Sleep Walker

We have a sleepwalker.  And it's not fun at all.

Cooper had night terrors when he was smaller - those were KILLER.  He'd wake us up crying, looking at us all wild eyed but if you tried to touch him or talk to him, he'd crank up louder.  After about 10 to 30 minutes of *that* sweet noise, he'd simply lay down and go back to sleep.  I never got use to it. It was completely unnerving.   I was so relieved when he finally outgrew them.

But now he sleepwalks.  Sometimes he'll sleepwalk to the bathroom, use it, then go back to bed.  Last night though, he tried to open the back door that leads into the garage.  Poor O woke up and saw him first messing with the door and saying "Why won't this open?" over and over.  Al had to lead him back to bed and sleep with him to make sure he stayed put.  He doesn't remember a thing from last night and the poor fella is super tired this morning.  I can't imagine why?  He probably didn't sleep any better than we did. 

I can't wait for him to outgrow this too.  Thank goodness O is a hard sleeper.  

Snaffle Tooth

Cooper's new nickname is "Snaggle Tooth" or as he says it with three missing teeth "Snaffle Tooth."

He's still the cutest ever.

Halfway

It's hard to believe that summer is already halfway over.  In about a month, the kids both start new schools.  They are excited and nervous at the same time. 

I hope being at different schools will be good for them - they've been together at such a small school for so long that it's like the teachers saw them as one, instead of individuals.  And since they have such different personalities, I think they'll enjoy the space to be themselves without worrying about being compared to their sibling.

Kind of makes me glad there's 4 years between my older brother and myself.  He was usually leaving school when I started the school.  Until we got to college, then he slowed down a bit.  :) 

I am anxious about the new transition.  It's because right now I just don't know specifics about their schools - are they riding the bus, how early can I drop them off, how big are the classes, does O have to wear certain colors, etc.  I'll be more relaxed once school starts but right now I just feel on edge about not knowing.  I knew what to expect at THA, so this is new for me. 

But for now we'll just enjoy the rest of our summer and worry about the details later.  One thing I know, my kids are adaptors and they will do great.  School isn't even on their minds yet.  Swimming in the pool and going to the zoo are our major concerns for now.

How are you spending the rest of your summer break?

Believe....

I had a conversation today with a friend about the Tooth Fairy.  We both have kids the same age, same sex, and both had lost teeth around the same time - what else are mothers supposed to talk about? 

She doesn't allow her kids to believe in anything - Tooth Fairy, Santa, Easter Bunny, you name it.  No money under the pillow, no presents from Santa (they do gifts of course) and no Easter baskets.  Honestly, I felt sorry for her kids.  I'm sure they are happy, she's a great mom, but I just wonder if they have any idea on what they are missing out on.  And you know, that's fine if that's what you choose - but for me and my kids, I want them to believe.  Haven't you watched The Polar Express?

Honestly, what does it hurt? 

Have you or anyone you know EVER been hurt so deeply they never recovered from finding out Mom and Dad was Santa all along?  Or Mom and Dad was the Easter Bunny?  Or Mom and Dad had mad ninja skills and put that money under their pillow WITHOUT waking them up?  I don't and I bet you don't either.

The way I see it is this - kids are kids.  When you're a kid, you should be carefree, innocent, and full of belief and wonder.  It's a part of childhood.  Why let your kids in on the secret that when you grow up, you have all kinds of crazy responsibilities.  What's wrong with letting kids believe in Santa?  They won't believe forever - trust me.....so why not give them that time? 

Of course, I'm not saying that kids should be totally oblivious to dangers in the world, etc.  Do you have any idea how much joy it brings me to watch my kids find a dollar under their pillow and a tooth gone?  It's like watching someone perform magic for the first time.  The happiness on my kids faces is priceless.  Same for Santa and the Easter Bunny.  O is nine and Cooper is almost seven, so I know I don't have much longer to hold on to these type memories.  I plan on allowing them to believe for as long as they want. 

So - is there a Tooth Fairy at your house?

Happy 4th - two days ago!

I know I'm a few days late but I hope everyone had a great fourth of July! It's so hot here that popping fireworks was almost miserable. Almost.

Ok, it was miserable for the adults but the kids didn't mind at all! We even started with sparklers while the sun was still out. Little hands just couldn't wait until dark. We had a blast!

Thank you to all our service men and women - those who are willing to serve for my freedoms are my heros!

Oliver Twist

Is it me or does he remind you of Oliver Twist in this picture?

Or Annie.....except he's a boy and not a red head.

He makes me giggle. Sweet, sweet Cooper. And his strange love for mopping.