was pretend vacuuming with it. He finished up and told us, "Now it's all clean. You can't come in here, 'kay?" Clearly, that's something he hears often.




• Now I can't remember all the funny things he says. Arghh. Pregnancy brain.

Now here are some of the things he's been up to:

Not enough of this (sleeping). He really and truly is done with naps (this picture was probably taken the last nap he took. He loves to sleep like this--like a frog, I say). Nothing, and I mean nothing, I can say, do, bribe, threaten, lock will produce a nap, so he's downgraded to quiet time. I don't really mind, except at 5:00 every evening when he falls apart until we put him to bed at 6:30 and then he's up at the crack of dawn. He just can't hold his bladder long enough. Is it wrong to put him back in diapers for night again? Just so he will sleep and not be a bear every evening?
Watercoloring......

in his underpants, of course. He rarely wears pants around the house. After he uses the bathroom he just takes his pants off and it is too much effort to make him put pants on again and again. Don't worry, though, I do insist he wears pants when we leave the house. This kid really does love to color, paint, draw, write. He'll sit and do it for a long time these days. And he's so obsessed with spelling and writing things and his alphabet and numbers. He's discovered typing names on the computer and it is fun (except when he can't find the q and he is shouting bloody murder at me to come and help him find the q).


Helping me sort through all of Lucy's clothes. This girl will never go naked, that's for sure. We've been given clothes by two neighbors and two sisters-in-law and, of course, I've bought a few things. Needless to say, she'll be decked. And Will thinks it's fun to try her stuff on. In this case, it's a robe. The best was when he tried on some 0-3 month pants.

Skewering. Will thinks kabobs are the best, especially when we grill pineapple. He mostly eats the pineapple straight off the skewer, but what are you gonna do? He really is, for the most part, a helpful little boy. He especially loves to help me bake. And he loves to throw things in the recycle bin in the garage. And he loves to clean toilets, dust, water plants, unload the groceries, and get the produce at the grocery store. What he doesn't love, however, is to clear his plate (it is a battle every time) and empty the silverware. Who knows why?

Riding his bike. He's been learning how to do it without training wheels. He can do it across the tennis court all by himself. We're still working on it and he's just discovered his new bike has brakes, so it is painful at times because he brakes, then brakes, then brakes, but we'll get there.

Assisting. He loves to help Josh when he has his tools. He is always this close when Josh has a project at hand. The best was when we were weeding the flower beds and Josh was kneeling down weeding, and Will just went and sat on his lap and started weeding. He just has to be right there.

Obsessing. Over that dang nigh-nigh again. It's always a battle on wash day to get him to get it in the washing machine. I always tell him, "Next load and it's the nigh-nigh." And he will sit there and cry, "I don't want my nigh-nigh to be washed. I like it dirty." Finally, the other day, we got it in the wash and ten minutes later this is where I found him: sitting on the washing machine, just staring at his nigh-nigh in the washing machine. I think we have a problem.

Creating. Josh and I were working on some projects around the house and Will was left to his own devices for a while. He'd found the masking tape and had taped everything in his bedroom. The best was the reason why he taped the basketball hoop: "I didn't want it to be blue anymore. I like white better." (And yes, he's wearing no pants, again).