Solo Skater

Last week, Will had his first solo skating lesson-- no more "Parent & Me" classes!

Getting dressed in the lobby went as usual-- with Will jumping around and unable to sit still while Bill tried his best to get the equipment on without losing his mind.  (Thankfully, my job is to supervise Liam during this time.)

As we walked into the rink (about 2 minutes after the above pics were taken), Will began complaining that he was 'too tired' and that 'his belly hurt' (which is slightly hilarious considering the above photos).  Bill helped him onto the ice and about 5 seconds later he had his first wipe-out... taking down an innocent 6 year-old on the way.  As the instructors helped Will to his feet, I could see that anxiety was getting the better of him.

However, unlike the 'socially retarded ass wipe' we met earlier in the week, his skating instructor was kind, patient and encouraging.  Within 10 minutes time, he was skating faster and more skillfully than he had ever skated with Bill or me.  

There are only two students in the class.  

Fortunately, Will has always done well with older women.

At the end of the lesson, Bill and I were waiting to congratulate him on a great job.  Will, however, was more concerned with our usual Sunday morning post-skating ritual...

... french fries and hot chocolate.

Incidentally, the best french fries are almost always found in ice rinks and bowling alleys.  We're teaching this kid the important things in life, for sure.

My Bad

Yesterday evening, as I was weaving through the crowd at the ice arena, I was thinking of all the mistakes that I have made as a parent.  There was the time I brought Will to Great Adventure on a sunny, 95 degree day, while 8 months pregnant.  Then there was the time I fed Will an entire bottle of milk less than a half-hour after Mommy & Me swim class.  There was also the time I was halfway down our street when Will reminded me that I hadn't fastened his seat belt.   Also, the time when I was so frustrated with Will picking his nose that I told him that his brains were going to fall out.  (Each of those stories could have made for some interesting posts.)  However, as I was weaving through the crowd last night, one hand holding onto Will's and the other carrying a plastic bag full of his vomit, I was pretty much thinking that tonight was my biggest screw up to date. .

.

A few hours earlier, I was rushing to make dinner.  Bill was upstairs, getting ready to coach his hockey game. Will and I had plans to take Liam to grandma's, so that we could go to the game, just the two of us.  This was the semi-final round for conference hockey and it was a pretty big deal.  In addition to making dinner, I had to get both kids ready, pack Liam's diaper bag, drop Liam off at grandma's and drive to the arena-- hopefully making it there early enough to get two seats.  Will was complaining, on-and-off, that his stomach was bothering him-- but he was still running around and playing as usual.  I had my back to him when he entered the kitchen, announced that he didn't feel so good and then threw up all over the floor and his sock-covered feet.  I drained the pasta, threw a roll of paper towels at the mess and then carried him upstairs to clean him up.  

It was decided that we weren't going to the game.  Then, as Bill and I were eating dinner, Will was running around and back to his old self-- telling us his belly felt better and that he wanted to go to the game.  And the truth of the matter is that I wanted to go to the game.  

So we went to the game.  We were there for 1 1/2 periods before Will got sick.  

I cleaned him up, carried him back to the car and we headed home.  I gave him a bath, put him in his pjs and introduced him to the 'puke bucket'.  We cuddled in my bed (photos above) until Will fell asleep-- but not before the bucket was put to good use a few more times.

Tonight, the good news is that Will is feeling 100% better and Bill won his game and is on to the finals.  Now, I'm just hoping that karma doesn't wack me with this stomach bug as a payback for dragging my poor, sick kid to the game.  

Catching Up with Six Things

Last Monday, my resolutions kicked in.  I started Weight Watchers and greatly reduced my coffee intake.  I kept the television and computer off for most of the day and spent more time playing with the kids.  Instead of falling asleep on the couch in the evenings, I started going to bed at a decent hour.  And the result?  A more patient and well-rested mom with happier kids who is down a few pounds and suffering from a slight headache due to sugar withdrawal.  Also, a blog that hasn't been updated in about a week.

For a quick update, here are six things I would've written about over the last six days, if I would have had the time and energy.  

1: Playdate at Chrissy's house. Will and I both met some new friends at a fun playdate. Chrissy made the most incredible sandwiches (chicken salad with apples on raisin bread... who knew?). Considering it was his first time meeting a lot of new kids, Will played pretty well. Proud mommy-moments included watching Will share, be polite and be kind to babies. Not-so-proud mommy-moments included watching Will make guns out of Legos, jumping off the ottoman and trying to pull the Thomas tent as it was full of other little kids.

2: "Are you kidding me?" Apparently, I say this a lot. I think this is my 'frustration phrase', reserved for times when I'm feeling stressed or irritated. For example, as we're running late for nursery school, when both kids are bundled and loaded into their carseats on a 20 degree morning and Will announces that he has to 'go potty right now'. Or when I've just finished bathing and feeding Liam, and he's finally drifting off to sleep, I hear the distinct sound of a diaper being dirtied. Are you kidding me? Now, it seems Will has adopted this seemingly harmless phrase.

"Will... come sit down for breakfast."

"Mom, are you kidding me?"

"Will... no more television."

"Mom, are you kidding me?"

"Will... time for a nap."

"Mom, are you kidding me?"

This is now his retort for any request he doesn't find pleasurable. He uses this pointedly annoyed tone and usually accompanies the phrase with a loud, deep sigh. Do I do that? Yep. Uh oh... Note to self: Omit 'sucks' and 'crap' from daily vocabulary before it's too late!

3:  Liam's 5-month well visit.  Liam had a well visit last Monday.  He is 26 inches and he weighs 17 pounds 10 ounces.  He got 2 shots and 0 tears-- He was happy and cooperative throughout the entire visit.  I think he likes all the attention.

4:   Twister.  We got Will a few new games for Christmas.  His favorite, by far, is Twister.  When he plays with mom, it's just Twister.  When he plays with dad, it becomes a wrestling match.

5:  Melanee's First Birthday Party.  We went to the party as a family and had a great time.  Bill and I enjoyed great food and conversation.  Will and Brodee made guns out of legos, ran and chased each other, destroyed the ball pit and tortured a poor 16-month old.  Liam discovered shiny, mylar helium balloons.  Like I said, great time.  

6:  Will's First Skating Lesson.  Will and dad had their first 'Parent and Tot' skating lesson.  Will did great.  He's one of the youngest out there and he made lots of improvement in the first week.  I met Bill and the kids at the rink, because I was coming from a tutoring appointment.  Bill got both kids ready and dressed Will in a matching outfit.  The pictures are priceless. 

First Hockey Lesson

Today was a big day for Will... his first hockey class at the park. The class is an introduction to hockey fundamentals and the kids play in sneakers, not skates. Below are some photos from this morning's class.