Convergence

The end of May is always a time of change for Gem.

His birthday is June 10 and this is a kid whose relationship with anticipation has long been tenuous. I've noticed this year that it seems a bit easier for him. It used to be a cloud of excitement that often crossed the border into anxiety that hovered about him. This year it's more like trails and wisps. I've no doubt he's internalized a lot more of it...he is older and that's part of growing up, but he does seem more at ease, about which I am happy for him.

This year has also brought what feels like a more distinct transition from Spring to Summer.

We went to a BBQ/pool party at Leo's house to kick off the Memorial Day holiday weekend. There we played badminton for the first time, burgers and hotdogs off the grill were enjoyed, the backdoor was pure percussion as kids and grown ups flowed in and out: it was a serious party :-)

At this party, Gem noticed many of the kids were availing themselves of the red licorice sticks that were part of the dessert buffet. He was interested, but Twizzlers are made with wheat. This sort of thing doesn't come up often for Gem because he's very selective when it comes to things to eat. (And, incidentally, we didn't talk about it until a couple of days after the party, when he brought it up.)

Lucky for us, there's a company that makes gluten-free red licorice sticks and you can order them at the Gluten-Free Mall.

We recently discovered the tasty fun that is Rita's. It was actually a seriously chilly day in May when we first went. Gem fell hard for their ices and lately, he has been asking a lot to go back. Between the weather, which has become quite summery, spending more time at the park which is quite close to Rita's, and this pre-birthday which ramps up the "I want..." in quite the unique way, there has been a lot of "not today, honey"s.

If we went to Rita's even half the times he has asked to go, it would add up to a significant amount of coin. And artificial food coloring and mystery sweetener (it may be straight sugar for all I know) in the veins.

Our solution: ice cream cones with sprinkles at home. This week they're into Neapolitan cones (a mix of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry) which we're making with soy ice cream, GFCF cones and GFCF sprinkles.

The kids have been really enjoying these :-)

When time becomes tricky, in anticipating a whole new age, or, adjusting to a new season, it's what can keep us grounded that bring us comfort. There have been a lot of hugs, there has been tuning into the rhythm of the baseball season (and the statistics that accompany that), and this morning, the renewal of a favorite ritual began with the arrival of the first birthday card and gift.

The turbulence is quieting. I think I see clear skies ahead.