First Day of School!

Well it has begun: a new school year. Same school, and the same classes.  Bode has his old teacher, Teacher Traci. Gianna has a new (boy!) teacher, Mr. Trent.  Some old friends, and some new friends.  It will be a great school year!

You can see from their sleepy, glazed expressions in these photos that school was kind of an abrupt change to their summer routine!  Plus, all the new faces around them in a familiar setting had their attentions.

They both had a really good first day.  They came home in good spirits, and tired! But it will be awhile, I think, before the reality of "school-is-the-new-norm" will sink into their heads.


The second day was just as startling. I had to wake them, and they seemed surprise when I told them to get ready for school.  We got Gianna into a pair of (new) pants. I guess, since she agreed to wear them this morning, that she is conceding that yes, it is indeed chilly in the mornings and we must dress appropriately!  Bode insisted on wearing the same outfit (???) as yesterday.  I washed it last night but we had to do a speed dry this morning.  Ugh, it was all tears and protests until I produced that *&#@ lightening bolt shirt and orange shorts from the dryer! Nico is the only one that is cheerful in the mornings. He loves going to school. Maybe it is because we take a walk through the farm and see chickens and goats after dropping Bode and Gianna! 

It will take awhile for our routine to become...well, routine.   I'll try to take more snaps and report more next week. Hopefully the children will get more sleep and look more rested over the next week!

I do hope that I will be able to blog more with the children in school.  Nico is not quite ready to nap in the mornings. He kind of dropped morning naps over the summer. But I'm hoping that he too will settle into a nap routine so that he can rest while his sibs are at school.  I missed reporting on our summer adventures (we did do a lot off our summer bucket list!) and I missed capturing milestones  and special events (Nico's milestones, and baptisms, in particular).  Hopefully, I'll be back to this blog regularly!

Hope that your back-to-school week has been fun!

xo

The Wednesday before the last day of school

Tuesday drop off at school.

There are three letters to sum up how I feel about this week, and tomorrow: O M G

I'm simultaneously freaking out because my children will be having a ceremony tomorrow (do not roll your eyes...when you have children, these stupid preschool graduations mean so much) and because I'm trying to finish up the teachers' gifts before tomorrow morning. 

Why am I sitting here writing when I have so much to do?  Well. I can't finish up the teachers' gifts, because I'm waiting for one mother to bring her child's artwork to school pick up this afternoon. Yes, even though I asked for the artwork (that I gave all the supplies for so that there would be no delays) to be completed and delivered to me by last Thursday, June 5, this mother has yet to bring it to me.  Today is  her last chance. So, there's nothing else for me to do until I have everything. Ahem.   Second, I love nothing more than to write about how emotional I am feeling about my children!!! There! I said it.  I know that it can be positively grating when someone (me) is always whining about how sad everything makes her (me) and how emotional she (ME) feels.  I'm sorry if that's the case for you.  Sorry for being so grating and complaining about this one anonymous mother (grrrr) that hasn't given me the needed artwork.

But I do feel....so much....with my children. It is amazing how much emotion I feel and how strongly I feel these emotions. They are so incredible, these children (all children) and man, what a wonderful experience to have in your lifetime.  (Please don't write me emails about how you don't want to have children and how dare I suggest that the only way your life is complete is if you have children. I don't. I believe everyone has meaningful, emotional experiences in his and her lifetime as long as she/he has relationships - be that with your children, your partner, family, friends, dogs, cats, parakeets or even your garbage man! Enjoy!)

Tuesday school pick up. I've decided Nico is not going to school.

So this week has been especially trying and exhausting and emotional for me.  I'm just trying to get through tomorrow, people.  Tonight is going to be one big craftastic rush trying to get four (4!!!) teachers' gifts together by tomorrow a.m., but hey, as long as it makes them smile, all will be well. (Note to self: next time, don't volunteer. Just don't volunteer.)

Tomorrow, we have the rainbow bridge ceremony where both Bode and Gianna will say goodbye to their current teacher,  cross the bridge, and say hello their new teacher. I get so weepy just thinking about it (grate. sorry).  Unfortunately, we have been asked not to take photos or videos.  The teachers feel (strongly) that the photo-taking and video-taking during these events takes away from the experience for everyone.  They have appointed one parent to take the photo of each child crossing the bridge. Hopefully I will be able to focus on the event and Nico will be quiet so that everyone can enjoy the experience.  RWF will not be able to attend because he is in CA.  That is a big bummer for me.

After the rainbow bridge ceremony, we are going to walk back to the school for a picnic.  There is going to be a lot of walking and carrying of things (school stuff, teachers' gifts, picnic food for my family) and I really hope that I can do it all (and keep track of Nico). ;)  I want tomorrow to run smoothly and be a really happy day for Bode and Gianna. 

Wish us luck!

xo

The weekend and birthday party plans

The weekend was busy because we had plans, and I had a plan to settle on Gianna's birthday party venue!

Saturday we went to a local arts festival.  We walked around in the early morning, and some people were still setting up. It was nice to be out before the crowds.  Gianna and Bode were able to run free (kind of). We could look at the art without rushing or worrying about crowds swallowing up our children. 

Sunday, we went to a playground instead of  our usual walk.  The children were so excited! We haven't really been to a playground since we moved here.  It was small, and I soon realized that our "babies" are getting pretty big.  The playground was geared toward the 2-4 year old set, I think. I mean, it is meant for all children but it's on the small side.  It reminded me so much of when we lived in CA, and had a park that was 2 minutes from our house (that we went to every single day!). It took me back to the days of 2 year old Bode and Baby G!  I wanted to scope out the playground for Gianna's birthday party.  But I quickly realized that it would be really hard to entertain a bunch of 4 year olds at this tiny park! I was a little disappointed, but glad to come to this realization before the invites went out!

(overwhelmed)

Gianna and Bode also went to a birthday party for their friend Kate on Sunday afternoon. It was at an inflatable jump place (we had Bode's 3rd birthday here and these children seem so much smaller!).  I have also held off on deciding on the venue for Gianna's birthday party because I was half expecting Gianna to decide that she wanted her party at this place.  Gianna said nothing of the sort.  If anything, she didn't seem happy. She didn't jump very much, instead stood around and watched others. She was definitely overwhelmed by all the jumping,  sliding, lights, and noise.  So that was helpful for me, too.  She did enjoy the cake though. Some parents laughed because  after she finished her cake, Gianna took pretzels and used them to scoop up any remaining frosting that she could find. Smart girl.

(still overwhelmed)

Gianna sez, "When's cake?" (still overwhelmed)

I decided to have Gianna's party at another place, a smaller  'play gym' where the children can all run around and play games (under the guidance of 2 teachers). The idea of a birthday party at a gym doesn't do much for my aesthetic. I really want a "pretty" party for Gianna. But I guess all that matters is that the children have fun.  I can have a pretty home party for her on her actual birthday, too. 

This is the last real week of school. Next week, it's all about wrapping things up. Next Thursday, we have a picnic, and the (dreaded) "Rainbow Bridge" ceremony where the children cross the bridge into another grade.  I know that I will cry! (Yes, it's all about mememememe.)

Speaking of tears, tomorrow is Gianna's school birthday party.   I will bring a fruit plate to share with her friends.  While we enjoy our fruit, Miss Kelly will tell a story about Gianna (and I've been warned by other mothers that these stories bring tears (to the mothers, not the children!).

I'm off to iron my handkerchief (sniff). Happy Tuesday, friends.

xo

May Day Celebration

Here is a branch of snowy May,

a branch the Faeries gave me.

Would you like to dance today with a branch the Faeries gave me?

Dance away! Dance away! 

Holding high the branch of May!

Today the children celebrated May Day at school. It was a fun, magical time in the forest, making flower wreaths for our hair, making sachets with grandmothers, singing songs, and eating homemade bread with honey butter during our picnic. And of course, the May Pole Dance!  

Happy May Day!

xo

Tuesday

Gianna on her birthday last year

Our week officially starts on Tuesday, I think.  It seems like the official start to the week because the children start school on Tuesdays.  So Monday night is my "Sunday" night - full of dread and preparation for the week ahead.  I always thought that when I was older, that the Sunday night blues would magically go away, because then I wouldn't be facing a week of school and homework.  Au contraire! When you get older, it gets worse, because the Sunday night before school blues are replaced with the Sunday night before work blues.  And when you have children, you just multiply the work by how many children you have and there you are...it never ends.

School lunches have been easy.  I'm lucky, because I have easy eaters.  I have found the magic formula for Bode and Gianna and make the same lunch almost every day.  There have been little complaints. In fact, they are pretty matter-of-fact about what I should not pack, and will tell me in their 'lunch review' after school.  "Mom, don't pack me bananas," Bode might say, "only blueberries."  And Gianna will tell me, "I don't want celery sticks, only carrots."  Easy.  But still, every Tuesday morning, I'll be sitting down, enjoying a much-needed cup of coffee when "lunch boxes" seizes me.  I abandon my hot coffee and start to work on lunches:  a Sunbutter sandwich for Bode, blueberries, and pretzels.  For Gianna: a cheese wrap (shred ched in a tortilla) or pasta salad (rotini pasta, olive oil, peas, and Parm), black olives, Goldfish crackers, and (sometimes) carrots.  

It is time for school re-enrollment for the children, and I'm at a loss.  Their current teacher has emailed me a few times, asking me when we can sit down and do the contract signing.  Last night, as part of my dreaded Sunday/Monday night before school dread, I summoned the courage to reply to her email. I told her that we are not settled and are looking for a new home. I told her that while I love the school, I can't sign a contract until I know where we will live. It was hard to send that email, but I'm glad that I did.  Maybe this will help move us in the right direction (whatever direction that will be). We are looking at two schools: Bode and Gianna's current school and another school that will require a move. As I mentioned yesterday, I'm searching for a new house.  I feel at the 'whim' of something outside myself, maybe the real estate market. It's not a peaceful place to be, feeling like you're at the mercy of something almost intangible.  A bunch of decisions can be made once we figure out where we live.  

Gianna's teacher wants to do a home visit and discuss all-things-Gianna with me.  Unfortunately, I have little interest in this discussion right now, because I don't know if she'll even be around for Gianna in the coming school year.  Isn't that horrible?  While I welcome the chance to discuss my daughter, and hear her teacher's insights, I feel like it is fleeting and unnecessary, especially when there are so many other things I can spend time doing.  (I know that there is nothing of concern to address, as her teacher has already assured me that Gianna is doing beautifully!). And speaking of Gianna, I would like to do my own little update.  I feel like with Nico being "the baby" and Bode having many issues these days, I have ignored my precious snowflake Gianna. So tomorrow I will provide some thoughts on what Miss Mia is all about these days.

Stay tuned!

xo

The long weekend, and a long(er) week

Everyone enjoyed a three day weekend.  I really enjoyed having RWF home with us for an extra day, and I think he needed an extra day "off" too!  Our weekend was simple, but relaxing: the boys went skiing, we went on a family hike where Nico walked most of the way (!), and we also went to OMSI.  Bode is still obsessed with space, so this was the perfect place for him. We saw a film in the planetarium while there but it was "kinda scary" for everyone, as Bode remarked (dizziness - even though we stayed and watched it). 

This week, the kiddos are on break.  We don't have a lot of plans. Today, we were going to visit the zoo with some school friends. But it's a very cold, rainy day and I didn't feel comfortable with Nico being out in it. So we went to OMSI again, and had so much fun exploring. We discovered a "water" room where the kids get to play in fountains, and splash and throw balls...it was absolutely perfect for Nico, who loves balls and water right now. Bode and Gianna enjoyed it, too. They also enjoyed a Tony Hawk skateboard exhibit, where they got to jump on a trampoline,  spin around, and walk and slide on a skateboard ramp (among other things).  It was hard to get the monkeys to leave but we had to get to swim lessons. 

I am exhausted! I am going to have to pace myself if I am to make it the rest of the week! 

The  babies love this window that looks out our front yard.  We decorated it for Valentine's (thanks to Aunt Dawnie).  Bode likes to climb on the ledge, so I have to be vigilant about watching him and telling him to "get down!"

Nico loves playing with the balloons ("boons" as he says) that I set out for Valentine's surprises.

This little monkey got up so early on Saturday morning (5:30 AM) and then while I tried to snooze, tricked her Daddy into letting her wear her Easter dress!  (I have been telling her that she has to wait until Easter before she can wear it.)

RWF has been traveling a lot.  He was home for the long weekend, and I think the monkeys really enjoyed having their "Dada" home.

It is nothing but rain, rain, rain here this week.  I need to figure out how I'm going to entertain these monkeys while they are out of school.  Of course, after today's successful visit, I think they'd be happy to go to the OMSI every day. Hopefully I can get the energy and motivation to explore a bit more. We have so much to see in our new city. I need to take advantage of our "big city" living while we are here!

Happy Tuesday.

xo

Back to (a new) school

Bode and Gianna started school today.  I tried to prep them yesterday, interspersing info about their new school and new teachers in our regular conversations throughout the day.  I didn't want to overwhelm them! They seemed excited to start...yesterday.  This morning, it was a different story.  First, I told Gianna that she couldn't wear a dress (not practical).  Then, when Gianna saw all of the gear she had to wear (boots, rain pants & jacket, down jacket, hat, mittens), she said that she didn't want to go to school after all.  And then of course Bode chimed in that he wasn't interested in school, either. I folded, and let Gianna wear a dress.  But I didn't compromise on the gear!

Finally, with a lot of prodding and dressing-them-myself (and yes, I'll admit: a bit of screaming on my part), they were ready to go.  We were late. Arriving late on our very first day of school, quelle horror!  I know it's not a big deal but I just hate to be late, any time.  And really, I know it's my fault for not allowing more time for resistance and slow-to-get-dressing from the children.

Once at the school, Bode immediately joined his class with no prompting from anyone.  But he tends to follow kids around like that. It wasn't until I went up to him much later to say goodbye that he resisted, and told me that he wanted to go home. I hugged him and told him that I would pick him up from school soon.   

Gianna was frozen in place as soon as we arrived, never acknowledging the new teachers who welcomed her. She ignored all requests to join the class, standing outside the group and just looking at everyone.  I stayed with her longer, but eventually, I had to make the break!  I told her that I was leaving, and she whispered, "I don't want you to go," and that broke my heart.  I promised to be back soon, and asked her to remember what she had for snack so that she could tell me when I picked her up.

The school is different from their other schools in NY (of course). They have to bring a lunch from home. This is fun and challenging for me!  I love the idea right now, the challenge of packing a lunch for them every day, but the other part of me is not accustomed to packing a meal. (and from what I've been told, lunch-packing gets old, real fast!) So I have to learn the ropes on what travels well, what sits well, and what packages they can open by themselves. The school is "zero waste," which means that we are asked not to pack anything in disposable packaging. (My guess is that most schools are going this route, or have already adopted this policy?)  The containers, the napkins, utensils, etc. must not be disposable.   It's like the old backpacking motto: pack in, pack out. It's not insanely hard or anything. But I did have to go to the store to stock up on Thermoses and cloth snack bags.  We have a few, but not enough (and not in small, kid-friendly sizes but in large, RWF-eating sizes).  I had the children try to open some other containers at the store, but learned quickly that Gianna was not able to open most containers with snap-on or screw-top lids. So I'm relying mainly on cloth bags for her lunch right now, plus the Thermos for hot meals.  I want her to be able to eat everything easily, and not have to wait for a teacher to help her unpack her food.  Today's lunch (at their request):  pasta with peas, olive oil and Parmesan, Goldfish crackers and cheese, blackberries (for Bode) and a banana (for Gianna). Tonight I'm making lentil soup for dinner and absolutely plan on using leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Gianna's class starts first at 9:30 and Bode's class starts at 9:45.  The teachers have agreed that Bode may join in Gianna's class until his class starts. This is tremendously helpful because I don't want to stand around with Bode for 15 minutes (with Nico in tow).   Gianna's class also ends 1 hour before Bode's class lets out.  This means that I will be picking up Gianna and running an errand or hanging out at a nearby coffee shop before picking up Bode.  After awhile, if I'm feeling especially ambitious and energetic, I plan to take Priscilla, Nico and Gianna for a walk while we wait for Bode...but that won't happen for awhile.

I'll report back soon on how school goes for everyone.

Happy Tuesday, friends.

xo

Gianna's last day of school

Today we said goodbye to Miss Amy, Gianna's teacher.  It was very hard!  It was very hard for me.  Gianna doesn't seem affected by it.  She doesn't understand that she won't see Miss Amy again. I tried to talk to her this morning on the way to school, about saying goodbye but she quickly became bored with the conversation.

Miss Amy and I cried, giving each other hugs.  And then Miss Amy kneeled down and hugged Gianna one last time, saying, "Goodbye, sweet Gianna, I will miss you so much!" We promised to "keep in touch" as people often say in these hard farewells.

sigh.

This little girl has no idea how much her world is changing.  Hopefully she'll handle it well.

When I picked Bode up this afternoon from school, his teacher pulled me aside for a quick chat. She asked that I arrive 15 minutes early on Friday. She told me that the class will sing a "goodbye song" to Bode. She concluded, "Nothing overwhelming, just a little song to send him on his way. I don't want to make him emotional." "Or me,"  I retorted "You don't want to make me emotional."  She kind of laughed, looking surprised at my response.  Oh Miss Lynn, if only we had more time together, you would know that this is no laughing matter.

Friends, I'm now dreading Friday afternoon! 

Happy Tuesday Wednesday.
xo

Labor Day weekend

This end-of-summer weekend has been anti-climatic.  It has been a slow, lazy, grey weekend, punctuated by thunderstorms. We have stayed in, ate in, and been generally lazy.

Now that I've painted such a dull picture, I have to back up and confess that we did have some sun on Friday.  We went to the park.  Once again, Bode was terrorized by another little boy. What gives?!! I am so angry at these little boys who think that they can just hit my son.  This time, Bode was following a little boy up a slide (that is covered, like a tunnel). Before they even went into the tunnel, this kid turned around and started hitting Bode repeatedly.  Bode looked over at me and wailed.  He then got hit again and I yelled, "Come here!" because I was afraid that Bode was just going to stand there and be pummeled repeatedly.  Bode ran over to me and I soothed him.  His face and neck were all red from where the little boy struck him.  The kid had already ran off to another play structure while I was trying to calm Bode. The mom didn't do anything. She was busy talking to somebody. I was so angry that I took everybody home. It was such a downer.  Later, when I explained the situation to RWF, he thought that maybe the boy was scared by Bode.  Doubtful.

GET OFF THE COUCH, P!

On Saturday, I took the two older monkeys to the Farmer's Market and to the carousel for one last hurrah.  

On Sunday, we.... I am drawing a blank. That's how exciting it's been around here!  Oh. We stayed home. I ran a long run, and was simply exhausted afterwards. Plus, the crummy weather kept us inside. 

Today, we met some friends for a play date. We were supposed to go to the park, but thunderstorms prevented that. We met at our local bookstore instead.  That lasted about 15 minutes before two of the children were running around and chasing each other (note: their initials were not BWF or MGF. I'm just sayin') (Dear Karma, I can write that because you and I both know that it has been BWF and MGF in the past. For once, I could stand back because finally, it was not my children causing the ruckus. Love, HAS).  So our playdate ended quickly, with promises to meet up once everyone is acclimated to the new school routine and our weather (hopefully) improves.

School!  Bode starts this Thursday and I am in denial. Denial! I can not believe it. I'm really not thinking about it. I'm just going to let it happen.  Then, next Monday, Gianna starts preschool. My baby girl is going to skip, no, RUN into school and not look back.  I just know it. And that is going to leave me and Nico alone, together.

It is crazy to think that this time last year, I was preparing for a baby!  I was so close to meeting my preshus! My Nico!  And to think, his 1st birthday is right around the corner!  I can't think about it too much, because I'll get sad.  It was a crazy year for me, and I had a lot of emotional struggles.  He has been such a blessing to me.  He has kept me sane and happy. There is nothing better for your well-being than holding a baby.  And a smiley, chunky baby is even better.  I adore this boy so much. 

And that is all the news that is fit to print (for us).

Happy Labor Day weekend, end-of-summer to you.

xo

Lately

We are still here.  

Last week, I felt like I was losing my mind.  It's been hard, these past few weeks, with a lot going on.  I've been telling RWF all summer, "I need a break." Well my break finally came. The babies spent two nights at "Camp Dawnie" where they enjoyed oodles of attention from Uncle Craig, Aunt Dawnie, Aunt Debbie and Grandma. They went to the zoo, out for breakfast, to the park, etc.  I think they also enjoyed sugary snacks and TV.  Awh, camp! They had a blast and smile every time I ask them, "Did you have fun?" As for me, I missed them like crazy. I was tearful, and thinking about them constantly. The house was too quiet. There were many moments when I considered just packing Nico up and driving over to Syracuse to pick up my other two babies. But then I told myself that this break was very much needed, and I would probably not get another chance for "alone" time, as school is starting soon.  So I tried to tolerate the quiet and missing my children. I think Nico enjoyed "only child" status, but he is thrilled to have his sibs back.

I have some anxiety about school.  I'm so glad that Bode is going to a private school right now.  Today we drove by the public elementary school that he would attend, and it looked huge. I can only imagine that the class size is as enormous as the school.  Afterwards, we went to the park (attached to the school) and the children played on the playground while I watched, standing beside Nico (in his stroller).  Bode and Gianna were up on a slide structure, high up.  And as I looked at them, I saw this boy push Bode.  I blinked.  I thought, "Surely I did not just see that kid push my son."  But yeah, he pushed him. He pushed him again. This boy was Bode's size, so I don't think he was older (does it matter? No.). Bode just stood there, and kind of looked at him.  I could tell Bode didn't know what to do, and wouldn't do anything to challenge this kid. Then this boy pushed Gianna.  And after he pushed her, he stood behind her, wrapped his arms around her and picked her up.  He stood there, with his arms wrapped around her, lifting her...what he was going to do, I don't know. Gianna was rigid in this boys arms, her feet not touching the ground. She didn't say anything but her eyes were looking around, looking for help.  "HEY!" I yelled and ran over there. I climbed the structure and got real close to him. "HEY! LET GO OF HER NOW."  I nearly ripped his head off. I was thisclose to becoming physical with this kid. I could NOT believe what I was seeing and my blood was boiling.  He stood there and looked at me.  He didn't blink.  But I could see a ripple of attention behind his face.  I took a breath (I was seriously about to LOSE IT) and  sharply hissed, "Don't ever do that again.  Not to her. Not to him. Not to anyone."  And then I remembered my children. They were staring at me, scared.  I said, more calmly, "We don't push. It's not nice. Someone could get hurt. Especially up here."   Bode found his voice, and echoed, "Yeah, we don't push."  Gianna repeated, "Yeah, we don't push." The boy still stood his ground, as if to let me know that he wasn't impressed. I turned around, and found the boy's mother, her face hidden behind huge sunglasses, tucked into her iPhone, oblivious.  "Hey!" I yelled, "Your son just pushed my children!"  She looked up, and weakly called toward him, "Don't do that!"  The boy ran over to her. They had a brief exchange, and then  he was off again. I stood there, my whole body shaking.  How in the world do I release my children to this?  I know that I can't control everything and everyone. I know that my children can't live in a bubble. But the idea that my children are going to be subjected to mean behavior, to this....oh, it rattles me. 

As for the rest of the summer (we still have over 2 weeks until school starts), I don't know.  I will try to pack in some more park days (hopefully without mean behavior), gardening, farmer's market trips, etc.I guess we will just enjoy the schedule-free time that we have right now.  

Happy Wednesday.

xo

Back to school

Guess who had his first day of school today.

No, not Japan. (silly)

It was Bode William's return to school today. It went very well.  He ran right into his classroom and never even looked back (at me).  He didn't even say hello to his teacher, Miss Amy (who was his teacher last year).  So without further ado, I just left.  It was kind of funny to be one of the "old-timers" and watch the "newbies" (the new parents) stand around, looking worriedly at their toddler to see if it was "okay" to leave them alone in the classroom. What's the big deal?  (Just kidding!)

At pick-up, it was a different scene.  The parents were happy to walk up and see their children playing in the playground. Their faces relieved of the tension held early this morning, they stood around smiling and watching their new preschoolers.  But I had some tension. I had a really hard time getting Bode to leave!  He ignored me  and would not stop playing, even when I told him that he would be back.

Miss Amy (below, in the green dress) had to help me.  After several minutes of me pleading with him to come with me, she tried talking to him.  When he ignored her, she said, "Come on, Bode, Mommy is ready...help Mommy."  And she gently picked up Bode and carried him to my car. I really like Miss Amy. More importantly, Bode likes Miss Amy a lot.

We got into the car and Bode said, "Mom (he has been calling me "Mom" for a week now), can we go to Starbucks for a treat?"  (Dude, you read my mind!)  So off we went to Starbucks for a mini celebration.  (I was going to take him to the ice cream place for a special back-to-school treat, but since he specifically requested "Starbucks"......)

He's getting so big. I can't believe that he's going to be 4 in a couple of weeks!

We ended the day in new (Fall) pjs,  reading stories before bedtime.  I really cherish my bedtime routine with my babies.  I don't want that to ever end.

Tomorrow is suture removal!  Unfortunately, Bode will miss school.  Keep your fingers crossed that the procedure is anxiety-free and painless for Bode. Whether it is good or bad, I see another treat in our future. ;)

xo