Holy Five-and-a-Half, Batman!

Dear Abe,

The time is moving swiftly and now your months are smooshing into half year segments. It’s like I am looking through a ViewMaster and each month is like every time I hit the lever, and a more grown up you is appearing in the screen. (That was my special analogy for this blog. And, now let’s just breathe a deep sigh of relief that you won’t have to read any more analogies).

Adorable even with injured nose bridge.

 We were getting dressed the other morning, and I pulled out a Justice League t-shirt, and asked if you wanted to wear it.

Abe: Mama, what does “league” mean?
Me: It’s a group of people. (I figured that was a good enough definition for 7 a.m.)
Abe: I know what “justice” means. It means being a good person, and doing something good for others.
(I paused to take that in, thinking that he must have been asking his teachers what that meant … )
Abe: (continuing) I am justice at school, but I am not justice at home.

Oh my sweet Abe, you are so right. Which brings me to how you have transformed into a teenage girl. You, like, totally cannot stand your parents, because we are like, totally, so lame. And, we the lamest parents in the whole world. You actually said that. (Not with the “likes.” I just added those in for drama.) I don’t understand what the deal is with you at home, but you are such a good kid at school  (or so “justice”) and then you come home and you are a back-talking, foot-stomping, un-justice little guy.

But, being five-and-a-half is not all smart ass remarks. You are also thoughtful and curious, and a deep thinker. We have officially signed you up for Kindergarten, and have been trying to explain what it’s going to be like. You are going to a Catholic school, and will have to wear a uniform. When I told you about this, you nodded your head and said, “Just like School of Rock!” So, I think you are envisioning Mr. Schneebly teaching you, and playing musical instruments all day long (because you also asked if there will be music class.) 

Superman and Batman.

And, of course, you still love drawing, and now want to be an artist when you grow up. Maybe some parents would be concerned at this, and try to convince their child to be a doctor or lawyer or whatever, but I am so happy you want to be an artist. Whatever that means. I want to be an artist when I grow up too.

Just recently we have made the big transition of moving Sam into your room. Sam has grown out of his crib, and I thought getting both of you twin beds and freeing up another room, would be a good transition. Your Daddy and I were worried about how this was going to go. When we talked to you about it, you were not thrilled about sharing a room with your brother. “He will keep me up at night!” you said. We came up with back-up plans if we needed to abort this mission.

The night before the “big bedroom move” we were at Baba and Rob’s. When we visit them, you two have to share a space to sleep and it has ended in less than favorable results. But this night, as I came into the room, long after you have been to sleep, I found Sam had climbed off of the bed and joined you on the floor. He brought his blanket along, and was using your torso as a pillow. The two of you were sleeping soundly together. I took it as a sign. Moving your brother in with you was a good idea. The first night was filled with giggling and whispering, but then, there was silence. And just like that, you both had fallen asleep.

Boys with their Baba (and hand signs?)

 Confession: The movie “The Tree of Life” – despite its total weirdness, and pretentious grand gesturing – totally moved me. Aside from its big picture-God-universe-ponderings, at its core is a story about a family, more specifically a story about brothers. I find myself being drawn to things about brothers and boys, and how they interact, because this is my life now. My most treasured things in all the world are two little boys.  And this movie so beautifully portrayed the bond between brothers. The way they fight, the way they get into trouble, the way they stare at bugs and get dirty and break things. The way they stick up for each other. It made me realize that the moments that are happening all the time between you and Sam are so important, and you are forming a bond that I won’t ever understand. But, it gives me comfort to know that you two have each other. Always. So, what I guess I am saying is that I am glad that you are sharing a room. Even if it does result in less total hours slept.

I do love you so much. Even when you are not justice.  
Love,

Mama