It's Sumpthin

It was a few months ago when Max uttered the phrase "it's something" or "it's sump-thin" if you're speaking in Max dialect. I was getting him dressed one day when I noticed one of my favorite t-shirts of his was becoming too small. I said something along the lines of, "aw man, this shirt is getting too small." That's when he looked at me with the most puzzled look on his face and said, "it's sumpthin." Yep. He was right about that, it's sumpthin. 

He's continued to say this in different scenarios, including when we were out to eat recently. He ordered mac and cheese --- surprise surprise --- and they brought him out a fork instead of a spoon. Max typically manages a spoon easier than a fork, so Kirk told him he would request one when the waiter returned to our table. Max looked at Kirk and said, "it's sumpthin." Haha! It's turned into our family motto of sorts and we say it anytime life doesn't necessarily go our way, but it's still tolerable. The optimism is seriously appreciated, Max.

It's important to shrug your shoulders a little when saying it in order to get the full effect.

*half smile* "it's sumpthin" *shoulder shrug* 

Lyla & Max started playing school when we get home from school. <-- ironic. Lyla is typically the teacher and I was laughing as she started clapping her hands while announcing it was story time. Max followed her prompts and Lyla offered him a small snack as long as he promised to sit criss-cross-apple-sauce. It's a funny dynamic between them that I'm enjoying while it lasts. I can still remember playing school with my little brother and it was always so satisfying having him willingly obey my demands. I see the exact same behavior in my sweet Lyla girl. The big sister syndrome is fierce.

ALSO, Max's first soccer game was a success. We are so grateful of our good friend Kurt for coaching at last minute due to the YMCA slacking in the organizational department. Kurt did a great job of herding those little rascals in the right direction, not to mention the kiddos were so grateful of having a professional soccer player coach their game. :) If you haven't already viewed my amazing, academy nominated feature film, you can do so by clicking here -----> soccer video.

LOVELOVELOVE

Lyla and Max are enjoying school and despite them being in separate classes, they have remained best friends. For the most part, they really don't get to see each other during school hours. They aren't reunited until after school when all classes combine into one big group for extended care. Typically they only play in extended care for 15-20 minutes while I wrap up my day and get ready to go home, but it's just long enough to give the extended care teacher a glimpse into the special bond they share. 

The extended care teacher stopped me one afternoon specifically to tell me how much she admires Lyla and Max. She told me she has never witnessed siblings who take care of each other the way they do. They always embrace with a big hug after school and continue to play together until it's time to go home. She said Lyla is very protective over Max and is constantly looking after him. It made my heart happy. The reality is they fight just as hard as they love, but apparently they save that for home and protect each other out in the real world. It's pure goodness. 

That same day Lyla and Max were sitting at the kitchen counter as I cooked dinner. I heard Lyla say to Max, "Do you want to get married?" I couldn't control my laughter, so Lyla looked up at me and said, "Mom, I didn't mean right now. I mean when we grow up." Haha! These are the moments of motherhood I love the most. 

We were preparing to leave for school this morning when Lyla greeted me in the kitchen. She was wearing a dress paired with one tie dye green sock and one white sock with a heart on it. I complimented her dress choice, but suggested she return to her bedroom to pick out a pair of matching socks. I was certain she had more options available. She protested this request. I continued to encourage her to change her mind. Then she said one thing that instantly won the battle. She said, "Mom, it doesn't matter what my socks look like. The most important thing is the love in my heart." The "love in your heart" phrase is something I say to my kids quite often, but I'm grateful she reminded me of my own philosophy. And from that moment forward I supported the decision of the mismatching socks. The life lessons in parenting and childhood are continuously interchangeable.

This is our after school couch cuddle session, 

which has been known to last anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours. Ha!

First Day Recap

Lyla & Max successfully completed their first day of school and I'm feeling like we made it through some sort of right of passage. They have adjusted surprisingly well to all of the newness that's been happening. I'm proud of my little humans. 

The kiddos were early to rise Wednesday morning and eager to get themselves ready. They picked out their own outfits and Lyla decided on the hairstyle she wanted for her first day. I assembled lunches and prepared book bags. We even decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary a day early, to ensure our Tuesday night focus was all about school. The Kaili brain was in full effect. The front porch sibling pictures were absolutely mandatory, and it sort of felt like we completed a marathon by the time we finally loaded up the car. I do a lot of preparing and tend to make a big production out of events like this, but despite me feeling anxious, everything fell into place and ran smoothly. We are creating a new morning groove and I'm grateful of Kirk for allowing us to disrupt his regular morning routine. 

We arrived to school a little early and each of the kid's teachers greeted them in the foyer. Max gave me a hug goodbye and entered his classroom. He was cool as a cucumber. Lyla followed her teacher to her classroom as well, however, she refused to hug me or even acknowledge me for that matter. I think she was mostly excited, but still slightly nervous, and didn't want her nerves to overcome her excitement. It was easier for her to ignore me, rather than make a big production over it being her first day... at least that's what I'm telling myself. Regardless, there was no crying. I was fully expecting someone to cry, especially me. Ha!

The day concluded after four short hours and we loaded up the car to head back home. They were seemingly giddy on the way home, sharing details of their day and new classmates. The most significant part of Lyla's day was learning a boy in her class is allergic to dogs. She finds this very fascinating, considering she continues to mention it several times a day. She later mentioned this classmate also has dark skin, dark hair, and is very handsome. Is it a friendly infatuation or preschool crush --- time will tell. She made one other noteworthy friend in class stating, "I can't really understand what she is saying, but she is very nice." Ha! She cracks me up.

Max left school with a happy attitude as well. My little buddy needs a lot of positive reinforcement throughout the day and I can already tell his teacher is going to be wonderful. Max was less responsive about the details of his day, but I know he had a lot of fun because my desk is located right outside his classroom. I'm able to peek on him throughout the day and it's one of the many reasons I'm grateful for this job opportunity. 

The second day was equally as successful. Max and Kirk matched outfits. We found a shirt similar to Kirk's work uniform several months ago and we all agreed it was a must have. Max insisted on saving this shirt for work, but we finally convinced him school is his version of work. As you can see in the photo, they are the most adorable matching duo. To my surprise, Max was a bit attached to me on the second day and even shed some tears. I typically lean towards the "rip off the band-aid" technique --- which consisted of a hug and passing him off to his teacher. He recovered quickly and enjoyed the rest of his day.

The only task left to conquer is getting these little people to stop creeping into our bedroom in the middle of the night. I love snuggling my babies, but they are seriously getting too big for all four of us to share one bed. It's inevitable for someone to wake up with a foot in the face and that's just not a pleasant experience. I have resorted to good old fashioned bribery to stop this madness and it is still not working. Any input is welcome... 

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This is how they felt about my photo session after roughly five minutes. 

Buuuut the rock pose was their idea!

Day Two!

Happy Anniversary to my love! I wouldn't choose this life with anyone else!

Beginning of Something New

I started work on Monday and it's been a busy week for our family. I put on makeup five days in a row, which I can almost guarantee hasn't happened in at least three years. Although the kiddos won't start school until next Wednesday, we are still working on adjusting to our new schedule and routine. I'm so grateful for all my helpers this week who were available to tend Lyla & Max. [Thanks!] I was also able to bring them with me to work for two of the days. They were able to meet their teachers and explore the school, which I think will ultimately help them feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed on their first day. 

We have spent a lot of energy preparing for this upcoming change in our lives. There was one task on my list that kept falling to last priority and that was getting Lyla's hair cut --- for the first time ever. This idea originated when I asked Lyla several months ago if she wanted to get her hair cut and her answer was a definite no. She was very apprehensive about it. I decided it didn't matter and just let it go. Well, several weeks later she randomly brought it up again and stated she was ready to get her hair cut. I, admittedly, brushed off her request because by that point, I reverted back to not wanting to get it done...ever. There was absolutely no logic in this decision, it was simply the fact that cutting her hair meant any traces of baby hair would be completely eliminated. And obviously the world would end if that happened.

Yes, I realize it's just a hair cut. This refusal is basically the same as keeping your child in diapers simply because you don't want them to use the toilet for the first time ever, buuuut my heart was still rejecting the idea. I'm clearly in denial about her growing up. Max gets his hair cut on a regular basis, so believe me I am also asking my brain how any of this makes sense. 

Anyway, we had a game plan on Friday including a hair cut for Max when Lyla, once again, requested a hair cut for herself as well. I stared wistfully at her stringy locks, thinking about how my once bald baby transformed into a little girl with chlorine dyed ends, and finally agreed to her persistent desire. She was quite pleased with this decision and could not stop staring in the mirror during the hair cut. Her admiration for herself was entertaining for myself as well as the stylist, and it turns out the world kept spinning once the hair cut concluded. We decided to cut minimal amount as possible, while still evening up the ends and, I must say, the change definitely improved the overall quality of her hair. Lyla proudly stated afterward that she most definitely looks the same age as her cousin, Hali. Hali is twelve. My four year old thinks she is twelve.

The hair cut experience is not the only back to school first we've experienced lately. The preparations have also included school clothes shopping, which I never knew could be such a tedious task. I've entered new territory here. I have always been 100% on board with giving my kids the freedom to express themselves, but the problem with school clothes is my children do not have one single practical train of thought in their precious little minds. The negotiations get tough when Lyla holds up something resembling an 80's prom dress and I have to express to her something along the lines of, "Seriously? You won't even be able to sit down in that thing." Then there is Max, on the opposite end of the spectrum, who can't make a decision to save his life. I'm usually exhausted by the time we finally come to an agreement on something as simple as a t-shirt. So. I learned the hard way that it's much easier to go shopping without children. They are much more appreciative this way, as they are always happy when anyone arrives back home with anything at all for them. I will still encourage them to dress themselves as they choose, just within the range of their own closets. Controlled freedom. Ha! I'm hopeful the understanding of appropriate school attire will make more sense next year. Then again, I remember having arguments with my mom about clothing well into high school --- from style preference to demands over brand names, yikes --- so maybe that's just something that will never change. The lyrics from Tangled just started playing in my brain."...mother knows best, listen to your mumsy."

We've been focusing on making other changes prior to school starting, including the struggle with Max confusing pretend superhero games with a real life boxing match. I think I am slightly resentful of Kirk for the day he ever introduced the "BOOM" game to Max, but I'm also guilty for promoting such play. My favorite line from Max is just as we're getting ready to "fight" and I ask "Do you want a piece of me?" and as he scowls, he says "No! I want the whole thing!" He's hilarious. However, I really don't want Max being the kid who body slams his peers for no reason, soooo we've been diligently reminding him that playing "BOOM" is a family game and should only be played with willing participants. Kirk has been trying to convince Max that anytime he gets the urge to "BOOM" someone, he should just tickle them instead. And while it's too soon to tell if this technique is working, it's been funny to watch. Time will tell and I pray Max isn't the school bully. I'm hopeful his sweet side will outweigh the Hulk that lives within. 

They are going to learn so much this next year and I want to do everything we can to ensure it is smooth of a journey as possible. It's hard to believe such a monumental chapter is coming to a close for us. In a lot of ways life will remain the same, but it will also be so very different. It's bittersweet for me. Life is good. 

Summer Bliss

I feel like we are floating right on through the summer, both literally and figuratively. The leisure levels in our house have peaked between the endless morning snuggles, swimming until we're soggy, and frequent trips to the snow cone shack. I can hardly remember a more carefree summer. However, over the past few days I've been yearning for the routine we once followed earlier this year. I miss attending all of our normal weekly activities. The intention of keeping up with a summer routine is tough when fun is the main priority. I've managed to keep our nap time schedule consistent, although even that is hanging on by only a thread. The best way to describe this summer is 'simple' and I guess I'm used to being more occupied than that. We are still in the midst of summer, yet the whispers of balance and consistency echo in my mind. I am looking forward to Autumn, including all the changes that come along with it.  

This brings my awareness to thinking about how much our lives will change in the next few weeks. The kiddos will begin school in August right as I begin working part time, so I am really trying to absorb as much of this complete freedom as we have left. It's hard to imagine this chapter coming to a close for us, but I am excited. The kids are excited. It will be a positive change overall. The choice to change our circumstances came a little sooner than I anticipated, but I still think it arrived right when it was meant to. I never planned on my role as a stay at home mom [SAHM] being infinite, yet I find myself reflecting back on these few years of my life that have been completely devoted to my kids. I will forever value this time of my life. It's been a huge blessing and I am so grateful we were given the opportunity to move to Texas. As tear-jerking of a decision it was, I can't imagine the emotional [& financial] hardships we would be facing in Idaho. We wouldn't have the same options as we do now, two incomes would be completely necessary. And as eager as several grandparents were to tend babies and/or help with childcare costs, I'm just not sure it would have worked out. I mean...life always works itself out...but I'm certain all sanity would be spent. 

I discovered an appreciation being a stay at home mom that I otherwise would have never known existed. It's more than I ever imagined and nothing like I expected. I could have missed out on so much. The opportunity I've had to be a mother to my children and nothing else has been so rewarding. It's expanded my ability to not sweat the small stuff, taught me patience, along with countless life lessons, and grew my heart by ten sizes. And granted, that will never change. I will continue to be a mom. My responsibilities will remain. My babies are still my babies! I'm not going to define myself any differently, but for whatever reason my brain is doing some serious preparation for it. 

I don't particularly like the way our culture divides SAHM's and working moms anyhow. The labels get tossed around like ego covered confetti and I find it incredibly annoying. The most important similarity is we all pour the same heart into our children. It's 100% from sun up to sun down. Any time spent away from our children is still spent thinking about them. It never stops, for any mom. I have witnessed the dedication among so many incredible moms with my own eyes and I try really hard not to determine the worthiness of any mother, because I know there are so many challenges no matter where you fall on the spectrum. I'll step down from the soap box now and work on finding my new happy place right in the middle of that spectrum. 

My working situation is unique and will still allow me to be readily available for my kids. The work hours and school hours are the same, so the stress of schedule conflicts will be minimal. It will still be a transition for us, but I anticipate an easy one. And surprisingly I'm not feeling anxious about any of it, with the exception of wondering what people wear to work. I know what people wear to the grocery store, park, and pool....but how in the world do people dress for work!? I can't really remember, but luckily I'm really good at shopping. I'm eager to familiarize myself with a new work atmosphere, but I'm even more excited for Lyla & Max. They are going to love the classroom environment, love making friends, and probably love a little break from me too. Ha! They are independent little people now and they are ready. 

My heart is fuller than full this summer, but I'm looking forward to dusting off the retired parts of my brain for a few hours a day. I love being with my kids, but there are some days they make this parenting thing a little too monotonous for me. [insert glass of wine here.] Yes...they still argue, claw each others faces, test their limits, and try to suck every bit of life out of me. I'm pretty sure those things will last for many years to come. But these days I'm no longer overwhelmed by two babies in diapers. I'm not obsessed with doing everything exactly just right. I'm no longer sleep deprived. I've traded in my milk factory position for a part-time referee. It's the little things that slowly change to make me realize babyhood was victorious, I survived life with a toddler, and now this preschool phase is blossoming into something pretty special. 

Hello to New Chapters: Part 2

We started touring preschools several weeks ago and I quickly learned I was entering a whole new territory I knew nothing about. The idea of Lyla going to Pre-K this fall has been exciting and somewhat sad, because time has passed by oh so quickly. I should clarify, she is not sad about it one bit, her mom and dad are the ones wondering where the time went. We toured several schools and eventually determined what type of atmosphere would be best for Miss Lyla. We were in the midst of finalizing our decision when Olivia mentioned an opportunity at the school where she works. Abercrombie Academy is hiring for an administrative position in their preschool office and the timing of receiving this information seemed oddly convenient. I wasn’t looking for a job, nor was I looking to put Max in school a year earlier than planned, but I decided to explore the opportunity anyway. I put a lot of trust in the natural timing that occurs in life.

The first thing we did was tour the preschool to determine if it would be a good fit. It turns out it is exactly what we had been looking for and it put all of the other tours to shame. We loved it. Then it came time to decide if enrolling Max in school would be a good decision, especially since it goes completely against my mindset when it comes to schooling. I am a stay at home mom, which is a huge blessing in itself and a big reason why we moved to Texas in the first place. I had zero intentions of putting a three year old in school. And I still stand firmly on the opinion that preschool is not necessary to raise a happy, healthy, smart child.

I never attended preschool and I'm normalish. I don't know if it's a difference of social norms in this area or just a generational thing, but there is a lot of pressure to put children in school at three or even two years old. I've been on the receiving end of the look of death when I start chatting with a mom at the park and she learns neither of my kids are in school. I always respond in my best duh tone, "No, my kids are not in school because they are two and four years old." There is no crime in not sending kids to school until Kindergarten, but a lot of parents feel differently on this subject. I did not allow this pressure to contribute to any decision because I think it’s stupid. I just wanted to make blog readers aware of the pressure that exists in case you have been out of the parenting business for a while.

After much research, counsel from family and friends, and pure instinct I decided this would be a good decision for our family. It was a bit of an emotional struggle for me to come to the realization that Maxwell going to school will have more of a positive impact than any negative one I had imagined. As much as Maxwell will be learning at his new school, he will perceive it as nothing more than having fun. It is completely play based and I think that’s important. It is only four hours per day. And definitely not a rigorous schedule of academics, which I had originally envisioned.

I know Maxwell is going to love it. He will thrive in an environment where he can make new friends, have independent experiences, and probably have more fun than he would with me all day. It was a tough pill to swallow when I asked him directly if he would prefer special “Mommy and Max time” or go to school like Lyla. He, of course, replied that he wants to go to school just like Lyla. And even though he is only two years old, we try to consider his desires as much as possible.

I applied for the position and as of August, I will be working part time and both kiddos will start school. It will be such a blessing to be on location while my kids are attending school. I will work the same hours as school is in session, so we will never be burdened with the conflict of coordinating schedules for transportation or holidays. And I get to attend all the fun activities they have going on throughout the year. The world is a scary place and in some ways this is giving me a sense of safety that I feared I would lack in sending my kids to public school. It seems almost too good to be true. We are so grateful for this unexpected opportunity and excited to see what the future brings. If all goes well, Lyla and Max could potentially attend through 5^th grade. Time will tell.