Days at Play with my Hud
Jason has mentioned in his journal that while he writes his novel, Hud and I take off to various activities around the Whangamata town. I thought that I’d give a few more details and pictures of Hud at play. Here’s the breakdown of a normal Monday to Friday week:
Monster Monday:
Jason up at 5:30. Downstairs to prep for his grueling daily walk. First he must check his emails, chat on messenger and check sports highlights.
Hud up at 7ish. Jason makes Hud’s and his breakfast and they watch cartoons.
Steph up at the leisurely hour of 8ish.
Mad rush to get showered, dressed and out the door by 9ish for our daily activity.
Activity: Playcentre in Whangamata. It is an amazing centre for kids from age zero to five. It is play heaven. All the messy things that most kids don’t get to do at home, they do here. There is, painting, crafts, play dough, costumes, grocery store, dolls, trains, cars, puzzles, story area, snack area. Outside there is a huge sand pit, jungle gym, trikes, swings, trampoline, building area, playhouse… It goes on and on.
After almost three weeks of being here, Hud is really getting used to playing with other kids and just having fun with all sorts of new kid stuff. I feel like I am getting this amazing opportunity all over again to be a mom. While working so much at home,
I almost forgot how to play. It has been a bit of a learning curve for me too. It is slightly different here. The moms are more relaxed about some things. For one, the kids all run around in bare feet. It’s like shoes are optional. I do get a little freaked out about Hud running around in his tootsies in the building area where there are nails scattered on the ground. They also seem to let their kids explore things without as much doting. Like hammering and sawing. They get their hands and bodies for that matter into the paint without a single mom saying…."not on your shirt sweetie". I am trying to be more relaxed. But when no one is looking, I do sneak over and pick up the stray nails and put the jagged saw back in the cupboard.
Tickle Tuesday
Same routine as Monday.
At playcentre, Hud’s favourite things to do right now are costumes. They have these animal tails that Hud manages to go home with everyday. He wears them all around town growling at the locals. Last Tuesday, we also had a play date at someone’s house from lunch on. This week they are coming over here, to give Jason some interaction.
Wacky Wednesday
Morning routine same.
Activity: M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers). This is a bi-weekly event that happens at the local Anglican Church. The mothers get together in one room and the kids are looked after by volunteers in the next room over. Last time the moms talked about scrap booking. We did have a prayer before hand and had a little discussion about “spirited” children. This situation is all very new to me. They did serve cake though. Gooey pineapple cake with frosting melting down the sides. Food obsessed.
Hud didn’t like it last time. The other crying kids freaked him out. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow. The topic for tomorrow is Christmas stockings.
Thoughtful Thursday
Morning same.
Playcentre again.
Last Thursday the kids made shortbread cookies. This Thursday is the last day for playcentre for two weeks. It is school holidays. We will have to set up more independent play dates.
Freak-out Friday
Morning Same.
Activity: Mainly Music at the Baptist church. This is where the kids & parents sing songs and dance. Some of the songs are religious. Hud hasn’t asked about God or Jesus yet. Jason and I haven’t really talked about this subject. It’s on the to do list. Not every mom in the group seems religious, but religious organizations seem to be the foundation that offers most of the activities for the people of the town. The other thing that I noticed was that everyone church hops for the different events. So we sing and dance, get a snack and tea and then say Amen.
After this, it is off to the Toy Library to get some loaner toys. Right now Hud has a FP castle and an FP pirate ship. They have to go back on Friday. I’m not sure whether Hud completely understands that these toys are on loan. We’ll face that when we have to.
This Friday’s music class is a Pajama party. Do you think that means dress up for the moms too? I can just imagine it now, I put on my best lingerie and am the only one feeling cold and unwholesome.
That’s our week in a nutshell, full of new friends and fun. We do miss our friends at home. Please don’t feel threatened in any way. We are not accepting any permanent friend resumes. You’re all in good standing.
Love & miss you all,
Steph & Hud
xo
posted by Jason @ 1:10 AM
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