Growing up with Eli: Alex Visits from NJ

 

Besides being all caught up in my own world I totally forgot to put Eli's spring break on our home calendar.  So  not only was Eli's spring break the week after my chemo it was a week that Tim was out of town so there wouldn't be any extra support on the home front.

Thankfully Cindy, a girlfriend extraordinare from New Jersey, came to the rescue and flew out with her son Alex who is 5 and 3/4 to be exact.  The three pictures really sum up the five days the boys spent together - it's all about me, me, me.

To add to our amusement, although we planned lots of outings, mother nature didn't work with us.  We had one day of snow in Seattle which turned to rain and it was really cold which meant lots of time inside with two high energy boys.  It was rather crazy to say the least.  So we didn't get to hike or spend much time outside other then brief stints and a few hours at the zoo on the one sunny day, which was a bummer.

Some how I did manage a nap one of the days and woke up to hearing the boys arguing and wrestling over the intercom.  I just laid there and waited to see what would happen.   

Cindy was a saint during my lower energy times.

Highlights included:

• a snowball fight and of course some crying when the snow / ice ball exploded in Alex's face.  Even though there was a rule of no snowballs over the waist, their aim wasn't so great
• Alex thanking Eli for elbowing him in the  mouth which further loosened his front tooth 
• The three pictures above are at Whole Foods right after Alex lost his tooth when he bit into a chocolate chip cupcake.  Every one knew it came out.  It was very exciting. Of course both of them wanted to be in front for the picture.
• Eli can hardly wait to be 5 and 3/4 so he can loose a tooth too.  He also lets people know his best friend Alex lost his tooth and how it happened.
• What ever Alex had, Eli wanted and vice versa.  The top of the refrigerator still holds all the "time out" toys and has become it's own toy area
• Eli having 6 time outs by lunch time one day.  When I asked him about it he looked at me and said, "mom I'm having a really rough day."  We continued to talk and I changed tactics to give him a big kiss and hug for every nice thing he did - the next few hours were great.
• The boys not wanting to share, but even more upset if they were separated because they love each other and it's not fun without the other one.  This brought much amusment to both Cindy and myself
• swimming
• amusing meals
• a great day at the zoo with each racing to see who would see each animal first
• thanks that the Blue Star Cafe has great meals that are both kid friendly, adult friendly and they serve alcohol just when you really want a cocktail at an early dinner
• late night time, way past this girlfriend's bed time, and the perfect time to have a real conversation that wasn't interrupted and could be surrounded by silence, thought and sharing friendship

I think my favorite idea was making up "be nice to friends day" which worked really well with the boys.  Next time both Cindy and I know, meet up during the warm months like we did last year and then you really get to enjoy your adult time!

I am so grateful she flew cross country to be with us and create some fun and crazy memories with the boys.  Next time I'll remember to get spring break on the calendar!