November 14th, 2007

Most grateful moment of the day: Jack really pushed my buttons all day today (for the 3rd day in the row). He tried to peel the wallpaper off the wall, knock the pictures of the wall, pounded the computer keyboard, threw several tantrums, one of which involved hitting and BITING me (for the first time ever).....you see where this is going. Tonight, I went to the PTA Preschool Night. I spoke to several preschool teachers about sending Jack to preschool next year (in the fall). I began to realize that the sign up date for all of these school in in January, which is in 2 MONTHS!!!!! I spoke to one teacher, who was breaking down the school day for me, describing 'circle time', 'helper time', 'free play time', etc. and I started imagining Jack doing all these things and immediately and uncontrollably, my eyes started welling up with tears! It was terribly embarrassing and I stopped the teacher and told her, 'Well, maybe I'm not ready for preschool!!!'. SHe was sweet and understanding. When I got home, Jack heard me come in and ran to the door, yelling 'Mommy! Mommy!!!' It was just the most grateful moment I had for him all day. I was so sick of the acting-up...but then I realized how little time we have left before SCHOOL starts!!!! It puts things in perspective for me!!!

One thing I've learned today: That there is such a thing as fate- for sure!!! I watched Oprah today (which I do not normally do!!). She had this couple on with the most amazing love story. They were in their 70's. During WWII, he was in a concentration camp in Germany at the age of 14. She was 10, and although her family was Jewish, they posed as Christians and lived on a farm right next to the concentration camp. She walked by the camp every day and gave him an apple and piece of bread and they would talk for a short time. After several months, he told her not to come anymore because he was being shipped somewhere else. They never saw each other again. 14 years later, he was living in NYC and was set up on a blind date. He and his date got to tlaking about where they were during the war, and they came to realize that he was the boy, and she was the girl giving him apples. He proposed to her immediately and they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. It was the most amazing story I'd ever heard.

Best life tip: Challenge yourself. I took both the kids to a story time and craft time at a toy store today. Right when we got there, Jack started getting into all the toys. Mallie wet through her diaper all over her outfit. Then she got hungry. While I fed her, Jack actually listened to 2 whole books and then sat for the craft. I tried to help him, and so did several of the other moms there- taking pity on me!!! He had a great time and even though it was a huge pain, I'm glad he got to go.

One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I hadn't made the dinner I made tonight. I feel like I neglected Mallie while I was cooking this afternoon and it wasn't even that great.

Biggest laugh of the day: Several today! Jack and I were playing catch this morning in the living room. I was holding Mallie at the same time. Jack was telling her to look at him while he threw the ball to me. After he threw it, he'd run across the room, and then fall on the floor on purpose. He'd be very careful not to bump his head on the floor, while watching her the whole time to make sure she was watching him. He was trying to be such a big shot, while also trying not to hurt himself!!

I called Tommy before I walked into my meeting tonight to check on how everyone was. He informed me that Jack was in time-out earlier because he had pounded on the computer keyboard. Tommy said he lost his temper and told him to 'Go sit in time-out!!!'. Jack went and sat down and started crying, looking up and yelling 'Moooooommmmmy!!!!! Where are you??? Mooomy! Where are you!???"

Best Tommy moment: Right now- as I write this. I just looked over to the couch. Tommy is sitting, watching the 'Bruce Springsteen: Storytellers" show (Jack calls Bruce 'Boss', by the way!). Jack is nestled in his right arm and Mallie is sleeping in his left arm. I don't think I need to say any more!

Best Jack moment: Watching Jack in his story time today made me so proud. I know he was very tired at the time, so he probably sat for WAAAY longer than he normally would have.... but he was so attentive and then sat for the craft, as well. It amde me think, maybe he really is getting ready for school!!!!

Best Mallie moment: When Tommy got home this afternoon, he turned on music and for some reason, "Itsy, Bitsy, Teenie, Weenie, Polka Dot Bikini" was playing on the computer. I laid Mallie down on the ottoman and started dancing her little legs around. She was smiling and almost laughing while I did this. She was having so much fun and she looked so funny while I made her dance to that ridiculous song!!!!