The Show

Lately I've had notes coming home in Max's school folder saying that I should review his alphabet with him daily and log every book that he reads. We spend over an hour a day doing homework already as he struggles to keep up with the demand. This is overwhelming for Max and me and particularly sad for Lucas who spends his evenings watching and reciting dialog along with Diego, Alicia and Swiper while Max and I battle over math word problems and the differences between p, d, and b.

The timing of advice from my parent/child bereavement support group leader couldn't have been better. "Take some time this week to really enjoy your kids," she told us, a group of young adults who have lost a significant other or spouse, all unsteadily trying to parent through grief. "Put the phone away, don't worry about homework or the dishes in the sink, and just be with them." So, this weekend, apart from some brief "me" time to go running and attend a friend's baby shower, I did just as she suggested. And it was wonderful. Here are some highlights.

The beginnings of an elaborate performance starring the caped crusader.

Act II featured different costumes and accessories and involved jumping on the bed for about 30 minutes while singing several impromptu pop song compositions.

Jumping.

A heartfelt duet.

The New York Aquarium was fun.  But not as fun as a run along the beach at Coney Island.

The sand did not slow them down.

Max saw this picture and loved how his shadow made him look "like a grown up."

Back at home in the artist's studio/my living room, Lucas Pollack boldly turns the recycling into his canvas.