Leaps and Bounds

I've been away from the blogging thing for a while now. I haven't really been inspired and I've just been plugging along day to day. Schedules and routines at home are out the window (Tonester is working the 4AM shift these days), summer vacation is in full swing and I still haven't gotten my groove back. I have been getting bogged down in the day to day grind of life and haven't really had a chance to step back and marvel at my kids. When I'm around them all day, every day, their quirks and temperaments feel more like a nuisance than something that "is what it is". It's difficult to see their growth and charm when there's no distance. Forrest through the trees...

Domino took me by surprise this weekend. Do you remember my description of him watching the fireworks last year at Disneyland? I cringe just thinking about it. This year for the 4th of July holiday we went to Silverado Country Club where they launch their own fireworks. Hundreds of people gather on the golfing green with their picnics (and wine!) and blankets and watch the show directly overhead. I have to confess, I thought I was nuts when I agreed to go, bracing myself for Domino's worst. When the fireworks started Domino was thrilled! He covered his ears but "oohed and ahhhhed" with the rest of us. He handled himself and his sensory issues like a pro.


But Domino's shocks didn't end there.

We went to the Foley's on the 4th for the annual bash. Each year they get a massive waterslide for the backyard and the big kids go nuts. In the past, Domino typically tiptoes down the slide and keeps his head dry at all times and calls it quits after about 10 minutes. This year? Much different! He stayed out there for about an hour, running and jumping, splashing and "wiping out". The water was freezing, his teeth were chattering, and we couldn't get him off the waterslide. Each time we thought he was ready to get out he'd announce "Just one more time!"

Cowabunga!

The kid might actually learn to swim someday!

His head is wet and he's happy about it!

Rascal is still Rascal - although I'm try to appreciate him for all of his Rascal-ness. We're having some ups and downs but I think kindergarten will be a great thing for us both. Summer vacation is hard for him - having to share more of his time with me and his toys with his brother - but he's also thrilled to have a constant companion. He creates all sorts of games with Domino that involve stuffed animals, playing cards and bowling pins.

He moves at a different pace than Domino. He's a different kid. With different needs that need to be honored and met. He doesn't like to be disappointed. He doesn't like to be wrong. He doesn't like feeling like things aren't fair. And he'll let you know it when he feels those things by stomping his feet down the hallway and slamming his bedroom door like a 13 year old girl. A little distance, a little time, and he's ready to play nice again. I can understand those feelings. Someone recently told me that when someone is pushing your buttons they are really showing you your "tikune" - or what you need to work on in yourself. Rascal will make a great teacher because he's showing me lots these days!

Overall I can say life is good. Looking at the big picture - it's a beautiful place to be.