Ahh…now I get to take a bit of a break. I am done sitting for both of my exams; I passed the first one but the one I took this week I won’t have results for 10-13 weeks. And I’m not sure how likely it is I passed. I gave it my all…again, but what a darn difficult test. I have lots of feelings about the test; things I would have done differently considering time, strategy, etc. This exam format was all new so taking it in the past wasn’t really all that helpful as it was like a whole new exam. And one that I didn’t particularly like. But now I am working on not thinking about it for the next 2-3 months and then we will go from there. I only have 25% left of this darn exam before I never have to take it again. Or maybe I’m already there but I just won’t know that for weeks and I can focus my mind elsewhere in the meantime.
We ended up having an enjoyable spring break at home. Both girls went to Brooke’s school on Monday and Tuesday and both seemed to really enjoy being there together. I think Reese liked being the oldest there and had no complaints whatsoever, and Brooke seemed to enjoy Reese there as she kept asking after Tuesday if Reese was going to come back to her school. It was adorable (and easy) dropping them off at the same place and also great getting them in the afternoon together. We had Reese’s eye doctor checkup and all things are looking like her glasses are really helping her and Reese tolerated the appointment so well that we headed over to the Seattle Center to play at the massive playground there that Reese loves so much. Brooke had a good time too until she got clunked next to her eye by the big girl swing she had been swinging on. She’s fine but it left a surprising mark next to her eye. We picked up Halal Guys on our way home which was a nice treat and a sighed a relief at being done with this dreaded eye appointment.
Then Wednesday and Thursday Reese went to her Kids Club Camp spring break days and had a great time with her buddy Clara and Brooke reunited with her nanny share duo of Katie and Maya plus another toddler for a trio. It all worked out. Reese had a field trip to Alki Beach where they got ice cream, played on the beach, and Reese seemed totally amped up from it all. They also walked up to Volunteer Park on Thursday so I think Kids Club was a 10/10. Brooke seemed to settle in just fine with the nanny share group, although it was either from that time or just her being a 2-year-old that she has been especially sensitive, moody, and irrational ever since. It’s probably age, I remember Reese like this too. But there have been a fair share of Brooke meltdowns lately and a lot of being upset with how I’ve done things for her or done things wrong. “No mama!”
Friday we all took the day off to do something fun together. We had thought of going spring skiing but also wanted to do the sledding hill and that wasn’t an option and the magic carpets are now closed for the season so instead we headed down to Southcenter for a long morning of jumping and playing at Defy/Sky Zone, thanks entirely to a mystery shop. Both girls had a really good time and burned a lot of energy off. Reese definitely enjoyed the zipline the most throughout the day while Brooke jumped on the trampoline and seemed to enjoy the toddlers area quite a bit.
The entire weekend presented beautiful weather so we set out for a long bike ride to Discovery Park in Magnolia with the girls on Saturday afternoon. We packed snacks and our picnic blanket and had an enjoyable ride, although those girls sure are getting heavy to pull. It was beautiful out but the wind was super chilly and both Bryan and I were freezing in our bike clothes at the shaded playground in the park. The girls enjoyed playing but we kept taking turns trying to warm up in the sun. Fortunately, Sunday was a lot warmer day and equally beautiful. I got to play soccer down the street at the Arboretum. Our team not only played well but we also won, a rarity! After that success I picked up the rest of the crew to head to Reese’s game over in Wallingford. Her team also played really well, had a great turnout of players, and also won their game. It was such a beautiful afternoon that we headed over to the Wallingford Playfield to play for a while after the game and enjoyed dinner of dumplings and noodles that Bryan picked up for us a block away from, get this, Dumpling the Noodle. Dinner was delicious and the girls (and us) were happy.
We’ve continued Reese in swim classes and she is really progressing with her swim skills. She’s in the most advanced group now and really working on kicking, pushing off the wall, starting to use her arms, and jumping into the pool independently. I’m so proud of her, especially as I witness 1 in 4 kids refuse to even get into the water. We will finish out this session that just started, break for the summer, and then once she is 6 she will be in leveled swim classes.
This week was one I wasn’t looking forward to with the exam and really pushing through the last few days of study. But I did it. Brooked managed to have a rare terrible night of sleep Tuesday night leading up to my exam but I was at the exam center with plenty of time to get my Starbucks treat and look over a few notes. The exam was fast and furious for the full five hours. I left the exam center in somewhat of a mental fog and went straight to get my nails done. Even by the time I got home at 3 to meet up with Bryan to go get a celebratory drink at happy hour before getting the girls, my mind was still equal parts racing and mush. The cocktails certainly helped and Bryan is such a good support with everything.
Thursday was my first day without studying since the beginning of February, and it’s nice. Even with work being busy I’m feeling like a weight is lifted. I’ve reselected books from the library to check out and have been catching up on laundry and other things that have been on the back burner.
Bryan got to meet up with one of his favorite retired coworkers, Mark, who met him from brunch in Madison Park on Saturday morning and then the girls and I met up with them at the playground afterwards. And we had a night out yesterday for the annual fundraiser for Reese’s school. We had such a good time! We really feel like we have an amazing group of fellow parents at the school and after the prom themed auction, which was very well done with dinner, drinks, even boutonnières for purchase, our large group headed out to a bar to continue the party. Today though, we are paying for it. Bryan’s paying his dues with taking the girls to dance right now and I’m next us with coaching a group of girls on the soccer field this afternoon.
Getting older is so fun…but at least I don’t have to study!
—
Chelsea
