Big 5

A five year old?! This birthday is a big one for me because it marks both an ending and a beginning; an end to babyhood and the beginning of manhood. I know it's a long journey to manhood, but he takes a first big step as he moves out of mom's nest and into the big world of kindergarten this year. My life is about to change, my days spent without his constant companionship, and I can't help but be so grateful for this time I have had to be an at home Mom to my wonderful boy. He is an example to me. On a recent Sunday morning, he asked, "Is it Sunday?" Jeff answered that it was and he said, "Well, on Sunday I am going to make lots of good choices. " And then he lived his word and tried hard all day to be so gentle and patient with his sister. He is love undiluted. He says, "Mom, you're my best cutest Mom." And he hugs us and helps us and tells us jokes. My life is richer and fuller because of him.

We went to tons of Alex's friends' birthday parties in Mexico and he asked for one each birthday there. We said no. Mostly because birthday parties there are HUGE events: rented halls, a professional show, guest lists in the 50ies and 60ies, gift bags worth more that the gifts we usually bought, pinatas, dinner for the whole family... No way was I going to shell out $2,000 for a 3 or 4 year old's party. So I told him he'd have on in DC. We were going to play T-ball at the park, but we got rained out and ended up using the conference room in our apartment complex. The kids still had a blast and Alex was in heaven. Of course, I FORGOT THE CAMERA!! The kids especially had fun knocking down the pinata! The last picture is of Ellie using Alex's bug vacuum (gift from grammie) as a blow dryer. Too cute!

A lot can change in 5 years...

I'm 2

Ellie's birthday this year was so much fun, in part, because she knew just how she wanted to celebrate. She asked for a princess party and a birthday cake with candles to "flow out" and she also told us she wanted a princess pinata. Birthday parties are a Big Deal in Mexico and we had been to enough of them for Ellie to know that pinatas are a rite of passage. There was a great pinata shop across the street from our grocery store in Monterrey and she and Alex helped us choose the most beautiful Cinderella pinata. (Believe it or not we bought the smallest one they make!) We were moving from Monterrey the week of Ellie's birthday, so we loaded up the pinata and drove it all the way to California for the party. I've back posted this on her birthday.
Ellie is busy all the time. She is hardly ever satisfied with the way I've organized things in our home and so she spends much of her time making sure the kleenex boxes are under the end tables, the spoons are in my shoes, and the little bits in either the basket of the paper shredder or the garbage cans. (I mean, that IS where that stuff goes, mom) Although it takes her awhile to warm up, once she's made friends, Ellie LOVES her friends. She knows their names and wants to have them come over and play, but under no circumstance are they to play with her things. They can play with Alex's stuff. Ellie has brought so much joy and fun and laughter to our family. She is a bright, shiny star. Her reserved nature is teaching me about loyalty and friendship. I love you, Ellie. I can't wait to see the woman you're becoming. So far, the journey has been beautiful.

The Year of the Spider

We can't believe Alex is 4! After we sang Happy Birthday, he asked if he could finally taste the cake and thinking he meant could he have a slice I said yes. His interpretation was much more literal - He leaned over the cake and ate a big bite right off the corner!
I feel so blessed to be a part of Alex's life. He is turning out to be a great teacher, as love always is. He is a beautiful person and a wonderful son and brother. He is so generous with hugs and kisses and laughs. He winks at me and asks, "Do you know what that means , mom? That means 'I love you'." He loves people. He loves to help them and talk with them (he says 'hi' to almost every person in his vicinity) and he love to tell them what to do. He can be surprisingly compassionate when someone is hurt or sad. He is rambunctious and wild and loud. My gift to you Alex is a mother's love -- a love that strives to see you for who you are and delight in your Alexness. Thank you for letting me walk with you.