The Sweet Smell of School Bus Exhaust

It's that lovely time of year when the bugs are dying off, the weather is cooling in the evening, and the sun sets a little sooner. AND SCHOOL STARTS!

Oh, come on! You can't tell me you're not celebrating, too! And even if you don't have kids in school, those buy-one-get-one-1/2-off shoe sales are pretty awesome.

When da Boo started kindergarten, I got a little teary-eyed. My bay-bee! Now, she's a big, bad second-grader ready to reclaim her place as the best reader in the class (she's finishing up the first Harry Potter and only had to ask me about a handful of words; and those were things that are found mostly in England).

This time, it's the Boy's turn to climb the big yellow bus and start school. He's done well in preschool so I'm not worried about his skills. There are a few friends in his class so I'm not worried about him, socially. Kindergartners only go half the day so no worries about his uber picky eating habits. I got him really cool clothes and he can match his own shoes to what he's wearing so he'll be fine there.

So what am I worried about? No, really. I'm asking.

Nearly every night for the past two weeks, I've woken up at 4:40-ish. When I go back to sleep, I wake up again approximately every 20 minutes after having a nightmare - a vast majority of them feature my only son. The school bus eats him. He turns into a lizard-type creature and is kicked out of school but no one calls to tell me. The beloved principle is replaced by an android who absorbs small boys. And those are just the ones that have stuck with me...no telling how many others I've forgotten.

Maybe I'm not as prepared as I thought I was. Apparently, internally, I am a mess! Are there any words of wisdom from veteran moms or other anxiety-ridden folk? What am I so afraid of? I don't think it's androids...

Soaking it up

Despite the fact that she's now past the one year marker, Baby had yet to have a bath in the Big Tub. As an infant, bath time in the little plastic tub that fit over my sink was not a pleasant experience once she discovered her lungs. My ears would ring for a good hour after. So instead of that torment, Baby got a shower. She was much more content in a downpour than in a puddle of water. However, as she's gotten bigger, she's gotten more wiggly.

(Baby + soapy water)wiggles = very slippery situation.

Although we decided weeks ago that she needed to upgrade to the big tub, I was still slow in implementing the process. Tonight, I bit the bullet. After Boo's shower, we filled the tub and let Boo stay in so she could help.

Once she saw the bath, Baby was very excited. I had a hard time getting her out of her diaper before she was trying to plunge head-first into the tub. I'd include pictures, but I'd rather not get arrested. She had definitely outgrown her crying fits! Maybe it was all that time at our local water park this summer...

Even though she's a strong sitter/crawler, I had Boo hold her up from behind and minimize the wiggling while I scrubbed. She wiggled, as was to be expected, and Boo lost her grip a few times. Nothing like a face full of water to help Baby learn the tub ropes. But she loved it. Actually, that might be an understatement.

Baby loved taking a bath so much that it took TWO full-grown adults to hold her back from joining her brother in the tub. I'm still worn out from that wrestling match!

But hey, at least it's no longer a screamfest.

How did your kids handle the Big Tub?

Toofs

I recently created a new label for my posts: Milestones. Some of my readers are just here for the updates on the kiddos. They don't want to hear about my failed diet or my current whining. Just the kids. Yesterday's post on the Boy's first dentist visit falls into the Milestones category. So does today's posts.

Baby is teething. Normally, she doesn't cry much at all. Lately, she's been more prone to whining and easily upset. Something is different. Sure enough, the tell-tale red bump appeared on her lower gum. It took nearly two weeks but a tooth sprouted! But before I was able to get a good picture of it...another one came through right next to it, like a ninja tooth.


Nine months old and two teeth. And a future career in yoga.

Now when she tries to eat my toes, it tickles. But once she gets teeth on the top, it's gonna hurt.

Another First ( but wouldn't that make it a second?)

When it comes to questions about parenting, there are too many answers. Have you ever asked someone how long they nursed their child? It's mind-boggling how many different replies you will get, ranging from "I never breast-fed" to "I'm still nursing and little Judy will be sixteen in March." Same thing happened when, as a fairly new mom, I asked at what age parents took their kids to the dentist. Some will tell you that they need to go as soon as they have teeth (is that really practical?) and others will say they have a sixth grader who hasn't been yet. After asking, my dentist* - who I love and adore more than should be expected - he suggested they come before starting kindergarten. Boo had her first appointment nearly two years ago.

It was the Boy's turn.

He came with us for Boo's recent check-up so he knew what to expect, where to sit, how wide to open his mouth, etc. He was ready! Just like his sister, the Boy was allowed to bring a small toy to hold during the cleaning. He asked to bring the mee mee.


We arrive early and I'm waiting for the hygienist to go through the same introduction to the tools of the trade that da Boo got. Nope. This girl is all business. She starts right in on him. No worries; my kid is a champ.

Then she tries to take x-rays. You know, when they stick that plastic tab in your mouth, making it pinch you while they run out of the room to press a button? Yeah, that one. Hey, it hurts when they make me do it so I wasn't surprised when the Boy whimpers and then spits out the x-ray thinger. Even da Boo hasn't had them taken because her mouth is so small. But the hygienist is determined and tries to put it back in. He gives it one more try - same results.

Note to self: the mee mee is too easily used to block access to the Boy's mouth...do not allow on future trips.

I suggest that she might want to skip it this time, that perhaps his mouth is a little too small. From her reaction, I might have suggested that flossing is a big scam created by the toothpaste industry just to get us to buy more products. But the mee mee isn't budging from around the Boy's mouth. Plus, it was in need of a washing so she was probably afraid to touch it. After I promise the Boy that he doesn't have to try again, the mee mee is lowered and work can resume.


And guess what? NO cavities! We celebrated by having ice cream at Sonic. And then flossing.


* As mentioned in a previous post, my dentist works with his identical twin brother, also a dentist. When the Boy's dentist was looking over his teeth, the other brother walked in...it nearly blew my mind, seeing both of them - looking like exactly the same person but in two different locations. I don't know why I feel the need to mention it...seriously weird, though.

I Love the Smell of Bus Exhaust in the Morning

I'm only a week late posting the First Day of School pictures. I'm sure you've been on the edge of your computer chair, staring at your Google Reader, just waiting for this very update.

Or you are mostly likely thinking "It's a good thing she posted...I was about to stop following this blog."

Boo picked her outfit for the first day of school.


It consisted of her new "scratch n' sniff" shirt (kinda smells like frosting but mostly like cotton t-shirt) and a new black skirt. She picked her new black shoes because the insides have a leopard print. Also, Boo insisted on having the Co-ed fix her hair. Hey, I know I'm not the best at fixing her hair but my pigtails aren't lopsided anymore! Her hair did turn out pretty cute. Might have to have the Co-ed fix mine, next time.


And here she is with her best buddy, J. And that's not me forgetting everything about the angle of the sun from my photojournalism class...it's J's sparkling personality. No, really! It is! Would I try to deceive you? Boo reminds me nearly daily that they are getting married. Fine with me. His parents are pretty awesome (and I'm not just saying that because his mom reads my blog). See all the other moms taking pictures from the correct angle? They must have blogs, too.


The big moment! Getting on the bus! The kid behind her almost had to give her a boost. She's smaller than most of the kindergartners...but she's not short. She's "fun-sized!" See the backpack? Cute, right? While this year's search wasn't quite the saga we had last year, she still had the hardest time picking one that a) I was willing to pay for and b) wasn't white. This one I brought home from a shopping trip. I think I am going to do that in the future...far less drama that way. And if it's one thing we could use around here, it is LESS drama!

Ch-ch-ch-Changes!

Since we've been talking about da Boo quite a bit around here, let's continue, shall we? She's had a pretty exciting time lately.

At her last eye doctor appointment, she got a new prescription. Also, she needed new frames (the previous ones she had for two years and they were starting to dig into the sides of her head). We browsed for a bit but just couldn't find a pair that we both liked. Then we saw these:


Pink, sparkles, and bows. AND the case looks like a purse. Perfect.

June 24th, Boo lost her first tooth.


Actually, she didn't lose it. Her father pulled it out using needlenose pliers. Fortunately, he waited until I left for a hair appointment. Unfortunately, I came back sooner than expected. The tooth had been loose for weeks but the adult tooth was growing in behind it, not knocking it out. It was either the Man or the dentist who had to do it. Then she wanted to hide the tooth so the Tooth Fairy wouldn't take it before she had a chance to show it to her very best friend. The following night, she got four quarters from the Tooth Fairy. Tooth Fairies apparently don't carry dollars.

Then? Boo got a haircut.


She's been begging for months to get a short haircut. I said she could during the summer...then kept putting it off until her bangs were so long that she couldn't see through her hair. I'm not gonna lie; it was a little heartbreaking to watch those beautiful locks fall to the floor.

My toothless, hairless, sparkly Boo.

What does the Tooth Fairy leave at your house?

Tiki Time!

I have the best, most wonderful readers! All of whom are very attractive, too. Thanks for you encouraging words...I really needed to hear them, even if I was totally fishing for the compliments.


Saturday was the Boy's 4th birthday party. A couple years ago - which seem like only a couple weeks ago - we had a big BBQ to celebrate. Well, it was so much fun that we decided to do it again. I forced convinced the Boy to go for a luau theme (since I already had a bunch of decorations from the Man's 'Survivor' party - which we had before I started this blog so sorry, no pictures - and I am nothing if not cheap). We had to limit the number of people invited because we weren't sure what the weather would do (we got over six inches of snow a few days before!) and can't fit that many people in the living room of our house and be happy about it. Then I had to decide what to make for the cake that was a) unique (I've made too many volcanoes) and b) would make the Boy happy. I decided to shift the theme to tikis and made the cake to reflect that. Wanna see the cake?

As people began arriving, I had plenty of help getting the food ready and the chairs set up in the backyard. I should have done a LOT more prep work but we had just returned from a camping trip the evening before. It was all I could do to have the cake baked and cooled before collapsing onto my much-missed bed.

Da Boo's job was to give leis to our guests as they arrived. One little boy took it upon himself to show his sister how much he likes her.


He was very proud that he emptied the lei box. It was too funny!

It turned out to be a lovely day and we stayed outside for the most part, enjoying hot dogs and hamburgers, chips, fruit and the Boy's favorite drink: Black Cherry Kool-Aid (soooooo glad that was outside!). There was only one game. The Boy - during our argument discussion on the party theme - had insisted on having bowling. So I suggested coconut bowling - with a real coconut.


The kids loved it and I got hit with the coconut only once. I taped the tiki printouts to empty soda cans. If I do this again, I might try to make them a little heavier. After bowling, it was time for cake!


I'm going to do a product review on the new kind of cake mix I used but it was very tasty. There were only a couple cupcakes and one slice of cake left. I served it with vanilla and chocolate crinkle ice cream.

Since the house was getting a little crowded with all the sugar-stuffed kids, we moved outside to open the presents.


Shortly thereafter, our guests began to leave. The treat bags were kinda lame because I spent most of my budget on the food. But hey! There was candy inside so the kids were pretty excited.

We got everything cleaned up and let the Boy bust through the packaging on a few of his presents and start playing with them. He got a lot of cars and a big walking monkey/King Kong type toy. It didn't take him long to start sending King Kong crashing through his new car lot...


Oh, the imagination of a little boy!

Happy Birthday, Boo!

Six years ago was an interesting day.

Six years ago, our first child was born after 24 hours of unsuccessful labor and then a c-section.


Six years ago, I fell in love with someone I had been waiting years to meet.


Six years ago, I didn't know someone so small could be so important.


Six years ago, I underestimated small children while overestimating myself.


Six years ago, I had no imagination and couldn't draw a horse if my life depended on it.


Six years ago, my best friend was an adult, not a little girl.

Six years ago, I wondered about this day...about who she would become and whether I was up to the task.

Six years later, I still wonder who she will become and whether I am ready for her to keep growing up.

Happy Birthday, Boo!

Adventures in Uncharted Territory

Alas, I am an empty-nester...for four hours a week...until the baby comes. And it's great! The Boy started Preschool yesterday. Once again, I defied all pregnancy-hormone logic and didn't cry. No weeping, wailing or gnashing of teeth. Although maybe I hugged him three times too many before saying goodbye...


He insisted on having "spikey hair" for the first day. And he calls hair gel "jello" so how can I resist when he asks?

No first day jitters here! He got right to work on their first project.

I quietly left the room, waiting ever so briefly for him to come running after me. He didn't. Then I giggled all the way home, turned the tv on, and grabbed a Nutty Bar (or two), ready to catch up on some shows that didn't star a bi-lingual girl with a monkey or a clue-hiding dog. I was well into my second episode of Doctor Who , drooling over David Tennant, when the phone rang. It was the Boy's teacher. Uh oh. The Boy had an accident. Great. So I hurried out the door with a change of clothes (and shoes).

When I arrived, the Boy was with his teacher and the preschool director...in the men's restroom. Hrmmm...haven't been in one of those intentionally since I was in grade school. Apparently, all this restroom had was a handicap stall and a urinal. Not quite comfortable with the urinal, the Boy headed to the stall only to hesitate because the potty was so high. He didn't make it. And now the director was cleaning up the "spill" while I stripped the Boy down. For the next twenty minutes, I was constantly looking at the door, hoping that no grown men would need to make a pit stop. How awkward that would be!

While getting him into clean underwear, I looked into his teary eyes and he softly whispered "Can I go home with you?" Oh, the torment! How I wanted to carry him home and snuggle up together with more Nutty Bars...but he really needed to stay with his class. He let a couple of tears fall and I almost wavered. Luckily, the director said that it was snack time in his class and surely he wouldn't want to miss that. He was still quiet but let me guide him back to his class. Again, I left him there, perhaps a trifle more emotional than the first time - for both of us.

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

Today was an historic day in the Cow household: Da Boo started kindergarten! I thought I would really feel the pregnancy hormones and be all weepy. Nope! Maybe it was because da Boo was so excited to be going...

Don't get me wrong. Last night, she was in tears, begging us to not send her to school but things changed this morning. She wanted her "very best friend" to ride to school with her the first day (I offered to drive) but he was pretty excited about riding the bus and turned down the invitation. So I called our neighbor who also had a daughter in da Boo's class. My neighbor is a veteran mother and had some wise advice for me. She suggested that instead of driving my daughter to school (and catering to her fears of the bus), that she ride the bus where she would already have friends and then I drive to the school and meet her when she gets off so I can walk her to class. Genius, I tell you! Genius! She gets the experience of riding the bus with the security of having Mom at school. Once she heard that the neighbor girl wanted Boo to sit next to her on the bus, my girl was all grins and excitement. Whew...


The short trek to the bus stop. Hrmmm...where have I seen this before?


Oh yes...three years ago, on the first day of our little neighborhood preschool. She hasn't gotten much taller since then. But if you look back at that top photo, you'll see the Boy and his best buddy running ahead of the kindergarteners. It was at this point that the Boy decided to void his bladder (although he had gone to the bathroom not twenty minutes before). So we had to hussle back home while Boo continued with her friend.


So dang cute! I made a deal with her: I got to pick her outfit one day and she could choose the next day. I called dibs on the first day. I'm a little nervous about what she might choose tomorrow...


This has got to be my favorite picture! She got on the bus all by herself (although she probably could have used a boost) and was all giggles with her friends.

The Boy and I trudged home. It was time for him to be a pirate. After that, I let him watch a tv show that da Boo doesn't like. Then we baked cookies for her after-school treat. He thought this was awesome.


And she's back! Somehow, my day was a little less full and silly without da Boo around. And the verdict? She loved kindergarten! Recess was her favorite part of the day (of course) and she was amazed as she reported "Mommy! None of the kids were mean to me!"

Oh The Horrors!

Alternate Titles: Soaking Wet - Let's Play 'Find the Puddle!' - What They Don't Tell You Before You Have Kids

Today is the day. I got the Boy all excited that today he was going to start using the potty! Hooray! So very exciting! Aren't we all so thrilled?

After taking nearly a year for da Boo to get the hang of the whole potty business and trying every single method I could find, I thought the Boy wouldn't be nearly as hard. After all, he had a solid role model in his big sister. He's been practicing sitting on the potty for months (we won't mention the screaming fits that took place whenever something actually came out into the potty) and he waking up from naps still dry. No biggie, right?

Yeah.

Here's what I am doing:

• Potty seat on the big potty and little kid training potty right there. He gets a choice! Lucky kid!
• Took him to the dollar store where he picked out some cool prizes and such. They are in their own special basket in the bathroom, just waiting for him to have success, then he can pick one.
• Before, I would give him a chocolate chip any time he sat on the potty. Then he found my stash. We're not doing that anymore.
• I hid all the pull-ups in another room. Now, he cannot insist on those instead because look! They're gone!
• Every 20 minutes, we stop what we're doing and sit on the potty. I've even got a timer going.
• He would barely press his cheeks to the seat before insisting that he was done and it was time to get off the potty. So I got some of the magic growing capsules - the kind with little sponge things inside that you have to dissolve in warm water. Now, when he sits down, he gets to pick a capsule. He sits on the potty, happily flicking the capsule around until it opens fully. Then he can get off and can play with his new little sponge thingy.
• He gets to choose his underwear for today. He was rather disappointed to find that when he put on his Lightning McQueen underwear, his favorite race car was on his bum and he couldn't see it. So he's been wearing the backwards. Fine with me! It's not like little boys use the "trap door" all that well anyway!
• After the first week of potty training, whenever he has an accident, he will have only plain white underwear. This was the big moment for da Boo...after peeing on Dora a few times and having to wear plain panties, she finally got the concept. We'll let the Boy get the basics going before we throw this one at him.
• When he has an accident, he puts his wet clothes in the washing machine and then uses a kid wipe to clean himself off. I'm the one scrubbing the carpet but depending on how this goes, he may have to help me.
• He gets a pull-up during naps and sleeping through the night. He gets changed out of them almost immediately and eventually, we'll phase these out.

So far...it's not going well.

What worked for your kids?

Birthday Week for the Boy

Beginning Sunday, we started celebrating the Boy's Birthday week. Monday, we had lunch with friends and then got to play with them at our neighborhood park (I got a little sunburned, if you can believe that). Tuesday, we went with another friend to the local petting zoo. It was possibly the windiest day in history so that made for some interesting challenges but still a good day. Wednesday, the Boy and I made cookies (7 Layer Bars) together. He likes to help me cook, there's just not much he can do so this was the perfect recipe for him. We also took The Co-ed shopping and I let the kids get their own bags of popcorn 'cuz I am the bestest Mom evah! (and I luhve having tiny little pieces of popcorn all over my carpets). Thursday, we went to the library and the Boy got to pick the movie we check out. He chose Safe Side...again.

Today was his actual birthday. Da Boo wanted to give him her present first thing in the morning. I probably should have wrapped this the night before because I gotta say, to a person who is half awake, invisible tape is mind-boggling. The Boy didn't seem to mind as he immediately ripped it right off. Then after eating a sugar-laden breakfast (because it is the most important meal of the day), he got to open a gift from Grandma (the Man's mom). After they played some, I brought out the gift my mom got him while she was here. I rolled it out for him and his head exploded, he was so excited. He squealed several decibels higher than usual when I announced that he would get to go to Kangaroo Zoo again today. First, he got to eat lunch out. He chose the location based purely on the play equipment, so off to Arctic Circle we went. I don't like their food, but their ice cream is good, their play area is perfect for smaller kids and they give out those free mini-cones so the Boy thinks it's a close as one can get to Heaven. After lunch and scrambling around in plastic compartments, we headed to Kangaroo Zoo. This time, no one beat up my kids (unless you count their own siblings) and I only lost one of them for seven minutes. But after we'd been there one hour, the tantrums started. The Man was supposed to meet us there as a surprise but he was running late (no surprise). By the time he arrived, I was ready for a tantrum. So we all went home and took naps.

For dinner, we had the Boy's favorite things: chicken nuggets, pears, crescent rolls and jello. When I asked him what kind of cake he wanted, he said strawberry so that's what he got. Because it's very pink, I let him choose the candles (he picked little tiki heads) and place them on the cake. He'll get the fancy, decorated cake for his party in a little bit, no worries.


Here he is with his loot: new jammies, new toy Cars, new rug to play on. He had a great birthday, was constantly hyped up on sugar and had a steady stream of presents coming in. Not bad for three years old.

Showing Off My Kids...again

Saturday evening, I bit the bullet and we dyed Easter eggs. I am a terrible mother. This is the first time I have allowed my kids to dye eggs. Really, I decided to do it because I have such fond memories of this activity as a kid (waxing sentimental, remember?), da Boo is old enough to handle it, the Co-ed was coming over and wanted to do something with the kids, and because there would be enough adults there to contain the kids so I would get to dye some eggs, too.


The Man was ordered to pay close attention to the Boy at all times.


The Co-ed went all crazy and used crayons to decorate her eggs before she dyed them. This completely blew da Boo's mind. Also, the kit came with a white crayon so I had fun with that one. Da Boo colored four eggs, the Boy had three, the Co-ed got two ('cuz she took so long coloring them), and I made three (two with color suggestions from the kids, showing them how you can use different colors on eggs).


We had no major spills or sobbing fits, so I'd say it was a success.


After we cleaned up, I made Resurrection Cookies with the kids. We did this last year and I was really surprised just how much da Boo remembered. Of course, the Boy just heard the word "cookies" and he was fascinated. In the middle, there is a 15-minute gap, while you beat the ingredients to stiff peaks. Last year, I lost their interest here. So this year, I got a little bit smarter and had them get all ready for bed while I mixed. Worked much better so I think this will be the rule from now on. Something else that was better...I used a bigger cookie sheet. Last year, I had to really pile on the cookies because there wasn't enough room. As a result, the cookies didn't turn out quite like they are supposed to, not very hollow inside. This year, bigger cookies sheet, more room, smaller cookies, excellent results!

Da Boo's Christmas Program

Da Boo's preschool had a Christmas Program two days before we left on vacation. She practiced the songs constantly at home so I knew she was very excited. The Boy and I headed to her class. I stood at the back, snapping pictures and giggling like crazy at how cute she was up there. (He played in the little play house they have and proceeded to stink up the place by "takin' care of business" while in there...)

Here, she is being one of Santa's busy elves. They used the sticks and bells to act out the song. There was also a really cute one with the Gingerbread man, Jingle Bells and a couple traditional folk songs. (And since I was using my old camera, only one picture actually came out looking decent enough to post.) She was partnered with Jacob, her best buddy (at least when she doesn't want to have a tea party). It was rather amusing as he is head and shoulders taller than her.

Also, we were asked to bring a plate of cookies or chips to share during the party. This is me we're talking about here. So I brought this. Because nothing says "Christmas Spirit!" like trying to make this cake when you should be packing for your trip.

Like Father, Like Son

Remember how I said the Man's genetics are stronger than mine in our children? Here's proof:


We noticed the Boy's right eye would cross when he went from looking close up to far away. The good news is that his prescription isn't nearly as strong as his sister's. These were Spiderman glasses so the eye doctor gave him a matching glasses case. He calls it his suitcase. While he's pretty good at keeping his glasses on, he really like taking them off and putting them to bed in the case. When I insist he put them back on, he wrenches the arms open. It's a good thing we got the heavy duty frames. I have a feeling he is going to need them!

Birthday Boo

Today is da Boo's birthday! I cannot believe that I have a five year old...whoa... So far, for her birthday week, she's gotten pink Rice Krispie treats, a new craft (loves crafts), went to work with Daddy, had a friend over to play, and got an extra cookie. Tonight, we're going out to eat at her favorite resternot with Aunt Denise and the Co-ed. That would be IHOP. The smiley face pancake is her favorite because - and I quote - "Mommy, that pancake looks just like me!" Ah, yes. How could we forget her chocolate chip smile and cherry eyes?

So in honor of my beautiful Boo, here are some of my favorite pictures of her from days long gone:

From her first Christmas. Not quite 2 months old. I loved that outfit!

And here is the Princess, wearing her crown. She had to wear this helmet because she would only look to the right, causing her head to go flat at an awkward angle. Now, she is perfectly formed.

About a year old, da Boo is mastering the stairs.


It appears that she likes chocolate...I wonder where she gets that from? Also, this is one of the first photos of her with her new glasses that she got just after turning two.

Before her third birthday, da Boo took a toddler cooking class and this is the peach pie she made.

What kind of a mother would I be without at least one bathtub picture? Here, she's 3 1/2.

Last summer, we went to Moab and toured Arches National Park. Here, we're locating a geocache and of course da Boo had to hold out GPS. That's Balanced Rock in the background.

Taken just a month ago, this is da Boo riding Danny, the Horse. With the hat and bandana, I was trying to replicate a picture of my mother at age nine, riding a minature horse. Da Boo loves horses. So much so that her birthday party this year is Cowgirl themed. Should be fun! Look for those pictures to come in the next couple days.

If you've never met da Boo, it's hard to help you understand just what kind of person she is. Just ask Crazy Grampa about his little granddaughter. She is very talkative and will often crack me up with the most innocent comments. In fact, just minutes ago, she returned from preschool, carpooling home with her buddy, Jacob. While chatting with Jacob's mom, I noticed she had gum in her mouth so I asked if her teacher gave it to her as a prize. She said no, she got the gum from Jacob while his mom went inside their Grandma's house. Busted!

Happy Birthday, Boo!

First Day of Preschool

Yesterday was a big day for the kids. It was the first day of preschool for da Boo.




Ain't she cute? I switched her to a different preschool this year. The main reason for the change was because none of the kids in her old class would be going to kindergarten with her. Her new class is much more academic and highly structured. I hope it will help get her ready for school.


And the Boy learned how to ride on his tricycle all by himself! He can pedal, although he goes backwards as much as he goes forwards. Da Boo has a bike helmet so he insisted on wearing one. Ended up with the Man's helmet on sideways. Then he fell off the bike. Went head first, of course. I think the helmet actually helped but he still got a bump on one side of his forehead. And just like a boy, he wanted to get right back on his tricycle! No fear in that kid!

A First and A Third

Okay, I know I am a little too paranoid as a mother and I am really trying to work on it. Case in point: da Boo has never seen a movie in an actual movie theater...until tonight!

Tonight was the father/son campout and the Man took the Boy for a fun-filled adventure. (I fully expect to receive a raise and much adulation once the Man returns from this experience.) Since it was going to be "just the girls," I wanted to do something fun. Just so happened that Shrek the Third was at the dollar movies! We went to dinner first at a local place that has amazing food. Then, we went to the movie.

This is the same theater where the Man and I had our first date and I don't think they've fixed it up any since then. The seats we were sitting in were so low to the ground that da Boo had to sit on the very edge of her chair and lean out into the aisle in order to see. She spent most of the movie on my lap. And that was nice. This way, when she started to get scared by something, I could just point out how funny something was and she was fine! No tears. No hiding under her chair (not that she could have fit under it). No rushing to the potty at a crucial point. It was fun! And for those of you who haven't seen the movie yet, here's a little for you:



And if you can't see it, click here.

Swimming Lessons

Taking a break from London to post about some other happens.

The Crazy Grandparents left this morning and already the kids are asking when they will be coming back. We had a really good time with them. Also, it was utterly awesome of them to take the time to stay with my kiddos while we went gallivanting across the world. I'm going to miss them!

While we were still in London, the kids began their first swimming lessons. Da Boo was signed up with a friend so she had no problems going to class.

She was about five inches under the height requirement but since she wasn't afraid to get in the water by herself, they let her take the class. (photo courtesy of Crazy Grandma)

Looks like she's enjoying it!

The Boy was a completely different story. The first couple sessions of his Parent/Tot class (can't call it Mommy and Me because there were several fathers), the Boy went with Grampa. And he also refused to get in the pool. Here, he is repeatedly filling cups with water and then dumping them on Grampa. (photo courtesy of Crazy Grandma) Oh, lots of fun! When Mommy returned, things changed. The first day with me, when he balked at entering the water, I said to him "If I'm getting in the water, you are getting in the water!" and I hauled him in. That was the end of his protests.

On the last day of class, they let the kids go down the water slide. Since I have two kids under the height requirement, the Man joined us for the day, even taking the Boy to his class so I could run a round like a crazy person with the camera. (Kristie - before you blow the lifeguard whistle at me, I promise I wasn't really running...)

So the Man and the Boy went down the water slide a couple times.

Then da Boo got to go...No, that's not me, I promise. It's the Boy's teacher, actually. We look soooo much alike, though.

I've already signed them up for another session of classes in a week. Gotta keep working on my tan before then...