Returning to Normal

Returning to normal was as tumultuous as I anticipated. All three of "my boys" lamented returning to school, making the morning miserable for everybody. In reality, they were making the morning miserable for me because they were already in that state. Despite their best efforts, I managed to rally and send Scott off to work with a yahoo and a hoot. He was not amused by my celebratory cheers.

The day was spent working, organizing and trying to unpack. Even though we were only gone for a few days, the amount of stuff we brought with us on our trip and acquired while we were away is staggering. Carrying in the van full of boxes and bags, I couldn't help but remind myself that we are supposed to be purging, not accumulating. 

The weather has been beautiful and Friend and I spent most of my free time outside walking. After being in such tight quarters for a week, I'm relishing the open space and the solitude. Thank goodness for reality!

Cheeseburger Pillow

The drive home was exhausting. We made decent time and we didn't encounter any obstacles or issues, but the constant bickering among all of the boys (Scott including) was enough to drive me to the brink. It is almost as if they had stored up all of the snark while at Grandma's house. The moment we drove out of her driveway they could not keep it contained any longer and it persisted throughout the nearly 9 hour drive.

By the time we pulled into our driveway I wanted to hide from every living creature, including Friend. While I love my little pup, he sat on my lap, on a giant cheeseburger shaped pillow, for the entirety of the drive. I couldn't wait to shed him when we finally arrived home. 

After unloading and returning the van, I spent the evening tidying up the house and preparing for today. Everybody returns to school this morning. I know that they are sad to see Spring Break draw to a close, but I'm delighted. This week has been draining and I can't wait to return to normal!

Heading home

 It has been a nice albeit long few days. Today we are packing up and heading back to Virginia. I will be glad to be home. It is nice visiting, but it is always nice being home.

Rolling Out

 The boys are thoroughly enjoying their Spring Break. Yesterday they rose late, puttered around the house most of the day and seemed to eat nonstop. Of course, all good things come to an end and that includes their laid back vacation. This morning they are being woken early because we have places to go and things to do.  

This year we are switching things up in terms of our holiday traditions. Instead of staying home, which has been our Easter tradition of recent years, we are going to Ohio. (My niece, who is finishing her first year in college, has graciously agreed to house sit during the final days of her Spring Break.) This is the first time we will be with Scott's mom for Easter. I know that he is especially excited.

Our rented van is packed and ready to roll.  It's going to be a long day on the road. Wish me luck!

College Tours

 Sunday was all about Timmy, but yesterday my focus was Robby. I was fortunate enough to accompany him on his first college tour. We drove down to the University of Mary Washington, which is a beautiful little state school in Fredericksburg VA. The weather was beautiful and I don't think I could have planned a prettier day to walk around a campus. 

It is so hard to believe that I am touring colleges with Rob. I look in his big brown eyes and I still see the little boy who used to play pirates and fish in the stream. I see his smile and I remember all of the silly games we used to play. Then I look at his full beard and I realize that he is indeed old enough to be evaluating colleges. 

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the tour, I relished the time with Rob. We had a great time chatting to and from the school. He is such an interesting person and I love spending time with him. I know that, wherever he ends up, he is going to thrive.  

Making Friends

Yesterday Timmy and I packed up and headed to a community breakfast for his school. While he had a great time playing with his classmates, I found myself in the all-too-familiar situation of standing idly by myself trying to feign confidence among strangers who all seem to know each other. How do all of the moms and nannies always seem to know each other while I'm always the stranger? 

This has happened since Robby's first play date and I'm fairly certain it will be haunting me through Hamlet's college years. We RSVP yes to every party invite. I attend every parent meeting and class event. While I join the greater email and text chains, I've am still omitted from the more friendly banter. 

Standing by myself next to the playground fence, I felt the familiar pangs of discomfort. I made several attempts to make small talk only to be met with single word responses or the quick arrival of a group of friends who swoop in to "rescue" my poor victim. To be fair, I'm sure it probably wasn't as dramatic as my recollections. I think I am still licking my wounds from the overwhelming sense of rejection.

Thankfully, yesterday was about Timmy and not me. Although he was initially nervous about walking into a large group of new kids, he quickly located some familiar faces and was absorbed by the crowd. I couldn't help but feel happy as I watched Timmy run and play. Apparently, I suck at making friends. I'm glad that he hasn't inherited whatever traits I seem to project in group situations.

Pink Panties

 Yesterday Timmy had some medical tests that I have been dreading. I hate seeing him uncomfortable and hurting. While I know that diagnostics is a necessary evil, it hurts my heart to see him so vulnerable. 

Before his procedure the nurse handed him a gown and asked him to change. He immediately started to strip (this boy has no shame) and maintained a cheerful conversation throughout. I managed to pull him behind the curtain as he stepped out of his pants and underwear. I'm glad that we were quasi-private because I was shocked by the sight before me.

Despite taking off his pants and underpants, he was not yet naked. He was wearing my underpants. My bright pink striped granny panty sized underpants. Shocked, I said louder than I anticipated, "Timmy, why are you wearing my underpants?"  

Without missing a beat, he said, "Momom, I was worried that I might pee during the test and I wanted to be prepared. You can pee in your underpants so I wore them for an emergency. Big brain." 

I heard the nurse laughing through the partition. When we finally drew back the curtain my face was as red as his little slipper socks. I was going to try to continue as if nothing happened, but Timmy had other ideas.

Looking at the nurse he said, "I wore my Momom's underpants because they hold a lot of pee. She bought them special so she can pee in them." 

The nurse just nodded and tried to maintain her giggles. In another 30 years she will understand, but her youthful bladder has no idea about its uncertain future. 

Thanks Timmy.