Firsts

One of the greatest things about being a parent is getting to experience, document and sometimes create your child's life's milestones.

First step, first tooth, first haircut...these all typically take place in the tumultuous, sleep-deprived first year. But it's the ones that have taken place as my children have gotten older, aren't dependent on brain and physical development that I treasure.

On Saturday, I took my oldest, at age 4 1/2, to get his first library card. He had been asking me for a couple of weeks now if we could go to the library so I took the opportunity to teach him how the library book lending system works. I also figured he's old enough to have some responsibility - what a novel idea (no pun intended!).

We got up and dressed first thing Saturday morning. He was so excited he asked me no less than 10 times if we were going to the library yet. He wanted to wear his flip-flops (like Mommy) so we decided to drive the five or so blocks rather than walk.

The library was quiet and sunny. It's a smaller community library so the selection isn't impressive, but for a 4 1/2 year old on his first visit, it's perfectly underwhealming. We reached the front desk and I told the very kind, attractive, sixty-something librarian that "Thomas would like to get a library card."

I don't think I could have dreamt a sweeter, more perfect librarian for Thomas' first experience. She was enthusiastic without being condescending and seemed truly thrilled that I'd brought my child in to get his first library card. We signed the sheet with his mailing information, answered a few questions and I handed him the slick black piece of thin plastic with the regional library logo on the front. His face was brighter than the brightest lights in Times Square. He was glowing.

Since it was his first visit and they hadn't qualified all of his mailing information yet, he was limited to two books. That was more than perfect for his first visit. Not too overwhealming in choices, and just enough for him to keep track of.

He originally wanted a dinosaur book, but seeing as the books were organized by author, he decided instead to get a Thomas the Train book. He found one almost immediately and I reminded him he could pick out one more. He headed over to a table where they had sports themed books displayed and chose one on skateboarding. I had to hide my amused smile - not only had he probably never seen a skateboard, but I imagined what darling hubby's face would look like when he considered the prospect that his innocent son would admire the "skate or die, dude" crowd.

It took mere minutes and I almost wished he'd agonized over his choices a bit more so I could savor the moment, but I decided against pressing him as he seemed pretty certain of his choices. The nice librarian scanned his books and his card and we were on our way. I shot the photo just outside the library in front of the hedge. He was so proud!

He's looked at his new library books all of three times, I think, and has been kindly sharing them with his 3-year-old brother. I knew the responsibility lesson had stuck, though, when in the car on the way home from daycare today we passed the library. He excitedly pointed it out, then repeated, "We have to bring our books back so somebody else can read them, right, Mommy?"

Do I love milestones...

Generation X vs. The Millenials

I was born in 1976 which makes me one of the last of the Generation Xers. It also means that in many ways, I relate significantly more to the all-popular, white-hot-with-the-national-media-these-days, Gen Y crowd.

I've read most of the latest articles that have been written about Gen Y, or Millennials. I found myself wondering what happens to those of us on the cusp of these societal definitions of generations. Am I some kind of anomaly because I can easily relate to the values and motivations of TWO generations? Does it make me more attractive in the business world? In my next interview, should I be promoting myself as uniquely capable of relating to the values and characteristics of the two most feared, and most needed, generations of our time?

What this has to do with my role as a mother, I have no idea. Just my brain balancing my dichotomic roles in life - public relations professional and mommy. I'll have more later after I snuggle with my boys, fix dinner, find out how my husband's day was and make a delicious bean and corn salsa for a picnic tomorrow afternoon. Priorities, priorities...

Later...
So now we're sitting out on the patio enjoying the mild summer evening. Thomas is eating the mini M&Ms I got for them to have for dessert tonight (the only thing that motivates him to finish dinner these days). Andrew left most of his meal uneaten of course so he's not as priviledged. The hubby and I are enjoying a frosty beverage and waving to the next door neighbors.

Speaking of neighbors, there's some good material. I actually love our neighborhood. We definitely lucked out with both of our immediate next door neighbors. We'll call one family the Ds and the other, the Bs.

The Ds are great. They were one of the first of our neighbors to come to our door bearing a "welcome to the neighborhood gift," Mrs. D 8 months pregnant with her darling husband and six year old son in tow. They were the first of our neighbors we actually socialized with. They are a darling family and have become dear friends. We've had Chiefs parties, birthday parties, and many an over-the-fence backyard conversation. The boys absolutely idolize their oldest son and he actually seems to enjoy playing with them.

The Bs are a mid-30-ish, childless couple. Their dog has the same name as ours, and Mr. B and I see eachother often through work. He's general manager of our city Symphony and Mrs. B is a lawyer. Last year they bought gifts for the boys at Christmas, came to our youngest's birthday party, and Mrs. B drove all over the neighborhood until she found our dog that had run off in 20-degree weather last winter. They are truly kind people. Despite our different priorities, they have been interested in our lives, gracious, and darling hubby has really hit it off with Mr.B. I especially love to hear about darling hubby going next door to play video games on Mr. Bs 50" plasma TV until midnight.

Then there's J & K and their three kids. They live behind us and our backyards meet. There's no fence and they have a large, incredibly tempting swingset. The boys made a bee line for it the minute we moved in. Back then, there was an open invitation from K, as long as we were there with them. That lasted, hmmm, about six months. We honestly only went over there maybe once a week, nothing that the average person would think was excessive. Eventually we started hearing their two older children yelling at our boys "You didn't ask!!" Then more mean spirited things like "Go Home!" It broke my heart to hear my kids being treated that way so we eventually quit letting them go down there unless the family specifically invited us. I have a hard time believing those kids came up with that sentiment on their own. Other experiences with J (yelling at his wife because she wasn't watching their youngest closely enough for his taste), and arguements with other neighbors have confirmed our feelings. From what we understand, there's a bit of a "cul-de-sac cult" that this family belongs to. They own a John Deere tractor mower together, have Easter Egg Hunts and 4th of July parties together. Don't get me wrong, I'd be right in there with them if we lived up there, but it's a little wierd to observe from the outside.

I think I'm feeling a script for a sitcom or primetime drama here...