First day of 1st grade

The morning of the first day of school started with a bit of a shock; it was cold outside!

We dropped Liz off at daycare and then Kate and I walked to school.

Kate was mildly annoyed that we were walking. I lost track of the number of times she asked why we couldn't drive.

I was able to walk her in to her classroom where we found her cubby and got her situated at her desk.

I gave her a hug and kiss and left.  Curiosity got the best of me when I was only a few steps out of the room.  I turned around to sneak a peek to be sure she was okay.  When I saw she wasn't crying I had to take a picture!

After two days of first grade, it seems like we are off to a good start. However, Kate is already lamenting the fact that she has homework every night whereas, in kindergarten it was just once a week.

a clean plate

This is a picture of an empty plate.  Not just any empty plate, Kate's empty plate. And, it isn't empty because I dumped what was left in the trash.  No, this is a picture of a empty plate cleaned by Kate.  And notice that there is marinara sauce on the plate, which means Kate ate pasta that wasn't plain!  Yes, Kate ate pasta with marinara sauce and she ATE IT ALL! 

 

It wasn't a walk in the park getting her to eat it.  As you probably guessed she put up a fight to even try it.  After the first bite she acted like she had just put bleach in her mouth.  But, mommy and daddy kept at her.  She took her time and drank lots of water.  An hour later she was done.

liz's 3 year stats

 A couple weeks ago Liz had her 3 year check up.  Here are her stats:

weight: 29 lbs 6 oz - 39th percentile

height: 3' 2 1/4" - 78th percentile

BMI: 14.24 - 8th percentile

a video

3 years

 "And though she be but little, she is fierce."  

~Shakespeare

 "with brave wings she flies"

Dear Liz,

Today is your 3rd birthday!  I find myself overwhelmed and unable to put words to all the love I have for you.

You are a strong little pickle and have certainly begun to show your independence and opinions in the last year.

 You give the best hugs, wrapping your little arms around my neck and cradling your head on my shoulder.   

You are sweet and considerate.  I often see you rubbing your sister's back when she is upset.

You have a temper that does not flare up often, but when it does we all cover our ears.

Thank you for being the amazing, wonderful, mysterious you!  Each day with you is an adventure.

Happy birthday little Lizzie!

I'll love you always!

xoxoxo

kate's first day of kindergarten

Kate started kindergarten yesterday.  

I tried to take lots of pictures to capture the excitement as we prepared yesterday morning.

The minute we were out the front door, these two went into rolly polly mode. 

I decided to take Liz to daycare first, so just Kate and I could walk to school.  Also, Liz was having a hard time knowing she was going to be separated from Kate.  I am not sure I could have handled the parting of ways between the two of them if Liz had been at the school with us.  Liz was the most emotional one of all yesterday.  I forgot that Kate going to kindergarten would be a big change for little sister too.

As we walked, Kate told me she was most excited about art class and painting. 

Her lunch box might have been a bit heavy for her.

We arrived at school and waited outside for the bell to ring.

We went inside to the classroom and Kate found her cubby.

She happily sat down and waited patiently for circle time.

Circle time began with music and when the music started Kate's tears began. In an email to parents, the teacher told us to wait by the entrance during the song.  So, I held back and let the classroom helpers attend to Kate.

Overall, I think Kate did fantastic!  She cried a little when I picked her up, but the teacher assured me she was fine all day and only started up again when she saw me!

Congratulations, Kate, on finishing your first day of kindergarten!

two rivers

Last weekend we spent a few days at Two Rivers State Park.

Even though it is only 45 minutes away and we were only gone two nights, the car was packed full!

We stayed in Caboose #5.

 We had a kitchen with a stove, mini fridge, microwave and sink.

 In between the kitchen and bedroom there was a bathroom.  At the back end of the caboose was the bedroom.

Grandpa Joe and Grandma Betty came to visit one evening.  We played Disney Princess bingo on the deck.

We spent our days riding bikes, swimming, playing in the sand, and visiting the horses.

We had a few rough moments, but overall it was a great few days away!

5 year stats

Kate's kindergarten physical was last week.  Here are her stats:

Weight: 33lbs 5oz - 10th percentile

Height: 3' 5 3/4" - 45th percentile

BMI: 13.51 - 5th percentile

Kate also got three shots at the appointment, which we were not prepared for.  Kate handled the first shot fairly well.  By the second poke, she was full on screaming.  The doctor ran back into the room to help us calm her down.  My ears are still ringing from the shrillness of her cries.

capped

  Kate now has a shinny, stainless steel crown on one of her molars! 

crib

Liz climbed out of her crib twice this past weekend.  Daddy decided it was time to transition the crib.  

And, yes, Liz sleeps with all the items you see in the background.  The full list includes: one blanket, one mini blanket, a pillow pet, a large dog, her "dinosaur", a miniature cow, a pink cat, and a pink bear.  For a while a bunny was also in the mix, but lately bunny is on the floor in the morning.  I can't even imagine what bunny did to get evicted.

2 year stats

Liz had her 2 year check up last week.  

Here are her stats:

weight: 25lbs 5oz - 25th percentile

height: 35 1/2" - 93rd percentile 

(Her height is actually 34 1/2".  We couldn't believe she was so tall and measured her again when we got home.)

head: 19  1/8" - 4th percentile

8-26-12

For comparison, here are Kate's stats from her 2 year exam:

weight: 22lbs - 4th percentile

height: 33 1/2" - 48th percentile

head: 19" - 75th percentile

 3-31-10

birthday song

I still can't believe she blew out the candles all by herself!

Look who's 2!

Happy birthday Liz!  Today you are two years old. 

You love to be held and cuddle and snuggle. You just want to be close to me. I find this so ironic because when you were an infant I was determine to “wear” you and always keep you close to me in a baby wrap.  But you never seemed comfortable or content to be so close. Now, though, it seems that all you want is to be in my arms.

You love your big sister.  You copy everything she does and try to boss her around.

You have a sparkle in your eye and it makes it so hard for me to be mad or stern with you.

You love to wear dresses and jackets. And are quite opinionated about getting dressed in the morning.

When you are happy, your face shines.  

There is nothing more beautiful than your happy face.

You also have your grumpy moments. You scream a lot! I guess this is a sign of your impatient and passionate nature. You are a girl who knows what she wants.

Watching you grow these last two years has been incredible.  

I am curious and nervous to see more of your personality develop.  

I am so thankful for you everyday.

You will always be my sweet pickle.  

Love, Mommy.

growing

They won't stop growing!