2012_04_29 Sunday

It is so hard to believe that Elise turned two yesterday! wowser. There is a certain level of bittersweet for me, knowing we are passing milestones for the last time.

Saturday
Both kids slept until about 10:30!! Daddy was hungover and tired from a work function, so Jonathan and I took Elise to the diner for a birthday "breakfast;" then we swung by two libraries for Jonathan's books; and then we hung out in town at a 'green' fair. We visited lots of booths (Jonathan made a Home Depot tool box) and listened to live music. In the afternoon, we went to a friend's spring party and then had pizza dinner (with a chocolate bomba dessert) with the Cassidys.

Oh, geez, I also forgot: we've now lived in this house for four years today!!

Sunday
Today was more of a family-focused birthday celebration. Elise slept until 10 again. So, Jonathan and I had a bagel date and then went to the playground to meet up with local incoming Kindergarteners. It was great fun. Dave and Elise met us when they were presentable. We closed out the birthday weekend with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, which isn't my favorite place in the world, but the kids sure did have a blast. There were enough rides that Elise enjoyed it, and Jonathan was able to do a lot of the games, including the iconic Skee-ball. We got home close to 9pm, so I'm hoping Monday doesn't start off poorly.

Monday
Elise had her 2-yr doctor's appointment this morning. The doc was very impressed that she can jump, sing most of her abcs, identify body parts reliably, and speak in more than 2 word phrases. She did not appreciate the one shot in the leg at all. She does have mild excema on her legs and mild cradle cap on her head, and she's under-weight (so she stays on whole milk). This is so frustrating for me since Elise eats like it's going out of style (her protruding belly is deceiving, I guess), but it's all healthy food so she's not gaining enough weight. She's not in any danger, and doc said her muscles and coordination are great, too. more peanut butter for her!

Here are some photos of her big day(s):

2012_04_19 Thursday

I nearly fell over laughing this morning. I picked up Elise from the daycare at the gym; they had rock music blaring, and E was dancing her little heart out. She didn't hear me call her and just kept jamming away. Most of the staff was with me, watching her go. Guess she's got her father's dancing genes! And, I'm hoping she'll sleep for hours after that show!

To my shock and dismay, Jonathan got into trouble at school today. He had 4 (!!) timeouts. I think he's following (read: idolizing) one boy, who has lots of older siblings and who may not make the best choices. The teachers mentioned hitting and general inappropriate silliness and giggles. So, we had a long talk about respect for adults, making good choices even when others don't, and rewards versus repercussions. He lost TV privileges for the day (I thought that was wonderful), and he wrote an apology (I am very sorry. love, Jonathan) to his teachers with a drawing of boys being nice (self portrait blowing kisses; two boys holding hands; and both with big ears with which to listen attentively). When he delivered the letter, the main teacher was truly wonderful in accepting it (and not undermining the 'punishment' of writing an apology), praising his efforts to fix his mistakes, and having a good day with good choices going forward. She's amazing.

2012_04_18 Wednesday

Jonathan survived Monday's swim class and Tuesday's soccer class but sure was tired when he woke up today! It's W Day, and we have Opa's wasp nest. Jonathan cannot wrap his brain around w-a-s-p; instead calls it w-a-p-s-p. And, he had a hard time letting kids touch it at school (so we learned what "protective" means). I tried to make him understand that Oma/Opa have LOTS of them, so everyone can touch this one and we'll get more if we need more. School thought it pretty darn cool.

We've been using a huge box as a spaceship/house/car/?? for a few days now. The 16th was basically the last day for it:

2012_04_15 Thursday

We had our own Easter egg hunt this morning:

2012_04_15 Sunday

We've returned from an incredible adventure! I took Jonathan and Elise (with Oma) on the train to Chicago. We really had a wonderful time. The trains are an excellent way to travel if you have the time. The kids really liked that they could move around, and I was happy to have our own sleeper car, although truth be told, I did very little sleeping with Ms E squirming around by my side. But, Jonathan slept on the top bunk both ways and did fantastic. We had a white linen dinner on the return trip that was very special; the kids behaved so well. The hardest part, which I had anticipated, was the layover in Pittsburgh, especially the return layover since it was in the weeeee hours of the morning. But, it sure was fun (and maybe a bit confusing) to see today turn in to tomorrow.

I planned a day at the Barony on each side of the trip, so the kids could ease into and out of vacation. They had a blast. E even slept in her own 'doxhole'! Not sure how that will play out at Christmas time; Opa better build a third one!!

But, I was so happy to see how instantaneously Jonathan and Shawn bonded and played together. I don't recall a single 'incident' between them. Elise jumped in as much as she could handle, which was considerable. Shannon planned one excursion each day (children's museum, Lego factory, children's arboretum); that was the perfect balance for us. She also was our photographer, so here are some picture of all the adventures (I may have some too, but it takes me forever to upload, so I'll add as time permits):

04-11-12 DuPage Children's Museum: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-11%20DuPage%20Childrens%20Museum/
Here's a short clip of E's moves at the children's museum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llhi_1fJG_0&feature=youtu.be Enjoy! 
04-11-12 All Aboard Diner: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-11%20All%20Aboard%20Diner/
04-12-12 LegoLand: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-12%20LegoLand/
04-12-12 Jamba Juice Snack: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-12%20Jamba%20Juice%20snack/
04-12-12 Gino's East Pizza: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-12%20Ginos%20East%20Pizza/
04-13-12 Morton Arboretum Children's Garden: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-13%20Morton%20Arboretum%20Childrens%20Garden/

This was one of those trips that will stick with me as one of my favorites.

2012_04_04 Wednesday

Two similar situations have happened within 48 hours with Jonathan. On Sunday, Jonathan rode his bike all the way home from the bridge. I was so impressed that he knew exactly where to go and how to do it safely (presumably). Then, on Monday at swim practice, he swam a good 6 strokes all by himself from the ledge to the end of the pool. I was nearly in tears of pride. Both things were really awesome; however, he did them both without adult inclusion. So, now, we need to tweek his independence to, at least, let an adult in on his big-boy plans!
On a more positive note, we went to the zoo today:

2012_04_01 Sunday

Our town put on a kiddy Easter egg hunt today. It's a great event. The eggs are spread out on a field, and they allow the kids to 'hunt' by age. Jonathan had to wait until Elise was done. He got a free pizza slice! Then, they tore into the eggs for the candy, had a snack, and were done. The whole thing couldn't have lasted more than 10 minutes. Jonathan was excited to stand with the Easter Bunny, but Elise was definitely not. Elise and Dave went back home while Jonathan and I went to a story ready for "Poopendous," which was pretty hilarious, except for the very rude boy in the front row.