A Happy Halloween in 2014!

Big D

Dear Dominic,

First off, I know I'm a week late in writing your birthday letter.  Let's just say that it's been "that kind of week." And now, we can call it even, since you were also a week late to arrive in the first place!  (Yes, I plan to play that card whenever necessary for the rest of your life!)

Recently, I was away on a work trip.  At that meeting, one of my co-workers was introducing me to someone who had just joined our company.  He was trying to stroke my ego a bit and jokingly introduced me as "kind of a big D," as in "a big deal."  As I did my usual shrug off of most  work schmoozing, I also immediately began to think about you.  You, literally, are the Big D in our house.  You might not be big in stature just yet (I'm still convinced that one morning you will come down the stairs looking like the incredible hulk with your PJs torn after a growth spurt), but you are a big deal in so many other ways.  Big on personality, creativity, imagination, brains, sensitivity, laughter, helpfulness, and being a great big brother.  Your teacher has already called you a leader among your peers! Every time I turn around, you've made another new friend, drawing people in with your kind hearted way. 

I can't wait to see what you have in store for the world in year #6.  There's no one I could be prouder to have call me Mom. 

Love you always,
Mom

Pre-Halloween Fun!

Had a blast this year doing a few fun activities to get ready for the big day! 

Ooops!

Bedtime Conversation:

Dominic: Mommy, what's a Milky Way?

Me: It's a candy bar. 

Dominic: Oh, I thought it was up in space?  

A Celebration Times Two!

Last Sunday we had a blast celebrating both Dominic and Dante's birthdays with our friends and family. Unprompted, I got a huge hug from Dominic as he told me that this was "the best birthday party ever!" I will consider that success and let the pictures do the talking.

Big Boy Bed - Part 2

Dante, 

In case you ask me when you are older and I forget the details, for the first week after you requested your new bed, you went to sleep in the chair next to your bed for 3 of those nights. At the start of week two, you opted to sleep on the floor next to your bed for two nights in a row. Below is a picture, in case you do not believe me. Remind me to tell you how the convertible crib works, in case I forget that too.  

Love you, 

Mom 

By Request

Upon my return from Dallas this week, Dante informed me that he no longer wanted to sleep in his crib and was ready for a big boy bed.  He was so excited tonight and I can only keep praying that the next thing he tells me he has outgrown are his diapers! 

Saturday in the Park

To My Big Guy!

It's very hard for me to believe that we celebrated your 3rd birthday last week. You often tell me all of the things that you are going to do when you are "big," like ride horses and motorcycles and become a firefighter.  Aside from the millions I'd make in doing so, I'd like to be the one to discover how to slow time down so I could expand the distance between now and then and get better at enjoying it all.  I am not currently in favor of you getting "big," even though each and every day you do or say something to make me realize it's happening right before my eyes. 

Recently, I have thought a lot about the fact that Dominic had no siblings until just before he turned your age and you have always been used to sharing toys, having a playmate and a teacher, divided attention and a continuous flow of hand me downs. Even so, you have absolutely made your mark as an individual and continue to show us all that your opinion counts - even if the only reason why is because it's the loudest. 

Dante, 

You are funny, sweet, smart, handsome and can use a catch phrase like no other three year old. You know just how to nuzzle your little head into my neck so I completely melt. You know what you like and won't compromise and I can only imagine that you learned how to use those big browns eyes to your advantage, just like your Mommy. 

Happily awaiting what year number three will bring! 

I love you,

Mom

And that's how you do it!

Proud Mamma

I couldn't have been more elated and proud today when this note came home in Dominic's backpack! 

Way to go, Little Man! 

He's a kindergartener!

Dear Dominic -

I am so proud of you and how you approach new challenges with such excitement, thoughtfulness, optimism and a sense of adventure.  I hope you always carry yourself with the confidence and caring ways that have already begun to shape you into the amazing little boy that you are.  I cannot wait for you to experience all that Kindergarten has to offer!

Love you always -

Mommy

 

Summer Fun!

From sand toys and ocean waves to carnival rides and sunken treasure. From ice cream cones and conking out early to 3D movies and fireworks, the boys and I had so much fun on our beach trip that Dominic has already made plans for our next visit and wants to know when we are moving further east! 

The Graduate

I could not be prouder of Dominic for how well he did in Pre-K this year. Celebrating his graduation this past Friday was a lot of fun. The kids had prepared several moving up songs and the teachers awarded each graduate with a candy themed award. I did my best not to lose it, as I felt like It was just yesterday that I was sitting there unsuccessfully trying for the same thing in his pre-school orientation three years ago (at least I could blame that one on pregnancy hormones), but it would be a lie if I didn't admit that a few tears managed to escape. 

Dominic is so excited for the adventures that kindergarten has to offer and I know he'll continue to make his teachers fall in love with him, make so many new friends and most importantly challenge that little brain of his that just never stops.