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Tenth Birthday Milestones

Posted on August 16, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL,

I sit here in disbelief. Ten years ago right now, I thought I had another two weeks before you would arrive and was trying to finish the latest Harry Potter book that had come out. I knew that once you were here, I would have little time to read. Of course, you decided to surprise me on the evening of August 16, 2003. When I stood up, heard a pop, and ran because I knew it was going to be time. The next twenty-four hours were a blur. I only remember seeing your sweet little face and falling so much in love.

How can you be turning ten already? I find it too hard to understand the concept of you being in the double digit numbers already. Even harder for me is to realize how much you have grown up this past year. Of course, a lot of that was not by choice. Circumstances happened and you had to learn to be an advocate for yourself. Though I wish some of the items never occurred, I am so proud of you and how you handled yourself. Though your new independence and tween attitude is hard to get used to, I will always love you no matter what.

Now let’s take a look back at the last year that has become a tradition of sorts.

Your ninth birthday was filled with all things related to Harry Potter. You loved all of the special LEGO books, the Hagrid’s Hut set, and the Hogwarts set that people gave you. You spent a lot of time building and rebuilding all of them while having nightly read aloud of the books with Daddy.

Fourth grade started and you were an amazing big brother. I think you may have been more excited about JSL being in the same building than anyone. You showed him our first day of school traditions and helped us to get him ready for the day. Meanwhile you could not wait to meet your substitute teacher who would be starting the year in your classroom. Little did we know that she would be an angel to our entire family to get you off to a fantastic start. (September 2012)

Much of the month of October was spent getting your Halloween costume ready. For the first time in many years, you knew exactly what you wanted even before we went to the store. It was no shock to us that you wanted to channel your inner Harry Potter. I have to admit, your glasses really made the entire thing work beautifully. (October 2012)

November started a stressful time with a lot of changes to your world. By the time Thanksgiving rolled around, we were all ready for some time away from school. The long weekend gave you time to play with your cousins, celebrate Chanukah a little early, and get some fun back into your life. (November 2012)

During part of November and December you were participating in Science Club once a week after school. You adored the experiments and items that you learned. I think it was thanks to this that I knew the camp we had to look into this summer. Along with celebrating Chanukah, you adored getting to go outside and actually play, build, and explore in the snow. (December 2012)

2013 began rather quietly. Behind the scenes I was working on items to help you at school. There were a lot of road blocks and I think you likely sensed my frustration. As you know, I did not give up and eventually we were successful in turning things around. I only wish I had raised my voice a little louder and not let some bullies stop me. As we go along this journey, you will see that I learn something new about parenting while we move forward. You and JSL also helped me to do some book reviews. Both of you loved when they involved using the iPad. (January 2013)

Snow, winter break, and power outages meant that we stayed inside a lot. We made forts and even tried something new that I found on Pinterest. You loved helping to create the slime and used it for hours over many days. Another favorite item was creating mazes with the bricks that you received for Chanukah from Aunt A and Uncle J. (February 2013)

Spring time was a bit rocky from time to time. You were so very frustrated with some items happening outside of home and nobody else was listening to us. Then you did something that I was so very proud of, you learned to use your words and voice to be an advocate for yourself. You told people why you were scared of certain things and in doing this helped to teach others about autism. Of course, while all of this was happening we also prepared for Passover and you had fun being silly during our Seder. (March 2013)

As the weather started to get warmer, things started to settle. It was so nice to see you happy and excited about things again. Seeing the smile on your face made me know that I was doing everything right as your advocate. One of the highlights for our family was going to the Albany Children’s Book Festival. You made getting author and illustrator autographs a sport. (April 2013)

As testing season at school began, we told you that we were not going to allow you to take them. This was hard for you to understand. In the end, you realized that it was not a punishment to you, rather we were looking out for you. One day you will understand more of why we were vocal about this topic. The rest of the time you were busy helping us to prepare for JSL’s birthday and making Mother’s Day special with my boys. (May 2013)

The end of the school year was filled with supporting teachers and educators. Dad and I made the decision to take you and JSL to the rally at the NYS Capitol. It was a powerful day seeing you there with your teachers. As we made our signs for the rally, we talked about the importance of learning and why your teachers need to have more freedoms to do what is needed in the classroom. In addition to this, we went on your field trip, got to pick strawberries, and went bowling a number of times. (June 2013)

The summer has been a time to get to something rather big. Just before Independence Day, you had your braces put on. You were amazing when they went on and have done so well following the rules. You also went to Science Camp for a week and had a blast. I think you were sad when it ended. We have also gone to visit a lot of science museums thanks to our membership at miSci. (July 2013)

I hate to admit to you, but this birthday of yours is making me extra sappy. Turning ten just seems like such a milestone and is hard for me to really imagine. It seems like only yesterday that you were starting kindergarten and now here you are going to fifth grade and your last year of elementary school in a few weeks.

Always know that I am standing behind you and cheering loudly as you not only show me, but everyone else in the world who you are and why they need to get to know the real NHL. Never let anyone tell you that something is impossible, if you put your heart into it you can make any and every dream come true.

Love,

Past B-day posts to NHL:

Categories:
birthday looking back milestone parenting

Twelve Years and Counting

Posted on June 24, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Twelve years ago today, I married JL who later became TechyDad. On that beautiful June day, we were with our family and friends at the synagogue I grew up in. We were so young and naïve at the time.

All of the preparations for this day were finally real and we could celebrate the beginning of our life together.

It’s funny looking back at the photos from our wedding. While I remember some of the things that took place, many do not ring a bell because we were so into the moment meeting and greeting everyone that came to be with us. I would not change much, but would probably stop to step back and watch a bit more. Of course, my mind was a bit distracted. TechyDad and I were so excited about our honeymoon. We saved to go on an amazing Walt Disney World trip, his first ever.

JL, thank you for always being there the last 12+ years. No matter what happens, I know you are in my corner and cheering me on. I can not wait to see where the next years take us and what new magical moments will come our way.

For more wedding photos and memories:

Categories:
family looking back milestone TechyDad

My Little Guy is Six

Posted on May 14, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Dear JSL,

For months now, I have been teasing you and begging you not to turn six. Of course, I knew that no matter how I wished and begged it was not really going to happen. Although I look forward to watching you grow up and become more independent, I am going to miss these moments because they are going so quickly.

My Kindergarten Kid is going to be heading into first grade soon. Not only did you learn all of your alphabet and letter sounds over the last year, you learned to read and write. Your sweet little messages makes me smile and I adore how you know just what to do or say to everyone to make them feel loved and special. Here is a look at your fifth year.

To celebrate being five, the two of us set out on an adventure last year. We started to read The Magic Tree House books. Over the months, we caught up to where the author was writing. Of course, Perry and Jake were always close by and you loved going to Nursery School. It was also the time where you learned how to ride your new scooter. (May 2012)

A lot of milestones happened soon after you turned five. You said goodbye to your amazing speech teacher and to everyone at nursery school. Suddenly, you were my new Kindergarten Kid. We had a few weeks together before NHL was finished with third grade. We went to craft events and had a lot of fun together. (June 2012)

Over the summer, you, NHL, and I continued to have fun going to crafting events, checking out items at the library, and exploring other items. You quickly discovered that you really like mini-golf when we went with Nana and Papa for the 4th of July. Later in the month, you and I went out alone and made a new special friend while looking for a birthday present for NHL. (July 2012)

The reminder of the summer was filled with crafts, reading, going to the park, and birthdays for Daddy and NHL. We also went on a few special trips to Hoffman’s and then, before we knew it, it was time for Kindergarten Orientation. (August 2012)

September was a tough month for both of us. Taking my baby to kindergarten was hard, but it was a big adjustment for you as well. Soon we had a new routine that we continue to this day. Each morning, we practice the Kissing Hand so we both feel better about being apart each day. You also expanded your ducky collection, got a new baby doll, and started Hebrew School that month. (September 2012)

The Fall saw another hurricane threaten to come into the area. While you were home two days, we did crafts and played. We also went on your first kindergarten field trip to check out the apple orchard. No apple picking since the crops had a bad year. When the weather was nice, you played on your scooter and enjoyed looking at caterpillars. Halloween meant that Captain America saved the day for all of us with his fantastic smile. (October 2012)

As the weather grew cooler, we worked on reading more and you started to get homework from school. Thanks to the book fair at your school, we found Pete the Cat and you fell in love with this silly singing feline. Thanksgiving weekend meant that cousins came into town and you loved seeing them and playing with some early Chanukah presents. (November 2012)

As 2012 came to a close, you were keeping busy. You finished up Art Club, became the Star of the Week, and stayed with Nana and Papa for a few days. You also fell in love with my new laminator. Together, we made Disney map projects for you to use on pirate play. Of course, you also loved lighting Chanukah candles, playing in the snow, and spending time with NHL and me during winter break. (December 2012)

2013 started off and we spent a lot of time trying to stay warm outside of school each day waiting for NHL. At home, you loved doing homework, working on your reading, and making crafts. You spent some time helping me with reviews about iPad apps as well. While we never made a giant snowman, you loved creating one for a school project to share with your friends. (January 2013)

Snowstorms and power outages happened a few times over the winter. You had so much fun helping us to make forts and playing inside them. There may not have been snow outside, but you were keeping warm. You loved spending time in your fort with NHL using your LEGOs. Slime was also a big hit during winter break. You spent many hours using that over and over again. (February 2013)

After a long winter, you were ready for the spring and could not wait to get outside. You loved getting to test out your new Big Wheel and racing up and down the block. This was also the time we convinced you that you could read to all of us. It was so much fun sitting down to listen to you read us all a book. I quickly saw that my “baby” was growing up way too quickly during this time. (March 2013)

After we celebrated Passover, we spent time going out to places in our community. You adore going to the NY State Museum and had so much fun checking out all of the CANStruction items featured there. In addition to this, you loved meeting new authors and illustrators at the Book Festival. You were so proud of the book that you picked out, the drawing you made, and wearing your wizard hat. (April 2013)

Now I look at how grown up you are and can hardly believe my eyes. In six short years, you have changed so much, but at the same time you are still the sweetest little guy who genuinely wants to help and make others happy.

Though I have tears in my eyes as I type this, I am excited to see the little boy that you are becoming. I can not wait to see more of your personality come alive in the years ahead. Thank you, JSL, for letting me be a part of this journey with you. As much as I am sad to see you get older, I am excited.

Happy 6th birthday sweetie and here is to many more happy and wonderful memories ahead.

Love,

Mommy

Past B-day posts to JSL:

Categories:
birthday looking back milestone

Looking Back at Mother’s Day

Posted on May 13, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Ten years ago in May, I was expecting my first son and looking forward to being a new mother. I had no idea how my life was about to change and the love that I would immediately feel for this new little life.

NHL changed the way that I forever see the world. This is nothing negative, but he has given me the inner “Mama Bear” moments where I will fight and advocate until I am blue in the face.

Six years ago, I spent mothers day, extremely pregnant with my second son. I was days from my due date and feeling so tired because I was also battling an infection during the last month or so. Little did I know that the very next morning, I would see my second little boy and fall head over heals in love with another child. At the time, I worried that I would not have enough love for both of my children. Of course, I quickly learned that it would simply expand to fit the needs of our growing family.

Watching the boys on the day that we took JSL home was amazing. The boys have grown so much over the last six years and are now such good friends. They have their moments as all siblings do, but the two will protect each other like nobody else can.

I rarely take photos with the boys because I am usually the one with the camera in my hands, but this mother’s day I asked TechyDad to get one of the three of us.

I always want to remember these moments because my babies are growing up before my eyes and each time I blink more and more milestones are gone forever.

Categories:
family holidays looking back

Monsters University is Coming

Posted on February 28, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Rewind to 2001. It was the year I finished college, the summer I got married, and the moment I fell in love with monsters. Monster’s Inc. came out at a time when we needed to laugh, believe, and be innocent once more (less than a month after September 11). The movie brought us into a world where we learned that laughing was a far more powerful item than fear. We watched the beautiful friendship of Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan. Then, we watched the pair overcome their fears to work as a team and help Boo when she ends up in Monstropolis.

TechyDad and I saw the movie when it came out. Now we share our passion for all of our monster friends with the boys. The boys had to go back to see their friends last spring with Nana and Papa just because.

Now, the entire family is excited about a new chapter of the monster tale coming out. This summer, Monsters University hits the big screen on June 21. We will head back to school and see Mike and Sully as they get educated at MU.

I know that we will be going to see it as a family treat to celebrate the end of the school year. Until that time, the boys will likely watch new trailers about the movie over and over. If you have not seen them yet, here is one to check out what the new movie will be about.

What do you think? I would love to know if you plan on going to watch how it all began with Mike, Sully, and our other monster friends.

It's Me

Disclosure: Disney PR notified me of the some Monsters University news. I was not compensated for this and simply wanted to share since I adore all things Disney. You know we will be going to see Monsters University when it is released June 21, 2013.