Good Sunday morning everyone! As I type this, the crumb snatchers and I are laying on my bed watching old Pink Panther episodes. I haven't gotten to the part where I play music yet. Once I do start playing some tunes, I suspect that my Petunia will be the only one dancing. The Boog's got an upset stomach. He was unable to hold down his dinner last night. He went and collapsed in his race car bed that grandpa bought for him instead. He passed out making unhappy Boogieman faces and this morning he seems to be feeling only slightly better.
Daddy's a little bummed this morning too. It's not because my little wild man is feeling ill. He's a tough little man and he will return to his usual crazed marauder ways in no time, I'm sure. What's eating at me is that we just turned in his registration packet for kindergarten. Sure I am proud that he is taking a step forward in his little boy life. I come from a family that values education above almost anything else. Love, good food, and filthy jokes rank pretty high too. I am proud of what a clever, polite, easy going, and fun guy Todd is. He will do well in school.
My problem is a selfish one. Ever since Todd was born almost 6 years ago, he has always been right here at the house. The kids have never had daycare. We chose instead to live on less money so that my wife could stay home with them. It's a choice with which I have been very pleased. The kids have been raised by their parents instead of a babysitter or daycare 'teacher'. The coolest part of all of it has been that every time that I have ever wanted to hang out or play with my Boogie Man he has been right here and available. Starting in August, I have to split time with the school. My Boog won't always be around! I suspect that's gonna suck.
There is, however, a positive or two that I get in return. I will get a lot more one on one time with Lila. My Petunia will start kindergarten next year, so the time will be important to me. She also is clever, and fun and great to be around. I can teach her some things before she goes off to school and we can develop that father and daughter relationship that can do so much for a girl's self worth growing up.
Additionally, there is the simple fact that Todd being in school means that I can pay a sitter to watch one little person instead of two and take my wife out on a date during school hours every now and again. We haven't really been able to date each other since the kids are ever present and our choice to live on less has put a sitter out of reach financially. My wife is my best friend and I am pleased and proud every day that she is my team mate, companion, and lover (literally every day). Some one on one time in which to share experiences and during which to show her how cherished she is by me will be welcome.
Still, I don't want to share my Boog. I wouldn't trade away time with either of my kids or with my wife even for more time with the others if I didn't have to. If it weren't for something as incredibly important as education, I just wouldn't do it. No offense to my Petunia or my awesome wife. I love them just as much as I love Todd.
Such is the relentless march of progress and time I guess. Such is the nature too of parenthood. What can you do?
Uploaded this morning from my personal stash:
and the inimitable Keller Williams (this one will have you singing gibberish to yourself later today):
Todd has gone back to sleep on my bed "in the daddy spot". Lila checks on him about twice every 3 minutes. They love each other very much. It's sweet. She and I thank you for the time that you choose to spend with us on Sunday mornings. We hope that you will join us in the comments section to keep the groove alive and to share in friendship.
Remember, Todd and Lila love you.