Five.

Mason,

Happy birthday baby!! Today you are five. FIVE. FIVE. FIVE. FIVE. FIVE. It is weird to even type that.

FIVE.

A whole HAND FULL. (Not to be confused with a handful, which you often are as well.) Though it's just five fingers it's so much more than that. Five years makes for a lot of memories. A handful of years, a heart full of joyous, chaotic moments. Surprisingly, it didn't really sneak up on me like past birthdays. Years past each birthday was bittersweet. Another year we'd made it. Another year you'd thrived. Another year flew by. This year isn't any different.

WE MADE IT.
YOU THRIVED.
AND IT FLEW BY.

But in its own way it is different.

Five is a little different. With five comes kindergarten. Let me just tell you what a BIG DEAL Kindergarten is these days. For nearly every parent of a four year old I know this is the topic of discussion. There are reoccurring themes in these conversations, the most popular -- anxiety. Followed closely by fear paired with excitement. Unknowns. Hysteria. And here is where I admit to you that I am not really that sad about it. I feel a little guilty, because for years the mere thought of you turning five panicked me. Just hearing the word kindergarten made me worried, perhaps anxious is a better word.
OKAY....it made me come TOTALLY UNGLUED.

But magically with the nearing of five...I think we are ready. But I can't help but wonder did I  DID WE do enough? Did we build enough puzzles? Paint enough with our fingers? Did I snuggle you long enough when you'd drift off to sleep? Did I watch your tiny little sighs while you were napping? I second guess myself often. Did I laugh hard enough when you first started telling me stories? I replay afternoons in my head. I question did we build tall enough towers? Watch enough Pixar films? Did I listen? I heard you, but did I really listen when you asked questions about dinosaurs and volcanoes? And better yet, were my answers sufficient? Did I read enough nursery rhymes? Sing enough lullabies? Did I let you get muddy? Jump in murky puddles? Did I take enough pictures? Film enough memories? Because I can't forget those things, they aren't coming back. Because I don't WANT TO FORGET them. Because they were  are ours. Did I prepare you? Did I spend the five years that I was given with you wisely? Abundantly? And most of the times the answer is yes.

But sometimes I wonder.

And so I accept that the afternoons won't still get to be spent in pajamas, or me whispering I love you as you fall in to a deep 1:00 PM slumber. Instead, we'll spend them building Lego ships after school, hearing about your day, reading new stories, making new friends. I'll probably still whisper I love you. But the good thing about FIVE is you say it back. And you know what it means. And it means so much more coming from a FIVE YEAR OLD who gets it. You totally get it.

This year you've blossomed in a new way. You have matured. Your questions now have purpose. You fill your role as biggest brother in ways I never imagined a five year old could.You play harder, sleep harder. You talk faster, you stand taller, you laugh louder. You jump higher, you eat more, OH MY GOODNESS YOU EAT MORE. People always joke when they see me grocery shopping with you and your brothers. Just wait until they are teenagers. Wow three boys, you are going to need a part time job to pay for groceries once they reach high school. Ummm, why yes, thank you. But what about now? Because they are two and five. And this chubby one, he's not even ONE. And I think I should probably just buy a cow. And a chicken. And a field full of wheat maybe.

You really understand things. You have started to read. You have started to write. You take pride in your drawings and you should, because your artwork is awesome. You draw elaborate scenes, filled with people. People who don't really have have clothing or bodies, but these kick ass people HAVE FINGERS. And tiny little heads with eyes as big as quarters. And I love them.

I absolutely love those little people, because you drew them. They are your signature masterpiece. And you are mine. My masterwork, my showpiece, my gem. You started as this small little empty canvas and now your canvas is painted with personality, coated with curiosity. A true masterpiece we call Mason. Ornate, yet simple. Dazzling. Simply stunning. And just like you do for your works of art, I too take pride.

So much pride that it bursts at my seams. The pride overflows the arch of my lips and sneaks up the corners of my mouth  in to a gigantic beaming smile of delight. Delightful pride. All because of you. I am proud of you today. I am proud of your yesterdays, your last Thursdays, your two, three and four year old feats. And I will be proud of your tomorrow. For always.

I asked you what you thought about turning five. You didn't seem really enthusiastic, but you reminded me that once you were five (umm, hello you already are...as in today is your BIRTHDAY and that's when you turn a year old...) you'd have to go to kindergarten. And you wanna know what that means Mom? Umm, well first of all I hope it doesn't mean you are going to start calling me MOM. Not ready for that jelly. Mmmmkay? It means that I have to be good. After much discussion of the fact that I already thought you were pretty good, you reassured me you'd have to be good-er.

Oh okay. Awesome. On that note...I think I'm going to like five. So long as being gooder means less whining than accompanied the sweet age of four. I also hope that your kindergarten teacher is ready for some grammar lessons and such. Perhaps we missed that lesson amongst the painting and Pixar movies? Gooder? Seriously?

When you blew out your candles this morning I hope you wished big. Today is YOUR DAY. We are celebrating you. The bigger, older, sweet you. The gooder you, Mase. 


Happy birthday to our baby boy.

Loving you more then the day we met,
Mommy (IWILLNEVERBEMOM).

Christmas program.

Mason had his Christmas program last week. (Can you believe I'm already blogging it? I know me neither.)

It was well orchestrated. It was quick. It was one of the most adorable things I've ever seen. And it was the last preschool holiday program he'll ever be in.

Bittersweet.

Sometimes I think I cannot believe he is about to turn FIVE. That's a whole hand. That is SO old. Especially when I a picture like this.

Then I see pictures like this.

And I die.

A thousand deaths of holy cuteness. The preciousness oozing from that little face. Ohmygod.

He is so little still. Really, just a little peanut. He's well over three feet, but oddly enough he is nowhere close to four feet yet.

He rocked out to Rudolph. He practiced diligently the entire week before. He did it while (he thought) no one was watching. He did it on the way to school in the car. He did it right before bed. He wanted to be ready for the crowds, to sing it just perfectly. And oh, he did.

I love the way he glanced proudly in to the church pews. Smiling though his bright little eyes. And then he waved. Not just to anyone, but to me. And he flashed his smile, dimples and all. Slid his tongue across his teeth. A Mason-trademark of excitement.

 And I was reminded once again, just what a small little guy he is. He has come a long way since this time last year. He isn't painfully shy, but he occasionally tugged at the bottom of his shirt, like a little flashback to the coyness he's possessed all along.

That sweet, shy smile, that off beat performance, that little holiday carol. It's going down with Rudolph, in history.

back to school.

It's that time of year.

The end of August brings routine. The familiarity of backpacks, lunchboxes,

We are back to school.

Mason is Pre - K this year. He is SUPER EXCITED. His friends from the Old 3's class have pretty much all returned to his class. His teachers are sweeter then pie. We're all really excited to be back on a schedule. A familiar, daily schedule that keeps us all a little more sane.

 

 

 

 

After dropping Mason off today, Max and I got to hang. He's going to school too, but his schedule will just be two days a week. So lucky for him, he's got time with mama alone (well, you know AQ is our sidekick as well). Most common phrase of the day: "Bruber at SCHOOOOOO" - to basically, anyone with an ear. Yes Max, your brother is at school.   

(Of course, he wanted HIS picture too!)

So excited to watch our big guy foster his love of reading, writing, and learning. We can't wait to see you explore your world more and more this year Mason! We hope you're school year is full of fun.

I wanted to share this little letter I wrote to you for your first day. I know it's just preschool. Really, I do. But preschool is kind of a big deal. It's the beginning of your whole education - it's going to form the mold of who you are.

Mason,
As you venture back to school I want you to remember some important things. Not just to wash your hands or be careful on the playground. Those things are important too. I want you to remember more than that. More than picking up your trash after art class, more then raising your hand. More than sitting still and following directions. I want you to remember what is really important about school. I know, you're always having to follow my rules and listen to my words. I know it can be really tough, being so little and having to remember so much. But listen closely, I want you to know this. To take it to heart. I mean it from the bottom of my mama heart.

Remember to be curious. Remember to read as many books as you can. Always listen to your teachers. Don't be afraid to ask questions, to stand up to bullies, to make friends with people who look or act different then you. Remember that school is your only job. Remember that school should be challenging, but also enjoyed. Savor nap time. Use your imagination. When you feel silly, laugh. Hug your friends, be respectful, don't forget to say please & thank you. If you forget everything else, please remember to try your hardest. Please remember that we are thinking of you every minute of the day that you aren't with us, hoping and praying you are relishing these moments and thriving.

Xoxo,
Mama

Oh - and Max's first day was supposed to be tomorrow. But that one. Oh that one. The little nugget indeed isn't  feeling well. Pulling a Ferris Bueller already. Bueller.....bueller....? Here's to a healthy (after this week??) and happy school year for both my big, but still tiny boys!

4 year interview

I think I did this with Mason when he was three. I've seen little templates for yearly interviews with your kids and I love the idea, so the other day we sat down during nap time and got to business.

Age: 4

Favorites:

food: grilled cheese
cereal: cinnamon toast crunch
drink: orange juice
veggie: carrot which was immediately followed by "no!! wait!! i mean grapes" so sticking to carrots..
toy: "I think a ball? Or wait, maybe a train?" For the record Mason doesn't really play with either balls or trains often. Three minutes further in to the interview he was SURE "Buzz Lightyear is my favorite toy. I just know it"
game: uno moo
tv show: wow wow wubzy
restaurant: the tower
holiday: "Valentine's and Halloween. Because I love candy so much. Can I pick more holidays? Like all of them". clearly we like to celebrate.
animal: horse
color: pink and red
movie: "Happy Feet! And Dinosaur Feet (??)"
sport to play: "basketball and soccerball" AKA just soccer.

Questions asked by mama -- Answers by Mason.

If you could change your name, what would it be?

 MAX. Or maybe Joe.
He said Max so quickly it was like he was 100% sure, although maybe someone should explain to him that all siblings can't have one name.


 What do you want to be when you grow up?


A zookeeper.

He's on to something...you know, living in THIS house and all.

Who is your best friend? 

Gracie & Piper.

What do you love about each person in your family?

I love Daddy because he takes me to see Shamu. I love you Mommy because you take me to school. I really like Max, because I love him. I love all my family.

And what about Alexander?

Oh yea! I love him more than I love Max. Oh my gosh, I swear he said this THE MINUTE I asked him about Alexander. No hesitation. Followed by "REALLY, in *real life*". In case you thought the rest of these answers weren't in real life....? Alexander is sleepy and snuggly and chubby, Max just doesn't listen. Amen.

Who is the coolest person on the planet? *said with lots of enthusiam and hope that my name would follow*
*eyes roll* Soooooo easy - MY DADDY!

What makes you happy?

When I'm playing with my daddy. (At this point I wanted to lead the answer elsewhere, because seriously, IS THIS A HOW AWESOME IS MY DADDY INTERVIEW???? Apparently). I however, refrained and these answers are straight up.

What makes you sad?

When no one plays with me.

Where would you like to go on vacation?

The beach! (We've been three times in the last hmm 60 days? Obviously, not enough beach).

What are your wishes for the rest of the year?

That I had a car and that I could stay up way later. And in breaking news, Mason 

snow day!

Okay, okay, I know the amount of snow we had is laughable. But in Texas, any snow is exciting. It wasn't even half and inch and there was barely enough to scoop and pound together for snowballs...we still had fun.

The night before it "snowed" the weather channel was all in a frenzy that it may really snow. I didn't believe it and figured we'd get some icicles if that. But I did mention to Mason that his school might be canceled and when he woke up there might be snow. "Might be" is basically a code for saying ITS GOING TO SNOW. LOTS AND LOTS OF SNOW (you know when your almost 4). Good thing mother nature delivered - because he was oh so splendidly delighted to wake up to a little frosting on his grass!

Mason has basically no snow gear. So we layered him in about fifteen thermal style long sleeve tees and put him in the only water proof jacket he owned - it happened to be a Gap windbreaker that is probably more suitable for a breezy night at the coast. Oh well, it worked! And this kid LOVES HIM SOME GLOVES. He calls them all mittens and he'd wear them in the summertime if we let him. Rain boots totally double for snow boots, right? It's all about making it work.

Not only do we not have snow clothes, we have no sleds. Obviously. So the next best thing was a skin board. Mason "snow surfed" a whooping one time. His butt and the pavement became quick friends and that was that. I happened to catch the action shot, only to start laughing hysterically .5 seconds later. I'm a mean mom, I know. It really was kind of funny. And ridiculous that we were skin boarding on snow. That's like asking for another broken bone.

Mason and Michael stayed outside playing a little longer. I quickly ran back inside to my bed and cozied up. I captured the memories, no need to stand around like a fool under dressed. Max slept through it all. I think he would've gladly snuggled mama instead in exchange for frozen hands. Unless it snows again this year, we'll never know!

Basketball.

Mason started basketball this winter. He absolutely loves it. He was quite hesitant with soccer so I'm glad he loved this so much.

The long shorts and fancy baller shoes are just too much. It's so hilarious and precious to watch. Especially the big grin on his face when he scores. He made two baskets his very first games, was incredibly proud of it and we celebrated with ice cream at 10:30 that morning. Hey, it's NEVER too early for some frozen custard smothered in sprinkles. At least when your three and a half.

He dribbled. He ran his little heart out. And he laughed the entire hour. He's had about four games now and his team is pretty good. I think his team is the only one of the entire league that's stacked with ALL boys. Most teams we've played have a little girl or two or three, but not his. It makes for an interesting dynamic and they all pal around.

So even though he's kind of short - it looks like so far basketball may be his sport. Watch out Shaq. Ok - I realize I'm being ridiculous and that he isn't even four (YET) and this is only his second sport he's EVER tried. But I'm biased and he rocked the court people.

 

NO MORE CAST.

We went to our four week "broken arm checkup". Good news, NO MORE CAST. NO MORE BROKEN BONES. Look, mom TWO hands.



Then we immediately went to the grocery store. Stocked up on bubble bath essentials. Bubbles. And bubbly. It was no cast party time people.


We used an entire bottle of Mr. Bubbles. Both boys soon became Mr. Bubble and Mr. Bubble Jr. Max had really missed having his big bro accompany him at bath time. Mason had missed the fun of soaking up in the tub. His little arm was ready to be cleaned and scrubbed down. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that smelly, shriveled, tiny little arm.


The splashed and laughed. Giggled, doused each other with soapy suds over and over again. The sounds from the bathroom were glorious, total bliss. A bubble bath party like no other. The two of them and their infectious smiles, contagious laughs, and lathered bums.


Cheers, we are cast free.

preschool programs

I'm really not sure when my little man became old enough to have a school program, but I guess he did. Somewhere along the last twelve months my baby converted in to a preschooler. Right before my very eyes. This transformation can be proven when looking back at last year's photo albums, catching a glimpse of a snapshot hanging on the wall and most of all when watching an old video. He's grown up in to a big, but ever so little man. My three, "but almost four year old" as he constantly reminds me, marked off another checkpoint of growing up. The first school program. And he rocked it, if I do say so myself.


The children filed in class after class and sat in the church pews in front of us. As soon as I spotted Mason my heart filled with pride and a smile crept across my face involuntarily. He was dressed in his most festive attire, a Santa shirt and a Santa hat. Ready to sing the songs he'd practiced so studiously.


At last, his class took the stage. He was front and center. His bright eyes began to scour the sea of people and recording devices, he was searching for a familiar face.


And then, he found it. There we were.


He had spotted Mommy and Daddy, eyes bright, smiling back, ear to ear. I'm not sure who was more excited, Mason or us. I'm betting we win that one though. I wanted to run out mid song and hug him, shake him and shout to the audience "HE IS MINE. ISN'T HE WONDERFUL? LOOK AT HIS SMILE. CAN YOU HEAR HIS SWEET VOICE? HE KNOWS ALL THE WORDS AND HE'S SO SHY BUT HE'S UP THERE - GIVING IT HIS ALL AND SMILING AND FULL OF PRIDE, JOY AND HAPPINESS. AND HE'S MINE. MINE. MINE. CAN YOU BELIEVE I MADE HIM. ME. THE BEST THING I'VE EVER DONE. I'M NOT SHARING HIM OR HIS SWEET SMILING CHEEKS EITHER PEOPLE!!" I resisted that urge. But seriously, in that very moment my heart wanted to burst. Full of happiness. Full of pride. Joy. Full of love for this sweet preschool nugget, that is all mine.


The concert ended and we snapped a few more pictures. We headed out for a celebratory dinner. Celebrating awesomeness and our first school program under our belt.