Three going on Thirty...

Si turned 3 this week! September 19th our baby girl took the corner from toddler...to little girl! She is growing up so fast...a little too fast actually.

This girl is full of surprises. She has been a very fast and eager learner from the get go. Quick to crawl, walk...and most definitely talk! Before she was two sentences were streaming from her mouth; and now, well you cant really shut her up! She could talk your ear off all day long...and night long...and next day..and next night...you get the point! This little lady is a wonderment. Full personality. Determined. And motivated to do anything if there is a treat involved!

sorry for blur she wouldn't stay still

She keeps us on our toes. There is pretty much never a dull moment with her in the house. Si keeps the house a home...and yes, usually is the cause for loud voices and the occasional yelling match. Imagine, all this from a 3 year old.

Si is all that...and is also the most loving, caring, big-hearted person you will ever know. I think she has a bit of an old sole...

She loves telling people what to do and how to do it. But she also makes sure everyone is okay and is the first to kiss it better or bring a band aid. Always thoughtful.

When Si is alone (without her siblings) you get an entirely different side of her. The very soft, sweet and loving girl. She loves attention and she loves when she gets it one on one. She will sit and relax with you; tell you stories; brush your hair...endless hugs and kisses...and in these times, she knows how to be quiet.

Kai and her have an amazing relationship. They couldn't be closer peas in a pod. Yet, with this closeness...they love hard, and they fight hard too. Our little lady sure knows how to stand up for herself...its usually Kai coming out of battle with tears.

Si desperately tries to take care of T. Her loving and nurturing side shines through as she attempts to mother her. The issue here, T is almost the same weight as Si, and so her carrying her around tends to look more like dragging the baby around the house. Thankfully T is a mellow child and generally has a huge smile on her face. Yes, the third child definitely puts up with a lot more (sorry Reid for all the torture Kajs and I put you thru!).

Her love of lips (lipstick), nail polish, purses and 'date shoes' (my high heels) leave me a little concerned for the future...but for then, i am happy that she is such a head strong lady. For now, i would prefer her to listen to her mom and dad; unfortunately for us, that rarely happens.

(bad iphone pic- but getting a pedi with her lips painted pink with "whips" i.e. lips)

Si,

You are such an amazing daughter. I am so fortunate to have you and am thankful for every day. You teach me how to be stronger, love unconditionally and the true meaning of persistence. You are only three today, and yet in so many ways you are wise beyond your years.
Thank you for being you, for bringing light to our days, love to our hearts... and a little crazy to our brains! You define the word energy, as well as define the word love.

I love you love bug. Happy Birthday!!

Love Mom

New Beginnings...

Summer was amazing...but I was longing for fall and routine on some days that seemed to drag on endlessly with cranky kids and tired mom.

Yesterday was the day. The start of preschool for the kids! Kai into second year, and Si's first year...both in the same classroom with the same schedule.
I know I have probably said this in the past, but I think we have the best preschool out there! The kids are always raring to go there. They have the best times, amazing adventures, and are outdoors two of the four hours RAIN or SHINE. And yes, did you notice, 4 HOURS! Our preschool has it down right. The kids go Monday thru Thursday from 9-1.
With kindergarten now full days, I see this as even more beneficial these days as the kids are already almost there in time frame opposed to the 2 hours twice a week. Not only will those hours not help integrate the kids as seamlessly...but how does that limited time frame help the parent out!?
I am just stating my personal thoughts...

Anyways, as I mentioned yesterday was the start of the kids school year. I was very excited to see the day come...
Yet, once I dropped the kids off and they both walked in to their class with smiles on their face and no tears...I was the one that found a few tears.
It was a big day. Kai's last year in preschool. Si's first year of preschool ever! and the only year they will share a "grade."
When i finally slowed down and thought about this, as i walked away from their school, i couldn't help but feel a little...sad.

Time, again you are going to fast.
 

The Aftermath...

If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers.  ~Edgar W. Howe

Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day.  It would have been called Independence Day, but that name was already taken.  ~Bill Dodds

10 months and 3 days...

The age T was when she took her first step!!
September 7th marked her 10 months...and the 10th was her first step.

By the 12th she put together 4 in a row...and that's where it still is :)

To be honest, I am happy its not coming along faster...i am not willing time away!; Nor am I hoping for a walking baby sooner than it has to come.

Here is what I captured the other day, more to come as she starts to really move.

Milestone...T

T rolled over yesterday! She has been working on it for a while...alomst there, and yesterday it all came together!

Today I haven been able to keep her on her back, she keeps rolling to her tummy.
She's growing too fast!
Almost got it on video...but the leg swing is her tactic ;)

A Swimming Success...

Si had her first swim lessons on Wednesday. I have been nervous about her firsts lately in terms of starting her "school" and these lessons; but she has blown all my expectations away! We got to her lessons, she took the instructors hand...and headed straight into the water. No tears, all smiles...with the occasional wave to mom in the viewing area to ensure I was still there.

I am so happy she liked it as we want her to enjoy the water and get used to it in hopes of learning how to swim soon. This summer, she really wasn't interested in actually going in the water; be it lake or ocean...so I was pleased she was so happy and excited.

I only had my iPhone, so sorry for the crappy pictures as they were from a fare distance. But here is our big girls first day.

listening to her teacher

on the slide

morning of- getting excited to go! 

The only problem now... Kai finishes his skating lessons right before Si swims... and now he wants to be in the water too. If only there was a free class at the same time. We shall see!

A Week of Firsts...

I can't believe I haven't had a spare minute to sit and type in over a week! So much has been going on, time has certainly gotten the better of me.
Since last week, we have had the wall in our basement built; Basement and office painted; and decided while we were at it to, paint the our stairways as well. Lots on the home front. And it is all beginning to take shape. I will be sure to take photos and post... likely next week once the rooms are complete!

As for some serious milestones and firsts...

Kai started school (pre-school) on Tuesday! He is in the Mon-Thurs program 4 hours a day.
He was so excited to go, and even posed for a cute first day of school photo.

The nerves kicked in a little once we parked and walked towards the school. He told me he was scared and to please stay with him. I did. We walked to the classroom, found his hook, labelled with his name, for his coat and backpack to hang on, then met the teachers.
He has three great teachers. All very friendly and comforting. We went into the classroom, looked around and he began to feel more settled.  The parents were given the choice of "integrated transition" where we just play for an hour or so the first day and extend the time through the week; or, see how the kids fare, with knowing they have our numbers if the kids needed to go home. Most chose to later...as did I. And 4 hours later, with no phone calls, I went to pick up Kai from his first successful day of school!
He went all days this week, with no tears, lots of smiles and a fun time all around. I am so proud of our little man. He is sure growing. I will admit, once I left him on day one, I had a few tears of my own. I cant believe how big he is getting.  Time... please slow down.

Another first for Kai came on Wednesday. He started skating lessons!
He wants to play Hockey, so we tells us; And so, the lessons on ice begin. We went after school on Tuesday and got him all the necessary gear for his first day. A pair of skates (the are so adorable and tiny! Who knew Bauer made the mini-me sizes!) along with a helmet and cage. He was ready to take on the ice.

Getting to the rink Wednesday, he showed no signs of nerves...just pure excitement! He was over-joyed to see the ice, and couldn't wait for me to lace up his skates. Skates on, he very quickly learnt how to stand..and jump...on dry land. Then to the ice with his instructor. Hardly hesitant, and with very little frustration and a ton of determination, he continuously tried to stay on feet, not bum. A few quick tears were brought mid lesson (I think frustration got to him a little) he asked me to stand in a certain spot so he could see me, and went right back to the ice.
I could not be a prouder mom. What an amazing week for our little man. Many firsts, and he conquered them all, head on.

And next week, a week of seconds, Si's 2nd Birthday!

"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."~Rose Kennedy