One of THOSE Days

To say the past few weeks have been trying in our house would be an understatement. We were never blessed with the Terrible Two's, the Three's were also pretty smooth, and the Four's? I would hesitate to say a cake walk, but still pretty easy.

But the Five's? Calgon, take me away!

It seems that almost overnight, our sweet, charming, polite, no-trouble-at-all, perfect specimen of a child has turned into a mouthy, can't-keep-his-hands-to-himself, rude child. All I have to say is that when he acts like that, he is not my son!

We have scratched our heads and wondered is it the upcoming changes? Kindergarten? New baby? Those are things that are all six plus months away! Regardless, this is the exchange that took place on Brookside Circle at 6:45A.M. on Friday morning.

Me: "Tyler, please come into the bathroom and brush your teeth."
Tyler (sitting on the floor, playing with his Legos): "NO! I want to finish this first!"
Me: "You know the rule. No playing with toys until you are all dressed in the morning."
Tyler: " I don't care."
Me: "I am going to count the three, and then I will take away your Legos if you are not in the bathroom."
Tyler: "Fine! But I am bringing my plane with me."

At this point I am not going to argue anymore and accept the compromise. He comes into the bathroom, carrying his Lego plane that he has been building. I now have to remind him that he needs to brush his teeth. He then half-heartedly swings at me, knowing that will be cause for more trouble on his end...

Tyler: "Stupid mommy." and "I hate you." and "Stupid dummy mommy." and "You are really a stupid dummy."

At this point, I wanted to wring his neck and bust out laughing. So what did I do? I took a page from the parent of the year book that I authored and said:

"It's really too bad that I am so stupid because you are my son and that must make you stupid too."

Guess what? He brushed his teeth and we made it to school without any more incidents! That is, until we got to school and I realized I forgot to bring in something for Show and Tell. I went over to where Tyler was hanging his jacket and apologized for forgetting. You know what he told me (the same kid who was a monster from an hour earlier)?

"That's okay mommy, we had a really rough morning."

And with that simple exchange, I knew that the cranky monster from earlier was gone, at least for a little while. I also knew I needed to give hugs and kisses and leave quickly so I could go cry at the sweetness of the moment.

P.S. I said for a little while.

Mayor's Cup, 2010

Last year, despite the huge season the Fermi Falcon's had, there was one monkey on Frank's back for the past year. That was their loss to cross town rival, Enfield Raiders. Always a huge game for the kids, parents, and the town, Fermi came away losers last year.

What a difference a year makes.

After losing their game before playing Enfield, and winning their few before that by a score of 2-1, the Falcons found the puck on their sticks and then in the goal. Needless to say, they came away big, with a 7-2 final score. The only way the game could have been even better was to have scored more goals!
The Fermi-Enfield game always serves as senior day for the kids on the team. After presentation of flowers to the moms, it was time to move on with the game. Frank's parents even travelled to town for the weekend to watch a big victory. Stands packed, alumni present, and school officials were all ready to keep control of the crowd during the game. Tyler helped with picture duty and took this great one of starting lineup announcements.

Then it was time for the opening face-off.

Towards the end of the game, it became very apparent that Fermi was going to come away victorious. Tyler and I made out way towards the team bench. He enjoyed the game for the top of a spare net, his preferred seat!

The final score!

This game is also the 'Mayor's Cup" in Enfield. Not only are bragging rights at stake, but so is a beautiful trophy. The kids all gathered at center ice to accept their prize.

After the kids enjoyed their trophy, skated a lap with it, and showed it off to the crowd, they gathered in front of the net for the "Stanley Cup" picture. A must in any hockey celebration! Remember how Tyler and I moved closer to the stands? Well, Frank came and get him and if you look really closely, you can see his little hands around Frank's neck. So excited to be part of the celebration. Unfortunately, this was the best shot I could get without taking my pregnant belly onto the ice! :( (For a better shot, go here.)

I did manage to get this shot as Tyler and Frank were on their way off the ice. One of the captains skated over and handed the trophy to Tyler! Smart kid-- he will make a great dad someday!

Congrats Frank and the Fermi Falcons!

And baby makes four!

That's right, folks! After five long years, Frank and I finally decided that it was time to add to our family! We could not be any more excited/happy/nervous! This decision has been in the works for awhile but because of moves, job changes, life, was always put on hold. Not any longer!

I found out I was pregnant on Monday, November 23rd, while Frank was out playing hockey. On a whim, I took a test and it was positive! I really thought that I was going to jump out of my skin! I was so excited, but I also knew that I knew and no one else did.

How could I break the news to Frank?

After collecting myself, I remembered that on Wednesday, my in-laws were going to take Tyler for the night so Frank and I could have dinner. Alone. Together. Knowing that Frank is not one for big spectacles and to-dos, I decided that dinner would be perfect!

The problem? That was 48 hours away. I couldn't say anything to anyone! UGH!

Anyways, I went out, had the following picture printed, bought a card, and stuck with my plan. The funnier part? I filled out the card in the car, while Frank was driving. I was in the backseat, but he still had no clue!

All throughout dinner I was jumping out of my skin! I just could not wait to tell him! I managed to wait until we were almost done with the meal and then presented him with the card. His response? "What's this?" Mine? "Just open it, I got you a card." Well, duh.

I did not even have to write anything in the card (but I did) and when he saw the pictures, he said "Really?" That response and the expression on his face (oh yeah, and the tears in his eyes) was well worth the 48 hour suspense!

Six weeks and twelve weeks, below.

Tyler posing with his new baby sister/brother. Will we find out this time? I am definitely ready for some pink, ruffles, and dolls to overtake the house next!

But wait, the story of Baby Geno's arrival is not over yet. For a few weeks after we found out, we told a select few people-- family, and close friends. One of the most common questions we were asked was "Does Tyler know?". We waited to tell him until we were ready for everyone to know! But the way in which he found out was pure accident.

One afternoon Frank picked up Tyler from daycare. When he arrived, Katie and Ellie said to Frank "Congratulations!". Frank, looking quizzical, must have needed a better explanation. Katie told Frank that Tyler had told her that I was going to have a baby boy and name him Ellie. Frank, assuming that I had told them, as well as Tyler the news, thanked them, said we were very happy, and that Tyler would indeed be a big brother. However, Frank could not understand why Tyler had a confused look on his face!

When they were on their way home that night, they called me and Frank told me what had happened. I explained to Frank that no, I did not tell Tyler, or Katie and Ellie! Whoops! That explained the strange look on Tyler's face when Frank announced he would be a big brother! Needless to say, I was disappointed the news was not given at home with both Frank and I, I quickly had to laugh (damn those pregnant mood swings!) about how things came about! That was the night it was time to break the news! Thankfully, Tyler is as excited as we are!

More irony about this pregnancy? Projected due date? August 4th! Importance of that date? Our 9th wedding anniversary!

All Aboard!

How do you entertain a five-year-old during the middle of winter? You don't! you let him do his own entertaining!

As Frank and I were doing some cleaning and putting away laundry, Tyler found the basket, a very old hat from Disneyland, circa 1980's, and his Islander jacket. For thirty whole minutes, Tyler played in the basket and was as happy as a clam!