Maternity leave - day 2

Starting preschool with hat head

It wasn't easy, but we finally made it out of the door.  Just Teoman and I walked to preschool today.

He told me he didn't want to go anymore because a couple of the boys are always fighting.  I'm not sure if it's because I'm home, or maybe he's not feeling well, but I'm pushing him to go anyhow - as to not make the decision in the moment.  And he seems happy once there anyhow.

I went to the gym after dropping him off and swam.  It may be awkward changing and putting on a swimsuit - but swimming really is perfect right now.  The pool is warm and all the pressure is off all my joints.  I swam back and forth, resting and swimming for 45 minutes.  I surprised myself as I usually don't have the much stamina, let alone interest for any kind of exercise.

I came home and Tomris greeted me at the door hugging me and pulling me right into the living room to witness her play set  up.  She seemed to be quite happy have all the toys and everybody's attention with her abi at school.  

Zuleyha (our nanny was cooking), and I made some coffee and sat with Tomris for a bit then began the process of dressing and getting out the door to pick up Teoman.  His preschool is about three blocks away.  Three long blocks.  It might as well be three miles with both kids so we usually bring the stroller too.  I had promised Teoman that I would let him play in the snow after school, so I dressed Tomris in snow pants, and pulled out Teoman's gear as well.  My mother-in-law was twittering around like a nervous bird, trying to be helpful and coral Gokhan out the door.  Speaking for him by offering his help.  Gokhan and I are almost the same age, and not matter how many times Tolga has spoken to his mother about this, she still treats Gokhan like a school aged boy, and Gokhan relies on her in the same way.  I agreed to him coming - Tolga had told me before I should bring Gokhan with me when I go out, and I figured he would enjoy playing in the snow with us.  Gokhan came out of his room in dress pants, a dress coat, and ready to put on his dress shoes.  

"Are you going to the park with us?"

"Are you going to the park?"

"Yes, for a little bit"

"Okay."

"Don't have gloves or a hat?"

"No I don't."

I was immediately annoyed.  Last year, he always complained about the cold and we bought him gloves, scarf and a hat ... I don't even remember.  This is the same person that complains of a stomach ache if the window is open.  His immune system is the equivalent of an old woman.  And now he was so willing to join us, but with nothing to take care of himself.  And I wasn't about to "dress" my third grown child.

Me: Don't come, we'll drive there.

Anne: He can put his hands in his pockets!

I kept walking.

Anne: But it will be hard for you.

Me: Yes.  Its is hard to do everything.

Zuleyha: I'm done cooking, do you want me to come.

Me: I love you.

Teoman's angel

My snow muffin

It was a cold today, but sunny.  I dropped Zuleyha off at the market to pick up somethings for us, picked up Teoman, and returned for Zuleyha.  We parked back in our complex - Zuleyha brought the food upstairs and Teoman to change - while Tomris and I waited downstairs making snow balls.  We all walked to the park together and the kids were so happy to play in the snow.  It was so sweet.

We came home and napped.  Zuleyha put the kids down.  Normally I'd let them pile in the bed with me, but Zuleyha had them on a routine and since we are trying to get them used to falling asleep in their own beds, I let her ... and took a nap, BY MYSELF, in my bed.  It was great.

We woke up, had a donut, and piled in the car to go to Teoman's best bud Mina.  It was a pretty good day again.

I love being at home.  This time together.

In the dog house

don't worry, it hasn't been used by any dogs yet...