It's been awhile. I used to be better at writing these. I used to have more time when the kids were babies. Which is funny to me, because at that time I definitely said I never had time. Now, somehow, it seems as though I have less time. The kids keep us busy. To be fair, my last blog was at the end of summer. Summer ended and the kids started school then all hell broke lose. Oliver ended up in the hospital for 4 days with pneumonia in September. He was fighting off smaller viruses after that here and there. Then December came and Avery seemed to have fevers more days that month than not and also ended up hospitalized for 4 days with pneumonia. In between we tried to squeeze in sports and holiday festivities. Avery was discharged from the hospital right before the New Year. So here we are with many memories that have built up. Since the New Year (knock on wood) the kids have been staying healthy. We have been getting in a lot of skiing this year. Avery has really taken off with it. She participated in ski club with friends and loved it. She has made huge gains this season, taking on black diamonds and feeling confident and having fun. Oliver has been crushing it as well; already skiing down some blue squares. It's crazy to think that Avery was using the rope backpack only a couple of seasons ago and now it is Oliver's turn. He has really taken to it, even at age 3. I have a feeling I will soon be "outskied" by both of my children. I love to see them beam with pride.
The kids have changed a lot this year - mostly in confidence and independence. I suppose I should expect this but sometimes it still takes me by surprise. Oliver started the school year excited but timid. Then the poor thing was out of school early on because he was hospitalized and the return to school was not easy but he did it. I don't usually drop him off at school, but every now and then when I do my heart strings get tugged when he walks into school with such confidence and a big smile on his face. Especially since his school year did not start out how we expected. He loves school. He has been very interested in math and learning to write and spell lately. He wants to do everything on his own - which has always been his thing. Mr. Independent. He has shown perseverance through skiing and swim lessons. This boy would never leave my side in the pool, nor would he put his face anywhere near the water. After one session of swim lessons he is now jumping in the pool and submerging himself in the water, holding his breath. He was nervous each week, but each week he improved and kept building his confidence and trust in himself (and his instructor). He amazes me every day with his love, his kindness and even his potty humor.
Avery continues to be our sensitive girl. Sensitive to many different things; making her very empathetic in general and a lot of times very emotional. She was not always willing to make mistakes and fail as a little girl, but now I have seen a change in her. She is willing to take risks. She is still cautious and methodical in her thinking. But now she is willing to leap, whereas before she would have shutdown. She has proven this through her quick progress in skiing this year and working through some of her mental roadblocks with swimming. Big victories for her. But also little victories like learning to read and persevering through blending sounds and now being in a high reading group in her class, learning to tie her shoes, and entering her art work into our local art show. Avery really thrives in art and currently she wants to be an artist when she grows up, open up a shop, and sell her work. At one point, our entire downstairs was one gigantic art project. Between both kids there were pictures and construction paper taped everywhere. It was quite the scene! I'm so proud of how much Avery has grown this year. I don't always appreciate the eye roll that she has perfected, but I have a feeling if I look in the mirror I maaaayyy see a similar one.
Maybe February vacation gave me some time to finally sit and collect memories from these past few months. The kids kept me on my toes, though, as we stayed rather busy. The kids enjoyed open swim time at the YMCA, released some energy at the jump park, skied a couple of times (especially with all of the snow we just got!), and dad took some time off as well so we enjoyed the ice castles in Lincoln, the Children's museum and space adventure exhibit in Boston. It shouldn't taken another 6 months for an update but time seems to be picking up speed as I get older and I am not sure how to slow it down.
