Oscar Stew

In a few days my baby going to school. He is ready. I am ready (I think). It’s going to be different, but it’s going to be great! The only thing I can’t wrap my mind around, is how I got to this point so quickly. Seems like just last month Drew was a chubby, babbling toddler. Now he is a full fledged kid. That makes me feel really old.

Drew’s been itchin’ to do more than hang out at home for the last couple months. My mom always said that once a child could reach over his head and touch the opposite ear, he was ready for school. 

He’s definitely ready. I’m feeling the sting of how much I’m going to miss him being all mine, and how my world is going to change.  I’ll miss being able goof around all day in our jammies. I’ll miss walking to the park every morning. I’ll miss his help with the girls and thoughtful gestures.

I won’t have control over the things that influence him anymore. He will be exposed to so many things, good and bad.

I’ll miss being spontaneous. No more packing up and heading out on all day excursions during the week. No more picnics at the park. We’ll have to embrace a more “scheduled” routine and take advantage of the weekends.

I’m excited for the experiences he is going to have, things I just can’t give him. I’m excited to watch him learn, grow and make new friends. I’m excited to have a few hours to focus on the girls. I’m excited to have a reason to leave the house twice a day!

I’ll worry about him. I’ll miss him like crazy. But I know he is where he needs to be, and probably having the time of his life. He’s going to love it! I hope I will too…

Last week started off with a bang. Drew got a box o’ goodies from Grandma & Grandpa J congratulating him on his departure from training wheels. Note the pangs of jealousy on Brinley’s face.

Not to worry, G&G J made sure to send Brinley a little somethin’ somethin’ just for being cute. An automatic bubble blower - no more huffing and puffing for this girl!

Rowan learned to salute. At ease, soldier.

CTR Boy & Girl used their special powers to push Daddy out of the garage. (CTR = Choose the right)

They lingered until the garage had closed and Daddy was out of sight. They made sure to yell “NO SPEEDING!” Daddy promised not to go faster than 400 mph.

We discovered that Rowan is a belly sleeper. We are getting nice long naps out of her now, which is sooooo nice!

After fighting like cat & dog, D&B got sent to their rooms. It was awfully quiet and after investigating further, this is what I found…

And in trouble again later the same day… Maybe I should clarify that they need to go to their own rooms?

I’m on a quest to capture Rowan’s sweet little smile on camera. She is such a teaser!

I sent the kids out to the backyard so I could mop the floor. They decided to take turns mopping the floor instead. Would you argue?

Rowan found the perfect place to sit & watch the sun go down.

We graffitti’d the driveway. again.

We watched another storm roll in. This time it resulted in a tornado warning which sent us to the basement.

That night the kids were afraid to sleep alone, so I let them go “camping.” When it was time for lights out, Rowan got smothered in kisses. She looks a little worried!

Drew caught a cricket and made him a lovely home in a mayo jar. Drew thought he might like to dine on cantelope seeds, poor guy ended up drowning in them.

I tried to cram all three of my babies into the same tub. rub-a-dub-dub.

Drew made up his own little game. Rules: Spread books all over the floor, then throw a ball, if it lands on a book you made a goal. If it lands on a book with a frog on the cover you lose a turn. We played this game for hours.

Brinley slaved in the kitchen all day making dinner.

The kids got to conference call Daddy.

I don’t know what was more exciting, talking to Daddy at the same time, or hearing each others voices over the phone.

The city’s project to fix crumbling sidewalks invaded our driveway today. After the workers left Drew stated that they must be at Home Depot shopping for new sidewalk.  

In the meantime the kids get to play in a hole filled with dirt. Nothing more enticing than that!

Having a guinea pig around is both a blessing and a curse. Drew loves his piggy, and I love the friendship he has with the little guy. I also love that we have been able to teach Drew several things by relating them to the guinea pig. The benefits definitely outweigh all the extra work involved with having pets.

Two months ago we planted our second annual “Guinea Garden.”  The kids planted seeds, faithfully watered their gardens and watched the seedlings grow. We’ve already harvested all of the radishes and the lettuce is still going strong. Drew has been patiently waiting for the carrots to mature because they are Oscar’s favorite treat.

The kids planted their seeds a little too close together, so it’s no suprise when we pull up one carrot and get two! Can you tell that Oscar can barely contain his excitement? Down piggy!

Drew’s thumb is turning green. We are concerned. Wait, no we’re not.

Mmmmm, tasty! Oscar always goes for the greens first, and saves the best part for last…