A Sweet Valentine's Day Party for the Pre-K Crowd

Last Friday, CJ's pre-school class had its Valentine's Day party. I didn't think I was going to make it but my morning meeting ended right on time and I was able to rush to the school. CJ was thrilled that I made it. There were a bunch of moms there and the kids whose moms attended were definitely proud to have their moms be in the classroom. But you know, some days, I just can't make it and I can't be guilty about it.

I can't believe how grown up the kids are getting. They sang their prayer song, ate their cupcakes and candy independently and without too much mess, then exchanged their Valentines. CJ gave his classmates handmade valentines that we made together, as well as special Valentine play doh. It seems every manufacturer has to have a seasonal offering. Play Doh had a package of 20 small play doh cans in sweet colors - lavender, pink, purple, white, orange. One of moms made super yummy chocolate cupcakes. Homemade cupcakes are definitely the best!

BTW, it's hilarious how many tweets I saw on Thursday night about making Valentines with their kids. We all know the Valentine party is coming, but we still procrastinated on making the valentines. Thank goodness CJ only has 8 classmates because it took hours to make the cards! But it was definitely fun.

Check out CJ's happy face. This kid just loves chocolate, can't get enough of it. I remember that we used M&Ms and trains as bribes during potty training - worked very well.

On the actual Valentine's Day, we went to dinner at a neighbor's house. The grown-ups enjoyed a little peace and quiet while the kids played with the trains. Nice evening and I'm not sure I would have swapped it for dinner a fancy restaurant.

I need a mommy coach

I think I need a mommy coach. You know, someone who can guide me through the ins and outs of being a mom, especially a mom of a pre-schooler.

I had a near traumatic experience on Tuesday morning, Valentine's Day. I woke up early to get some work done before my early meeting. CJ had a Valentine's Day party during school and I checked his school newsletter to check the time.

As I read the announcement about the party more closely, it said, "please make sure you bring a valentine for every child in class." Oh my god, I realized that the valentines that CJ had made in school were not sufficient. My child was expected to bring a valentine for every child in the class. So here it was, 6am, I need to be in Maryland by 9am and I hadn't showered or eaten.

I ran around like a crazy woman, looking for supplies. Luckily, CJ and I had made a bunch of paper snowflakes the previous weekend. I decided to make Valentine's Day cards with the snowflakes. Problem was, I could not find the glue stick. I actually called the nanny at home at 6:30am to find out where she keeps the glue stick.

I did it. I made 15 Valentine's Day cards, got dressed, got CJ dressed and ready for school, and was only 15 minutes late to my meeting. CJ did not have to endure the trauma of being the only child without valentines for his classmates. Phew. Saved by the snowflakes.

So I definitely need a mommy coach. Someone who will remind me to buy CJ's Halloween costume in September, tell me what snacks are good for pre-schoolers, teach me about playdate etiquette, and tell me about upcoming craft projects. Dear God, CJ is only 3.