First Day of Dance

My tiny dancer started her first day of dance class today. When big sister signed up last week the teacher offered for Allie to try a class. It's a ballet class for 2-3 year olds. I was willing to let her try it. She did so well! And she was so cute. The youngest one in her class, she followed directions, listened to the teacher, tried to do the moves and kept saying, "my dance class, my dance class, " every time we'd pass the studio during Audrey's class. She is my fearless child. She walked down the hallway by herself to class when her teacher said it was time to go. She didn't look back, reach for me or cry.  I told her that I'd be right there in the waiting room and off she went.  I peeked through the doors a time or two and couldn't help but chuckle. I was so proud that she was actually doing the moves, on her first day of class (so different from Audrey's first dance class last year). I got to go in the last few minutes of class and watch Allie's class do their dance. Allie's class is not going to perform in the recital but they still are learning a dance. (Unfortunately for me, my pregnancy brain took over my camera controls today and my pictures didn't turn out great).

The moms got to watch Audrey's class dance their recital dance today too. It was Audrey's first day too in a new class, so she wasn't as polished as the other girls, but followed along pretty well. She seemed to really enjoy it, and if the smile on her face after class was any indication of how she liked it, I'd say she might have found a new favorite activity. She's taken a break from dance since last May. She's been asking to do it again since November. When I asked how it went and how she liked it, an enthusiastic and confident, "Good!" is what she said.

 I think this says it all. Love it!

Sarah

More than a trim

After dance today Audrey had an appointment to get her hair cut. After hearing  her scream every morning as I brushed it out (despite my pleading for her father to put de tangler in after baths) I was ready for a short hair do. I actually talked my little Rapunzel wanna-be into it, and she was prepared to get her hair cut as short as mine. Her Grandpa shuddered at the thought of cutting off her long locks and was pleased when he saw her a few weeks later.  We only cut off two inches. Had I not signed her up for dance and needed to put her hair in a bun in May, I would have chopped it all off.

Audrey is becoming a hair salon pro. No crying, no whining.  She did exactly what Sara asked her to do because she knew if she was good, a ring pop was in store. (The salon offers these). Her hair was so long that Audrey had to stand on the floor and the stylist had to sit in the chair in order to cut it. She even allowed her to blow dry it a bit.

trying to entertain herself

Allie got her bangs cut a few days before. Had to get all girls in for hair cuts before the baby comes!




Sarah

one day at a time, one day at a time

This became my motto 4 weeks ago when I walked into my OB's office and said, "It's gonna be a long 6 weeks." The aches and pains of the third trimester were in full swing and I could barely walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night due to back pain. She smiled and said, "One day at a time."

So that's what I've been doing. Taking one day at at time. Not worrying about tomorrow, as it has enough worry of its own. Dealing with what has to be dealt with today (dishes, laundry, chauffeuring my children to dance, preschool and gymnastics) and if I have enough energy left over, planning a bit for tomorrow ( packing hospital bags, the girls' suitcases, washing baby clothes, and trying to put together a nursery).

It's gotten me the last 4 weeks. Hopefully it will get me the last 12 days.

My last check up at 38 weeks, I was progressing normally, and everything was checking out great. Except for my weight on the scale. I keep waiting for the scale to say, "One at a time, please." Stopping that number from going up another pound would be the added bonus to going a week or so early.  Seriously, every week, it's not the half pound she supposedly gains, but 3-4 whole pounds. Ugh.

I am excited about meeting her, a little anxious about the labor and delivery and of course making sure she's ok and healthy. And then, breastfeeding, and incorporating her into our daily routine. I sure hope she likes the car.

But again, "one day at a time."






Sarah

First Snow

First snow of the winter:  Jan 12, 2012.

Audrey asked so nicely during quiet time to go outside and make a snow angel, that I just couldn't say no. Lucky for me, Aunt Autumn was here to watch the girls today while I worked on a video project. She went outside and braved the biting wind and snow with Audrey while I stood at the door and took pictures. At 36.5 weeks pregnant I am super hot, most of the time. I actually stood there for a good little bit with the door open and watched Audrey play and I never got chilled.

It was so cute to listen to Audrey converse with Autumn and try to get her to make a snow angel ( in her jeans).  She was pretty excited to make a snowman. So excited that even though the snow didn't stick together (at all, it was like powder) she made one anyway. She got brave and went down the slide and slid about 5 feet beyond the slide on her rear. She laughed and laughed. She kept coming to the door and saying, "Mom, you've GOT to see this!" and "Is my hot cocoa ready yet?" and "Mom, I know! We can go ice skating! " And finally "Can we go sledding?" She really wanted to go sledding, but I explained to her that our backyard is not hilly enough, she would have to make the slide work.

 I could hear Allie upstairs playing in her room and not sleeping. I knew she'd love to go outside. And she did. I had to offer her hot chocolate, cookies and a sucker in order for her to willingly come inside.  She's the girl who would stay out all day, despite  her red cheeks and frost bit hands. She asked to go back out a few hours later, "Go outside, play in snow?" as she picked up her snow pants. She's gotten so good at talking lately. You can almost carry on a real conversation with her.

Allie loved to crawl around in the snow on all fours. 

The best thing about a cold snowy day? Homemade hot cocoa. (and cookies. and suckers)

Sarah

I love moments like this

Sarah

Finger Paint Masterpieces

Oh yes I did. I bought our first finger paints today for Allie. She is constantly creating masterpieces on the kitchen table with her applesauce, yogurt, smoothies...you get the idea. I thought I'd give her the proper tools. Audrey joined in on the fun as well.

our art gallery

Sarah

Playing outside in January

We didn't need hats or coats today. It actually felt like spring.

I won't lie. It was awesome. 

And it was January. January 6th. Happy Friday!

I figured we might as well get outside and enjoy it while it lasts, because tomorrow it's more than likely going to feel like winter again. 

Sarah

Applying for Preschool

Today we signed Audrey up for her second year of preschool. This year was easy. No stress like last year;  Where to send her, if to send her, how many days, how much does it cost, what's the curriculum, etc. So happy I didn't have to debate any of that this year. The only question was, to stay 3 days a week and move to the 4's class, or go 5 days a week to the pre-K class.

When Audrey's teacher told me she'd do great in pre-K I thought that's what we needed to do. Until I thought about it more, talked it over with Jeremy and talked to other moms. At the end of the day, this will be her last year at home before starting Kindergarten. Why would I willingly send her to school (and drag everyone out) five days a week? The 4's class will adequately prepare her for the transition, academically, and we will figure out how she'll transition from 3 half days (really, only 2 hours) a week to 5 full days of Kindergarten when the time comes.  I am happy with our decision even though she won't be with some of her friends she met this year.

After having our first parent/teacher conference, there is a little part of me that is afraid that she may get bored with the 4's class and in turn, act out. Her strong willed nature plays a huge role here. Still we will remain in the 4's class until next year. If there is a spot in pre-K, then it was meant to be.

Sarah

Getting back into the swing of things

Deep breath.

It was a crazy fall and holiday season. The busiest we've been in awhile. I'm talking, almost something every single day in December. It was fun, it was stressful at times and in the middle of it, I entered the third trimester, making it even harder to keep up. We hosted five parties between October and December 31. Some required more effort than others, two were birthday parties for my princesses and our last one before baby #3, a New Years Eve bash with the neighborhood.  We love to entertain, but we are happy to be done for a few months as we eagerly await the arrival of our third baby girl. (Although truth be told, I'd love to host a little Valentine's party for all the girls' friends. Next year, next year.)

Before baby girl 3 arrives in five weeks or less (we're still debating a name)  let's catch up!

Here we go. And yes, for book making purposes, I am writing this Jan 4, and working backwards for a few weeks. So scroll down to see what we were up to the last few months.




Sarah