lost and FOUND!

It's been a rough week around here. I think me being gone started it off. Corbin had his first rough drop off at preschool on Tuesday. He needed some extra cuddles, to look at his family pictures and to hold his lovie, Blue Blue. So when I came to pick him up from school I heard about his rough day. We were packing up and I realized Blue Blue was not in his bag. So we started looking for him with the help of his teachers. It became obvious pretty quickly that he was not where they thought he was. We searched high and low at school. Corbin became visibly upset. I started tearing up. We called two other teachers who had been with Corbin that day, they didn't know where he was either. We even searched in the trash cans! We wrote a note for all parents to see when they check in each day, thinking maybe it got accidentally scooped up with someone else's stuff. I left his school feeling pretty nervous about what was in store for us. And sad.

The night wasn't so bad, he was sad but he surprised us by being mostly ok. He did say he missed Blue Blue but he did ok. Then on Wednesday after his nap, he woke up just grumpy and crying! It was very rough. He calmed down and it was ok for a while again. Adam and I decided we should probably look for a replacement. Except they don't make the same Blue Blue any more. Seriously, why stop making a lovie!?! Then on Thursday I went to drop off Corbin and it was horrible. He was so sad, didn't want to be there. And then said he couldn't stay without Blue Blue! Oh my heart. I have left Corbin crying before, but he has always had Blue Blue or mom or dad. Leaving him at school without his safety just felt wrong. I started crying, which I hadn't expected. That made things worse. Luckily the director was there, and helped me get out, and feel better. Of course, he was fine after he calmed down. But I think they realized how important it was to try to find him! Adam was feeling mad at the school for losing Corbin's most prized possession. and although that at first crossed my mind, I knew they didn't do it on purpose. But man it was a hard day.

I went and bought every kind of lovie I could find in Bellingham. I bough about 6 different ones to bring home for him to try. He chose a blanket with a fox head, Sir Fox. We talked about how although this was not Blue Blue, he would keep him safe and help him when he was sad, just like Blue Blue. He seemed excited about the new lovie. But somewhere in there he was still grieving over Blue Blue. I wasn't sure where else to go from there.

Then today was another rough drop off. It just made me feel horrible. Is he having a rough transition because I was out of town, because he lost Blue Blue? Why was this happening now after a month of school? Then today I checked my phone after lunch. I saw I had missed a call from preschool. I was so nervous. Was he still having a rough day? But there was this super cute message from Corbin saying "Blue Blue, mommy, we found Blue Blue!". I called school and they said they found him in the dress-up box!

Oh my heart just jumped! Yahoo!! I can't believe I have just written a book about it. And there is still more!

One of the teachers said there was a little bit of a back story...I guess there was this woman in Bham who was much loved by many families. She was known as sort of a clairvoyant in the community. So sometimes when the school needs help to find something, they say, let's ask Yellow. I guess that Cold Play also has a song called "Yellow" about this woman. So the director said yesterday, I think it's time we ask Yellow to help us find Blue Blue. Today when the opening teacher came in and turned on the radio, "Yellow" by Cold Play was on the radio! She knew that they would find Blue Blue today! Yay! We are so relieved!

A little mini gettaway

I was recently able to attend an old friend, Abby, from high school's wedding on Cape Cod, Mass. I used my frequent flier miles to fly myself to Boston! It was a little mini vacation for me. It was great to get a chance to see some old friends from high school. It was one of the best weddings I have been too. All the little details were taken care of. I feel so honored to have been a part of so many of the wedding events from Friday night through Sunday. Since I was there without Adam and my friend Julie was there without her partner, we were each others dates. Julie was a part of the wedding party. Abby was so generous to allow me "hang" out will all the brides maids activities :-)

We were greeted at our hotel by a wonderful little welcome bag full of Cape Cod goodies. I then got to attend the brides maids brunch (thanks Abby!!!), have a little nap and me time, and then go to the rehearsal dinner. Oh my the food and drinks! The food just kept coming. I ate lobster for the first time, ate great food, and drank good wine!

Me and Julie at the rehearsal dinner.

After the rehearsal dinner they had a welcome party for all guests. More amazing food and drinks! Then we got shuttled back to our hotel. The next morning Julie had to get up early to start getting ready for the wedding. I got to sleep in! Take my time, eat free breakfast, and then headed in to see them get their hair and make-up. Wow, what gorgeous ladies, before the make-up too!

The forecast had been for 70-80% chance of rain on Saturday. Abby had to make a 9 am decision about an outside ceremony or inside. There were blue skies on Saturday morning and it turned into an absolutely gorgeous day! No rain at all!

Like I said, all the little details were taken care of. All guests were shuttled to the wedding! Then there were flip flops for all guests if they needed them because the actual ceremony was on the beach.

The ceremony was beautiful! Cliff and Abby wrote it all themselves and it was very personal, heartfelt, and funny! What a great match they are!

It was fun to see some old classmates from Proctor. Some people I have not seen in a long time! We got an official photo got taken outside to. From left to right; Zander, Sarah B., Julie, Cliff, Abby, me, Lorna, Kris S., and James B. Fun times!

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing all the food was. And the drinks! As we came up from the beach they handed us all either champagne or a "Welfleet" something or other. Then the appetizers, oh my! I kept thinking about how much Adam was missing! Then the dinner. SO GOOD! The band was also amazing! So much fun dancing!!!

Julie sang them a song at the rehearsal dinner and then we convinced her to sing with the band too. It was amazing. She also sang at our wedding. Her voice is amazing!!

Oh and then there was the after party at our hotel! Wings, pizza, fries, more drinks, oh my! And then the send off brunch the next morning! It was an amazing weekend. I also got to see my good friend Kat, who came down to Boston for lunch. It was so nice to see her too.

It was a rough transition back home, it always is but it was so much fun! Thank you to Abby and Cliff!! And also to Julie for carting me around all weekend!

School Days

Today was Corbin's first day of preschool! Last January I began the search for a good place to start Corbin and today we began. He was excited. We were excited. It was a good day and a good start. I "looked" at a bunch of schools, made phone calls, compared prices, philosophies, and full day vs. half day schedules and we decided on the Little Darling School. The first time I walked into it, I felt at home. Corbin seemed like he would fit right in. They had a platform with a bed and pillows below to jump onto. This is my kid. This is what I like! He is encouraged to explore, think, play, make choices, and be a kid. I love the way the teachers talk to the kids. The use Positive Discipline, which is what we try at home, they are a non-violent- war free zone, the kids are encouraged to work out their problems and then get help. They are given reasons why not to do things... and encouraged to think about something instead of just telling them "no, you can't do that". It's kinda a cross between a Montessori and play/experienced based school. And the had the option for full days. No set curriculum where kids "learn" and sit. Their outdoor space is amazing! They have a HUGE sandbox, mud pit, water tables, a mock stream that has a water fall that cycles through underneath, a rainy day play house, and so much more! Every kid has a pair of rain boots for outside play! We will see how it goes but from right now it feels good.

I was starting to get a little frustrated because he wasn't supposed to start until the 13th with means we have been scrambling to figure out who will watch him since Adam and I both started work last week. Their philosophy is to start each new kid on a new day. It sounds good but for us it was a little bit of a hassle. But then we got an email yesterday saying he could start today! Yahoo! Which also worked out perfect because both Adam and I got to drop him off. I leave for work too early to be able to drop him off on his full days. I was feeling very conflicted about not being there for that first drop off. He is also doing half days on Thursdays, when I don't work, so he can have one more day and Eliza and I can have some time together too. Starting today also allowed him to do a half day before he goes for a full day tomorrow.

He was excited last night! He was excited this morning. He had his backpack on and was ready to go!

We were ready early (amazing!) and he was ready so he went and got in the car even though we had about 10 minutes before we needed to leave!

We got there and were showed his cubby, where to wash his hands, where to sign in, etc. He was off to play with his buddy Luca right away. Adam and I milled around for a few minutes until Adam had to leave. He said goodbye to Adam with no problem. He seemed really comfortable right away so I saw no reason to linger. So I asked for a kiss and hug goodbye. He was busy playing in the "kitchen" and said no mom. I said, "Ok. Well I love you. I will see you after lunch." He looked at me and said "Bye mom. I love you very much". And then went back to playing! Well ok then, I guess that is my cue to leave!

When I came to pick him up, he saw me before I even saw him. He came running up to me and just started saying "mommy, mommy, mommy!" and jumped into my arms for a big hug! Oh melt my heart. He was so happy to see me but obviously had had a good time too. He showed me a few things, finally went pee, and then had 5 more minutes of play before we left. He and the director sung the song from song circle, he put his socks on by himself- Like a preschooler :-) We can't wait to share more about his day at dinner tonight with dad!

He did have a bit of a rough time transitioning back home. He said he was hungry, which made me wonder how much he had eaten, he almost is never hungry after lunch. He then melted down at the bottom of the stairs while trying to go up for nap. I had to come and get him. But then he settled down in his room while I put Eliza down. He even got up and went to the bathroom by himself and then waited till I was done to get help with the toilet paper! He is now napping....first nap in 5 days!

I think the hardest thing will be not knowing about all the things he did, what he ate, how he was acting, etc. Even with Melissa she would send us home each day with general idea of how it went, time he ate, how much, and naps, etc. I left with a general sense but no real specifics... I was too overwhelmed to ask. Maybe tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be a long day... but I think we are off to a good start!

Running (jumping, throwing) out of summer

Summer's pretty much over. Students come back for me on Tuesday, and Erin's already started. Soon the pleasant aimlessness of summer days will shift into the firm routine of the school year.

We ventured out to Bellingham's All-Comers' Track and Field Meet a couple of times in August. We'd been thinking about it for a while and finally found time.

Corbin had a great time. The event is pretty well organized, going by year starting with two-and-under. In the beginning there are lots of kids and families, and the older kids and adult events start later. It's fun to see so many families out being active and having fun. Corbin participated in five events. The 50m, the 50m hurdles, the 100m (which is like a three year-old's marathon), the long jump and the kids' javelin. It's pretty interesting to watch him figure out how to run in a lane and in a more formal setting.

The long jump.  3'6" was his longest!

I definitely don't push any sort of competition, but I have to say it does feel good to watch Corbin earn a red second place or white third place ribbon, rather than a green "participant" ribbon. It's easy to see how parents could completely unintentionally put pressure on their kids, or project pleasure or disappointment. Corbin has no idea, of course. Things will get even more interesting when he figures out what different color ribbons mean.

With his Superman track suit and post-race ice cream on his nose.

We'll definitely be coming back next summer. Eliza can run with the two-and-under girls. Corbin can run with the fast four year-olds. Maybe someday I'll step in for a sprint or two. Or the long jump. Maybe.

When do we get to run?