Monday, February 23, 2009

First Days

Call me Mother of the Year.

Last week began Peanut's school experience. There was much rejoicing (his) and a few tears (mine). Peanut is learning the hello and goodbye songs (okay, they're pretty cute) and also learning that there is no way his teacher, Boomer, and I are willing to let him ride the school bus. More on that in a bit.

Peanut's first day began with him sprinting out of the car toward his teacher, tripping over a crack in the sidewalk, and falling flat on his hands and knees in excitement as I'm yelling at him to hold my hand. To her credit, his teacher made sure he was all right before chuckling and telling me "we're good! See you in a couple of hours!" She then took my son by the hand and walked him into school. I went home and pouted. For five minutes. Since when am I not needed to referee and explain my son? Oh, wait, yeah. She's a professional. And I really like her. And she really likes my kid. I'm good now.

Since then, it's gotten easier. Dropping Peanut off makes his day, the kids seem to get along with him, and we're working on the not-riding-the-bus-temper-tantrum. It would probably be easier if the kid would deign to sit still for longer than ten seconds, but we're working on that. Slowly.

In the meantime, there are magnifying glasses to use, blocks to build, and of course, trains and cars to play with. And not throw at me. Maybe school will be good for him after all. As for me, well, I could get used to the quiet. Eventually. But I'm glad when I can pick up my child. That's the way it should be. All independent until it's time to come home. For both of us.

Call me Mother of the Year.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Vacation Wrapup

Call me Mother of the Year.

Has it really been two weeks?

Two weeks... where Opa and Company were amazed at how big Peanut is... where my little man went from three to four... where new independence was gained... where speed records were broken (and the sound barrier, come to that)... where three generations skied, slid, and generally bonded over skis, snow, and a certain harness that I'm swiping as soon as we get home.

It's been amazing here in Steamboat Springs, and if you get the chance to come and play, I highly recommend it. It's been beautiful, and I have pictures and video to prove it. There will be many stories told over again, and Peanut has had the time of his life. Best of all, he's doing his best to convince Boomer that he can do this all by himself. Granted, letting a four-year-old alone on the slopes is a REALLY bad idea, but hey, at least he's not afraid. Or so I remind myself. Hour by hour.

However, we're on to a new adventure: finding all of our stuff and packing it. We leave tomorrow, and I'm sure Peanut will find new adventures in the airport as we wait for our plane. Plus, we have the added bonus of seeing Nana and Papa and telling them all about our trip. For now, though, I'm running through my arguments as to why Peanut will not be able to fly the plane home. Wish me luck.

Call me Mother of the Year.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Peanut on Skis

Call me Mother of the Year.

After a week in Colorado, and one to go, there have been many adventures to report. Boomer is busy on the expert slopes, and thankfully has avoided injury (knock on wood). Opa is doing his level best to keep up with Peanut, and I am busily hanging out in front of a fire, under a blanket, enjoying peace, quiet, and a good book. Dream come true, kids. And then, there's Peanut.

Peanut has had two private ski lessons and has spent the rest of the week skiing with Boomer, Opa, and various cohorts. The lessons went fairly well, even after the instructor let the others know that any shrieks should be ignored. This one was GOOD!

After his successful lessons, it was time for the Boomer and Peanut show. There's a harness that parents can use to hold on to small ones while skiing. It's complete with reins (to let the kids go forth without being run over) and a handle (to pick them up after they fall). I've decided this will be useful for holding onto a certain small one at the park and on walks.

So far, Peanut has taken well to skiing. He loves going downhill with Daddy, and is quite proud of his new skill. Best of all, he comes off the slopes completely exhausted and ready for a nap. More chances for me to relax? Whatever will I do? I do believe a massage is in my near future.

Call me Mother of the Year.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Peanut the Pilot

Call me Mother of the Year.

Welcome to the vacation version of my blog!

We're in beautiful Colorado, where the skiing is awesome, Boomer is already investigating the expert slopes, and Peanut is finding new adventures. And they're finding him!

As we finally got on our flight to get here, Peanut decided to check out the cockpit. With the help of the super nice attendant, Peanut got to meet the pilots and play with the controls. The pilots, being equally nice, got a picture of Peanut with the pilot's hat on, at the controls, smiling away. And then he got to press ALL the buttons on his way to his seat! Quite the adventure! I'm sure the friendly skies are much safer with Peanut at the controls, but seriously, no four-year-old should be able to fly a plane. I'm just saying.

Today's big excitement is a birthday... Peanut the Boy Wonder is FOUR!!! For the record, the all caps is all Peanut. He is stoked about pizza for dinner and happy cake (according to Peanut, all cake is happy cake. Far be it for me to argue.). Tomorrow is his first ski lesson, and I'll be there with the video camera. Picture my fearless one on skis, and say a prayer for his safety... and the patience of his instructor. More when it occurs!

Call me Mother of the Year.