just days old
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
Saturday, December 5, 2009
6 years old!
In some ways I find it hard to believe that my little girl is already 6 (or only 6 depending on her attitude!). I don't think there is anyone out there quite like her that's for sure. Incredibly independent most of the time, but has moments where she needs and wants her mom and dad. She is such a wonderful big sister to Jacob and Elizabeth, giving them lots of "Alexa time". She has her moments of not wanting to share or have anything to do with them. This summer she mastered riding her bike without training wheels, although her dismount still needs a little work at time (that's what helmets are for right?). She's got her first loose tooth and is learning to read. She was so excited to read her first book to me (a short Dora one). Her favorite toys are barbies and horses/ponies. Loves having her movie nights and would like every night to be movie night. Right now she's really looking forward to all the activities that Christmas has to offer, although a bit nervous about chatting with Santa. She did write him a lovely letter that still needs to get mailed to the North Pole. It'll be interesting to see what her 6th year holds for all of us!
just days old
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
just days old
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
from October to December in a blur
So I will freely admit I end up spending too much time updating facebook instead of updating my blog. It's an addiction that probably has a group somewhere on facebook dealing with it.
October...the biggest highlight had to be Halloween. Alexa was Supergirl, Elizabeth an adorable little witch, and Jacob a very handsome monkey. Both the girls were excited to dress up, Jacob not so much excitement there! Luckily they had both a party and the actual day to get into costume for. Of course Elizabeth still likes to wear hers at random and there is no parting her from it without battle when she's got it on. The kids brought home lots of candy which sadly I mostly ate. Damn weakness for chocolate goodness.
Alexa also got to go for a sleepover at her Grammy Karen's over Columbus Day weekend. We met Aunt K in Topsham for pick-up and from there she went apple picking and baked a pie (well apparently ate most of the inside prior to baking). She also had an overnight with Aunt M where she fell in love with a fake deer that thankfully wasn't allowed to come home with her!
All 3 kids got to have some one-on-one time with Nokomi during the month which was good for both the kids and my mom. Next up...taking more than one of them out in public at a time!
We had another wedding to go to...this time cousin Gregg. While we stayed late into the night (not getting home till after 12am!) it was well worth the family time. We also celebrated Ivan's 5th birthday. Mix in school and the usual at home activities, it was another exhausting month.
November - well we survived Thanksgiving vacation! This was Alexa's first long time off since school started. She was so happy to go back on Monday. We had everyone over for dinner so lots of good food and good company. If you went by what the twins ate you wouldn't have thought the food was good though, as they have become very picky eaters. Veteran's Day was also mixed in which Alexa spent most of the day playing at her friend Elle's house. Election Day went off without too much of a hitch if you consider taking 3 kids to the polls a good time. Thankfully all we had to do was walk across the street.
Alexa got her first report card which was good overall. We got to attend our first parent teacher conference. The only issue to report is the fact that Alexa tends to talk a bit too much. Not really much of a shocker there. She's got her first loose tooth which seems to be taking forever to fall out (much like they took forever to come in). She also got her ears pierced and has grown I don't know how many inches. She's getting to be a very tall, young lady!
Elizabeth decided to attempt potty training. We spent about 2 weeks in big girl underwear when I finally realized I was the one trained, not her. If she didn't have a constant reminder she'd just pee wherever she felt like it. She is quite the little artist whether it be on whatever paper she can get her hands on or herself. Talking up quite a storm and easier to understand most of the time.
Jacob is coming along in his speech. We've come to discover an extreme dislike for bathing which is fun. Nothing like showering in an enclosed area with a screaming 2 year old. His favorite activity is still sitting at the kids table putting matchbox cars into bigger cars (or parking them in the dollhouse).
Alexa and I also joined a Girl Scout troop. In order for her to join as a Daisy they needed another co-leader. I filled out my paperwork, got my references in order and have started my leader training. So far so good! I think Alexa really enjoys being able to interact with all the older girls and her stories seem to keep them quite entertained.
October...the biggest highlight had to be Halloween. Alexa was Supergirl, Elizabeth an adorable little witch, and Jacob a very handsome monkey. Both the girls were excited to dress up, Jacob not so much excitement there! Luckily they had both a party and the actual day to get into costume for. Of course Elizabeth still likes to wear hers at random and there is no parting her from it without battle when she's got it on. The kids brought home lots of candy which sadly I mostly ate. Damn weakness for chocolate goodness.
Alexa also got to go for a sleepover at her Grammy Karen's over Columbus Day weekend. We met Aunt K in Topsham for pick-up and from there she went apple picking and baked a pie (well apparently ate most of the inside prior to baking). She also had an overnight with Aunt M where she fell in love with a fake deer that thankfully wasn't allowed to come home with her!
All 3 kids got to have some one-on-one time with Nokomi during the month which was good for both the kids and my mom. Next up...taking more than one of them out in public at a time!
We had another wedding to go to...this time cousin Gregg. While we stayed late into the night (not getting home till after 12am!) it was well worth the family time. We also celebrated Ivan's 5th birthday. Mix in school and the usual at home activities, it was another exhausting month.
November - well we survived Thanksgiving vacation! This was Alexa's first long time off since school started. She was so happy to go back on Monday. We had everyone over for dinner so lots of good food and good company. If you went by what the twins ate you wouldn't have thought the food was good though, as they have become very picky eaters. Veteran's Day was also mixed in which Alexa spent most of the day playing at her friend Elle's house. Election Day went off without too much of a hitch if you consider taking 3 kids to the polls a good time. Thankfully all we had to do was walk across the street.
Alexa got her first report card which was good overall. We got to attend our first parent teacher conference. The only issue to report is the fact that Alexa tends to talk a bit too much. Not really much of a shocker there. She's got her first loose tooth which seems to be taking forever to fall out (much like they took forever to come in). She also got her ears pierced and has grown I don't know how many inches. She's getting to be a very tall, young lady!
Elizabeth decided to attempt potty training. We spent about 2 weeks in big girl underwear when I finally realized I was the one trained, not her. If she didn't have a constant reminder she'd just pee wherever she felt like it. She is quite the little artist whether it be on whatever paper she can get her hands on or herself. Talking up quite a storm and easier to understand most of the time.
Jacob is coming along in his speech. We've come to discover an extreme dislike for bathing which is fun. Nothing like showering in an enclosed area with a screaming 2 year old. His favorite activity is still sitting at the kids table putting matchbox cars into bigger cars (or parking them in the dollhouse).
Alexa and I also joined a Girl Scout troop. In order for her to join as a Daisy they needed another co-leader. I filled out my paperwork, got my references in order and have started my leader training. So far so good! I think Alexa really enjoys being able to interact with all the older girls and her stories seem to keep them quite entertained.
Friday, October 2, 2009
September recap
This week marks the 4th week Alexa has been in school and also brought an end to September. And what a busy month it was!
We started off with a weekend family trip to Boston. We were supposed to go camping but the weather forecast didn't look very promising (rain, rain, rain). Everyone had a good time and got to see a lot of sights. The biggest hit by far was the zoo. The kids loved all the animals and we were able to catch up with some friends (meeting for the first time after talking for nearly 3 years online!).
That was followed up by a ferry trip to see the US Constitution which was closed. Instead we got to walk the US Cassen Young.
After that is what school prep week. Alexa had her screening and open house. The open house was...interesting. My dad and stepmom came over to watch the twins so that Alexa and I could partake in our 2 minute bus ride to school. We got to listen to the driver and her rules before heading into school. Once inside we were shuffled to the library and had to sit in tiny chairs and listen to the principal while the kids got to play with the teacher.
The first week was just a half day followed by all day the second week. The twins love seeing her get on the bus. And are always happy to see her when she gets home. Most days she's happy to go although there have been a few "I don't wanna go" ones. One day she had started cutting her project before listening to directions. She was terrified the next day that she'd get in big trouble and "have to sit like Cole did". Turns out that Cole was being more than a little naughty that day...hence a time out of sorts. I think she learned from that lesson.
She's also doing soccer which has mostly been Chris's responsibility. I did suck it up and take her this past Wednesday to practice. Jake wouldn't leave the car and Liz wanted to play soccer with the big kids. Once I finally was able to pry Jake from the car (without fits) and go watch her practice the skies opened up on us and we had to run for the car. Everyone ran except one. Alexa took her sweet time wandering back in, stopping to pick clover along the way. She kept saying on the way home how her coach kept waving - no kidding...he was waving you in!
We also celebrated several birthdays in September although most of them were away and so could only send birthday wishes. Mine was a quiet one, just the way I like it). I did get a delicious Blizzard cake from DQ (made with my favorite - chocolate extreme).
We also had a wedding! My little brother married his longtime girlfriend and I was lucky enough to be asked to officiate. From what I saw it was a beautiful ceremony. The reception was bit chilly once the sun went down but thankfully hot soup was on the menu. We did stay for some of the dancing but forgot to get some cake. Just as well...there were so many other goodies to snack on. Jake did get to taste the frosting before the reception - that naughty boy stuck his fingers right in. Alexa made some friends and her and Liz both had fun dancing. Jake kept trying to sneak in the bathroom to turn the sinks on.
Overall a busy start to fall. And if the next few months go as fast as this last one I'd better get going on plans for the holidays and Alexa's 6th birthday!
We started off with a weekend family trip to Boston. We were supposed to go camping but the weather forecast didn't look very promising (rain, rain, rain). Everyone had a good time and got to see a lot of sights. The biggest hit by far was the zoo. The kids loved all the animals and we were able to catch up with some friends (meeting for the first time after talking for nearly 3 years online!).
That was followed up by a ferry trip to see the US Constitution which was closed. Instead we got to walk the US Cassen Young.waiting for the next ferry back to Boston
After that is what school prep week. Alexa had her screening and open house. The open house was...interesting. My dad and stepmom came over to watch the twins so that Alexa and I could partake in our 2 minute bus ride to school. We got to listen to the driver and her rules before heading into school. Once inside we were shuffled to the library and had to sit in tiny chairs and listen to the principal while the kids got to play with the teacher.
watching the wrong way for the bus
The first week was just a half day followed by all day the second week. The twins love seeing her get on the bus. And are always happy to see her when she gets home. Most days she's happy to go although there have been a few "I don't wanna go" ones. One day she had started cutting her project before listening to directions. She was terrified the next day that she'd get in big trouble and "have to sit like Cole did". Turns out that Cole was being more than a little naughty that day...hence a time out of sorts. I think she learned from that lesson.
She's also doing soccer which has mostly been Chris's responsibility. I did suck it up and take her this past Wednesday to practice. Jake wouldn't leave the car and Liz wanted to play soccer with the big kids. Once I finally was able to pry Jake from the car (without fits) and go watch her practice the skies opened up on us and we had to run for the car. Everyone ran except one. Alexa took her sweet time wandering back in, stopping to pick clover along the way. She kept saying on the way home how her coach kept waving - no kidding...he was waving you in!
We also celebrated several birthdays in September although most of them were away and so could only send birthday wishes. Mine was a quiet one, just the way I like it). I did get a delicious Blizzard cake from DQ (made with my favorite - chocolate extreme).
We also had a wedding! My little brother married his longtime girlfriend and I was lucky enough to be asked to officiate. From what I saw it was a beautiful ceremony. The reception was bit chilly once the sun went down but thankfully hot soup was on the menu. We did stay for some of the dancing but forgot to get some cake. Just as well...there were so many other goodies to snack on. Jake did get to taste the frosting before the reception - that naughty boy stuck his fingers right in. Alexa made some friends and her and Liz both had fun dancing. Jake kept trying to sneak in the bathroom to turn the sinks on.
Overall a busy start to fall. And if the next few months go as fast as this last one I'd better get going on plans for the holidays and Alexa's 6th birthday!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
haircuts!
We took advantage of an overnight trip to Portland to stop in at Snip Its. If you've got kids I really recommend seeing if there is one near you. I've always found that haircuts occur with a lot more ease courtesy of the place being kid-oriented with hairdressers who know how to handle kids. It was needed as both Alexa and Jake were getting a bit shaggy and Liz's was always in her face.
Alexa and Elizabeth before
Alexa and Elizabeth after
Jacob before
Jacob after - clipped to big boy style
Alexa and Elizabeth before
Alexa and Elizabeth after
summer
So as I sit here at the computer listening to the hum of the fan and the AC (we've got a big room to cool down!) I face my list. This is the list I made up just before school got out of all the fun things we'd do this summer. Sadly though there aren't very many items accomplished on this list.
Sure we've made lots of library visits and a few playground trips. But between the rain and the humidity in the last week it's hard to find the motivation to do anything. Add in the various illnesses that have hit and I suppose I should be glad we got done what we did.
For us summer vacation is drawing to a close. Alexa's first official day of school is September 8th. But the week before she's got her kindergarten screening and open house. We are going to manage to squeeze in a vacation of sorts - a 3 day camping trip next weekend. This weekend we are supposed to do a trial run with the kids at sleeping in the tent (more for the twins than Alexa). But the weather isn't sounding all that promising (not that I get to actually see the weather, rather I hear it second hand). We'll see - it's should be cozy that's for sure.
Honestly I much prefer the fall. Cooler weather, crisp smells, and you can still enjoy being outside without freezing or boiling/sweating (or better yet not being eaten alive by bugs). Of course this fall is going to be different than the others with Alexa gone from 8am-3pm. I'll be working a little (hopefully) and just enjoy the twins still being little.
Sure we've made lots of library visits and a few playground trips. But between the rain and the humidity in the last week it's hard to find the motivation to do anything. Add in the various illnesses that have hit and I suppose I should be glad we got done what we did.
For us summer vacation is drawing to a close. Alexa's first official day of school is September 8th. But the week before she's got her kindergarten screening and open house. We are going to manage to squeeze in a vacation of sorts - a 3 day camping trip next weekend. This weekend we are supposed to do a trial run with the kids at sleeping in the tent (more for the twins than Alexa). But the weather isn't sounding all that promising (not that I get to actually see the weather, rather I hear it second hand). We'll see - it's should be cozy that's for sure.
Honestly I much prefer the fall. Cooler weather, crisp smells, and you can still enjoy being outside without freezing or boiling/sweating (or better yet not being eaten alive by bugs). Of course this fall is going to be different than the others with Alexa gone from 8am-3pm. I'll be working a little (hopefully) and just enjoy the twins still being little.
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