Changing Times

The biggest recent change in our home is that Rubin James started school a couple of weeks ago. I have to admit I'm having a little bit of a hard time with it. He started first grade and I didn't realize how much harder it would be to send him to first grade than to kindergarten. Kindergarten was only three hours, but first grade is seven hours! I miss RJ around here during the day. He gives Graham something to do and is Uriah's buddy a lot of the time. Most of all though, I miss not having someone understand me, even if it was just a little bit. There were times when Uriah was screaming at me and RJ would come up and say, "Gee, the baby's being feisty today!" and I would nod and sigh with frustration. This small conversation meant so much to me because I realized someone noticed the hard time I was having. Now I have Graham and Uriah quarreling at home during the day and I really miss my confidante.

One piece of exciting news is that we switched RJ to a local charter school. This charter school is really great and has a lot of good programs. But the main reason for the switch is simply because we felt good about that school. He loves his new school and we're happy to see him happy.



RJ on his first day of school. He looks so grown up!

What does Graham do during the seven hours RJ is at school? (I mean, besides picking on Uriah?) Why, he takes care of RJ's stuffed animals of course! It is a big job because the animals are often lonely, scared, tired, and hungry. Graham is such a good caregiver. He juggles the comforting of his and RJ's animals with ease. He is always telling RJ's newest animal, Little Rexy, "Rubin will be home soon. I'll take care of you while Rubin's at school." Then he gives Little Rexy a big hug and tucks him under a blanket so he can take a nap. It's all very sweet!



Graham and Little Rexy

Last, but not least, Uriah is still not saying Mama. He says doggie, woof, meow, tweet, ball, bye, Daddy, and even Grandpa. But he will not say Mama. We actually have this little joke where I point at myself and say, "Who's this?" and he throws his head back and laughs like I have said the funniest thing on the planet. Laugh it up, Chuckles.

Here's Mr. Helpful himself. He is truly helpful except when the vacuum is actually turned on. Then he runs away in terror!