Seamus Birthday Pictures

Birthdays. Part 3.

Welcome to the world, Christopher Fritz!

We are so happy to meet you. In honor of your grandfather (my and Seamus's Godfather) I wrote a limerick (I've been into that lately).

On a cool fall night Saint Paul found a new light,
A big babe was born loud and sprightly.
With cheeks like an pumpkin'- we know he's a dumplin',
Christopher Fritz, they called him so knightly.
So hail to Meg for a long day so glorious,
the happiest day in the great realm of Boreas!



You're in for a fun few first months - we expect you be dancing at Pat and Dee's wedding. You have special parents - and so many people who already love you for no other reason than that you are YOU and that you are finally HERE!

You are a promise of fun things to come - first smile, first steps, first words, and so on. We are so excited at the prospect of sharing all these milestones with your parents. I became an aunt at age 5 when your dad was born, and now a great-aunt on your birthday. Thanks - it's an wonderfully happy day. Oh, the fun we're going to have...

Birthdays. Part 2.

Seamus, this was a special birthday for you too - I've said hundreds of times now that this is NOT an every year kind of birthday. You knew we had a surprise planned (and Finn, bless his heart was able to keep a secret). Finn, MJ and I picked you up from school the day before your birthday, you wondered why the car was all loaded up and asked if we were going to the lake. We all pretended this was how the car always looks.

We went to treasure island playground with Carrie and Lizzie and you asked if this was your birthday surprise. I said maybe. After about half an hour we gt in the car and picked daddy up from work - you were not that happy that your birthday surprise was 30 minutes at the park, but you didn't complain (you did ask if you could have a birthday family dinner with Grandma & Grandpa also) . When we picked up dad, we put on Harry Potter glasses made out of black pipe cleaners (thanks Kate) and I read this little poem:

There once was a good boy named Seamus
who admired Harry Potter so famous.

His mom and his dad, Mj and Finn
wanted to take a fun road trip again.

Off to Chicago for three nights so merry,
we're going to see a big show about Harry.

Happy Birthday to OUR magical boy,
you bring us all such sweetness and Joy!

You were so pleased (though I think still a little confused) and away we went. We had a great drive - everyone was so good in the car (even me) and dad and I enjoyed some time to sit and talk without a lot of distractions. When we arrived at Julie's and everyone went right to sleep. We got up the next morning and went to the Museum of Science and Industry for the Harry Potter exhibit and spent the whole day exploring the exhibit and museum - it is an awesome museum. You were a little bit tentative in the exhibit (it didn't help that we went through with a big group of 12 year old students from Indiana). But you seemed to really enjoy the magic of it all. During our lunch break, I asked you what your favorite part of the exhibit was, and you (honestly) said "Just being with my family." Dad and I got a little weepy. I've never been so happy to have taken a trip - it was worth 12 hours on the road just to hear those words.

When we got back to Julie's (which took forever in traffic), she had a special birthday dinner planned included Carbonara (your new favorite), presents and Harry Potter cake! Bedazzled in a new Gryffindor robe, real glasses and wielding a new wand - you couldn't have been any happier. Dad and I rolled our eyes at Julie and told her that if you turned out to be a spoiled brat - it was her fault. But you were so grateful to she and Arnie (who Finn now likes to call Bert) for the special weekend. One of my favorite moments (I had so many) was watching you open the load of presents from Goughs (including Charlie's gift of army guys). Finn was standing eagerly next to you and you turned and gave him two presents to open. He was delighted to share in the fun. I hope you continue to live like this for the rest of your life. The gift is in the sharing, the gift is in the giving. At times you seem to know it better than most adults.

I feel especially lucky to have shared this weekend with Goughs. Aunt Julie is my sister, my godmother and my friend. I might not be a great example of a lot of things, but I feel so proud of my relationship with Julie. She and I have never really shared a house or even lived in the same state. We are different in many ways (but in lots of ways we are exactly the same). In spite of the distances in our lives, we make time for each other. We reach out to each other's children. And we have developed a special bond. People say to me all the time - "Do you even know your older brothers and sisters?" And I can happily say, I don't just "know" them, I love them and I would choose them over and over again as my friends. Being a good sibling isn't always simple, sometimes it will require practical work (phone calls for no reason, making time for vacation together, seeing what you have in common instead of what you don't). But what I think Julie and I would tell you, is that nothing is stronger and more precious than a connection that has been earned.

We had such a great family trip - its something that you'll (I hope) really remember - because I know the rest of us will. We arrived home to dinner with Paula, Bob, Eric and Katie. We were all tired out (except for dad who ran 10 miles - jerk.). I made dinner and we opened more roller-skates from Bob & Paula (again, you hateful people). Katie got you some new clothes and the Muppet Movie (which we watched all together). You were a little less than gracious about her gifts and we talked about it before we went to bed (I think you told her that you expected something cooler from her). When I told you that I disappointed you weren't more grateful to Katie you said: "But how was I supposed to know the Muppet Movie was cool?" I'm pretty sure you and Kate will have words about this again when you see her next weekend. I don't expect you to be perfect, but I do expect that we take time to reflect on the things we do and the way we talk. It isn't about doing everything right the first time, its about striving to MAKE everything right in the end.

I've been waxing poetic about you a lot lately because of kindergarten, but we are just having so much fun right now as parents. You are a riot - developing a sense of humor that extends beyond knock-knock jokes. Last night dad told you that you were going to run home from Grand Ave with mom, carrying an umbrella so I didn't get wet on my run. You looked at him and said - "Great, Dad." And smiled and put your hand on the door. Dad looked at me and said "He's messing with me, isn't he?" I nodded and smiled too.

It's is remarkable to me how quickly we can adapt to new things. Kindergarten feels like the regular routine and you're coming home with new songs, prayers and stories every day. You've gotten so inventive - making cutout books that transition perfectly (the monster's eyes on one page, become the ears of the monster on the next page). It's amazing to me. You're starting to read a little - that makes my heart pound on so many levels. You promised me yesterday while we were reading Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH that you'd read to me as soon as you learned how.

Seamus, we love you so very much. Let's keep growing together. Happy Birthday, buddy.

Birthdays. Part 1.

I've been delinquent on posting my typical birthday posts and so I've decided to combine them instead of back dating new posts. Much of what follows was written months ago, but it feels more appropriate to update it with all the things that have happened since July.

First of all, Mr. Finn, you are now fabulously four. Oh my. For your birthday this year we contracted Nick Schneeman and Eric Gough to steal the swing set out of Miller's backyard. While you played happily at Schneemans, your big cousins carried said wooden swing set across the street (it was a beautiful hot day) you were totally surprised by this enormous gift - you even said "But my birthday's tomorrow." I thought this was the grand-daddy of all presents until Bob and Paula showed up with spider-man roller-skates. Lord. Who can compete with that? Danger. Cool brand. Going fast. It has all the ultimate elements. Thanks Winsors (you rotten, hateful people).

Katie spent the night with us (you love when she has a "sleepover") and got up early to make you chocolate chip pancakes. Mom, Dad and Paula also got up early and headed over to the Lifetime Triathlon - this maybe wasn't the best timing that the tri and your birthday were the same day, but you didn't seem to mind. Katie dressed you up in your new birthday duds and brought you all down to the river to cheer for us. I got to yell Happy Birthday from my bike and that was truly the highlight of the event. We had stories and long naps together in the afternoon. Peggy hosted a family party and we had spider-man birthday cake and a nice swim in the pool (those of us who did the triathlon mostly soaked in the hot-tub). It was a wonderful, fun family day. And you are a wonderful, fun big boy.

You like to run with daddy and I - we often have to take a lap or two around the block (or the cabins) with you before or after we go running. We talk a lot about modeling healthy exercise habits in the family - its something that dad and I both enjoy but that we both have to work at. Even though I wouldn't have ideally chosen to have a race on a special milestone for you - I do like the idea that you get to see us enjoying exercise personally and as a family (we wore our "Tri Hard. Tri Often. Tri Together." t-shirts. At the cabin this summer, several people commented on how fast you are and what a good stride you seem to have already - Fast Finnie is becoming a very fitting nick-name for you.

Mr. Finn - we are so proud of you - of the kind of big brother you are to MJ (and big cousin to Connor) - of how much fun you have playing with Seamus. Even still, you and Seamus are best of friends. You have become so helpful to dad and I - picking up, making your bed, helping MJ, grabbing milk from the basement. I can already count on you for so many things - that is amazing to me. You have emerged as a kid who is very reliable - not something most people would say about a four year old.

Even though you are getting older, you still love to cuddle. I know someday you won't want to snuggle in bed and read stories with me, but it hurts my heart to even think about it. I love story time. You are also learning so much right now - writing numbers, letters and even words. I think that your small pre-school class is going to be such a great experience for you. I know that you'll be ready for kindergarten next year, but I don't know that we'll be ready to let you go. It's hard learning that parenting is as much about letting go as it is about holding on.



You are a delight - everyone says so. You've developed this special relationship with Aunt Julie ("My Godmother" as you always say). We spent last weekend in Chicago for Seamus's birthday and it was so much fun watching the two of you dote on each other. Your connection to her is a little bittersweet sometimes - we know how much you and Tom would have enjoyed each other - how special that connection would have been. I take comfort in knowing that I've met your guardian angel - and I know that you're in very special hands. Kids have this special sense - I think its their unspoiled connection to God. You and Connor seem to have been born to be special buddies and there is something ethereal to me that you seek each other out. I'm sure I won't think it's ethereal when Andie and I are wringing our hands at the trouble you've gotten into together - but at least I know that you'll always have each others backs (Good Lord).

We love you more each day. So happy to be sharing these years with you. Happy Birthday, Mr. Finn.

25K? You Say? I say, Mimosa!

Two weekends ago, James, Paula and I ran the Cities Lakes 25K race. James, Kate and I did it last year and for some strange reason,we decided to do it again.

Last year I intended to walk with Katie, but ended up running the majority of it. This year I planned on running though I did not plan on training which seems like an error in judgment, but alas it's just how it all happened.

Paula finished in the top 5 in her age group, James ran the whole thing in under 7 minute miles (6:53). I was 31st out of 44 in my age group - so what that means is that I wasn't the last person to finish (YEAH!!!)

Thanks to Bob and Rob for rallying support for us - everytime I saw Rob he looked at me like "why would register to run and race - and run as slow as you are?"

James is thinking about running a marathon now because he thinks that he could qualify for Boston - I'm not sure that he's actually THINKING about running Boston, but I think he likes the idea of qualifying for it. He rocks.

After the race, we had brunch and drink at Craftsman. That was totally the best part. Until next year...

New Beds

Grandpa Barbara sent the kids new beds for their birthdays this year.

Now most kids would be more excited about candy and toys. My kids? Nothing cooler than new clothes and furniture! They were beyond thrilled about the new beds. Seamus came home from school hollering "Are they here?! Are they here?!"

They had lots of opinions on how to arrange the room and when to change things around. Right now, Seamus decided that he'd like to have the bunk beds as single beds (I think because they secretly want to jump from one to the other). But he said it was so he could see Finn when they talked at night. Finn has been told that when the beds get "bunked" again - he can have the top. He is eagerly waiting...

This was a very special gift for the whole family - we know how truly spoiled we are. Thanks Grandma Barbara!