I'm Sorry!

I picked Sydney up from school today, and on the way to Helene's I explained to her that I would be picking her up early because we had to go to a shiva.  Of course she asked me what that meant because she's never been to one or even heard the term.  I told her that my boss' father (father?, she says mid sentence), okay dad died and we had to go and say that we're sorry.  Sydney all of a sudden had this look on her face and you could tell that she was processing what I said.  Then, like 30 seconds later she says, "we have to go say sorry?  Why, did you push him?"  I guess I'll save the whole death conversation for a later date, but that statement definitely made me laugh! We obviously have a lot of pushing going on in our house....and a lot of saying sorry!

Happy Young Skipper!

Jason and I were driving home from our friend's Brian and Andi's on Saturday night (we like to crash their block party...it's always fun) and Sydney says, "Is tomorrow Young Skipper?" We both just busted out laughing!  How cute is that? Obviously she meant Yom Kippur, which if anyone knows me at all, would know that I'm not so keen on the Jewish holidays.  I'm trying to do more these days, but I can't really teach Sydney that much, so it seems only fitting that Sydney wouldn't get the words right!

It's kind of sad that Sydney goes to Synagogue more than I do.  She went with Grammie for Rosh Hashana, and Grandma Sharon for Yom Kippur.  I always end up staying home with a napping Lizzy.  But also because I feel weird just going to a synagogue where I'm not a member.  Anyway, today at the kid service, each kid went up to light a candle and speak into the microphone to say what they are thankful for.  My mom says that most kids said things like "peace", or "happiness".  Apparently Sydney was the youngest one there, but sat there and listened and enjoyed it like everyone else.  When Sydney's turn rolled around she went up to light the candle, grabbed the microphone and said she was thankful for "dolls".  Too funny...at least she's consistent...the girl likes dolls!

I will say that I've enjoyed a lot of great food this weekend.  Jewish holidays are always good for that! Lizzy ate like a good little Jewish girl.  She loved the matzah balls, rice, chicken, challah...whatever we gave her!  Sydney ate nothing of course!  She's going to turn into yogurt one day!  Of course when dessert rolls around, Sydney perks up with a happy smile and awaits her treat.  Who can resist seven layer cake?

I guess back to reality tomorrow.  I enjoyed the day off with family and good food.  I can only imagine how clean the house would be if I didn't work.  I can't believe everything I was able to fit into the day today.  And to top it all off...I'm relaxed and sitting in a nice clean house...feels good!

I Like Baby Dolls

I had to go to curriculum night for Sydney's pre-school class last night!  It's crazy...curriculum night for preschool, but it was totally worthwhile and very informative.  I'm kind of blown away with what 3 year olds learn these days!  It seems like things they learn in preschool, are things that kids used to learn in kindergarten.  I remember like eight years ago in my susbtitute teaching days, that kindergarten students were learning letters and sounds and learning to write the letters as well.  These days, pre-school students have to do all of this before Kindergarten.  Fortunately, Sydney already knows her letters and sounds. But she isn't even close to being able to write them or blend them together.  In fact, she can barely hold a pencil and she definitely cannot color inside the lines or use scissors correctly. I think I might work with Sydney on her cutting and coloring skills as my next plan of attack.

Anyway, in class one day the kids were doing a project based on the book "If You Take a Mouse to School" called "If You Take a Preschool Student to Eagle, You Will Hear...
The students had to tell the teachers their favorite thing to do at Eagle Elementary so far.  I read all of the other kids statements which consisted of playing play-doh, reading certain books, playing with friends, etc.  You know, normal school activities.  Well Sydney says, "I like the baby dolls.  They go shopping."  I just had to laugh.  I'm pretty sure she didn't say "baby doll", she probably said babies and the teacher had to ask her what she meant because she never calls them baby dolls. 

But, oh my goodness!  I don't doubt for one single second that Sydney said that. She is definitely my child! Sydney could not be more girly and all she wants to do is shop and play with babies.  She always asks if we can go to the shop-o-rama (she thinks that's what the store is called because of her favorite book, "Llama Llama Mad at Mama").  Thanks to all of Sydney's grandma's, she spends a lot of time at the mall.  The other day I was at the mall with Sydney and a lady was carrying a Nordstrom bag and Sydney said, "hey, that's my store where I go with Grammie."  Is it bad that a three year old recognizes Nordstroms? This whole shopping thing gives me a chuckle.  I can't wait to see what Sydney comes up with for her next project. 

I JUST Cleaned!

Those are words that you hear come out of my mouth ALL of the time.  However, this time it was Jason!  He cleaned up the kitchen (which I always appreciate) and then like two minutes later, it was a mess.  Welcome to my world!!!  But it's a wonderful world because I have two wonderful kids who entertain me everyday...

Lizzy all of a sudden has two obsessions.  The first is to say "no" all day long.  No matter what you say, she'll say "no". Every once in a blue moon she will say yessthhhh and stick her little tongue out (so cute) which makes me wonder if she actually knows the difference between yes and no, but I doubt it.  The poor kid probably just thinks her name is "no" because that's all we ever say to her, but it's fun.  She has a great personality and a ton of energy, a fun one year old for sure!  Her second favorite obsession is The Backyardigans...it's so crazy...she's starting young, probably because Sydney loves them and controls the tv.  But Lizzy will stand in front of the t.v. and dance and sing every single time they come on.  She just drops everything she's doing and busts out into a little dance.  It really sounds like she's trying to sing the words which totally contradicts what I just said about her saying "no" all day long, so I guess I should say her days consist of "no" almost all day long with a little Backyardigans mixed in...we'll have to work on her vocabulary!

As for Sydney.  She is still loving school, it's only the second week, but when I tell her she has to go to school she says, "yaaaaayyyyy, I get to learn."  I love picking her up from school and hearing her stories as I drive her to daycare. "Sydney C. cries, but Sydney O. doesn't cry, that's me"  "Aditi (sp?) wasn't coming and the teacher called her and she's bad.  But I listen, I'm good."  She brings home cute little projects too.  I framed her very first painting so she will always have it.  She thought that was pretty exciting!  I feel like she's so grown up, yet she's only in pre-school.  I don't understand why parents get so emotional about their kids going to school.  I think it's great that she's socializing and learning around kids her own age and it's even better to hear her retell the day...so fun!  So, when Kindergarten rolls around...why do parents cry?  Didn't they take their kids to pre-school?  I'll probably cry when she's in fifth grade and beyond and I have to help her do reports and projects, but I will cross that bridge when we get to it.  For now, it's all good!!

Circle of Life

Today was more than just my birthday.  It represents so much more.  Not only did I bring Lizzy into the world on my birthday, but when I was a little girl, my Grandpa died on my birthday.  So, this day has always been particulary rough for my mom; while she is always happy to celebrate my birthday, she mourns the loss of her father.  But I guess that's just the way the world works!  It's just amazing to me that of all of the days on the calendar, Lizzy ended up with the same special day as me.  The day no longer belongs to me, we will share it, but she will get 90% of it and I will get 10%.  Besides...birthdays are way more fun when you're a kid!

I remember when I was little and when I woke up the morning of my birthday I felt like I was glowing; as if everyone just knew it was my birthday.  We were able to bring treats to school and walk around the school and give one to all of the teachers.  Then we would have awesome birthday parties with all of our friends and lots of presents to open..it was the life.  Now, although I didn't necessarily have a bad day, it's not like it was when I was kid.  It just feels like a typical day.  I had to work all day...woo hoo!  We did go out for dinner, but we were all tired, it was Wednesday afterall!  Jason did do better than last year though....my big 30th birthday and what did I get?  A griddle! Okay...I DID get Lizzy which is a great gift...but we all knew when her due date was...there was plenty of months to buy more than a griddle...oh well! At least I got a GPS this year (I know, I'm behind on the times).

Happy Birthday Lizzy!!!! 

She Loves It!

Here she is, with her cute little pigtails all ready to go! Last night she wasn't so sure about going, but today she is so excited. She thought it was so much fun to wear her new backpack (thanks Lily and Jake!). I thought she would be a little clingy at first, but she went right in and said, "bye mommy!" and off I went...way easier than I thought! I kind of wanted to stay and watch her for a few minutes, but she was all about the white board and could care less about me, oh well!

I was able to catch a sneak of her when I picked her up. It was fun to see her sitting on the carpet with her new friends. Apparently only the girls are her friends, she says she doesn't like the boys...it's strange how they develop these feelings because we certainly don't tell her not to like boys...that will come later in life!
The teacher came out when I picked her up and told me that she was perfect and had a perfect day. She said that she was engaged and listened but didn't talk much...I'm sure that will change! As soon as we got in the car, she was talking a mile a minute about everything she got to do. They went outside, read a fun story, painted with cars, had snack, etc. Oh, and about the snack thing...we're supposed to pack a snack each day. I gave her goldfish, I didn't know what to give her. Sydney told me that one kid had oranges, another kid had grapes, and another kid had a banana and that the next time I should give her grapes and not goldfish..geesh,sorry! I guess she felt like the odd man out without fruit...I guess that's a good thing!
Off to Helene's she went after pre-school. The hardest part for me was seeing Lizzy when I dropped Sydney off. It was like she knew I was coming. She was standing right there when we walked in. At first she was excited because she thought she was going home, but absoultely bawled when I put her down to leave. I of course had to pick her back up..I couldn't stand the sad pouty face. She gave me lots of hugs and finally I had to give her up and leave...it was sad!
Thankfully Jason picked the girls up which was very helpful because it's a lot of work to leave work mid-morning to pick Sydney up from school...I guess the fun has just begun! When Sydney walked in, her cute little pigtails were gone. I asked her where her ponytails went and she said they were gone. I looked in her backpack...not there. She just kept on saying they were gone. I told her that we can't afford for to just lose them everyday. Anyway, bath time rolls around...and there they are..as tight as can possibly be...one on each leg, just below her knees. Oh my goodness...so tight. I'm surprised she wasn't complaining that her legs hurt...I mean her legs looked purple. Needless to say, she got a little lecture and hopefully won't be doing that again! All in all though...a great day for Sydney.

And in case you're wondering...I didn't find a safety pin!

The Big Day

Okay, this will be quick because Jason has a Fantasy Football draft in 15 minutes, and he has to use my computer...priorities!!

Anyway, tomorrow is Sydney's very first day of pre-school.  We went to orientation last week (which is where the above picture is from), which was a bit crazy with kids running around everywhere, so I think Sydney is a bit apprehensive.  She's been exited all week, but just tonight before going to bed she told me she didn't want to go to school tomorrow, she wants to go to Helene's instead.  But I know she'll be fine!! Jason thinks she will be teacher's pet!  I'm just excited for her to be in a group setting with all kids the same age.  It will be a great experience and she will get a nice balance between school and daycare.  I just hope she doesn't cry tomorrow.  She doesn't want me to leave her there.  Lately everywhere we go, she's been asking if we are staying with her or leaving her.

But as hard as leaving her tomorrow will be...the even harder task will be trying to find a safety pin in my house to put Sydney's name tag on that the school provided for us (they should have provided the saftey pin too!!).  Off to look for a pin...probably won't happen!

Fun Turning One

Well, we survived!  Two successful parties under out belt! We lucked out and had great weather for Lizzy's 1st birthday party!  These things sure are a lot of work!  I probably go overboard, but I want to make sure everyone always leaves full and satisfied. I promise this though: next year Sydney and Lizzy will have a combined birthday party!  Having their two parties less than a month a part was expensive, not to mention a lot of work.  But it's worth it...everyone always has fun!

First birthday's are hard because of course they have no idea what's going on.  Just a houseful of people, food, and pandemonium...it can be overwhelming for kids!  Lizzy lasted about 5 seconds while she (I) opened her presents, but I guess that is to be expected.  But Sydney certainly enjoyed Lizzy's presents...it's going to take convincing for Syney to understand that these presents are for Lizzy.  For the time being, Lizzy was just content with eating the paper bags that the presents came in...typical Lizzy behavior!

The whole cake part is always fun.  We thought for sure Lizzy would smash right through it since she does that with every other food or non-food item...everything goes into the mouth before you can even blink.  But she picked at it very slowly. Jason is very proud of himself that he made Lizzy's cake all by himself! Take a look...

Jason even did a ton of cleaning and decorating...maybe we should have parties more often...it's a great way to get the house clean...too bad it doesn't last!  People came through like a herd of elephants and devoured the food!

It was a tough call having a party over Labor Day weekend...we thought most people would be busy.  But as it turned out, we were able to have relatives come down that can't normally make it to our parties because of the long weekend!  Sydney just loves cousin Tyler and enjoyed running around the house with him. 

Mia and Sydney are always pretty cute together too!!

This seems to be a rambling, uneventful blog post.  I'm obviously tired and apparently have no sense of direction tonight.  It was definitely overwhelming, and although the house is trashed, everyone had a great time. Thankfully I have an extra day to clean up the mess.  I just can't believe Lizzy's almost one...three more days to go...boy (or should I say girl?) did that go by fast!

Here is the best part...ready for bed....thank goodness!