Happy February y'all! February was a big month for Will and Ada. They turned two AND started "school". Our beloved nanny, Tia Rachel, has retired as she's budding her own professional career, which means Ada and Will have started going to day care at momma's work a handful of days a month. Their first week went great! I didn't know what to expect, but they integrated well into the two year old classroom playing with the other kids, teachers, and getting the routine. They even napped and ate which apparently is a big deal for the first time in day care. By the second day, Ada got what was going on and kept running to the door to leave for school even before she was dressed--"Ada lets get some pants on first". They love to talk about school, crafts they do, playing outside, their teachers Ms. Dana and Ms. Paula, and the other kids. However, most talk of the other kids revolves around their wardrobe--"Mickey shirt. Elmo shirt. Dino shirt." on and on. It's been a positive transition so far, and the kids look forward to it. The second day their teacher Ms. Paula commented "I cant believe these kids have never been in organized child care how well they are adjusting". Although she may be appeasing me, I couldn't help but agree on how very advanced my children are. :) I also get look forward to sharing my commute with them a couple days a week, where we talk about our days, look for trucks and balloons, and sing often made up songs by them. Their favorite lately is called "choo choo ah bee Mickey Mouse". Don't ask.
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| How I found them one afternoon. Just a bro and sis, cushion sitting together. With dog. |
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| Annoyed with dog. |
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| Nana surprised us by bringing Tia's old Mickey Mouse "guys" for the kids when she was here. This was THE coolest thing. Ever. My house is now covered in Mickey Mouse figurines. |
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| Little self play--Mickey Mouse cushion pile up. Thank you Nana! From mommy too ;) |
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| Mickey Mouse under horsey.... possibilities endless! I find them everywhere. |
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| I do not know how, as I rarely ever use them, but Ada seems to know the hiding spot for every Sharpie marker I have ever owned. Here, makeup by Ada. Lips too. |
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| James' step mom Debbie gifted us James' dad extensive Lionel train set this winter. It has been very special for us to go through the trains Ed loved so, and put them together with Will and Ada. We have a running track in our living room that Ada, Will, and daddy get good use of. |
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| Ada and Will love loading up the trains with "cargo" and jumping around, squealing, when the train is running--"choo choo ah bee!". Repeat, repeat, repeat. |
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| Also a big hit has been their Christmas wooden train set from Grandma Cindy and Chip. Ada especially loves to put the track together herself. |
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| We were all very happy to have Nana and Papa here for a full week over the kids birthday. Here Nana with kids at grocery. She caved and got balloons...so smart. |
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| We then hit the local park where the kids could show her their latest moves. |
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| I think we wore her out! |
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| Look at that face! Ada absolutely loved swinging with Nana. Was giggling, belly laughing, and squealing. |
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| Will is a running nut. Rarely walks from point A to B anymore. And he's getting FAST. Loves to play "cant catch me", has some pretty impressive escape moves, although not quite the grace to go with them yet. He's shaping up to be a kid who will love team sports. |
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| Ada still our master climber, outclimbing most kids at the park. No apparatus too intimidating for this long legged gal--in 96% for her height! |
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| Sliding with monkey at the park. He's a new addition to our friends, a birthday gift from from Vanessa and Lexi. |
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| Will still loves his rocks. He prefers to climb here while at the park with gigantic jungle gym. |
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| Taking mousey on a hike with our new backpack. |
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| Bawler. |
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| Such urban hiking adventurists we are... |
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| Will taking "baby" Ada for a stroll. In his undies. |
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| We babysat my cousin Allison's baby Addie this month and I was blown away how into it Ada and Will were. They, on their own accord, tried so hard to make her comfortable. Bringing her toy after toy, and showing off their own play skills real close to her. Here, Ada found this specific book in her room to bring to Addie and was "reading" it to her--pointing at the things she knows, book turned toward her. So sweet. |
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| Swinging at Grandmas on a sunny Sunday. |
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| What greater joy exists than bed jumping with your dad? |
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| Tony, the lone ranger, in a sea of children at Margaritaville after Steve's marathon FINISH! |
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| Forced winter-spring cleaning by Will emptying out random kitchen cupboard. |
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| First day of school! Kids milk, momma coffee for the road! |
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| Walking in, Ada carrying her own school bag. |
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| "Look!" School is cool! |
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| And, alas, by week two of day care, we end up here. Daddy's work, urgent care, mid mommas work day, getting Ada medicine for croup. Let the school sniffles begin! |
