Poor little guy has his first ear infection. Jack went in for his 6 month check-up last week. Doc said he looks great...other than the virus he was apparently sporting (fever, rash, no big deal really). So, we couldn't get his shots at that visit and had to schedule a visit for this week hoping he would be over the virus. Well, he is over the virus (no more fever, etc.), but has an ear infection. No wonder he hasn't been sleeping!
Despite being a little cranky and a little clingy, he has really been super smiley and active. He has started pulling himself up to standing and is almost really crawling. He does this cute army-crawl kind of thing, but doesn't lift his body off the floor in order to get places. So, gone are the fleeting days where I can set him down somewhere and expect him to be there for more than a few seconds!
He is chewing on absolutely EVERYTHING so I hope he actually cuts some teeth soon. We will all sleep a little better that way, I think!
He LOVES his big sister. She is quite a ham and provides no shortage of opportunities for him to smile, laugh, and grab. Now that he is a little more mobile, she is learning how quickly he will grab her stuff. She is definitely not a fan of that!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Pink Princess Party
The definition of insanity should include a short video clip of a birthday party with four three-year-old girls throwing elbows, pushing, taking toys, and crying for no ascertainable reason. Overall it was great to hang out with our friends, but peaceful it was not. Three couples that we are close to also have 3-year-old daughters. So, we decided to start with the theory that you should allow your child to invite one friend per year of existence. Since Katherine was turning three we invited three friends.
Her only real request was a pink birthday. James had an out-of-town speaking engagement that night so we decided to do breakfast. Thus, the Pink Princess Pancake Party was born. Of course we are NOT morning people so the official start time was 10am. We had pink pancakes, pink/red fruit (watermelon, raspberries, strawberries with bananas and apples thrown in for good measure), princess goodies for each girl to take home, and four very cute princesses.
I don't know if it was a full moon, if it was just the wrong time of day, or if we didn't feed them enough, but it was like watching mini cage fighters in dresses (just kidding). Really though, they were whining, crying, pushing, hitting, wrenching toys away from one another...it was such chaos you just had to laugh.
In the end we were all well-fed, the parents got to socialize, the girls had fun overall, and the little brothers got some socialization in too. Not bad for a 3-year-old party!
Her only real request was a pink birthday. James had an out-of-town speaking engagement that night so we decided to do breakfast. Thus, the Pink Princess Pancake Party was born. Of course we are NOT morning people so the official start time was 10am. We had pink pancakes, pink/red fruit (watermelon, raspberries, strawberries with bananas and apples thrown in for good measure), princess goodies for each girl to take home, and four very cute princesses.
I don't know if it was a full moon, if it was just the wrong time of day, or if we didn't feed them enough, but it was like watching mini cage fighters in dresses (just kidding). Really though, they were whining, crying, pushing, hitting, wrenching toys away from one another...it was such chaos you just had to laugh.
In the end we were all well-fed, the parents got to socialize, the girls had fun overall, and the little brothers got some socialization in too. Not bad for a 3-year-old party!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
They are growing up so fast!
I can't believe that our little man is four months old! It just seems crazy. He is moving through the baby stage so quickly I can't keep up. In the last couple of weeks he has started rolling over from his back to his belly. He ends up propped up on his elbows, looking around. Then he starts trying to lift his little bottom into the air, and usually ends up scooting forward inch-worm style. He can move several feet with a combination of rolling and scooting!
He has also started testing his vocal chords. I can't even reproduce the sounds he makes with words. Just know that he reaches a pretty high pitch when he is excited! He has also started giggling a little bit. At first it was only when we tickled him, then when we made silly faces at him, but now he does it when we laugh! So much fun!
Katherine is also getting to be a big girl. We won't know for sure until her check-up next week, but she is getting pretty tall. I think she is going to have long legs like her mama.
I can't believe she starts preschool next week! For the first few weeks Jack and I will have to hang out in the building because her class cannot have more than one child who hasn't turned three yet. But, once she turns three she'll be going three days a week by herself. Of course she won't know that Jack and I are in the building so as far as she knows, she starts her big girl school next week!
She is so funny. The things that come out of her mouth amaze me. I am sure that it is developmentally appropriate, but when she pulls three and four syllable words out of thin air it makes me realize how big she is getting. She told me yesterday that something was impossible. I know that isn't rocket science, but it just made me realize that she isn't a baby or even a toddler anymore!
One new thing that I am not excited about is the persistent "but why?" that she can pipe up with over and over and over again. Any ideas for quashing a string of those before you go crazy (or more likely just plain run out of answers)?
Anyway, here are some photos of Mr. Jack and his first attempts at locomotion.
He has also started testing his vocal chords. I can't even reproduce the sounds he makes with words. Just know that he reaches a pretty high pitch when he is excited! He has also started giggling a little bit. At first it was only when we tickled him, then when we made silly faces at him, but now he does it when we laugh! So much fun!
Katherine is also getting to be a big girl. We won't know for sure until her check-up next week, but she is getting pretty tall. I think she is going to have long legs like her mama.
I can't believe she starts preschool next week! For the first few weeks Jack and I will have to hang out in the building because her class cannot have more than one child who hasn't turned three yet. But, once she turns three she'll be going three days a week by herself. Of course she won't know that Jack and I are in the building so as far as she knows, she starts her big girl school next week!
She is so funny. The things that come out of her mouth amaze me. I am sure that it is developmentally appropriate, but when she pulls three and four syllable words out of thin air it makes me realize how big she is getting. She told me yesterday that something was impossible. I know that isn't rocket science, but it just made me realize that she isn't a baby or even a toddler anymore!
One new thing that I am not excited about is the persistent "but why?" that she can pipe up with over and over and over again. Any ideas for quashing a string of those before you go crazy (or more likely just plain run out of answers)?
Anyway, here are some photos of Mr. Jack and his first attempts at locomotion.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Finally Home
This is a duplicate post to one on my blog, sorry if you get a repeat! I'll post pictures soon.
Well, we are finally home from our last major road trip of the summer. I am happily exhausted. In the midst of each of our trips I wondered more than once why in the world we had decided to take two kids under the age of three on such long road trips and so many of them in one summer. But, in the end I am happy we went on each of them and have been blessed by the experiences.
Where did we go? Our summer began with a week-long trip to stay with James' parents in Wadsworth, OH. James had to be on-site at one of his clients all day every day that week so we stayed with grandma and grandpa to get out of the house and get some help! We traded in our SUV and got the van the last day of that trip, enjoying the additional space on the way home.
A few weeks later we drove to St. Louis for a convention I was attending (and volunteering for). Daddy and two kids cooped up in a hotel wasn't the most fun, but he was brave and took them both out to see the city. We also used a babysitting service a couple of times so that James could get out of the hotel and enjoy a few hours free of kids on the golf course. After six days in St. Louis we continued on to Kansas City where James had several meetings and a training course for work. Now it was mom's turn to be cooped up in a hotel room with the kids. The first hotel we checked into was spacious, but not nice at all (dirty - I never let my feet touch the carpet, I wore flip flops the entire time). So, we checked out after a couple of nights once we could get a room elsewhere. The second hotel was even more spacious and very nice. After five days in Kansas City we drove home (all 10 hours in one day).
A little over a week later we were in the car again to drive to Memphis for a convention James was attending (and also volunteering for). While I was solo parenting for much of the week, it was much easier since we were staying at a friend's house and I was essentially house/dog sitting while he worked the convention as well. We have friends in Memphis from when we lived there so it was nice to hang out with them again while we were there. We were also able to drop in and see some friends in Nashville on our way to Memphis and on our return home a week later.
We were home for two days, then packed the car again to head to a lake in northern Michigan to hang out with James' family. I was kind of nervous about camping with a three-month-old, but we ended up staying in James' brother's camper and had a great time! We were also able to attend a friend's baby shower while we were up that way and saw some extended family as well! After five days we headed home, dropping James off on the way home at a golf tournament.
A few days later, my mom arrived! This was her first time seeing Jack and the first time we had seen her since Christmas. James went back up to Michigan that weekend (last weekend) for a reunion with the guys he lived with his senior year of college. Mom was a great help while he was gone!
Three days after James' return, we all packed into the van and headed to Atlanta to see my brother. Lucas looks amazing! He is still confined to a wheelchair for a while longer since he can't put weight on his heels yet. He is out of the plaster casts and wearing removable walking casts. His spirits are high and he is working again, part time.
We also had the chance to hang out with some great friends who we never get to see anymore due to the distance! What a great trip. We toured the Coke museum and went to the amazing Atlanta Aquarium. We had a truly wonderful trip and brought home many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. What we won't cherish is the big souvenir we brought home, a crumpled front fender. We got in a minor accident leaving the aquarium on Friday. Everyone is fine if not a little embarrassed. It drives fine other than a little scraping that occurs when we make right turns. So, we drove home making as few right turns as possible! We got in late last night and unfortunately had to say goodbye to my mom today. She flew back to Tucson today after a wonderful visit. We will miss her a lot and look forward to hopefully all getting together in December!
Whew! What a long summer. At last we are home and can hopefully settle in and get back to normal over the next week just in time for James to go back to work. We were blessed to have him on sabbatical from work for the month of August.
Now we just have to get the car fixed!
Well, we are finally home from our last major road trip of the summer. I am happily exhausted. In the midst of each of our trips I wondered more than once why in the world we had decided to take two kids under the age of three on such long road trips and so many of them in one summer. But, in the end I am happy we went on each of them and have been blessed by the experiences.
Where did we go? Our summer began with a week-long trip to stay with James' parents in Wadsworth, OH. James had to be on-site at one of his clients all day every day that week so we stayed with grandma and grandpa to get out of the house and get some help! We traded in our SUV and got the van the last day of that trip, enjoying the additional space on the way home.
A few weeks later we drove to St. Louis for a convention I was attending (and volunteering for). Daddy and two kids cooped up in a hotel wasn't the most fun, but he was brave and took them both out to see the city. We also used a babysitting service a couple of times so that James could get out of the hotel and enjoy a few hours free of kids on the golf course. After six days in St. Louis we continued on to Kansas City where James had several meetings and a training course for work. Now it was mom's turn to be cooped up in a hotel room with the kids. The first hotel we checked into was spacious, but not nice at all (dirty - I never let my feet touch the carpet, I wore flip flops the entire time). So, we checked out after a couple of nights once we could get a room elsewhere. The second hotel was even more spacious and very nice. After five days in Kansas City we drove home (all 10 hours in one day).
A little over a week later we were in the car again to drive to Memphis for a convention James was attending (and also volunteering for). While I was solo parenting for much of the week, it was much easier since we were staying at a friend's house and I was essentially house/dog sitting while he worked the convention as well. We have friends in Memphis from when we lived there so it was nice to hang out with them again while we were there. We were also able to drop in and see some friends in Nashville on our way to Memphis and on our return home a week later.
We were home for two days, then packed the car again to head to a lake in northern Michigan to hang out with James' family. I was kind of nervous about camping with a three-month-old, but we ended up staying in James' brother's camper and had a great time! We were also able to attend a friend's baby shower while we were up that way and saw some extended family as well! After five days we headed home, dropping James off on the way home at a golf tournament.
A few days later, my mom arrived! This was her first time seeing Jack and the first time we had seen her since Christmas. James went back up to Michigan that weekend (last weekend) for a reunion with the guys he lived with his senior year of college. Mom was a great help while he was gone!
Three days after James' return, we all packed into the van and headed to Atlanta to see my brother. Lucas looks amazing! He is still confined to a wheelchair for a while longer since he can't put weight on his heels yet. He is out of the plaster casts and wearing removable walking casts. His spirits are high and he is working again, part time.
We also had the chance to hang out with some great friends who we never get to see anymore due to the distance! What a great trip. We toured the Coke museum and went to the amazing Atlanta Aquarium. We had a truly wonderful trip and brought home many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. What we won't cherish is the big souvenir we brought home, a crumpled front fender. We got in a minor accident leaving the aquarium on Friday. Everyone is fine if not a little embarrassed. It drives fine other than a little scraping that occurs when we make right turns. So, we drove home making as few right turns as possible! We got in late last night and unfortunately had to say goodbye to my mom today. She flew back to Tucson today after a wonderful visit. We will miss her a lot and look forward to hopefully all getting together in December!
Whew! What a long summer. At last we are home and can hopefully settle in and get back to normal over the next week just in time for James to go back to work. We were blessed to have him on sabbatical from work for the month of August.
Now we just have to get the car fixed!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Home Again...For Now
We got home early this morning from Memphis, our second (and second longest) trip in a series of summer voyages. We were there for the Pike convention. James worked a ton so the kids and I stayed out at our friend Dan's for the week. It was SO hot - I think the heat index was around 110 degrees on many of the days we were there - we really didn't do much outside.
We were able to see quite a few friends (through the convention and otherwise). It was wonderful to show off the kids and meet new additions to our friends' families. Of course, we never feel like we have enough time to actually reconnect with friends in a convention type environment. We definitely would have loved more of an opportunity to interact one-on-one (or family-to-family).
Here are some photos of our first trip (the St. Louis/Kansas City trip). I had hoped to spend some time uploading photos and blogging while in Memphis, but didn't end up having online access while we were there. So, I'll try to upload more as time permits! We leave again Thursday for a few days with family in Michigan. Then we're home again for a few days before my mom comes into town (yay)!
We were able to see quite a few friends (through the convention and otherwise). It was wonderful to show off the kids and meet new additions to our friends' families. Of course, we never feel like we have enough time to actually reconnect with friends in a convention type environment. We definitely would have loved more of an opportunity to interact one-on-one (or family-to-family).
Here are some photos of our first trip (the St. Louis/Kansas City trip). I had hoped to spend some time uploading photos and blogging while in Memphis, but didn't end up having online access while we were there. So, I'll try to upload more as time permits! We leave again Thursday for a few days with family in Michigan. Then we're home again for a few days before my mom comes into town (yay)!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
On the road...
Well, we're headed out for a long road trip beginning in a few hours. We'll be in St. Louis for a few days, then Kansas City for a few. We're probably crazy, but hopefully it will be fun!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Tons of Photos!
Sorry it has been so long since I've posted photos!
Wait a minute, who's in that baby seat?
Daddy's little helper
From grinning...
...to Laughing.
Swimming with the cousins
Hysterical!
What a great big sister
Sitting up like a big boy
What a pair
Strike a pose
Smirk
Big girl
Look at her go
GO BLUE
BEATS THOSE BUCKS
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Win a Babywearing Dream Stash!
As anyone who has been around me much knows, I enjoy using baby carriers. In fact, I find that they are indispensible. Whether it is trying to make it through the night walking up and down the stairs to get a collicky infant to sleep 0r just trying to get something done using both of your hands, I have found my baby carriers to be things I can't live without.
Well, the cool people over at Along For The Ride have a contest going on until July 31st where you can win a great collection of different types of carriers.
Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)
Once you enter, why not head back to the main site and shop their great selection or check out their information section?!
Well, the cool people over at Along For The Ride have a contest going on until July 31st where you can win a great collection of different types of carriers.
Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)
Once you enter, why not head back to the main site and shop their great selection or check out their information section?!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Update on Lucas
Lucas is doing well and in high spirits. His surgery on Wednesday went well. I'm not sure exactly what they did, but it involved plates, rods, and screws being put either in his back or his left foot. They sat him up in bed today (the first time he has been able to sit up in a week) so I think that made him feel better mentally. They hope to re-introduce solid foods tomorrow. Pray that he doesn't have the same reaction he did last time (he couldn't keep anything down in the beginning). Depending on how the next couple of days go, he may be out of the hospital by mid-week next week and could possibly be home the first week in July. Thank you again for all of your prayers.
Now, for some more recent pics of the kiddos:
Can you believe how big they are both getting! Katherine looks more like a little girl every day and Jack has definitely left the newborn stage behind. I can't take pictures often enough to capture their transitions!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thank You and an Update
A heartfelt thankyou to everyone who has been thinking of and/or praying for Lucas and the rest of our family! We are overwhelmed with the support.
Update on Lucas: We have more concrete information on his condition (two broken feet and several dislocated vertebrae) and have been told that he will undergo surgery in Barcelona on Monday (or possibly Tuesday). We haven't spoken directly to a doctor yet so have not been able to ask questions regarding extent of the injury to his feet, what procedures will be done during the surgery, or potential recovery time.
We are blessed to have a friend who lives and works in Barcelona. Emil has been able to visit Lucas in the hospital, spoke to the doctors (which netted the additional information since he is fluent in Spanish and not full of pain meds), and provided Lucas with a cell phone to use while he is in the hospital. Emil has been an amazing and invaluable friend!
Thanks to the cell phone we have been able to talk to Lucas at greater length. I don't know whose spirits were lifted more by our ability to just chat with him, ours or his! The family contact has been great for Lucas, he sounds much better after having an opportunity to be in contact with us.
So, we'll just take things one day at a time and provide updates as we are able!
Update on Lucas: We have more concrete information on his condition (two broken feet and several dislocated vertebrae) and have been told that he will undergo surgery in Barcelona on Monday (or possibly Tuesday). We haven't spoken directly to a doctor yet so have not been able to ask questions regarding extent of the injury to his feet, what procedures will be done during the surgery, or potential recovery time.
We are blessed to have a friend who lives and works in Barcelona. Emil has been able to visit Lucas in the hospital, spoke to the doctors (which netted the additional information since he is fluent in Spanish and not full of pain meds), and provided Lucas with a cell phone to use while he is in the hospital. Emil has been an amazing and invaluable friend!
Thanks to the cell phone we have been able to talk to Lucas at greater length. I don't know whose spirits were lifted more by our ability to just chat with him, ours or his! The family contact has been great for Lucas, he sounds much better after having an opportunity to be in contact with us.
So, we'll just take things one day at a time and provide updates as we are able!
We Need Your Prayers
We found out yesterday afternoon that my brother Lucas was in an accident in Barcelona, Spain. His injuries are not life-threatening, but he is in the hospital in a fair amount of pain and looking at surgeries on his back and at least one foot.
He was not traveling with anyone so is alone in a foreign country whose language he does not speak. Please pray for his physical recovery and that his spirits don't fall too much. We have no idea when or how he will be able to come home so we can use all the prayer we can get!
Thank you and God bless you and yours.
He was not traveling with anyone so is alone in a foreign country whose language he does not speak. Please pray for his physical recovery and that his spirits don't fall too much. We have no idea when or how he will be able to come home so we can use all the prayer we can get!
Thank you and God bless you and yours.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
How sweet it is to be loved by you...
...Katherine. Although I am often frustrated with the developing mind and emotions of a 2 1/2 year old girl, there are times when I have to hold back tears because she is so sweet. I'm not even talking about the random acts of kindness she does for others (like spontaneous sharing - unheard of for her age), the way she squeals and runs toward a friend (or stranger she has decided should be her friend) enveloping them in a bear hug, or the times when she thanks the check-out girl in the grocery store without being prompted.
No, I am talking about the little things she does or says to me, James or Jack that just melt your heart. One example is her new habit of asking how our day is. It could be breakfast time, we haven't even been up 30 minutes and she will look over and ask, "how is your day Mama?" Or we could be getting ready for a nap and she will inquire "how is Jack's day Mama?" She asks James the same question at least once a day. It is heartwarming to have someone so small, who your main job in life is to take care of, have a genuine interest in how you are doing.
She is also so much more observant than I thought. A couple of months ago I got my hair cut. When I got home she looked at me kind of sheepishly and said "I like your hair mommy, it's short." Granted, I cut off ten inches to donate to Locks of Love (I took advantage of how fast your hair grows during pregnancy), but I was still surprised that she not only noticed, but commented and was complimentary!
The same thing happened this morning. I put my short hair into two pigtails so that it would be out of my way because I had to bake six dozen cookies for our La Leche League chapter. I have not been able to pull my hair up much since getting it cut so this was a new "configuration" as Scuttle the seagull on Little Mermaid would say (I know, I just quoted an animated bird). I came downstairs where she and James were eating breakfast and she once again said, "I like your hair mommy." How sweet is that?!
She has also given me rave reviews on something I have cooked or made. "This is really good mommy, it's my favorite, thank you so much" is one such review. Comments like this will hopefully tide me over during the adolescent years when I am sure to hear "yuck" and "I don't like that," etc. I know those days will come, no matter how good an eater she is now. I think my brother Lucas and I were so good at those adolescent comments that my mom gave up cooking in a way she could enjoy. I'm jealous that after I left home she really started to experiment and make great food! Sorry Mom!
Oh well, the cookies are done, Jack is asleep, and Katherine and James are on their way home from swim class - I'll have to blog about that later, she isn't always a fan of the water. I need to package up these cookies and clean the kitchen!
No, I am talking about the little things she does or says to me, James or Jack that just melt your heart. One example is her new habit of asking how our day is. It could be breakfast time, we haven't even been up 30 minutes and she will look over and ask, "how is your day Mama?" Or we could be getting ready for a nap and she will inquire "how is Jack's day Mama?" She asks James the same question at least once a day. It is heartwarming to have someone so small, who your main job in life is to take care of, have a genuine interest in how you are doing.
She is also so much more observant than I thought. A couple of months ago I got my hair cut. When I got home she looked at me kind of sheepishly and said "I like your hair mommy, it's short." Granted, I cut off ten inches to donate to Locks of Love (I took advantage of how fast your hair grows during pregnancy), but I was still surprised that she not only noticed, but commented and was complimentary!
The same thing happened this morning. I put my short hair into two pigtails so that it would be out of my way because I had to bake six dozen cookies for our La Leche League chapter. I have not been able to pull my hair up much since getting it cut so this was a new "configuration" as Scuttle the seagull on Little Mermaid would say (I know, I just quoted an animated bird). I came downstairs where she and James were eating breakfast and she once again said, "I like your hair mommy." How sweet is that?!
She has also given me rave reviews on something I have cooked or made. "This is really good mommy, it's my favorite, thank you so much" is one such review. Comments like this will hopefully tide me over during the adolescent years when I am sure to hear "yuck" and "I don't like that," etc. I know those days will come, no matter how good an eater she is now. I think my brother Lucas and I were so good at those adolescent comments that my mom gave up cooking in a way she could enjoy. I'm jealous that after I left home she really started to experiment and make great food! Sorry Mom!
Oh well, the cookies are done, Jack is asleep, and Katherine and James are on their way home from swim class - I'll have to blog about that later, she isn't always a fan of the water. I need to package up these cookies and clean the kitchen!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Way To Go Big Guy
We just returned from Jack's one month check-up. Of course he woke up this morning with one eye swollen and gunked shut. I guess it was actually perfect timing so that we didn't have to bring him in separately to the doctor just for the eye. Turns out it is a clogged tear duct, apparently very common in babies. Normally it would just resolve itself, but since his eye is also kind of swollen the doc decided to give us a prescription for an antibiotic ointment. Fun stuff, smearing ointment in a wriggly newborn's eye!
The normal check-up part of the visit went well. He is growing like crazy! Although he was 8lbs 12oz when he was born, at his one week check-up he was only 8lbs 4oz. Well, a mere three weeks later he weighed in at a whopping 10lbs 12oz. He gained 2 1/2 lbs in three weeks! That is exciting stuff - especially since he was so sleepy in the beginning that I was waking him up to eat and even then he would only eat for about 5 minutes at a stretch.
I don't recall the other stats off the top of my head (they are written down in a folder which I left in the car and am too tired/lazy to go get right now). The doc was impressed by his growth though, so I'm happy! I'll try to get the camera out in a little bit when he wakes up and take some 1month photos to post.
The normal check-up part of the visit went well. He is growing like crazy! Although he was 8lbs 12oz when he was born, at his one week check-up he was only 8lbs 4oz. Well, a mere three weeks later he weighed in at a whopping 10lbs 12oz. He gained 2 1/2 lbs in three weeks! That is exciting stuff - especially since he was so sleepy in the beginning that I was waking him up to eat and even then he would only eat for about 5 minutes at a stretch.
I don't recall the other stats off the top of my head (they are written down in a folder which I left in the car and am too tired/lazy to go get right now). The doc was impressed by his growth though, so I'm happy! I'll try to get the camera out in a little bit when he wakes up and take some 1month photos to post.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Last Day of School
Katherine, Jack and I attended Katherine's last day of "school" today. She has been attending a toddler transition class since the fall and after a few weeks off, her last day was today. It is sort of a precursor to pre-school (funny, huh). During the fall I went with her both Tuesday and Wednesday. After the holiday break I was able to drop her off on Tuesdays and continued to attend with her on Wednesdays for music class, etc.
It really was a great way to introduce her to the concept of school and let her get used to being dropped off at school, confident that I would indeed actually pick her up at the end of class (a mere hour and a half later). She got to practice her sharing skills (or not), began to learn how to define limits for herself and her peers, and ultimately introduced her to conflict management on her level.
The class also helped develop life skills through actual use. When we arrived, the kids were encouraged to take off their coats and hang them up on the hooks on one wall of the room and take off their shoes and place them under their coat on the floor. The parents each signed up for a week to bring the snack (we were given loose guidelines, but all tried pretty hard to keep it healthy and natural if not organic). Before snack was served the kids had to stand in line at the sink to wash and dry their hands (with a little assistance).
When snack was served the kids all had to set their own place at the table (bowl, cup, spoon/fork, and napkin) and were encouraged to learn to serve themselves (it was generally served family style so they could spoon their own fruit out of a common bowl or use the tongs to get their own cheese or turkey out of a bowl being passed around). They were also charged with cleaning up after themselves (taking their bowls to another table, emptying the leftover food into a garbage bag, placing dirty napkins on a tray, and putting their dirty dishes into a dishpan full of soapy water).
She really got a lot out of that class! This fall she will move on to her first year of pre-school. I am excited for the new opportunity and look forward to watching her learn and grow. I thought I would be more hesitant about her going to pre-school three days a week, but I am impressed with the school she will be attending and think that two hours three days a week will be good for her. Afterall, due to when her birthday falls she will have to attend three years of pre-school before moving on to Kindergarten.
Now I have these first steps to look forward to with Jack as well!
It really was a great way to introduce her to the concept of school and let her get used to being dropped off at school, confident that I would indeed actually pick her up at the end of class (a mere hour and a half later). She got to practice her sharing skills (or not), began to learn how to define limits for herself and her peers, and ultimately introduced her to conflict management on her level.
The class also helped develop life skills through actual use. When we arrived, the kids were encouraged to take off their coats and hang them up on the hooks on one wall of the room and take off their shoes and place them under their coat on the floor. The parents each signed up for a week to bring the snack (we were given loose guidelines, but all tried pretty hard to keep it healthy and natural if not organic). Before snack was served the kids had to stand in line at the sink to wash and dry their hands (with a little assistance).
When snack was served the kids all had to set their own place at the table (bowl, cup, spoon/fork, and napkin) and were encouraged to learn to serve themselves (it was generally served family style so they could spoon their own fruit out of a common bowl or use the tongs to get their own cheese or turkey out of a bowl being passed around). They were also charged with cleaning up after themselves (taking their bowls to another table, emptying the leftover food into a garbage bag, placing dirty napkins on a tray, and putting their dirty dishes into a dishpan full of soapy water).
She really got a lot out of that class! This fall she will move on to her first year of pre-school. I am excited for the new opportunity and look forward to watching her learn and grow. I thought I would be more hesitant about her going to pre-school three days a week, but I am impressed with the school she will be attending and think that two hours three days a week will be good for her. Afterall, due to when her birthday falls she will have to attend three years of pre-school before moving on to Kindergarten.
Now I have these first steps to look forward to with Jack as well!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Happy Memorial Weekend
Happy Memorial Weekend from the Kanary clan! We are enjoying a beautiful weekend here in Cincinnati. Great weather, great friends, and some family time. I can't believe Jack is almost four weeks old. The time has gone by in a bit of a blur, but we are enjoying him and having a great time with Katherine in her new role as big sister.
Since Jack sleeps so much during the day still, we have taken to laying down for family naps (at least Katherine, Jack, and I) in the afternoon. It gets Katherine to take a much-needed nap and gives me the opportunity to recharge (which I desperately need by mid-afternoon). I am so greatful for our king-sized bed because it facilitates moments like these. The other day I woke up sandwiched between my two kids - it was a really sweet moment. Neither of them had woken up yet so I had a minute to just stare at the two of them. They are just the two most adorable kids in the world!
Contrast that moment with one I had a day or so later. James had been out of town for at least 36 hours so I had had at least one day (and night) of solo parenting so my nerves were understandibly a little raw. I swear I felt like I was in a commercial for bubble bath or something...I was holding a very grumpy Jack, bouncing him up and down in an attempt to calm him down, and Katherine was running in circles around me singing at the top of her lungs. It was hysterical - I couldn't help but laugh.
I wish you and yours a wonderful Memorial Day! Make the most of the day off (if you get it). :)
Since Jack sleeps so much during the day still, we have taken to laying down for family naps (at least Katherine, Jack, and I) in the afternoon. It gets Katherine to take a much-needed nap and gives me the opportunity to recharge (which I desperately need by mid-afternoon). I am so greatful for our king-sized bed because it facilitates moments like these. The other day I woke up sandwiched between my two kids - it was a really sweet moment. Neither of them had woken up yet so I had a minute to just stare at the two of them. They are just the two most adorable kids in the world!
Contrast that moment with one I had a day or so later. James had been out of town for at least 36 hours so I had had at least one day (and night) of solo parenting so my nerves were understandibly a little raw. I swear I felt like I was in a commercial for bubble bath or something...I was holding a very grumpy Jack, bouncing him up and down in an attempt to calm him down, and Katherine was running in circles around me singing at the top of her lungs. It was hysterical - I couldn't help but laugh.
I wish you and yours a wonderful Memorial Day! Make the most of the day off (if you get it). :)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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