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My ex-preschooler
With the departure of Rey yesterday, the birthday whirlwind that seems to crop up every year around kid's birthday officially ended and we returned to normal time, such as it is.
I'm beginning to think this will probably be a regular occurrence, since this is the third birthday we've had with Xander, and the third time the exact same course of events have transpired. And every time, it gets a little easier. *whew*
This year, with all the new school stresses? Scaled waaaay back. Like, go set up outside the Columbia Memorial Space Center near where Jim works with a card table, cupcakes and a cooler with drinks in it. Presents? Why, thank you - here, leave that there, go sign in with the front desk and have fun inside the Museum. TOUCH EVERYTHING.
And so, they did. I was surprised that so many of the kids from new school showed up - bonus - but sad that none of the kids from preschool made it. Not one. And he's missing them so. *grump* Will have to keep trying to make those playdate connections.
But under the circumstances, did not insist on my family showing up. Sis and her crew? Sure - that's easy. But moving my Mom from Hemet in for a party that had no places to sit? Not so much. I'm not sure my younger brother is very understanding of this, but it just didn't hit the radar to consider inviting her to such a thing.
I'm going out there in two weeks to make amends, you understand.
The after-party dinner was at the Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori restaurant near the house and I think we were 15 people and had the best time ever.
I also had at least six games of Pokemon working, doing last minute trades. Not with kid - me. *snicker*
The night of the actual birthday, we went to Benihana per kid's request - and did dinner. He loved it. Me, I think I'll turn the leftover chicken into chicken salad sandwiches.
We're still opening toys. Haven't read any of the new books yet.
Kid...is a little somber around the edges. We're expecting more of him, and there has been a ton of attention on him this week, which might not always be welcome. (My kid, a tad introverted? It's possible.)
But not a preschooler anymore, by definition - and that kind of cocks my head. Not a toddler, not a preschooler. I have a kid kid now. We're both adjusting.
(I did say outside, right? Man - I *was* pleasantly pink that night, wasn't I?)
I'm beginning to think this will probably be a regular occurrence, since this is the third birthday we've had with Xander, and the third time the exact same course of events have transpired. And every time, it gets a little easier. *whew*
This year, with all the new school stresses? Scaled waaaay back. Like, go set up outside the Columbia Memorial Space Center near where Jim works with a card table, cupcakes and a cooler with drinks in it. Presents? Why, thank you - here, leave that there, go sign in with the front desk and have fun inside the Museum. TOUCH EVERYTHING.
And so, they did. I was surprised that so many of the kids from new school showed up - bonus - but sad that none of the kids from preschool made it. Not one. And he's missing them so. *grump* Will have to keep trying to make those playdate connections.
But under the circumstances, did not insist on my family showing up. Sis and her crew? Sure - that's easy. But moving my Mom from Hemet in for a party that had no places to sit? Not so much. I'm not sure my younger brother is very understanding of this, but it just didn't hit the radar to consider inviting her to such a thing.
I'm going out there in two weeks to make amends, you understand.
The after-party dinner was at the Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori restaurant near the house and I think we were 15 people and had the best time ever.
I also had at least six games of Pokemon working, doing last minute trades. Not with kid - me. *snicker*
The night of the actual birthday, we went to Benihana per kid's request - and did dinner. He loved it. Me, I think I'll turn the leftover chicken into chicken salad sandwiches.
We're still opening toys. Haven't read any of the new books yet.
Kid...is a little somber around the edges. We're expecting more of him, and there has been a ton of attention on him this week, which might not always be welcome. (My kid, a tad introverted? It's possible.)
But not a preschooler anymore, by definition - and that kind of cocks my head. Not a toddler, not a preschooler. I have a kid kid now. We're both adjusting.
(I did say outside, right? Man - I *was* pleasantly pink that night, wasn't I?)