Random pictures from 1988

Vito at a school function

Vito and friend Chris at Chuckie Cheese

Vito with his Uncle's dog

Christmas 1988

Vito opening presents on Christmas day, so cute.

Vito opening his train set.

Smokie playing with his new toy mouse.

Vito playing with Smokie.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

Play time

Here's Vito riding a scooter at his Aunt's house in 1988.

More 1988 Pics

Vito in the dining room of my apartment in 1988

Our cat Smokie in 1988.  He passed away about a year later and Vito took it very hard.

Vito all psyched up and ready for school, Kindergarten.

Fall of 1988

Fun in the tub

Big Smile!

Crashed after a long day

  

Vito and I at the beach, circa 1988

My Mom took these pics I believe.  I don't remember this day specifically but beach days always required a sunscreen ritual for both of us.

Some pictures of Vito from 1988

So big!

Being silly.

Winding down.

Not happy.

       Mother's day was yesterday, it's a bittersweet day for me.  I know I'm very lucky to have my Mom still around.  I enjoy getting her a little something, to show my appreciation for all she does, and spending some time together.  That's the sweet part.  

       For the bitter, well, the day inevitably comes with thoughts of "What if".  I can't help thinking about what I'm missing, what should have been, my due.  Scott, my husband, does an awesome job of making me feel appreciated.  He got me flowers and did my chores for me, but there will always be a void that no one can fill.  If Vito was still alive he would probably do something special for me.  Of course I can't know that for sure, but I imagine there would be some gesture.  I know it's silly but I feel cheated in a way. 

       Over the years I've learned to just nip these thoughts and feelings in the bud before they blossom into full blown nostalgia and despair.  I know now that I have to quickly rein in that cruel, nagging voice that always threatens to torment me on that day.  It rises up from the back of my mind whispering softly at first, then louder and louder "You're not a Mom, your child is gone, you don't deserve a Mother's day".  I know that voice, my inner critic, is wrong.  I also know where that voice comes from.  I know now I no longer have to fear it.  Someday, I hope, the voice will be silent.  Yes,  Mother's day is bittersweet.

Presents!

This gift in the picture certainly changed our lives. Vito wasn't very good at first but he kept at it. I tried playing too and found it quite addicting. It's 1988 and I got my first Christmas gift from Vito this year. It was a huge box of chocolates. At first I thought his father had picked them out. I was so touched when Vito told me he picked them out himself. I love candy. Vito seems to be enjoying school and brings home adorable hand made cards and ornaments.

First school picture

His Kindergarten picture and Vito looks so adorable. He has become Mommy's little helper and doesn't need to be constantly monitored anymore. I don't let my guard down too much though as he is always thinking and full of surprises. Once, while I was in the kitchen and he was out on the balcony, I heard a blood curdling scream. Fearing the worst I ran out to the balcony to see what was wrong. There was my little angel with his head stuck between the balusters and a captive audience of neighborhood kids. It was wedged in there good and no variation of turning, pushing or pulling could get him out. As a last resort I poured some dish washing soap on his head and out he popped. Never a dull moment when Vito's around.

First day of school

This is fall, 1988 and it's Vito's first day of kindergarten. He catches the bus at his Aunts house to go. He's not a huge fan of school but he does very well without even trying. He's adjusting to our apartment life but there's really no lawn we can call our own. There's a play area with a sandbox but an older boy who likes to bully keeps Vito from playing there much. Occasionally we have a nice view of the sunset. One night we enjoyed a clear view of a lunar eclipse above the tall, beautiful pines behind our building.

Flashback, love the acid washed jeans

It's May, 1988 and Vito is posing in our new apartment. It's a tough time for us because his father and I have just separated. Vito is confused and somewhat angry with me. I try to make the transition as smooth as possible. We both agree that joint custody is best for Vito but my days without him are sad and lonely. The apartment is nice and affordable and Vito adjusts well. He is such a trooper and eventually forgives me.

Let's party

Here Vito is in January 1988 sharing in the New Year celebration. He's four years old and the "terrible twos" are finally starting to wear off. He loves to be tickled and laugh and be silly. Once he gets going it's hard to calm him down. If I lay down on the couch he likes to walk on me. I don't mind because my back is sore from work and he makes it feel better. He's curious about everything. There is literally no stone left unturned in the yard. Every other sentence he speaks is punctuated with a "Why?". It's so much fun to teach him things but it makes me realize how little I know.