Guess Who's Back...

Mom & Dad with Jake and Captain Hook

I have a habit of writing things down.  What I'm not very good at is keeping track of whatever it is that I write.  It's lifelong habit to attempt to keep a journal; the habit is in the attempt, not in the actual act.  I have scores of half empty books (of course, one must start fresh every time) in various locations.  All marked PRIVATE, as though I have anything important to say.  And each time I promise myself that I will keep up with my journaling.  I will keep an accounting of my life - Lord knows now, more than ever I need to be doing that.  Alas, the vow I make does not come to pass.  And so it goes with the Jon Rimkus Family blog.  

When I began, I assumed everyone wanted to know all the details of little Ryan's life. And I was more than happy to send out my accounting of his day to day activities.  But life catches up to you.  Hundreds of backed up photos turned to thousands and I am wading through the muck.  How do I catch up? Can I?  No.  

So, instead, fresh start again.  New book.  Blank page.  I won’t bother to tell you all the growing these boys have been doing.  Or to try to encapsulate in few words everything that they are.  Instead, I’ll just tell you what they have been in October 2013. 

Ryan is just shy of three years old, but I think he is really ten.  He has an excellent vocabulary and knows how to use it.  He lets me know what he “expects” of me and doesn’t hesitate to tell me when he’s “disappointed” or “frustrated.”  He uses the word "ridiculous" in the proper sense.  He is truthful, very literal and very logical.  He thinks things through better than I do.  I could learn a lot from him.  He goes to pre-pre school twice a week where he went in the first day and never looked back.  (Literally.)  He sings songs but doesn't want me to play the radio too loud.  He knows almost all the words to “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid and roams about the house singing "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone" and "Roar."  He colors in the lines, the ABCs are old news and he’s sick of puzzles.  Instead he’s into knights and castles.  He loves Legos, Star Wars and super heroes.  I had to buy a Marvel Encyclopedia because Jon and I both ran out of names to make up for the good and bad guys.  “Green Man” and “Purple Tongue” wasn’t going to cut it anymore.  Most importantly, he wants to marry me.  Most unimportantly, he laid in bed with me this morning and said "Poor Mommy, your cheeks are old like Nana's."

Sam is nearly seventeen months.  He is running all around the house - his favorite thing to do is be chased.  He has a great giggle and I hardly see him without a smile on his face - which is a joy.  Everything is a joke.  He loves music, stops in his tracks to dance and the radio can’t be loud enough (which is a problem – see above).  He has no interest in baby toys unless he knows what button to press to get music - instead he prefers to play characters with Ryan - or by himself.  He makes Captain Hook and Jake talk to each other and carries around R2D2 and Chewbaca.  So far, all characters are named cuppy-cuppy (don't ask me why).  He only sleeps through the night if Daddy puts him to sleep.  He is obsessed with milk - I have to go to the milk aisle last when we shop because he SCREAMS at the gallons of milk.  Shoppers would think I pinched him or worse.  He climbs on EVERYTHING.  If there is a ledge on ANYTHING that is wider than one inch, he will attempt to climb it.  He’s faster than I can wrap my head around yet – my father suggested I attach a bell to him so I know when he’s on the move (he does all his dirty work when my back is turned – no dummy).  I’m considering, for the first time in my life, taking my father’s advice.  (wink).  Sam loves Libby to pieces. She’s the first thing he asks for in the morning and he won’t go to sleep without knowing she’s in her own little “cave” behind the rocker in his room.  He bends down to give her kisses, feeds her his food from his high chair, and occasionally attempts to ride her like a horse.  She may heave a few deep sighs, but for the most part, she’s a willing participant.  A boy and his dog.

Fingers crossed…see you in November?

October "Movie" (link to YouTube)



October Pictures (link to Google+)

 

 

Mother's Day

Today is a day we celebrate moms.  It's a day a lot of moms want to kick back and relax.  Get a massage.  Have the hubs take the kiddies (far) away for a few hours so she can catch up on The Real Housewives without having to pause and rewind a thousand times because someone is crying, or screaming, or asking you what to do if the baby is crying or screaming.  I think that's great!  And I think its up to each mom to decide how she wants to spend her day. 

Me?  I just want my pancake breakfast.  Its a tradition my husband and I started when I was pregnant for the first time.  We couldn't have known a few short weeks later, we would suffer a tremendous loss that would make me think I would never celebrate Mother's Day again, or that it would never be the same if I did.  We went for pancakes the next year and it wasn't the same, but it felt good to be celebrated.  I was still a mom - just in a different way than most everyone else.  A few short days after that breakfast we learned I was pregnant with Ryan.  And last year, we were waiting for Sam to arrive.  Its a special day for me, for so many reasons.  So, I want to spend it with my husband.  I want to spend it with my kids.  I am amazed by them.  I am amazed that they are here.  I am amazed at how they have changed my life and how I love them with all my heart. 

Age Old Question - Post picture where mom looks good or mom looks good?  How 'bout neither?

On paper, the rest of my day is a whirlwind.  Driving from here to there, crossing state lines, and trying to make sure we fit everyone "in."  But, to me, I'm lucky!  I spend my day surrounded by my best moms.  I can't think of a better way to spend a day set aside to celebrate such an important person in everyone's life. 

I am lucky to have spent the day with my wonderful ninety year old Nana.  I call her and tell her stories about my boys - she says, "Been there.  Done that."  Thank you.  Thank you for having been there...having done that.  Because if you hadn't, I wouldn't know anything.  It took my thirty-something years to truly believe you get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar - so I welcome your sage advice.  Nana has been a mom for sixty seven years and my favorite thing witness is that she loves her sixty year olds as much as I love my babies.  The love never changes, no matter how the years change you, or your children. 

I spent the day with my mom.  The best mom I know, of course.  She has taught me everything that I know.  She's also taught me things she doesn't even know, like playing the piano - how the heck did she do that?  Some are simple things -  like,a coke is a great cure for many common ailments; sometimes it does feel better to put your shoes back on at the end of the night rather than take them off;  Wind sucks.  I admire how quickly she falls in with children, but I don't think that's something I can learn.  But, through watching her, I learned how to speak to my children, how to let them explore and learn on their own - to teach them in a way that doesn't let them notice they're being taught.    She always knows best, and even if I try my own way first, her way is usually better (but I won't let her know that).  I still learn from her every day and I am re-learning lessons she taught me years ago in a different way.  After years of her being right I should say I will take every piece of advice she ever gives me, but that would be a lie.  I won't.  I'll still try to figure it out on my own, and she'll probably still be right.

I spent the day with my husband's mom.  Of course, without her, he wouldn't be here.  My kids wouldn't be here.  My husband wouldn't be the person that he is today.  And every day he amazes me with his thoughtfulness and how much love he gives to me and the kids.  I think he learned that from his mom.  She is always there for us when we need her.  Her generosity and care know no bounds.  I'm lucky to have her and can learn a lot from her.  After all, she raised three boys, who are all pretty cool.  Of course, I think I have the best one, but, you know, we can argue that point at another time.

I spent the day with my "sisters."  Moms of little ones, like mine.  Whether I saw their faces or extended our "happy day!" through the phone, I spent it with them.  I learn from them.  I hope they learn from me.  And for those moms that I didn't get to see today, my aunts, they have all made an imprint on my life.  My family is evidence it takes a village (is that still a thing?) - I could stand in as a daughter for any one of my aunts and everyone of them has taught me something about life.  Thank you for that - Auntie Linda, Auntie Ellen, Auntie Mary, Auntie Cindy, Auntie Hediye.   

So, here's to Mother's Day.  Here's to great moms that I want to be just like - you have taught me so much.  Here's to moms I want to be nothing like - you have taught me so much.  Here's to moms who aren't moms yet.  Here's to moms who can't celebrate today with their mom (she's still with you).  Here's to my whirlwind day.  Here's to waking up hearing "Happy Mudder's Day, Mommy!"

Florida 2012 - part 1

As I write this update, Ryan is calling out for anyone he can think of.  Mommy? Daddy? Nonni? Papa? And now, Easton and Annie?  I can't imagine how they came into play.  He is so incredibly tired, and so incredibly in denial.  Nonni peaks through the door - and there he is, trying to ride the little stuffed white tiger that was his "favorite" and came home with him from Busch Gardens.  When mommy checks on him, he is offering the tiger his pillow.  Ryan has an eventful three days behind him and he's still hungry for more - I am certain nap is not in the cards.  As for Samuel, he has settled in to taking fifteen minute cat naps, which must be lovely for him.  But really, he's five months old and hasn't missed a beat over the last three days...he should be spent.

Pictures - Florida, Part 1

Ryan and Sam are lucky enough to be visiting Nonni and Papa in Manasota Key, Florida this week and every day they have been enjoying every minute (literally) of their stay in the Sunshine State.

The Rimkus family flew out of a chilly Chicago on Saturday morning.  Ryan was up and at 'em...ready to fly at 5 a.m.  He woke from his bed, with hair, fresh from a new haircut, sticking every which way (but down) and shouted "Saturday!"  He knew he was going to see the ocean and couldn't wait.  Ryan and Sam were very good boys in the airport, not uttering a peep between them as we found our way through check in and security.  Not easy to push a stroller and pull a bag, I suppose its a lot to ask that many wheels to go in the same direction.  Also not easy - carrying the infant seat, with the base attached, and Sam inside, through the airport while rolling a bag and managing all the carry-ons.  But in all, not a bad experience.  Ryan had a good (McDonalds) pancake breakfast and milk at the gate (a true traveller!) and we boarded the plane with ease (there are two sides two every story, the lady who commented that I should throw my coffee away as I had two small children to deal with and every person we hit in the face with our four carry ons may have a different interpretation of our boarding).  I don't care and Tony Esposito, who was on our flight and gave Ryan a wink and nod, didn't either.  God was smiling down on us, as there were three (yes, just three) unused seats on the planes, so Sam got to ride in style in is car seat, and got a window seat no less. They were good through out the flight - no tears, limited squirminess (I am knocking on wood - hard).

As soon as we arrived at Nonni and Papa's condo -we changed clothes and went to the ocean!  I was shocked that Ryan wasn't more impressed by its vastness, but he liked it just the same.  He had no problem walking right into the cold water...up to his waist, straight out of the gate.  Next,he was on the hunt for shells - and was very particular about what could be picked up and what would be thrown away.  All of us would pick, what we believed to be the most beautiful shells, perfectly shaped, indescribable colors - and Ryan would inspect it and declare "no - broken' and throw it back in the sand.   To me, it was funny to watch him pick up the shells and hold them next to his ear and tell me he could hear the ocean.  If he didn't hear the ocean, I would have to have had his hearing checked when we get back to Chicago.  The kiddos have watched the setting sun, played in the waves and built sand castles.  Sam, thankfully, was happy to sit in the stroller or his "pod," with his toes in the sand, when we were on the beach.  Naturally, Ryan was more interested in the cabana I brought for Sam than Sam was - and Ryan found some respite from the sun for snacks and diaper changes in his little shaded paradise.

The sun, sand and waves are wonderful; however, I would bet that the highlight of Ryan's trip so far was our trip to Busch Gardens.  Sure, he likes the animals - loved watching the fat tigers letting their bellies bask in the sun during their afternoon naps, and was fascinated by the grandeur of the precious pacaderms we only get to see in books.  But, did you all know that Elmo has a summer place in Florida?  And all his friends visit there from Sesame Street?  Oh yes.  And Ryan could not believe he was seeing them live and in person...and dancing!  He was so happy to see them and gave every single one of them hugs.  No fear, didn't need (or want!) to hold mom or dad's hand to meet these larger than life buddies of his.  Not even Big Bird, who is really...big.  Sure, he enjoyed meeting Grover and Zoe, Big Bird, and Elmo.  But he stopped dead in his tracks for Abby Cadabby.  He ran to her like you see two long lost friends run to each other the slow motion sequence of a bad/ wonderful 80s movie.  I wish I could have captured it on camera - clearly he is in love.  He loves Cookie Monster too, but not the same way.  After all the excitement of meeting his friends - he rode his first ride with his beaming daddy and loved it.  Papa said it's in his blood, and he's probably right.  Ryan excited the ride and stated, "'nother one?  Mommey?"  How could I resist?  Mommy went with on a ride that went not only round and round, but up and down at the same time.  Mommy was green aftewards, but didn't care - just couldn't believe what a brave little guy we have here.  And a brave mommy - I almost sent him alone in a kiddie canoe - thank God he was too short.  Did I really think he was ready for that?

The kids did great (again) - and napped only for a few minutes in the stroller while mommy went on her one roller coaster (daddy and papa did three).  But they were still smiling and happy after an entire day at the park...and awake for the two hour ride home...and two hours after that.  Seriously kiddos?  Get some sleep...

Speaking of...looks like we're in luck...

...well, we had a 50/50 chance :)