Before dinnertime, we were outside riding bikes burning up some of that excess boy energy. At one point, a teacher from the neighboring school was walking back to her car. Every time we see someone – teacher or student – the boys must stop them and chat. During this evening’s discussion, Matteo proceeded to tell the teacher that “I want to be a daddy!” Christopher followed with, “I want to be a firefighter.”
During dinner, Christopher said that he was getting smarter because he was using his brain. Though he has said this many times, I took this opportunity to reinforce his Spanish.
I replied, “You get smarter when you speak Spanish because it requires that you use different parts of your brain.”
I followed with, “Entonces tu necesitas hablar español conmigo.” (Translation: Then you need to speak Spanish with me).
Christopher: “Yo hablo español solo en this casa (I corrected him that “this” should be “esta”) o en mi escuela.” (Translation: I speak Spanish only in this house or in my school.)
Me: “Esta muy bien.” (Tranlation: Very good.)
O. K.
On Sunday, we met with Mommy Sara for lunch. We always enjoy our time together, whether it is at our house or out having lunch or dinner. Sunday’s get together was especially meaningful not only for Mike and me, but also particularly for Matteo and Mommy Sara. Since starting school, Matteo has been asking about Mommy quite a bit. Incidentally, at school there is a little girl who apparently cries, “I want my mommy,” which has affected Matteo in some way. The result has been that on occasion he mentions “mommy”, calls her on his phone to say “Hi”, or says that he misses her.
When we departed, we felt quite conflicted. Our hearts are happy with the love we have for our boys, yet they ache for their mommies.
To Mommy Stacey and Mommy Sara – We are very lucky to be raising such wonderful, smart, handsome, funny, witty, active young boys. We cannot begin to thank you for the gift that you have given us.
Matteo with Mommy Sara
We have not posted anything new for months, not because we have nothing to report, but simply because life has kept us busy.
Since our last report, Matteo, who is 2 1/2, started going to school with Christopher three days weekly. Matteo’s Spanish has immensely improved. He comes home saying the alphabet, singing songs, and asking for things in Spanish. Christopher, who refuses to speak to others in Spanish, knows quite a bit. I am afraid he may know more than I!
We have vacationed in Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore – no… neither Pauly D nor Snooki were in tow – and Palm Springs.
Here are a few pics…
Ghetto Spin Class
Fabulous Five 4-year-olds
Passed out on the way home from Palm Springs
My new Spider-Man slippers
Spider-Man and Super Monkey
Well, this very afternoon, I experienced my very first, “I don’t like you.” Fortunately, without getting offended or hurt, I had the presence of mind to say, “Why?” Christopher followed with, “Because you put me in time outs.” “Okay,” I said, “but if you behave, or didn’t hit, I would not have to put you in a time out.”
No more than 20 minutes later, as we headed toward the pediatrician’s office for Christopher’s 4-year evaluation and Matteo’s 2-year evaluation – both faired well, in fact, Dr. Damon was amazed at how well Matteo speaks for his young age, and that he is potty-trained – I asked Christopher if he was still mad at me. He said, “No, but I was mad at you because you put me in a time out. That’s why.” With his explanation freshly on my ears, I explained, “It is okay for you to be mad. Everyone gets mad. I get mad. Dad gets mad. You get mad. Matteo gets mad. The important thing is that we still love each other, EVEN when we get mad.” He responded, “I still love you.”
The other morning when Matteo woke up, he ran to the bathroom to go pee. He lifted the toilet lid and seat, stepped onto the stool and patiently waited. He tugged on his penis and said, “He not working.” I guess this goes to show that boys innately refer to their penises in the 3rd person.
This weekend we attended a birthday party for two of Christopher and Matteo’s friends. The hostesses had a petting zoo…
Matteo just visited the dentist for the first time. Well, actually, during Christopher’s last appointment, Matteo got very excited about what the dentist was doing, Dr. Becker had him climb into the chair so she could count his teeth. During this appointment, Matteo experienced a full cleaning and exam. Christopher helped…
