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Published: August 23rd 2006
Pictured in approximately 1989 I was a freshman in high school having a sleepover at my friend Sara's house. To my side is my friend Maggie. A few weeks ago I was camped on that same red bed in LaCrosse, WI. This time, Sara's 5 year old son Ethan had to give up his room for the week. He very generously did. Though the room was missing the very trendy red and black color combo and Christmas lights woven through the bed frame, I enjoyed what Ethan had done with the place. His door was a perfect spot to display some stickers, haphazardly placed. He also used Scotch tape to prominently display a penny. My personal favorite, and sure to tug at any mom's heartstrings, was a small one inch by one inch proof of Sara receiving her high school diploma. This too was affixed to the wall with Scotch tape.
A few days later I watched Maggie (pictured earlier in 1989) get dogpiled by her kids, Morgan, age 5, and the triplets, Sam, Emily, and Nathan. This followed a very efficient lunch setup and a dizzying game of Ring Around the Rosie. I was feeling naseous and needed to
take a break after a few rounds, but the hard wood floor and spinning did not deter Sam and Nathan from repeatedly throwing themselves to the ground. While at Maggie's I asked Morgan what I needed to know to take care of the triplets. She emphasized the need to give timeouts for biting. Before leaving I was treated to an amazing Barbie pink glitter polish manicure courtesy of Morgan. She comes with my highest recommendation if you are ever in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Intermixed with these visits I also spent a day relaxing at the pool with Amy and her family. It was just as much fun as when we did it in high school, but this time I played with her daughter Maddy who will be in 1st grade at the same elementary school Amy and I attended. Maddy shared with me the discipline procedure of her kindergarten teacher which involved signing up in a book each time you had an infraction. Without much prompting she admitted to her infractions throughout the year. I guess I must have a trustworthy face. Amy's husband Jamie grilled some burgers and brats for lunch and we all ate while Jessie stared and
smiled at me and Cole refused to look my way.
My only visit with an absence of children was the breakfast I grabbed with Caroline, who I have known since 2nd grade, and Christopher, my first middle school boyfriend. Caroline is living in L.A. with her family. She is working hard to achieve her acting dreams and is the best and most hilarious storyteller I know. Her tales of her son Luke and daughter Mayah have always been side-splitters for me. Christopher was just heading out to a new job placement in Africa. Who says that these small town kids don't get out and see the world?
All these visits with friends allowed me the chance to collect some information which I must now choose to apply or disregard while spending time with my new nephew, Tyler. Tyler is now 4 months old. I met him for the first time a few days after arriving in WI. Of course I find him to be adorable. Being the competitor I am, I made sure he did his allotted tummy time while I was around. No nephew of mine is going to be behind with rolling over! 😊 Before leaving
I very clearly explained to him that I expected to see him sitting up when I see him next. I think I will have to work at being better about spoiling him. Shouldn't be hard with those big, blue eyes staring back.
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Caroline
non-member comment
verklempt
Awww...what a great blog. :) I wish I could have had a bit more time to spend with you, but I'm still glad I got to see you at all! Thanks for your nice words about me. I'm verklempt. Good luck as you begin your journey!!! Can't wait for more!