adoration, pure & simple

My little guy brings us so much joy, each and every day, and I often wonder if he realizes just how much we adore him. He's only five years old, yet he's a such a sweet little boy, so smart and so hard-working. With his apraxia, he's had so much to overcome in his young life, but he's tackled everything that's been thrown his way, and we could not be prouder.

Most importantly, he seems to know how much he is loved, and he knows how special he is. He never has to doubt how wonderful he can be, and, with that in mind, we think he can accomplish anything. My little man...

the things we do

It's amazing the things we find ourselves doing as parents. Before I met my wife and had kids, it never occurred to me to stay up late / get up early for Black Friday deals. Now? It's an annual tradition!

What causes this? Is it the financial savings? The quality time out without the kids?! Some new twisted sense of adventure? I don't really know, but I'm okay with that. It's a Thanksgiving ritual for us, and it's one that's not going anywhere.

from here to the moon

My little guy has officially made his career choice - he wants to be an astronaut! He's convinced himself that this is the only path for him and that, in addition to being fun, it will also make him rich. I should reiterate that he's five years old.

Tonight, we had the chance to read part of one of his new books, one which contains pages of interesting facts about the planets. He was quizzing himself - there are a number of true/false questions in this book - on his knowledge and pausing to pass along useful tidbits to dear old Dad. I kept finding myself smiling, thinking of how sure he is of his choice and how confident he is in his ability to make that choice a reality. The world is full of countless possibilities for my boy, and he cannot wait to start his journey.

in good hands

My little guy starts kindergarten on Monday, so yesterday marked his official day of orientation. Needless to say, we couldn't be happier, and we know he's in good hands.

We weren't sure what this year would hold for him, since a part of him is still a little down over not shifting over to his sister's K-5 school. We just felt that another year of smaller classes and extra attention would be worthwhile before he transitions to the "big time." Will this prove to be a wise decision? We thought so when we first made this decision, and, after meeting his teachers & seeing the school firsthand, we're confident in where he's headed.

are we at that point already?!

The summer is only a couple weeks old, but we've already been approached by my son's kindergarten about this year's activities. In and of themselves, it wasn't odd - he'll be doing an after-school science club and a Lego club - but the references to graduation caps were a little jarring. After all, he hasn't even had a day of kindergarten yet, and we're already supposed to be planning for his exit? I know they grow up - and fast - but can I have a little bit longer with him?

never to be forgotten

I've been getting a little reflective of late, thinking about my own childhood and the things I do and do not remember. I had what any observer would label a good upbringing, one that featured two happily married parents, three siblings close enough in age to enjoy each other's company, and a couple decades of drama-free existence. That being said, it's amazing how little of that time I really remember anymore. I have images, like one of my brother & I packing for "vacation" - i.e., the attic - while our parents dutifully played along, but I don't remember a whole lot. Come to think of it, I don't remember tons about my teen years either, other than "memories" of stories I've told so many times that they become the memories.

I mention this because I asked the little guy, soon to turn 5 years old, if he'll remember all of these times when he's bigger. Wise beyond his years, he told me he would not. However, when I asked him if he'd always remember how much I loved him, he said that he would. I could not have been a happier father than I was in that moment...

soon to pass me

Who knew that an off-the-cuff Christmas purchase would turn into such a goldmine for us?! We had been pointed to an iPod Touch by our little guy's speech teacher, primarily because it had an app to help him better communicate with people. Taking the plunge on the cost of the device plus the cost of the app - not to mention the twin device we'd need to purchase for his sister - wasn't going to be easy, but then again, we never expected it to take off like this!

The two little ones have been steadily growing more and more confident with their little electronic delights each day, mastering games, drawing, music, pictures, and email, all at the ripe ages of 4 & 6. I've already let the wife know that these two will be surpassing her technical skills in a matter of months!

making sense of it all

A little over two weeks ago, my wife's mother passed away. I wouldn't actually call it sudden, since a terminal cancer diagnosis was made nearly six months ago, but that doesn't mean it was expected. We went from believing we had a year to watching a stroke knock that down to four days. Again, not exactly expected...

As anyone would expect, children have questions at times like this. Was their grandmother actually in the coffin at the funeral? Where did their grandmother go? And, of course, when will they die? Needless to say, you aren't always ready to address those questions with children who are four and six... With our teenager, who is now an adult, it's a different story, because the connection to the deceased is that much greater and the emotion is that much stronger.

It is certainly a fact of life, and one that must be dealt with, talked through, and, ultimately, accepted. That doesn't make it any easier, but we simply take comfort in the knowledge that we will all get through this...

gifted & talented

What's the right balance when it comes to assessing your child's potential? How do you accurately push to afford your child every opportunity to excel while not coming across as "that parent" who thinks his child is in a league all her own? It's hard to believe we'd be wrestling with such a question at the end of kindergarten, but, apparently, kids these days are pushed into accelerated programs at a really early age!

We love our little princess more than life itself, and we think she's amazing. In addition to being kind, considerate, and funny, she's very bright, but, then again, don't all parents think that about their kids? I don't want to be obnoxious about it, but I want her to be given every opportunity to succeed. If that means a little extra recognition at such a young age - aided by a little pushing from the parents - so be it. I want her mind to grow and be challenged, and I'll do everything I can to make that possible.

teach your children well

We've been watching this unfold for some time now, but it's always a special treat to watch Wittles teaching her little brother. He looks up to her so much, and, while this clearly flusters her at times, she also embraces her role as "big sister." She's been working on one of her kindergarten activity books this morning, and, like every good copycat would, the little guy is trying to plow through his own little preschool book. There she is, though, patiently working with him while he finishes his little workbook pages.

They have their squabbles, as any siblings do, but they love each other very much. That being said, if I don't get them out of the house soon, the good feelings may be gone! Donuts, anyone?