I can't remember a time I didn't want to be a mother. I waited to meet the man who would love me forever and be a father to my children. At 39, he hadn't arrived. I knew I was meant to be someone's mom, so my life plan changed. At 41, I got pregnant on my first try with home insemination! Nine months later, my beautiful boy, Tate arrived! We've been together now for over a year. I'm happy, exhausted and in love. I wouldn't have my life as a choice mom any other way!
We had a fabulous Easter celebration, ok celebrations! :) The week before Easter the weather was gorgeous, and we have friends with a fabulous heated pool! So, we had our first swim of the summer season on the 12th!
Sunday it was time for the Tribal Egg Hunt!! So. Much. Fun. I love these people so much. And I love how we've grown together over the years. Now our kids get to experience our friendships!
Patiently awaiting instructions from Uncle Bryan!
Look Ms. Stephanie!
Tate and sweet Ila!
Look ma a duckie!!
Me and my Mike!
Me and my sweet guy!
Breaking a cascarones on his crush's head! (Remember her?? :) )
Her brother giving Tate a high five for completely surprising his sister!!
I forgot his Easter basket, so he had to use my old breast pump bag :)
HAPPY EASTER!!!
Thursday his little school had Easter parties for all the kiddos. We had to send in 12 plastic, treat/toy filled eggs! Another hunt was on!!!
With one of his BFFs!
His pre-k class displaying their loot!
He got lots of good stuff!
School Easter Picture
Friday we didn't have swim lessons, so I decided to take Tate along while I got my hair colored :). As always he was just great. I brought him a train video to watch, books to read and color and some lunch. After hair coloring we went to meet the Easter Bunny!!
Look how confident he is! Such a big boy!
Hugs!
Getting a little present from the Easter Bunny!
We were then off to the Children's Museum! He had a blast! I always forget how cool this place is and how much he enjoys himself.
I finally let him climb in this thing. They span the three flights of the museum. It's for kids 5 and up, but I figured he was way tall enough and brave enough. He was thrilled!
Saturday we went to soccer, and he seems to be enjoying it more and more each time. After a quick lunch at home we were off to Disney on Ice-Let's Celebrate! We had front row seats right by the ice. I wasn't sure if he would be into, but he loved it, absolutely loved it. (Be warned...lots of pictures from the show coming up)
Princess Belle!
Snow White!
Cinderella and Prince Charming!
Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen
Minnie and her Fairy Godmother
Mickey Mouse!!!
Jasmine and Alladin
All smiles!
Jesse!
Woody!
Buzz Lightyear!
Having a great time!
It was a really fabulous show even though Tate didn't know most of the characters. Just a fun afternoon.
The Easter Bunny came while we were sleeping much to Tate's delight!
What's better than a chocolate Easter Bunny for breakfast?
We then arrived at church 45 minutes early to assure ourselves good seats. We went to the regular Rite II service in our church, whereas we normally go to the Children's Service in the gym. I just love the Easter service in the sanctuary and want Tate to experience it as often as possible. When we start singing 'Crown Him with Many Crowns' as the cross comes down the aisle followed by the amazing choir and pastoral staff my heart is full of joy, love and happiness. It's an incredibly moving procession.
We join friends of ours each Christmas Eve and Easter and our kids play well together, mostly quietly. The services last about 90 minutes, so this is asking quite alot of two 4 year olds. We come equipped with toys, books, crayons and a few snacks.
Playing in the pew!
After the service there is a church wide Egg Hunt on the church grounds. More hunting...
First starburst!
WHAT is in my teeth???
We rushed home to prepare lunch for the family! My mom, dad, sister Lindsey and her BFF Janine were off that afternoon for an eight day trip to Europe! (Paris then Amsterdam!) Everyone came over for some chicken spaghetti and wine!
Then the travelers were off to the airport!!
Tate and I cleaned up, rested and then we were off to spend the afternoon with our Disney cruise friends! But first we had to try out the new skates!!
After an early dinner it was time for the last egg hunt!!
What a blessed life we live! We are blessed because He is Risen.
Kindergarten! My baby starts kindergarten in August! I cannot believe it. Absolutely cannot believe it. But where? A brief recap.... We are fortunate to live in a city where public school choice exists. Therefore if your zoned public school doesn't live up to your expectations, desires and wishes for your child's education you can apply for a spot at a Magnet school. A Magnet school here simply means its student population must be at least 20% non-zoned students and have an area of focus (STEM, Dual Language, Fine Arts, Montessori, Gifted & Talented, Math & Science and Languages). It's a lottery system, though one has to qualify for the Gifted & Talented school. However, one must put the application in for the Magnet lottery BEFORE knowing if one's child is indeed G/T as the test occurs 6 weeks after the application deadline. So I put in Tate's application in December and included 4 Gifted & Talented schools on our application list in addition to 5 others. He took the G/T test in early February. In addition I applied to two private schools...one all boys school as well as a co-ed school. Both have a solid Christian base which was very important to me. He spent an hour at the co-ed school one morning to see how he would 'fit in' with the rising kindergartners. He also had to take the WPPSI-IV for the co-ed school. For the all boys' school he had to spend an entire day there with the Pre-K4 class who he would be joining for kindergarten in the fall. While he was there, they administered an admissions test. Friday morning March 28 at 5:30am I received notification that he did indeed test gifted and talented...WOOHOO! That meant his name went into the lottery for all nine public schools that we had applied to. Along with 50,000 other children. We were waitlisted at every. single. school. My first choice school, the G/T IB school on the way to work, directly on my way to work...we are #347 on that list. My second choice school, the awesome STEM school....we are #269 on their list. The highest on the waitlist we are is at a G/T school that is quite out of the way for my work commute at #38. The results of his WPPSI-IV show that Tate's intelligence is 'high average.' He is actually one point below an intelligence rating of 'superior.' :) So apparently I have a smart little guy on my hands. That got us waitlisted at the co-ed school for kindergarten as there were only 4-6 spots for about 60 applicants of which 8 were siblings. I received a letter in my mailbox on Tuesday, March 4th. I had heard that afternoon at work that a patient had received an acceptance for that school for 2nd grade, so I drove home nervously. I knew that if you were accepted a current parent would have come by with a balloon to tell you the good news. I wasn't sure how that worked for applicants whose parents worked, but assumed if Tate had been accepted there might be a balloon on our gate. There was no balloon on our gate when I drove up to our house. I found our waitlist letter in the mail that very day. The awesome news is that he was accepted at the all boys private school! WooHoo!!! I was waiting for this news with bated breath and on pins and needles. I cannot express how happy I was! The fantastic news came on Friday, March 14. I knew that they would be sending letters out on that particular day; I just assumed the letters would go out in the mail on the 14th meaning I would then find out that Saturday the 15th when I checked my mailbox. So Tate and I went about our normal Friday morning routine. I took him to swim lessons, and I went upstairs to the observation room where I was alone. I was scrolling through my email when I saw an email from the admissions director at the school. I opened it immediately and it said "Congratulations! Your son is a ...!" I was stunned and had a sharp intake of breath and just about jumped up and down in my seat. The director of the swim school was in the next room and heard my gasp and ran out to see what was wrong as he thought someone down in the pool was hurt. I apologized and said all was good, but that I had just found out that my son had been accepted to 'X'!! He was so very kind and told me congratulations and gave me a hug! I went around on Cloud 9 for the rest of the weekend. Even as I was on Cloud 9 I was already worrying about the hefty price tag. As always I turned to prayer. At this time I didn't know what our public school choices were or weren't. I had already prayed that God make my choice between the co-ed school and the all boys school obvious; that I needed a sign to help me choose between the two. The fact that I missed the financial aid application deadline for the co-ed school was a clear sign. But knowing me, it wasn't enough. Not getting in was a much clearer sign :). Then I prayed and prayed for some clarity as I waited for the results of the public school lottery. I really felt like Tate would do well wherever he went because he's a pretty easy going child. But I just didn't know what to do. I felt like the past 6 months I've been teeter-tottering on this tightrope of school choice and decisions and I just couldn't take much more of this. I've been doing it all on my own. My parents cannot comprehend of private school even being a choice as we are all products of an excellent public (suburban) school system and the price tag of private school just puts it in a realm they cannot begin to fathom. Most of my close friends' kids are in public school in the burbs. I have a couple who have kids in private school, but it's paid for by their companies, so that's a no brainer. I felt completely and utterly alone as I navigated this entire system of education these past few months. And I was and still am exhausted from it. I prayed that God would help me and make it clear as to where Tate should go to school in the fall. Though I was unable to rank the public schools in the order to which I would like to apply, I hoped and prayed that my choice for Tate would be clear. I needed some help, some guidance, some sort of sign because if I was given a choice I simply would not know what to do. As always God came through. Being wait listed at all 9 schools made my decision obvious, though not easier. Being #347 on my first choice and #269 on my second choice made it even more obvious. Sending Tate to the all boys school was seemingly God's plan for our lives. I still wrestled with this decision though. Why I can't even say. I so don't want to make a wrong decision. It's so hard to be making these kinds of decisions all alone. Noone, and I mean noone is as invested in this child like I am. This is the first time I've really missed having a partner in raising this child. Someone, just one person, who cares like I do about the choices I make for Tate. And it's not that my parents and sister don't care like I do, but it's just not the same. They aren't making the payment, they don't get a real say in the decision, they haven't toured the schools...they simply aren't my co-parent and that has been so lonely. For the first time I've felt lonely in this single mother business. Though I know I'm not truly alone. I've got this amazing God on my side. So much so that we even qualified for some financial aid. We got a small grant to help cover our costs. I have to reapply every year, but we've got some money for next year. I've signed on the dotted line, sent in my deposit and accepted the grant. On the wings of a prayer, the love of our amazing God and the support, love and devotion of his mommy, Tate is going to start kindergarten in mid-August. Another chapter in the life of our family is about to begin.
As I sit in bed this cozy Saturday night in the home of one of my oldest and dearest friends from college up in Dallas with my sweet boy snoozing next to me, I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. Tired but happy. We've had a great weekend, just great. And it's only Saturday night :)
Yesterday we got up, I washed my hair, finished our packing and got us out the door just 5 minutes late for swim lessons. A quick stop to get gas, running home to make Tate's lunch for the road and we were on our way to Dallas. Why? It's time for the Day Out with Thomas!!! This was our third year to go. I think I look forward to it more than Tate does. I love getting away with my little guy, though I absolutely abhor driving. But most places we travel to I need a car, so I'm stuck if I'm staying in Texas. But Dallas is just about far enough that I can justify flying and renting a car, but so far I've held off. Tate is a great car traveler, rarely complains, doesn't spend alot of time on his Leappad (I usually allow him 2 30 minute sessions while we're driving this distance), happily reads books, listens to music or just simply enjoys the view. How much luckier could I get?
Listening to his 'Nemo' read-a-long book!
Time to color!
Showing off his coloring!
I always buy some new books, download a couple new apps to his leappad and get some new coloring books for him and dole out half for the ride on the way and half for the ride home. It's worked out really well for us!
We arrived at my old college roommate's house in the late afternoon. She's married with a 6 year old daughter whom Tate has met before. Susan (mom) and I lived together my senior year in college and had an absolute blast all those years ago. I love love love this girl, and I'm so glad we've stayed so close. And I love that our kids are friends. She's a physician and she's just the bestest.
We let the kids play outside for a bit as the weather was absolutely gorgeous; I had brought Tate's bike with me from home, so they were in heaven. They joined a couple of kids from the neighborhood and rode around for about 30 minutes while we moms hung out and chatted.
We ordered pizza, had some wine and chilled out. I got Tate bathed and in bed pretty close to his normal time, so all was good. Susan and I hung out just a bit, and then we headed off to bed.
Tate had a rocky night, waking up at least 3 times, but slept until 6:30 which was very nice. We rushed around after he had some breakfast as we had tickets for the 9am Thomas ride. I wanted him to be able to see Thomas before the ride when it's not very busy and the kids actually have time to hang out and 'talk' to Thomas. We were keeping my girlfriend Angela's daughter for the day (the one who rode Thomas with us 2 years ago!); her grandmother was meeting Tate and me at the Thomas ride and handing O off to me since Angela had to work. We met up and I grabbed O, and we were off to ride the train!
As an aside...it was freezing, ok freezing to us Texans. The temps were in the low 50s this morning. Thankfully I remembered that it had been chilly the last two times, but this time even the kids complained. Sigh.
A couple of pics with Thomas and we boarded the train!
The kids were so very excited!!
I love how he's looking at her. He adores O!
I think the feeling is mutual :)
(We had already made a stop at the Thomas store!!) After we got off the train we took O to ride the ponies; Tate wanted no part of riding the ponies today which surprised me. Then we had to get some Thomas tattoos!!!
By this time we had connected with another old friend of mine from college whose family had come in town to ride the Thomas train as well. She lives up here with her husband and kids, who are 12, 14 and 19 (in college). She, like Susan, was one of my sorority sisters in college. Love, love, love her too! Susan had called her the day before to tell her I was coming up. Barbie turned around and called me so we could make plans to see one another. I was just so happy to be so loved. She had brought her 12 year old daughter along and while her brother and his family rode the train, they were free to hang out with us. We took the kiddos off to ride the trackless train!!
Barbie and her daughter rode as well!
The next generation!!!
Tate and I got in line to see Sir Topham Hatt while Barbie took O along with Susan and her daughter S who by then had arrived to go ride the ponies again. Tate was a bit out of sorts because he was so very cold, but he soldiered on after some convincing. I even bought some cotton candy for him, O and S, his first time having cotton candy. Surprisingly he didn't like it at all. Go figure.
Barbie and her family had to go, and our kids were starving, so Susan and I took Tate and the girls to a hamburger dive for lunch. As always, Tate was very touchy feely, wanting me to hug and cuddle him while we ate. He's always like that when we go out to eat, and I love it. In fact, when Raik was in town a couple of weeks ago and we went out to eat, he mentioned it. I thought it was a nice testament to my relationship with Tate. Anyway, Susan and S had to leave after lunch, so Tate, O and I walked around the historic downtown for a bit stopping in a couple of cute stores. I gave them strict instructions in one store which was full of glass and ceramics to not touch one thing, to keep their hands on their toys they had in their hands. And they listened! I couldn't have been more proud of them, and I was sure to tell them when we left how proud I was of their excellent behavior and listening skills. As we walked along the quaint little downtown area, people were always looking at us, many made comments on the kids and their gorgeous curly hair. Many of them seemed quite impressed with how well behaved they are; I noticed this the last time I had the two of them out together. They are the same height, have very similar hair, and they get along great....what I quickly realized is that they appear to be twins. People in shops and stores are always saying 'Your brother this' or 'Your sister that'. The kids don't correct them, nor do I many times. What I also have noticed is that people seem to be really surprised that I would bring my 'twins' out by myself, especially back when I brought them out in 2012 when they were just 2 years old. I find it funny and endearing for some reason :). But mostly I'm proud of the mothers Angela and I are to have raised these well behaved sweet kids...all on our own!!!
A little treat!!
A quick stop to buy a couple of photos at the Thomas ride, and I let Tate and O watch a Thomas video in the depot and we were on our way to visit another friend, sorority sister of mine about 30 minutes away. This is my dear friend who just finished her breast cancer battle one year ago last month!!! Remember our Fight Like A Girl 'celebration' last January?! It was in her honor, our way to shower her with love and support!
I promised O we could listen to 'Frozen' on the way to Julie's
(its Monday night now) We stayed at her house for about 2 1/2 hours, talking and catching up. The kids were amazing! They played with the puppy, drank some hot cocoa, amused themselves with some legos and just played with one another. This was in a home with two boys...12 years old and 14 years old. (Sadly they were not home). What I'm getting at is there were no real toys for them to play with. O had Tate's Anna doll and he had his new train from the Thomas adventure. We did take them to a playground for about 30 minutes, but it was chilly and rainy, yet they had a blast! It was so wonderful to see my dear Julie again. She looks great and I'm ever so grateful that she has recovered so well. We are so blessed. Tate, O and I were then on our way again. More 'Frozen' music including another duet
and we were off to drop O off at her mama's work...her mama is an AWESOME ER physician! So proud of me and my sistergirls and all that we have accomplished. Me, Susan and Angela...docs in the medical/dental profession. Julie has an MBA and was a fantastic marketing rep before deciding to stay home and raise her boys (I'm so very jealous). We're pretty fabulous if I may say so myself. We hung out a bit at the ER then Tate and I headed back to Susan's for the evening. She had a most delicious meal going when we arrived. I got Tate situated with his dinner while enjoying some wine with Susan. We were treated to a fabulous piano duet while we noshed on some yummy chicken and veggies (and wine). Then Tate and S decided to create 'Frozen 2' complete with puppy and Tate playing Keith Urban on the banjo.
Hugs good-bye for Aunt Angela!
'Frozen 2'
Tate and S played for about an hour together while the three of us adults enjoyed some conversation. Finally got Tate to sleep and we all decided to enjoy a quiet evening. S was asleep by 830 or so (she had to work on Sunday), and I climbed into bed around 9 after loading the car up as much as I could. I was sound asleep by 10 (piddled on the computer ... starting this post :) ). At 1:30am, Tate woke up with a horrific case of croup. Poor baby has been congested since early last week. The pollen in Houston is just terrible, absolutely terrible. Everyone is miserable. I've been giving him Zyrtec every night, and I take his Xoponex with me everywhere because he coughs alot due to his allergies, but it's a dry cough, almost asthmatic. We had been outside almost all day, and the pollen in Dallas is as bad as it is here. So I shouldn't have been surprised that he got croup because all his mucous tends to land in his vocal cords when he gets a cold or congested. But this time he was scared. Poor baby was almost hysterical every time he tried to get a breath which prompted the awful barking. It took a couple minutes for him to calm enough to get some puffs from his Xoponex, but once he did, he was much better. I then opted to give him so Ibuprofen to help reduce the inflammation of his cords as well to also help him breathe. He was asleep less than 15 minutes after he woke up. Normally it's hard for me to go back to sleep after he has an episode though I know what to do...go into the cold, Xoponex etc. That night I was able to sleep easier knowing that Susan was upstairs. Having friends who are physicians who would do anything for you or your child makes the long, scary nights much easier. (She's family med doc who practices lots of emergency medicine) How lucky am I? We slept in! Ok slept until 6:30. Sadly it was pouring rain when we got up, but we persevered. I got Tate some breakfast, got myself a shower and got our stuff together. Susan was working that day at 8am, so as she left I brought my car into the garage and loaded our stuff up. We were on the road at 8:15. A quick gas stop and we were trudging along in the torrential rain. It rained on us for 4 long hours. We got a reprieve just outside of Houston proper. Once home, Tate was on the floor with his new train, The Flying Scotsman, while Vincent moaned and groaned about how terrible we were to leave him home alone. A whirlwind weekend to be sure. I did alot of driving around and entertaining of some little people, but it was so nice to be around some of the people I love the most in the world. No matter where we are or how long it's been since we've seen one another, it's like coming home. Coming home to these friends in my life who are my rocks. I saw Barbie last January for the first time in 24 years. 24 years!! And now I've seen her 3 times in the past 18 months! For these brief moments when we all hug and connect all is seemingly all right. We're all so busy, and we certainly all have our difficulties, stressors and sadness, but that foundation we built shores us up. We all know it too it seems. All conversations end with "I love you"s. All of them. That's how I want Tate to end his conversations with me, his family and his friends. Knowing he's loved and loving in return. That's why I make all these trips, yes part of it is because I know he'll love the adventures, but mostly to show him love in action.
Whew!! What a weekend!! I should be in bed! But we've had so much fun!!! Friday morning found us up with the roosters at 6 and there was no lolly gagging about in bed for me that morning! We were off to the dealership to get my car checked in for her 90,000 mile check-up appointment at 7:40, so after a quick breakfast for Tate we were on the road! I decided to also go ahead and buy another key for the car!! It just wasn't worth the stress and worry of not losing the one I just purchased a couple of weeks ago. So that was an added $320 to my bill, but whacha gonna do?
We came home for a hot minute to let Tate play with his trains, and I could get the rest of our stuff for our day together! We ran off to swim lessons where Tate had a blast until the teacher had them all practice learning how to breathe while swimming...the 3 of them hate this part of lessons the most! :)
I zipped him over to daycare for pajama day and movies! He was so excited; all the kids were to bring their favorite movies. Tate brought 'Percy's Chocolate Crunch' to share with his buddies. I was then off to my 90 minute massage with the fantastic Jane...she is absolutely awesome! I then had to make my way to our annual Houston dental meeting for the afternoon. I had one lecture to attend and the speaker was really good. He spoke about nutrition and diet...great information! I left a bit early and made it over to pick up Tate so we could spend the rest of the late afternoon and early evening together. He was a bit worn out though...
Saturday morning I lazed in bed a bit while Tate watched some 'Frozen' videos on YouTube then I was up washing my hair, getting him situated with breakfast and the house a bit tidied up! We drove off to pick up my car and return our loaner. We were then off to soccer...Tate did score a goal...in the wrong goal :). Details. Details. Next stop was Tate's favorite place...the library!!! He was in heaven!
We made our way home a bit later for a quick lunch then we were off to Crave to pick up a cupcake as we were off to my nephew's 2 year old birthday celebration at my sister's house. We hung out for a couple hours; Tate, of course, spent the first 30 minutes playing with Scotty's old train set. After cake we went outside to let the boys run around in the gorgeous Spring sunshine!
I had promised Tate we would go to the French Fry Place for dinner. He was in his very happy place. I wonder if he loves this place because of the food or the chance to gaze at himself...his self love is very evident :).
A quick trip to the grocery store, and we were finally on our way home. Bath, stories and toothbrushing done and he was asleep by 7:45! Tate was awake by 5:30 this morning to my chagrin. I made him stay in bed, ostensibly with his eyes closed, until 6. Then I let him watch his beloved trains on YouTube for 90 minutes while I went straight back to sleep, and I slept hard. When my alarm (I use my phone) went off I didn't hear it; all of a sudden I heard Tate saying "Mommy! Mommy!! MOMMY! Your phone is ringing!" :) I finally woke up and got us some breakfast, and we were off to church. Tate was a bit difficult in church, just laying about, not wanting to pay attention. But we made it through, though I'm so tired of having to threaten Tate to get good behavior...I want him to behave because he knows he should. Sigh. I told him if he didn't behave we weren't going to be able to play with H this afternoon because if he couldn't be nice with me, how was I to know he would be nice with her. Cue the tears and hiccups and good behavior. Another grocery store stop complete with snacks for him, breakfast for me and we were back home for a reprieve. I got his lunch together, and we were off to meet H and her mom at the park. It was a new park to us, and it was an absolutely gorgeous day!! We were there for 2 1/2 hours and it was just great. The kids had a blast running around playing and did really well together. It was just lovely to be able to sit back with N and just talk the day away. No stress around, no worries about doing laundry, washing dishes, cleaning anything. It was just a wonderful afternoon. I even let Tate enjoy a popsicle from the ice cream man!!!
On the way home, we stopped by the shoe store to buy some Captain America shoes for Tate! He's so excited with his new light up shoes. And he's a size 11 now! Please stop growing child!!! We came home and Tate went back to playing with his trains while I let loose my culinary skills. In the 75 minute period between when we got home and ate dinner, I made Chicken Marsala for tomorrow's dinner, sliders on the George Foreman grill for tonight's dinner, noodles and green beans for Tate's lunch tomorrow, and baked a chicken breast to make chicken salad for my lunch for the week. Just call me Julia Child!!! The house smells yummy!! We cleaned up, yes we! Singulair down his gullet and we made our way upstairs for bedtime routine!! We took a shower together...Tate hates showers, so I've decided that he needs to learn how to take them. I can't figure out what he doesn't like...the water in his face? the slipperiness? the feel of the spray on his back? He won't even shower after swim lessons. So we are going to work this out. He's happy to shower with me as long as I stand in front of him. Tonight we worked on washing his hair and rinsing off under the spray directly, and he did great!!! We got ensconced on the bed and read a couple of stories, brushed his teeth and then I let him pick another story. He chose one of his library books that is a Step 2 Reading book... a Thomas the Train book of course. I decided to let him read a page then I would read a page. He did great!! He was able to sound out the majority of the words!! So proud of my emerging reader!! Now I'm talking my dear friend in NYC and enjoying a quiet evening. What a lovely weekend.
It's so very interesting to watch my child play, especially when he doesn't know I can see him. We were at a birthday party today at Pump It Up (sigh), and the party was a glow in the dark party, so Tate really couldn't see me. But I could see him! It was a small group, no more than 10 kids. The birthday boy is in Tate's class at school; he's one of the 'Fab Four' as the teachers call them along with Tate and two other little boys. These boys are a unit of friendship and love. It's really quite sweet to watch. I've noticed though over the past couple of years that Tate is definitely a follower. It was ever more evident today at the party. The birthday boy ran around with everyone, which was nice to see, so Tate glommed on to the other boy from his class who was there. (the 4th didn't attend) Everywhere K went Tate went. If K was done on a bouncy, Tate was done with a bouncy. If K wanted to sit down and rest, Tate wanted to sit down and rest. Tate started coughing, as did K (I don't think this was copying :) ). I walked over and suggested to Tate that he get a cup of water. It wasn't until K's father suggested K get some water that Tate would agree. He did the same thing at the playground a couple of weeks ago...but this time he found some random kid to follow around. It's cute at first, but it quickly can become annoying especially if the other child decides he just wants some space or wants to hang out with someone else. Tate doesn't seem to get his feelings hurt, but doesn't grasp the concept of moving on to something else. And my little guy has such a strong personality here at home with me; he definitely knows his mind and is always trying to tell me what to do. He'll ask to 'play trains' with me, and I'll sit down and he'll proceed to tell me how to move my trains on the track, which ones I can use etc etc. So I'm just a bit baffled by his behavior amongst his peers. I certainly don't see K as being bossy. He's simply running around having fun. He's not saying to Tate "Let's go play here; I don't want to do that." He simply moves on when he's done playing in a spot, and if Tate comes, great, if not, no biggie. I have mentioned my concern to his teacher, and she has noticed it too. She does try to help Tate take leadership roles in play, but we really don't want to interfere with their play because everyone is having fun. So we've let it be. So, I'm left wondering is this a problem? He's going into kindergarten next year as a young 5 with a late July birthday. I have no intention of 'red-shirting' him as I think he is more than intellectually ready for kindergarten as well as physically as he's a bit tall. I'm constantly told by strangers about how well he speaks and I think that comes from spending so much time with adults being the only child of a single parent...we spend lots of time with my sister and parents. He's an emerging reader and can do simple addition. Another year of Pre-K will bore him silly. And I was thinking he was socially ready. Now I worry about how he'll do in a new environment, especially if I do send him to the all boys' private school because the majority of the boys who will be in kindergarten will have spent the previous two years together in Pre-K 3 and 4. Tate would be the definite newbie along with maybe 5-8 others in total for the two kindergarten classes. Maybe I'm looking for a problem that doesn't really exist. Maybe this is ok and will work itself out. I know not everyone can be a leader nor wants to be a leader; goodness knows that is me. This is why I'm an associate in private practice as opposed to a practice owner...a lack of self-confidence and no desire whatsoever to be the buck stops here gal. And it works for me...usually. But Tate's a boy, a guy, growing into a man. I kind of thought leadership came natural to boys. Seems like I have lots to learn about men, huh. In the meantime I'm going to relish in my sweet boy in all his goodness. I got the best compliment about him today at the birthday party. The little boy whose party it was actually turned 5 on Friday. His sweet mommy brought cupcakes for the class to school. She was so kind and purchased the cupcakes from Crave, so that she could get a Vegan one for my Tate. I was more than appreciative, as a couple of times parents have brought in cupcakes without letting the teachers know in advance, and Tate couldn't have anything :(. He's always a trooper and has his own snack, but I as well as the teachers always feel bad. In any event, A's mom was awesome to do this and refused to let me get Tate his own separate cupcake and let her purchase the class's from somewhere else (as Crave is expensive at $3.50 per cupcake!). She got them all from Crave. Today she told me that when she got to the school after naptime with the cupcakes that my sweet sweet boy actually came over to her and said "Thank you so much A's mom for getting me a cupcake that I can eat." (I love how the kids all call us parents in this manner...I'm Tate's mom! As I walk in every night I hear "Hi Tate's mom!" "Tate's mom... Tate is in the other room." It's so endearing) Anyway, she was so impressed by his good manners and that he went out of his way to come up and thank her. It really left a lasting impression that he was so grateful. My sweet sweet boy. I just love him.
