The Grandma and Grandpa House

Adrienne had her first-ever field trip today! Her class walked next door to "the grandma and grandpa house" (aka an assisted living/nursing facility) to do crafts with the residents and sing them some songs, and I got the honor of chaperoning this cute little bunch. I was happy to get a glimpse of all the kids in her class and get a feel for all the kids' personalities and dynamics since I get zero info from Adrienne. Zero. A couple of her classmates are younger siblings of a couple of Jillian's previous preschool classmates, so it is kind of fun to see these "babies" as big kids together at school. Kudos to Mrs Leif for always being so organized and prepared--a smooth, pleasant experience was had by all!

Singing "I Am Special". Adrienne is kind of slouching back against the chair here, but I assure you that although she is probably the youngest in her class, she is definitely the tallest. Claire (a younger sib of J's friend Natalie is on the left rocking a headband as a Howe girl would) and Kensley is on the right.

Did You Know?

The first words Adrienne said to me this morning: "Mom? Did you know that cats and airplanes make the same noises?" Why no I did not.

Things I'm Loving Lately

-How Jillian still addresses me as 'Mama' at least 90% of the time. Pretty sure I only hear "Mom" when she's yelling/angry at me.

-The new cozy huge chair and ottoman we put in the office space. I am over the feelings of loss of the nursery glider, as the girls and I can comfortably snuggle in to read before bed together. We have been reading out of my old "Where The Sidewalk Ends" book of poetry by Shel Silverstein and it is so, so fun to reread favorites of my childhood and introduce them to this. It's a highlight for all of us.

-Jillian has decided she likes to snuggle, and she asks to sit with me just a bit longer after we are done reading. She just lays there and hugs me. It's a wonderful new sensation from such a physically busy kid.

-After deciding they don't 'need' me to sing to them at bed for awhile, the favorite "Jesus Loves Me" is back in action.

-Watching Adrienne during swim lessons. She is so visibly delighted to be doing such a "big girl" activity and she works very hard for Mrs Larson while still managing to be her funny self amidst learning this new skill.

-The way Jillian stands outside the car after I drop her off for school and waves, blows kisses continually until the line moves and I have to drive away. Also how she doesn't get out of the car before kissing not just me, but her sister.

-My time with Adrienne while Jillian is at school. She really is delightful and is good at going with the flow.

-The girls' level of excitement about going to church. Jillian moved up to the elementary school room and she is just over the moon with the amount of learning that now occurs. We tried Saturday night church for the first time last night and stayed for dinner. The girls were extra excited that dessert was an ice cream sundae bar. As the pastor was sitting at our table chatting with us, Adrienne kept exclaiming "I can smell the chocolate! Do you smell that ice cream?!?" I think this will be our new routine, ice cream or not.

-Boot camp. Where has this exercise class been all my life? It is just what I need and I am so happy that my injuries allow me to participate in such an intense form of exercise. I've missed these endorphins. I'm addicted.

Random Musings

Here is where I begin what is likely to be a rather disorganized and random post. I have a lot of thoughts and stories swirling in my head, so I'll type as I think of them. We made it through our first full week of school. On Thursday, Jillian hit the proverbial wall of kindergarten exhaustion and she proceeded to cry no less than 10 times between pick up and bedtime. Things got ugly. I thought the weekend would bring some respite, but a soccer game and two birthday parties killed that idea. We began this week with a break in the evening action, and now we are in the middle of a three night stretch of activities. What? I do not like evening activities. Matt and I just looked at each other last night as we were getting ready for bed, shrugged our shoulders, and agreed that this is the beginning of a new era for our family. I feel myself fighting it. I do not like the busy-ness. I want to be home and have a lovely little routine with everyone eating dinner together, bathing, leisurely bedtime reading, and early (early!) bedtimes. I haven't quite figured out how to stay home in the day time, like at all, this school year yet. Despite much planning and orchestrating the schedule choices, one never really knows how it all is going to shake out until it does shake out. I am in the car a lot, and when I AM home, I am just doing the bare minimum to keep us at baseline functioning for food and laundry. Still waiting for that time where I suddenly have all this time at home to do projects now that school is in session. Yes, waiting. Now is where I do point out that I am going to the gym nearly every day, which is very very good for me on a whole host of levels, but it does bring consequences. We'll get it all sorted out, I'm sure. For now, I'm just doing the best I can. Enough of my processing, let's get to what you came for....fun kid quips.

A few things about Jillian right now--Kindergarten is still "awesome". Media (library) is "awesome". She wore a Jayhawk shirt to school today and the librarian apparently gushed over her and informed her that she went to KU! Smart one, that librarian. Homework is boring. If she is interested in something, she'll tell you she's "in-stra-sted" in it. After much deliberation, she is preparing to purchase her first official school lunch tomorrow. I'm doing my best to withhold my opinion, letting her make the choice. She'll figure out it's probably not a good one soon enough. Jillian informed me that every time they have centers in her classroom (twice per day) she will choose art. Why? "Because I love art, Mom. All the other girls choose Littlest Pet Shop, but I don't care that I'm doing art by myself". But today, she came home and told me she did the Littlest Pet Shop for the first time--and no one joined her. She said she was sad, and it tugged at my heart a bit. I hear a lot about this kid named John in her class. He is for sure her favorite person in her class, and the only one she ever consistently talks about. John needs to get his act together, however, because she informs me that he plays with her as long as Billy isn't around. It seems that Billy is a friend of his in another class and he sees him at recess. John and Billy leave Jillian out, according to her account. Shape up, John! In other friend drama, Jillian has a friend, Kyra, who goes to her school but isn't in her class. They stand outside and talk/play together while they wait in the pick up line. I have had some trouble getting Jillian to watch for me as I pull up (and the kids need to watch b/c that pick up line is a well oiled machine with very specific processes for drop off and pick up spots). Twice I saw a teacher get after the two of them for goofing off too much. Each day I ask Jillian what is going on and she tells me that she is trying to get Kyra to stay with her and not run off somewhere else. So she spins it as though she is trying to save the day, even though I'm sure she's in on the mischief/fun too. I took her out to ice cream after soccer practice on Thursday, just the two of us, and I asked her what she thought of this all day kindergarten business. The response cracked me up--"Well, Mom. I've got it all under control, except this Kyra business. I just don't know why she won't listen to me".  Matt took her to the school picnic tonight, as a little date for the two of them. She was dying to go, and was so excited to hear that her dad was going to get home early to do this with her. She got really soft and quiet and said, "That's so so sweet" when I told her. Then she proceeded to lecture Adrienne about why she wouldn't be going, "Adrienne. This is my school picnic, and dad is going to take me. You know, you can't go to everything. Life is hard sometimes and you have to make choices. That's what Mom says to me sometimes. So, you get to stay home tonight, but I'll let you look at my new library book while I'm gone if you want to".



And Adrienne--She is suddenly look very grown up to me. I swear that when kids start preschool something instantly changes in their baby-ness. She looks longer, leaner, and just more confident all around. This kid is so happy. She smiles all the time and is so eager to do anything that Jillian has once done. This includes wearing clothes. I went through the task of pulling out bins of Jillian's clothes for A to move into, and you would think that we just hit Rodeo Drive for some premier shopping. She just gushed and gushed as we folded, sorted, and hung her "new clothes". "Oh Mom thank you thank you thank you! I love all my new clothes!!" Over and over and over. She now wears at least a 4--and is rocking size 5 dresses and shirts--and her new favorite past time is changing clothes 763 times a day and night. I wonder how many more years I have of her being excited for hand me downs? I'd better enjoy it while it lasts. I adore my afternoon time with her. She is so pleasant and sweet and just loves to run errands with me. In regards to school, most every question I ask is met with one of two answers, "Nothing" or "Nobody". What did you learn today? "Nothing". Who did you play with today? "Nobody". The most elaborate answer I get is usually, "I don't know. I guess I'll have to ask Mrs Leif!" Good problem solving at least. I'm surprised I haven't heard her talk about the kids in her class at all. She just mostly says what she does at center time (today, it was yellow playdoh), and that she played outside at recess. The rest will surely come. She says a million funny things right now, but two that stick out in my mind are--when she asked what that building next to the bank was, I told her it was just another hair place (meaning salon). Her response--"Oh is that where people go get more hair?" And the other--she kept coming to me and asking, "Mom will you feel this up?" Yes, you read that right. Then it was, "I'm going to go in the bathroom and feel it up". What? It seems she wanted me to FILL up her Aquadoodle pen with water.  You can't make this stuff up. Some pics....

Enjoying her first ever chocolate shake while sitting with me as I ate my late lunch at Potbelly's last week. Since that time, she's asked me for "that really good cold chocolate milk" many many times.

Ready to go get Jillian. The getups this kid wears are nothing short of spectacular.

Our new favorite hairstyle--"donkey ears". Killing me with cuteness.

Two Jayhawk fans! Adrienne was ready for Dad and Me Sports night at preschool....Jillian was jealous that she was too old for that event, but seemed to appreciate the new Jayhawk shirt to wear to soccer practice.

We met Daddy in the parking lot of Daube's to hand Adrienne off so they could have their special time at Dad and Me night. Gotta hand it to Matt--he is one busy busy guy, but always seems to make it when it counts. 

The craft of Dad and Me night was apparently making a pennant flag. Adrienne had another idea. She is apparently still scarred from a time months ago when Jillian and Will "messed up her room". So, she forced Matt to write "No Messing Up My Room" on this flag and it now hangs on her door. 

The pic of the hot dog line Matt texted me from the school picnic. Big points for you, Dad!

Big beautiful girl on her date with Daddy at the school picnic.

And my final thought for the night--I hate the pick up line at school. I think I'd have to get there 45 minutes early to be near the front. Don't people have anything else to do? Good night.

Homework

Jillian brought her first-ever homework home tonight. We have weekly homework in kindergarten that is sent home on Mondays, and turned in on Fridays. This homework is comprised of a little task each night, and is in addition to reading for at least 15 minutes (working up to 30) per night. For her first assignment, Jillian was to practice writing her full name at least 3 times, making sure to capitalize only the first letter. She declared this 'boring', but was very serious about it, and did NOT appreciate little sister trying to interfere, make noise, or talk to her during this very serious moment. The other half of the assignment was to practice counting to 20 (to which she rolled her eyes and rattled it off. Twice. The instructions did say to 'practice' after all). And here is where I now thank my parents for all the nights of homework as a kid. Oh good grief. We spent a whopping 25 minutes on this (including the out loud reading practice) and I kind of wanted to poke my eyes out. Here is where I also publicly congratulate all you parents with more than 2 children. Seriously. Kudos to you for all of this. I can see the drama now unfolding over the years... trying to pull teeth to get the homework done, the whining, the tears, the refusals, the stuff I don't know how to do myself, blah blah. All of it. I see it all. And I have two of them. No wonder people feel more busy when their kids get to school. Ah, the adventure is slowly beginning for us.
In other school news, Jillian is just beside herself with glee. She had her first media class (what we used to call 'library' in the olden days) and she declared it "awesome" as she got in the car this afternoon (Yes, Uncle John, everything really IS awesome). She got to check out her first ever school library book and was palpably excited about the grand reveal of her selection. The suspense built for Adrienne and I all the way home. I so wish I could have recorded her joy while simultaneously driving. I just kept glancing up in my rear view mirror to see this rapidly maturing child simply glowing and radiating with excitement about her day. She got to move up to 'rainbow', the highest level of behavior in her class, and she nearly burst out of her carseat as she told me this. So, in short--rainbow level behavior, media, choosing the art center (which she informed me is what she will ALWAYS choose even though all the other girls choose to play with Littlest Pet Shop toys) and a sudden vast knowledge of how we should treat books all happened today. This kid is over the moon for school and it certainly agrees with her. I don't think I've ever seen so visibly happy about something. Let's hope this enthusiasm continues!

Very serious, people. Name writing is very serious. Now if only I could get her to relax that death grip she has on the pencil. 

Adventures in Headbands

I kinda started something I regret. You see, Jillian always comments when I wear headbands to work out. She asks if they make them in girls sizes, etc. Imagine my delight when I stumbled across a 6 pack while at Dick's last week looking for some bag chairs for soccer games.  It happened to be her first day of school so I thought it would be fun to surprise her with them when she got home. She wore one to soccer practice that night and then we got ready with the headband of her choice for her Saturday game.

Yes, this is an appropriate use of a headband

Can't leave little sister out.

Since that first proper donning of a headband, I've seen lots of interesting variations over the last couple days.

Um, no. Yes, she is wiped out , and yes, that is a Dunkin Donuts menu she is clutching in her hands. Priorities, people. We have priorities. 

Seriously? No way.

Ah, I like this. Matching dresses, "Anna" braids, and a headband for each as we waited to enter a concert at church Saturday night (It was Shaun Groves, by the way, and was a really moving and intimate concert. So much joy watching the girls enjoy it)

Oh no. This is how she came downstairs dressed for school this morning. I had to do some gentle correcting.

For. The. Love. Somebody save me from these headband-abusing banshees.

First Day--We Did It!

Whew. We (mainly I) survived the first day of school. I am so glad it is behind us. As in most things, the build up is worse than the actual experience, so my nerves are shot and I'm ready to have this whole kindergarten deal be old hat. Despite all of the pre-first day jitters that Jillian was experiencing, she woke up on Thursday excited and ready to roll. In fact, leaving the house on the first day of school was probably the easiest out of the house transition we've made in the history of forever. Really. It will never be that seamless again. Before we departed for the ceremonial drop offs, we took the obligatory photos.

And then we got in the car and I realized I forgot to take a pic with them, so this had to do. Buckled in, ready to roll, thumbs up!

The girls selected the music for the drive in and we were singing and jamming along. I felt the lump in my throat about 1/4 mile away from school and noticed that my usual 'pedal to the metal' driving style slowed considerably. I was giving myself a pep talk in my head. We waited in the drop off line for just a minute or so (because we were actually very on time. This may never happen again), and then we pulled up to where Jillian was supposed to hop out of the car and be escorted into the school by one of the teachers assisting with drop off. She lingered quite a bit as I was giving her a pep talk, prayed over her, lots of hugs and kisses between she and I and she and Adrienne. A teacher came to the car to help her open the door and I told her this was our first day, and she was so kind and sweet and excited as she helped Jillian out of the car....and then she just walked into that big school.

You can see her about to walk into the school; just to the right of the lady walking out of the school

And then I cried. I cried behind my sunglasses as we drove the 1 minute between Gibbs and Kingdom Kids, and  then pulled myself together to be excited for Adrienne's "drop off ceremony".

Had to take some pics in front of the school sign.

Adrienne tried to tell me goodbye in the parking lot, but I assured her I had to walk her in. She was ready to go. A quick photo op in front of her hanging backpack before our farewell hug and kiss.

And she just walked right in! Mrs Leif welcomed the second school enthusiast from our family into her room.

Mrs Leif's room is the only one with a window. This is great for peeping on your kid the first few minutes of her school career. Adrienne is at the calendar trying to find her name with the assistant, Mrs Digmann. Bless your heart, Adrienne, here is where your mother slightly apologizes for giving you a long name. Just look for the A, baby.

And then she quickly found some tinker toys.

I didn't cry dropping Adrienne off. I hopped in the car, called my mom, and then met my BFF for coffee (she had just dropped her youngest off for K as well). After coffee, I managed to run 5 (yes, FIVE) errands in the remaining 90 minutes! Yay me! While Adrienne will normally go to lunch buddies, I decided to just pick her up on the first day right away and take her to a special lunch to celebrate. When I picked her up she ran to me and proclaimed, "Mom! I didn't pee my pants!" Well thank the Lord for that. After further discussion I learned that she "played on the big playground like Jillian", "colored wif deez markers dat you just wipe off wiff an eraser and den make another picture" (sounds like a little dry erase fun), and that "God wanted it to be light".

At Pi Pizza, giving preschool the thumbs up.

After we ate lunch, she asked if it was time to go get Jillian....and no, it was not not. We still had another 3 1/2 hours. This was kind of strange. We went home, and I had my tired little preschooler take a rest on the couch with a movie of her choice--FROZEN. I got a bazillion more things done and took a little snooze myself (emotions will wear one out, ya know?), and then we headed back to Gibbs. I thought about Jillian constantly, wondering what she was up to, if she was having fun, etc. I arrived a solid 5 minutes early to find the biggest cluster of a pick up line. Some people parked, some people parked on the side, and others of us were supposed to make a nice little line to pull forward and load our kids in the same manner we dropped them off. It was a mess. While I think the school did so awesome in helping/ushering us newbies through the process at drop off....pick up, not so much. So after having trouble discerning where the line actually began, another nice first-timer let me cut in front of her in the line. 20 minutes later Jillian was in the car. The report? "It was AWESOME!!! Can I go back tomorrow?!?!?"

Thumbs up for kindergarten! Wearing her ribbon she colored (hard to read in the pic but it says "I Started Kindergarten Today")

She came home starving because she only ate about half her lunch ("My tummy was just kind of funny". I'm sorry to have genetically passed on some classic nerves to you, Jillian). The report was she had PE, colored lots of pictures, had goldfish for a snack, helped someone find his name on the chart (Nathan) because he couldn't find it, got a sticker for moving up to purple on the behavior chart (meaning she had an awesome day), sat by someone named Fate at lunch, and didn't learn anything about God.

Hooray for a successful first day! I'm exhausted, girls, how about you?