To Patrick on his sixth birthday.

Dear Patrick,
This morning as I stood around the playground with the other moms, I was reminded of how much you have grown.    
Here are things that 6 year old Patrick can proudly do:
Whistle
Reach the milk from the top shelf
Buckle and unbuckle your new messenger bag :)
Ride in a boat and go tubing on the lake (without mom and dad)
Conquer big water slides
Swim and dive
Shoot baskets
Make Eggo waffles
Read and write books
Kill and dispose of spiders and pincher bugs

The list goes on and on. The more you conquer, the more you want to do.  Every fear you overcome, another one melts away, completely forgotten.

I cherish every moment I have with you.  You, the self-described: "Talker" can weave a story that seems so real, I am left to question where the lines are blurred.  Your imagination will serve you well throughout your life, never stop dreaming and planning. 

I cried on your first day of First Grade.  Not because I was sad but because you are my hopes and dreams.  As much as I would like to keep you close to me forever, I know that I have to send you off into the world because you are going to make this planet a better place.  I pray that your love, kindness and creativity will flourish and grow to your benefit and the benefit of others. 

 Baby Patrick 2005

Your brother and sister are very lucky to have a big brother who loves and cares for them the way you do.  When you think I'm not listening, I hear you talk to Keith like you are a Little Mommy, giving him comfort and direction.   It is amazing to witness such a huge heart tucked into such a small body!

I love you Knick-Knack.  I'm glad you love celebrating your birthday so much!  More fun to come tonight!!!!
We don't stop with forbidden McDonalds and colorful cupcakes!

I love you!
Mama

Two first days, one blog post

Here's Patrick, bright and early on his first day of the First Grade.  "King of Cool" 

The remanants of the first day of school breakfast. 

A big boy with a messenger bag.  Helpful hint: make sure your kid can open and close his bag before the first day of school.  We eventually figured it out but it wasn't pretty.  He was happy that he could still take his new bag.  I was happy that the bag was actually closed.

We came to school bearing bags of "suggested" classroom supplies.  I was happy to secure all of the items on the list.  The hitch?  The teacher didn't need all of the items on the list, including the glue that we made a special trip for GRRRR.  reverse process.

Patrick had a good first day (and second day).  He kept describing it as REALLY long.  We're working out our scheduling and routine, soon it will be smooth sailing. 


Keith has been.... behaviorally challenged the past few days.  I attribute it to his growing anticipation and anxiety about starting school.  He wanted to start on Monday with Patrick but he had to wait (impatiently).  Finally, the day arrived.  He picked out his own outfit, it happened to be the same shirt he picked to wear  to church....hmmm.  We've been having the it's preschool, not church conversation for months now.  As much as he wants to start school, he is clearly nervous about the big leap.

But he rallied and was perfectly happy.

And back to his old self within minutes.

I tried to tell his teachers that he isn't anything like Patrick.  They had to really see it to believe it. 

After one day they are charmed and convinced. We'll see what tomorrow brings.  I will say this, he had MUCH better behavior tonight than the past four days.  I even let him play with modeling clay, scissors and the garden hose. Three things he is usually not allowed to touch!  Here's to the corner...and turning it.

Oh, one more thing.  Keith was so excited that he got to play with Play-Dough at school.  I heard Patrick tell him, "You're lucky Keith, I didn't get to play with play-dough.  I had to do work all day."  Right work, in between the puppet shows, recess, and visits to the treasure box room with the Nintendo DS.  First grade is tough (and long)!

A Very Short Post

Acid reflux sucks.
  
Nap please.

I have a lot to say to you, but no time to say it.  Maybe later, be patient.