Preschooler!

Something BIG happened around our house this past week...

How is it possible my sweet baby boy is old enough for pre-K?

I really didn't anticipate all of the emotions I would have the morning of his first day!  The night before, I started taking trips down memory lane and got teary eyed remembering him as a itty bitty newborn from the hospital and laughing about his toddler troubles.  However, the morning of, I was a bit of a mess.  Even though leading up to this day Jaxon was super excited to go to school, all of the sudden he didn't want to, claiming he had already gone!  (to Parents Night, that is!  Ha!)  

However, he finally calmed down as we tried to remind him of the fun activities and friends he would make.  Mama, on the other hand, still struggled calming down.  :)

I didn't cry until after I walked out of the school, but I just had this PIT in my stomach that wouldn't go away.  Realizing this boy will go to school the rest of the years he lives at home was hard to swallow... it just felt like all of the sudden he was no longer a "child" and now someone who goes to school and has homework. 

Cohen and I had a super fun morning alone... we stopped for a Starbucks treat, and then headed to the park to feed the ducks and play at the playground.  I'm not sure which of us enjoyed our time alone more!

Before we knew it, it was time to pick big brother up!  Cohen greeted him with THE BIGGEST hug and my heart turned to mush. 

He had a great first day.  His teacher reported that he was shy and "observing" at first (totally Tyler's personality!) but came out of his shell within an hour.  When I picked him up, he told me he didn't want to leave... so that was a great sign!

So proud of my big boy.  Watching them grow up is such a bittersweet thing, one that I hope to never take for granted.

Oh, Coco bear.

One week from tomorrow Jaxon will be starting preschool, so we are soaking in every last minute of summer that we can!  Tyler's Mom and siblings came for a visit last weekend (which we thoroughly enjoyed!) and the summer heat has finally hit with full vengeance... of course, after pools are closed during the week.  Sweet!

Anyway.

I feel like I've probably mentioned a time or two on my blog how much different Jaxon and Cohen are in just about every way possible.  The way they look, their personalities, their likes and dislikes, and I could continue for days.

Instead of boring you with paragraph upon paragraph of their differences, I will sum it up with one simple story.

Every day when we sit down at the table to eat, Jaxon asks for a napkin to put underneath his plate or bowl.  He doesn't like messes.

Today at lunch, he asked for one, and I had to break the bad news that we were actually out of napkins.  I know, the horror!  He proceeded to cry and tell me a few different reasons WHY he needed one, so I found him a washcloth to use instead.  That temporarily satisfied him, but I have a feeling dinner time tonight will be a completely different story.

Also during today's lunch, we were talking about how Cohen had left his Mr. Monkey out in the yard earlier in the day while he was playing outside.  Jaxon was telling him that it wasn't a good idea to do that, because now it would be dirty, and what if birds would have stolen his monkey?!

Cohen's response?  "I kill da birds with my hands."

I laughed out loud, Jaxon was appalled, and we continued eating.

A couple minutes later, Cohen starts laughing and I look up to find he has shoved a macaroni noodle UP his nose.  I quickly tell him to take it out, give him a lecture on how it could get stuck up there, and helloooo that's disgusting.

He laughs his evil laugh, BLOWS IT OUT OF HIS NOSE.... and eats it.

Complete opposites in every way possible.

When I don't deserve it.

A couple days ago, I got home and saw an unexpected package on my front step.  Knowing I hadn't ordered anything recently, I was excited to run inside and open it, and once I did, I was floored. 

You guys, I've been a craptastic friend lately.  The past few months of my life I almost feel like I've been in a daze of some sort, and have had a major case of feeling sorry for myself.  Really craving and praying for friends, but not being a friend myself.  You know that old saying, "to have a friend, you have to be a friend" has proven true!

Even after having this awful attitude, a sweet girl (who has moved away) went way above and beyond and sent a package for my boys.  She thought of everything -- the feelings of excitement and change that are coming for our family, and even sent some money for Cohen to take me for a special treat on Jaxon's first day of school.



As much as I appreciated it, this simple act of thoughtfulness really inspired me.

To be more thoughtful.  To give more and be selfless.  To reach out and make someone else's day.  To give 100% to relationships, even when I feel like I'm the only one trying.

Thank you, Andrea, for being a true friend to me... even when I don't deserve it.

Have a happy Friday friends!  We have company coming for the weekend, and I am hosting a Women's movie night at the barn (on our church property)!  Should be fun... what are you up to?

Jaxon - 4 1/2.

Well Mr. Man... another 6 months has flown by in the blink of an eye.

You really are the most gentle and tender hearted child I know.  You have a sweet and sensitive spirit, so instead of parenting how we assumed was best, we've had to take a step back and really dig in deep to who you are as we try to figure out how that little mind of yours operates!

You THRIVE on positive words and it amazes me how much you repeat those kind words to others, the more you hear them!

Your obsession with Legos and Batman continues, and you LOVE to build and create with blocks or Legos... and dude, you're an amazing builder.  You also enjoy playing hide and seek, chase, and searching for pirates in the backyard.  It makes me so happy seeing your imagination grow!

Of course, your friendship with Cohen continues to get stronger by the day as well.  One of my favorite moments recently was when your brother came out of his room crying, and before I could even see what was wrong, you yelled from your room, "Cohen, if you're scared, come sleep with me!"  You two slept together that night, and Cohen's bed has been in your room ever since.

Preschool starts in 2 short weeks!  You'll be going 3 mornings a week, and I'm really looking forward to it. Of course, my feelings may change the day of, but I think the routine and instruction from your teachers will only help us!

You've started getting yourself dressed (or attempting to, which is great!), and you can now put your own shoes on as well, which is a big help to Mommy.  Realizing how much "less" you've needed me to help you lately has been bittersweet, for sure.

One of my favorite things about this age is how I'm able to have a conversation with you.  We had a chance to go to the store one-on-one recently, and we talked the entire way there!  You're full of questions and definitely have a mind like your Dad's, trying to understand the who/what/when/where/why of everything.  I love it.

You're also an incredibly affectionate boy.  You love to have your back scratched, and physical touch of some sort always helps calm you down or reassure you.

You are a true gift from God.  Jaxon Daniel, we love you to the moon and back!

Weekend away.

This past weekend, Tyler and I drove 6 hours north to Okoboji, where his best friend from childhood was getting married.

We packed and loaded the car within an hour...
We had peace and quiet and actual CONVERSATIONS (and naps)...
We stayed out late and slept in...
We rode roller coasters...

We didn't have any fun at all.  :)

Have I mentioned how thankful I am for parents that actually WANT to spend time with their grand babies?  As we were walking out the door to leave, I thanked my Mom for staying with them and she replied, "no... thank YOU!"

I love it so much.

Adam (the groom) has been Tyler's best friend since 5th grade, so being back on their old stomping grounds in Okoboji was tons of fun, and I lost count of the hilarious stories they told about the trouble they got in during their summers there.

On top of Tyler being a groomsmen, I was also asked to be their photographer, which was great!  For 6 summers straight, Adam worked the roller coaster at Arnold's Park, so he had this idea for a wedding party shot.  They would stop the roller coaster underneath this sign, and I would stand below to take the picture... sounds easy enough.  What he failed to mention to me, was how I would have to climb the cat walk next to the roller coaster (way up high), then step ACROSS the tracks, in order to get the shot.

It was worth it.  But if you know me at all, you know this was a HUUUGE stretch for me... I am terrified of heights!

It was a very unique wedding... the romantic ceremony on a boat, this roller coaster shot, and a lot of fun details throughout.  Except for this one groomsmen who kept hitting on me throughout the day..... ;)

The weekend went by lightning quick, but we loved every second away, as well as the hugs and kisses we got from the boys as we pulled in the driveway Sunday evening.

"MOMMMMYYYYYY!!!  DADDDDDYYYYY!!!  WE MISSED YOU!"... it never gets old.