Spidey-Ryan

Milestones and memories

Today began with a milestone: Kelsey attended her first morning of preschool. She may have been a tiny bit reluctant, but she quickly went into the classroom when invited and never looked back. She's not completely new to the concept of preschool; she sends her big brother off three days a week. Still, I thought she did remarkably well.

Her teachers reported that she listened well, played with the kitchen, and used nice words. She didn't cry once, but was eagerly awaiting my arrival at 11:30. Her hug was wholehearted and genuine when she jumped into my arms.

We'll have to wait a week to meet the lead teacher, Miss Donna. But we were thrilled to hear that she's in Texas, of all places, meeting her first grandchild.

This afternoon we revisited long-ago memories: We dropped in at KidSpace, the day care center in downtown Detroit that Brendan attended for 4 1/2 years. We haven't been back since his Pre-K graduation, because after the birth of Kelsey, Brendan began kindergarten and we hired a nanny (until I decided to stay home and freelance).

Brendan was fortunate to have many loving, wonderful caregivers who played a significant role in our lives. As soon as Miss Terrie, his Pre-K teacher, saw us, she was beaming. She couldn't believe little Brendan was so big! Then we visited Miss Jackie, who has a special place in our hearts. Not only is she one of the kindest, most gentle persons you'll ever meet, she also helped us through Brendan's very difficult separation anxiety. When he would arrive to the toddler room each morning, he was hesitant until he saw Miss Jackie. He would snuggle up to her, wave goodbye to me, and begin his morning ritual of building a tower with giant-sized blocks. I honestly don't know what we would have done without her.

Seeing grown-up Brendan "warms my heart," Miss Jackie said today. She still has a photo of her and Brendan on her refrigerator. She immediately called Miss Melissa, who was Brendan's caregiver in the infant room and who showered that boy with so much love and sweetness! Brendan and Miss Melissa talked for several minutes on the phone.

Miss Tasha, one of the infant room caregivers, was also there and couldn't believe how much Kelsey resembled the boys.

It was comforting in many ways to return to KidSpace. As much as any mother dislikes sending her children to a day care center, she can also take great comfort in a place that is truly special and feels almost like an extension of your family.

We seemed to be blessed to have found another center with a similar feeling. At KidSpace, we knew it was incredibly rare and wonderful that the infant teachers who cared for Brendan were still around 3 years later to care for Ryan. And now 4 years later, most of the teachers are still there! At our new preschool, where both Ryan and Kelsey attend, we have found a similar family. The teachers and caregivers have been in the school for 5, 10, 15 years. It's an unmistakable feeling that you can sense in how the classrooms are organized, how the staff gets along and how the children are treated. We'll look forward to one day, returning to this school and seeing the same faces who'll remember Ryan and Kelsey.

Scary treats

Ryan and his friend Andrew made yummy brownies in the shape of
pumpkins and scary monsters. Delicious!

Building forts

Ryan and Kelsey built this fort, or tunnel as Kelsey calls it, this
morning. They've filled it with stuffed animals, pillows, blankets,
blankies and books. Ryan is attempting to read to his sis now.

Our 10th Anniversary!

Today Hubby and I celebrate 10 years of a wonderful marriage. We tied the knot in 1999 at St. Patricks Catholic Church in downtown Fort Worth, a city close to our hearts. That is where we met, began dating and where our beloved Horned Frogs reside. After a beautiful ceremony, we took a carriage ride through the busy downtown streets and arrived at the Petroleum Club for the reception, which was full of fun, family and friends. An evening we'll never forget!

The past 10 years have given us so many surprises! We always laugh and say, "Who would have guessed we'd end up in Detroit?" Well, neither of us would have. In 10 years we have celebrated birthdays, new jobs, new homes, and most importantly, three beautiful children. We are truly blessed with all that we have in our lives, but it's knowing that we have one another's love that keeps us both going.

Ice cold beverages

Every TCU fan who enjoys cold beverages on the patio needs this: http://www.abarr.net/Collegiate_Coolers.html.

Farewell

As many of you already know, a dear friend, Steve Damm, passed away on Monday after a long battle with a brain tumor. I know Steve because of my friendship with his amazing wife, Tyra, who was a co-worker while I worked at The Dallas Morning News.

The newspaper published a wonderful obituary today. Read it here.

Also, Tyra, as she has throughout this journey, has written a compelling, beautiful and heart-breaking story about Steve's final day. It is worth reading, though be prepared to shed some tears.

I ask that you keep the Damm family in your thoughts and prayers in the days and months to come.

Bye, bye crib

After a month of climbing out of various pack 'n plays and cribs,
Kelsey has graduated to a toddler bed. She loves it! I'm hoping the
hard part of the transition is behind us, left in various cities
during our August travels!

Thankfully ...

Ken and I were able to have an evening out, just what I needed, on our
last evening in NYC.

Our dear friend Sharilyn kept the hotel room quiet while we had a
couple of light beers at McSorley's, a NYC establishment for 150
years. (They have the dust to prove it and a review from 1914.)

Afterward we visited Grand Central Station. It was almost 11 years ago
that we did the same. Ken then proposed to me in Grand Central. We
celebrate 10 years of marriage next week, and this was a perfect
celebration.

By the end of Thursday ...

I was ready to be someplace like this, with adult conversation and
someone serving me.