Jack & Spencer's World

Thank you Aunt Rachel for the super cool gift!

Today is my birthday. Even though I'm old enough to know better, I still wake up hoping that something will make the day extraordinary. Well, this morning, Jack and Spence didn't get that memo. It started off well with the boys playing in their room after they woke up - it was very cute. Things quickly dissolved to fighting over trains and then arguing about getting dressed. All good fun. Friends at work helped me celebrate with a gathering and cupcakes which was very nice (and it is really funny to have people sing to you at work). When I got home from work, this lovely surprise greeted me on our door. I also had a lovely flower arrangement from my mom, many nice voice messages from family and friends, a plethora of birthday wishes on Facebook, and a yummy cupcake that I split with two of my most favorite people. To top it off, Spence sang a rousing and custom rendition of the birthday song. Now for you to enjoy. This weekend, Justin is treating me to a night ...

If you haven't picked this up from other posts, Jack loves trains - above ground and below. He has collected several subway cars and enjoys playing with them. A few weeks ago, he realized that he did not have a C train, and therefore, needed to get one (needed, not wanted, needed) Justin and I decided that it would be a great learning experience for him to spend his own money on this one. We helped him count out what was in his "money saver" (the first coins in the "money saver" were captured here). We traded him a few bills for change and put everything in his wallet. Today, Jack, Spencer, and I headed to Grand Central to make the big purchase. Jack made sure that we had his wallet and that we paid with his money. Though quite honestly, I'm not sure that he grasped that he was giving up some of his money to get the train. He was so excited about the train! I guess there's time to learn the value of money. Regardless, Jack was so happy! He even sai...

...what Spencer would look like if he gained a lot of weight. Wednesday morning, Spencer woke up with a very swollen neck. He had no other symptoms - no fever, no pain - just a very big neck. Regardless, we spent the day at two doctors' offices trying to figure out what caused the swelling. At this point (Saturday), the swelling as decreased dramatically. We're waiting on test results to see if that reveals the cause.

Education is clearly important to Justin and me. We want our boys to get the best education possible. But can I share how scary the NYC process is? We just finished up the preschool process for Jack for next year. He's going to be attending The Day School at Christ & St. Stephen's. The commute is a bit longer (~30 ft), but I think it will be worth it. With that decision done, we're already starting the process for Kindergarten - what are our options (private, public, magnet, gifted & talented), what is the process to apply (yep, even for the public elementary school that we are zoned for that is two blocks away on our street), what tests Jack may need to take (yikes!) and maybe, just maybe what to expect. My head is spinning. I've definitely spent far more time on Jack's preschool than I did applying for college. One very important thing I've learned already is to go with my gut. We'll keep you posted as the school drama continues! (updated t...

This morning, Justin had a car service pick him up for a trip outside the city. He left before Jack and Spence were awake. When Jack woke up he asked where daddy was. I told him that daddy had to leave early. Then Jack asked if Justin took a plane. I said no he took a car. Jack then asked what kind of car. I said a Chrysler 300. Jack kind of giggles and says oh I wish that 300 were 100!!