The Magic of Christmas

Dear Madigan,

It's a few days after Christmas ('09) and a good time to reflect. We were all very lucky this year, as Santa left us some great presents! Our favorite: the Wii, which actually lets us play together as a family. Currently, your favorite is bowling, but we still have to explore the many games we received! You also seem thrilled with the two pair of fingerless gloves Santa left- a request made after hearing me ask for them to keep me warm in the library! So yes, we both have them...me and my mini! Daddy's thrilled, as you can imagine. At this point, he just shakes his head.

This year, Santa was great at communicating- perhaps Mrs. Claus is helping him organize? He sent you a letter in the week leading up to Christmas, which was stamped from the North Pole. He mentioned your gift requests, Xavier (our Elf on the Shelf), and Cooper. He also left you a note on Christmas Eve, which we'll save so you can enjoy it all year round. Aside from the gloves, you received the 7 Battle Force 5 (contradiction?!) you requested from Santa. You must have been on the 'Nice List' thanks to Xavier, who reported back to Santa each night and found a new vantage point each day. It was fun searching for him and helped us remember to be on our best behavior. Although we didn't get a chance to say goodbye on Christmas Eve, since it was so hectic, we look forward to his return after Thanksgiving next year!

Hopefully the magic we've been experiencing will become tradition. AND, we hope it will help us remember what's truly important and translate to our daily lives. It's hard being five and being empathetic...but that's what we hope to accomplish with you Madigan. We want you to realize what you have and be grateful...but also want you to figure out a way to change the lives of those who aren't so lucky. Big aspirations for our little man. But you're moving in the right direction...between the whines and tears you do some very thoughtful things...including holding the door for your teacher (of your own volition) even though she was off in the distance. You are a thoughtful boy and we're very proud of you.

Love, Mom

Kindergarten!!

Dear Madigan-

It's hard to believe, but you are now a kindergartener! This Fall you began your school career in Mrs. Lyons classroom, and while it's been an adjustment, you seem to enjoy school and all that entails. Last week, that meant preparing for your first, official picture day. I let Daddy pick the background, so the theme was autumnal- think yellow and orange leaves. That meant you really could only wear dark green, which also brings out your eyes. I had the perfect pullover with mock turtleneck and partial zipper (from the top down). I had a time deciding what to put underneath it, as you tend to be a sweater and had Gym that day. I finally decided on a (wife beater) tank and zipped you up about 3/4 of the way. On the way to school we practiced smiling so that you wouldn't show too much in the teeth department. All set. When I picked you up that afternoon, I noticed your zipper COMPLETELY undone. I asked if it looked like that during your pictures and you -very nonchalantly- said 'yes!' You needed to air out, you explained. NO!!!!! This was not the photograph I envisioned as gifts for ALL the family! It was WAY too Italian an image (I apologize to all the Italians I've just offended)! Oh well. Best laid plans. At least your hair wasn't sticking up...wonder how that smile turned out.

So today was your second bout with Timeout at school. You must feel tremendous guilt, as you fess up and then don't want to talk about it. I finally got out of you that you were talking when the teacher was talking...but didn't delve further, as you seem to self-impose punishment. The shame is too much and you end up melting down. The same happened with the first timeout for dawdling in the hallway even after your tearcher addressed you directly! I actually had to email Mrs. Lyons to get the story, as you really didn't think you'd done anything wrong. I'm not too concerned with your hijinks at this point, as you're just flexing your pesty bone...certainly nothing evil. Just testing the waters, I think!

Another interesting thing we're working through is the cafeteria account. I put money on your account but did not share this information with you. The second day of school you were thrilled to tell me you bought milk at lunch. You told me you just had to tell them your name! Daddy and I tried to explain that there was actually money being exchanged, but I'm positive that message didn't get across! The next day, I asked about whether you bought milk at lunch. Of course you had, so I asked if you drank it all. Nope. You hadn't even opened it! I asked what you did with it and you told me you'd thrown it out! Oh no, no, no! We had a one-sided discussion (guess who was talking!) where we decided if you bought milk you were to drink it. The next day I checked in with you assuming we were all straight. Boy do I have a thing or two to learn! This time, you bought BREAKFAST!!! Man you're good. We're going to have to teach you fiscal responsibility...especially before the credit card offers come rolling in! We've decided to limit your lunch buying to two days a week- just like my allotment when I was once young! And milk any day...and breakfast only when you're REALLY hungry, which so far has been EVERYDAY! I'm going to need a second job to keep you fed and watered! Good thing I love you. It doesn't hurt that you're an only child and spoiled rotten. My little dude's growing up. Just don't do it too fast.

Love, Mom

Word Equivalents

Just had to post a few words that you currently say, and their equivalents. They will probably soon be a thing of the past, so here they are:

commerciables=commercials; as in 'Mom, I need that. I saw it in a commerciable."

lemolade=lemonade; as in 'I'm thirsty. Can I have some more lemolade, please?'

sumpin=something; as in 'Grandpa, I've got sumpin' to show you.'

Favorite commercials to sing:

Cat's Eye Pest Control "Cat's Eye. We're the best of the best to get rid of your pests."

Koto Restaurant "The Koto experience. Experience the magic. Experience the mystery. Experience exotic tastes, steeped in rich history..."

Being Five!

Where to begin? Your party was last weekend with a Spiderman theme, of course! There were nine of you boys ages 4 and 5 and both Daddy and I were run ragged! And it's not like we haven't both worked with tons of kids throughout our lives. For some reason, though, you guys drove us to drink- me literally- after the wee ones were gone, of course! I think part of the problem is that Dad forgot to come up structured outdoor activities- even though I left that department to him (and reminded him a multitude of times, of course). I'm safe saying this because I know he doesn't read this blog (yet)! Towards the end we had a scavenger hunt for your goody bags, which were hiding in the turtle sandbox. And lastly, the Spiderman pull-string pinata. Although you cried a few times after having been pushed down and unused to the commotion of many energetic kids, the party was a success. And thankfully, we don't have to do it again for a whole year!

As for gifts, I don't think you could get any happier with the present you got this year from us- an AT-Rex Power Wheels. As soon as you saw it you grinned from ear to ear- for hours! And the whole time you were driving your 4-wheeler around the yard. And every day since!

Today, it's Mother's Day. I received a homemade card from you in the mail, thanks to your preschool. On Friday, you had walked with your class to the post office specifically to mail out those cards. What a great surprise! And at daycare, Kate helped you prepare candy flower lollipops, which she put in a plastic coffee cup. The inside liner was colored by you and had a nice photo of you (with your shirt on backwards for Wacky Wednesday) on it. But the gifts didn't stop there! You and Daddy had gone shopping and you'd picked out a hummingbird feeder for me, so we could attract the birds just like at Grandma's house. And Daddy got me a FlipVideo! Expect lots of videos from now on! We also took Grandma out to brunch at Uncle Jeremy's new restaurant- The LongHorn at Lake Vanare. It was delightful and packed! In fact the whole family came out- the Vans, all the Castleton Clan, the CT crew, Nana, Papa, Grandma, Poppy, and Katlin. And Daddy hosted the gig! We wish Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Shannon much success in the future! It's the holidays that bring us together and remind us how important family is. I'm glad for our family. Love, Mom

Spring Has Sprung!

And we've decided to embrace it! Last week- during school vacation, we headed to Merck Forest in Rupert, VT. It has a lot of trails and a small farm onsite. We decided to test our luck and followed the Discovery Trail through the forest to the farm. Within the first 100' you were ready to be carried, but we tempted you with farm animals and challenged you with finding the trail markers. You walked a good deal of the way down and over, but when the going got tough and the trail headed uphill, you requested a lift. Daddy obliged, and luckily the trail wasn't that terribly long, as both Daddy and I discovered...actually, remembered is probably more accurate- that we're horribly out of shape! We rested and checked out the animals and the vista. Then headed the much shorter way back to our car where we happened across this giant, hollow tree. Afterwards, we headed to Manchester for lunch and a quick shopping trip where we ran into Tanya and her family, of all people! We must have a psychic connection...either that or we just don't see enough of each other at work or on our block!

Today we headed to the mighty Hudson for a picnic as it is absolutely gorgeous for the third week of April: 88 and sunny! We picked up some sandwiches (and cookies, of course!) from Washington Square Deli and went to visit Papa and Nana. While there, you decided to give the fishing a try. And you caught something EVERY time you cast! Of course, it helps that your pole has a red, rubber fish attached! You also got to ride in Papa's new VW Beetle...we could barely see the tip of your head in all your unseatbelted glory as you traveled across the lawn, as the seats are so low! Case in point- check out Uncle Jeremy's profile in the picture!

Upcoming plans include your 5th birthday! Your actual day is on Friday, so you'll be bringing in Spiderman themed cupcakes with Spiderman ring decorations and cupcake papers to preschool. Dinner will be at Friendly's followed by your present from Mommy and Daddy- a kid-sized ATV! Luckily, you can't read at this point and don't follow my blog, so I'm not divulging any secrets! Your party will be on Saturday and we've invited 10 little boys from preschool!! I'm not sure what we've gotten ourselves into, but it should be fun, as we're planning an obstacle course and scavenger hunt alongside a Spidey cake and pinata. I'm SURE they'll be good stories to post afterwards. You're very excited about being five- I hope it lives up to your expectations! Recently, you also participated in kindergarten registration Part 1. After meeting in the library, the teachers whisked you off with instructions to pick you up a few hours later- AFTER the much-anticipated bus ride! Of course, your favorite part WAS the BUS! I also wanted to know what else you did, but the only thing you offered up was that you played. When pressed, you said "with broken cars." When I asked if you colored, you said no- you swept things up because it was dusty. Oh dear. And that was all you said- even after my probe! Grandma found out you had to pick out numbers, which were out of order. Some other detective work uncovered that you also sang The Wheels on the Bus, had to provide your address and phone number, and draw a picture. Yours was of Grandma and you- of course, you drew yourself larger! You have another visit coming up, and I'm interested to hear what happens, although we know at least one of the teachers thinks you're 'READY for Kindergarten!' (her son is in Daddy's class, so she emailed him that you were a very polite young man, too)! You are certainly much more adventurous and confident, so we're excited to see what's in store for you! Love, Mom

Had to Post!

Dear Madigan,

I had to post this, as it was too cute. You just came over to me and put your hands on both sides of my face so that you could get my attention to tell me this:

"I just want to tell you that even when you have diarrhea I still love you. Even when you throw up. And Dad too."

We love you too, Madigan.

Love, Mom

PS: This obviously stems from our bout with the gastrointestinal distress blogged about earlier this year!

February Vacation 2009!

Dear Madigan,

I'm sorry it's been so long since last I posted. My only excuse is that we were preparing for and then on vacation to Florida! And we had an eventful and enjoyable time!

To begin with, we flew to Newark and then on to Jacksonville. I must admit- flying is not my favorite form of transportation, as I feel it is VERY unnatural to be hurtling through the air in a heavy metal vehicle, but I try to hide my anxiety so that you will not be frightened. So far, so good. You seem unaffected. You do, however, seem to feel the need to visit each of our plane's miniscule bathrooms- they are definitely not sized for two! And you have a fascination with your tray table- much to the chagrin of the passenger in front of you! This time we kept you occupied with snacking (Continental actually gives you more substantial food items than just pretzels/peanuts. Case in point: our first leg was a small turkey or ham sandwich, small bag of Fritos, and small Hershey bar! Our last leg was a muffin!), reading books, drawing, and sleeping. Luckily the dead battery in the DVD player didn't throw us into a tailspin (you OR the plane!).

While in Florida, we stayed with Grandma and Grandpa on the beach in Amelia Island. Even though it wasn't as warm as we would have liked, we still combed for sharks teeth and played in the sand and surf. We also went out to eat many times and hit a few playgrounds! We also took a trip down to Kissimmee to visit Nana and Papa who have a pool in their gated community. While there, we hit Animal Kingdom. Even though it was packed, we got to experience 'It's Tough to Be a Bug,' which scared you a bit, as the 3-D glasses made it feel like the mean bug was coming right at you! The safari was great fun and we saw a lot of animals from the safety of the jeep. And Flights of Wonder was cool as the birds flew over and around our heads! And on our way back to Amelia, we stopped at Cracker Barrel in Daytona, which is RIGHT NEXT to the Daytona Speedway. That was cool because we'd just seen (some of) the race on TV a few days before. Sadly, we couldn't get a picture because it started pouring while we were in the restaurant. Figures.

It was great fun and a much needed break from the February snows and cold of New York. And we're already looking forward to next year...maybe we can convince Grandma and Grandpa to go a little farther south. We'll see!

Love, Mom

PS: I am making a pledge to get back on track with chronicling our adventures, as I want to capture some of the very interesting insights you have on life!

We're Ba-ack!

Dear Madigan,

It took two weeks after the illness began, but we're finally back to 'normal!' During that time I also got gastrointestinal distress (I won't elaborate, as I'm sure whatever you're imagining is spot on) and you became dehydrated enough to present blood in your urine. It was scary and awful, but thankfully everyone we spoke to and came in contact with from Main Street Peds was extremely understanding and compassionate. They put me at ease reassuring me that we just needed to push fluids and you'd bounce back. In the meantime, we'd do a clean-catch pee in a cup for them to run a culture on and you'd begin antibiotics just in case. Happily, you have no infection, and did not need to complete your course of meds. You just needed to drink! Since then, you have resumed your normal eating habits and especially enjoyed a hearty helping of spaghetti (see photo above!).

Also new since last post are our skiing adventures. While you are eager to ski down the 'big mountain' with me, you are less than thrilled about your ski lessons. You had a successful first lesson, but then missed a week due to your illness. Returning to your lesson this past week was challenging. We arrived early, so you had 15 minutes of direct instruction before any other kids were there. You are working on your wedge, but it's not coming that easily. Daddy thinks it doesn't help that we were standing there in your line of sight, so next week, we will be otherwise occupied- Daddy working in the ski shop, and me on the mountain honing my (lack of) skills. You started crying and gave up pretty easily, but I think you were also still on the mend at that point, and tired easily- sidestepping up the hill numerous times only lasts so long! You're game to give it another shot, and have been practicing your pizza pie inside sans skis...let's hope you can finally move over to the Magic Carpet- we'd all be happier!

As for school- big doings this week. You and I attended the second meeting for Ready, Set, Kindergarten and you got to do fun activities with the occupational therapist and a few of your future classmates. Parachute play was fun, as well as 'climbing' in the mitten (aka cooperation blanket!) pretending to be one of Jan Brett's animal illustrations. You also had the chance to go to the primary library and pick out a bag of books to borrow. And I went to a parent-teacher conference at Pooh's Corner with Mrs. Infante (Daddy misses all this because he's teaching his 5th graders). She said she has no concerns about you, but there are a few areas we should be working on: the alphabet song, as your middle letters are: J, J, Kel, M, N, O, P -the rest of the letters make it unscathed! We also need to teach you our phone number...we have worked on 9-1-1, but apparently you should also know how to call home. And consistency with writing your name...we've moved from Madan, to Madgan, and sometimes Madigan, but not consistently. Socially, she says you're very polite and have many friends. We're proud of you, because it's hard being the child of two teachers ...and knowing it all (ha!). Thankfully, you don't seem to 'know it all' in school, and for that we're grateful.

Things have been busy, but not so busy that we've haven't noticed that you're growing up and into a very thoughtful little man. You are sensitive, caring, and bright, and we hope you always remain that way. I love you.

Love, Mom

Gastrointestinal Distress

Dear Madigan,

It is now a Sunday afternoon- instead of running around shooting your dart gun, you are laying limply at my side watching Stuart Little. Since Wednesday night, you've had gastrointestinal distress. It began with vomiting, shifting to the southern regions. Since then, you have not moved other than to vomit or use the facilities. You didn't even speak until today, as it simply took too much energy. It is very sad to watch- especially being able to do nothing except hold the pot while you puke and apply cold compresses to your head. Even now, your attempts at conversation fall short, as you forget your train of thought. Thankfully, I have seen slight improvements since yesterday AND the day before that. But you still have intestinal issues and have lost weight off your already slight frame. I am simply waiting for you to feel better. You have never had any ailment for very long and at this intensity, and it's hard for us all. Even now, though, you reach for my hand. "I just want you," you said to me. You are a sweet little boy and shouldn't have to feel this way, but I believe it will make your body stronger in the end. I love you and look forward to tomorrow.

My First Post Ever

Dear Madigan,

What an adventure this has been. I wish I'd been chronicling your life since the beginning, as there have been so many anecdotes that would thoroughly detail who you are! At 4.5, you are full of tenacity although I'm not sure if that's a product of your age or your personality. You have a difficult time taking no for an answer, but rally quickly when things go your way. You enjoy going to preschool (Pooh's Corner) especially because your buddy Sam is there. And for a short time, you had a girlfriend although you didn't even know her name! You did say she was like me, which we later found out meant she had earrings. We met her at Open House and learned her name was Emily. She has flaming red hair and the personality to match! Happily, she is now simply your friend, as we agreed kissing is for family only. (Imagine the conversation: Madigan: Emily kissed me today. Me: What?! What do you mean? Where did she kiss you? Madigan: On the cheek. And sometimes on the head. Me: You mean this has happened before? Madigan: Yeah, she kisses me every day.) I really thought I had much more time before I had to worry about girls. Thankfully, it appears I do, but I admit to freaking out and calling Sarah (Daniel's mother) to see if she'd seen anything transpire between the two of you. She had not. Whew. And we've come to learn Emily's much more of a mother hen than siren. Double whew. Now you simply get hugs from her...when you're not hanging out with the boys (including Jayden).

I am looking forward to hearing what your teachers have to say at the upcoming conferences, as I wonder what you're like when out of our clutches! The first time you went to Pooh's was for a pre-open house for newcomers. Mrs. VanDeWater spoke to you when you were playing on the jungle gym. A few minutes later she was speaking with you but called you something other than your name. I asked her what she called you and she said, "Buzz. Isn't that his name- that's what he told me!" At the time, you were in your Toy Story phase. It was pretty funny- especially since you were pretty shy and timid, and you didn't speak much at all to anyone else! How times have changed! Now you're a Kanga with Mrs. Infante (Mrs. Tuttle has the Owls and Mrs. Knight has the Pooh Bears) and have many jobs including passing out napkins and holding the flag for the pledge of allegiance. You really enjoy when you get to bring the show and tell bag home. So far you've had it three times. The first time you brought in your circus sword and some pictures, as we'd just been to Barnum & Bailey's at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The sword lights up and has a spinner inside. The second time you brought your skateboard that we won first time out at a water shooting game at the Washington County Fair. The third time, you brought your batman hovercraft. Not only do you get to show your friends your toys, you also get to sit on Mrs. Infante's lap, which seems to be another highlight!

I can only imagine what the second half of the year will bring...