Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Friday Mom – Jaime:
It’s late. Very late. I’m tired. And the Yankees lost… Not like they didn’t deserve that outcome based on the lousy way they played last night… I think they all need remedial baseball lessons in the off-season.

But that’s not really what I came here to write about tonight…

Last week I wrote about how Andrew was begging to do karate with his friends at daycare. Well, I caved. (Not like that should come as a surprise to anyone…) I signed him up yesterday. His first lesson will be in a few hours. And I’d be lying if I said anything other than “this could be a complete disaster.”

They do karate in the hallway. The same hallways that Andrew likes to tear through at a dead sprint every single day.This  boy does not – ever – walk through them. He certainly doesn’t stop, stand in a straight line with the other kids, and listen for instructions. (At least not with me anyway.)

One of his good friends, Brady, is also taking karate. I’ve seen the two of them fight without the benefit of either of them knowing how to throw a punch or kick…

Like I said, this may not end well. He may hate it. But at least he was willing to try something new.

And now…it’s time for bed. Have a good weekend everyone.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Today I had the opportunity to chaperone a field trip with Jack’s class.  We went to the Fire Station.  Jack asked about this trip for weeks. He loves fire trucks.  Ever since he learned to make the siren sound he’s been into them.  He is teaching Tate all the noises fire trucks make and even building them with his Legos.

When we arrived at the station, we were introduced to all the firemen on duty.  They work a 24-hour shift three days a week.  The firemen showed the kids where they eat, sleep and work. The kids also viewed a museum that housed a lot of antique fire equipment.  The kids asked a lot of pointed questions. We were even able to see their old Dalmatian, Roxy.  Poor Roxy was a little overwhelmed, with twenty four four year olds in her face.  She handled it well and ventured back to her bed.

One of the main reasons the school tours the station is for fire safety. In the event of a rescue, a child might be scared of a man dressed in a large coat, pants and a scary mask. One of the firemen dressed in his gear piece by piece to demonstrate to the kids how every part of his body is protected.  He explained how he uses his air tank and mask to breathe. Jack liked the “Darth Vader” sound it made. If Jack ever needs to be rescued by the fire department hopefully he remembers his training.

An emergency call came through while we were touring. It turned out to be defective smoke alarm at a local business.  Some of the firemen left in their fire truck to tend to the problem.  The kids were “fired” up to see the truck leave with its sirens on. Finally, the kids were able to crawl all over the remaining fire truck and push its many buttons.  They were all thrilled to receive a red plastic fireman’s helmet.  I was thrilled to spend the morning with my son and his class. We both enjoyed ourselves and learned something in the process.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
At the moment, my dear hubby is in Las Vegas, celebrating a friend’s bachelor party. While I’m glad that he’s getting a much-needed break, the trip brings into full focus the reality of my new role as a mom. Just a few weeks ago, a good friend of mine had her bachelorette party in Vegas. I could not go. The logistical reality of being away from a child you are breastfeeding aside; I know that even under the best of circumstances, leaving Haley for a few days while I’m across the country is not something I can handle. Maybe I will be able to “one day,” but today is not that day.

I have enormous respect for single parents. Just this evening I was getting ready to give Haley her bath on my own, and it was difficult! By the evening, she’s usually pretty fussy. I couldn’t put her down or else she’d scream. Holding her with one arm while I put her baby tub in the bathtub and got her various supplies ready was anything but simple. When our dog dawdled in the yard during his final “outside time,” I was scrambling back in constantly to listen at her door and make sure she was still asleep. I ate dinner quickly, knowing that if she needed something at any given moment, it was all up to me.

I stay at home with Haley, so you would think a few more hours of the same wouldn’t be such a big deal. Now I know just how much I have come to rely on his help and a bit of a break in the evenings. Luckily he’ll only be gone a few days, and we’re getting closer and closer to a time when I’ll have a chance to let loose myself.