End of Summer traditions

The great Minnesota Get-Together began yesterday signaling the end of summer. August is usually a crunch time for us where we try to fit in the many things we didn't get to and back-to-school preparations.

One of our traditions is to sponsor a child's school supplies and get them an outfit.  The child we had this year was homeless.  That sparked a lot of discussions with Samantha and a few with Sofia too.  We talked about how lucky our family is and that it's important for us to help those that aren't as fortunate.  I take the focus from giving money to giving time and specific things (i.e. food, cards, etc) for charitable work.  As I write this, Samantha is planning a baking day where she will donate food to our synagogue.  I'm proud that both girls show humility because life is unpredictable and it's simply good karma (or practicing tikkun olam "repair of the world" depending on your perspective) to be positive.

Daddy took the week off to spend with the girls since they didn't have camp.  It's worked out that way the past few years and they seem to cherish the time together.  He made a point to take them clothes shopping individually.

I lost my list of foods we ate at the State Fair this year, but I'm sure we got cheese curds!

Daddy's Birthday

Daddy said I got the coolest birthday gift ever by taking him to see Bruce Springsteen, a.k.a. The Boss.  This was a huge compliment since I always thought Legos were the best gifts for him.

We continued the celebration with a dinner out by ourselves.

Happy Birthday!  You are so loved!

Father's Day 2012

Daddy was genuinely surprised by his gift, but I was lucky enough to get the last one at the store for him.  We love him and appreciate all he does for us.  Hopefully all the back scratching we do shows him how much we care!

Happy Father's Day Daddy... we love you so much!

All the dads with their kids at Nana and Papa's house later in the day.

April 2012

We began April by giving Daddy some well-earned downtime and going to a small scale children's museum close by.  I was still reeling from unexpectedly missing spring break.

I love Sofia's reaction in the video... priceless.

Daddy was gone for 3 weeks in April. He was home on the weekends and we made the most of the time together, but he was missed by all. The girls and I kept ourselves busy with mostly good weather, playdates and living simply. I realize there will never be enough time so I try to cherish very moment I have with my children. As a family, we have taken an approach to salvage whatever sanity we have and not be over-scheduled. We know families that run themselves ragged every day of the week to activities, clubs and other classes. I am trying to avoid that for us. I don't judge those who make a different choice, or say we won't ever be in that situation (we have have our turn). I'm just trying to keep it simple for as long as I can. I don't see a benefit to signing The girls up for camps if they're not interested. I can put the money toward a vacation or their college funds. I think that Samantha is doing well with only one activity, but I don't know how long that will continue. Sofia is loving the arrangment because of all the playdates. I usually try to get together with another family at least once a week/weekend. I've offered to take kids to support other busy parents and am improving at accepting help. Mostly though, I've been allowing myself to just be instead of constantly enriching my kids. Relaxation is important too!


These are from March... Samantha loves her special breakfasts with her Dad.  Sofia struggles with missing him, which make moments like the one I captured below even more special.

Throughout April there was Family Fun Day and Science Night at Samantha's school, where I got to volunteer (and take the kids around).  We saw a lot of the kids and their families.  We got to have some time with our friends, watch our tulips bloom, see our extended families on both sides for Passover and Easter.  I also managed to spend some time with my friends and squeezed in time to volunteer for Art Adventure and my regular time slot at Samantha's school.

All in all it was another full month, but again, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Spring Break 2012

Since I spent most of the week working, Daddy handled Spring Break Week all by himself. This was his reflection of that time.


As a parent who travels a lot for work, I've felt very removed from my family as of late. I miss seeing the things the kids enjoy like gymnastics and swimming. After 3 straight weeks on the road, I took a week off - no cell phone, no computer - to dedicate to time with the kids during their Spring Break. Unfortunately, mommy had to work so not only did I get a lot of time with the kids by myself but I also got a window into what she juggles while I'm away.

The girls and I made a list of all the things they'd like to do. We played on the trampolines at Skyzone, visited the zoo with Nana, went to gymnastics, played lots of games, read stories and they even convinced me that an afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese's would be fun - and it was.

I have to say that the week, although not relaxing for me, was a true pleasure and something I wish I could do more often. We basically did whatever they wanted and I feel like I accomplished my goal of giving them a fun week doing things with them that they enjoy. I know they needed time with me but I needed time with them too.

My kids are growing up fast. April is almost over and it feels as though the school year just started a few weeks ago. I'm a bit jealous of the fun summer I know they'll have and I'm already looking forward to the next time we can spend a week together. Ideally I'll work it out so it can be two weeks over the summer because as soon as we know it, fall will be here and school will start again. As I sit here watching their gymnastics class - now on Saturday's - I'm reminded yet again of how fun it is to be a kid and how privileged I feel to be able to share this time with them.

Here's a bit from Skyzone:

Daddy's Birthday

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Daddy doesn't particularly enjoy birthday celebrations about him and has been stressed with a variety of challenges, I'll share a poem I wrote for him.

I love my husband, he's the best.

Always moving without much rest.

He's the perfect man for me and a wonderful father.

We're a team, we're partners, it's no bother.

He's funny, loving and incredibly kind.

He even helps with laundry in a bind!

No it's not the perfect poem, but I hope for many years to come with him!

Highlights from recent weeks

Life has been full and chaotic and wonderful for us... here are some highlights:

We've had plenty going on and I've enjoyed life.  There is a semblance of routine again with adventures.  Park visits, Sofie’s dolphin class and hanging at the zoo on a Saturday with a surprise fireworks show that we watched from our street on a recent Saturday night.  We have been baking and I've taken the girls to my office.  Sofie was sick this year for Rosh Hashanna so I stayed home with her while Daddy and Samantha headed to Nana and Papa's.  I think Samantha enjoyed the quality time with her cousins.

We spent the day with friends that we haven't seen in a long time for our traditional family day at the orchard.  All the girls rode ponies and a camel, and Sofia bonded especially with William.

I got to chaperone Sofia's field trip to the apple orchard.

Nana and Papa taking the girls to see the play "Miss Nelson is Missing".

Daddy and Sofia having their zoo class together about sharks.

The girls and I taking Fonzie on nature walks.  The fall weather has been wonderful!

Daddy took Samantha to her first football game.  They both enjoyed it even though Samantha requested that they leave early.  Daddy accommodated her request and they came home.  Sofia and I took Fonzie for a walk with Grammy and got ice cream.  The weather was gorgeous!

Sofia's first playdate with her friend Lily, who had a ball and "seriously" enjoyed her mac and cheese for dinner!  It's beautiful to see Sofia blossom and meet her friends.  She is loving preschool!

Our adventures continue and we are very blessed!

Reunion with Daddy

Daddy came home yesterday and the dynamic adjusted in our home. Sofie was tired and usually needs some time before she will accept Daddy, Samantha did her own thing for a while and was eager for some time with just her and her dad. I was exhausted so I wasn't matching Daddy's level of excitement, not that I wasn't happy to have him home! 3 weeks is long time (even if he returns on the weekend) and I'm honest about it being difficult. It's also empowering to know what I can accomplish and I'm proud of myself. I didn't rely on the TV and all the grandparents helped, as did Antie She. Thanks for the support!

Samantha and Daddy got their wish for some adventures as they spent all day at the Mall of America.  They went through the mirror maze, enjoyed plenty of rides and went to the aquarium.  Their relationship is special and that is how it should be.

A Day with Daddy

Since I had to work today and Daddy had today as a holiday (and daycare was closed), Daddy had the girls all to himself. It was an exhausting weekend, but in spite of being tired, the girls went to an indoor trampoline playground. Each kid hopped for a solid hour. Nana went with and said she was tired just watching the girls. Papa took a break from golf and joined everyone for lunch too. After some quiet time at home, they headed to a park and got slushies (a.k.a. Squishys) on the way home.

When I returned home, everyone was very tired, but happy.  We are extremely blessed in our lives.

Happy Father's Day!

I got up with the girls this morning and when Daddy came downstairs, I was making breakfast for the girls.  He announced that he was going to step back from his job which has been consuming him more and more the past few months.  I sighed with relief and counted our many blessings because it has been a difficult time for all of us struggling. 

Any man can be a father, but it's takes a special man to be a dad.  I'm so grateful that our daughters have a dad.   He is there for them, involved in their lives and loving them.  There are times I am awed watching him interact with the girls and they all light up.  Daddy represents the male role model for them and should they choose a man to share their lives with, I hope they choose someone like him.

Here's some shots of our family dinner later in the day...

Sofia's days with Nana, Grammy and Daddy

Daycare was closed this week, so as usual the grandparents stepped up to help us. This week Sofia got a night at Nana and Papa's, followed by a day with Nana. Sofie also got 2 days with Grammy, which got us on the road to a diaper-free lifestyle. The rest of the week she hung out with her dad. It was good for them to get some time alone together. Sofie has been preferring her dad lately to anyone, as demonstrated below in some cute moments.




Sofia is a wonderful girl and we are extremely proud of her!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Poor Daddy. He's the only male in the house with the exception of Fonz and I just don't see a lot of solidarity between them. One thing that makes Daddy special is that he's a strong enough man to handle his wife and two daughters. Daddy is the model for what the girls probably will accept should they decide to get married someday. He works hard, loves to play and is the guy that does the right thing just because it's the right thing to do. He sacrifices himself at times, but he takes care of himself. We are all very proud of him and very blessed to have him as a central part of our family!

Fundraising adventures

Samantha is in public school and that requires fund-raising. We've seen it before and we will see it again. I was hugely impressed by Sam as we went to the neighbor's houses. She was polite and articulate, even offering suggestions. As per usual in my (unbiased) opinion, I was extremely proud of her!

Daddy created the script for Sam below partly due to fundraising overload...

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Samantha and I'm participating in a fund raiser for my school. I would appreciate if you would please look through this catalog of worthless crap and see if there's anything you feel obligated to purchase. Since my parents have been duped by this same undertaking in the past, your obligation to purchase this stuff from me is much appreciated. Please make checks payable to my school booster club. I appreciate your assistance and don't call me when your junk breaks. I didn't build it. China did.

Last week without Daddy

This is the last week of Daddy's work travels for awhile. It was really hard on him to be away from us, but we kept in touch with frequent phone calls. I think the girls are just as excited as I am to have this period over, even though we've had a lot of fun! Our village has come out to support us with multiple visits from grandparents and friends. It demonstrated yet again how fortunate we are to be loved and I cherish these times even though we all miss Daddy when he's gone.

Auntie She came by for some tickling and games, which thrilled the girls!

The other side of the family tree

Daddy had to go to work today and he'll be gone all week. I got these shots right before he left. Of course Sofia had just been woken up so she wasn't as engaged in the photo opportunity.

Right after he left today the girls and I headed out to see the other side of the family tree. Great-Grandpa was at Aunt Shelly and Uncle Todd's house with Nana and Papa. Their baby cousins (Jordan and Dylan), who are about to become mobile were there as well. All the kids were so entertaining to watch!

A breakthrough for Sofia

Miss Sofia has been very difficult this week. She has been physically acting out with me and at daycare. I've been struggling most of the week dealing with what I now believe are symptoms of her problem. My analytic nature kicked in and I think I finally understand it. Her problem specifically is routine disruption. However, the assaults cannot continue and it's not realistic to expect her to learn from a constant timeout. The root cause of her issues this week came out when I asked her if she missed Daddy (who is traveling). Sofie stopped what she was doing, her lower lip came out and she said, "Yes". I asked her if she wanted to call and tell him that. With the lip still out, she nodded. We got the phone and I explained to Daddy that Sofia had something to tell him. She stammered, "I want you... to be over... here... right now." Daddy told her he was glad that she told him, that he missed her to and that he wished they were together.

Since that conversation, Sofia has been acting like she's two years old. Appropriately frustrating, hilarious and a fabulous kid. I guess we had a breakthrough!

Happy Father's Day!

Yay for Daddy! It's his day!


We went to Nana and Papa's for lunch, returned home for some quiet time and played together the rest of the day. Daddy loves his presents (an iPhone and a Minnesota Vikings grill cover), but I think the time with the kids was his favorite part.


Our girls are blessed to have their daddy. He loves them and is showing them the world in all it's splendor. Daddy teaches respect, how to face your fears and enjoys lots and lots of silly time. His stories are extensive, including "Jim-Jam-Rubberband" and the one with "Dave the Monkey" and "Shenanigans the Banana". He loves his daughters fiercely and it's beautiful to watch how our girls gravitate to him. Our family is as it should be.

These girls are truly the apple of their Daddy's eye...

Again, it's as it should be.

Reunited

Daddy is back from his seemingly eternal trip this week. I listened to him play with our girls, hugged him and enjoyed our family reunited. I think we all missed him as much as he missed us. We are all happy he is home. Samantha, Sofia and I all keep busy and have our own fun while Daddy is gone, but it's even better when we're all home.

Happy Anniversary to us!

To My Husband:

I am proud to be your wife and more grateful than I ever dreamed possible. You have given me the life that I never dared to imagine. Our life and the family we have created is a force of good in this world. You are a wonderful father who explains things and plays games with our daughters. I am in awe of the person you are, of how you never stop trying to do what you feel is right and how you love us. You are my hero.

Today marks the 7th anniversary of our wedding. We have known each other 13 years (158 months) and our paths have zigged and zagged. You have seen my best and worst qualities in the context of friendship before marriage and I have seen yours. We have confided our greatest fears and celebrated our successes. You made me a mother. Two beautiful daughters were born to us and we are raising them together.

Still our life together is just beginning. I love you and every day I am blessed to be married to you. I am eternally grateful we chose wisely in choosing each other. My hope is to continue on this road holding hands and laughing while we grow as people and as a couple.

With love,

Your Wife

(Happy Anniversary to Nana and Papa too since they were kind enough to share the date with us!)

Daddy's birthday

Daddy is having a good day! We got a full night's sleep due to the kids being at Nana and Papa's house. (We also got a nice dinner out last night... what an experience!) Daddy is at the football game and there will be a surprise dinner awaiting him when he gets home. Sam and Nana were kind enough to make a brownie cake for our dessert and our gifts are wrapped.

We love you Daddy!