First Day of Kindergarten

I'm sensing a theme here. I'm only good at posting once a year. So, not to set the bar too high, I'm shooting for at least once a year, so as not to disappoint all (2) of my loyal followers.

First day of Kindergarten for Jarrett was great. He did have a shocked expression on his face for most of the time we were there, but I caught a big, beautiful smile every now and then.

What I have not been prepared for is the 2nd and 3rd day (and we'll find out about the 4th tomorrow). The initial shock has worn off, only to be followed by tears and a hell of a death grip. Who can blame him? He walks into a room full of kids of all different ages, colors and genders and doesn't know a soul. I'd have a panic attack, too. As I skillfully disengage myself (ie, request that the CEP provider hold him while I make my quick escape), I question my skills, emotions as a parent. I was surprisingly not tearful. Oh, I had a moment of feeling bad, but knew deep down that at the end of the day he would say, "It was great, we had chocolate pudding and animal crackers!" (but couldn't remember what he did in class).

So, it's another chapter in his (and my/our) life. And I don't really feel sad about that either (yet). I feel a little sense of relief that we have come this far (without serious harm physically or emotionally) and look forward to what Kindergarten brings us.

Next Monday...preschool for Dawson

First Day of Preschool

He was not a happy camper. It has been three weeks and he is adjusting well. Doing things like going to the potty (things he was supposed to be doing prior to entering preschool), carrying his own backpack ("packback") and his very own lunch box (Lightning McQueen!). He is putting up less resistance and (hopefully) making friends. We have his 3rd birthday party this year and he'll get the chance to celebrate at school and with family and friends. Were renting a bounce bounce and serving pizza. We'll be sure to update the blog with some good pics of the days festivities.

Louisville Zoo

We have spent a lot of time at the zoo this year. Always a fun time. We took our childcare provider's daughter with us this time. She was great fun for Jarrett. They played in the water park and the playground. It was a beautiful night to be with the family and we were able to capture a good photo to remember it by.

The Potty Game

Who would have guessed something so seemingly simple could be so trying? Jarrett has been fighting us tooth and nail to NOT pee in the potty. I would like to compliment his stubborness and his desire to be different-but usually I just want to cry. He finally peed in the potty for the first time, but it has been a few weeks and were still "aiming" for perfection. My supply of M&M's is getting low, and so is my patience.

Dawson's 1st Birthday!

It's hard to believe Dawson is 1! (actually 14 months now!) Time is moving too quickly.

We had a great birthday with lots of friends/food and beer. Daddy made this sunflower cake for her and cooked up some fajitas for a mexican fiesta. She is crawling like a crazy woman, with no interest in walking. She has begun to stand up on her own, but can't quite figure out how to make her feet move without falling over! Who said the second one is easier??? She is our sweet girl and has become adept at pointing and grunting when she wants things. She motions to us with her fingers when she wants to eat and knows she is a "baby". Jarrett often says-"Mommy, I love my baby sister". I'll have to remember that sentiment in 14 years.

Dawson's 1st Birthday

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Big girl!

Dawson has now been moved (a little prematurely!)into her big girl car seat....she's not sure what she thinks of it yet, as you can see by her face. And even after a week, her reaction to this new world is unchanged. Of course, big brother had his own reaction as well!