Tuesday, September 12, 2007
Already September. The summer has absolutely flown by. We’ve had a marvelous summer, full of activity. Between visits from cousins, aunts (especially Auntie Helen from Germany), and uncles, awesome vacation to Brewster, trips to Lenox beach, walks, blueberrying, picking berries in our own yard, raspberry picking at Memere’s, family picnics, playing in Lilac park, Isabelle’s 3rd birthday, St. Ann’s lawn party, playing with little friends Ava and Andy, trips to the blue wee (Community Center park) and Orebed park,dips in our own pool, trip to Cummington Fair, Whitney’s Farm stand, gardening, eating tomatoes, walks to town and enjoying the heat, the summer has flown by.
Not so much fun has been cottage rentals, renting apartment, selling house, moving Jack to Isabelle’s room (out of our bathroom), and Isabelle starting school. Lots of firsts and many challenges. This has also made the summer fly.
Isabelle: She is now three! So grownup and she has shot up in height. Still petite is most kids her age, but she has grown. She is eating more and tries more foods. Talking has improved exponentially. Just her few times with friends and cousins has got her talking sentences and constant talking. Even 4 times at school has her chattering away.
She’s at a great age now. A bit more serious, but it’s so much easier to converse with her and have her understand. She is more a person and needs less time looking after. I can work, work, work, and she’ll play by herself.
She is pretty much potty trained now, even wearing her Go Diego Go underwear to bed.
Jack moved in Isabelle’s room 3 weeks ago. It went surprisingly well. There are two cribs now in the same room. We thought for sure they’d be up for hours, but not much changed – they stayed maybe an hour up giggling. In fact, I think Jack likes being with her. He used to wake each night with a cry or something. Either we can’t hear it now or he’s more comforted.
One week later Isabelle started school. It was awful for me and ok for her. Surprisingly she did not cry when I said goodbye, though I think it came from shock. She’s starting3 mornings a week in the transition room at Lenox Children’s Center. Only 6 kids will be there. After she gets used to it I will either put her in for 1 or 2 mornings a week. RIght now it seems too much. I miss her terribly and I guilty. Today she sobbed when I left. We are sending her there so that she has an opportunity to play with other kids. At home she has only me and Jack. There are no kids in the neighborhood but one and we rarely see her. She ‘s doing ok at the school. She does not partipate in snacks or creative pieces, but she lets kids play with what she’s doing. On the playground she sticks close to the teacher. She does not go to the bathroom and every once-in-a-while cries for me. Dada comes out every-so-often. Changes I see in her? She’s more talkative; more combative with her brother; trying new things like different ways to swing on a swing that we’ve never shown her (must see other kids do it); more polite by saying please and bless you.
Loves: to color, paint, draw, make puzzles, help me cook; berry pick; pick/eat tomatoes/peas; play at beach (which they both love); read stories; visit playground; go on picnics, have teaparties;
Jack: 1.5 years now. Big, tall, and lean. In a year he has only gained two pounds, though he still feels hefty. The gut is still there too. Very cute in his bathing suit. He is as loud as ever and very determined. He loves his sister and follows her whereever. BUT he hits back now and fighting has ensued. Lots of screams on both parts.
He’s a fun-loving kid, very smiley like his sister, but much more out-going. He’s very attached to me and follows me everywhere (yelling MOMMY if I leave room), but he’s apt to join a crowd of kids (doesn’t matter age) he does not know, unlike his sister.
He’s mischevious. Very. He started 3 months ago to take an item from a person (say Isabelle), then run from her. Then, come back, hand it to her and as she goes to take it, he pulls it back, backs up away, and then turns and runs. If I call him, he looks at me with the Irish devilish grin and turns and runs.
It’s difficult to reprimand him. When I do, he either yells NO, slaps me back, or bursts into tears. Big sobs. His tears are huge water droplets and at times it’s a waterfountain, brought on at will. He especially likes to work it when I have to hug Isabelle or have her on my lap. Let’s just say he’s working the system.
He’s saying words a great deal and must have at least 50 in his vocabulary. He understands everything and will repeat words if asked.
We feel he has been getting teeth for MONTHS. first the molars and then now the eye teeth. It’s constant with him. For Isabelle they just popped out.
Loves: music (sways or dances everytime); going outside; playing at beach in mud/sand/water; eating; being around people; giving hugs; being very loud.