My children all love books but no child of mine has memorized a book until Oliver. And his favorite book? You guessed it, Goodnight Moon. I was thrilled when I found Adventure Theatre had a production of Goodnight Moon. The set, the story and the music were all so magical making Oliver a very captive audience.

Silly faces

Simply smiling

Oliver being Oliver

Clapping

Big sister love

You are so polite, well-behaved, kind and generous. People are always complimenting me on what a great job I did raising you and I feel a little ashamed to accept the credit. I would love to think that you are all my doing but I know I’m not. You are you because you are you. You have a sense of humor that knocks me off my chair, you have an empathy that makes me cry and you have an intuition that is beyond your years. And on top of all this I think you’re kinda smart. That with your good looks and disarming charm with a little sprinkling of nerdy goofiness will make you approachable and that much more desirable. Not that I want any girl or woman desiring you. Your proposal of marriage to me has been replaced by a desire to now marry Penny, I can accept that. And as you wish maybe some day, some state will allow sibling marriage. But for now, don’t worry your sweet little head with laws and politics, embrace being a first grader. The fears and anxiety of Kindergarten are gone but the social pressures and academics of future years has not yet arrived, you are in a perfect place to just be you. So pop-and-lock at the drop of a dime, bust a move wherever and whenever you feel inspired and sing One Direction to your hearts content. You don’t know what the word “embarassed” means yet. Please, oh please, let us keep it that way.

A teacher just told me that children begin to gain independence from their parents once they begin to read. That explains it. I love that Lucas is reading, but not loving his newly found independence. He doesn’t seek me out when he comes home from school, he just grabs a book and plops down on the couch. He doesn’t ask me to play with him anymore. And this is coming from a woman that still has two little ones clinging to her ankles. Dare I say I’d be happy to have all three clinging to my ankles.

After having the summer off it has been challenging for Penny and Oliver to adjust to my full-time work schedule. Sometimes I merely see the shadow of their feet outside my door as they quietly contemplate whether to come in or not. Sometimes I hear a tentative knock, listening for the all clear to enter. And sometimes they barge in with peels of laughter. Today was such a day, with the addition of boxes being dragged in behind them. I turned my immediate reaction of annoyance into one of acceptance and decided to enjoy this moment with them. It was all said and done in a matter of minutes but this photo will make that moment last forever. I’m so glad they decided to barge into my office today.