HOME TOUR

“I Want to Be an Engineer and Own a Pancake Restaurant”

Oh my heart. These kiddos. Is there anything better than the revolving door of hilarious things they say? A month ago while on a weekend away exploring the wilds of New Hampshire, we got a good dose of funny things (I’m about a month behind at life at the moment and finally getting around to sharing, haha!) After having a pancake breakfast one morning (and licking his plate clean) Cade declared he wanted to own a restaurant that only makes pancakes. He paused and quickly added “I’m also going to be an engineer so I can perfect the jet pack.” Laughing emoji here.

They’re growing quick. I know every momma says that when they realize how fleeting are the years we actually get to cuddle them. Cade is getting tall and, after trying to open the toothpaste bottle with his teeth in New Hampshire, loosened his two bottom teeth and just a few nights ago, lost his first tooth. Crying emoji here.

I mean come on! How is a mother supposed to survive this?! I’ve been dreading the day he loses his first tooth. For some weird reason it signals the end of the tiny childhood years for me. And I’m wildly clutching this for dear life at the moment. I’m simultaneously amazed by how big and strong and sweet Cade and Kai are becoming while wanting to rock in the corner because of how big and strong and sweet they are becoming.

Last week we picked up Cade’s 7th set of bilateral below the knee prosthetics and if you remember the tradition, Cade gets to pick a fabric to go on on them. We’ve had monsters, trains–both of the steam and high speed variety, airplanes and fighter jets. And you know what, I asked him what kind of fabric I needed to search for and he said, “nothing, I think I’ll have Mr. Arthur leave them plain.” What the. I’m not ready for this. Are you sure we can’t do Winnie the Pooh Cade? Come on. Take one for the team. It was hard enough having to stay home. Only one parent is allowed in to the prosthetists office and I’ve never missed out before on the casting and banter of that process. Damn you COVID. Clearly not a big deal in the scheme of things but doesn’t it feel like life is just slipping away a little too fast sometimes?

So it’s official, we have a toothless first born in a new set of PLAIN bilateral prosthetics in FIRST GRADE. Sobbing emoji here. He just freakin started school. Ok that was three years ago but still, it feels like yesterday.

He’s climbing mountains (while complaining the whole ways), designing what appears to be a pretty epic jet pack, constantly hanging out in the trees and has become quite efficient at catching frogs. He and his sidekick Kai are living their best summertime life and are anxiously standing at the ready to rake up the leaves this fall season. I want to freeze these beautiful days.

I know many were anxious for the start of school. We’ve been awed by how well our school has adapted to the new rules and restrictions. The teachers and administrators have worked diligently in unison to create as safe a school as possible and we are thankful! It’s a hybrid model at the moment (at home learning and in person learning) and any time they can get with peers and a teacher in person, I am thankful. Distance learning is tough for little ones. I have so much respect for you mommas and dads who help guide these littles through home learning on a day by day basis. And teachers. I love you. As we transition into the rhythm of this fall season I hope the changes bring you joy and you’re able to see the lovely in it all. Turn those eyes heavenward. Breathe deeply the scents of fall and relax. It’s all going to be ok. The beautiful pictures are by Ruth Eileen Photography.