Little Dude Man

Being in elementary school full time is a lot for 5 and 6 year olds-even 7 year olds. Last year when Jack went to Kindergarten in Manhattan, I couldn’t believe how drastic the jump was in expectations and time commitment for a child his age.

When the kids first started in this new school district in Santa Cruz, I was completely confounded as to why there would be an early release every single Wednesday for the entire year. I’ve been thrilled to have my kids home earlier than usual in many ways-they’re less wiped out at the end of the day and I get to spend a little more time with them.

Summer, it seems, is here already as temps have risen to nearly the 100’s the last couple of days. It’s a welcome change for me personally, I love the humidity-free heat and welcome the sunshine whole heartedly. I can celebrate it now, whereas last year being cooped up in air-conditioning in the city was not the ideal situation for anyone. We are outdoor people at our core, even though I’ve been recently spending a great deal of time in front of the computer.

One of my greatest struggles lately is finding moments to spend with each of the kids individually. Jack had requested for Mother’s Day that we go get a frozen yogurt together “like we used to do in New York City”. While we haven’t gotten to do that just yet, I decided to play hooky yesterday and hang out with him. It felt like a mid-week vacation.

Yesterday after early-release I made the decision to leave Beau home to nap with Theo in the care of our babysitter, while Zoe went to see a movie with a friend, and I took Jack and his buddy to the beach. It’s incredible to me how rapidly he’s turning into the confident, smart, beautiful boy that he is maturing into.

Although, he refers to everyone as “dude” a little more often than I’d probably like. It’s so cute though I that can’t tell him not to.

The beach was packed, and there was even a pod of dolphins swimming close enough for most of us to see them.

We went home a little bit pink, a lot exhausted, and my heart was more full than it has been in a really long time. I even ordered a pizza and sat with Zoe while she created one of her amazing story books instead of spending an hour in the kitchen alone.

It’s such a good reminder to make the time and more so the arrangements to get these moments with each child individually-I actually feel the difference it makes in each of us so, so much.