Dad and Me

Matt and Jillian attended their second annual "Dad and Me Sports Night" at her preschool last night. I didn't mention the event to Jillian until a couple of hours before because we weren't sure Matt would be home in time to go. All worked out, so she got a nice surprise when I told her to hurry and put her KU shirt on and get in the car. We met Matt in the parking lot at preschool, where he quickly ditched his suit jacket and tie for a KU hat, and the two were on their way for an hour of sports-themed fun.

Jillian would never have known if they missed this event. Matt easily could have skipped it, seeing as how it was his first crazy day back at work after the Rome trip--and I did give him that out. I love that he made it work anyway. My girls have one fantastic dad.

Take Two

I love having two kids of the same sex for multiple reasons, but lately I've been enjoying dressing Adrienne in clothes Jillian wore around this same age. It's fun for me to relive memories of a little Adrienne-sized Jillian, and I admit it is so nice to get more use out of clothes that they don't wear for long. When I dressed Adrienne for bed in some warmer Halloween pajamas tonight, I was transported back to sweet pre-bedtime moments with little Jillian--hard to believe it was already three years ago. Love these silly, beautiful girls!

Jillian--12 months, October 2009

Adrienne--14 months, September 2012

Rome-ing and Roaming

Matt spent last week in Rome ("radiation vacation", er, I mean work conference), which meant the girls and I were roaming around here without him. It was my longest stretch as a full-time single parent of two, and I am proud to say that the worst thing that happened around here while he was gone was the destruction of our beloved book, "Kitty Up" (thanks to Adrienne who managed to get her hands on the only book in her room with paper pages). It was not easy to send my husband to Italy (or Europe, for that matter) alone without me for the first time, but timing and circumstances didn't allow for me to join him. So--we helped our best guy pack up and sent him on his way.

Passport renewed, inflatable neck pillow for overnight flight, and ridiculous-looking fanny pack to prevent pickpockets. Cards to open every day he was gone tucked safely in his suitcase.

It was Jillian's first week of school, so we were busy in our new routine. She was exhausted after each full day, which made bedtime a breeze around here. We passed the time outside of school with play dates, dinner with friends, a bit of shopping, and swimming lessons. You can see Jillian continues to make some nice progress in the pool.

Matt didn't have use of his cell phone, but we got to talk to him briefly each day via FaceTime on the iPad--usually just before he went to bed (which was post nap/school around here when you figured in the 7 hour time change). We also regularly sent video clips via e mail. This one that Jillian sent on Friday was my favorite...

Before we knew it we were preparing for his return. Jillian decided that we needed to make a "Welcome Home, Daddy" sign. She worked very hard to color inside each letter. I was happy to have found a task that occupied her for more than 2 minutes.

Matt arrived safely home late last night, bearing lots of "treasures" for the girls, and all was suddenly right in our world once again.

The Studio

I have mentioned Jillian's current love of coloring many times in recent weeks. What I haven't mentioned is that she has her own studio--her bedroom closet. I frequently find her in there, especially during rest time, creating away. This morning I discovered her quietly working when I went upstairs to get Adrienne up.

I'm not sure whether she decided this was her necessary "uniform", or if she just got distracted by the crayons/coloring book as she was trying to dress for school. Either way, I had a good laugh.

Pop Star

Jillian picked up Matt's guitar for the first time and just started playing today. She actually sounds pretty good, especially considering she's singing, too. If you can hear her over the guitar, you might recognize the song--her current favorite, "Call Me, Maybe". Need any back-up singers, Carly Rae Jepsen?

Preschool Begins!

Jillian officially started her second year of preschool today. She was beyond excited, waking up extra early to choose her clothes carefully. Getting her outside to take a few pictures before we left was like pulling teeth. I told her I wanted to take a picture outside of school when we got there, like I did last year, and she sighed and said, "Mom, no more pictures". Geez. Teenage levels of exasperation toward me already.

 Adrienne wanted to be a big girl, too. I was proud of Jillian for offering to let Adrienne hold her lunch box while we took pictures and in the car on the ride to school.

Your turn will come soon enough, Adrienne!

Matt told me I had to do my "I'm so glad summer is over" Mommy pose. Hip-hip hooray for more structure to our days!

When we got to school, Jillian pranced right in like she owned the place. The best picture I could get of her was a quick one in the hallway as she ran into Mrs. Leif's class. Blurry, but it is oh-so-Jillian so I had to include it.

Jillian spent her morning in Mrs. Leif's 3 year old class, went to lunch buddies, then had Spanish this afternoon. She had a great day, and told me all the important stuff: "We had recess and a snack". On Monday she will return for Art in the morning, lunch buddies, and then Jr Gym in the afternoon. Tuesday brings her back to Mrs Leif's 3's in the morning, lunch buddies, and Discovering God's World (science) in the afternoon. I hope the variety will keep her challenged and engaged. We will adjust if needed.
You are probably not surprised to learn that she was pretty tired tonight, and had a big meltdown at dinner. Thankfully, she was quite pleasant at bedtime, and I got lots of warm fuzzies watching the girls snuggle and read together in their jammies. I love to watch their bond grow.

 I found it so sweet (and a little sad, maybe?) to hear Adrienne periodically (often) call out "Jee-yee-uh!" throughout the day. She obviously missed her sister....until she came home and tried to take her toy away. Gotta love the female drama in our house. Happy first day, Jiji!

Larry

We have a new "friend" in our house, in the form of a gnome. Larry (as I have named him--aptly so as the nickname for Lawrence) was a birthday gift from a friend, and will soon take his rightful place in the garden. Matt and I were so excited about this little KU guy that we took him out of the box and set him on the mantle. Jillian was already in bed, so we thought it would be fun to see if she noticed him. I was not surprised to find her grilling me early the next morning.
J: "Hey Mom, come here! What is this little guy doing?"
Me: "Oh, that's Larry. He came from Kansas to live with us."
J: "Why is he up there?"
Me: "He heard you've been having a hard time listening lately, so he decided he'd come watch you for awhile."
J: (without even a second of hesitation) "Mom, his eyes are closed."
Oops, so they are. Score yet another point for Jillian. In a weak attempt at a comeback I fumbled around and said, "Ummm, well, that's so he can concentrate on listening to your behavior."
 Wake up, Larry! There's much to be seen around here....