Watching the kids grow: January 2007

Dodge Nature Center Preschool

The School

This morning we took Carl to see the preschool we would like him to attend starting this summer.
We had mentioned last week that we had an appointment for a tour. He responded both then and again this AM as we were getting ready that he has no interest in going. He absolutely did not want to go and even said, "I don't love anybody there. I want to hurt people." Just his way of expressing his complete desire to not do something mixed with his fear. We of course told him we understood that it is sometimes scary to do new things but that we really thought he would like it.

Anyway, once there and I mean as soon as we walked in the door, he immediately wanted to do everything. They have a cozy "living room" with a fire place and toys where we waited. And then we went into one of the classrooms where there was a sand box (that was the first thing he played with), paints, wood to nail into, a chicken! a snake! a bunny, a turtle, cars, a loft area, birds, huge outdoor area to play, books, scissors and glue sticks and all the crayons and creative materials you could think of, a kitchen where the kids prepared snack.... there were 3 classrooms (all with very close to the same things (different animals) Classes were about 18 (at the most) and all had 3 teachers. Parents are encouraged to come if they like and there were 2 there. Each child is assigned a classroom where they have lockers and mailboxes, they do chores and play and well, I think I would like to sign up!

So, we came home with Carl saying I don't want to go home - I want to go back to school. (Oh, I forgot to mention he had a melt down while we were there because he wanted to stay in one of the classrooms and play! Poor guy was crying so hard I had to pick him up!)

Anyway, we hope he will be able to get in for the Fall for 3 mornings and that they will give him a scholarship! (And that they don't mind that I come to play as well. I promise to leave Carl alone with the other kids.)

Gross? Maybe....

Okay, it is the garbage can - but it's also shiny and look what you can see AND how much fun it can be!

Our morning...

Wednesday mornings always seem to start early. Brian gets up to get ready for work and it seems with him, both kids rise early too. This morning was a fun one full of play and loving babies.

Carl feeding his baby

Willow with her baby

Together

Willow watches Daddy get ready

Carl gives him a hug and watches him leave

Now what? Well you'll just have to check back.

New man in town

Old McDonald had a farm...

and on his farm he had a

pink bunny

a pig

a mooing cow

and a blue bunny.

She might be smaller...

but she's strong!

Where is the love?

Well, I can very happily say, it is back.
It seems within the last week or so that I have found my way back into Carl's heart. Oh, I know he has never stopped loving me. But things have not been the same for us since the my pregnancy with Willow. It has been hard for him and me. And though things still are not as they were... and they probably never will be, they have evolved into something better. And warming my heart more than one could imagine Carl asked for me to put him 'ni night the other night. And last night, as Brian was getting ready to put him to bed he said, "Tomorrow... you can put me 'ni night Momma." Oh, the sweetness!

Photo by Carl

A visit from Dr. Seuss

Just a couple of cuties.

Doctor, Doctor

Went to the doctor this morning for Willow's 6 month check up. After the crazy nurses stumbling over each other, moving us all over the place and their lack of knowledge in how to weigh and measure a baby without making them cry while creating complete chaos...left, Willow was fine. She likes Dr. Mahmood or maybe it is her red stethoscope.

Length = 27.5 inches
Weight = 19.5 pounds
Based on the data, she falls into the following percentiles:
Length = between 90th and 95th percentile
Weight = between 90th and 95th percentile

Dr. Mahmood said she's doing great. Though her head circumference is a bit small on the growth chart and so she will watch that - she didn't seem too worried just made note of it. I try to do the same. I weigh on the worrisome side, as usual. Shocking, I know!

She recommended we start adding in other foods. (She's been getting cereal for a couple weeks now.) We haven't decided yet what the first taste will be... check back for updates.

Say cheese!

Carl has been taking pictures with his digital camera. He's been trying to perfect the centering and mastering the viewfinder. It's amazing how much coordination it takes to look through the viewfinder, find the person, hold it still and press the button. I love his creativity and exploration of art.
It's an inspiration for me as well.