School is out! When did that happen?

Sara is no longer a 2nd grader. Where did this year go? How did that happen? She has grown and changed in so many ways. She has learned to stand up for herself more effectively. She has learned to work in groups better. She has learned how to resolve conflicts with friends better. She has learned to handle gentle teasing from classmates without jumping to the conclusion that they are bullying her. She seems older, more mature and more independent. She is starting to do things for herself more around the house and take on more chores. She even negotiated effectively for the implementation of an allowance. It amazes me that she has this whole life away from me that I am not a part of. She gets on the bus, goes to school for 6+ hours, comes home and does homework with little input from me. What does she do all day? How did she manage to grow up right in front of my eyes without me noticing? What's next? A job? Apartment? Husband? Kids? I think this whole growing up thing is completely over-rated and should stop. Or at least, slow way down. She will still cuddle with me but it's not the same. I'm very proud of my not-a-2nd-grader but I miss my baby.

Summer approaching - Yikes!!

The countdown to summer break has begun in full throttle in our house with mixed emotions- excitement, fear, anticipation, and dread. On the plus side, summer means no alarm clocks, no rushing to meet the bus, no making lunches at 11 p.m., no bullying at recess, no learning bad words on the bus, and no homework. On the down side, it means bug spray, sunscreen and daily baths. Any mother of a 2 year old boy knows they splash more than Shamu. How am I going to keep these 2 little bundles of energy occupied for an entire summer? How do I keep the cries of "I'm bored" to a minimum? How do I keep them entertained without killing each other? Because there is a 4 year age difference, it can be difficult to find things to do that they both can enjoy. Sara is very leery of activities and outings that are "for babies". (Christian bristles at being called a "baby" because he is almost 3. Apparently he is ready for college and his own apartment). On the other side, the things that interest her can be beyond the scope of a 2 year old's interests and capabilities. Paul will be traveling for work for part of the summer, so it will be 2 against 1 and my kids know they hold a majority and attempt to abuse their temporary power. I will have to plan some fun extracurricular activities to pass the time - morning, noon and night. My plan will include shamelessly inviting ourselves over for dinner and playdates to the homes of our very kind and unsuspecting friends.

Growing up, my mother didn't fret over our summer activities. She would feed us breakfast and kick us out of the house until dinner time. We were expected to keep ourselves amused and alive. Sadly, times have changed. Gone are the days of letting kids have such freedom. I don't think I'm allowed to send my 2 year old out into the cornfields to fend for himself. My 7 year old would march herself over to her (not-so) secret crush's house and never return. I know by mid-August we all be ready for school to start again. But, we will also miss summer.

My First Faculty Function

Last week, we attended an awards dinner at the Business School. This marks my first "official" function at the B-school. I got to hire a sitter, shower, shave, put on make-up, heels, jewelery and a dress so I could mingle with the academics of the business school all while trying to appear intelligent and charming. So, what does a stay-at-home mom talked about with the faculty, students and dean of the Business school? Hopefully, not much. I tried to hide in the corner and sip my wine while looking calm, cool and brilliant. Didn't work so well. For starters, the awards dinner went on forever. I think I am the only person who did not receive an award. (I'm still awaiting the ballot recount). It would be an honor just to be nominated. Seriously, isn't there an award for packing up your life, kids and all your crap and moving to the cornfields in the dead of winter?

On a happy note, I was seated next to a charming adjunct professor from the Chicago campus who didn't turn his back on me in disgust when he learned I am a STAH mom (don't laugh - it has happened to me). We discussed travel, literature, Notre Dame and had a generally good time. No, it was NOT his dessert I stole. He even told Paul that I was "charming". Hmmm......

Another pleasant aspect of the night was the chance to see my husband "in action". I rarely get to see him in a work capacity. It was a fascinating and proud moment. I was seeing him in a whole new and different light. Listening to him introduce the award recipients, I got to hear more about what he does at the school and why it really the perfect job opportunity for him. Hearing his speech, I was amazed at what a good public speaker he is. He is passionate about his job and truly enjoys his work and colleagues. Moments like that make me glad we took this chance and moved here. Don't get me wrong, I reserve the right to bitch, moan and whine abut moving here. Consider yourselves warned.