He is off!

Yesterday marked Oscar's first day in pre school. We didn't do much prepping. After the fiasco at East Portland we didn't want to talk too much about it. Once we heard Nancy was opening her own, we knew that was where we belonged.

Monday night I felt really good about it all. I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be for Oscar...or for Nancy. I didn't tear up. I was actually really excited for him. We talked to him about seeing Teacher Ancy and he seemed to really like the idea.

Tuesday morning hit! I pulled his clothes out...and teared up! Again I wasn't too nervous, but I was sad. I was a little heartbroken. He is my baby, what if I don't get the chance to have another? What if this is the last kid I am sending off? What if he poops and we aren't there to help? What if he screams like he does? What will I do with my time? Some of the mornings Walter and I will have time to ourselves, WHAT? All of those questions went through my head!

Turns out, he was READY! We hung around for a little bit after drop off. He went right in and started playing. He was smiling. He was happy. He said goodbye and we left! He had an amazing first day! When I asked him about it, he actually told me! He played with trains, puzzles, had a cookie and did glitter! My heart cannot be happier. I am at ease with the transition. I am at ease knowing he has Nancy. I am at ease knowing she is not one bit fazed by his energy.

Oscar Vincent, You are going to do big things! I know you are going to do great in school. I know you are going to build amazing friendships. We are so happy that you love it just like FeFe loved it! Happy first week of school, Sweet Potato! I love you beyond measure and look forward to hearing about every day!

New Year

Today officially marks the last day of Summer vacation. I loved our week together. I loved soaking up nine whole days with the boys. 

Tomorrow Felix begins first grade. I have a pit in my stomach. I know many parents are ready for their kids to return to school, that's not me. Although I work Monday through Friday, I absolutely love my mornings with the boys. I love knowing Felix is having the best vacation. I love being able to call him during the day to hear his voice. I am the mom that would be 100% content being home with them everyday. Being a mom to Felix and Oscar is my favorite job in the entire world! 

First grade will be a transition. I worry about every aspect. I worry about his relationships with new classmates, I worry about his connection with his teacher, his lunch, his reading. You name it, I worry.  I know there will be no comparison to Kindergarten, but it felt like home. I loved walking Felix into class every morning. 

Felix, first grade is waiting. Watching you walk in the doors tomorrow will be bittersweet, but I know you're ready! I love you and am so proud of you! 

Free to be 3

3 years old! I cannot believe it! It has happened so fast. This year was a roller coaster, but we really enjoyed watching Oxy grow! 

Oscar is full of life. He is attached to me (I love it), idolizes Felix, and loves snuggling with Walter. He is a physical kid. He loves to run, jump, climb (Felix was the opposite, very cautious). He is strong willed and still very opinionated. There are hard days, but we have learned to much from being his parents. He can be very loud and it can be embarrassing, but no dirty look in the world will make me silence him. His love for life is powerful! 

Oscar Vincent, your dimple smile lights up the room. Your spunk and silly personality is contagious! Your sweet kisses make my heart skip a beat! I love you beyond measure. You are my SUPER! Thank you for bringing so much adventure into our lives! 

Heart Full

Last year I said it had been the hardest year as a mother...well this year surpassed it! This year tested every piece of me! We got through it, we are all happy, healthy and still full of love. I am a better mom because of everything and again I am so proud of myself. Never in my life would I think I would have to advocate so intensely for my family, but this year I did and I did it with pride. 

My favorite rolls in life are being a mom to my boys and partner to Walter. 

I hope all the mother's in my life had a fantastic day celebrating. 

Creative Science

At each drop off I am reminded of how amazing Felix's school is. For our family it is more than a school, it has been a way of life. We chose this school for Felix because we wanted something different. We wanted a place where he'd thrive, something other than the traditional classroom. Felix walks into school with a smile. A smile that so many people comment on. A smile that tells me this is where he belongs. 

Last week, Felix was late to school because he had a dentist appointment. When we walked into his classroom three of his friends greeted him with hugs, smiles and to talk about what they were going to play. What a welcoming crew! Just when I thought it couldn't get better, it did! Felix's teacher called him over to the job table, smiled and said, "Now our class is complete." 

Again, I was reminded that we picked the right choice for our family. As a parent it feels AMAZING to know your child is in a place that is safe and where people care. And I can proudly say that his classroom is full of 22 students and 2 teachers that all care and look out for each other. It's the best feeling! 

C.S.S is our home!

Six

Everyone told me it goes by fast, boy were they right! It's bittersweet for me. I love that Felix is growing up, at the same time it is so hard. 

This year has brought many new stages. Felix now gets embarrassed if we give him too much love at school, if we say certain things or bring too much attention to him. He still loves hard and is one of the most caring individuals. He still likes to hold hands, cuddle at home and talk about life. He really is one of the sweetest people in my life and not just because he is my child! He is a nice kid. A kid that other kids like to be around. He is so inquisitive and loves learning new facts about animals. He LOVES school and LOVES his family. 

Felix Rene,

You bring so much happiness to so many peoples lives! Your smile and giggle are contagious! I love every ounce of your being, and every little beauty mark! I am thankful for having you. You make my life better. You are the reason I fight so hard. Happiest 6th Birthday, Groundhog! You complete me!