Where are you going, my little one?

Dear Dani,
It is happening too quickly.
Just a few minutes ago, I swear, I was a nervous and pregnant 35 year old, wondering how I would ever know what to do as your mom.  Wondering if I would do okay, if I would have that magical moment where I laid eyes on you and fell in love.  And I did.  Wondering if I would know how to raise you, and teach you and be your mom.  Really, it feels like yesterday.

But it wasn't.  Today I enrolled you in Pre-K.  In just a few short months, you're going to be riding a school bus, headed to school to make friends, and learn even more that you can imagine.  You're an amazing little girl--with a brain like a sponge, always learning, never forgetting, and consummately polite.  We're so proud of the girl you are becoming.

And, on days like today, it feels like you're becoming a girl too quickly, and it makes me want to squeeze you tight and ask you not to grow up, to stay my baby.

Like we sing at bedtime, "when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad".  You, my love are one of my favorite things.  My big girl is going to school.

The crying game.

For some reason, Tommy has decided that he wants to torture mommy test my patience on an hourly basis.  Everything I do is wrong.  I don't play right, or entertain him enough, and so I am faced with Mr. Screamypants.

 

 He will literally make the saddest face, and then wail at the top of his lungs right in front of me.  For kicks, he flings himself on the floor, to highlight his dissatisfaction with me.

Spare any xanax, friends?

 Tori's latest project is making paths of books throughout the house.

 I've mentioned a million times what great eaters these kids are.  Last night, I made a kick-ass grown up dinner of linguine with super-garlicky white sauce with clams, shrimp, artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes.  I made extra pasta, fully anticipating the outright rejection of dinner by Dani and Tori.  To my surprise, they chowed down, without reservation!  And, they were super excited to have long noodles, just like big kids!

It was a little messy, but they had a blast.

 And, little Tommy.  Looking all happy and cute--for Daddy of course--he took this pic.  As soon as he sees me he summons up his best toddler angst.

 Help!