First Day of School

I have been a complete mess this past weekend because, yes that's right, Nainoa started school last Monday. I really can't believe how much he is growing up. I had a complete break down when I dropped him off. I was trying to be all strong and say bye in the most cheery way while Nainoa is bawling saying, " I WANT TO HUG MOMMY!!!!!!" Knife in heart.

I think he had a good time. When I asked him if he wanted to go to back to school he said yes. It works out perfect because the Childcare Campus is at my school so we both go to school together on Mondays and Wednesdays. The teacher is awesome. She strongly believes children learning through play, she teaches the kids conflict resolution and uses redirection.

Today is our second day and I am anticipating another teary goodbye. All my mommy friends say it takes at least a month for the crying to stop. Then I'll cry when he doesn't cry for me when I leave! Haaha!

On a personal note, school is hard, challenging, fun and exhausting. My brain is always full and I have no time to blog, talk on the phone, watch Glee or do anything but study. (I am really lucky to have the Lolos here, especially while Eye is on the road for the next 6 weeks) I got A's so far on all my tests. Studying time for me is at 5:00 am when the house is quiet and everyone is asleep. Today I don't have a test so I thought I would blog and keep everyone updated at 5:30 in the morning!

Nainoa walking to the car. Me, crying already.

Nainoa painting baloons for me!

End of Summer and Back to School

Sigh. I can't believe I have time to write this post! I have been so swamped with school, work and of course Nainoa. There has been no time for anything. Since it is officially the end of summer in some places (not in Vegas because it is 100 degrees today), I thought I would post some of my favorite pictures from the last couple of weeks.

Pool time with the twinsies at Aunty Elaine's house.

My cute boy!

Look at his long legs!!!! Eating cereal at Aunty gLo's apartment.

MARLEY!!!

Knocked out from the 12 hour day at Disneyland.

I did it!

Skyping

I am back from my solo trip without Eye and Nainoa. I must say it was VERY strange being at the airport without snacks, diapers, stroller and yes the running toddler. I thought I would be a mess but I actually was fine. I was so busy in SF that I didn't have time to be sad. I did break cry for just a second when I was Skyping Nainoa and he was crying, "Mommy come home!" I must say Skype is awesome. It really changes the dynamic of being away from your child. It was so comforting to watch him eat dinner, tell him good night or say good morning and that I loved him so much. I don't think I would have handled without Skyping every day. I have to say that because I was gone Nainoa was SUPER clingy today. He didn't even want anyone else to talk to me. "Don't talk to Mommy!!!" Really? I guess I asked for it being child free for 3 days.

I have to say also that I am so proud of my BFF. Two kids is no joke. One new born and one 4 year old needing your attention is no joke. Parenting is no joke. I was so glad to do whatever I can in those three days. She is such an amazing mother who gives and gives and gives. I seriously don't know where she gets all her patience. I was so inspired by her these past two days. She really has shaped the way I parent. I learn from her. I am so so proud of her.

Baby N awake

Back to sleep.

King Kailophosaurus

Mommy of the Year

Left It On The Plane

We finally made it home. It has been a few days and we are all struggling to get over jet lag. Nainoa was pretty good on the plane. There were a few moments he lost it but overall everyone around us were pretty happy!

I have officially stopped nursing. In the last month in Oz we were only nursing at nap time. I kept telling Nainoa that when we got to Vegas there will be no brrmm brrmm. The parrot that he is repeated it back to me several times. I told him that he can have as much as he wanted on the plane but when we got to Vegas that was it. On the plane he said to me, "I can have brrmm brrmm, but no brrmm brmm in Vegas."

It has been two days and he has only asked twice. My reply has been, "Sorry Nainoa we left it on the plane. We are in Vegas now so that means no more brrmm brrmm." He just kind nods but then he takes out my boob and says, "I just want to lay on it," then proceeds to put his ear down on directly boob. My boobs have become his comfort blanket. I am okay with that for now. I thought I was going to be more emotional about it, but I am really okay with it. I still can feel close to him without nursing.

Tomorrow I am going to visit my BFF and her new baby boy in San Francisco. BY MYSELF. Yes, I am taking a trip without Nainoa for 4 nights and 3 days. Gulp. I am nervous and excited at the same time. How will I do?? I have only left him for one night. Eye will have the Lolos and the twinsies to help him out.

Lots of change is going here. All for the good.

Last sunrise from our apartment in the Gold Coast

Donating our toys. Poor Rudy looks so dejected.

Look at all of our stuff we brought home!!

Hanging Up The Boots

Tomorrow we leave the Gold Coast and travel back home to Las Vegas. I can't believe how fast it all went. Our family has changed on this trip. All for the good. Australia has been so great for us and I have learned a lot. I have appreciation of The Lolos even more. I feel really lucky to be able to go back to school full time for the next two years with the support of my family. I am sad to leave this easy life but I'm excited for my next journey. I am hanging up my Stomp boots for good. It has been an amazing 15 years.

Nainoa has grown up so much here physically and mentally. He is such a little dude. His memory is unbelievable. He loves doing Stomp around the house. It's so funny how much he notices different things in the show then tries to recreate it. He loves to swim with his swimmers. Nainoa's favorite thing to do is jump in to the pool and fully submerge himself. He loves to sing, dance, play the guitar, drums and whatever instrument he is exposed too. It's amazing how much he has changed. He also has been challenging two year old too. Tantrums, pushing, spitting, snatching toys and no sharing when playing with others his size has also developed while he has been here. That's a whole other post to write about it. He's better with older kids. Sigh...yes the terrible twos are in full effect here.

Wish us luck on our flight. We are flying our of here at 11 am in the morning. So basically Nainoa will be up for the whole flight. Then we land and get to experience Tuesday all over again. Back to reality.

Sydney

We had an opportunity to fly to Sydney to perform at the Helpmann Awards. It was so surreal being in Sydney and to top it off we got to perform at the Sydney Opera House. All day we kept on saying, "P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney Australia." What an amazing city. I can't believe we only have 12 more days here in the Goldcoast. I'll be sad to leave but ready to start my new journey.

Nuevo Oh Sanko

I have had a great time with my friends here in Australia. I was fortunate to be asked to be in this new "dance company." Thank you to my wonderful husband who sacrificed not being in this company to stay home with Nainoa so that I can pursue one of my dreams of being in a "real" dance company. Enjoy.