Just Call Me "Fish"

Lucas always has enjoyed the water...living in South Florida may do that to you. When we decided Tom would stay home this summer (working part-time on a consulting gig) to focus on providing Lucas with an unforgettable summer before his transition to PreK-3, we knew swimming would be just the ticket. After consulting with Tom's Dad and doing some research, we invested in a little above ground pool -- an Intex 10'x30". It was the best $99 we ever spent. Even if the thing collapsed tomorrow, Lucas has had non-stop fun getting all pruned up in the pool for hours a day. It's become his favorite after school ritual.

With temperatures topping 90 degrees here and comparable humidity, going to the park or trying to enjoy any other outdoor activity seems pointless. And even though the pool water is as warm as bath water, Lucas doesn't seem to mind. He's even learned some basic swimming moves, including holding his breath under water, kicking his feet, and floating on his back. Check out his "Coppertone" baby back...and yes, we slather him in sunscreen, but the kid's got a kicking tan (I wish I could say the same).

You're My Best Friend

Lucas is definitely getting more into imaginative play. He enjoys playing with Buzz and Woody as well as his many farm and sea animals. However, it seems he's got two new best friends...Mickey and Frog. According to Lucas, they fight and makeup. He positions them by his side when we read books before bedtime so they all join in the story telling, and then he makes sure they lay down and are sleeping before Lucas is ready to say goodnight himself. Tonight, he dropped them both over his bedrail and I tucked them under his bed...before I knew it, Lucas had his hand up to block the sun from his eyes as he yelled out, "Mickey, Frog where are you?" He needs to reposition them at least a half dozen times before they go "to sleep" -- it drags out the bedtime ritual, but it's pretty cute. He was happy to pose with his besties.

New Pre-Schooler Pad

Lucas graduated from his toddler bed last weekend...mostly because Tom got tired of attempting to fold his 6-foot frame into the tiny bed every night to tuck Lucas to sleep (on nights Lucas didn't wear us down and cuddle up on our bed). Lucas now has a "big boy" twin mattress as well as a bed, headboard, and dresser (used Pier 1 Kids furniture, thanks to Craigslist). Given Lucas' love for animals, the room has a jungle-inspired motif, with a little Buzz and Mickey to mix it up. He's got lots of books, stuffed animals, a bean bag, and lights (including a great Ikea find -- a hanging round lamp that projects moons, stars, and planets around the room). Lucas is loving his new room and is actually sleeping in it through the night so we've taken back our bed...Hallelujah! Here's the new room and bathroom.

New Beanie Do

It was time to kiss Lucas' long locks goodbye and enjoy a fresher cut for the summer. He was so incredibly well behaved for his Titi (his aunt/my sister) the hairstylist. Whatya think?

Playground Coverage Continues!

The Miami Herald also ran a lovely story about the playground. Look for Tom in photo 7.

We Built the Dream Playground!

Better late than never...this has been a hectic week as I'm trying to get back to work full-time while I've been sick with a cold/flu. Anyway, Build Day was last Saturday and this is definitely a place where a picture says a thousand words. Here's a link to the story, video, and photos (look for Tom to the right of Image 5).

Dream Playground Come True

This Saturday, Tom and I have volunteered to help build a new playground for Lucas' school -- the University of Miami Debbie School. The school serves both kids with and without disabilities, and has been a true blessing in our life so we're glad to give back...even though Lucas will only be able to enjoy it for a few weeks before he moves on to public school (sniff, sniff).

The playground is in need of an extreme makeover because it's not only old, but dangerous...it's mostly built of metal. The Knight Foundation and KaBOOM! have partnered with the Debbie School to make this dream playground possible -- the best part is the playground will be accessible to ALL kids, even those with physical disabilities. Check out the video from our local CBS (it's to the right of the story) and look for Lucas who's in the background and in a closeup -- he's wearing a green "Gap" shirt and a big smile.

I'll Be Wrapped Around Your Finger...

...lyrics from one of my favorite Police songs and the first thing that came to my mind when this happened: Last night, Lucas was being a little punk (his father's term of endearment when Lucas is misbehaving) by battling us to get to bed -- unfortunately, that's becoming too frequent a problem, but that's not what this post is about, I digress. He ended up in our sprawling king-size bed, in his favorite position -- wedged between his parents. He loves to play with my hair when he's falling asleep or needing comfort so I pulled my hair down from the usual pony tail. As I sifted my fingers through my hair, my son looked at me (nearly nose-to-nose and no more than 3 inches apart) with his beautiful, big brown eyes and said "Mommy pretty" and I just freakin' melted! That kid slays me! And then I thought...I'll be wrapped around your finger until I take my last breath. And that's why I can't ever adequately articulate what it's like to be a parent because it's in the every day experiences of the mundane million simple "little things" that do everything from break your heart to make it soar.

Summer Has Begun

Summer in South Florida often means rain and thunderstorms in the afternoons -- it's our rainy season. Heat + humidity + rain = yuck! Today, we had a particularly impressive storm roll through (our grass really needed it!) and decided Lucas might enjoy playing in the rain (while Mom watched from my chair). This summer, Daddy is taking Lucas to Merrie Christmas Park -- which is less than a block from our new home -- after school on most afternoons. Lucas is getting more daring and confident, stronger, and more able to climb and explore. He's also loving the monkey bars. His physical therapists will be so proud.

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