First Day of School

Yesterday was the First Day of School.  It wasn't the sunny warm day we hoped for.  Boy was I glad we picked up a new raincoat when we were finishing our school shopping a few weeks ago, she needed that AND the sweater Gigi and Poppa thought to add to the collection of school uniforms they gifted us with.  The morning went great, no meltdowns [well there was mine - but that doesn't count] and everyone was ready on time.  We took pictures with Kristen and Daddy and they were off to Miss Carol's so Daddy could make it back to watch the first day of school without distraction or interruption.

Gigi and Poppa arrived and there were more photo ops.

Then we loaded up and headed to Jeanne's house.  Brooke gets on and off the bus there since Kindergarten in Norwich is only half day.  I was worried about her actually having to get on the bus and head off without us.  I mean talking about it and actually doing it are two completely different things.  With the rain, we were forced to wait inside and Brooke was losing interest.  She wanted to stay and play with the Preschoolers and Matilda, the kitten.  

We got her to wait at the door and watch for the bus.  She saw it coming down the road and yelled "The bus is here", opened the front door and was off down the sidewalk with her new friend, Zachary, in tow.

She climbed up the steps to the bus, told the driver her name and headed for the back.  The driver, Sharon, quickly reminded her she was in Kindergarten and needed to sit in the first 2 rows. 

She never looked back and the bus drove away.

What if ...

In less than 2 hours, Brooke is getting on the bus and heading to Kindergarten.  UGH! There has been a lot of excitement in our house for this big day - it was supposed to be last Wednesday but thanks to Hurricane Irene, here we are.  The wind howling and maybe some thunder woke me about 3 am ... as I laid there trying to fall back to sleep ... I remembered I hadn't pinned Brooke's bus pass to her backpack.  Then I thought --- does she know what to do when she gets on the bus - will she quickly pick a seat and slide in? What if no one sits with her? What IF someone sits with her? What if there are no empty seats and she has to sit with someone she doesn't know yet - will she sit? When she gets to school - how will she know who Mrs. Bosse (her teacher) is? where her rooom is? how will she know where to put her coat? I did eventually dose back off .... but man it has been a long night.  Now the grown-ups in the house are showered and dressed and the girls are about to get up and start their days .... here we go !!!

Brooke is so excited to for school and to celebrate her birthday with her new friends at Ms. Jeanne's house this afternoon. She is ready and will be fine.  Her parents on the other hand, well that remains to be seen. 

I'm still trying to figure out where the last 5 years went ?????

School Days

On August 31, Brooke starts kindergarten.  Our house is filled with excitement, anticipation [Brooke] and anxiety [Mommy and Daddy] ..... How can it really be that she is ready to start school?  We've spent the last few weeks getting ready, uniforms, shoes, socks, boots, a raincoat and tomorrow we're off to get a backpack, pencils, erasers, and anything else that catches our fancy.

In Norwich Public Schools they where uniforms and we are SO excited about that ... seriously we are!  We tried on some of the pieces tonight to make sure we were good to go.  With her new haircut and big girl school clothes it seems to me like she aged overnight. 

How do I look?

It seems like just yesterday ....

he was born .... and in 2 days he is getting married. How did that happen ???

Brooke and Uncle David on the dance floor

Weathering life without Storm



Storm was an incredibly patient with the girls

Last week, the dynamic of our household changed drastically.  Storm who had been slowing down over the last few months stopped eating on Monday and by Wednesday morning was extremely weak and lethargic.  We loaded him into the car and arrived at the vet at 9:20.  He was evaluated and the outlook was grim .... infection, severe arthritis, significantly decreased muscle mass, and intestinal cancer.  We made the decision that was painful for us, but the best for him.  I so appreciate a friend for saying "as his caregiver, it is your responsibility to do right by him even though that will be more painful for you."  In my heart and in my mind, I know we did "the right thing" .... but I was not prepared for the emptiness that would envelope our house. 

During the day, I think I hear him bark or the sound of his nails making their way across the Pergo floors .... but its a mirage. 

The girls are the least phased - they are young and more resilient. Brooke says she doesn't have a dog any more, Kristen from time to time tells us "Buddy in heaven."

Paul and I are heartbroken.  Paul and Storm were buds since Storm was 4 months old ... OK truth be told it was NOT love at first sight ..... but they did grow to be the best of friends.  When I met Paul and we started dating, I had to win Storm over and THAT took some doing.  Paul took him everywhere and let him do whatever, I gently and gradually imposed limits and structure ... Storm and I went to obedience school together ... some how we passed. When Paul and I got married it only seemed logical that Storm be involved .... so Best Man (Dog) he was.  When the girls arrived he took it in stride and never really much cared they stole some attention.  He was amazingly patient and fiercely protective.  He was always near them .... always.

Life goes on and I have no doubt that some day there will be another four legged, furry, tail wagging friend in this house but for now, we'll learn a new normal and weather it without our Storm.

"I'm mad as hell, and you should be too"

"I'm mad as hell, and you should be too" Laura Ziskin (1950 ~ 2011)

Laura Ziskin, a veteran film producer, died on June 12 after a courageous battle against breast cancer.  She was a driving force in creating the non-profit, SU2C - Stand up to Cancer, that has raised over 200 million dollars since its inception in 2008. 



May we always remember those who have lost the battle to this horrible disease and keep fighting and donating in their honor.

Thanks Girls !!!

Brooke and Kristen,
You teach me something new every day and you fill our house with joy, love, laughter and chaos.  You are exhausting with your endless energy and questions.  You did not come easy or without work ..... we were being prepared for the patience that parenthood requires.  Some days I am overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that fall on my shoulders and then one of you smiles, giggles, hugs or delivers an unsolicited "Love you Mama" and at that moment it seems OK that we are taking the clean dishes out of the dishwasher, the clean clothes out of the laundry basket and that for the time being we can't find an empty spot on the kitchen counter.  There will be time for that later ......

Thanks for completing our family and filling it with pure, sweet, unconditional love!!!
 
You are my Two Little Amazing Miracles!!!!