Monday, August 24, 2009

All Grown Up... For Now

Call me Mother of the Year.

Today was the day Peanut and I have both been looking forward to- first day of school. More importantly, first day on the school bus. We were having our "thou shalt stay seated on the school bus" discussion when Peanut asked if I was riding the bus with him. The crunching sound you hear would be my heart. No, I explained that the bus was for big kids like himself. Thankfully, his driver let me get a picture of him on the bus. It was enough. And I hauled myself into the house before he saw me wipe a tear. Pregnancy hormones and big moments just do not mix well. Of course, he did just fine at school and on the bus, and his driver complimented me and him for his fine manners. Apparently he thanked the driver for taking him to school and for bringing him home. That's my boy. There were many hugs and a request for milk. And there was much rejoicing.

Later on, Boomer and I took Peanut along to my checkup. Peanut had a fine time charming my midwife and her nurse, and helping himself to suckers. The best was when he thanked her and asked if Mommy and Daddy could have suckers too. When his request was granted, he immediately handed them over to us. My kid is awesome.

Peanut has finally heard the baby... okay, he's heard the baby's heartbeat... and he's quite excited by this. He's also heard his heartbeat, Boomer's heartbeat, and was doing his level best to hear the midwife's before Boomer and I put a stop to his requests. It's been a full day for my baby- who isn't a baby anymore. Sooner I realize that, happier I'll be. For now, though, he's curled up with his head under the pillow, visions of vanilla ice cream with sprinkles no doubt bouncing through his dreams. And tomorrow is another day of adventure.

Call me Mother of the Year.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Brotherly Love

Call me Mother of the Year.

I'm having a lazy day today with Peanut due to the fact that preschool starts tomorrow. And I'm feeling lazy, but that's beside the point. We're making sure all supplies are properly marked and ready to go for tomorrow, but we're still taking time to hang out.

Peanut realizes that he no longer fits comfortably on my lap, so if I'm sitting or lying on the couch, it's hug time. The new favorite game is "Squeeze" (fairly self-explanatory) and the idea of Peanut and Papa. During the day, I'm the favorite target. And quite happy about it.

So this afternoon Peanut decides it's time to squeeze me. He comes flying at me and accidentally lands on my belly. Right on his unborn sibling's head. Figures. I explain that's not a good idea, and Peanut asks if he can feel the baby. I have no objection, and my favorite moment of the afternoon occurs.

Peanut leans in, and whispers to my stomach "Hi baby. It's me, Peanut. Don't be scared."

And my heart melts.

Was I really concerned about how Peanut would do with this big brother idea? Granted, it'll be a whole different ball game when the baby makes its appearance. For right now, though, smart money says my little man will make a terrific big brother.

Call me Mother of the Year.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Time for Sleep

Call me Mother of the Year.

Today begat new adventures in the life of Peanut. Somewhere, surely, grandparents are laughing.

The day began at the obscene hour of 5:30 a.m. It's obscene because Baby the Second has a habit of kicking me awake (literally) at 4:00 a.m. For once, Peanut was not the first to herald the day. Doggy Luke received that dubious honor. Boomer got up to escort Doggy to his morning chase-the-rabbits-and-sniff-the-yard experience and was heard muttering "if you wake the kid I will kill you". No sooner than Doggy and Boomer come back to bed, Peanut decides to blast us awake at full volume. He stood in the middle of our room and bellowed "MORNING, MOM AND DAD!!" Sadly, he could not understand why we were less than amused by this. The greeting was followed by an hour's worth of "go back to sleep, Peanut; it's too early to be awake."

Boomer got his revenge later. After Peanut fell asleep in the car on the way home, he and Boomer both took naps this afternoon. Boomer came into Peanut's room and gently told him it was time to wake up. Peanut opened one eye, looked at Boomer, and stated the obvious:

"It's too early, Daddy. Go back to your room, and go to sleep."

And Boomer had to stifle his laughter. Peanut was eventually lured out of bed with the promise of his water table and sandbox (not necessarily in that order). A grand time was had by all. Hopefully, Peanut has learned why 5:30 is not an acceptable wake-up time. Somehow, I have my doubts.

Call me Mother of the Year.