Oh The Places You'll Go!

About fifteen minutes ago by husband and oldest son pulled out of driveway to begin their three hour journey to Boston. Their final destination is Fenway Park as they scored two tickets to the Winter Classic. For my husband, being a former hockey player himself, this is very exciting. For my 5 year old son, as a new hockey player, he has no idea what he is in for. However, for the two of them together, this is a journey that 5 years ago we never would have guessed could possibly be a reality.

When my oldest son was born, we were told that there was a strong likelihood that he had Down Syndrome due to a heart defect that they had discovered. When that diagnosis was confirmed we were shocked. Neither my husband nor myself had ever known anyone with Down Syndrome so while we were trying to bond with our first child, we were also trying to educate ourselves as to what Down Syndrome would mean to our parenting, his medical needs, and our daily life. On one hand, things got very complicated very quickly. We began meeting with therapists and cardiologists while monitoring his weight gain and developmental milestones. One the other hand, things also got very simple. The world came down to what was best for our son, his routine and his happiness.

As we looked to his future we did not know where it would take him, or us. Not that long ago the doctors who delivered him would have recommended we put him in an institution. But now, he was thriving and learning and growing beautifully. He was perfect in our eyes, as every child is to their parents, but we still didn't know how things would play out. Would he be able to go to "regular school"? Would he have friends? Would he be able to play sports or maybe a musical instrument? We just didn't know.

Well, fast forward 5 years, and here we are. Our son is thriving in kindergarten with plenty of friends. He is independent in so many ways. And to our amazement he has begun his first "real sport". Hockey. The same sport my husband played and loved for years. He joined this incredible league for children with special needs and is now loving the sport as much as his father.

A few weeks ago, the head of our son's hockey league announced that the Bruins had given his team 20 tickets to go to the Winter Classic. To top that off, my husband and son would be getting two of the tickets. What an incredible experience for them to share!

So off they went in the car packed with cookies, fleece and plenty of mitten warmers. It amazes me to think back 5 years ago to how frightened we were compared to now and how much joy and excitement he brings to our lives. The places he has taken us and will continue to take us...what a trip!

Be Glad and Happy New Year!

The Significance of "I Do"

Last week my husband and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. While it has been 7 years since we said "I do" I feel like I still hear that phrase on a daily basis. It meant to much to hear "I do" on my wedding day but today it means something very different.

Seven years ago "I do" meant the beginning of a life together, come what may. Now it means the separation of my children from their dependence on me. My oldest son now says "I do" when it comes to brushing his teeth and washing his own hair in the shower. My daughter says "I do" when she has to put on her snow boots, hat and mittens. And now my youngest son says "I do" when he eats his oatmeal in the morning or walks up and down the stairs by himself.

I used to think I would be sad when the children didn't need me to do every little thing for them. I enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing that I had washed their hair, tied their shoes or fed them their meals. But now that their independence is before me, developing as they blossom into "bigger kids" I realize "I do" enjoy watching them take care of their own needs. "I do" relish watching them smile and laugh as they complete simple daily tasks. "I do" has actually become one of the best things I can imagine to hear from my children.

Be Glad and Happy New Year!

Raising The Sons of A Bitch

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch."

— Jack Nicholson

While I am consistently entertained by Jack Nicholson and his antics, this quote got me thinking. Is it so bad to be a bitch? I have two sons (5 and 1 1/2 years old) and I constantly feel like I am being a bitch, a nag or a nudge about one thing or another. However, if you are being a bitch for the right reasons then being a bitch is a good thing.

We all remember the girl in high school who was being a bitch for trying to steal a boyfriend. Or the college bitch who actually did steal a boyfriend. Those girls were being a bitch to be a bitch...there was no higher purpose to their bitchiness.

However, being the mother of two sons it is important to me that they have manners, treat each other well and look out for each other. It is not easy to drive home these behaviors without repetition. Hence, the feeling of nagging that permeates my conscience. Well, now I say enough! Cheers to all the bitchy mothers who nag their children and expect manners and respectful behavior. It is not an easy job we do and the easiest thing would be to give up and allow our children to behave any way that they choose. We need to start as we mean to go on and if my sons grow up and become polite and well-mannered men then I have done my job.

Be Glad For The BITCHES!

Good Riddance and Pamela Anderson

I came across a quote this morning from, of all people, Pamela Anderson. While I hardly consider her to be an example of the ideal mother I was amused by her words.

"I'm a mother with two small children, so I don't take as much crap as I used to."

— Pamela Anderson

Now, as I have three small children and no desire to be married to Tommy Lee once let alone twice, my threshold for taking crap must be that much less. And good for me! I used to think that by taking other people's crap I was using good manners by not being rude to someone for the sole reason that they were rude or thoughtless towards me. Now I see that by taking crap from people and not giving it back I am allowing myself to be bogged down. No more!

This quote came to me again when watching my 10 minutes of the Today Show this morning. They were discussing Good Riddance 2009. This is the third year of people going down to Time Square with anything they want to be rid of for the new year. This is BRILLIANT! People were showing up with suitcases of things to put through this massive shredder. I love it! People arrived looking down and forlorn (love that word) and after putting their various crap in the shredder they seemed like new people...elated and rejuvenated! What a wonderful idea! Clearly, we now know what I will be putting in my proverbial shredder...everyone's crap that I have had to deal with in 09! You know who you are and you are on your own for 2010. I wish you the best of luck keeping your crap to yourselves and now feel as elated and rejuvenated as those New Yorkers!

Be Glad!

Post Christmas Chaos

Right now I have one child screaming, one child asleep on the couch and another who is running the batteries out of a very loud toy train he got three days ago. My Christmas tree is about to fall over and the smell of pine that filled my house a few days ago has been replaced with the smell of the most recent dirty diaper. There is a pile of boxes and wrapping paper in my garage that is technically a fire hazard and I have no idea where I am going to store all the new toys that my children received from various family members over the holidays.
Now is the time I usually begin to panic and feel overwhelmed by the end of one season and the beginning of another. Now is the time I usually feel like I have not done enough for my family, loved my kids enough or paid enough attention to my husband. Where are my friends?? What is happening in the world around me beyond Christmas cookies, batches of cocoa and holiday decorations? My usual response to this annual guilt fest is to make sweeping resolutions to go out of my way to reconnect with friends and to put my family first at all costs. To be the best person, mother, wife, friend I can be for everyone I know.
Well, this year I am saying SCREW THAT! This year I am patting myself on the back for another year well done and I am offering the same coo dos and congratulations to other moms out there for the same phenomenal act. This year I am going to put humor and fun first so that I can show a smile to my children and my husband as opposed to the frowning scowl that comes from always wondering if I am doing enough. This year is the year to enjoy, relax and get a grip!
Be Glad!