milestone
« Previous EntriesRazor Scooter Surprise
Sunday, May 20th, 2012Everyone had been asking what JSL wanted for his fifth birthday. The reality is that he only asked for one item. We cringed at his one request, but figured that walkie talkies would be a lot of fun for the kids to use outside this summer.
We were left with no real ideas and relatives asking for suggestions. When my mother and I went shopping, something clicked while walking down an aisle. JSL has been asking for his kiddie scooter to ride. Unfortunately, it was not in the best of shape after two kids and he is just too big for it. Check out the birthday boy’s face when he opened up his gift Monday afternoon:
JSL was beyond excited to try out his new Razor Scooter. Thanks to rain most of the week, we never had a chance to do that. Yesterday, the weather was beautiful, so we packed up the box to take out and try with JSL’s new helmet.
It truly was priceless watching JSL try to figure out where he wanted the handles, how to place his foot, and whether or not he was going too quickly. I do think he will be doing tricks before I know it since the kiddo has no fear and likes to try things other children are doing.
I guess I should enjoy this stage, especially thanks to the big smiles JSL provided from sheer happiness.
Yes, seeing my little guy smile made my entire day!
Percussion Playing Prowess
Saturday, May 19th, 2012Dear NHL,
In the fall, when you decided that you wanted to play percussion instruments, I wondered how things would go. With most of the school year and two concerts behind you, I can hardly imagine life without a percussion playing kiddo in our house. Though the bell set is a bit shrill at times, we can recognize songs when you play them. The only down side is the size of your kit that has to travel into school each week. I now know where to park to drop it off and where to set it down outside of school at the end of the day.
While we were at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we made sure to stop over by the drum area in Africa. Daddy and I knew that you would have fun experimenting on the different items that were there.
Of course, it was also interesting to watch your little brother follow you around. As you can see, one of you had an easier time switching things up, while the other needs to stretch a bit more.
Still, I think the moment that made me the proudest happened at Mimi’s house on Mother’s Day. She had a little keyboard. Suddenly, we heard a song and looked over. There you were taking what you learned from playing the xylophone to play the same song on the piano without any sheet music. Of course, I wanted to test this theory. When we went to Nana and Papa’s house a few days later, you did it again proving that you really have learned quite a bit. Keep up the great work. I can’t wait to see how much more you learn next year and beyond.
Love,
Mommy
Cake Wishes from the Birthday Boy
Tuesday, May 15th, 2012Yesterday was JSL’s 5th birthday. Monday birthdays are tricky when you are in school. It means you can’t do anything too big and elaborate, but still need to make the day extra special. On Sunday, JSL finally opted not to ask for an ice cream cake and wanted a chocolate cake with sprinkles in it. That can not really happen, so he picked something else, along with frosting and items to decorate the cake.
In the morning I took the boys to school. When I dropped JSL off, his teacher E had him make a special birthday crown. Later on when I went back in, the crown was complete.
Then it was time to have a birthday snack with everyone. When the kids were done singing to JSL, he was asked to share how old he is now. Yes, he now needs an entire hand.
After a story and some dancing, we packed up to head home. We were on a mission. Before going to school JSL asked me only to bake the birthday cake. As a new big five year old, he wanted to help frost and decorate his own masterpiece. So I set out supplies and we started to work.
JSL soon learned that when you pull up on frosting…cake will follow along with it. Thanks to that, he also learned how to repair holes with more frosting.
Once the cake was covered in frosting, it was time to add some color. JSL was careful placing sprinkles at first, then he started to just dump them on, and eventually he wanted some gold to add a little sparkle.
When the cake was finished we pulled out the present that he begged for. JSL wanted walkie-talkies for his birthday. These are the cool Perry ones that we found for the Phineas and Ferb fan:
Unfortunately, the walkie-talkies did not work. We called the company and they were amazing. Later on we brought them back to the Toys R Us and exchanged them for some the exact same item that worked perfectly. Then we came home to have some of the cake that JSL helped to make.
It is still so hard to believe that my “baby” is already five!
Today my Baby is Five
Monday, May 14th, 2012Dear JSL,
Five years ago yesterday, I had no idea that my world would forever change again. It was Mother’s Day and I was very pregnant with you. I slept a lot of the day because I was so exhausted. When I woke up Monday morning, you made it quite clear that today would be your birthday.
Now I look at your sweet little face and the baby, toddler, preschooler is slipping away. You are getting to be so big and will be heading to kindergarten in September. I can not believe that my baby is going to be a kindergarten kid. Your sweet personality makes you so easy to get along with. You are one smart cookie who has a great sense of humor, loves to perform plays for everyone, and help others. Here is a look at your fourth year.
To celebrate turning four, we had a lot of pirate celebrations. Jake and the Never Land Pirates had made a huge impact on your life and everything seemed to be pirates. It was also the first time that you rode solo on the Merry-go-Round at Hoffman’s. (May 2011)
June started off with a major scare when you had a febrile seizure at school. Thank goodness you were in great hands that day. The rest of the month was a lot less eventful. You finished your first year of preschool and we spent time together before NHL was finished with second grade. (June 2011)
We had a busy summer together. NHL, you, and I went to a lot of events at the library and Michaels for their craft program. You loved making items and sharing them with everyone. The summer was also very warm and you liked heading into our little pool to play and the spray ground at the park. (July 2011)
The end of the summer was filled with preparations for NHL’s 8th birthday, going to the movies, more trips to Hoffman’s, and keeping cool. Mommy and Daddy were supposed to go away and you were so excited about possible presents from Disney. Hurricane Irene had other plans and you worked to help us prepare the house for her arrival. (August 2011)
School started back and you were going five days a week for most of the day. Although I missed our extra time together, I knew playing with your friends and learning was important. Each day I would look forward to see all the books, drawings, and creations that you would make. We also went apple picking on your first fieldtrip of the year. (September 2011)
The Fall brought an extreme interest in learning to write. You were constantly writing new books at the start of each day in nursery school. Then, at home, you were using the new LeapFrog goodies we received to try reading on your own. Of course, we ended the month with snow in October just in time for Jedi Tigger to go out for some treats. (October 2011)
We had a relatively quiet month in November. You declared that you liked fruit on a stick, constantly played your guitar, and kept using your favorite markers each morning at school. (November 2011)
Muppets, Snowflake the Bear, Chanukah, and more pirates filled the month of December. You loved playing dress up, especially with your Jake and the Never Land Pirates shirt on. I have a feeling that was your super costume for the Super JSL Buzz Lightyear show that you liked to do all the time. (December 2011)
Thanks to you sleeping in our bed, Daddy and I finally agreed that it was time to get you a big boy bed. The two of you still wanted to share a room, so we bought bunk beds that were delivered on New Years Eve. Much of January was spent getting used to the new sleeping arrangements and wondering why you would not play in the missing snow. (January 2012)
February brought an illness that kept you home from school for a while. Thankfully, we kept febrile seizures away. During break from school, we kept warm inside the house making crafts and also went to the library to explore and see friends. You continued to love going to school to see all of your friends, teachers, and of course your speech therapist C. It was becoming clear to all of us that you were growing up so much and ready to be a kindergarten kid soon. (February 2012)
Lots going on in March. My favorite little pirate came out to play for Purim. Pirate JSL also liked to add more to his costume when playing at home. We had fun at Platypus day looking for Perry. Finally, snow arrived that allowed you to head outside to play. (March 2012)
The month began with Passover preparations. That kept us busy as we were also getting set for another trip to Walt Disney World at the end of the month. You also fell in love with making pottery at a friend’s birthday party. (April 2012) 
Please excuse me if I cry a little today. It is hard for me to believe that my baby has gone from this:
to this in five short years:
As much as I am sad to see you get older, I am excited. I can not wait to see more of who you are becoming. I look forward to watching you learn to read, write, and develop into more of the character and sweet young boy that you already are.
Happy 5th birthday sweetie and here is to many more happy and wonderful memories ahead.
Love,
Mommy
Past B-day posts to JSL:
A Preschool Mother’s Day Celebration
Saturday, May 12th, 2012Dear JSL,
This week, I have been really sentimental. I think the fact that you turn five in a few days has hit me. My baby is not really a baby anymore. When I keep asking you not to get older, you always remind me that you have no control of this. Thanks to all of this, I am trying to cherish our special time together more before you head to kindergarten. Yesterday, I arrived at school early to cheer you on during the fundraiser and parade. When you saw Mimi there with me, you were so happy and waved to her.
Then, it was time to head up into the classroom for the Mother’s Day celebration. The room was set up for all of the special guests to sit down near your table to watch a performance.
I managed to get a video of your class singing a special song, but I am not going to share that here. Thank goodness you were willing to do an extra performance of the song at home for me to record.
What I realize on the video is we really need to get you to an allergist since that nasal thing that is still pestering you. Oh well, I will work on that next week.
Once the song was over, each of you went to get a present to give to the mothers. You were so cute and came over to me. You were not sure if I should open it up there, but I did.
You handed me a homemade crown. The crown was wrapped around a treasure box that you had painted and decorated.
As beautiful as it was on the outside, my heart melted when I looked inside. This is what you and your fantastic teachers had come up with to surprise us on Mother’s Day:
We had our photo taken together, but my eyes were closed on the one that was taken with my camera. Once you were finished giving me the present, you wanted to show it to Mimi. Later on, I made sure to get a photo of the two of you together. I think you were the only child that had a great-grandparent there.
I am so glad that Mimi and I were both there with you. It was a wonderful afternoon that we all shared together. Thank you for being such a sweet, loving, and special little boy.
Love,
Mommy
Our Disney World Family Tradition
Saturday, May 5th, 2012Dear NHL and JSL,
Coming back home from a magical week at Disney World has been a tough transition for all of us. Now, we can sit down and look at all of the moments that we captured from this latest adventure to Orlando. There was the pirate party, dancing in DinoLand late at night, and checking out the Art of Animation Resort. Once the conference was over, we had some extra days to roam the four parks together.
Even a simple moment like the two of you sitting together on a Disney bus while going to a new destination melted my heart. Just three years ago, you were so little when we took you to Disney World for your first visit. Now, the two of you could lead us around the parks and tell us where you wanted to go.
What I loved was the two of you humored us to keep a tradition alive. On our last day at Disney World, we have always worn matching shirts. Both of you agreed to do this again. The best part was wearing them while two special friends before our trip was over:
Sure the heat may have gotten to all of us from time to time, but the amazing moments together is something we will always remember. For now, we will look back at these and hope to start planning another trip back one day soon.
Love,
Mommy
Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we were given an incredible deal from Disney. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event.
Preschool Shabbat Box Project
Thursday, March 15th, 2012Reality check time. My baby is going to be a kindergarten kid in a few months. Soon, JSL will no long be in preschool in the place that we know and love. He will venture off into an entire new world filled with learning and many more firsts. Before I rush us past this first year, I am going to cherish the time we still have in his nursery school.
On a day that we went for a meeting with the school district about JSL’s amazing speech progress, we had wonderful box of goodies sent home. These were items that JSL had made during the school year in his classroom. Each child presented their families with an amazing Shabbat Box.
As fantastic as it looks on the outside, it was even more impressive inside. Check out all of the items that were within the gorgeous Shabbat Box.
So what are all of the items you ask? Well, let’s take a tour to see all of the JSL made Shabbat items that his teachers helped to make.
This week, the kids spent time making challah dough, learning to braid them, and baking mini challahs to bring home. These were perfect to have along with the challah covers that they also designed.
Of course, when preparing for Shabbat there must be something to drink wine –er grape juice out of. This is the colorful kiddush cup that JSL created.
There was one item that was breakable in the Shabbat Box. The kids made beautiful sand art Shabbat candle stick holders. These are so pretty thanks to the different color sand varieties that they had to pick from.
The item that I think JSL will use a lot is the kippah that he made. I am sure he will be able to wear it to holidays and also use it for Shabbat. JSL told me that they painted them. Love the tie dye effect and how original his came out.
The last things included were some educational items. There was a pamphlet with Shabbat blessings for Friday night and ending on Saturday evening. JSL was especially excited about the Shabbat matching game that he insists we play soon.
Thanks to making these special items to use for Shabbat, they mean even more to JSL. I know that he will always remember his time in preschool thanks to the memories that his fantastic teachers have provided for him.
P.S. The kids also made another item that came home last week. More on the Tzedakah box coming soon!
Glasses Envy
Saturday, March 10th, 2012Dear NHL & JSL,
This was a big week for the two of you. As a family, we celebrated Purim several times.
NHL, last weekend you had your eyes checked and found out that you need to wear glasses all the time. They came in on Wednesday, so we picked them up just before going to the community Purim celebration. In an instant, you could not only see clearly, but you had grown up. You were so happy to have your new “Harry Potter” glasses and could not wait to show them to everyone.
JSL, what shocked me was your reaction to your brother’s glasses. You were so upset. You cried when we told you he needed them, you cried when he picked them out, and you had a tantrum when NHL picked them up to take home. I could not imagine what the problem was. When we asked you, you told us you were now the only one that did not wear glasses. So, after NHL got his glasses and a pair of clip-on sunglasses, we picked something special out for you.
Yes, a simple pair of Buzz Lightyear flip sunglasses saved the day. Now, we just need to keep helping NHL to adjust to the new clear world.
Love,
Mommy
Time for an Eye Exam
Friday, March 9th, 2012Eye health is very important to me. Growing up, I always knew that I would one day need glasses because both of my parents and everyone in my family had them. Mom and Dad each got their first pair of classes when they were freshman. At the start of 9th grade, I noticed that I was not seeing the overhead projectors in biology. I told my mother and we set up an appointment to get my eyes checked. Sure enough, I was on my way to my first pair of glasses.
When TechyDad and I started our family, we knew that our boys would one day get glasses. I asked him when he got his first pair, and knew it was when he was in second grade. With our oldest now in third grade, I knew things could change for his vision at any time.
Over winter break, NHL continued to complain about headaches. Nana asked me one day if we had checked his eyes recently. We had in September when he had his physical, but nothing since. NHL never complained that he could not see in school, but then again he probably did not know the difference. Little things noticed by NHL’s gym teacher, his headaches, and our suspicions made us want to check this out.
After break was over, I called the school nurse to see if she could do a quick check. I knew that something was going on because he was not seeing quite right. Nana was definitely onto something and I felt horrible for not putting the pieces together before that. We were lucky that they were screening the entire school for sight and hearing that week. The screener said she would call me immediately since I was concerned about things. The next afternoon, I received a call. NHL’s vision was definitely off according to their quick exam. I quickly called and made an appointment for the early morning weekend day to check when NHL’s eyes were fresh and less likely to be strained.
NHL did an amazing job and the place we took him to was fantastic with children. In the end, we found out that he does in fact need glasses and hope this will help to make all of the recent headaches vanish. Tune in tomorrow for a letter to NHL where I share a photo of his new glasses (Harry Potter watch out) and show how a jealous little brother reacts.
So my question to you this week:
If you or your children needed glasses, how old were you when you first got them?
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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.
Aloha #194
Bunking it for a Week
Saturday, January 7th, 2012Dear NHL and JSL,
Today marks one week since the arrival of your new bunk beds. It has been a challenging week. Change is hard and this was definitely a big change for all of us. Not only did bed placement move for both of you, but night time routines became different.
Daddy and I could not longer sit on the edge of NHL’s bed to make sure you were quiet and went to sleep. No, going to the top bunk was really an option. We realized that this caused some hurt feelings after day three when you declared that you no longer wanted bunk beds and wanted your own room. JSL was also upset about not being about to jump into NHL’s bed to give him a hug before bed. Giving up is not an option. We explained to both of you that this was a big adjustment for the two of you, Mommy, and Daddy. New routines and ideas had to be brainstormed to help both of you with these items.
Had the two of your stayed in your room when we were making the beds, you would have heard some complaining. This is not an easy task and will certainly be something that I cringe about. On Friday, while preparing for the furniture store to come back and fix something, I had to remove everything off the top bunk. I completely forgot where I was and stood upright on my knees. Ouch – hitting your head on the ceiling hurts! I think we need some warning labels on your top bunk NHL.
Thankfully, once you are asleep, you both seem very happy and well rested. We all need to remember that it is going to take time, lots of hugs, and patience to get used to our new lives with bunk beds.
Love,
Mommy
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