everything on everything : June 2014

A few weeks ago I was at my brother in law's wedding in New Orleans…an unforgettable and amazing weekend that was a true reflection of both Danny and Laura. But one part that stood out to me in particular was my father in law's toast at their rehearsal dinner. I've gotta give it to him…this man has a way with words. He began his toast by saying, "cherish the journey"…a phrase that has been coming to the forefront of my mind ever since…a phrase that I think is such an amazing mantra to keep you in the present…a phrase that I am grateful he shared with all of us. Some of you may be thinking that it's not anything new or something people haven't' said before, but for whatever reason, it's resonating with me now more than ever.

Today I spent Jax's last Millburn Coop Nursery School Day with him (he was the coop kid today) and all I kept thinking to myself was "cherish THIS journey." It was a happy day. It was a sad day. It was a hard day. It was the best day. After two years at this incredible green schoolhouse set in the heart of Taylor Park my "love boy" is moving on. And oh how I wish I could freeze time. When we made the decision to send him here two years ago there were many people who said, "But it's only 3 hours…What are you going to do with him for the rest of the day?" I can now answer by saying the following…I got to be a presence in his classroom for three hours on 18 total coop days in his two years there. I got to watch him go from saying "This is too hard for me, I can't do this" to an incredibly confident and capable five year old boy. I had the opportunity to watch him navigate friendships, negotiate conflict, express himself to his peers and to his teachers. I observed him building in blocks and creating amazing structures. I witnessed the surprise on his face when he discovered that if you mix red and blue you make purple. I watched him work with his friends collaboratively as they completed a 100 piece puzzle. I got to see the curiosity on his face when learning about a new bug or how something works or discover a new word in a story read aloud. I saw him learn how to zipper his own coat, put on/off his rain and snow pants all by himself. I experienced the hugging bell. I watched as he engaged in dramatic play as he made himself be whatever it was his imagination was telling him on that particular day. I got to see him set up snack for his peers while learning how to count in a natural and fun way. I witnessed him leading the voting machine and asking his peers "What do you vote for" in order to come to a democratic and fair resolution in the classroom. I watched him create the coolest things out of recycled materials…at school and at home (the candy shooter for show and teach). I saw him nurture and love a friendship with JBZ that is unique and special and unconditional. All in all, I watched my baby grow up in his classroom environment which is the most unbelievable gift I could have given to him... and to myself. I got to just be.

I am so thankful for his two teachers…E & K. Thank you for always seeing Jax for exactly who he is….thank you for teaching him what it means to be a caring, kind, fair, intelligent, creative and empathetic human being. Thank you for knowing when to love him and when to let him experience some growing pains. Thank you for being my partners in shaping who I know is an individual that will carry this experience to his core for the rest of his life.

Thank you Lizzie for essentially giving me this gift of time with Jax. If it wasn't for you, we would have never had this experience.

I am so grateful for this time that I spent with him….in the classroom and at home. I will remember it always. I am so proud of you my "sweet delicious"…you are one amazing little boy that makes my heart melt each and every day.