"Scratchy boy"

It happened the first day. My son had already been bullied or picked on. He came home spinning tales of "scratchy boy" for days after he started school.

Scratchy boy scratched me, hence the name. Scratchy boy wouldn't stop touching me. Scratchy boy hit me in my mouth.

Did you tell the teacher? No. Did it hurt? No, not really. Did you tell him to stop? No. Did you cry? No. For the most part, he didn't seem too troubled by this little tyrant.

I did what any responsible parent would and emailed the teacher. She apologized and said she'd keep an eye on things but that "scratchy boy" was having some adjustment issues so Hunter was probably telling the truth.

Since then things have calmed down and we've since learned his real name. Hunter likes to come home telling me whatever he did that day and how many tickets he lost. I always tell Hunter that is really not important to me but that I am more concerned if he looses a ticket or gets into trouble. He always responds " I never get a ticket! I am always good. I just get better and better. " That's my boy.

I asked him one time what happens when you loose all of your tickets and he said " they take you outside and shoot you!" with all seriousness. I laughed and said that I am sure they don't do that.

He also told me about how scratchy boy lost all of his tickets and had to take a note home to his mom saying he wouldn't be naughty again and have her sign it. He acted as if they might as well just shoot him.

Probably the cutest thing through all of this was what Hunter said he was going to say to scratchy boy... " Mommy, I am just going to tell him about Jesus. That Jesus loves all of us and we are supposed to love everyone like He does. He just needs to love Jesus then he won't be mean anymore."

Melt my heart. Hunter: my little kindergarten missionary.

Hunter's first day of school

He was excited. He kept asking if we could leave yet.

At his table in his classroom. He sits at the smallest table with two girls. Score. He didn't even watch me walk out of the room. He just blew me a kiss and said goodbye.

Already busy at work coloring.

With his bus buddy, Tiernan.

Just before heading out. Cute brothers.

So, yeah....

It's been a while. AGAIN. Every time I even think of updating this blog, I have something better to do, no energy, or nothing super great to write about.

This past month has been a whirlwind. My first born, my baby, started school. For the most part, the transition has went smoothly except for one thing: the bus.

Hunter is my son, through and through. He was anxious and nervous. How will he get to his class? How will he find Tiernan? Will he get on the right bus? Will the kids on the bus be nice to him?

There were tears from both of us. There was frustration, nervousness, embarrassment, fear, guilt, etc. I even had to call for prescription therapy for myself.

I've been with him almost every day, all day since he was born. I had to trust someone else. I had to trust him. I had to let go of all the control I had during the day. It was hard. Probably one of the hardest things I've done as a parent thus far. AND HE IS ONLY FIVE.

But he is fine. He loves school. His teacher is awesome. He is getting used to the bus and in a couple weeks, it'll seem like second nature. I'm excited for all the new stuff he will learn and friends he'll make. I miss him. I love him. I wish him all the best at school. My baby, my Hunter.

Toddlerhood

I think one of the moments that I realized that my boys were officially toddlers was when they could eat cereal with milk, out of a bowl, and with a spoon. I love this age. The walking, talking, and turning into little people. It's my favorite. I also love mornings with my kids. The hair sticking up, the early morning cuddles, and those squinty, twinkling eyes. I took these photos of Henry the other morning.

Ironically, I have VERY similar photos of Hunter when he was around this age.

Aren't they just adorable???

The Great Outdoors

Last week, we flew to WA state to go camping with my in-laws. It was my first time on the west coast. The trip was awesome and the kids did great with the time change, flights, and long car rides. Seattle is a fun city and I've already been planning a return trip just to the city.

I am not a camping girl. When I think of camping, I think of bugs, humidity, dirty restrooms, and rain. But this was nothing like that! It was beautiful weather all week surrounded by mountains and no bugs ( at least not any pesky mosquitos). We "camped" at a nearby hotel and drove to the campsite every day but I imagine when we go again, we'll rent a camper and stay onsite.

One of my most favoriteparts of the trip was bike riding. I hadn't been on a bike in about 11 years! I had forgotten how much I like it and as soon as we got back, I started my search for adult bikes and a bike trailer for Henry. We will hopefully be going out this weekend for the first time so I hope to post pics soon!

The first picture is especially funny if you read Henry's shirt.

This is more like it....

Brothers

Hunter is the best big brother to Henry. Watching them together makes me wanna cry and convinces me that there should never been only children in this world. There is something remarkable about their bond and the way they interact with each other.

Henry thinks his brother is the coolest and funniest person he knows. Hunter is so sweet and caring with Henry. I love it.

Hunter talks to Henry in this incredibly high pitched voice and always calls him "baby Henry". It cracks me up. Henry follows Hunter around and wants to do everything he does even though he is almost three years younger. The pictures only show you a glimpse of the cuteness that ensues when they are together. Love my boys.

Graduate of 2010

Hunter "graduated" from preschool yesterday. To commemorate the special occasion, they had a program and ceremony. They sang two songs and then got their diplomas. It was SO cute. I was especially proud of Hunter and how well he sang. He was loud and enthusiastic and so, well, happy throughout the whole thing.

This is a picture of him receiving his certificate of completion

Hunter catching a peek at mommy

A picture of Hunter with his teacher, Ms. Jennifer