Change is Coming

First Day of Pre-K for N

First Day of Pre-K for A

Written at 5:45 a.m. - Today is the first day of school after the Christmas break. B will go back to her usual routine but today is the first day of Pre-K for my twins. All they have ever known has been to see Chris and I walk out the door of our home while they stayed behind with our nanny to play - all day long. not that they won't do that at school of course, but I am a bundle of nerves. Will I get a phone call to pick up my son N early because he is throwing a temper tantrum or he doesn't want to share the communal crayons? Will my daughter A not sit in her seat during lunch (as she does at home) and ask for milk and fruit all day long? Yes, change is never easy and it is never really as difficult as we make it to be. At this moment it is the biggest deal to me because it's just one of many claims of independence that they will have over me ... and I just want them to be my babies again.

Revised at 10:00 a.m. - I'm back home from the drop-off and I can't tell you the last time I was alone in the house. The loudest sound is the ticking of our kitchen clock. I cried a bit on the car ride home, but I'm starting to think Chris was right  - I  could bust out the Risky Business dance moves at any moment. I know some of you know exactly what I'm talking about.

My Top 10 Extraordinary Little Things of 2012

Happy 2013! It's been a while - over a year and half, actually! Life. I started writing this post two days before the end of 2012, now it's the beginning of a whole new year with days left to be filled. So, first things first. In looking back at my posts I thought it fitting to reminisce on a few of the little things that have come to mean the most to me. I love, love, love lists! So, here is my list of the Top 10 Extraordinary Little Things that made my 2012. What was an Extraordinary Little Thing for you?

1. Kids Artwork: My little Picasos have showered us with stick figure drawings, coloring pages, crafts and piles of printer paper and construction paper sheets with tons of stickers. 
2. First Day of School: With B entering pre-K this year I was reminded of how quickly time passes and how lucky we have been to spend so much time with her and the twins due to our flexible work schedules. For that, I am grateful.
3. Not-so-Kid-proof Tech Gadgets: I smile when I picture the kids maneuvering their way through these tech gadgets. From puzzles and games to selecting Pandora stations on the iPad and humming along. Call me Maybe and Home were two heavily requested songs. Their use of our iPhone cameras forced us to delete tons of kid-snapped pics and videos. It was a view of our world through their eyes. Again, I smile. 
4. The Art of Marriage: Seven years, baby! No easy feat, but we know we're stronger together.
5. Domestication in Progress: Having kids makes you think twice about what you're eating. Sure, it's about health, but picky eaters don't help the situation. I do not proclaim myself a cook by any means. Just ask my husband. It's still a work in progress for me, but this year I was more willing to try new recipes with help from Pinterest, Crockingirls and my awesome, time-saving crock pot, and friend recommendations (i.e. Food by Betsy). I can now say I make a mean meatloaf.  
6. Our Own Supernanny: In February 2010 we hired K to care for our kids at home. Entrusting your children to others is never an easy choice. However, she was - and will always be - one of the best decisions we ever made.
7. Noise: It is life. Sometimes, it is life on overdrive. Most times, it is three kids fighting over everything.
8. Little Praying Hands: Every night before bed B has always held her prayer angel and followed along to the recorded prayer. In 2012, the twins started following along. The words were mostly unclear but they clasped their hands and mumbled along. It is a display of their innocence every time. I know I will not always have control over it but until then, I will protect it as only a mama bear can do.  
9. Wine: Why, yes, thank you Costco membership! THIS girl has her vices too.
10. Asking for What I Want: I came to realize that there are people out there whom will help you get to where you want to go -- if only you ASK! Who knew! This determination paid off and I am even more excited for where this will lead me in 2013.

May your 2013 be full of extraordinary little things!