The Amazing Weirdo

Kale is so amazing. He's an amazing weirdo, and so witty at the same time. You've heard living with a 3 year old is like living with a crazy person. It's so true! Oh my gosh, is it ever! Kale can tell you the wildest story about his teachers punching the kids in class. Or, how one kid was bleeding and then the teacher pushed him down and another kid hit him again. On Tuesday, I sat in the carpool lane watching him practice his Wii boxing moves on another little boy (just air, no contact). Uh yeah, he's been doing that a lot to us lately. There were 5 teachers standing by, but no one saw it, I almost honked my horn. I was cracking up in the car, but wanted him to stop. When he got in the car, I asked him who he was boxing. He acted like he didn't know what the hell I was talking about. I told him he was grounded from the Wii the rest of the afternoon. He said he was sorry. We then met Keith at Academy. Before we got there, I told Keith what I'd seen. When Keith opened the door, the first thing out of Kale's mouth was I'm sorry. Keith had a talk with him in the parking lot. And, then went into Academy and bought Kale a punching bag and gloves. Here kiddo, punch this...good message. When I picked him up on Thursday, the director was loading him into the car (like always) and Kale proudly announces to me "I DIDN'T PUNCH ANYONE TODAY MOMMY!!!". I smiled politely and said "Well...isn't that wonderful sweet pea!". Ms. Becky smiled back at me and shut the car door. :-)

I'm afraid my little boy is growing up...eek. Not really sure what stage this is called, but I can tell there is another section of Kale's personality blooming. A part of himself that is demanding respect and acknowledgment of just who he is. Fine. Fine. He really has learned so much this year and I'm continually proud of him. The week before Spring Break, I asked his teacher about how he was doing in school in a general way. She said he didn't have any enemies, that he was so sweet and really smart. Finishing up with "well, you've just done a great job with him". Ah. Be still my heart. That made me feel so good! 'Cause this stuff is hard work.

I've learned that it's hard to stay on top of my boys all the time. If you don't like them saying something or acting a certain way, it's got to be unacceptable at all times. Not just right then, but ALL the time. I know I can be hard on them at times and maybe I should lighten up a little. I know they feel hurt when they've disappointed me. I'm a yeller, but I'm trying hard to not be...as much. I know this time will pass me by and I want to be proud of the time they've spent with me. I still know how to have fun and I think my boys know that side of me, too. I'm a 'no-nonsense' kind of Momma, but I can be loving and funny, too. And, I am always in their corner no matter what, but when they're wrong, they're wrong. It's a tough world out there and I'm doing my best to prepare them for it. I am their biggest cheerleader, but also their coach. It's hard to be both, but it's what the job requires.

Testament

We didn't leave the house today and it was everything I'd hoped it to be. Fantabulous! Now with the time change it seems as if summer is right around the corner. The weather being in the 80's doesn't hurt either. I can't imagine it getting much warmer than what's it's been, but I know it does...dreadful.

Mack is really enjoying his tumbling class. He actually crawls on top of a mounting platform, reaches forward to touch the bar, grabs on, swings a few times and then lets go right into the middle of a hula-hoop. It is totally the highlight of his day. I'll have to get that on tape soon. He's also starting to make more sounds and a bigger attempt at talking. We know he's saying stuff, so we're working extra hard to make sense of those "words". Today he said "bath" for the first time, or at least, according to us it was his first time.

I think we've turned a corner with Mack. Now don't get me wrong, he's still lets us know when he's effing miserable, and you know how we know that? B/c we're effing miserable. (I feel like I've said this before...ah yes, I have. Well, this is a different corner...maybe) The Dums-Dums are still in effect, but we're using them less and less. Unfortunately this means we've been letting him roam the stores with us freely, which requires much more effort and attention on our part. But, at this age, it's what he wants...to be a big boy like his brother. It's difficult though, like a constant battle. Somedays I just don't have the energy to struggle with him, but I can't back down, b/c then all the groundwork I've done will have been for nothing. And, neither does he. So, there we are having words with one another in Ross.

Parenting never stops. There are no breaks. There's no just 15 minutes so you can finish your coffee. A quote that comes to mind right now is "It is an up-at-dawn, pride swallowing siege that I will never fully tell you about." (a la Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire). Perfect. It's in your face, balls to the wall, bracing yourself for punches. It is not for the faint of heart. It will make you test your limits. Limits you didn't even know you had! No, I'm not crazy. I'm in love.