Cash - half way to 9

I wasn't going to blog Cash's stages at almost 9 years old as I didn't really consider him to have such milestones at his age like a toddler does at 20 mths.   It was today though that I realized that isn't quite accurate.  The milestones may not be as noticeable as walking, talking and getting first teeth..but there are milestones.

Our sweet Cash came home today from playing outside asking me to come outside and meet someone.  I was a little exasperated truth be told as I was sitting in the living room relaxing while Emma was asleep.  Yep...relaxing...doing nothing but watching a Dateline episode I had recorded.  None the less I got up and was glad I did.  Not only did I get to meet a really sweet neighbor, Kim Tucker,  I had never met but I got to see Cash grow before my very eyes.  It didn't happen in that one instance but over the next couple of hours since meeting that neighbor.

Cash wanted me to meet Kim as he and Wyatt (his best bud that lives down the street) were riding around with her and her two boys (ages 2 and 5) on their golf cart.  Kim had a gorgeous german sheppard, Sebastian, that is 13 years old...police trained and super sweet.   The boys made it through a green belt a ways down from us which landed them in Kim's back yard.  She said Cash asked if she would stop by our house so he could make sure it was ok he was with them.  Wyatt also shared that Cash has told him that Cash can't go in anyone's house unless I know who it is and am ok with it.  I told Wyatt that makes a good boy!

A little while later Cash came in from playing and I told him how proud I was of him for being responsible.  He said that it seemed like he and Wyatt had "switched bodies because we helped them a lot"...I didn't know what he meant at first...instantly thinking he was going to tell me that he did something like Wyatt, as that is the stage we are in, he said that Wyatt really helped the little boys.  I realized then that Cash realizes that he is really a helper when it comes to little kids....whether its helping them down, or showing them how to do something.....he's just very patient and kind.

Over the last couple of years we have seen Cash not always as confident as he should be..or could be. That tends to make him the follower vs the leader at times...but its days like today that I see him shine and be such a great leader.  No matter what his friend thought he was going to make sure that he had our permission and wanted to ensure I met this neighbor that I didn't know.  It was a mature moment for him and sign that those moments of insecurity may be fewer and father between.

Cash is still in dual language and lack of effort at times aside he really is doing great.  Its getting him to do his best the first time so he doesn't have to things over again.  He seems to always be in a hurry at school which means he prevents himself from taking his time and can be the result of a poor grade.  His teacher realizes this and at times makes him do things over and then she gets to see the Cash she knows....the grade is great!  I hope this is not always a struggle but if it is we will work through it.  He is smart beyond words.  The common sense thing will come, hopefully, but he is just so smart like his daddy!!

He still really loves basketball and can't wait to play again.   As captured in another post he is playing baseball right now.  Its new for him but he seems to enjoy it and is learning a lot.

Cash knows that there are certain things he has to do to "live in our house".  No we are not kicking him out if he doesn't do these things but he knows he doesn't get paid for doing these things.  Such as....taking the trash out on trash days and bring the bins back in, making his bed every morning, taking the sheets off the bed on the day I change sheets and putting them in the laundry room and of course he has to clear his plate after dinner, breakfast, etc.  I have to say he does such a great job at doing all of these things...usually without me reminding him.  I often have to remind myself or put things in perspective when it comes to Cash.   So often I get upset/mad at his irresponsibility...and then have to tell myself he is only 8 years old and look at all the great things he does..on his own....98% of the time!

He is definitely at the stage that he only wants to play outside with is friends.  While that is hard to deal with at times...meaning when we ask him to run an errand with us..go to the gym etc we usually get the grumpy face as he would rather stay home and play.  We get it!!  He is 8 and what kid wants to go with their parents when they can play with their friends?!?!?  The beautiful thing about Cash is he doesn't care who he plays with....boy, girl, younger, older, popular, unpopular...he doesn't care.   He just wants to play.  Now that is the sweet, naive, immature boy....that will soon be a young man (teenager...UGH!) and that may change.  I say immature for that reason.   We hope that doesn't change about Cash and he stays that sweet, kind hearted boy but we are not naive to think that the ebb and flow of school may change that.  All we can do is try our best to instill the best values possible and provide the best foundation possible.

We can tell he is getting to the stage that his parents "embarrass" him.  We drop him off at school and its a quick jump out of the car with usually not a word spoken..no I love you ...no goodbye.  That jump is with us quickly saying...love you, have a good day...bye buddy!  He would prefer no hugging or kissing in public...but I do it anyway!  This stage to will come and go...although this one may last a bit longer.

One thing is for sure...Cash is such a good big brother.  He loves playing with Emma as much as she loves playing with him.  He is pretty cautious and gentle with her.  Very protective...and of course can also get annoyed...which I suspect will come and go over the years.

Time with his Nana and Papa isn't as often as it was but that is because playing with friends seems more phone.  Its funny...when I his age there was almost no place I would rather be than with my Missy and Grandpa.  I guess boys are different.  He adores them and when he is there usually doesn't want to leave.  I look at how time passes and I know the day will come when we don't have one or both with us...a time a can't even wrap my mind around...and I know how his heart will be broken.  Probably his first heart break if I have to guess.  I dread that day as I don't know how I will be able to explain it to myself much less him.  That is why it is so important that he and Emma spend as much time with them as possible.

He is our baby.....and he is growing in to such a fine young boy.  We are proud of him and astonished to see the years go by as fast as they are....in to the young man he will soon be.

April 29, 2015....

I am adding this post simply because kids change...sometimes in the blink of an eye.  Cash has moments in school this year of being stubborn (I have no idea where he gets this from....take note of sarcasm).   When he doesn't get his way Cash has no hesitation to stick his head in the sand so to speak and refusing to work or throwing a tantrum..yes a tantrum...crying...just an overall breakdown.  He is also starting to have conflict with friends...lots of tattle telling it seems at this age.  Just a month ago I was blogging that he is friends with everyone and though he is for the most part we are seeing Cash have some pretty strong feelings about certain friends...good and bad.  There is a little girl in his class that he really doesn't care for and then there is another little girl that he really gets along with one day and not the next...and then...there is a little girl, Catalina, that he really likes!  Now of course that can change just as I am typing this but stand out point for me is seeing my child start to figure out friendships and the conflict that can come along with friendships.   I hope Cash is as true to himself where friends are concerned as we are....never settle...its not worth it.

Cash starts baseball

As much as Cash likes basketball we wanted him to do something for the spring so it was between soccer and baseball....he chose baseball.  Of course I think he looks so handsome!!  He really seems to like it so far.  He has had a few practices and a game.  He hasn't ever played baseball so we were anxious to see how he would take to it..so far so good.  Every kid on his team has played for awhile so they are more experienced but I think that is good for him.  It gives him the opportunity to learn and be a part of team that is competitive.  This league, McAllister, is definitely different than YMCA or I9.  A practice each week and two games.  That is quite a bit...though I don't mind if it turns out that Cash really loves it!  To be continued......

Emma - 18mths - 20 mths

In the last couple of months...almost three actually.....Emma has really started talking more clearly.  So no more screeching or yelling to get our attention or ask for something.  I think Ben and I never thought that would end!  In fact we may have thought, if even for a brief time, that she would never talk and only screech and yell at us.:)  Well that time did end and our sweet E is talking up a storm.  Her two word sentences are now turning into 3 words.  Its fun to hear her vocabulary grow.

I have said this before and will again....I am fascinated by the differences in Cash and Emma.  Their personalities are different in a lot of ways and then similar in others.  Both are so independent...and stubborn...but we clearly know they come by both traits honestly.   Traits we know will benefit them as they grow.  Cash is a child that needs to be entertained...loves to have friends around to play with!   Emma, though, is a pretender.  She loves to get her dolls out or the tupperware and pretend....whether its pretending her dolls are taking a nap as she covers them up or turning her sippy cup upside down to pretend like she is pouring water in to each container....she just loves to pretend.....and plays so well on her own.  The one thing we know for absolute certain is that Emma and Cash love each other beyond words.  Its so great to see their relationship evolve and grow.

Emma's questions, words, statements and answers.....

1. "What happened?"
2. "What's that?"
3.  Emma do you love me? "No"
4.  Emma did you have a good Christmas? "No"
5.  After tasting something good..."hmmmmmm!" or when she gives you a bite of something good...she will say "hmmmmm!"
6.  "Cash"
7.  "Where's Cash?" "Where's Papa?" "Where's Nana?" "Where's Daddy?" "Where's Mama?" - all of these questions come together and of course depending on who she is asking them to at the time.
8.  Anytime the phone rings...."Hi Papa"...no matter if its really him or not.
9.  "Want some?"....of whatever she is eating
10.  "Pretty"....usually when she is putting on my pj's or gym clothes...all of them...all at one time.
11.  "Princess"....when she is putting a tiara on...or something that looks like a tiara....just like her favorite princess...Princess Sofia the First.
12.  "Minnie"...I actually should have put this first on the list as this is a name she still says and was literally her second word after dada.  Minnie is her favorite Disney character outside of Sofia the First.
13.  For a few days we got the question, "what's up?" ...which I think came from Sofia the First ...the Tea Party episode.
14.  "Turna" - this is said when she wants us to turn the channel to her cartoons.
15.  "Outside" - this girl loves to be outside....any chance she can get she wants to be outside.
16.  "Where Cash go?"
17.  "Ben" - she was listening to me closely one morning as I told Ben breakfast was ready and since she has been calling him Ben ....still Daddy but also Ben now.
18.  "Potty" - if she sees me or Ben going in, in, or coming out of the potty she lets us know we are in the potty.  She has shown some interest in using the potty but not quite ready.
19.  "Sure" - when asking Emma a question...."Emma you want to lay in your bed?" "Sure" "Emma do you want to watch Minnie?" "Sure"
20.  She will ask if we want to dance..."wanna dance?"
21.  If we tell her to be careful or not to make a mess...."I know"
22. "Shoes"/"Socks"

These are just some of her sayings/words...she says what seems like a million others.

As noted above Emma loves to be outside.  She can't get enough of being outside!!  She will play in the dirt, rocks, sand....doesn't matter...she will play in it...and possibly eat it.   She loves to explore and really doesn't have a fear of anything.  Cash was so cautious at her age and still is in a lot of ways.   She also wants to do everything Cash is doing ...which could have a lot to do with it.

Second behind going outside Emma loves to watch cartoons.....Minnie and Sofia!  Her chair is her favorite spot to do just that...and usually in this position.

Even at almost 2 years old Emma still puts anything and everything in her mouth.  Crayons, dirt, rocks, sand, chalk ...you name it ...she will eat it.  This is one toddler phase we are hoping passes sooner rather than later.

Emma adores her Nana and Papa ....and cannot get enough of them.

We call her a "one woman wrecking crew" as she will literally destroy a closet or kitchen in about 2 minutes.  She loves to go in our closet...or her brothers closet ....or actually her room and take absolutely every piece of folded/hung up clothing out and throw them on the floor.  That is what she doesn't put on first.  Sometimes she walks out with every workout top I own.  She will come show me her little fashionista self and say, "pretty"!  What else can I say but ...oh yes..you are so pretty!!!!

She loves to dress up.  Stephanie Leavelle gave her some of Leighton's tutu's that she would play dress up with and E just loves them!!  She in fact loves them so much that she puts them all on at one time.  The more the better!

I could go on and on about Miss Emma Beth but I think when I look back on this post I will have captured the true essence of who she is at this very sweet age.