Family Housewarming and BBQ

Tom and family came to visit us on Sunday. Everyone had a chance to see our new digs and I could tell they seemed to like the place a lot. I think they were impressed with the amount of space we have – and they would have bought something similar if it has been 15 – 20 miles south. There were a lot of cracks about needing a passport in case they had to cross the border and how close we were to the clouds – which would explain the increased amounts of rainfall we receive. Sean simply responded, “YES we are closer to the heavens here!”

Ronin was enamored by his cousins, Nate and Jess. Nate was running up and down the hallway – leading a parade and Ronin was so happy to run back and forth with them. He was laughing and squealing! Ronin LOVES a good chase. Jess was always close behind – observing closely – always keenly aware. She is definitely the power behind the thrown. You want to have her as your FRIEND not your enemy. Jess was OBSESSED over Ronin’s Elmo chair and tried to claim it whenever Ronin would let her – which wasn’t all that often. At one point Ronin got up and you could see Jess waiting to make her move. It was really quite sweet. Jess was dressed in an adorable dress with her cute chubby legs and sweet arms exposed and her eyes are a lovely shade of light blue – the same as her mother, Amanda. Her hair is much longer now and has curls at the bottom. She has really changed a lot since I saw her in May. It was so nice to see all the cousins together and they seemed to really enjoy one another. This is what I have always dreamed of seeing – all these cousins enjoying one another. Nate led, Ronin ran after and Jess trailed. I looked forward to Baby G coming and joining forces with the gang!

When Ronin first woke up from his nap and came downstairs he went directly to my mom. He misses her so much. Bypassing me totally he went to her and sat on her lap. Thrilled to be with her again! She was so happy. He then proceeded to eat his lunch while on her lap. I love seeing their relationship.

Of course every emotion that Ronin demonstrates is greeted by my mother smiling! She is madly in love with him and Ronin can do no wrong in her eyes. When Ronin was frustrated and showed it – she howled. Sean and I weren’t too thrilled when Ronin dumped his cousin, Jess, out of his chair and then proceeded to sit in it again and reclaim it – but that is VERY only child of him. He will also soon learn better sharing skills and discipline now that he is in Daycare – and we are happy for those behaviors and lessons to develop.

Tom thinks I need to have Ronin’s speech development checked. He was concerned that Ronin wasn’t really using his words and at one point screamed to get attention. He is frustrated by his lack of words – that is clear. But he has the pre-requisite 20. Ronin is identifying objects with words but he isn’t using those words in the middle of all his gibberish. I think Tom is showing some genuine concern and I appreciate that. Ronin’s next appointment is in August (a little late for his 18 mos appointment) but I wanted to make sure we got in to see Dr. Amler. Jut last night Ronin said STAR. And a few days ago he said OLIVEU for I Love You and WHERDHEGO? For Where did he go? So I think it is coming just at Ronin’s own pace.

Life with the gillhoolley's

So the little girl inside of me is now a bustling 13 ouncer and moving up a storm. I am anemic now - which explains the tiredness - which is nice to know that there is a real reason why I am dragging ass all the time. No more weight loss and started to gain.

Ronin is delicious as ever and is using new words everyday. He just mimics you - and now says OLIVEU for “I love you” and WHERDHEGO for “Where did he go?” He loves to look at the pictures in the hallway and point at the people he knows - a lot me ME, MAMA, DADEE. He loves Daycare and Sean and I are thrilled about that. He also busted into a room - At camp the other day, Ronin heard some music playing. The room was filled with 4 year old girls. They were having a dance party. Ronin knocked on the door and the counselor saw that Ronin was dancing. The counselor invited him in and he danced in the middle of room while the other girls laughed and clapped form him. He shimmies and shakes. He loved it – there was a big juicy smile on his face! Also there was some 70's funk on the radio the other day and when he heard "dig it dig it" he started the shimmy move. I nearly pissed myself.

My little man loves day care. Sean and I were worried but hopeful as we knew the time had come to transition Ronin from my mother and nanny into a program where he could learn some structure, enjoy other children and grow with experience only found with peers. Friday was his first day and the Sean stayed the first 2 hours. Sean met all the other children (all 8 of them) and Ronin gallivanted around the water play area and indoor toy area all the while interacting with everyone. I picked up an exhausted child at 3pm who needed a hug and kiss as he didn’t nap well in the new environment. That being the only negative – which I think will be easily surmountable.

Today was Ronin’s 2nd day – but since it is a Tuesday – it was like Day 1 all over again. Ronin walked into the center with Sean and carried his own lunchbox (which was bigger than him.) As soon as Ronin entered the classroom he took off to play beside another child. Sean had to go over and kiss him good-bye as Ronin acclimated perfectly and instantly. My little man is a social and spirited child who CRAVES the company of others. Both Sean and I feel very good about this decision. Ronin will continue at Bright Horizons through the rest of the summer – 3 days a week – 9-3pm.