No Harry Potter Spoilers- I promise

It would be remiss of me not to mention the major event of the last week, since many of you know me to be a HUGE Harry Potter fan. Of course I finished it within 12 hours of its release, but I promise, no spoilers. The release of Deathly Hallows was a large event, in part because it caused many fans to reflect on the last ten years of their life since the first book came out. (or whenever they became a fan)

I first read Harry Potter in 1998. I read book 1 & 2 in a weekend. Matt & I were on vacation when book 3 came out and we sat by the pool in Palm Beach and read. When we moved to Pasadena, I attended the midnight release party for Book 4 and stayed up all night reading. We were back in DC for books 5 & 6 and Matt waited on line for me at Borders. I had a new baby and was not waiting up. Same goes for book 7. There was no midnight party for me nor, reading till dawn.

Thus, my earlier point about the reflection of life's changes since Philosopher's/Sorcerers Stone. I know many teenagers and young adults are reading The Deathly Hallows and reflecting on their accomplishments similar to Harry's at age 17. Though there are no O.W.L.s for them or battles with Dark Wizards, there are SATs, college applications and first jobs to contend with. All are big changes from the Bar mitzvahs, acne and driving tests they had while reading the earlier books.

For adults the changes are not as pronounced, but they are there.The vacation we took for Book 3 was to celebrate my Grandmother's 80th birthday. She has since passed away. I had no children for Books 1-4. I had one child for books 5 & 6. For book seven, I have two children, and not just babies; children old enough to recognize Harry Potter on the cover of the book and in all the posters around town.

I have a feeling we have not heard the last of JK Rowling and her wonderful world of wizardry. I can't wait to see where I am in life when we next meet up with the next Hogwarts generation

Office Politics

Gossip seems to be human nature. In sixth grade it's all about who likes each other. In eleventh grade, it's who slept with each other. Same goes for college. When you graduate to an office environment, bed-partners remains a top subject, but in the interest of professionalism, much discussion occurs about work-place politics. Cubicle placement, firings, hirings, promotions etc... all come under the scrutiny of employees.

So what happens when women, who have been in the workplace leave? What do they discuss? Well, as one of those women, I can tell you...Pre-school politics. We hash it all under our plastic, safety microscopes. In fact, I just recieved an email, hot off the presses, about class placement in Nate's preschool.

One teacher left for personal reasons. The director shifted around classes and teachers and class names. There will be emails and phone calls flying tonight regarding the changes and hypothesis about class placement and the right place for our child.

So, for all those worried about women leaving the workforce in droves. Do not fear. We are keeping our skills sharpened for our eventual return.

Can a 4 year old be sexist?

I am not sure whether it is developmental or a precursor of things to come, but Nate has become a bit of a sexist pig lately. For example, today he announced, "Boys are faster runners than girls." When discussing his upcoming birthday party, he is quite clear that he wants no "girl" things in the goody bags. "Nothing pink or princess!," he announced with disdain dripping from each syllable uttered. When picking colors for cups or shovels etc... he chooses BLUE, cause pink is for girls! He is also taking it into more serious actions, by choosing only to play with boys at school. He wants nothing to do with the girls. I know this is a stage most boys and girls reach, but I am a bit concerned about his emphatic nature regarding gender.

I am trying to fight this by reminding him that some girls like pink and some like blue. Some boys like pink and some like blue. I really dont know where his stereotyping is coming from. Both Matt & I try to be really careful about gender roles and expectations. Yet, somehow gender pervasive myth has crept into Nate's vocabulary.

It may be the shows he watches on tv, but somehow I dont think so. His favorite show is Bindi the Jungle girl- a reality show about Bindi Irwin, heir apparent to the Croc hunter. Clearly, a strong female character. His superhero fetish isn't contributing either. He knows Wonderwoman can kick some serious butt. So where do kids get their ideas? Where is Nate learning that all girls like princesses, pink and tea parties?

Should I back off and attribute this to typical (almost) 5 year old behavior? Or, do I fight battle after battle reminding him that it is ok for girls to play soccer and boys can dance like Angelina Ballerina? Any thoughts? Ideas?

My Poor Baby

Jacob had surgery today. He had ear tubes put in and his adenoids removed. Poor little guy. We debated how much to tell him prior to the surgery. Since he is only 2 1/2, we did not think he would understand much, so we just told him we were going to the doctor, and Dr. Jack would fix his ears.

Several friends' children had this done, and they warned the hardest part was seeing them go under the anaesthesia. We only have one car, so Matt & I had to juggle responsibilties on surgery day. I thought about it, and I chose the cowardly route. I just did not think I could watch one of my babies get put to sleep. Matt took Jacob & I waited at home with Nate. Once Nate was picked up, I raced to the hospital in time to be there when Jacob woke up.

Is there anything worse than seeing your child sick? And thank god I don't know from truly sick.

OK, I am off. It has been a tiring day getting covered in tears and vomit.

I am still here

Matt just teased me that the last time I posted we only had one kid! Well, it has only been a a few weeks, and nothing much is new.