spring in the midwest

spring does not come in dribs and drabs, but leaps and bounds. today was a day full of high energy, constant motion, and relaxation.

there are two kinds of tired. tired that comes from lack of sleep, working constantly, continually going from task to task. then there is the kind where you are tired because you have had a relaxing, satisfying, and rich day. yesterday we were the first kind. today we are the second.

dad and i fell asleep fairly early last night as we both have been sleep deprived trying to do taxes, refinancing the house, prepping for class, kid duty, and finish some research projects. dad never made it out of the big blue recliner last night and i went downstairs, accomplished a few minor tasks, and was too tired to contemplate much else. i soon was ready to fall asleep on the couch too. so i dragged myself upstairs, woke dad up, gathered k and then we all collapsed back asleep.

the morning found us awake and more or less refreshed. it was a rare day where we had dad all too ourselves. and mom had a full agenda in mind. the beginning of the day involved lots of high energy rolling around and jumping all over, including parents, the floor, and the bed. though k insisted that we eat in the car on the way to a hike, we made it to breakfast where r and dad played backgammon. r was curious about the game so did dad taught it to him. he understood it fairly well and enjoyed the play. he did not enjoy, however, losing. tears welled up and it was clear that it was difficult for him. we talked again about how everyone has to win and lose. it does not feel very good sometimes. but that there is always another game. so dad and r played again. this time r won. he was thrilled. k had a good time drawing and talking to mom while the boys played. after everyone consumed some food, we headed back out for our next event. our first choice for our next destination, a local park, was packed with a community egg hunt complete with a pony, lamb, and a goose. we decided to avoid the 50+ kids and head to a quieter playground. we more than hour running around, climbing structures, coming down slides, swinging, hanging out, playing with static electricity (mom's corduroy pants on the slide led to an electrifying kiss), see-sawing, and generally enjoying the beautiful sunshine and warm air. after a potty break, we headed out to the heart of the beast theater -- the headquarters for the annual mayday parade. mom has been waiting 15 years (more or less) to march in the parade with her kids. this is the year. r decided he wanted to be a jellyfish! and k is unsure but has mentioned a jellyfish, a seahorse, and a birdie. there was organized chaos inside. but eventually we found the right area and then began the long process of assembling the necessary components. dad finished the wire parts for r's jellyfish hat while k and i selected the various fabrics that were be the tentacles. we hope masee will appreciate r's selection!

our day did not stop here! no sir. we gathered tired children and went home for a potty break and snack. r worked on his robot, mom looked up parks, and kids and parents noshed. then masee called. she announced an opportunity to meet the newest member of the desai-sullivan family -- cutie kitty (k's name for him) AKA gunther the kitten. masee and uncle tom have acquired a small social kitten who is curious and friendly. only 2 months old, he is a tiny orange sprite who inquisitively explored the living room and dining room at our house. masee, can you send a picture and i will post it. masee and uncle tom acquired the kitty from a no-kill-shelter. what a wonderful place. k was utterly enthralled by the kitten and pronounced it a cutie every 5 minutes if not more frequently. kitty seemed to like the attention and purred contentedly. r was a little tired from no-nap and not quite as focused. but he played string with the kitty and also created an obstacle course for him. it was hard to explain why he might not want to go on the obstacle course to the preschooler. but much fun was had by all as kitty chased ribbons, strings, quarters, a ball, and a leaf. we all enjoyed his visit immensely. it was hard to let the little furball go to his new home.

but he did leave. once again, the kids received a little energy snack (including some serrano ham for r), and then once shoes and coats were back on, we headed out for our next adventure to go hiking. we headed to theodore wirth park. i had picked the quaking bog trail for a hike. well k fell asleep in the car and had to be strollered. then the quaking bog trail seemed less like a good choice. but we did it, the trail did not just go around the bog, but into it. it was very interesting to see this lowland and walk on it on water. but we could hear frogs and see ducks. k woke up while we were on one of the higher trails. we walked around for a little longer. at some point, r complained that his legs hurt so he also climbed into the stroller. this left dad pushing the 100 lb stroller up leafy hills. dad's legs must have hurt too! but all in all it was wonderful to be outside. and the warm sun and bright sunlight were balms today.

after a short drive around town with the kids content in the back seat, we drove by kenwood elementary school. this is the school that r has gotten into for the fall. it is near lake of the isles. it is a performance art magnet and a nice school. it starts at 7:30. we still prefer barton which has a more comfortable fit for r, we believe. but currently we are low on the waiting list there. we really prefer st paul schools -- especially museum magnet and expo. so keep your fingers crossed.

after driving around we got some dinner and took it home. while we were driving around dad introduced the expression "so hungry i could eat a horse." dad explained that it is an expression that means you are very hungry and can eat a lot. but some people do eat horse. mom added that if you were really hungry you could also say eat a house (in case you were a termite). r commented that he was not hungry enough to eat a horse or a house, but maybe half a raccoon or squirrel. (we enjoyed this statement.) everyone ate a happy dinner. while dad did lots of dishes and mom cleaned the dining room and did a little laundry, the kids played. soon running around kids were upstairs avoiding pajamas while parents attempted to herd them in the right direction. books were read, teeth were brushed. and now the house is quiet.

by the way, this past week, dad and r went to a new behavioral pediatrician. what was a 1 hr appt stretched into a 3hour appt. dad will have to post some details but it sounds like it was a good meeting. she listened to our issues, watched r, and again told us that r is not on the spectrum and also that he does not have adhd. dad talked about sleep issues, executive control, transitioning, prepping for KG. and it seemed to go well. we hope it goes well and shall see her again in may.

that is all for now. i have some taxes too finish.