Monday, February 6, 2012

Monday Madness: Off without a hitch...

It has all come back to me. My one-on-one days with my kiddos. I forgot just how much I loved our days together until today. It has been just over three months since we've had one of our days together and we had a jam-packed day full of fun and madness. It wasn't quite that chaotic but as I sit here typing this post, my legs feel as if I've just run a half-marathon. I'm fairly exhausted and am not looking forward to my 7:30 a.m. board meeting and 10 hour work day. The icing on the cake is that I will not be able to make class so my day isn't quite as long as normal Tuesdays but I will miss my weekly get together with Sarah at Harmon but we'll pick up next week. :)

One thing that has changed quite a bit since our Wacky Wednesday Days is that Colby has grown a ton in the last few months and is going non-stop. He's full of energy but most of the time he's trying desperately to keep up with his big brother. Although at times, I think Chase tries to keep up with him, too. He's climbing all over the place especially on the stairs, we have to watch him closely, he can actually open the gate sometimes, not all the time but if he hits the bottom railing just right it opens (we have to fix that soon!) 

Our morning started with breakfast, Sesame Street and Curious George. Chase slept in because he's been staying up later than normal. It has been really difficult to get him to bed any earlier than 8:30ish and sometimes it's even 9:00... After checking email and the weather forecast for the day, it was going to be another gorgeous day as it was all weekend, I knew we had to get out of the house. I had plans to start our Valentines cards but that could wait, the sun was shining!!! 

I decided it was time to head to the library and then the park. On Mondays, the library usually has story time and this would be the perfect day to go with the boys and their official first library story time. We've gone to the library a few times before but not for story time. This was sure to be an adventure. Chase was on board after he was dressed in his camo sweatpants and shirt (he absolutely LOVES wearing this outfit! I do not know why this is his favorite but he would wear it everyday if I let him). Colby goes with the flow when it comes to his outfit for the day. I miss those days with Chase and am so grateful I still have them with Colby. I can dress him in cute little shirts and jeans and cords and other outfits I love, he does not care. Chase on the other hand would rather go to school in his just superhero underwear and socks than put on a pair of jeans these days. I'm really bummed about this because he looks super cute in jeans and one of his superhero t-shirts. His black Batman is a favorite of mine and I love it when he wears a long-sleeve tee under a short sleever...totally cute. 

Our library adventure was good, not great. Chase listened to one book, I didn't quite get the official title but it was about a dog named George. It was cute, Chase really liked it. We took seats in the back just in case I needed to run after Colby. Which I did many times especially after he found a ball he proceeded to throw all over narrowly missing innocent library-goers (it was a cushy, soft ball) as they headed out to find their next great story. The librarian also facilitated activities as well as read stories and san songs which was really fun. Chase has always been an observer and demonstrated this yet again which I had a feeling he would. He doesn't often join in unless he knows the kids or feels absolutely comfortable. He wasn't totally shy today but he did not participate with the other kids although he watched them and laughed along at all the funny parts of the stories. He did lose his focus and turned his attention to the computers at the back of the room and the shelves lined with books. He asked me a number of times, "Is storytime almost over?" I was a little sad he didn't join right in and wasn't captivated by all the stories, songs, and activities but I was happy that he lasted as long as he did and was focused on finding books. He actually found eight books he wanted, two Caillou books, "Caillou Makes a Snowman" and "Caillou, where am I?" The other two were pretty random but cute, "The Day Ray Got Away," and "Four Legs Bad, Two Legs Good." We read the two Caillou books tonight and saved the other two for tomorrow. I'm looking forward to our Mondays at the library for storytime and getting both boys more familiar with the library, new activities, and new friends we'll meet there.

After the library we were off to the park. Our most favorite park in Gig Harbor, the Sehmel Homestead Park. We love it even more now that they have swings and picnic benches! It's a gorgeous park and there are always tons of kids there to meet and play with. It has been awhile since we visited the park and both kids were so excited. As soon as Chase could see the park from the car he was super happy, Colby, too, although he was on the verge of a nap, I didn't time this part of the adventure quite right but this trip would ensure without a doubt he would nap later. You could not have asked for a better day. Blue skies, sunshine and upper 50s, perfect weather to be outside getting some Vitamin D. Colby loved going down the slides with Chase. At the park they have side-by-side slides where the boys each have their own slide right next to eachother, they loved sliding together over and over. We played in the sandbox, Colby loved playing in the sand a little too much and took ownership of a little girls shovel. I had to pry it from his fingers when she wanted it back. It was not a pretty sight, and towards the end of our park adventure which was a good thing.

After the park, we ventured home for lunch, did a little cleaning, laundry, and then began our Valentines card project. The photos today are from the project. Unfortunately, I did not capture any from our fabulous, sunny adventure at the park. I am, however, proud of myself for leaving the camera/phone behind and just immersing myself in play with the kids. I find that I am often caught up in capturing the moment to remember than actually living the moment in the moment. Note to self, MUST do that more often. The boys are just growing way to fast as kids do. I'd rather have the memory of whatever we were doing together than remember that I was worried about capturing the photo and not focused on what they were doing. Easier said than done, it's so hard to put the camera down!!! :)