Raising Watsons

Yesterday, Tucker ice skated for two hours. Half an hour class and then another hour and a half of all skate. I was pretty surprised because, for one, I wasn’t with him as I had Emilia and she needed to nap on me (she does like to sleep in a chilly room). And two, he never wants to skate that long. But Tucker made a friend, Ivy, and skated with her and her dad the whole time.

I sheepishly thanked the father asked if he was bothering them (because I KNOW how annoying kids can be when their parents aren’t hovering). Ivys Dad reported that they were having a great time, he’s never seen Ivy skate so fast and I have a very friendly and nice little boy. Who, he added, can also skate very well.

You might think that’s the milestone or that yesterday was his first time playing hockey. But really, the moment that stuck in my mind today was first thing this morning when Tucker crawled into bed and said his legs were hurt.

No buddy, they’re not hurt. They’re sore. Good work, # 45.

Short story – on Mondays we usually have baked salmon, turkey burgers (because Ben doesn’t like salmon) and brussel sprouts.  The kids eat a little of everything, starting with the salmon because the burgers are strategically not placed on their plates first.  Lately, Tucker has taken to squirting ketchup on his plate and dipping any and everything in it, including the salmon and brussel sprouts.  Ben has declared a household rule against dipping fish and vegetables in ketchup, but in my opinion, I’m just happy they’re eating salmon and brussel sprouts regardless of what it gets dipped in.

Most nights, Mondays included, Emilia eats all of her protein and very little vegetable.  Tucker eats all veggies and picks at the protein.  Tucker will generally be excused after he’s eaten enough of the protein on his plate and will head to the playroom.  Meme on the other hand will announce she’s done (to join Tucker in the playroom) and then take another fistful of food.  After she’s checked out the playroom she will come back and either ask for more food or sneak into Tucker’s seat and eat whatever meat is left on his plate.

That’s my girl.

First pair of quads (I’m so excited!)

The pictures aren’t great but the dude had three birthday parties, it’s been busy. First party was at Grammy & Bumpa’s in Naples, FL. Second party at Grandma Cupcake and Grandpa Cookie’s, Sebastian, FL. And the third party, the Batman bash to rule them all, featured about 20 kids running around our house. Between the bouncy house, the race track and the playroom we kept them busy, but now you know why there aren’t many pictures.

Tucker is writing his name.

It’s been a long month.  Tucker has had three birthday parties.  Ben and Tucker went to Florida for two weeks, Emilia and I for three weeks.  After seven years I quit my old job and accepted a job to build a new school in downtown Los Angeles.  And my father passed away.

Becoming a parent does funny things to you and, for me anyway, it changed my relationship with my parents.  In short, I guess you stop being such a jerk.  I considered myself emotionally distant to the situation, but it turns out I wasn’t and I’m gonna miss that guy.  I’m thankful that my father had a chance to know and play with my children.

Leaving David&Goliath wasn’t easy, but now that I’m out I can see the ways it held me back.  My new job is an adventure.  I commute to downtown LA every day, sometimes on mass transit (an adventure of its own), and every day is different.  Granted, I’m on my third day but I’ve spent hours pouring over blueprints, discussing door security systems, wiring, networks, servers and today I migrate their mail system.  It’s crazy and exciting and a wonderful opportunity with some really cool people.  Lately I reflect on how lucky I am with a happy and healthy family, but it just keeps getting better.

There’s an annoying song on the radio right now called “Ways To Go” that is stalking me (and the rest if the radio listening public).   The chorus goes:

I’ve got a little bit longer

I’ve got a ways to go

(Repeat)

And well, the past month has reminded me that I have a ways to go but at least it feels good to be on the path.