Introducing the newest Avenger, H-Bomb Henry

He's all boy - sure, he likes the pink and purple rainbow polka-dot bath towel, but aside from that the Bomber LOVES superheroes.  He has never watched a movie or show with them, but for some reason he has been all about Spider-Man, Superman, Batman and most recently the big four of the Avengers crew - Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man and Thor.  At a friends house he discovered a "Little Golden Book" about the Avengers. He now knows about enemy Ultron, Thor's magical hammer, and Captain America's indestructible shield.  We will feed the need to be Super, but for now we will not clue him into all the shows and movies about the Marvel universe!

Maplewood

It was open house at Maplewood, the place where the Nugget has gone to summer day camp and where the Bomber goes to preschool.  The kids tried something new - rock climbing.  

They both exceeded our expectations and made worthy climbs for such little ones. Henry got the invite to join a leadership and team building rock climbing class with 4-5 year olds given how well he performed. No surprise!  Again, we are so humbled and proud of our beautiful and active kids.

Question of the Day #totallyrandom

Henry got out of bed tonight to stall for a while - he told me he had to go pee.  So, as I'm helping him navigate the commode (he's barely three) he asks me, "have you ever gone pee in a trash barrel?"  I reply honestly, "probably".  He confirms, "I have too".  I'll be questioning mama about that one, but for now it looks as though the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  The good news is, after a quick spot check it appears as though the trash barrels in question are not in our home.

Big Boy Now

So now that he is 3 years old, Henry has rightfully taken offense to being called a baby and will correct anyone who attempts to call him even little guy because as he says, "I a big boy now". 

And it is amazing that he is such a big boy with a big boy personality - slower to socialize than his big sis, but not far behind.  He certainly loves his mama and his "banky", but he truly enjoys the company of friends and being in the mix. 

We dropped him off at pre-school today and it was tough for mama, daddy and Henry - all that independence is a lot for everyone to handle.  The Nugget told him "I hope you have a good day a pre-school" as she boarded her kindergarten bus for only the 4th time - so sweet and we know that they will be missing each other's company throughout the day.

As expected, Henry rocked the backpack and was excited to meet new friends, but once the moment of truth came and we had to walk away he cried his big boy eyes out.  "No, I don't want you to leave" and "I have one more hug" are phrases that break your heart but we know he will settle in and hopefully be begging to go back to school after he gets into the routine.  A big milestone for him and for mama - she now has 3 hours/day on Tuesday and Thursday to herself - whatever will she do?!

Marginal Way

A beautiful morning walk and visit to the small beach front on Marginal Way that is only accessible at low tide.  No family photo or even a shot with both kids because the Bomber is too stubborn at 3  yo to cooperate.  That didn't stop the Nugget from striking a pose.

First Day of School

It was a big day do the Nugget as she got on the bus and headed to kindergarten for the first time.  There has been some hesitation and anxiety, most of which has been curbed due to a few visits to the classroom prior to school starting but she has never ridden the bus.

She woke up in the middle of the night and we were concerned that she wasn't going to get enough sleep prior to the big day.  I went back into her room at 3:51 am to ask the Nugget why she wasnt sleeping. She said "sometimes I get so excited that I just can't go to sleep". She asked me to cuddle and of course I couldn't refuse - I rubbed her back until she fell asleep and  I stayed and slept in the bed until 7:20. 

The morning showed us the best side of Liana.  After getting dressed she wanted to draw a picture for her new teacher, whom she met the week before.  She wrote "I love Mrs. Rego" and hen she used her colored pencils to draw trees, sky, flowers and a heart.  She then proceeded to rock the huge backpack out to the bus stop and gave hugs and made sneaker stomps (because they light up) to anyone and everyone.

After just being introduced to a new kindergardener that just moved to the neighborhood this week Liana took her by the hand as the bus arrived and walked her onto the bus.  This was no surprise as she has demonstrated a sensitivity and innate ability to emotionally connect with people of all ages in a way that is well beyond her years.  

She had a great day and was so disappointed at bedtime when I told her that she only had one more day of school before the weekend, claiming "it's not fair that they would do it that way".

I was definitely emotional watching her board the bus.  She is my baby girl and she made me puff up with pride with the way she has handled difficult circumstances over the past 6 months.  I know how dealing with them going forward until they are resolved will be challenging but if anyone can conquer, it will be the (not so) little Nugget.

Birthday Boy

Henry turned three today.  It was so dreary and rainy so we went to the movies to see "Planes".  It was his first time at the movie theater and big sis showed him the ropes. We ended up getting up during the movie because he do desperately wanted to play with his new blue light saber.  

When he went to bed last night we told him he would be three when he woke up.  All day today he told us he was not a little boy anymore - "I'm a big boy now."  Tonight I got to put him to bed and he said, "will that be special for you?"  Of course it was and as I tucked him in he asked if he would be five when he woke up.  Of course that's not how it works, and other than having to work on his counting, I like the way he thinks!  Happy Birthday Bomber!

Future Pirates of America

I think Henry has watched too much "Jake and the Neverland Pirates".  When we were at the beach the other day he ran toward the water at full speed shouting "gang way!"

Family Day at Fenway

We had a great day taking advantage of the perks of working for the Red Sox.  It was family day and the kids got to play on the field, go behind the Green Monster, and of course see Wally and have Fenway Franks!  

Big Milestone

The Nugget reached a big milestone last week with mommy.  She was able to ride her bike sans training wheels for the first time.  Since mama had the Nugget and the Bomber there are no photos but there is a short video.  We went back at it today and got some photo evidence. 

Art in her heart

The Nugget continues to amaze me every day with her passion and talent for the arts.  She loves to sing and dance and truly enjoys arts and crafts projects.  The thing that fascinates me is her creative ability - she sings songs that she knows, but she also makes up a lot of different songs, sometimes right off the top of her head and either puts words to a made up tune or to a tune that she knows.  She will sing stories, instructions, thoughts, etc., and sometimes play the electric keyboard (with no real music but keeping the tempo) and she can certainly carry the tune.  She got a CD player with a mic for her birthday (it is shaped like the coach from Cinderlla)  and loves to sing along and dance and get others involved in the party!

The creativity flows on the art projects as well.  She seems to be constantly thinking of new and different ideas for projects involving drawings (markers, crayons, etc.) or using scissors/construction paper and other supplies to make a variety of art.  She took a small paper plate the other day and made several cuts around the perimeter to give it the look of flower petals and she cut out a stem and leaves and used glue/tape to complete the flower.  She also used glue/glitter and markers to give it some color. All of this on her own, without any real help from mommy.  We'll keep an eye on all of this and keep giving her the tools and the time to let the juices flow.

That's my Boy

The Bomber certainly has his mind made up when it comes to the things he wants, or doesn't want for that matter.  He is definitely strong-willed and will cross his arms and furrow his brow when things aren't going his way, but he is also very cuddly and snuggly and expresses his feelings differently than the Nugget does.  Sometimes he is just playing me, and I know it, but I don't care - the other night I was going to put him down for bed and as I was getting up from the chair to make the transition to the bed, he said "dad, will you cuddle with me?"  How the heck do you say no to that?  I know it won't last forever, so I gladly complied.

Down by the River

Okay, so maybe it's not a river, but that just sounds better.  Uncle Joe bought the Nugget a starter fishing rod for her recent 5th birthday and included one for her brother as well.  The kids were both excited to go fishing and we were finally able to pull it together over the weekend at Johnson's Pond.  It was a hot, steamy day and we went at high noon - not the ideal time to catch fish but with just enough wriggle in our worms, we had some luck.  It probably pained Uncle Joe, experienced fly fisherman, to use bait, but we had to make sure the kids caught some fish so they would want to come on back the next time.  Liana assembled her outfit and got dolled up for the occasion but didn't shy away from touching the worms or the fish.  Henry rocked it too, and his very first fish was a calico bass.

A Fourth of July One!

It's been a while since I have updated anything here and just wanted to share a couple of quick blogs giving some updates about the latest and greatest fun we had over the long 4th of July weekend.  The kids had so much fun going to the fireworks at Patriot Place and watching the parade in Bridgewater.  The fireworks were great because they were in the parking lot at Gillette Stadium and we didn't get eaten alive by bugs.  The kids were mesmerized and teetered between sheer awe with serious faces and utter excitement with pointing and yelling.  Liana saw a red, white and blue firework and declared, "it's a 4th of July one!".  Of course, they all are, right?  Anyway, Henry shouted that statement over and over and pointed with excitement anytime he saw a red, white and blue one.  I didn't even watch a lot of the fireworks as I was busy taking pictures and watching the excitement through the eyes of the kids.

Unicorns are Expensive

Whenever the Nugget is zoning out watching a TV show she completely tunes everything else out.  To try and get her attention I ask an absurd question like "do you want a chocolate cake?", and of course she replies "YESSS!".  This morning as she was zoning out I asked her, "do you want a million dollars?", he replied "I want a bajillion dollars so I can buy a unicorn."  To which I belly laughed for a few minutes.  Kids say the darnedest things!

Where's his Family?

The kids have been going on "bug hunts".  It basically entails overturning rocks in the backyard mulch and finding crickets and role poly's and ants.  We put them in a tupperware container with leaves and sticks and grass. I don't mind it since it is a group activity, they share and play together and they stay unafraid of bugs. The funny part is every time we see a new bug, whether bug hunting or around the house, Henry always asks in a very concerned tone, "where's his family?"  Such a softy!  

Work is ...

The Nugget knows I work for the Red Sox and if you ask her why I go to work every day she will likely tell you "dad had to pay the bills". The other day she was taking a keen interest in what exactly I did at work. I tried to explain the life of an HR guy to an almost 5 year old. I said, "well, I help people get jobs and I help them learn how to do their jobs better." She told me that didn't sound very exciting. I stretched the truth a bit and even though payroll is technically in finance, I told her that I also help people get paid their money. She lot up and said, "well now that sounds interesting. She continues to ask me about work and every time I start to explain something such as, "I go to meetings...", she cuts me off and says "BORING!" I guess it's good that even though she thinks my work is boring she and her brother both love the office and one of my coworkers (see attached picture).

How old do you think I am?

I was reading "Just Me and My Dad" to the Nugget the other night and I told her that it was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. Her response? "Does that mean this book is really old?" Out of the mouths of babes!

Braids

And I quote the Nugget: "Braiding is tricky and I can do it!" Very proud of herself but still proclaimed mommy as "the best hair expert".

Woo-Hoo!

This is one of Liana's favorite things to say lately when she is excited or happy about something. It is always said in a bit of a high pitched shrill with lots of enthusiasm. As the Red Sox are winning or scoring runs she will shout this out, but most notably in church on Easter Sunday as one of the prayers ended in a typical "Amen", an enthusiastic parishioner bellowed out a resounding "Amen" and the Nugget followed with a very audible, "Woo-Hoo"! It's what makes her who she is.

My Best Buddy

As they tubbed tonight Liana put her arm around Henry and said, "Awww, how's my best buddy doing?" I'll hang on to that touching moment in hopes that these two cuties stay close forever. I know, kind of sappy, but what can I say? They are the best.

Baseball Diamonds

Now that the 2013 Red Sox season is underway the games have been on the TV. Liana and Henry don't really follow along but they give a "Go Red Sox!" cheer and a fist pump when the games are on. I told Liana that if they win a lot of games they could get a big sparkly ring with lots of pretty diamonds and jewels and I would get one too. So after every game she asks if they won and if it was enough to get a giant ring. So, whether she is interested in baseball remains to be seen but if it can be tied to jewelry I guess there is hope. She knows that the mascot Wally is turning 16 this year and that we are going to go to the game in 1 week where they celebrate his birthday. She told me tonight she thinks it is going to be a good season for the Red Sox. When I asked why she said, "why wouldn't it be? It's Wally's special birthday!"

Air Henry

Courtesy of the fine camera work of good friend Dave Allely.

Just a Snack

Mama told Henry that he could feed Boots the cat but he just needed a little snack. Now that's a snack!

Skiing with the Nugget

We got to take a little ski trip up to Blue Hills to get her back up on the slopes this past Sunday.  Our time on the slopes was limited to one trip last year due to limited snow and my ruptured achilles.  After a few trips up and down the magic carpet she said she was ready for a snack and I thought that we were going to have to pack it up and head home.  She got her energy back and we ended up spending another 90 minutes up and down the bunny hill and we had such a great time.  I wanted to end on the big bunny hill and every time we got to the bottom she said 'just one more time?'.  How could I resist - we skied it 5 more times and then headed home. 

Story Time with Henry

Because he loves and needs mama so much, I typically put the Nugget to bed while mama is putting Henry to bed.  For the past couple of weeks I have been able to read him his stories and spend some good 1:1 time with him before bed.  He instructs "follow me" and waves his arm leading me into "mama and daddy's bed".  We read stories together and I get some great cuddles.  He loves "Good Night, Good Night Construction Site" and "Smash, Mash, Crash".  I get peppered with questions on each of these books every night - same questions and I know they are coming, but I love to answer them.  Henry gives me a sly grin when asking them because he has heard the answers so many times and he knows what's coming.  By the way, in the construction site book he is the cement mixer, I am the bulldozer, mama is the excavator and Liana is the dump truck.  Various friends including AJ and Blair alternate for the crane truck spot :-)

He's All Boy

Henry is definitely all boy and we have experienced a bit of a difference (other than the obvious) between him and his big sister, the Nugget.

Henry LOVES to play with trucks, cars and trains and he innately knows how to make the vrooommm sounds and make the sounds of lasers and crashing cars.  He jumps and runs and climbs on everything.  He is super coordinated and drop kicks any type of ball with ease (lefty, too) and he has a pretty good arm for a little guy.  He can ride his bike and his mickey car and steers really well.

He has been into "Toy Story" big time - getting a slinky dog, Buzz and Woody for Christmas.  He just got Toy Story bed sheets and curtains and he is beside himself.  Imagine sleeping with all of those hard plastic toys and not getting hurt somehow! 

No Help Me

Henry is not quite 2.5 which means he is in the independent stage. When it comes time to make a smoothie, make a baba, get dressed, climb in or out of his crib, etc. - 'no help me'. We know he needs his independence but we also know we are going to be cleaning up spilled smoothie (check), giving hugs when he bumps his lip on his crib (check) and dealing with frustration as he tries to put on his own shoes (check).With all of his independence he still relies heavily on his mama - when he is sad or hurt or even if she just leaves the room for a few minutes he will run around frantically saying "I need mama". He'll outgrow it one of these days?