FIVE people. FIVE.

Lilly? Lilly turned five yesterday.

(Is this the look of a happy birthday girl, or what?)

My first born. My baby girl. My lovely, silly daughter.

Five means a lot of things.

Being five means being a full hand.

It means choosing sushi for dinner and wearing crazy outfits.

It means starting Kindergarten in July.

Being five? Being five means growing up.

It means a party at the place with the roller coaster.

(It means being big enough to decide NOT to ride said roller coaster)

It means blowing out all the candles.

And big girl toys. Jewelery boxes. Boots. Little mermaid bath toys. New books.

It means teaching Zac what it’s like to be five. And smiling “knowingly” when he states that he is five too. Because being five brings understanding that sometimes it’s ok to let him think he’s five too.

I’m so proud of my five year old girl.
(And, the boy who thinks he’s five too)

It’s no secret that I’m super proud of both of my kids. They are both funny, sweet, well adjusted children. They work hard on having good manners. They play SO well together, often choosing each other over others to play with. They love to read. They love to dance. They make mistakes and get grumpy. Lilly has absolutely perfected “the glare.” Zac can make me want to pull out my hair at bedtime.

So, as Lilly turns five (going on 15), and with Zac not far behind, I look back and wonder just how I got so lucky as to have been blessed with these amazing tiny people.

Happy birthday Lilly. You are so loved.

Do you ever think about what a particular event or day will be like, only to realize that sometimes what you think will happen and what actually happens are two very different things? Let me explain.

Zac’s birthday was yesterday. Yes, we had a party on Sunday (which was a smashing success, thankyouverymuch), but I wanted to spend the day with him on his real birthday. I plan to do the same thing on Lilly’s birthday, of course.

Zac’s special day (the “in my head” version)

We take Lilly to school, and head out for the day. Zac feels special, walking out of school holding my hand, getting ready for a great day! We go to the park, weather permitting, before heading to the mall.

Zac does not enjoy shopping, but he LOVES the mall playground. Last time we were there, to see Santa, he did not get a place to play.

I can hear his squeals of delight while running to the playground. I let him play for as long as he wants, then we head to lunch. We probably head to either Jason’s Deli or Monkey Burger, and talk about fun things while enjoying lunch.

We head home, and Zac probably falls asleep. I let him snooze for a while, then we cuddle and read some books under a blanket. For the remainder of the afternoon, I ask Zac what he wants to do, and we do it.

We pick Lilly up early, and the three of us go to dinner. We sing Happy Birthday to our boy, and head home for a peaceful bedtime.

Is that too much to ask???

Zac’s special day (the “reality sucks” version)

The night before Zac’s special day, I tell him and Lilly the plan. Lilly throws the worlds biggest hissy fit about wanting to stay with Zac. I talk her down, eventually, reminding her about the special days she has and how this is important.

At bedtime, Zac sniffles and wimpers that he’s going to miss Lilly the next day.

Off to a great start, people.

Special Day morning, we get up and head to Dunkin’ Donuts for a special breakfast before dropping Lilly off at school.
This is the best picture I could get. And yes, my son looks like a vampire.

We drop Lilly off, and decide it’s too cold to play outside so Zac and I head home for about 30 minutes. I hear “I miss Lilly” about 17 times during those 30 minutes.

For. Pete’s. Sake.

We head to the mall, chatting excitedly the whole way. We get there, and turn the corner to the play area. I’m excited. Zac has to go potty.
So we do.
Back to the play area. I’m still excited.
Zac… sits with me. Climbs on my lap, in fact, and says that he wants to go home.

Whaaa???

I feel his head.

OH. CRAP.

Yep, he’s sick. We sit and talk and I hold him as he buries his head into my shirt. How did this come on so quickly? We meet up with a few friends who were dropping really cool things off for us, and head home.

At home, Zac naps for a bit, and then we do get our snuggle time in on the couch.

Eventually, I decide to take him to Urgent Care. Yep, he has Strep. Again.

My mom picks Lilly up and buys the kids treats while I get the prescription.

Happy Birthday Son.

~   ~   ~

In all seriousness, I am glad he was home with me when he got sick. I just feel SO badly that he spent his birthday sick. Still, we did get to enjoy cuddle time, and the medication makes him feel so much better and very quickly.

Today, my son turns 3.

As every mother throughout history has asked… Where has the time gone?

We had a party on Sunday. Today, Zac and I will spend the day together.

But, for now, a letter to three year old Zac.

~  ~   ~

Dear Zackary,

Today you turn three, and there are things I don’t want to forget. You are the sweetest boy, and you bend over backwards to “help” me and your sister. You carry (drag) my bags in from the car. You cater to Lilly’s every whim during imaginary play. You love helping make dinner and set the table. You open and close doors for us as well.
As three approached, you started testing. Testing bedtime. Testing behaviors. Never taking away from your sweet and helpful personality, but you’re realizing that you have choices and you’re practicing to make them on your own.
Bedtime? Bedtime is work. You want me in your room until you fall asleep. The moment you give that deep breath and sigh… and I know you’re down for the night… that is a beautiful moment for me.
You potty trained yourself in about a weekend. Can I just say, thank you for that?
You still suck your thumb and your have your beloved “Ball Blankie.” This blankie will not last another year, as it is falling apart so quickly. These are habits that I know we need to break, but it breaks my heart a little to think of you not needing these things.
You love books. And cars and trucks. Any book about a car or a truck is a serious win. You want to sit on my lap and cuddle with me often. This? I hope this never ever changes.
You love your sister more than anything. You eat well, but distract easily. At times, you get “crazy eyes,” and there is no turning back.
You are my main man, and you are growing so fast. You are quickly turning into everything I hope for you and more.
It goes without saying that I love you more than anything. Happy birthday son.

~   ~   ~

Yesterday was my sister’s birthday.

She was born three years after me. Amazingly, we’re both now 29. I don’t get it, but then again, I’ve never been that great at math.

Anyhow, our day started out at the CatWalk run, where we ran 5K’s and 10K’s to benefit cancer research. We ran in memory of Kendra’s mother-in-law, and in support of our friend Mario, among others. It was a great, heartfelt race.
One of which I have no pictures. Go figure.

Then, off to my parent’s house for brunch, fruit pizza, and presents.

Have you ever attempted to get a picture of 4 children looking in the same direction? Yeah, I made it especially difficult by asking them to look AWAY from the fruit pizza and towards my own sweaty self. It worked out really well, as you can tell.

Sidenote? Lilly took one bite of the fruit pizza and said it was too sweet. I commented that she is more of a savory girl. Stevie asked if “savory” was a synonym for “dramatic.”

Oh that Stevie. Always bustin’ out the funnies.

Oh, but back to my sister. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the woman, mom, educator, and person I look up to the most. Love you sis!