This past weekend James, Nolan, and I met my aunt, uncle, and their six-year-old daughter at Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma for a fun little getaway at their “chateau” as they call it. (In case you are wondering, my aunt is only six years older than me!) As we always do with this family, we had a great time. They went to Disney World with us too! Nolan said being pulled by the boat on the tube and standing at the front of the boat while cruising were his favorite parts of the trip.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Below are two little videos. (Sorry. They are not the fancy videos James creates. These were shot on my iPhone.) I wish you could see their smiling faces and their heads bobbing up and down! Too cute!

He absolutely adores his brother and wants what Nolan wants. He copies what he does and goes around saying “Bubba, Bubba” over and over again when Nolan is not home.

He is a very cautious child. He is not daring and takes his time to try new things.

He pretty much is on a milk diet. He is a VERY picky eater who basically lives on milk, fruit, and cheese. He occasionally will throw us for a loop and take a bite of something else.

He loves to wear shoes and basically insists “oos (shoes) on” until we oblige. Oh and not just any pair. These shoes.

He loves golf and carries a golf club and ball every chance he gets. He hits the ball more times than he misses. It is quite impressive I must admit. He may give James and Nolan a run for their money some day.

He loves the characters Woody and Buzz from the movie Toy Story and Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars.

Every time he sees water he shouts “Bubbles!”

He loves to read books. The Maisy series seems to be his favorite right now. Every times he sees a Maisy book, instead of calling out her name, he hums the song from the TV series.

He loves music and to dance.

New words are added to his vocabulary daily; however, there is a 50/50 chance if the first consonant will be included. Words that begin with a vowel he usually will say. Esse (for our dog Jesse), olf for golf, asuage for sausage just to name a few.

He is a serious child, but if you can get him laughing, it melts your heart.

He is very stubborn and opinionated. I say he got this from James. James would probably say just the opposite!

He loves to wear pajama bottoms. Pajama top is optional!

He loves to swim in the pool and be in water. With the help of swim lessons, he does quite well for his age I must say.

He loves to go “bye-bye.” We have to be very careful not to mention that we are leaving before we actually are ready to go. If not, he is not a happy camper.

He loves to watch home videos and play music on the i Phone. We have to hide our phones at times or he will insist on playing on it! And yes, he does know how to “sort of” work the phone.

He loves to be “out ide” (outside) writing with “alk” (chalk) and blowing bubbles. (Bubbles is a word he says correctly.)

He is 100 weeks old this week.

(Disclaimer: I would not have known he was 100 weeks old per se if I had not gotten my weekly email from a child website! I can tell you he will be TWO in several weeks though. BOO!!)

Nolan was out front playing with our next-door neighbor’s child. He ran inside mumbling about making a sign, blah, blah, and blah. He rummaged around in the drawers, grabbed a few items, and raced back outside. I admit it. I was only partially listening and paying attention. Hey, this child is ALWAYS talking and always has an idea for something!

About fifteen minutes later Nolan was inside and I was in the garage. The garage doors were up and I was moving a few things around (We have a front entry garage by the way). I noticed a few cars slowing down in front of our house. I did not really think much of it. I continued doing what I needed to do. As I started to water the flowers in the front yard, I noticed it. The sign. “Oh my gosh!” I thought to myself. I ran to see what he had “written.”

A few minutes later I went inside to inquire about the sign to Nolan. He proudly said it was a message for the skateboarders and scooter riders to stay off the lawns. (Side note: James and I often are complaining about the group of preteens that seem to convene around our house practicing their tricks and, at times, hopping curbs and riding in driveways). He was so proud of his sign and how helpful he had been.

In case you cannot quite decipher what is in the picture, he drew a skateboarder and scooter rider inside a circle with a big “x” through them. The warning was loud and clear!

It was a tricky balance deciding how to get the sign out of the front yard AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, but at the same time, honoring Nolan’s intention.

With this child, I should seriously consider writing a book don’t you think?

Notice the empty water bottles and kneepad. The water bottles apparently help keep the sign grounded. The kneepad? Well I never got a straight answer on that one. Your guess is as good as mine.

(2 1/2 years old)

Last Day of School, May 2010

(5 1/2 years old)

As Griffin and I headed down the highway towards his graduation, I was filled with so many thoughts. Tears welled up in my eyes. I have been dreaming of the day I would no longer have to make the 22 minute drive each way three times a week to and from Nolan’s school, but today I would have been given anything for more time. Why does time always go so fast?

As we settled into our seats I saw the five classes that were a part of the 12:30 graduation begin to line up at the back of the church. Tears welled up in my eyes. I snuck to the back of the church to take a quick picture. The kids were so excited. So oblivious to the significance of this day, at this time. Nolan smiled and waved. I wished him good luck as I walked away.

As soon as the music “Pomp and Circumstance” began playing, tears welled up my eyes again. The children made their way from the back of the church to the front. Children waved, smiled, and eagerly looked for their parents. Once all of the children were situated on the risers, they sang two songs. In typical preschool fashion, some belted out the lyrics with coordinating hand and body movements, while others took the more relaxed approach. Nolan always seems to fall somewhere in the middle. Words cannot describe how absolutely adorable these “concerts” are at this age. I will miss them so much.

After brief comments from the Director of the preschool, she introduced the Children’s pastor. She told us to grab our kleenex and cameras for what was to come as the pastor sang. Once the song began, a slide show of the graduates were displayed on three large screens. Starting in alphabetical order, each child’s baby picture and graduation picture was displayed along with their name. We were asked at the beginning of the year to bring a baby picture, but the reason was never explained. I had completely forgotten about it. The graduation picture was a complete surprise. This picture must have been made when their individual school pictures were taken. We had no idea this had been coordinated. Tears not only welled up in my eyes, but flowed down my cheeks. The pastor sang two songs as the graduates’ pictures were displayed. The lyrics to the second song, “Let Them Be Little” were so perfect. So touching. Tears continued to flow.

“I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand.
You felt so good in it; no bigger than a minute.
How it amazes me you’re changin’ with every blink.
Faster than a flower blooms, they grow up all too soon.

So let them be little,
‘Cause they’re only that way for a while.
Give ‘em hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let ‘em cry, let ‘em giggle,
Let ‘em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.

I never felt so much in one little tender touch.
I live for those kisses, your prayers an’ your wishes.
An’ now you’re teachin’ me how only a child can see.
Tonight, while we’re on our knees, all I ask is:

Please, let them be little,
‘Cause they’re only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let ‘em cry, let ‘em giggle,
Let ‘em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.

The so innocent, precious soul:
You turn around, an’ it’s time to let them go.

So let them be little,
‘Cause they’re only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give ‘em praise,
Give them love every day.
Let ‘em cry, let ‘em giggle,
Let them sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.

Let them be little.”

(Artist and Lyrics by Billy Dean)

After this massive tear jerker, the first class lined up for the presentation of their diplomas. As the director read the first child’s name, she read a brief description of the child written by the teachers. It did not dawn on me until tonight that Nolan’s teachers had asked each of the parents to describe their child in one word. This word was incorporated into the child’s description. When it was finally Nolan’s turn he smiled, kicked his legs back and forth in his chair, and waited for his name to be called. The director said, “He is always looking for some way to help and is always quick to apologize for any mishaps, he is Mr. Conscientious, Mr. Nolan Prescott.” And with that he hopped down out of his seat, reached for his diploma as he shook the hands of the Director, Two assistant Directors, and his teachers who moved his tassle from one side to the other. For once, tears did not well up in my eyes. i was just proud in that moment.

After the eighty or so children had officially “graduated” they stood to cheer and wave. The parents cheered and waved back.

And as quickly as the ceremony began, it was over. Once outside the class took one last picture as a group. Hugs, high fives, cheers, and requests to remove the “itchy” caps occurred. The parents and students presented our teachers with vases that had been painted using the finger prints of each of the students along with flowers and a gift card. A celebration with cake and lemonade and many more pictures were taken. Nolan and his best friend Ben tackled and wrestled with each other, continued their tradition of acting silly together and soaked in this last time together in school. Both Nolan and Ben have acknowledged their fear of not seeing each other anymore. it absolutely breaks our hearts that they will not be in school together next year. Ben’s parents and James and i hope the boys will not be “lost” without each other next year.

We walked back to the classroom one last time to collect backpacks. Final thank you’s and goodbyes were said. Nolan and Ben gave each other big hugs and said see you at camp in a couple of weeks. And with that we walked out of the school for the last time.

When Nolan got home he quickly wanted out of his dress clothes. On his own he went and got his new elementary school spirit shirt and put it on. He has moved on.

Once again, tears welled up in my eyes.

Onward we go…..whether I like it or not.

Click HERE  for more pictures from the day.

So much for starting off on the right foot.

(Outside the Kindergarten Wing)

Attend Kindergarten Kick Off

Almost two weeks ago we went to Nolan’s new elementary school for orientation. The purpose was two fold. One for the children to meet the Kindergarten team, spend time in their future classrooms and see the school. The parents simultaneously attended an information meeting. And I do mean an informational meeting. My head was spinning by the time we left (for many reasons though as you can imagine).

At check in we were enthusiastically welcomed by elementary school staff and briefly told about the evening. Nolan was quickly whisked away to the Kindergarten “Pod” as they call it while James and I (and our sidekick Griffin) were ushered into the gym. As James and I walked in the opposite direction as Nolan I found myself noticing the symbolism as to what is to come in three short months.

For almost the next hour the parents heard from the principal, assistant principal and school counselor. We were informed about school policies, carpool lanes, various programs and activities offered through the school and general expectations for the next year. We were reminded that Kindergarten has changed significantly since we started elementary school. Expectations have drastically changed for these five year olds. “They will hit the ground running regarding their learning and what is expected regarding their education,” we were told by the principal. In other words, Kindergarten is serious business. The children will be challenged and the expectations for what they should already know and what they will learn next year is high.

When the school counselor spoke she started by reading a sweet poem/story about a little girl getting onto the school bus on her first day of Kindergarten. The story detailed the fabulous first day of this little girl, but how hard it was for her parents to cope and adjust. Of course I instantly could relate to the story and how I would be feeling. The school counselor, like any good therapist, acknowledged how hard this transition often is for the parents and reflected how we may be feeling. She normalized these feelings and it felt good. (Yes, I teared up several times as she spoke).

She also told us about how the first day of school will work. She invited us to the “Tears and Cheers” breakfast held directly after we settle our children at their desks on the first day. This is a support meeting of sorts, hosted by the school, to soothe the parents and celebrate this momentous first day. I was very touched by this gesture and made me love the school even more. I. AM. NOT. ALONE. Many other parents will struggle, as I will.

When the meeting was over we went to the Kindergarten “Pod” to retrieve Nolan in his designated classroom for the evening. As we were greeted and asked who were to there to pick up, the teacher said and I quote, “Nolan is quite the break dancer. He showed us all his moves.” BACK UP is what I thought in my head. Excuse me? What did you say? Why in the world was Nolan break dancing? I thought.   I am absolutely convinced the teachers were taking mental notes on these future Kindergarteners and Nolan already has a black mark by his name. He ran over to James and I. He was so excited. He told us about everything they had done in that hour. Also in typical Nolan fashion, he told us he already made two friends. He repeatedly asked how many days until Kindergarten starts and his wish that it would start tomorrow. Nolan and I could not be more apart in our wishes.

As much as I am struggling a great deal with this, I am so happy and excited for Nolan. He cannot wait for the school year to start. I am picking up his school spirit shirt tomorrow. He can’t wait to wear it. I truly could not ask for more. I am lucky he is so excited and ready. What if he was dreading it? Now that would be awful. It is just me.

Nolan “graduates” this Thursday from preschool. They will have a formal graduation with a cap and gown. All Nolan has told me is that he is happy that the children will only sing two songs (as opposed to seven apparently at Spring Sing) and that the cap is itchy. Typical.

I teared up as I walked the hallway towards Nolan’s classroom on Monday. We have so many wonderful memories from his school. He has grown and changed so much from the first day I dropped him off at the door to his classroom when he was 2 ½ years old. Where has the time gone? Where has it gone?

I received an email from the mom of Nolan’s best school friend yesterday. She asked how I was “holding up” regarding graduation this week. She said she is basket case and will bawl her eyes out on Thursday. We hope to sit next to each other for moral support. I am not alone. Not alone regarding all the parents who will be sad at graduation and not alone on Nolan’s first day of Kindergarten. This much I know. The rest? Well I am just taking it one step at a time.

Today I (and my sidekick Griffin) went to Nolan’s “Muffins with Mom” breakfast at his preschool. He and I were both so excited. On the drive to school this morning Nolan said to me, “I am really excited about Moms with Muffins (he got it backwards), but I don’t really think I like muffins.”

As with the other Muffins with Moms events in years past, this year did not disappoint. In fact it was the best one yet! His teachers created a Hawaiian inspired theme. The room was completely decorated. We were presented a lei upon entering the room. We were treated to muffins (of course), tropical fruit, and orange juice with pink flamingo straws. (Side note. When I showed James the pictures from the morning, he was quick to point out that his Donuts with Dads was not nearly as fancy. I was quick to counter back, “Well mothers do most of the work with kids. We deserve it. “

Nolan could not wait to give me his presents. I was given a coupon book, a coaster, and a beautiful necklace. I later told Nolan that I was going to cash in my coupon for breakfast in bed soon. He told me that he was too little too cook me breakfast. So much for the coupons! When I first saw the necklace, I instantly knew the kids did not have much to do with the creation of it. The necklace was a hand painted domino with the my initial stamped in the center. I love it! This was definitely more a gift that the teachers gave us. Very sweet and thoughtful. I have seen these sold in stores before. Nolan made sure I wore the necklace all day. We also received the obligatory fill in the blank sheet about your mom. This year, Nolan wrote the responses himself. Thank goodness the teachers translated.

Here is what he wrote.

My mom’s favorite color is “red”.

Her eyes are “brown” and her her hair is “sort of red”.

She likes me to “put trash bags in the trash cans.”

She makes the best “cookies” in the whole wide world.

My favorite thing to do with my mom is “go to a bounce house place.”

I love it when my mom “kisses me.”

I know my mom loves me because “she hugs me.”

At the end, the class sang us a song. Nolan twirled his lei the entire time, but I was not surprised in the least. That is my boy!

Another very special morning with sweet memories made.

Here are a few pictures.

(Holding his Kindergarten packet after registration outside of his elementary school)

Several weeks ago I registered Nolan for Kindergarten. Kindergarten. I cannot shake it. I do not want him to go. I can barely count the number of months (which is 3 and a half by the way) without getting a lump in my throat. I just cannot believe it. I wish I was in denial. That would be easier wouldn’t it? Instead I think about it all. the. time. Nolan is more than ready to go. It is me that wishes I could refuse to let go.

I do not think when a new parent is told to cherish the time, that it will go quickly, that your child will be grown before you know it, that they believe that actually is the case. It is so TRUE! I can assure you it feels like yesterday that Nolan was born, that he started to crawl, said momma for the first time, started preschool, and so on.   As I prepare myself for this transition, I worry and fear I did not relish in the time we had together enough. I reminisce and wonder if I spent enough time with him. Did I put off the laundry and paying bills and cleaning the house like I should have? Did I remember to really enjoy these first five years of life? I don’t know. I feel like I have, but then I feel like I could have done better. I think my doubts are normal and to expected for many mothers who face sending a child to Kindergarten. I know this, but can’t stop myself! I just want more of “this” time.

I know he is just five and we have so many wonderful experiences and memories ahead of us, but what I cannot get past, is that it will never be like this again. It just won’t. From here on out I only have my precious boy on nights and weekends for nine to ten months of the year. This is not OK!

Yesterday I had a parent/teacher conference with Nolan’s teacher. She said with the utmost certainty, “Nolan is more than ready for Kindergarten. He could start tomorrow and will do well.” This is of course is what every parent wants to hear. And the truth is, Nolan is ready. I know it. James knows it. His teachers know it. Nolan knows it. He is very excited and very much looking forward to the new school year. (Of course I joke to myself that in many ways Nolan is naïve. Starting Kindergarten is just the beginning of years of homework, studying, tests, and so on. I will let the innocence live on a while longer. Soon enough he will discover that on his own).

Nolan has always had a positive experience in school. He loves to learn. He loves to be social (this definitely could be a negative according to his teacher yesterday too). He loves new experiences. He is ready. I cognitively know this. My heart just completely disagrees.

My neighbor friends in Bunko promise me that we will love his elementary school. They sing the praises of this school and the teachers. Every single neighbor I talk to goes on and one with great enthusiasm about what a great school Nolan will be attending. They assure me all of my anxiety and sadness about this transition will subside when they see how much Nolan enjoys school. Of course this brings me great comfort, but still. Still, I am not ready.

But I have no choice. I will suck it up and join Nolan in being excited about starting Kindergarten in three and a half months. <Gulp> We will have a great summer. I will cherish these months like I never have before. We will make the most of this special time, because in my mind it will forever be different after this summer.

I will walk Nolan proudly and confidently into school on the first day of school. I will, without a doubt, show him how excited I am for him. I will smile as I help get him settled. I will give him a great big hug and tell him to have a great day. I will smile all the way out of the building. And then I will cry.

A couple of weeks ago Nolan had his Spring concert and Open House at his preschool. Before I even arrived in the parking lot, I became teary eyed. So many changes on the horizon for him and I am having trouble adjusting to them. Nolan, on the other hand, could not be more excited and ready.

As to be expected, the concert was cute, funny, and quite entertaining. Nolan participated most of the time. Every now his enthusiasum for the singing (and hand movements) would fade, but then he would spring back to life. Such cherished memories for sure!

I cannot believe he is nearing the end of preschool. How is this possible?? Wasn’t it just yesterday I was in my first go round of preschool registration craziness? (Big old sigh! )

Here are the pictures from the evening.

On Friday I met one of my girlfriends and her two little ones at the zoo. We had a great time and ran the kids ragged!

Although Griffin has been to the zoo before, this was the first time he really was able to take it all in. When he saw the giraffes and elephants, this normally very talkative little guy, was speechless. He pointed and moved his mouth, but no words came out. It was too funny!

Click here for the pictures.