First Day of First Grade

Last night at our annual (two years running) "Back-to-School Dinner Extravaganza," Sam and I both told Halle all about our first grade years. It was amazing how much we remembered. So, it's a little surreal that we have a little girl entering the first grade.

Halle has been so excited to start school. She loves school, and we love that she loves it.

When we saw her class list this year, she was a little disappointed that she didn't have any friends in her class. After a few days of feeling bad, she finally said, "Mom, I'm just going to be super nice to everybody, and be everyone's friend." What a sweetie.


We are so excited to watch Halle learn and grow this year. First grade is going to be great!

You Don't Know the Trouble I've Seen...

In the next issue of the dictionary, I'm pretty sure if you look up the word "trouble" there will be a picture of Chase next to it. I know, I know. Everyone says that their two-year-old is challenging, but according to Sam, Chase is in the top 5% of naughty two-year-olds. I don't know what research he conducted to come up with that statistic, but I'm pretty sure he's right.

But every now and again, Chase is completely adorable. His big, brown eyes have super powers. It's true. He can get pretty much anything he wants with those puppy-dogs.

Today was one of those days when Chase completely melted our hearts. He started toddler class today. His class is part of the early intervention program that he is a part of to improve his speech. He walked right into class (backpack included) and didn't bat an eye when we left.

His teacher said he had a fabulous day. Imagine that! I was nervous that he was going to get the ol' "heave ho" after day one. But, alas, Chase behaved. We couldn't be prouder.

Once he turns 3, he will enter a speech preschool. We are hopeful that these opportunities give him as much help as he needs to work on his speech delay. But, in the meantime, he is growing up, and having a great time. So, watch out, World. Here comes Trouble!

Dog Days of Summer

I remember as a child, summer always reached a point where it was definitely time to go back to school. I'd splashed, rode, and eaten enough popsicles to suffice my needs. Eventually--even though I hated to admit it--I needed a schedule.

We have nearly reached that point in our house this summer. We love the sunshine and the fun of outdoors, but we need a reason to be out of our pajamas before 11:00. The last few weeks have entered Groundhog Day mode. Each day is a near mirror image of the prior day. Here's our rundown:

8 a.m.: Halle heads downstairs to watch t.v. in her underwear. Always in her underwear. Apparently she's decided putting on pajamas takes too much work. Lizzie plays with toys. Chase is still asleep. Sam heads off to work, and I start getting ready for the day.

9:00 a.m.: Chase wakes up and asks for dad. Not home. Chase cries. Halle still in the basement. Lizzie eats. Me? Still not ready.

10:00 a.m.: Halle & Chase fight. I break it up. Lizzie naps. Chase wakes her up. Me? Closer, but still not ready.

12:00 p.m.: Lunch. Everyone is finally ready.

1:00 p.m.: We head outside, where we will remain for most of the day. Chase proceeds to start moving the recycling bins around. He likes to line up our trash cans with the neighbors. Sometimes he can convince a neighbor kid to help him out on his quest. Apparently, the outdoor toys are no longer fun, so we have to look for other forms of entertainment. Lizzie chills on my lap or in her playpen. Halle plays with friends.

2:00 p.m.: Popsicles.

4:00 p.m.: Lizzie heads in to nap.

5:30 p.m.: Sam comes home! I hand Chase off to him. Lizzie wakes up. I start making dinner with Lizzie perched on my hip.

6:30 ish: Dinner. Someone spills something.
7:00 p.m.: Back outside for a walk or chit-chat with the neighbors.

8:30 p.m.: We come in and try to convince the kids to go to bed. Lizzie obeys. Halle & Chase don't. Cartoons.

9:30 p.m.: Chase falls asleep. Halle occupies herself. I don't know what she does. I'm too exhausted to check.

10:00 p.m.: News.

11:00 p.m.: Sleep.

12:30 a.m.: Lizzie cries. Sam never hears her. I always do.

And then, we do it again...