Hi Ho Cheerio!

Roller Coaster Ride

I have found that being a parent is very much like riding a roller coaster. There are definite ups and downs. Sometimes you feel like you are just going around in circles with no beginning and no end and sometimes you even feel sick to your stomach. Two weekends ago was one of those such times. It was Jay's first soccer game...and it was painful! Nick and I sat on the side, cheered the Fireball Tigers on and watched as these really young kids competed in the game like they knew what they were doing. Then Jay got on the field, got kicked in the shins, layed down and cried and had to be carried off by the coach...back to the side. UGH! Okay, I thought, no big deal, we'll encourage him to shake it off, be tough and get back out and try again. So, the next quarter the coached called Jay back in. I was hoping to see him run in, excited about getting another shot, after all we had just had a great pep talk. No such luck...he casually walks out, head down, not the picture of enthusiasm I was hoping for. Not five minutes later I hear myself cheering for the team and then have to yell "Jay!!! GET UP!!!" He was back on the ground crying players running all around him attempting to score a goal. Then once again, my heart sank as he was carried off the field. That was the last chance to play. He was defeated...he didn't even want a snack. I felt ten inches tall...not big enough for this ride.

As we left the soccer field that day questions and doubts were rolling around my mind. Where had I gone wrong? Was I too soft with him, did I need to toughen him up? Why is he so sensitive? How do we help him get through this season? Maybe he shouldn't play. Nick and I agreed though that we needed to stick it out for this season. I say we because quiting would be the preferred solution for me too at this point. So, Wednesday evening Nick and Jay return to practice and on the way come up with a game plan for getting hurt, tired, or just needing a break...talk to the coach rather than lay down and cry. So he agreed, if he got kicked and it REALLY hurt or if he just needed a time out he would ask for a break.

I guess having this out was the power he needed. Because this past weekend he played like I have never seen him play! I was amazed! He was aggressive and strong and tough, he got kicked, fell down and picked himself right back up and played some more. I loved every moment! I felt ten feet tall on the side lines. We won!!! I don't know what the score was, I don't even care because this was the biggest win for Jay. He even enjoyed his end of the game snack knowing that he had truly earned it.

Here are some photos from the game. Fortunately I forgot to bring my camera to the first game...I wouldn't have posted those photos anyway. This blog is not to embarrass my kids...well, not like that. This blog is about revealing who they are, their strengths, not their weaknesses. Here's to you Jay. I am so very proud of you!!!

Another thing about roller coaster rides is that they can be absolutely thrilling!!!

12 Years Ago...

...today, Nick and I were married in Cambridge England. What a beautiful twelve years it has been! I love you Nick and look forward to many more years together with you!

Photographed by Jenny Campbell. To see more of Jenny's work visit her website:

www.photojennette.com

Happy Half-Birthday Macie!!

Today, my niece Macie is six months old!!!

We love you Macie!!!

To see more of Macie go to her blog www.maciedays.blogspot.com

Brothers

It's a Zoo Out There!

Don't Do That!!!

Okay, so, I am trying to lose this baby fat...and it has been slow and painful. I have cut my calories to 1700/day, started jogging again (noticed I didn't say running), lifting weights and I have even been going to yoga. I love yoga! It is my favorite healthy thing right now and it isn't easy. It really is a great workout. My yoga instructor is in amazing condition and is very gracious...she hasn't once laughed at me or any of the other pathetically out-of-shape and incredibly inflexible participants. Anyway, each week I try to do better; stretch farther, hold the pose longer, etc...but I think I may have pulled something. I think it is an AMA thing (Advanced Maternal Age) as the injury has occurred in my hip.

Those of you who know me well know what a hypochondriac I am and how incredibly neurotic I can be when it comes to my or my family's health. I am chronically worried about cancer...cancer scares the *&^%$ out of me! So, any pain or ache or weird malady and I am headed to see the doctor...and if I can, get a CAT scan.

Well, I am in the office describing the pain...but it isn't there. He pushes here "does that hurt?"

"No."

He pushes there "how about that?"

"Nope."

"When does it hurt?"

So, I think for a moment...then I twist, no it doesn't hurt when I twist. Maybe it hurts when I bend over, so I bend over and try it out...no pain. Okay, I know for sure it hurts when I do this one particular yoga pose...so, I sprawl out on the floor, lift my hiney and legs into the air whilst supporting my lower back with my hands. I carefully lower my shoulders like I am told to do in class and slowly bring my toes down over my head and touch the floor. Yep, there it is! It's difficult to talk in this pose but I managed to utter "Doctor! it hurts when I do that!"

He looked at me and replied "Well, don't do that!"

*** Note: my stories always have at least 10% truth to them...

Seven Months...

Luke is seven months now!!! I can hardly believe it...time flies! He is a sweet baby. Right now he has one and a half lower teeth (one is just poking through). He can sit up all by himself and can get where he wants to go...almost. He is almost crawling and makes several attempts each day but has recently found it easier to just scoot on his tummy. He loves his baths and loves baby food...especially Cheerios! But the thing he loves the most...that always gets a smile is his big brother! Happy Seven Months Luke!!! I LOVE YOU!

He still loves those fingers.
First attempts at eating Cheerios...notice his neck...

Heelys

These are Heelys. Shoes with wheels in the heels. Jay and I have seen kids everywhere with these shoes, skating around malls, airports, parks, whereever. So, it didn't surprise me when he asked for a pair. So we struck a deal and after reading countless books he finally earned them. Two steps out of the shop and they were off...apparently Heeleys are more difficult to manage than those kids made them look. Neither one of us saw anyone struggle to stay upright the way he struggled thankfully we had the stroller to hang onto. I should have heeded the warning on the box. The one says I won't sue if my kid ends up with a broken arm...or worse. So, like the roller blades he came home donned the protective gear and practiced on the carpet, then on the floors holding onto me, then a brief venture outside which resulted in him removing the shoes...indefinitely.
Until yesterday. For some reason Jay desired to give it another try outside without me coaching (I don't know why) and all of a sudden it clicked. Here he is (no protective gear) Heelying down the neighbor's driveway.
Notice the tongue...very Michael Jordan!! And the arm...he used to hold it the same way when he was learning how to walk...I guess it works!