The Odd Couple

Hans' Desk

I'm not sure how much longer they'll be able to share a room.  I must say that despite the look of his desk, Hans has his own method of organization and has a mental inventory of every single item in that pile.  Don't even dream of throwing any of it away!

Freddie's Desk

And Freddie's giving me a glimpse of what's to come.  More and more he wants to express himself by creating his own space.  Not sure if you can see it, but he does have a box under his desk where he tucks things that he wants to save but there isn't any room to display.

Love Notes

Freddie has taken to leaving notes for everyone around the house.  He takes his clipboard and pen to bed and  whips up some little notes to leave around the house.  I love finding them under my pillow, in my pajamas, and beneath my towel, but I especially love when I find one he's hidden for his baby brother.

Imdependence

The kids have been exerting independence in all sorts of ways lately, some welcome and some not so welcome.  One that has gone over fairly well is making their own lunch.

Usually it is a double decker pb&j, but the other day Hans put together a grape jam and pickle chip sandwich.  He rounded it out with some yogurt on the side for protein and a few blueberries.  And he ate it.  All of it.

They manage to take care of everything themselves, scaling the counters to get down their supplies.  Everything gets put away and dishes end up in the sink.  I try to overlook the sticky counters and cabinets, because they're trying and I don't want to discourage.

Having a taste of each other's creations (concoctions?)

And it's so cute to see them work together.

Overheard

Wile playing with their party favors...

Hans:  Freddie you are the brother that I want.

Freddie:  Hansie your the brother I always wanted too.

Somehow that little exchange makes up for the hours and hours and hours of fighting this week.

Worth it

It was so very quiet...usually a hint that something's amiss.  But there was Freddie reading the Ninja Turtles Pizza Party story to Hans.  So thankful for brothers.  They do really take care of each other.  And so proud of Freddie for his hard work with his reading.  He's right in the middle of the pack in his class, a perfect spot for him.  He's obviously proud of himself as well, which I really like, as he has been super motivated to practice his reading lately and has been challenging himself with more difficult texts.

On the town (minus your brother)

Hans and Gabe

I'm trying to make both boys feel they are their own person and they are both treated fairly.  Of course I *think* they are treated fairly, but as with any siblings (most?  some? just mine?) there is jealousy and the perception of unfairness.  Wether or not they are accurate, their perceptions play into our family relationships and dynamics so I am doing my best to always respect their feelings and have discussions about fairness. Sigh.

Hans, Gabe, and Gabe's sister Lyla

Anyway, that brings us to the past week when Hans and I went with his friend to see the Halloween themed "Hansel and Gretel" puppet show at the Swedish Cottage in Central Park.  I had looked for tickets a few weeks prior hoping to find a date I could take both boys since the three of us typically go to the shows.  There weren't any dates that were going to work with school, birthday parties, and extracurriculars so I after briefly entertaining the idea of just taking Hans I moved on to the next thin because it actually made me a little sad to not have both boys share the experience.  And the Hans' friend asked if we wanted to join them during the week...when Freddie was in school.  Oh boy.  Freddie turned on the waterworks and moped with a broken heart when he caught wind of Hans going without him.  I was sad too, although I had to talk some sense into myself and Freddie!  We talked about all the things Freddie and I did before Hans as well as all the things Freddie gets to experience at school without Hans.  The kid had just gone on a field trip with his class so he kinda got it, although I don't think it took any of the sting away.

Michael Jackson

Hans had a great time with his friend.  (Although I bet he too wished he was there with Freddie.  Sniff.)  The show wasn't my favorite of the shows we've seen but it is good experience for Hans regardless.  He liked the dancing skeleton puppets, and his major concern is why the Michael Jackson puppet was dancing with his eyes closed....to feel the music better, of course.

And don't worry, Freddie AND Hans will go together to the holiday puppet show in December.  Although it will be a big dollop of fairness and nice to be together I can expect lots of bickering and me wondering why in the world I ever fret about taking them out together.

Day Off

Freddie had a long weekend because of the Jewish holiday this past weekend.  I was thrilled to have both of my boys, even with all of the fighting they do.

After some time at the pool in the morning we headed out to lunch and to find an adventure in the city.  I love their enthusiasm for the art in the subway stations and the street performers.  We seem to run into this group once a month and always stop even if just for a few moments.

Freddie was bopping to the drum beat when one of the guys asked him to join them.

And then he became part of their stunts...EEK!

Yes, that is a man flipping over my baby boy!  He's tucked in on the end in this video...

After getting out of that one with Freddie in tact we headed to the public library to see a Sesame Street exhibit celebrating 45 years!

I think seeing the characters and clips of the show from back in my day meant more to me than the boys considering they did not even know who Snuffleupagus was, but it was a fun time for all.

Freddie was beyond excited to be going to a new library but was bummed when he realized this grand library at the Lincoln Center didn't have a children's center.  It's a performing arts library which perhaps he'll appreciate one day but for now he's interested in finding a cool chair just his size to plop down in with his stack of books.  So, next day off will probably include heading to the main children's library in the city. Easy to please that boy!

After a bit in the library we headed out to the plaza to enjoy the sunshine before meeting up with Dada for some before dinner ice cream!

Reading The Monster at the End of this Book

I miss these days of having both boys together.  I knew I'd miss them, but I didn't realize just how much.  Now I know, and we'l make the most of the days we do have.

This Guy....

Freddie's transition to kindergarten has been hardest on Hans.  There has been a lot of build up and attention given to kindergarten, but the crux of the problem really lies elsewhere.  Freddie is now talking about people and places Hans has no reference of. He asks Freddie "are those guys my friends?" when hearing about new people Freddie spends his days with.  He asks Freddie "Will you play with me on the playground?" and has a really long, sad face when Freddie ditches him on the playground for some big kids.

I've worked hard to give Hans his own thing and help him be his own guy, but he really just wants his brother, his buddy, his partner in crime.

His imaginary friend has been getting a lot of play time lately.  Javie (you know, short for Javier) was supposed to be at the pool tonight and Freddie exclaimed "Finally!  I get to see Javie!"  Hans has let Freddie know on more than one occasion that Javie is "my friend, not your friend, Freddie."

It's hard for me to see him hurting.  It's really hard to see him hurting because of his brother.  It hurts. That heart of mine walking around outside of my body is hurting.

This too shall pass.  But it won't be the last.  Being a mama isn't easy.

Victorian Gardens

Freddie has been to Victorian Gardens with his preschool class, but this year he missed the trip so we headed out there on our own.  It was especially nice to go on our own because that meant Hansie made the trip, too!

It also meant that Mama ended up riding all of the rides with the boys rather tan sitting on the sidelines taking photos.  Hans isn't quite tall enough to ride many of the rides without an adult, but he wasn't scared at all and would have happily gone without me.

There was never any hesitation from Hans when asking him if he wanted to ride.  He's definitely the daredevil of the family but I still a little surprised.

Although Freddie's gotten braver with the rides in his previous two summer trips here, I was still surprised that he didn't hesitate at all either and wanted to ride without Mama.  He also liked being able to take care of Hans on the rides I didn't have to accompany them on.

Hansie really liked the little roller coaster and Freddie loves the flying swings.  The mix of small rides are just perfect for these guys.

The Victorian Gardens occupies the space that's Wollman Rink so its just a summertime treat.  It can get pricey, but thankfully we found a deal with Groupon at just the right price.

We're holding on to summer here.  Fall is definitely right around the corner so we're making the most of the sunshine, heat, and humidity.