Back in early June as I went out to get the mail in the evening a young family was taking a walk and passed by. They had a little girl close to Rebekah's age. When I asked her how old she was she held up three fingers and told me her age. I told her that I had a little girl who is three also, actually 3 1/2, and her parents told me that their daughter was also 3 1/2. I quickly went inside the house and brought Rebekah out to meet her new friend. Rebekah was bashful at first, but she quickly warmed up to Emmy, and now they get excited to see each other when they can. Emmy's birthday also happens to be exactly one week after Rebekah's, and the family lives just up the street from us. Because Emmy is in full-time daycare the girls don't get to see each other as much as we'd like, but they enjoy the time that they have.
This evening Emmy and her parents, Glenn and Jennifer, came by for a quick visit while out. I was just about to give the kids a bath, but how can you turn down visiting with friends? The girls had so much fun running around together for a few minutes, and I finally got a chance to grab my camera to take some pics.
Hangin' out on the front porch
The girls had a blast running around in the driveway!
We are so thankful for our new friends! They are such a precious family!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Neighborly Friends
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Rebekah starts Preschool
Rebekah had her first day of preschool at her new school yesterday. I couldn't be happier with the school. Orientation was last Thursday, and although I knew this is where we wanted Rebekah to get her education, and I already knew it was a great school, I was still impressed with everything. Although I liked where Rebekah went last year I feel like this new school is much more organized and has tighter protection of the children, and I have confidence in the Bible teaching and general education that she will receive here.
Rebekah with her new teacher Ms. Amy at Orientation (We call her Ms. Amy #2 sometimes.)
The first day of preschool before we left the house
In front of the classroom door
Because Rebekah is used to staying until 2:00 she protested going home at noon. Parents have the option of picking up their child at noon or waiting until 2:00. Since all they do in the afternoon is eat lunch then take an hour-long nap, and Rebekah doesn't nap, I figured I would just pick her up at 12:00 most days. Once we got out to the car Rebekah started crying, "I want to go back to preschool!" It was a challenge to get her in the car at all, and it was raining on top of all this. I told Rebekah I would let her stay until 2:00 on Thursday, so we'll see how that goes. I think she was not happy about leaving while some of the kids were staying. She didn't want to miss out on anything. At least I know that she loves her new preschool, the class, and her teacher.
One thing I need to make sure the teacher knows is that Rebekah is pretty new to the pottying world. Once we arrived home and I picked up Rebekah out of the car I noticed that her bottom was wet. I felt the car seat and it was damp. I asked her if she pee'd in her carseat. No. She told me she pee'd on the potty at preschool. I checked her legs and they weren't wet. After talking about it with Rebekah I finally asked her if she pulled her panties down when she went to the potty. No. I guess I've crippled Rebekah in this area because I help her too much. I need to give her more independence with pulling down and pulling up her panties, but she usually fights me on it because it can sometimes be a challenge for her. I've gotten into the habit of helping her, so I need to do that less. So, tomorrow I'll have a talk with Rebekah's teacher about this. I wonder if Rebekah got help from her teachers in the past or if she did it on her own. Or maybe wearing a dress that day made a difference. Hopefully Rebekah will help with the potty issues too.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Joshua's 18-month Well Check-Up
Joshua had his 18-month well check-up with Dr. Rodgers this morning. He has a good bill of health and he's growing and developing fine. Dr. Rodgers is pleased with his progress and feels comfortable in how he is developing in his gross motor skills as well.
Joshua is right at average for both weight and height. He is 24lbs. 2oz. and is 32 1/2 inches long. Nurse Mary measured his head, but we did not discuss the measurement for it. Joshua got one shot, and he's out for a nap now. Hopefully he'll get some good rest, especially since it is such a dreary day as we get off and on rain showers as a result of Tropical Storm Fay.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Staycation Day 2
For the past couple of weeks we have intended to take more days as a family to enjoy our city and the fun activities for the kids, but between families feeling unwell and Joshua's teething blow-out diapers we have postponed our activities. Friday we finally got to take a day as a family to go to Coolidge Park.
When we first arrived we took a couple of rides on the carousel. All of the animals and such were hand-carved and hand-painted. They are absolutely beautiful pieces of artwork! Joshua was not crazy about going up and down on the horse, so the second ride we all sat in one of the sleighs. It was just as much fun because they sit on the outside ring of the carousel, so you feel the pull outward from centrifugal force as you ride around.
Here are a few pics from our carousel ride.
We then stripped down to our bathing suits to play in the fountains. Rebekah seemed to have the most fun running around and checking out the statues.
After a while I took the kids to play in the water. Both the kids were hesitant at first.
As you can see, Joshua wasn't happy at first.
Rebekah, on the other hand, had a ball!
I finally got both the kids to play in a small water fountain to get them used to the larger fountains. Rebekah did wonderfully. Joshua liked it briefly then decided he had enough.
Joshua wanted to practice walking instead. He actually led me out to the big grassy area where he did most of his walking.
And Rebekah played in the water.
I think this picture is hilarious!
After a short lunch break (and I mean short, because when Rebekah is having fun and too excited to eat, lunch doesn't last long at all!) a bunch of girls from Girls Preparatory School showed up at the fountains. They were there on a field trip through their P.E. class that they call Bruiser Class. I was concerned that Rebekah would be really hesitant to play in the fountains with all those girls there, but she actually became more excited as she watched the middle schoolers squeal and enjoy the water. I also think that having already had some time in the fountains before they arrived helped her to warm up to the place, so she felt more free to play. What surprised me, though, was that Rebekah really had more fun with those girls playing there too. I guess my little girl is growing up on me.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Rebekah's Ramblings
Wednesday we met our friends Jessica, Heidi, and Kyle at the mall to play in the play area. Rebekah and Heidi had the best time playing together. Since the play area is on the lower level of the mall, and we parked on the upper level, we took the escalator. Every time, going and coming, we stepped off the escalator, Rebekah said with excitement, "That was amazing!"
This afternoon Rebekah looked at her Daddy and said, "You are terrific!" Amazing and terrific are both new words for Rebekah.
Darrin was trying to get Rebekah to go to the bathroom to use the potty, so he raced her. Of course, he let her win. When they reached the bathroom Darrin said, "You won!" Rebekah said, "No! I'm three!"
