12 Years

Some days it seems like life is on fast forward.  How can it possibly be that Lance and I have been married for 12 years already?  Wasn't it way more recently that he first asked me on a date (at Parrot's, of course.  Not the date.  The ask.  The actual date, which turned into two, was at JP's and then the comedy club at the BOB--fitting for us, I think).

It's funny how people can change over a 12-year span.  I was once a completely carefree person who thought nothing of packing up and studying abroad alone,  went skydiving and bungee jumping with friends and had virtually every night packed with some sort of social event.  Lance pretty much lived in Adidas, played soccer constantly and never imagined himself working in an office.  His favorite breakfast was Reese's Puffs cereal.  Our earlier days of marriage were spent watching Seinfeld reruns, playing old school video games, going out to eat more often than not (or, quite often, eating in front of the television).  We traveled, spent lots of time with friends, went to shows, got dressed up.  I rarely made the bed, often had piles of laundry to do, never spent time researching the best vacuum cleaners.

As time passed, I have turned into more of a worrier, more of a planner, more of a "mom", I guess.  Things require planning, there are schedules involved, my decisions are now family decisions.  Lance sports a suit and tie way more often than his soccer clothes.  We never eat meals in front of the television (unless you count the ice cream after the kids are in bed), we travel less, go to shows less frequently and still spend lots of time with friends.  I make our bed every day, do laundry every day and use that well-researched vacuum constantly.  Lance can't stand the thought of Reese's Puffs cereal.

In our marriage, we have lived in 2 apartments, 3 houses, 2 states, 3 cities.  We have owned 8 cars, had 3 pets (though our sweet newt, Stanwell, wasn't around for too long).  We have seen the highest highs (the birth of our two completely amazing children and the anticipation of another) and been through complete heartache at the loss of all of our surviving grandparents, my dad and Lance's mom.  There are days when we adore each other and days when we kind of can't stand being around each other.

We spent the morning taking the kids to a parade and are spending the evening eating, playing and watching fireworks at a neighbor's house.  And it seems kind of fitting that we'd spend the day like that.  Generally our days pretty much revolve around the kids, whether we're celebrating something or not.  We can't wait to have a more "official" celebration next weekend when we'll head to Traverse City and Glen Arbor--we'll eat lots of yummy food, maybe do some hiking and kayaking, stay out late, knowing that our kids are at my mom's house and we don't need to get home to the sitter.  But, for today, our celebration is more of a celebration of our little family.  Of where we started, where we are now, where we will be.

The Tooth Fairy

Rowan had been wiggling the tooth for a while, willing it to come out before the end of kindergarten, though it wasn't quite loose enough yet.  I was also hoping it would come out soon, too, as long as I didn't have to pull it out.  Lance literally got queasy at the thought of pulling out the tooth and, while I gave it a few half-hearted pulls, I was kind of hoping it would just fall out on its own.

And it did.  In a way.  Enter Luke, energetic cousin here for the week.  A few good jumps on the trampoline, Luke's knee making contact with Rowan's mouth, and excited kids running in, Rowan holding her tooth.

Rowan's reaction was funny.  She had been waiting and waiting to lose her very first tooth, but when it happened, she said "I wanted the tooth to come out, but not quite yet.  I don't think I was quite ready yet."  But then she got excited about the tooth fairy and what she might find under her pillow and she got over the fact that her mouth was bleeding a little.

She was even more excited when Trang sent a picture of Nathan, Rowan's best friend from Charlotte, who lost the same tooth (also his first one) on the same day as Rowan.

 Trying to show off her new gap!

Rowan with Luke and her Tooth Fairy earnings the next morning

Now, almost 2 weeks later, her new tooth is poking through.  Last night Rowan said "Look, Mommy.  I have an adult tooth coming in.  That means I'm almost an adult."  Don't rush things, Sweetie.  

First-Grader

I remember the day kindergarten began.  I made you a special breakfast, took pictures, wrote a special note for your snacks and lunch and drove you to school, excited to be able to stay with you for the first hour or so of the day.  I watched you walk confidently in, despite not knowing a single soul in your class.  I held back the tears as your teacher walked you outside for recess and the parents gathered in the library to ask questions.

When you rode the bus home that day, Tate and I were waiting for you with special pink cupcakes.  We both could not wait for you to come home, to tell us all about what you did all day long.  We heard about a new friend or two and the snacks you got at school.  But most of the day was yours--not something you shared with us.

And that's kind of how the year was.  You started becoming your own little person in kindergarten.  You were gone from 8-4, two or three days a week--riding the bus, going to school, eating meals, making friends--all without me.  You came home, telling me a few small tidbits about your day.  Maybe later I'd overhear you singing a song you learned in music class or on the playground.  You did come home singing Justin Beiber, as I imagined you would, as well as Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, but you still remained pretty innocent.  You always came home with a smile on your face and, while you seemed to love school, you cannot wait for summer break.

I was lucky enough to help in your classroom a few hours every Thursday.  You were always extra excited those mornings when you left for school, knowing that in just over an hour, I'd be in your room. I actually met all of the kids I had heard about, saw your teacher in action, watched you work in the classroom.  You and your classmates all gave me hugs before I left.  You gave me extra hugs and a kiss.  I wonder how much longer you'll be excited for me to come see you at school.  And how long I have until any hugs and kisses will be reserved for home--not something to be seen in front of your friends.

You just had your 6-year-checkup with Dr. D.  You're now 43.5 inches tall and 39 pounds.  Despite being "a lightweight", as he called you, you're right on track for a 6-year-old.  Reading, riding a bike, having your very first "wiggly tooth".

I woke up in the middle of the night, awake for no reason as usual, and peeked in on you, sound asleep in your huge queen bed.  Bethany had tucked you in for the night while we were on a date night and I checked on you before I went to sleep, but I wanted to see you once more.  You kicked off your covers during the night and were tangled up in your pink sheets.  You were wearing your pajama shirt backward--a mistake you probably won't make too many more times.  Your room was littered with giant pieces of paper (many of which are written love notes to your baby brother), baby dolls and a few stuffed animals.  Your nightstand was completely full--a stack of books, Polly Pockets, Kleenex and stickers piled on top.  Your last night as a kindergartener.

Today you woke up to cinnamon roll pancakes, put on your already chosen graduation clothes, tolerated a few pictures and climbed onto the bus for the last time for quite a few months.  You sang in front of a crowd at graduation, even though you later told me you were nervous.  You were smiling the whole time.  We stopped by the farmer's market afterward where you picked out a huge basket of sugar peas and helped choose some plants for the garden--mixed greens, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower and brussels sprouts (which, along with the tomatoes, I'm certain you won't eat).  We ate lunch and spent the rest of the day celebrating graduation with Lily and Alayna at Susan's cottage.  We had a fabulous day.

You now enter the summer phase.  When people ask what grade you're in and your not entirely sure what to say--"I just finished kindergarten" or "I'll be in first grade" or just a confident "first", knowing that you've left kindergarten behind and have moved on whether you are in school or not.  I asked you some things you'd like to do over the summer and, like me, you pretty much plan on spending lots of time at the pool, seeing some friends and cousins, going to the beach and having some fun summer picnics.  I cannot wait to spend the summer with you.

 First Day of Kindergarten

 Last Day of Kindergarten

 Rowan with Mrs. Phillips

Rowan, Sydney and Emma having some graduation fun

It's a Boy!

After some deliberation, Lance and I decided to find out the gender of the baby this time.  Rowan and Tate were quite literally begging to find out and, while I typically don't go for the whole begging thing, they won this time.  I scheduled my ultrasound on a day neither child had school and we made it a family affair.  When the tech told us it's definitely a boy, I stole a glance at Rowan and she didn't even look particularly disappointed, despite the fact that she had been pretty outspoken about wanting a girl. And since finding out, about a week and a half ago, she has been talking to her baby brother, making him cards and wondering about names.  The only time I heard even a hint of disappointment was when she said "I'm excited it's a boy, but if it was a girl I would have been so excited I wouldn't even be able to sleep."  Tate, of course, is thrilled he's going to have a baby brother and already is asking if they can share a room.  To which Rowan says "No, I want to share a room with the baby."  To which I say to both of them, "No, you're all going to have your own rooms."

Our family is starting to get pretty excited about another little boy joining us soon.  And Lance and I are struggling to come up with a name we both agree on (shocking, I know).  Dare I even mention that before we found out the gender, he was telling me how he really likes the name Penny.  Penny Pellow?  Can you see my eyes rolling right now?  

 A cake the kids made with Bethany (the babysitter) when Lance and I were on a date night.  Bethany said Rowan drew out the design on some paper and was very specific about what she wanted.

Proud big brother and sister

Some silly kids making the announcement

Kindergarten Fun

Lance was lucky (or maybe the correct word here is brave) enough to get the day off to take Rowan and her class to Binder Park Zoo for a field trip.  This included about 3 hours riding on a bus with lots of small children.  MadLibs only go so far when not too many children know the difference between a noun, verb and adjective.  But, he and Rowan had a great day of Daddy-daughter bonding.  

 Rowan and Kate on the bus

 Emma, Kate, Rowan and Sydney 

Feeding the mommy and baby giraffes

Soccer

I think Lance and I always imagined our kids would play soccer.  Not that they'd necessarily be good players, but that with Lance's soccer background and my enjoyment (though not particularly strong skill) of the sport, it might be something have a bit of a natural affinity for.

Rowan decided to play soccer this year--spring and fall--and Lance was her coach.  To say the season was rough might be a bit too kind.  They never won.  In fact, I think they were only close to winning once.  While we don't keep official score, I'd imagine today's was somewhere in the ballpark of 0-20.  Last week the other team was kind enough to make sure we knew the score.  0-18.  (I wanted to tell the coach since the girls' soccer skills were clearly well-honed, it might do him some good to spend a practice on sportsmanship.  Alas, I kept my mouth closed).  Lance was frustrated.  Rowan was a pretty good sport.  And became quite a good loser--not too upset about it (possibly because she was thrilled at the prospect of an after-game snack), which I think is a life-lesson everyone needs to learn.  So might as well get that out of the way early.

Regardless of the less-than-stellar record, The Silver Bullets had fun, got some exercise and met new friends, which is really what it should be about for 5 and 6-year olds.

 During the last game.  Note the amazing skill exhibited by Rowan here.

 Post-game high-fives

Post-game snacks

The Graduate

This week, Tate finished his first year of preschool.  He had fun with Miss Jenny and his friends (especially Landon), loved doing gymnastics at school and loved his favorite part of the day--snack time.  He was looking ever so handsome in his Superman bow tie and was cute as could be singing songs (loudly enough for us to actually hear him) and walking up to get his certificate from Miss Jenny.  Our little buddy is growing up.

 It's showtime

Tate and Landon

Earning his certificate