Bohdan at 3

He Loves Soccer

This is Stasiu's third season playing soccer at our YMCA. We almost didn't sign him up for a second season because during his first he mostly stood around or bent over to pick up blades of grass. It also didn't help that he had a girlfriend, Amelia. You see, he and Amelia would stand on the field together and hold hands. They would giggle, chase each other and play--just not soccer. The coach caught on to those two and started separating them.

His second season he did better; except when it was too hot, or too close to lunchtime. He would get tired easily, not pay attention, or just not play. We did see some improvement and he played soccer instead of just playing so we gave it another chance at his insistence, to play again. He did like it, we just wanted to make sure he liked soccer and didn't see it as just a playdate.

This season has been amazing. Something clicked and he discovered he loves soccer. And he's getting good at it. The coach came over to me after the game on Saturday and said what an improvement Stas has made. He is understanding the rules, going after the ball and being overall agressive in his playing. He is no longer falling down because it is fun and when he does fall down, he gets right back up and keeps playing.

I told him that the coach thought he played well and he said, "yeah, I did! Did you see me mom?". We are so thrilled he is enjoying it and learning to play by rules, listen and all those other parenty things. But, he's also getting pretty good and the way his face lights up makes me so happy to see.

The Place Is Lousy With 4 Year Olds!

This week I have been watching my girlfriend's almost 4 year old while she has been on jury duty. The times have been interesting to say the least. I have had my 4 year old, her daughter and a teething 15 month old. The conversation yesterday went like this with Lauren, her daughter:

Miss Beth, can we have some crayons?

Do you and Stasiu want to color?

No we want to run around.

With Crayons?

Yes.

NO!

She thinks on this for a minute.

Well, can we have markers?

The things these kids come up with.

Preschool Halloween Party

I don't have any shop related items to post since I spent the morning at a Halloween party with my kids. This is an annual party thrown by a member of my mom's group and she does a terrific job. She goes all out with the decorations, food, goodie bags, music, you name it. The kids have a great time as do all the parents.

The top picture is a partial of the kids. We couldn't get all the kids to sit at once. Perish the thought. My oldest is the dragon in the middle with his finger on his chin. That is his latest pose.

My youngest is pictured below. Yup. This is the what-could-I-have-possibly-done-to-deserve-this-mommy look.

I don't think he liked his costume nearly as much as I did.

What about you?

Happy Halloween!

Crazy Days

My husband is coming home from Gainesville today after visiting some college buddies. I've been home alone with 2 kids and a dog since Thursday.

Current status:

Dog is in backyard running from end to end barking at folks mowing their yards.

4 year old is at back door barking at dog.

1 year old is hanging on my pantleg filling his britches.

Yup, pretty much status quo around here.

Conversations with a Four Year Old

On occasion, my son Stas decides to play the "Who is in the Family" Game. Here is last night's version from the dinner table. The picture at top is him at his preschool trip to the pumpkin patch.

Stas: Daddy, do you have a brother?

Daddy: Yes, his name is Todd. That is your Uncle Todd.

Stas: Do you have a sister?

Daddy: Yes, that is Mimi.

Stas: Daddy! No, silly, that is your girlfriend!

Who knew?

Stas: Wok (my mom), do you have a brother?

Wok: Yes, his name is Thomas.

Stas: That's a train!

Wok: And he kinda looks like one!

Stas: Mommy, I ate all my peas, can I have a piece of candy now?

Don't you love it?