School Days

Back to school time...


Maren's first day of kindergarten...sort of


We don't know who Maren's teacher is yet (the first few days they stagger attendance and test the kids for classroom placement), but she did meet them all and go through some activities. Her favorite was music, which she has belting out songs she learned all weekend, and she told me that she liked the boys she sat by. Maren was getting speech at the school last year, so this year I approached her therapist about some other things I am concerned about. I am so glad I did as they are going to be working with me to assist her with the help she needs, and help to place her with a teacher that will be a good match. I can't tell you what a relief that is for me. Her first day in an official classroom will be Wednesday.

Amanda has thoroughly enjoyed her summer of reading, sleeping in, and spare time to do what she chooses with (thus the appropriate sandcastle picture), so was not thrilled to be back to the routine of the school year. But I think third grade will suit her well as she is anxious to learn cursive and times tables will give her something to work at. Her new teacher is Mrs Hilt. She is new to the school, but we were excited to hear that she came from Rock Fish elementary in NC. Close by our old home. Amanda reports she is very nice, and she lets them have a snack in the afternoon as they have an early lunch. Amanda was all over that one.

And Spencer and Jake will be now be having lots of mommy time at home.I am looking forward to this and hoping that it will mean a few naps in the afternoons as well=) The picture is of Spencer trying to give Jake his binkie, he kept coming back and forth between the kitchen (where he was playing trains) and the living room to give Jake his binkie. It was one of the first times I was brave enough to put Jake on the floor...and he wasn't trampled! Hurrah!

Spencer still calls Jake, "Baby". He has a few jealous moments, when he wants me, and I am feeding or holding Jake. But for the most part I think he is liking having "mommy back". The hardest part was when I wasn't able to lift or carry him, so he likes that I can again. It was a great stepping stone for him though as he is less demanding now, more often walks up and down the stairs, and plays more independently. He is surprisingly gentle with Jake, and loves to give him kisses.

Baby Jake is one month old today! He is growing, slowly. He is just now up to his birth weight, due to some feeding issues at first, but he is more alert and found his hands for the first time this week. He loves his binkie, seriously can't live without it at. And is the center of attention at our house. He has one dimple on his right side, just like Amanda, and has the longest arms and legs I have ever seen on a newborn, I think he gets that from Dave=)

My sister Michelle has been here visiting and helping this past week. It has been great to have the help. The kids have loved all the trips to the pool and neighborhood center for cookies. (Pictures to come.) I will be on my own for a little over a week, come Thursday, and completely outnumbered. That will be interesting. But I think it is looking do able now that school is in=)

Two more weeks and Dave will be here!