Monthly Archives: March 2010

Crossing the Threshold

Posted on by Standard 2

Literally.

Tonight all of August’s dreams came true when I let him go into what was once known as “Oscar and Edgar’s Playroom.”

Ever since he has been able to move his body from Point A to Point B, August has had designs on his big brothers’ playroom.  I could point him in one direction; and, invariably, he would pivot himself around and make his way to the place where all small choking hazards reside–Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, LEGO.  It’s as though this room has been a destination–a goal–since the moment he came home.

And now he’s in–happily emptying bins, poking around where he shouldn’t be, and generally having the time of his life.

Oscar instituted the “No Throwing Things” rule when August is in the room; so, he should be safe and welcome–for now!  We’ll see what happens the first time their busy brother levels one of their creations or dismantles a puzzle they just put together.

Given August’s determination, something tells me he’ll handle it!

I Blame Mr. Ed

Posted on by Standard 1

In looking at the post that immediately precedes this one, the only phrase that comes to mind is from the sublime to the ridiculous.  So, if you’ll pardon the cliché, join me on a little journey on the way home from August’s celebratory lunch on Friday.

The Scene:

We were all in a mild torpor brought on by the relief of the finalization of August’s adoption and the carbohydrate- and fat-laden lunch we had just consumed.  Everything was quiet, too quiet.

OSCAR:  “Mom?  Dad?  I think we should get a new pet.”

ME:  “Are you thinking about a dog?  Do you think we should start looking for a dog?”

OSCAR:  “No, I think we should get a jackass!”

The two shocked parents, the two very reasonable, very appropriate over-forty adults in the car look at each other.  Their eyes widen.  Laughter is stifled.

OSCAR:  “Edgar, don’t you want a jackass?”

EDGAR:  “No!  I want a baby jackass!”

ME:  “We can’t get a donkey!”

OSCAR:  “Raise your hand if you want a jackass!”

EDGAR:  “Raise Baby August’s hand!  Baby August, don’t you want a jackass?”

Oscar gently raises August’s hand, who giggles at the attention (or perhaps at the prospect of owning a mule).  The two parents now have tears streaming down their eyes, trying to hide their amusement from their very attentive children. 

OSCAR:  “That’s it!  Three to two.  We’re getting a jackass!”

[DISCLAIMER:  You might be wondering where such nice children learned such a cheeky word.   It’s simple, really.  Edgar loves horses.  So, we naturally thought the boys would enjoy the 1960’s masterpiece Mr. Ed, forgetting for a moment that Ed is at times a naughty little Palomino.  Couple his most inappropriate ramblings with a laugh track and you have young viewers who don’t know why something is funny but sense that it is.  Oscar only knows the word as something Mr. Ed said to describe a donkey and that it produced a laugh on the television show. Being the dutiful parents we are, however, we did explain that “jackass” is not a word that you can say in polite company, that it has other meanings that are not very nice.  The boys bought it and seemed to understand, but I’m fairly certain they still want one for a pet!  And I am equally certain that this won’t be the last time they say something we shouldn’t laugh at but will nonetheless–because they’re silly, because they’re funny, and because we’re human.]

August’s Adoption Day

Posted on by Standard Reply

Today we received several gifts in honor of August’s Adoption Day.  One was from the beautiful and selfless Laurie Dickinson, who took care of August for the first 66 days of his life before he could come home to his family, a person whom we now consider a member of our family.  It was a plaque that read:  “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.” 

Today was a day that took our breath away.

Happy Adoption Day, August Farias!  You are ours and we are yours–forever.