FOUR!

Well, that went by fast! I cannot believe Oscar turned four today.

Oscar is still full of spunk! He is still a daredevil and never slows down. Life with him is always an adventure! Oscar loves to copy Felix and wants to be just like him. He is a chatterbox and asks a million questions a minute...all the way up to bed time! His love for me is out of this world. He is so completely attached and I LOVE it! He and Walter have a night time routine that only they can do together, it fills my heart with happiness. His sentences don't always make sense and he doesn't use the phrase "I guess so" correctly, but I absolutely love it! He can count to 40, he recognizes all shapes, letters, numbers and colors and it blows me away each time he finishes a puzzle in a matter of minutes.

Oscar Vincent, you are a powerhouse! Your determination and strong personality is amazing! I love every ounce of you! I love your scar even though it is a scary memory. I love your beauty marks. I love your chipped front tooth. I love all the little quirks about you, but what I love most is your zest for life! Everything is a little more exciting when you are a part of it and it makes life so much more fun! Happiest Birthday, Sweet babe! I love you beyond measure and will always be your biggest fan! Please keep questioning life, please keep loving as hard as you do and most of all please always know your family loves you BIG TIME!

Lucky #7

7!
Another year has come way too fast!

In Felix's 7 years he has experienced more than a lot of kids. And through it all he always is the happiest little person. I don't love one child more than the other, but now I know what people meant when they said it's a different love with each. My love for Felix comes from so deep within my soul. At times I feel like no one could possibly love him the way I love him. No one could possibly protect him the way I protect him. No one could possibly fight for him the way I fight for him...and then I remember that he has a HUGE following of people that love him. That will protect him. That will fight for him.

He is one of the most caring individuals I have ever met. He is respectful of all people no matter their differences. He loves all animals. He is sensitive. He loves his family. He loves Mother Earth. He truly is the whole package! People are drawn to him; his giggle, his big smile and his twinkle eyes light up the world.

Felix Rene, you make this world a better place. I try to imagine what road you will take when you're older, and no matter what it is I know you will make a difference in the world. You are a good human, I know your curious nature will bring lots of adventures! Always know I will always be along for the ride!

In the words of your favorite song;

And I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you

So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
I see your true colors
Shining through (true colors)
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
Ooh ooh ooh like a rainbow

I love you beyond measure, FeFi

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!