Monday, April 25, 2011

Retirement

My parents will both be officially retired by June 1. A very exciting time for them! I had a prior post up that was meant to pay homage to the fact and poke a little fun at their new 'retirement home', but alas I was a bit morbid. Sorry mom and dad!

After a failed attempt to sell their home last year, they relisted and sold in a very short time. Finally able to downsize (if going from five to four bedrooms is actually 'downsizing'), yet have enough room for all the kids and grandkids they found a house in quick time as well.

Now the real fun begins. What to do with the day? I look forward to finding out! I also can find solace in knowing all of the taxes Uncle Sam is taking from me will actually go to someone I know!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Wipe That Smirk Off Your Face

There are many advantages to having a verbose child. We thoroughly enjoy having conversations (as documented by all of the Gilbertisms I've posted to Facebook), being able to have him hold a phone and talk to his grandparents, Skype, and just learn about his day. Little Man can also communicate explicitly how he is feeling, what he wants, is thinking about, or randomly wants to share. And now he is reading books out loud to himself. Okay, not really reading, but has the books memorized to the point of being able to recite most of the story.

THE ONE DISADVANTAGE IS HE CAN BE A LITTLE SHIT!

Gilbert is notorious for saying what is on his mind in a very blunt and truthful way. Telling Kristen in the morning he doesn't like her outfit, or upon coming out of the bathroom after getting ready for her day that he doesn't like her hair. Or telling me upon returning from the gym I am smelling (I blame Kristen on this one as he picked up the association of gym and sweat and smell from her!).

The most piercing words he says, though, is when he tells me at night he doesn't want to read stories with me or snuggle with me. We make a point to rotate or alternative putting Gilbert to bed. Sometimes together, but most often 1:1.

Just last night he expressed his desire to not be with me. "I don't want you daddy. I want mommy. I don't want to read stories with you. I don't want to snuggle with you." My heart bleeds from such prickly words!

Now, this is a child be a kid and being honest. However, we are attempting to teach him about respect, courtesy, and all of the accompanying moral compass intangibles. So when Kristen attempts to explain to Gilbert what he says is hurtful he just smiles and smirks at her thinking it is all funny. This infuriates Kristen as her attempts to be stern with him are met with giggles and laughter. With me it is a different story.

Anyway, G went to bed without his usual story read and snuggles. He was apologetic this morning. We'll see if it sticks. Anybody want to take odds that it doesn't!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Ahhh.. no time

Hello Loyal followers of the Little Man, life has been a bit crazy lately and my blogging has fallen behind. I will pick up again here shortly. In the meantime I will share a short story- let me set the scene (Patrick was away on business so it was mom and Gilbert all last week) Each night after we read stories we turn out the lights and we talk about our day or our plans for the next day. Patrick and I have both been traveling to NYC for work and when we do we are already gone before Gilbert wakes up in the morning..... I have just turned out the lights:

M: tell me about your day?

G: I will not be here when you wake up in the morning.

M: Where will you be?

G: I have to go to New York for work.

M: Really? What do you have to do there?

G: I have to do 2 jobs, and I need a parent to go with me. I want Dad. Can you call him?

M: Sure, what time does he need to meet you?

G: At Midway mom, we are taking a Southwest Plane.

M: Ok, but what Time?

G: Before you wake up.

M: sounds good I will call him after we are done talking here.

G: I am done talking- you can go. Can you believe this kid? I was laughing so hard. and to top it off he came out of his room about 15 minutes later and had this to say.

G: Can you call Miss Cassie (one of his wonderful teachers) and tell her I won't be at school tomorrow b/c I will be in NY?- No TEXT her. Good Night. and walked back to his room.