Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Spring is here. I’m ready for sunny, warm days and flip-flops on my feet. There have been a few warm days already, but it chilled down this week. I’m ready to pack up the winter coats and break out the shorts. Spring doesn’t last long here, it gets HOT quickly and summer takes over in the deep south.

The only thing I could live without is the horrible allergies that come with the pollen bloom. Geez! The pollen has been severe, and the boys and I were miserable the last two weeks. A few hours at soccer practice and we are covered in pollen and sneezing with itchy eyes. Everything outside is covered in a bright yellow dust, and we are running out of tissues.

Only time and rain help the pollen wash away and subside. There will only be a few days after the pollen and before the oppressive heat of summer when we can enjoy the beautiful green of spring and pollen free fresh air. The hot and humid temps will be here before we know it. Fingers crossed the Easter bunny will bring us some relief.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Haley woke up yesterday so excited that it was the first day of spring. To her, the calendar indicating spring means it’s automatically warm enough for her to wear a light floral dress. I had to gently break the news to her that in reality, snow was in the forecast.

I can empathize with her. I hate the long, dreary days of winter, and I know I’m not alone. I was chatting with a neighbor about the weather the other day and he said, “I’m fine with it staying cool. Just please, please let it be sunny!” Most people I know are deeply affected by continuous gray skies. It affects our moods, our ability to be productive and think clearly, as well as our energy levels.

Interestingly, children don’t seem to be as affected. As far as I can tell, Haley’s main priority is that it’s not raining so that she can have some playtime outside. Then again if it is raining, she is thrilled to don her big rain boots and coat and splash around in puddles. She could not care less if the temperatures are freezing—that’s what hats and gloves are for! I think kids prefer the sunny days of summer, but for the most part, they appreciate each day for what it is in a way that I envy.

I always feel anxious at the start of fall, knowing that we’ll often feel cooped up in the coming months. That means more bickering between children and less steam blown off before bedtime. Luckily, this time of year means many sunny days ahead. We’re more than ready to get back out there.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
In my life, spring means flowers, warmth, flip-flops, and baseball. I grew up playing softball and watching Red Sox games on TV.  I am enjoying watching my children take an interest in it, as well.

Jack just started another season of baseball. Jack is young enough to remain in the buddy ball league this year.  He’ll work with his coach (and us) on building a solid foundation of basic skills this year, in order to move up to the “big league,” next year.  He knows that will be very challenging.  He was happy with playing another year on the same team and gaining more confidence.   I am happy, too.  I‘ve seen the talent some of the older kids have demonstrated. I think Jack will perform better next year with another year in the younger league under his belt.

For the third year in a row, Jack is a Yankee, but we’ll let it slide again this year (We’re a Red Sox family.) I hope Jack’s team comes out with a win on opening day, unlike our beloved Sox.  As long as everyone is having fun, that’s all that matters.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
We’ve had a few nice weather days. Spring still has a long way to go in this neck of the woods, but we’re appreciating the short spurts of temperateness. It’s been nice to walk down the street without tons of layers on and my chest hurting from the cold. The warmth makes me feel a bit more carefree and there’s a new spring in my step. Haley is enjoying it too.

The best part of balmy days? Trips to the park, of course! Haley and I had a play date with some friends at a nearby playground last week. Haley was so excited to be there she almost couldn’t believe it. She bounded out of her stroller as soon as I unlatched her. She climbed, she swung, she rode and she slid. She was basically telling the park, “I’m back!”

While Haley pranced around her thawed-out territory, I was observing parents at the park and how they interact with their kids. Very quickly, one thing became clear about my style versus my peers: I hover. I am not the type to let Haley wander off or get much more than an arm’s length away from me. This might be because last summer, she ran off at a large, crowded playground when my back was turned and it was the most excruciating ninety seconds of my life. But I think this would be my nature no matter what.

In my opinion, the speed at which you can lose a child is too close for comfort. Haley can climb on a structure that’s too tall for her or get pushed off of one by an older kid. I think it’s great that some parents have the ability to let go a bit and give their children some freedom, but I’ve also seen many kids not supervised nearly enough. I don’t feel like I can take chances with Haley. Plus, every time I’m there to guide her, I feel I’m teaching her how to better handle the world around her.

Others may say my approach is overkill. To each his own. I’m just glad it’s finally warm enough to play.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Jack’s class started studying plants in Science class. Jack and his classmates are learning about how plants grow. They’ll be planting numerous seeds and bulbs in various soils.  The students will make predictions, observe changes and record their experiment results.  Jack is also learning all about parts of a flower and what makes them grow.

Over spring break, several flowers and trees started blooming.  Not only are the flowers pretty to look at while walking through the neighborhood, they are also a great visual learning tool.  Jack gave his little brother a lesson about the stem, petals and stamen.  We even saw a bumblebee feeding on nectar.  It was sweet to listen to their educational conversation.  Of course, by the end of our walk they were popping off flowers and making them “die.”  Boys will be boys. I ended up with a beautiful bouquet of what were essentially weeds, but they were picked with love.

I am excited to hear Jack describe his class’s project findings.  All this flower talk is inspiring me to plant some of our own flowers.  Lets hope tomorrow (spring) brings us all sunshine for weeks to come.

From Friday Mom – Erin:
As we prepare to move our clocks an hour ahead this weekend, I am preparing myself for what the shift in time will do to Rory’s schedule. He consistently goes to bed in the same thirty minute window each night. Likewise, he wakes up in the same thirty minute window each morning.

If I had been thinking about it, I would have tried to start stretching him a bit more each day this week so that the weekend’s transition wouldn’t be as abrupt. Unfortunately, I didn’t even think of it until yesterday, at which point that tactic was already too late.

So, rather than worry about how long it will take for all of us to adjust to our shifted schedules, I am trying to focus, instead, on what more daylight hours each day will mean: longer trips to the park; playing outside after dinner; enjoying the warming (I hope) weather on our family’s deck; coming home from daycare in daylight. As Rory becomes more and more mobile, I know having a little extra light outside while burning off his excess energy will be a welcomed change. As long as I remember to actually change the clocks…

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Major League baseball is in full swing.  My favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, won their opener over their arch-rival, NY Yankees.  We’ll see how long the Red Sox can maintain the winning trend.  It is also Jack’s baseball season to play Baseball.  Ironically, Jack’s team – for the second consecutive year – is the Yankees.  He has team practices and is gearing up for their first game next week.

My husband and I are impressed how much Jack’s hand-eye coordination has improved. We practice with Jack, but the increase in physical size and strength has made the real difference in his skills.  He hits just about every pitch and catches nearly every hit that comes his way.  He is also playing with new found confidence.

We look forward to watching Jack continue to improve this season.  He is getting ready for the “big league” next year.  There is no count this year, no outs and no umpire.  Every player gets a chance up to bat three times.  Next year, Jack learns what the strike zone is as well as balls, strikes and outs.  Jack has a lot to work on between now and then, but I’m happy to see him improve and excited to play.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Spring has sprung at our house.  Last weekend we rejuvenated our garden and planted vegetables.  Jack loves to help his daddy water them daily and of course play in the dirt.  This year we are growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, carrots and a few herbs.  Last year we grew from seed.  This year we aren’t as patient, so hopefully the plants will take off in the next few weeks.  We love to make fresh salsa.

One problem that comes with Spring is the copious amounts of pollen.  Just about everything outside is green/yellow in color.  Jack helped plant flowers in pots, mowed the lawn and cut back a few “weeds.”  I’m pretty sure it was a blade of grass, but nonetheless he was a big helper.  Our yard, porch and deck all look revived, with pretty colors that shine through the pollen.  Hopefully we’ll be able to swing, ride bikes and eat outside without breathing the pollen.

Wherever you live, Spring has officially arrived.  Whether it’s warm, cold or in between, go outside and smell the fresh air.  I am enjoying every minute of it since our Summer here is intolerable.  Welcome Spring!

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Mississippi living has its ups and downs.  Last week our weather was a huge “up.”  After several weeks of record lows, we had several days of near 80 degree temps with blue skies and brilliant sunshine.  Our family has been outdoors as much as possible. The air is warm enough to enjoy the shorts and t-shirts.  The summer here is a rough mix of humidity and mosquitoes that makes us dream of record lows.  The spring and fall are the only months when we can really enjoy the outdoors, so we are not wasting a moment.

Parks, playgrounds, and day drips made for a great long weekend. A local children’s museum was a great hands on learning experience for Jack.  Tate spent that trip in a carrier with his dad, but they both enjoyed it. The local park was a great escape for both boys and Tate got his first swing ride. He was all smiles. Staying active can be hard, but we are trying to make a point of it every weekend.

Spring weather can change quickly here. Severe weather can spoil the best weekend. Thankfully, this weekend the weather held out. I am sure winter will snap back before the daffodils bloom, but it is nice to know that spring is right around the corner.

This past weekend my family and I took a trip to that wonderful store, Lowes.  We had a few things on our list to purchase and as usual, we ended up buying a few additional items.  One of those items was a little Elmo tomato growing kit.  Having some marketing experience, the Lowe’s team knew exactly where to place this display, right up front by the main door.  What a great way to attract little kids and have them beg and beg and beg to take it home.  Jack won the battle and we are now going to attempt to grow some cherry tomatoes.

When we got home from the store Jack and daddy assembled the little plants.  He taught Jack the basics of growing a plant like sufficient watering, sunshine and patience.  Once the plants germinate we will transfer them to other pots and hope we are successful at growing at least one.  The first thing Jack does in the morning now is to check on his plants to see if anything has changed.  Still nothing, but soon enough we’ll see something sprout.

If Jack has a green thumb I’ll be impressed.  I don’t seem to have much luck with any kind of plant unless it’s something that doesn’t need much attention.  As much as he cares about these plants, I bet he’ll be a happy camper when he actually sees some tomatoes on the vine or not so happy when he doesn’t.  Either way, he will learn about responsibility and how certain things in life might not always turn out the way you want them to.