Days with Kerry May

We're cruising toward the end of September and Jenica has been busy busy busy. It is a bit strange, her being gone each day, all day. Sometimes Kerry forgets and asks me, "Where's Jenica?" She's soon to be even busier, adding Scouts to her full agenda, which now also includes a weekly dance class.

But, to be honest, I know Jenica is doing great. She's the happiest I've seen her, and has been coming home each day with a big smile on her face. And, what's more: I have to admit: I am loving my time with the "little imp."

Kerry has been such a doll -- all those nasty three year old behaviors seem to disappear when it's just the two of us. We chat, read, draw and talk talk talk. Funny -- she's so quiet 99% of the time.
And those smiles -- seems to be more of these smiles these days. I think she is just really enjoying having mom to herself.

And maybe, just maybe, she also knows... she's got me wrapped around her little finger...

;)

Dance dance dance!

Well, I'm always preaching that all good things are worth waiting for. Kerry finally got what she's been waiting and waiting for: dance lessons.

And, honestly, she's not one bit disappointed. She's simply delighted with the whole deal -- 30 minutes of ballet and 30 minutes of tap. How I wish I could have snuck in an took a few shots of her being a "flower" or a "bumblebee" but alas, she tells me, it's her "private dance time."

However, at least, she will now smile pretty for me.

Couldn't ask for more, my sweet girl.

:)

An Early Fall Stroll

Another very pretty early fall day demanded we get out some. Stefan took some time out and we headed to the Sudden Valley area to release our ants from our Space Age Habitat. After giving them several weeks, it became clear that they did NOT think too much of the idea. Next year, we're going to order laboratory ants! (Then maybe we won't feel as bad either -- poor little suckers).

It gave us an excuse to enjoy a stroll in the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve and we really hope to be back some time soon, more prepared. There is so much to see and explore in this area!

The trees... ahhh... the trees. So magical.

There are several loop trails back here -- my favorite. Next time, we need to pack more snacks and probably start earlier. But it was a good walk all the same.

Some bird watching -- where are our binoculars???

Loads of laughs -- Jenica and Kerry were pretending to be Golden Eagles and ran most of the way.

Lots of scenic little nooks and crannies...

A stop at a local playground tops the day.

Rain, honestly, we don't miss you that much yet. Hopefully we can enjoy a few more weekends just like this one. :)

Million Smiles Makes Ya Smile

And I would have proof, if only I wasn't becoming totally senile and had a camera but alas, no battery in the camera (of course, it was home charging!).

Anyway, today was an "early release" day at school for Jenica and Kerry. And, seeing that it was a GORGEOUS day, it demanded some play time. We met friends out in Lynden and much to my surprise, the girls played and played and played. (Although, Kerry did not have the staying power her sister does: the whining started about 45 minutes before we actually left, but not bad for someone who got up at 5AM.)

Two full weeks of school for Jenica and she's simply delighted. I am still waiting for the "crash" -- this schedule is quite different and loooong. But she's just eating it up. All good.

Kerry, on the other hand, at drop off time still screams as if I am never ever ever coming back for her. However, I am told that as soon as I am out of sight, she gets right down to business and is fine for the whole morning. I know she'll be fine soon.

Now, if only Jenica would be tired enough to go to bed! It's 8:45 and no such luck! I'm headed in there right now...

First Day, All Day!

Happy happy girl. That's the best I can describe it. And I was expecting tired tired girl....

Today was Jenica's first day of ALL day school. Two things totally surprised me: one when I came by at noon to get her sister, she gave me a big hug and then said, "NOT NOW! Right?" and when we left she called out, "See you later Mom, time for lunch!"

I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon with just Kerry May -- wow. She helped me with chores, told me lots of stories, and even suggested we take a walk together -- wonderful idea! Then back to get Jenica, who was still going strong. I figured yea, wait, when we get home, kaboom! Right?

Wrong! She decided it was time to ride her bike! And run around! From where does she get this energy? It's just amazing. However, it's still early in the week. We've got four more days to go. I'll take more pictures on Friday and then compare for the real story... But so far, pretty darn great. And for me, well, those three hours kid-free in the morning... ahhhhh. But again, talk to me in November, I'll probably be out of my tree looking for something to do...

:)

Freshening Up

What's Labor Day without some labor? We decided, (well we were sort of forced after the girls decided to pick at peeling paint in the bathroom last week -- I've been wondering about lead ever since) to give the bathroom a fresh look. There are so many possibilities now in terms of simple paint -- you could spend your life changing the color so it's "just right." At first we were thinking of radically changing it -- some bright blue and white, but then, after some consideration realized that we just couldn't commit to it. And, I didn't want to be locked in to a certain color scheme. So! It's pretty much as you remember it, if you've ever been here. Just a bit lighter and a whole lot more fresh. Ahhhhhh.....

Now, if we could just USE the darn room again -- that would be totally cool.

We've got the painting bug: the plan is now one room a month -- look out!

She's Got It!

New school year, new diseases! (Good Lord). Anyway... we heard back from Children's Hospital today and they have the tests in: Jenica does officially have von Willebrand's Disease. Lovely. And, just for fun, it's pretty complicated and will require MORE tests!!! .

There are three types of von Willebrand's, apparently, Type 1, 2 or 3. They already know Jenica has Type 2. BUT, there are subsets under Type 2, A or B. So, they need to do further testing to determine which type, because the treatment for each is different (and of course, carries different risks).

Her medical ID bracelet is on order and our job now is to really pay attention to any head injuries, carry emergency phone numbers for the Puget Sound Blood Center and hopefully, keep her out of surgery for a while!

And, on to the next thing -- both Kerry and I will need to be tested. Oh boy.

Well, I guess "the more you know, the more you grow." This child has taught me loads about the medical field, a field I never thought I would ever be interested in. :)

Ready, Set...Orientation!

So many "firsts" today. First day of "Kindergarten," first day of preschool. No tears, but so much excitement and nervousness! However, I think I might have been more excited than either of the girls put together. I love school! I wish I could go!!!

Jenica, of course, was just thrilled. When I told her it was time to head to the car, she yelled "YES! Let's GO!!!" And when she returned home later and I asked her how she liked it, she exclaimed, "It was WONDERFUL!"

Kerry, however, told us, point blank more than a few times this morning (and on the car ride there), "I'm am NOT going to that school!!!" But, in the end, she more than survived; she had a good time.

Here she is, a bit of a deer in the headlights after her "orientation." But, truly, one of the best things (I am slowly learning) about Montessori is how they really listen to the child. Kerry was very apprehensive about this whole experience and it showed. But no one rushed her. She had a whole half an hour this morning to spend more time with her teacher, and explore her new classroom, all by herself. At the end, she was already saying, "I want to work on this tomorrow." Yes! That's what I wanted to hear. :)