Wow. Talk about being side lined by back-to-school adjustment period!
I forgot to post my latest article: 10 Cool Back-to-School Finds Under $10
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
I Heart Back-to-School Shopping!
I will not and can not deny it. I really dig back-to-school shopping!
And lucky me...I just got to write up a little article on it for LearnVest: Back-to-School Shopping: How to Spend Under $50 - Backpack Included!
I almost bought the discounted backpack...even though I didn't need it (I mean, my kids didn't need it, of course). I managed to resist the lure of online shopping...this time.
Hope you're having as much fun as I am dreaming of back-to-school. After a looong (which should, by the way, be a word) summer, it's just around the corner! YAY for school!
And lucky me...I just got to write up a little article on it for LearnVest: Back-to-School Shopping: How to Spend Under $50 - Backpack Included!
I almost bought the discounted backpack...even though I didn't need it (I mean, my kids didn't need it, of course). I managed to resist the lure of online shopping...this time.
Hope you're having as much fun as I am dreaming of back-to-school. After a looong (which should, by the way, be a word) summer, it's just around the corner! YAY for school!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Private School?
Check out my latest article on LearnVest, Should You Pay for Private School?
Let me know what you think!
Let me know what you think!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Preschool!
You all know I am a huge personal fan of preschool.
But I am not a fan of the hefty price tag.
Check out my newest article on LearnVest: Do You Need to Pay for Preschool?
Let me know what you think!
But I am not a fan of the hefty price tag.
Check out my newest article on LearnVest: Do You Need to Pay for Preschool?
Let me know what you think!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
I Miss Preschool/Summer is Very Long
The truth is, I am not that great entertaining small children for extended periods of time.
I have no degrees in early childhood education. And to this day, despite my 5.5 years experience hanging out with kids pretty much non-stop, I am baffled, overwhelmed and emotionally and physically exhausted after spending large chunks of time with them. Why don't kids just listen so we can all get along? Would it be so hard to just cooperate? Really?
The babe finished the extended program at her preschool last Friday and we have been together since noon of that day. First I was overwhelmed with the emotion surrounding the babe finishing 3 years of preschool and saying good bye to all the people who have been a part of our daily life for years. Now I am just overwhelmed by the prospect of making it to Kindergarten start day on Monday, August 27th.
To make things more interesting, I decided last Thursday that I (or more precisely, the little guy) was all done with diapers. That has meant the little guy has been in "big boy" underwear for almost 6 days. Perhaps I didn't chose the best time to embark on this potty training adventure, but I just couldn't take it anymore.
The little guy's best buddies have all started wearing big boy underwear and I was running out of excuses. I realized that I was the lazy one, not my son, as I was engaging in more of my typical "enabling" style of parenting. By continuing to put him in a diaper, I was continuing to signal that it was OK if he used it instead of a toilet. When things require more work (like breaking pacifier habits and potty training), I tend to want to put them off until I feel strong enough to deal with them. My strength comes from hitting my breaking point, and the last diaper full of stinky poop was apparently my breaking point. Now I am cleaning up stinky poop from underwear instead of diapers, but I have committed to seeing this through to the other side...however disgusting the process may be.
In terms of being a good stay-at-home mom, I am fully aware that I am better with one kid at a time than two. It's the truth and I am not ashamed to say it. For now, and for the next month, I am with two kids and since I love them, I know we will make it through. But it is not always going to be pretty.
To all you mothers out there who are overwhelmed by the summer months, you are not alone. To all you mothers out there who are having a blast with your kids this summer, I salute you.
And now I must head upstairs to intervene in the screaming of my children. Today's "quiet time" was apparently a "failure." Luckily it's summer break and we can always try again tomorrow.
I have no degrees in early childhood education. And to this day, despite my 5.5 years experience hanging out with kids pretty much non-stop, I am baffled, overwhelmed and emotionally and physically exhausted after spending large chunks of time with them. Why don't kids just listen so we can all get along? Would it be so hard to just cooperate? Really?
The babe finished the extended program at her preschool last Friday and we have been together since noon of that day. First I was overwhelmed with the emotion surrounding the babe finishing 3 years of preschool and saying good bye to all the people who have been a part of our daily life for years. Now I am just overwhelmed by the prospect of making it to Kindergarten start day on Monday, August 27th.
To make things more interesting, I decided last Thursday that I (or more precisely, the little guy) was all done with diapers. That has meant the little guy has been in "big boy" underwear for almost 6 days. Perhaps I didn't chose the best time to embark on this potty training adventure, but I just couldn't take it anymore.
The little guy's best buddies have all started wearing big boy underwear and I was running out of excuses. I realized that I was the lazy one, not my son, as I was engaging in more of my typical "enabling" style of parenting. By continuing to put him in a diaper, I was continuing to signal that it was OK if he used it instead of a toilet. When things require more work (like breaking pacifier habits and potty training), I tend to want to put them off until I feel strong enough to deal with them. My strength comes from hitting my breaking point, and the last diaper full of stinky poop was apparently my breaking point. Now I am cleaning up stinky poop from underwear instead of diapers, but I have committed to seeing this through to the other side...however disgusting the process may be.
In terms of being a good stay-at-home mom, I am fully aware that I am better with one kid at a time than two. It's the truth and I am not ashamed to say it. For now, and for the next month, I am with two kids and since I love them, I know we will make it through. But it is not always going to be pretty.
To all you mothers out there who are overwhelmed by the summer months, you are not alone. To all you mothers out there who are having a blast with your kids this summer, I salute you.
And now I must head upstairs to intervene in the screaming of my children. Today's "quiet time" was apparently a "failure." Luckily it's summer break and we can always try again tomorrow.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Feeling the Shift
Some days it feels like nothing happens. Other days it feels like everything happens. And some days you can kinda feel your world shift, even if just a little. Thursday was a shifting kind of day.
After dropping off the little guy at his morning nursery program, the babe and I headed over to her "new" school...that's right, we paid a visit to the local elementary school. At the end of August, the babe will be officially entering kindergarten at our neighborhood public school. I am excited about moving beyond private preschool, but intimidated by the prospect of her joining the world of the "big" kids.
The orientation went well. I think we both felt good about it and neither of us ran into any speed bumps (she had some time with her future classmates in a real classroom while the grown ups chatted with the Principal). I had a good meeting with the school nurse about the babe's food allergies/Epi pens and can say that overall, I was impressed with the people. Sadly, I was not impressed with the physical building and am glad the babe can't see the public elementary school I attended in Canada as a youngster. That said, if I had to chose, I would rather be impressed with the people than the building.
The orientation ended with a little tour of the neighborhood in a big 'oll yellow school bus. When I asked the babe what her favorite part of orientation was, I bet you can guess what she answered. Yup. The school bus ride. While the babe was fascinated by everything about the bus, I spent the whole ride wondering why school buses don't have seat belts. I really don't understand how it is so important for me to carefully buckle my kids into their car seats yet they are able to flop around school bus seats as if they were on solid ground. But I digress...
The babe is growing up. She is heading to kindergarten. I am growing up. My oldest daughter is heading to kindergarten. But what really made the day monumental was that my folks put their house on the market and sold it in a day. This is a house I lived in. This is a house I have visited for the past 18 years. And this is my folks downsizing and moving on from our "family" home.
The combination of kindergarten orientation with the prospect of losing our family home made it a "growing up" kinda day for little old moi. And while part of me wanted to buy the house, move back to Ottawa and enroll the babe in a nice Canadian elementary school, the other part of me realized that time passes and things change more on some days than others. You just gotta roll with it. And maybe shed a tear (or two).
After dropping off the little guy at his morning nursery program, the babe and I headed over to her "new" school...that's right, we paid a visit to the local elementary school. At the end of August, the babe will be officially entering kindergarten at our neighborhood public school. I am excited about moving beyond private preschool, but intimidated by the prospect of her joining the world of the "big" kids.
The orientation went well. I think we both felt good about it and neither of us ran into any speed bumps (she had some time with her future classmates in a real classroom while the grown ups chatted with the Principal). I had a good meeting with the school nurse about the babe's food allergies/Epi pens and can say that overall, I was impressed with the people. Sadly, I was not impressed with the physical building and am glad the babe can't see the public elementary school I attended in Canada as a youngster. That said, if I had to chose, I would rather be impressed with the people than the building.
The orientation ended with a little tour of the neighborhood in a big 'oll yellow school bus. When I asked the babe what her favorite part of orientation was, I bet you can guess what she answered. Yup. The school bus ride. While the babe was fascinated by everything about the bus, I spent the whole ride wondering why school buses don't have seat belts. I really don't understand how it is so important for me to carefully buckle my kids into their car seats yet they are able to flop around school bus seats as if they were on solid ground. But I digress...
The babe is growing up. She is heading to kindergarten. I am growing up. My oldest daughter is heading to kindergarten. But what really made the day monumental was that my folks put their house on the market and sold it in a day. This is a house I lived in. This is a house I have visited for the past 18 years. And this is my folks downsizing and moving on from our "family" home.
The combination of kindergarten orientation with the prospect of losing our family home made it a "growing up" kinda day for little old moi. And while part of me wanted to buy the house, move back to Ottawa and enroll the babe in a nice Canadian elementary school, the other part of me realized that time passes and things change more on some days than others. You just gotta roll with it. And maybe shed a tear (or two).
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Let the Countdown Begin
Today marks day one of twelve. It is the twisted marathon that I like to call spring break.
We kicked it off in style yesterday with soy ice cream and water color painting after school.
This morning we cuddled in bed a little longer than usual and then headed out for some sandal and short shopping.
By 12:30 p.m. my children were hysterical and showing off their screaming voices and their ability to physically intimidate one another (my favorite being I'm going to smash you and dash you which comes with a karate kick for extra effect). I kept my cool until I didn't. The kids threats of physical violence were becoming more than just threats. That's when I showed off my screaming voice. And that's when they managed to talk it out over bagels (so mature, my kids).
The little people didn't sleep well last night. Spring fever or hay fever...not sure which. After a prolonged lunch (the babe now eats as much as a grown man), I got them upstairs in pajamas. There was no way I was going to deal with their nuttiness all day without an attempt at napping. An hour later, after three separate trips up the stairs, I made it downstairs to safety.
And once that kitchen was all cleaned up, I went a bit nutty myself and made a "mocha" with my fancy dancy coffee maker and sat on down at my ancient desk top so I could type out a quick hello. Now I am ready for a screw driver.
As always, I miss you. I miss my writing. But I am, as always, just trying to keep my head above water. Hope that if you, like me, are not a fan of spring break, that you make it through the next chunk of time in one piece. Spring break sure ain't what is used to be.
We kicked it off in style yesterday with soy ice cream and water color painting after school.
This morning we cuddled in bed a little longer than usual and then headed out for some sandal and short shopping.
By 12:30 p.m. my children were hysterical and showing off their screaming voices and their ability to physically intimidate one another (my favorite being I'm going to smash you and dash you which comes with a karate kick for extra effect). I kept my cool until I didn't. The kids threats of physical violence were becoming more than just threats. That's when I showed off my screaming voice. And that's when they managed to talk it out over bagels (so mature, my kids).
The little people didn't sleep well last night. Spring fever or hay fever...not sure which. After a prolonged lunch (the babe now eats as much as a grown man), I got them upstairs in pajamas. There was no way I was going to deal with their nuttiness all day without an attempt at napping. An hour later, after three separate trips up the stairs, I made it downstairs to safety.
And once that kitchen was all cleaned up, I went a bit nutty myself and made a "mocha" with my fancy dancy coffee maker and sat on down at my ancient desk top so I could type out a quick hello. Now I am ready for a screw driver.
As always, I miss you. I miss my writing. But I am, as always, just trying to keep my head above water. Hope that if you, like me, are not a fan of spring break, that you make it through the next chunk of time in one piece. Spring break sure ain't what is used to be.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The Co-Op
When you send your child to a co-op nursery school it is significantly cheaper, but you have to actually co-op. I was supposed to co-op for the first time in October but switched my "shift" with a pregnant Mama who was trying to free herself for her baby's arrival in January. As the little guy is only in school two mornings a week, I technically only co-op once every six weeks. Not bad, right?
My first shift was scheduled for November 17th and I have been silently preparing myself for the prospect of hanging out with twelve two-year-olds for weeks. I have to admit I've been quite nervous. I have never done this kind of thing before, and while in theory it sounds great (kinda), how was I really going to do in reality?
Last night I got a call from my shift switching Mama colleague asking for a favor. She was wondering if I could help her out by taking her co-op shift today. I decided to bite the bullet and say "yes." I pulled together some juice, crackers and veggies to bring in for snack time. I went to bed early so I wouldn't have a foggy head. I got up early so I could get a cup of coffee (instant) in me before our regular chaotic morning routine kicked into full gear. I dropped the babe off at the rope line (which was not a smooth transaction). I braved rush hour traffic. And I made it to my shift just in time by 9:14 am.
I now realize that these nursery school mornings go by fast whether you are at the school with the kids or racing around town trying to fit in as many errands as you can in two hours. I honestly didn't have a chance to worry because I was working/playing/swinging/singing/cleaning/crafting/hand washing/changing poopy diapering/wiping snotty noses/marching and having a grand 'oll time from the second I walked in the door until our time was up at noon.
While I would never want to be in there every day, or even every week (I don't know how preschool teachers do it), I did have a pretty good time. It was fun to talk to other kids and to watch the little guy in his element. By the time we made it home for lunch I was wiped out (as was he). I was starving (as was he). And I really had to pee (he still wears diapers, what can I say?).
I've caught up on some chores around the house, downed a cafe au lait from my fancy home coffee maker (that's another story), and am really just enjoying my few minutes of peace, quiet, and computer time. Today, I deserve it. It feels good to have my first shift under my belt. And it feels good to be an official "co-oper."
My first shift was scheduled for November 17th and I have been silently preparing myself for the prospect of hanging out with twelve two-year-olds for weeks. I have to admit I've been quite nervous. I have never done this kind of thing before, and while in theory it sounds great (kinda), how was I really going to do in reality?
Last night I got a call from my shift switching Mama colleague asking for a favor. She was wondering if I could help her out by taking her co-op shift today. I decided to bite the bullet and say "yes." I pulled together some juice, crackers and veggies to bring in for snack time. I went to bed early so I wouldn't have a foggy head. I got up early so I could get a cup of coffee (instant) in me before our regular chaotic morning routine kicked into full gear. I dropped the babe off at the rope line (which was not a smooth transaction). I braved rush hour traffic. And I made it to my shift just in time by 9:14 am.
I now realize that these nursery school mornings go by fast whether you are at the school with the kids or racing around town trying to fit in as many errands as you can in two hours. I honestly didn't have a chance to worry because I was working/playing/swinging/singing/cleaning/crafting/hand washing/changing poopy diapering/wiping snotty noses/marching and having a grand 'oll time from the second I walked in the door until our time was up at noon.
While I would never want to be in there every day, or even every week (I don't know how preschool teachers do it), I did have a pretty good time. It was fun to talk to other kids and to watch the little guy in his element. By the time we made it home for lunch I was wiped out (as was he). I was starving (as was he). And I really had to pee (he still wears diapers, what can I say?).
I've caught up on some chores around the house, downed a cafe au lait from my fancy home coffee maker (that's another story), and am really just enjoying my few minutes of peace, quiet, and computer time. Today, I deserve it. It feels good to have my first shift under my belt. And it feels good to be an official "co-oper."
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
That First Cafe Au Lait
My friends, I am happy to announce that the day I have been eagerly anticipating finally arrived. Yesterday I dropped the babe off at her school, drove over the little guy's school, dropped him off, and drove to the coffee shop. I sat down, by myself, and ordered a cafe au lait in a bowl (because I was going to be sitting down for a while) and a croissant with gooey melted cheese and ham. It was simply marvelous, marvelous, marvelous. I got to sit for 45 minutes uninterrupted and read the "express" newspaper and my very engaging book, Bel Canto. I had waited almost 5 years for that moment and it was pure bliss.
Now, lets rewind to last week. On Tuesday the 13th, the little guy started school. He was so excited as we pulled up to the building. He kept yelling, "my school, my school!" The class was a buzz with activity, and all of us parents were staying for the session which went from 9:30 to 11:00 am. I was proud of the little guy's independence and general interest in getting his hands on everything he could, as fast as he could. He also rocked the sand box and was the first one in with the trucks. I had a good feeling when I left at 11 am. You know the kind of feeling you get when you realize you made a good decision (doesn't happen much, right?). Well that's how I felt. I was thrilled the little guy is going to be spending 2 mornings a week in this very fun and loving environment.
Then came Thursday....this was the day when parents didn't have to stay. I knew I was going to be taking off as soon as I felt the little guy was OK. What I didn't realize was that he was going to feel OK the second he walked into the classroom. I literally had to beg my boy for a hug good bye. Again, I left the building feeling secure and happy. I have volunteered to be the school's newsletter editor this year, which meant I had a meeting to attend that morning. So while I was without children for a short window, I was not doing anything special (i.e. selfish) to mark this new phase of my life.
Special came to me yesterday.
While I don't envision spending 2 mornings a week drinking cafe au lait, I am looking forward to all the little things I will be able to take care of in my 5 hours of freedom a week (which includes drive time, sadly).
Here's to all the possibilities!
Now, lets rewind to last week. On Tuesday the 13th, the little guy started school. He was so excited as we pulled up to the building. He kept yelling, "my school, my school!" The class was a buzz with activity, and all of us parents were staying for the session which went from 9:30 to 11:00 am. I was proud of the little guy's independence and general interest in getting his hands on everything he could, as fast as he could. He also rocked the sand box and was the first one in with the trucks. I had a good feeling when I left at 11 am. You know the kind of feeling you get when you realize you made a good decision (doesn't happen much, right?). Well that's how I felt. I was thrilled the little guy is going to be spending 2 mornings a week in this very fun and loving environment.
Then came Thursday....this was the day when parents didn't have to stay. I knew I was going to be taking off as soon as I felt the little guy was OK. What I didn't realize was that he was going to feel OK the second he walked into the classroom. I literally had to beg my boy for a hug good bye. Again, I left the building feeling secure and happy. I have volunteered to be the school's newsletter editor this year, which meant I had a meeting to attend that morning. So while I was without children for a short window, I was not doing anything special (i.e. selfish) to mark this new phase of my life.
Special came to me yesterday.
While I don't envision spending 2 mornings a week drinking cafe au lait, I am looking forward to all the little things I will be able to take care of in my 5 hours of freedom a week (which includes drive time, sadly).
Here's to all the possibilities!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Back to School
I never thought we'd make it to September 7th, but we did.
On our last full day together, I decided to take the kids to the Museum of Natural History to see how the dinosaurs are doing (they're fine, by the way). We had a great time and I felt like a good Mama for getting off my posterior and driving downtown in the rain.
Wednesday morning rolled around and we were all ready to go. Everyone but the little guy. He knew we were bringing his sister to school and wasn't ready to say good bye to his summer play mate.
The school was complete mayhem with parents and little people crowding every available space. There were a lot of new faces floating around, including 2 new teachers in the babe's classroom. We got my little girl situated and said our farewells. She appeared to be thrilled to be back in her class and immediately started touring around with one of her best gal pals. Very cute.
What wasn't cute was the little guys sad face. As soon as we said good bye to the babe, the little guy started pouting, "I miss Coco, I miss Coco." I suppose after spending 7 weeks straight with his big sister he was not prepared to go back to the old boring routine with Mama.
As we left the building I had a big smile on my face. Despite the fact that the little guy was sad, I was happy. I noticed a pregnant woman and her husband standing outside the school. He was rubbing her back and she was staring in the school window crying. I stopped for a second and wondered what was wrong with me. Is that the kind of reaction I'm supposed to be having? After a moment's reflection, I remembered that I'm just not that kind of Mama...I am the kind of Mama that smiles after dropping off her child at preschool. Granted, it is her third year, but I am pretty sure I did not shed a tear after dropping her off for her very first day.
Anyway, the little guy survived the separation and the next day he got to visit his new classroom and meet his teacher. It went smashingly well and he seemed right at home. He starts school 2 mornings a week this Tuesday and I think we're both ready. We'll see if I'm shedding tears on Thursday when I leave him there on his own for the first time. Somehow I don't think I will be. After 5 years of full time Motherhood, this temporary freedom will no doubt be a delicious treat to be savored.
On our last full day together, I decided to take the kids to the Museum of Natural History to see how the dinosaurs are doing (they're fine, by the way). We had a great time and I felt like a good Mama for getting off my posterior and driving downtown in the rain.
Wednesday morning rolled around and we were all ready to go. Everyone but the little guy. He knew we were bringing his sister to school and wasn't ready to say good bye to his summer play mate.
The school was complete mayhem with parents and little people crowding every available space. There were a lot of new faces floating around, including 2 new teachers in the babe's classroom. We got my little girl situated and said our farewells. She appeared to be thrilled to be back in her class and immediately started touring around with one of her best gal pals. Very cute.
What wasn't cute was the little guys sad face. As soon as we said good bye to the babe, the little guy started pouting, "I miss Coco, I miss Coco." I suppose after spending 7 weeks straight with his big sister he was not prepared to go back to the old boring routine with Mama.
As we left the building I had a big smile on my face. Despite the fact that the little guy was sad, I was happy. I noticed a pregnant woman and her husband standing outside the school. He was rubbing her back and she was staring in the school window crying. I stopped for a second and wondered what was wrong with me. Is that the kind of reaction I'm supposed to be having? After a moment's reflection, I remembered that I'm just not that kind of Mama...I am the kind of Mama that smiles after dropping off her child at preschool. Granted, it is her third year, but I am pretty sure I did not shed a tear after dropping her off for her very first day.
Anyway, the little guy survived the separation and the next day he got to visit his new classroom and meet his teacher. It went smashingly well and he seemed right at home. He starts school 2 mornings a week this Tuesday and I think we're both ready. We'll see if I'm shedding tears on Thursday when I leave him there on his own for the first time. Somehow I don't think I will be. After 5 years of full time Motherhood, this temporary freedom will no doubt be a delicious treat to be savored.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thank You, Miss. D
Yesterday was the last day of preschool for the year. The babe didn't seem to appreciate the magnitude of it all. And I don't remember it feeling so dramatic last July. Perhaps it is because we had to say good bye to one of her beloved teachers, Miss. D.
Miss. D has been such a loving and positive role model in the babe's life. She has been a solid and sweet force of good vibrations and has made me feel like I made the right decision in sending my daughter to this particular school. I have always felt I could be honest and straight forward with her I appreciate that she has always been the same way with me.
Through the ups and downs of the babe's last 2 preschool years, Miss. D has stood by her and encouraged us to find ways to help the babe through her bumpy periods (like when she was biting other kids).
As I hugged Miss. D goodbye, I fought back a few tears, because I am really going to miss her smiling face. I'm excited she has found a teaching position closer to her home, but I know there is going to be a gap that is hard to fill next year. So thanks, Miss. D, for reminding me what a critical role teachers play in children's lives. You will be missed.
Miss. D has been such a loving and positive role model in the babe's life. She has been a solid and sweet force of good vibrations and has made me feel like I made the right decision in sending my daughter to this particular school. I have always felt I could be honest and straight forward with her I appreciate that she has always been the same way with me.
Through the ups and downs of the babe's last 2 preschool years, Miss. D has stood by her and encouraged us to find ways to help the babe through her bumpy periods (like when she was biting other kids).
As I hugged Miss. D goodbye, I fought back a few tears, because I am really going to miss her smiling face. I'm excited she has found a teaching position closer to her home, but I know there is going to be a gap that is hard to fill next year. So thanks, Miss. D, for reminding me what a critical role teachers play in children's lives. You will be missed.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Enter Reading
Last Friday I went to the babe's class to read with the kids. The first time I did this last fall, I thought I'd be reading stories to the class. But I had it the wrong way around. The kids read stories to me.
It is quite amazing to have these little people read to you. Something I have taken for granted for so long is a huge challenge for my daughter and her classmates. I can't really remember learning to read but sitting with kids who are reading for the first time is an amazing thing. You can see their brains working overtime as they sound things out and put letters together.
As the babe is in a Montessori school, kids learn at their own pace. I highly support this approach, but I was a tad concerned after leaving the babe's class last Friday as she had not hit the phase in her education where the teachers thought she was ready to sit down with a beginner book. We all know it's not good to compare your children to others, but I was left wondering what was wrong with the babe? How come some of her classmates, who are the same age, are already "reading" at school and she isn't?
Timing is a funny thing. On Tuesday I picked the babe up and guess what she excitedly announced? "Mama! Miss. Faye rang the bell and announced to the whole class that I was ready to read my first book! I got to sit with her and read Dot!"
Not only did she get to read Dot at school, she brought it home to read it to us as well. It was a beautiful thing and I was so ridiculously proud.
The fun didn't end with Dot. Yesterday the babe got to read Sam. And yet again, she brought her new book home to read to us. After working through the newly formed habit of relying heavily on pictures to read (more like remember) the words, the babe proved to us that she was able to get through the whole book without looking at any of the pictures.
So here we go on a brand new adventure. My daughter, who was just a 4 month old baby only 4 years ago, is starting to read. It's amazing what can happen in such a short time.
It is quite amazing to have these little people read to you. Something I have taken for granted for so long is a huge challenge for my daughter and her classmates. I can't really remember learning to read but sitting with kids who are reading for the first time is an amazing thing. You can see their brains working overtime as they sound things out and put letters together.
As the babe is in a Montessori school, kids learn at their own pace. I highly support this approach, but I was a tad concerned after leaving the babe's class last Friday as she had not hit the phase in her education where the teachers thought she was ready to sit down with a beginner book. We all know it's not good to compare your children to others, but I was left wondering what was wrong with the babe? How come some of her classmates, who are the same age, are already "reading" at school and she isn't?
Timing is a funny thing. On Tuesday I picked the babe up and guess what she excitedly announced? "Mama! Miss. Faye rang the bell and announced to the whole class that I was ready to read my first book! I got to sit with her and read Dot!"
Not only did she get to read Dot at school, she brought it home to read it to us as well. It was a beautiful thing and I was so ridiculously proud.
The fun didn't end with Dot. Yesterday the babe got to read Sam. And yet again, she brought her new book home to read to us. After working through the newly formed habit of relying heavily on pictures to read (more like remember) the words, the babe proved to us that she was able to get through the whole book without looking at any of the pictures.
So here we go on a brand new adventure. My daughter, who was just a 4 month old baby only 4 years ago, is starting to read. It's amazing what can happen in such a short time.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Catching Up
The babe was home from school for 11 days straight. And you know what? We made it!
Spring break is a wonderful concept, but it has the ability to really mess with your schedule. Luckily my amazing Mom flew down from Ottawa and helped take care of the kids, the house, and me.
In the week she was here, we managed to take the kids to the National Museum of Natural History (LOVE IT!), the National Building Museum (not a whole lot of love for this one), Costco, the shoe store, and the park (numerous times). In addition, I managed to take myself to the dentist (yuck and ouch), for a (Groupon inspired) massage (yum), for a baseline mammogram (it wasn't that bad and I'm gratefully in the clear), and on a variety of solo shopping quests (yes, shopping for just moi). Oh, and I managed to go on a dinner date with my Mom, and ANOTHER dinner date with my husband. Not too shabby!
I also spent six hours with the babe at the allergist's office doing her second "food challenge," this time with sesame. She slowly ate measured pieces of bread with fake cream cheese and sesame seeds over a period of a few hours. And I am so pleased to announce that she passed her sesame challenge and is officially able to enjoy sesame in whatever she pleases (bring on the hummus!). This is super good news because she has now outgrown 2 of her allergies (the first was egg, which we cleared last month). According to her doctor, things look good for outgrowing the majority of the remaining ones (although the babe will likely have to live with her peanut allergy for the rest of her life). I have spent about 17 hours in the same small room at the allergist's office since last month, and every minute has been worth it. I really can't explain how awesome it is to see your kids move beyond a food allergy.
As you can see, it was quite a week here. After all the excitement, it was odd to go back to our old routine on Monday. My Mom had left, the babe headed back to school, and all of a sudden the little guy and I were left staring at each other. Unfortunately his classes don't start up again until next week, so we've been drifting through the days and catching up with fun things like groceries and laundry. I did however take him to the community center gym to run around for an hour this morning...so I'm not as evil as it sounds.
Anyway, I had no real deep message about how I've grown as a parent in the last few weeks, but I did want to let you know I'm still standing...even after 11 days straight with my kiddies.
Spring break is a wonderful concept, but it has the ability to really mess with your schedule. Luckily my amazing Mom flew down from Ottawa and helped take care of the kids, the house, and me.
In the week she was here, we managed to take the kids to the National Museum of Natural History (LOVE IT!), the National Building Museum (not a whole lot of love for this one), Costco, the shoe store, and the park (numerous times). In addition, I managed to take myself to the dentist (yuck and ouch), for a (Groupon inspired) massage (yum), for a baseline mammogram (it wasn't that bad and I'm gratefully in the clear), and on a variety of solo shopping quests (yes, shopping for just moi). Oh, and I managed to go on a dinner date with my Mom, and ANOTHER dinner date with my husband. Not too shabby!
I also spent six hours with the babe at the allergist's office doing her second "food challenge," this time with sesame. She slowly ate measured pieces of bread with fake cream cheese and sesame seeds over a period of a few hours. And I am so pleased to announce that she passed her sesame challenge and is officially able to enjoy sesame in whatever she pleases (bring on the hummus!). This is super good news because she has now outgrown 2 of her allergies (the first was egg, which we cleared last month). According to her doctor, things look good for outgrowing the majority of the remaining ones (although the babe will likely have to live with her peanut allergy for the rest of her life). I have spent about 17 hours in the same small room at the allergist's office since last month, and every minute has been worth it. I really can't explain how awesome it is to see your kids move beyond a food allergy.
As you can see, it was quite a week here. After all the excitement, it was odd to go back to our old routine on Monday. My Mom had left, the babe headed back to school, and all of a sudden the little guy and I were left staring at each other. Unfortunately his classes don't start up again until next week, so we've been drifting through the days and catching up with fun things like groceries and laundry. I did however take him to the community center gym to run around for an hour this morning...so I'm not as evil as it sounds.
Anyway, I had no real deep message about how I've grown as a parent in the last few weeks, but I did want to let you know I'm still standing...even after 11 days straight with my kiddies.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Asking For Help
You may recall I was having A LOT of trouble trying to get the babe to her classroom door every morning. You may also recall that I just couldn't handle controlling the little guy in the crowded halls of the babe's preschool. And you may recall I almost had a major meltdown, at the school, in front of people, while trying to help the babe with all her winter gear last Thursday.
Well you know what I did last Friday? I asked for help.
I confided in the school's front desk staff member, whom I love, that I was having trouble and didn't know how I was going to continue to be able to bring the babe to her classroom every morning. And guess what? She offered to watch the little guy on the first floor while I bring the babe to her class on the second floor. I don't have to take my son out of the stroller at all (which is priceless), and he seems to think hanging out with Ms. A is dreamy. Luckily she thinks he's really cute (at least for now), so it seems to be win win for all involved.
TA DA!
We have been taking advantage of this kind and generous offer ever since. And it makes morning drop off a whole different experience. It's almost sort of pleasant at times. All the kids and the noise and the chaos don't get to me as much when I am only chaperoning my 4 year old. She is a big girl and likes to show off what she can do, and now I'm actually able to appreciate it and let her know how well she's doing.
All I had to do was ask for help.
Perhaps I should try it more often.
Well you know what I did last Friday? I asked for help.
I confided in the school's front desk staff member, whom I love, that I was having trouble and didn't know how I was going to continue to be able to bring the babe to her classroom every morning. And guess what? She offered to watch the little guy on the first floor while I bring the babe to her class on the second floor. I don't have to take my son out of the stroller at all (which is priceless), and he seems to think hanging out with Ms. A is dreamy. Luckily she thinks he's really cute (at least for now), so it seems to be win win for all involved.
TA DA!
We have been taking advantage of this kind and generous offer ever since. And it makes morning drop off a whole different experience. It's almost sort of pleasant at times. All the kids and the noise and the chaos don't get to me as much when I am only chaperoning my 4 year old. She is a big girl and likes to show off what she can do, and now I'm actually able to appreciate it and let her know how well she's doing.
All I had to do was ask for help.
Perhaps I should try it more often.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Art Show
December was a crazy busy month. As such, I am going to have to back track a bit.
On December 15th, the babe's class had their annual "art show." The school displays the work the kids have been focusing on since September. We get all dressed up and eat a pot luck dinner together. It it quite the event.
I am posting a picture of the babe and her art piece, inspired by Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky. I don't normally put pics of the babe up, but she looks so proud standing next to her art, and I can't resist sharing it with you.
As you can see (despite the fact that I cut off the top of it), the babe's painting is quite something. While many of her female classmates speak of unicorns, princesses, and castles in the evening's program, my daughter apparently took her inspiration from a friend.
The piece is called "Eleanor Is Writing Her Numbers"
Acrylic on Canvas
"This painting is of Eleanor because she once had pink eye and needed to go to the doctor. The brown ladder is for her to fix her roof and the blue ladder is for her tears to travel. The table is for dinner and the blue circle is her computer. The red lines make her a wolf. Eleanor is in school and is looking at her new boot her mom bought her. This painting can be sad and this painting can be happy. My favorite part of being down in the art studio was doing the (collaborative) painting with my friends."
Now if you can deconstruct that for me, and let me know what it means exactly, I owe you.
I am proud of my little artist and while her style may have shifted from last year's piece, I can't wait to hang the babe's new work up on our new walls.
On December 15th, the babe's class had their annual "art show." The school displays the work the kids have been focusing on since September. We get all dressed up and eat a pot luck dinner together. It it quite the event.
I am posting a picture of the babe and her art piece, inspired by Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky. I don't normally put pics of the babe up, but she looks so proud standing next to her art, and I can't resist sharing it with you.
The piece is called "Eleanor Is Writing Her Numbers"
Acrylic on Canvas
"This painting is of Eleanor because she once had pink eye and needed to go to the doctor. The brown ladder is for her to fix her roof and the blue ladder is for her tears to travel. The table is for dinner and the blue circle is her computer. The red lines make her a wolf. Eleanor is in school and is looking at her new boot her mom bought her. This painting can be sad and this painting can be happy. My favorite part of being down in the art studio was doing the (collaborative) painting with my friends."
Now if you can deconstruct that for me, and let me know what it means exactly, I owe you.
I am proud of my little artist and while her style may have shifted from last year's piece, I can't wait to hang the babe's new work up on our new walls.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Late, Late, Late
I'll admit it. We are late for school every morning.
Something happened when we moved to our new house. I'm not sure what has changed in our schedule, but all of a sudden getting out the door in a timely manner is impossible. As organized as I think I am the night before, something always comes up to throw us off.
I hate to be late. And I am pretty hard core about keeping everything moving tickidy boom from the time I get out of bed. I may be staying in bed a bit longer these days as it's colder and darker. And I may be letting the babe sleep in a bit more because she has been coughing for weeks and weeks and I want her to get all the rest she can. But really, it's starting to get to me. Apparently I'm not the only one.
Parents from my daughter's school receive frequent emails from the administrators keeping us all up to date on classes, activities, bake sales, and the like. On Friday we got a reminder about daylight savings time and timeliness. It went something like this:
Just a reminder, please drop off your child at or before the 9:15 a.m. start time. If you drop them off after 9:15, one of the staff will take your child to the classroom. We are still in the 3-month acclamation time frame and we want to insure the least disruptions to the school day as possible. We also do not want there to be crowding by your child’s classroom for safety reasons.
My husband asked if I had read the email and proceeded to ask if it was directed at me specifically. And yes, I admit that I have been a fairly consistent offender. And yes, I am trying to change. But no, I am not the only one in this boat. And no, the email was not specifically directed at me (I can easily list off a number of other Mom offenders).
Somehow I'm going to figure this one out. The fact that we moved 5 minutes further away should not make us 20 minutes later. There are 15 minutes I have to account for and the fact that I have a bigger house isn't a good enough excuse.
If you have any awesome morning routine secrets you'd like to share, feel free to do so!!
Something happened when we moved to our new house. I'm not sure what has changed in our schedule, but all of a sudden getting out the door in a timely manner is impossible. As organized as I think I am the night before, something always comes up to throw us off.
I hate to be late. And I am pretty hard core about keeping everything moving tickidy boom from the time I get out of bed. I may be staying in bed a bit longer these days as it's colder and darker. And I may be letting the babe sleep in a bit more because she has been coughing for weeks and weeks and I want her to get all the rest she can. But really, it's starting to get to me. Apparently I'm not the only one.
Parents from my daughter's school receive frequent emails from the administrators keeping us all up to date on classes, activities, bake sales, and the like. On Friday we got a reminder about daylight savings time and timeliness. It went something like this:
Just a reminder, please drop off your child at or before the 9:15 a.m. start time. If you drop them off after 9:15, one of the staff will take your child to the classroom. We are still in the 3-month acclamation time frame and we want to insure the least disruptions to the school day as possible. We also do not want there to be crowding by your child’s classroom for safety reasons.
My husband asked if I had read the email and proceeded to ask if it was directed at me specifically. And yes, I admit that I have been a fairly consistent offender. And yes, I am trying to change. But no, I am not the only one in this boat. And no, the email was not specifically directed at me (I can easily list off a number of other Mom offenders).
Somehow I'm going to figure this one out. The fact that we moved 5 minutes further away should not make us 20 minutes later. There are 15 minutes I have to account for and the fact that I have a bigger house isn't a good enough excuse.
If you have any awesome morning routine secrets you'd like to share, feel free to do so!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Getting Paid
Hello friends. It's been a while.
As usual, I have a lot to say and no time to write it. I am the Queen of distraction these days. And I must admit, I've been going on short walks around my neighborhood at night before bed instead of sitting in front of the computer. I feel like the walking has been helping more than the writing can right now. The big move is 2 weeks from tomorrow and I'm slowly getting closer to being ready. And I can honestly say I am ready to be ready!
Anyway, something happened today that I needed to share.
We were driving to school this morning and the babe was talking about school versus work. I always tell her how lucky she is to be going to school to learn and play with her friends. This morning she said she'd rather be going to work because at work they pay you and then you can buy things. I wasn't sure whether to be horrified or impressed. I suppose I'm both. She's not even 4 and she's already worked out the basics of our consumption oriented society. I keep telling her she should enjoy going to school and being young because things get a lot harder when you get older.
I think it may be true what they say, youth is wasted on the young!
As usual, I have a lot to say and no time to write it. I am the Queen of distraction these days. And I must admit, I've been going on short walks around my neighborhood at night before bed instead of sitting in front of the computer. I feel like the walking has been helping more than the writing can right now. The big move is 2 weeks from tomorrow and I'm slowly getting closer to being ready. And I can honestly say I am ready to be ready!
Anyway, something happened today that I needed to share.
We were driving to school this morning and the babe was talking about school versus work. I always tell her how lucky she is to be going to school to learn and play with her friends. This morning she said she'd rather be going to work because at work they pay you and then you can buy things. I wasn't sure whether to be horrified or impressed. I suppose I'm both. She's not even 4 and she's already worked out the basics of our consumption oriented society. I keep telling her she should enjoy going to school and being young because things get a lot harder when you get older.
I think it may be true what they say, youth is wasted on the young!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Strange Days
It was a strange day. Mostly good, but strange. We dropped the babe off at school and the only one crying was the little guy. I think he knew he was losing his play mate. The babe was happy and confident and gave me a great big hug before we left. She was thrilled to be back.
The little guy and I then went to the dermatologist to have a potentially funky mole I recently found checked out. Turns out it was nothing to be concerned about. Another good thing.
After nap time the little guy wandered around the house calling out his sister's name (not really, but his version of it). He had forgotten she was at school and couldn't understand where she could be. Poor kid.
But the story I think you'll really appreciate is the poop on my foot story. At bedtime I brought the little guy upstairs and took off his diaper at the entrance to his room. I assumed it was just pee in there. It was not (you know what they say about making assumptions). So I brought him over to the changing table and tried to avoid allowing any poo pellets from falling on the ground. I was concerned I had gotten poop on the bottom of my black pants so I took them off. I cleaned my son up and put him in the tub. I then realized I felt something strange on the bottom of my foot. I had a look and found a nice chunk of smushed poo on my left foot. So there I was, standing in my underwear, with stinky poop on my foot, and a happy son in the tub. Not the end of the world.
I got my husband and daughter to watch the little guy while he played in the bath so I could retrace my steps and wipe up any poop smudges I could identify (there were a few). I will never know if I missed any spots. Luckily I hadn't walked beyond my son's bedroom and the bathroom. Regardless, it was gross and totally my fault. Lesson learned, I should always assume my son has poop in his diaper!
The little guy and I then went to the dermatologist to have a potentially funky mole I recently found checked out. Turns out it was nothing to be concerned about. Another good thing.
After nap time the little guy wandered around the house calling out his sister's name (not really, but his version of it). He had forgotten she was at school and couldn't understand where she could be. Poor kid.
But the story I think you'll really appreciate is the poop on my foot story. At bedtime I brought the little guy upstairs and took off his diaper at the entrance to his room. I assumed it was just pee in there. It was not (you know what they say about making assumptions). So I brought him over to the changing table and tried to avoid allowing any poo pellets from falling on the ground. I was concerned I had gotten poop on the bottom of my black pants so I took them off. I cleaned my son up and put him in the tub. I then realized I felt something strange on the bottom of my foot. I had a look and found a nice chunk of smushed poo on my left foot. So there I was, standing in my underwear, with stinky poop on my foot, and a happy son in the tub. Not the end of the world.
I got my husband and daughter to watch the little guy while he played in the bath so I could retrace my steps and wipe up any poop smudges I could identify (there were a few). I will never know if I missed any spots. Luckily I hadn't walked beyond my son's bedroom and the bathroom. Regardless, it was gross and totally my fault. Lesson learned, I should always assume my son has poop in his diaper!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Summer 2010
I never thought it would happen. I never thought we'd make it. But tomorrow is September 1st and the babe, the little guy, and I, have offically made it through the summer together in one piece. I have to be honest, I wasn't sure we were going to be able to pull it off. It has been hot, hot, hot. There have been a million mosquitoes ready to attack us whenever we leave the safety of the indoors, and there were many, many, many hours to fill. But we somehow managed to fill them, buy a house, deal with a zillion contractors, and sort of keep our sanity.
Tomorrow morning the babe will head back for a second year of preschool. And while she initially complained that she didn't like being home and liked school better, I think she's going to miss the little guy and I. And frankly, while I know my life is about to get WAY easier (even though I'm moving in less than 4 weeks), I am going to miss having her around as well. My daughter keeps me on my toes and is quite the conversationalist (unlike my son). I can't get much past her and she really challenges me to be a better parent. And I try and challenge her to be a better kid.
Hopefully we will all come out of the summer of 2010 better and stronger people. I'll admit it has been really hard to keep it together at times, and that I'm not always the most patient, stable and loving parent (or wife). Buying your first house and trying to coordinate renovations while watching 2 little ones in the middle of a ridiculous summer is not a recipe for "good times," but I recently heard a great saying, "these are all wonderful problems to have." Once again, I will be attempting to focus on my many, many blessings.
With that I will say good night.
And thanks for checking in.
Tomorrow morning the babe will head back for a second year of preschool. And while she initially complained that she didn't like being home and liked school better, I think she's going to miss the little guy and I. And frankly, while I know my life is about to get WAY easier (even though I'm moving in less than 4 weeks), I am going to miss having her around as well. My daughter keeps me on my toes and is quite the conversationalist (unlike my son). I can't get much past her and she really challenges me to be a better parent. And I try and challenge her to be a better kid.
Hopefully we will all come out of the summer of 2010 better and stronger people. I'll admit it has been really hard to keep it together at times, and that I'm not always the most patient, stable and loving parent (or wife). Buying your first house and trying to coordinate renovations while watching 2 little ones in the middle of a ridiculous summer is not a recipe for "good times," but I recently heard a great saying, "these are all wonderful problems to have." Once again, I will be attempting to focus on my many, many blessings.
With that I will say good night.
And thanks for checking in.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Let the Games Begin
Today was the babe's last day of school. It is now officially summer vacation. I'll admit it, I'm scared. I am not good at dealing with 2 kids all day, every day. That is part of the reason the babe has been in school 5 days a week. But I am going to try and have a positive attitude going into this.
I remember loving summer vacation as a kid. The feeling of freedom was awesome. Playing outside was awesome. Not going to school was awesome. But when it comes down to it, I think the babe loves school. She gets to play with her friends, play outside, and learn all these cool things. My task is to make home as cool as school.
I don't have much of a plan other than to write a list of activities that we can do every day. I am thinking a "schedule" of sorts will be helpful. If we can get out of the house every day by 9am, there's a good chance we will still be sane by lunch time. I am going to stick to a daily nap time for both of them, and think of arts/crafts related activities to get us from nap time to dinner.
As tempting as it is, I MUST NOT let them watch an insane amount of TV every day. To do this, I am going to have to let a few things around the house slide, but it's only for about 5 weeks.
This is my time to test my Mama skills. This is my time to shine. Can you hear me psyching myself up? I can do this.
I remember loving summer vacation as a kid. The feeling of freedom was awesome. Playing outside was awesome. Not going to school was awesome. But when it comes down to it, I think the babe loves school. She gets to play with her friends, play outside, and learn all these cool things. My task is to make home as cool as school.
I don't have much of a plan other than to write a list of activities that we can do every day. I am thinking a "schedule" of sorts will be helpful. If we can get out of the house every day by 9am, there's a good chance we will still be sane by lunch time. I am going to stick to a daily nap time for both of them, and think of arts/crafts related activities to get us from nap time to dinner.
As tempting as it is, I MUST NOT let them watch an insane amount of TV every day. To do this, I am going to have to let a few things around the house slide, but it's only for about 5 weeks.
This is my time to test my Mama skills. This is my time to shine. Can you hear me psyching myself up? I can do this.
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