1st Full Day at the New School

She loved her mornings at montessori all last week. Today is the first FULL day of school. The older kids come back today, and Lilly gets to have lunch and nap there too. She was sooooo excited. Its amazing how much of a difference I have seen in her in only a week. She is much happier, and in her play she no longer puts her toys in time out all of the time. Amazing.

We spent the weekend playing with Jackson, hanging around the house, and getting all of her new things labeled for her new school. Her new lunch box finally came in the mail Friday afternoon, so she packed her lunch Friday night. She was upset when I had to explain that the tomatoes and posicle would not make it to Monday, but she eventually gave in.

Here she is this morning ready to head out the door with her backpack (full of her sheets and blankie for naptime), her new lunchbox, and her folder with meticulously placed letter stickers to spell out her name. She was just so excited. Hope today isn't overwhelming with the returning older kids now in the room as well. And, I hope she can fall asleep at naptime (the true test). But, she played naptime at her new school this weekend. She had pillows lined up on the porch and was instructing which of her new classmates on where they should sleep. So - she was definietly gearing up for it.

New School...

Finally ready to share the school saga...

Lilly has been struggling the past couple months at her school. She had moved up to a new class in late April, and initially struggled a lot with the new environment, but it did seem to settle down after 6 weeks or so. But, then things started up again.

School became a battle, and a place she did not want to go. Mornings were full of "mommy please don't make me go, I don't want to go to school, I want to stay home" followed by her throwing herself on the floor and crying. It often ended with me carrying her out of the house, crying, and putting her in the car. She would always calm down on the way to school, and was ALWAYS fine by the time we got there.

At first I thought it was a phase. I met with her teacher and "principal," to share some concerns that I thought may be contributing to the issue. They were both very supportive and really made an effort to help Lilly succeed there. But, it also got me to thinking to that it just wasn't the right place for Lil. She is extremely smart, and has very long attention spans. She was getting in trouble for wanting to finish with blocks, etc instead of sitting on the mat. And, that thought led me back to Montessori. So, I visited two area Montessori schools, and really liked the local one. But, there weren't any openings. Then, last week, the lady called and said a spot had opened up in the full day class. Lilly went to visit the school and had some one on one time with the new teacher, and it was love at first sight (for both of them I think). Without hesitation she declared she wanted to go to the new school. I mentioned that Jackson & her other friends would stay at her current school. She stopped for a minute, and then declared that she would still see her old friends after school and still wanted to change.

I, however, stressed over the decision much more. But, in the end, Montessori is the right place for Lilly right now. So, we switched - and it had to be quick, as "new student orientation week" started yesterday! Its only a two hour day this week, but Monday will go to full days.

I will write more on the Montessori philosophy in the future, but basically its a theory of education that lets the child drive the pace, so each child's experience is tailored to them. Its different from the "play based" approach she has been used to, but LOVES being able to pick what she wants to work on, and move on to something else only when she is ready. For a great comparison of preschool philosophies, see this article.... http://wondertime.go.com/learning/article/choosing-a-preschool.html

Anyway, for Lilly, the transition so far this week has been amazing. No more "I don't want to go" battles in the morning. She has be-bopped on into her new school each day...she did grant me a wave yesterday which made me feel a little better. But, she does miss Jackson...and I know this will be hard for Jackson too.

More on this as we develop...but wanted to share our latest journey. She is doing great. I have broken out, not slept, and fallen off the diet - but I do feel its the right move for her. Its just hard leaving a place where I know everyone's parents, I know the teachers, we all work for the same place, and our best friends are there. But, I just think this is the best thing, so I am walking in faith! Any prayers for Lilly (& for Jackson) in this tough adjustment period are greatly appreciated!

Happy Family Day 2009!

To celebrate our 3rd Family Day I booked a night at the local Great Wolf Lodge, which is a huge indoor waterpark/hotel in Williamsburg (& other places too...see link http://www.greatwolf.com/williamsburg/waterpark ). We get a discount through work, so it really wasn't too bad at all - and I wanted to do something to really mark the day. I think this celebration concept is something the adoption community does much better than everyone else....we take a day all to ourselves to celebrate the fact that we are a family and to give thanks that God has allowed us to be in each others lives. None of those blessings are exclusive to adoption - but somehow adoption reminds us to celebrate it!

Here is my little Scrabble Addict....

Soo...onto our celebration. We headed up to Great Wolf on Tuesday afternoon (leaving school & work early!), and we were in the waterpark by 5. The place is huge and there is stuff for everyone to do. A huge kiddie area (where we spent a lot of time), a big wave pool, and outside pool, a floating "river" and then all the slides and rides, etc for bigger kids (surfing, basketball, you name it...Lilly said maybe next year...). Then there is tons of other stuff throughout the hotel to do...a lot geared for kids a little older, but Lilly really enjoyed the playground and the "Cub Club" area with crafts and toys, and of course enjoyed the sweet shop.

Mom...its a butterfly!!!She also got a kick out of the hotel itself. Tuesday night was nice for just the 2 of us, and then my dad came up Wed morning for a few hours. (All the pics are from Wed - just impossible to do 1 adult, 1 kid and a non waterproof camera in a waterpark!).

Enjoying "daquiris" at the "bar"....

Back at home...showing off her inherited talents at playing the marimba (Guatemalan instrument). This was her Family Day present this year (I have something from Guatemala to give her each year). I love the traditional Mayan story behind the marimba.....(here is the EXTREMELY short version...)the trees wanted to be able to sing like people and were making everyone sad since they couldn't. Eventually Grandfather Sun and Grandmother Moon said they could make music after they died, and the wood is made into marimbas, which provide sweet music throughout the land. This is just a kiddie version...but it makes real music!

Then Wed night the Coopers came to dinner - as they were there on that magical first Family Day too!

2006....

2009 (very hot and humid last night - as evidenced by the fogged up camera lens)...

3 Years Ago Tomorrow...

Happy Family Day to Us!

August 19 2006...

The "Holy Crap What Am I About To Do" Face minutes before I met Lilly....

The "All Is Right In The World" Face five minutes later with her in my arms...Fast Forward Three Years....

Ongoing happiness, love and exhaustion from trying to stay one step ahead of my amazing three year old!!!

Day care calls only a mama can laugh at....

Lately Lilly has shifted her alter ego from Diego to Baby Jaguar (Diego's Sidekick). She acts like a jaguar a lot, calls me "Mama Jag" and comes up with creative ways to use this alter ego to her advantage....ie "Mama Jag, I am NOT going to take a bath - jaguars don't take baths!" My response to that was that, unlike a real Mama Jag, I was not prepared to lick her clean, so she needed to get her behind in the bathtub. She eventually acquiesced and said that she would take her jaguar fur off for a little bit and take a bath.

Anyway...this is all backstory to the phone call I received today around 1 from the daycare...
"This is Ms Christy from daycare, and Lilly is refusing to take a nap and disturbing all of our other friends by making jaguar noises."

From her tone, I assumed I was supposed to be horrified and embarrassed, so I muffled my hysterical laughter. They were clearly miffed, and put Lilly on the phone. "Hey Mama Jag!" Lilly exclaims. I (still trying not to laugh) said something like "Hi Baby Jag...remember that jaguars have to take naps too! Have one of your teachers rub your back or scratch your jaguar ears and go to sleep honey." Which...apparently...is exactly what happened (I called and checked later). Hilarious. Well - hilarious to me anyway. Her teacher did not seem remotely entertained. I, on the other hand, will giggle about it all weekend.

Sick Social Butterflies

Still sick.... But, since everyone she knows is also sick, we went ahead to the 3rd birthday party of a little friend, Angelina. Angelina's mom is a hoot and doens't know how to do anything small. So, enjoy the pics of the giant pink bouncy castle/slide, the clown with cotton candy, balloons, face painting, etc. Lilly was having nothing of the clown, but did agree to get an Elmo tattoo.

Carleton & Jackson showing off their Oscar the Grouch Tattooos....
But Lilly sticks with Elmo for her tattoo....

Showing the boys how to climb up the rock wall on the new playset....Demonstrating that she has inherited her mother's love of cotton candy... (sorry!)Watching the clown paint faces...Lilly loved watching, but only if I was within 6 inches of her and she wasn't in line to get her own face painted.
After the party, we surprised Mae Mae at her antique show in VA Beach. It was the first time Lil had gotten to see "Mae Mae's work.

Today was fun too...my best friend from 4th grade, her husband & little girl stopped by for a few hours on their way down to the Outer Banks. It was fun, and the girls played in the art room for a long time. Only a dear old friend doesn't bat an eye when all you have to serve is PB&J (I hadn't been to the grocery store in a LONG time). Like an idiot, I also didn't take any pics.

Sooo...very busy weekend for two tired, sick chicks....so you KNOW there was a very long, extended nap after my friends left around 1:30. Actually, Lilly had a complete exhaustion melt down and I had to have her fall asleep on my chest to calm her down from her hysterics. While melt downs are never fun, it was a nice trip down memory lane, as back in the hotel in Guatemala, that was the only way I could get her to sleep at night. My little baby still has some baby in her somewhere deep inside!

Now we're both sick...

She has the croup. I have the virus that caused her croup (but adults don't tend to get the croupy, barky cough since our windpipes are larger). We're having big fun. ;)

Healthy for at least a day...

Well...she went back to school Tuesday. By late Tuesday evening I was pretty convinced she had just contracted the throat/cough virus going around. Jackson had it, as did at least 4 other of her little buddies. She hacking and raspy, but no real fever (nothing anywhere near last week anyway). I asked her if she is sick...and she says no. I guess its all relative...its definietly an improvement from last weekend's virus. She was hacking more this evening, but still no fever. Since everyone at school has already been exposed, and she says she's ok...I'm still sending her to school until she has a fever. Good mom, bad mom? Not sure...and not sure I really care...there comes a point when you just want to go to bed being able to know whether or not you are going to school/work tomorrow or will need to scramble for a back up and a pediatrician appt.

Speaking of doctors...STILL waiting on the throat culture from last Friday. I hate Labcorps (the lab I have to have stuff sent to because of my insurance). I hate them from my work perspective and I hate them from my role as a mom and a customer. They stink. Have I mentioned I don't like them?

Monday I had to take both Lilly and Didgy to their respective docs, something I hope not to have on teh same day again. Didgy is now on prednisone every other day. They gave him the meds Monday, so today was the first day I had to give him his pill. I was quite unsure of how successful I would be. The first attempt was not successful. I held him like the vet tech had demonstrated, kneelin on the floor and capturing him between by legs, forcing his mouth open. He scooted his butt back and under my rear and zipped away before I knew what had happened. I caught him again and got the pill down his throat, which he promptly spit back out on the floor. Nice. Then I tried to disguise the pill in these "greeny treats" and it worked well...he actually took it! Yea!!!

On another note...I have been obsessed with the story of Laura Ling and Euna Lee coming back from North Korea. How surreal to be held in basically isolation for months, think you are headed to a hard labor camp where people are known to die from the horrible treatment, not to mention the malnutrition of the whole stinkin nation. And, just as you think you may be headed off to this horrible fate, you walk through a door, see former President Clinton, and 30 hours later you are in Burbank, CA with you families. Just amazing. What is of note, I encourage everyone to learn more about the story they were initially there to report on...the plight of North Korean refugees who escape into China only to face a new horrible fate. These refugees are often returned and sentanced to hard labor camps, and children born to women who are refugees have no status at all...and no documentation - basically they don't exist. They can't go to school, etc. There was a fabulous documentary about this issue on PBS's Wide Angle show. See here for a link to video of the whole episode. Very interesting....and don't watch without a box of tissues.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/crossing-heavens-border/video-full-episode/5076/ I hope the attention these journalists have brought to North Korea will at the very least remind all of us to pray for, learn about, and support those trying deseperately to live in - or escape from - that horrible place.

Sick Again...

Got a call on my cell at 4:15 Friday afternoon from Day Care saying Lil had a temp of 105.1. 105.1!!!!! I was there in a few minutes and it had gone down to 104. I borrowed someone's Tylenol & gave her a dose (they aren't allowed to give it) and we headed off to the doc. I had called my pediatricians office and they were closing, but suggested I head to an urgent care office we use instead of the emergency room. I was convinced her strep has come back.

So - we are in the car, and she promptly throws up all over everything. Thank God her two teachers had brought me her back pack that had an extra blankie and a change of clothes so we didn't have to stay covered in puke. We actually saw the doctor at the doc in the box (usually only see a nurse practitioner or physician assistant). Her temp was coming down despite throwing up right after the tylenol. Much to everyone's surprise, the strep test came back negative, as did the flu swab. So, it is some sort of fun viral thing. But, they did take a throat culture which we should get back next week sometime to see if she is a strep carrier. When we were leavin she said her tummy was better and only her throat hurt. Everyone was convinced the fever was just from the high temp.

There is a sonic right there, so we went to get a slushie...but much to our dismay, the slushie machine was broken, so in a moment of stupidity I ordered a milkshake. She loved it...until she promptly threw it all up in the car. This child has thrown up three times in her life (or at least her life with me), and all three times have been in the car, all over herself, her clothes, her carseat, the car, the seatbelts, just gross. So, I tried to pat her down with papertowels to at least contain the nastiness and get both of us home. And, I perfected the art of mouth breathing.

The doc has said she deserved a popsicle, which Lilly interpreted to mean he would bring her one (which is what the pediatrician will do sometimes). But, being an older, male, doc who has never been a mommy to a sick 3 year old, it didn't occur to him to actually give her one, or that his comment would force me to go on a popsicle hunt with a vomit covered child. I agreed to pull into the 7-11 and let her sit in the car (still matted down in paper towels) while I ran in to get a popsicle since I could see her from the store (first time I've EVER left her in the car, but I just couldn't stomach getting her out of the car seat, into the store and back into the car in her slimey vomitous state). But, they only had ice cream, no regular popsicles. So, I called my mom who was coming down to help, and bring a new "Veggie Tales" movie, and she added popsicles to her list. She also came and helped me clean off the nasty carseat. I had gotten in out of the car, and taken it all apart (cover and seatbelts all in the washing machine). But, that included so many moments of gagging and dry heaving that all I could do was get the rest of the seat onto the screened in porch. But, mom (who, for the record, has NO sense of smell), blessedly hosed that stuff off, washed it, and lysol'd all of it. Thank goodness!!!

For those of you who don't know my mom very well - the idea of her bringing a Veggie Tales movie to Lil may not be funny. But, trust me, it is. Sending my mom into a Christian bookstore to buy a cartoon movie of vegetables telling Bible stories is freaking hilarious. To top it off, she brought the "Sumo Opera" one, which just adds mom's other least favorite thing - opera. If it had been a cheerleading opera, it would have created the Bermuda triangle!!! But, for those of you who haven't seen Veggie Tales, they are actually soooo funny. Very good spoofs of things that the grown ups crack up at while the kids laugh because the cucumber walked into the wall and fell down.

Mom & Dad came to dinner tonight. Lilly was supposed to be at the birthday party of one of her best friends, where all of her other little best friends would be there too (not to mention my good friends who are their parents)- enjoying life at the Pizza Hut. I didn't tell her she couldn't go, I just haven't brought it up, sort of hoping it has gone out of her mind. I don't know if she will be able to go to school Monday or not. Last night her fever was so high she was shaking and shivering in her sleep for over an hour so violently that the whole bed (had her in mine) was shaking. We'll see how tonight goes. She does well when the Motrin is kicking in, but as it fades, so does she.

This all comes in on top of a week where there has been much school drama. I'll post about that another time.

REBOUND! Great Weekend

God Bless Antibiotics!!! The abx had kicked in by Saturday am. We went ahead and went on our planned weekend getaway to the mountains and had a FABULOUS time. Mom had an antique show in Roanoke, and Saturday was Dad's birthday. So, we stayed at a hotel in Waynesboro and met mom at Natural Bridge on Saturday, hiked there and had a great time before all heading back to the hotel for a nap. That was followed by swimming in the hotel pool, a nice birthday dinner, and playing on the hotel "putting green." Sunday mom headed back to the antique show and the three of us headed to Shenandoa National Park and hiked there before driving back home Sunday afternoon. Well...Dad drove, Lilly & I slept. ;)

Birthday boy opening presents w/ some assistance...

Here is the fabulous golf shot series...note her fabulous grip, her unique stance, and her ability to watch the ball after her great follow through! Since she's in red...maybe I'll call her Tigress...but she keeps insisting she is Baby Jaguar. Anyway...using this great swing, I am proud (and amazed) to announe that 4 balls actually went it! (Much to the chagrin of her grandfather)

The family at Lace Falls at the end of the Natural Bridge trail. (For those of you who haven't seen Natural Bridge...it is GORGEOUS. Its privately owned/operated and a bizarre combination of lovely state park and See Rock City/South of the Border. We skipped the kitchy stuff and just did the nice, easy hike to the falls and saw the Monoccan Indian Village (where the "Indians" were portrayed by people whiter than me).
On the way back from the falls, Lilly and I ditched our shoes and waded out into the water. She had shorts on until she slipped and fell in a puddle...but this was probably her favorite part of the day.

More golf shots: Sat Night after dinner we "played golf" on the "putting green" (think astroturf with 4 holes next to the hotel parking lot). Lilly was thrilled because she got 4 balls in and Papa only got 2. So - she rubbed it in, and then stole all of the golf balls and declared they were eggs and she was going to sit on them until they hatched. Here she stashing the balls in her pockets & then guarding her nest....

Sunday was a much harder hike...3.4 miles isn't much for a grown up, but pretty significant for a 3 year old. And, it was STEEP. We hike down to a waterfall and then it was all UPHILL coming back. We had a little picnic lunch on a rock in the stream below the waterfall before finishing the hike. Lilly did great. I ended up carrying her probably about a mile total...and had thought I would have to do a lot more, so I was impressed. The other exciting part was seeing 2 BEARS right at the end of our hike. I had never seen a bear in person before (not counting the zoo). Even when I went to Alaska I didn't see one...so seeing a mama bear & her baby (baby sounds too small...think preteen) definietly caught my attention. Very cool.

Examining acorns, picking up rocks, poking sticks at bugs....all thingsLilly enjoyed on the hike.

Our picnic site:

Here Lilly is unimpressed with the idea that we now have to hike back UP the mountain to get to the car.

The "WE DID IT" Shot...Lilly & Mommy at Jones Run Falls!

Rough Week!

So...after all the Didgy scare I thought things would get smoother for a few days, but I was wrong. SInce Monday we have been to the Pediatricians' Office twice (three times if you count the trip just to drop off the urine sample), had my car die once, been towed once, and forked out almost $400 in unexpected auto expenses. Yuck.

First thought Lil had a UTI, but turned out to be negative (after two+ unsuccessful hours of trying to get a urine sample at the doctors office on Monday. Then she came home and I finally got one...but I swear that girl has incredible willpower...she only tinkled a tiny bit in 15 hours!!!). Back Tues to drop off teh sample, only to have it be negative. But, taking her off all drinks except milk & water combined with baking soda baths and forcing fluids seemed to do the trick of what we assume was an irritated urerthra. Wed she started acting like she does when she has strep...green nose goobers, but INCREDIBLY affectionate and cuddly (very unusual) and mean as a snake. After big fights this morning about nothing, I called and got an appointment for this afternoon.

(oh yeah - and Wed the car died at work and then Jerry came to help and it worked long enough to get Lilly & get home where it died again. Then Jerry replaces a battery and a wire and it worked. At least we thought it did. I was able to drive to day care this morning & from there to my first mtg. After that it was dead. again.

Back to Lil...this morning I couldn't get her to change out of the shirt she insisted on sleeping in last night (long sleeve Halloween shirt my mom found on sale). When I picked her up to take her to the doc office, she was in a different shirt. The teacher explained in this amusing only because she was serious tone of voice that someone had dressed Lil in a long sleeve shirt today and so they made her change before playing outside. I congratulated her on being able to win the battle I clearly couldn't tckle this morning!

Meantime, I had gone to a mtg this morning, after which my car was once again dead. So, had it towed. Since I have an all wheel drive car, it has to be towed on one of those giant flatbeds...and they only take cash...all very sketchy, but I was grateful. Where I was REALLY grateful was when the Saturn place gave me a loaner without batting an eye...so I was able to go back and get Lil and get her to the peds office on time. Got there...they said they didn't think it would be strep since there was no fever, but her tonsils were actually touching so they swabbed her...which of course confirmed mother's intuition and diagnosed her strep.

Ran around more to get the antibiotics, etc., and then the car was fixed and we were very grateful to have that back. SOmething about being a single mother makes me freakishly dependent on my car.

I am exhausetd and secretly a little bit happy that I have an excuse to not go to work t0morrow. That has been really nuts recently, but that story is for another day.

Checking In...

Yesterday was a bit scary.... About half an hour after we got up, I found my cat in somewhat of a stupor trying to breathe. FREAKED ME OUT. I threw clothes on me & lilly, and then threw the cat in the carrier and sped off to the vet. Once there, they said he wasn't even stable enough for an x ray! Scared the crap out of me. After about half an hour on O2, they were able to do some Xrays and discovered he was in the throws of an asthma attack. So, we had to leave him there all morning so the prednisone could kick in and he could stay on the O2. Once home, he was zonked for the day, and still wheezing, but not the panting, drooling stupor he'd been in that morning. He is still pretty rough, but definitely on the mend. I was supposed to go into work today, but mom took Lil so I could stay and work from home to keep an eye on my sweet cat. Having Lilly not help nurse him to health has helped too...he goes to run away from her and then can't catch his breath to run! Very sad. I so love my cat...really scared me yesterday. Iam so grateful he is on the mend. Lilly was pretty shaken by it all - first scared for him, but then the sibling rivalry kicked in and she switched her bahavior to start demanding a little more attention! Here is a pic from last week when he was breathing a little easier....

Last weekend Maren was in town and we had fun swimming. Then funniest part was her, with hat and potato chips in hand, headed to the pool.

Lilly has been really into hats recently, and I found her trying on hats in front of the mirror the other day. I asked her what she was doing, she said she was trying to decide what to wear to Granny Jo & Grandpa Ken's house (Jackson's grandparents in Ohio). Too cute.

Here is a look at Lilly likes to spend her time at home.... she loves to cute "fringe" with her new kiddie scissors. She concentrates hard, and has been known to spend more than an hour at a time perfecting her fringe. But, MOST of the time she plays with her Diego toys. Here they are in circle time (like Lilly does at school).

July Fun

We've had a fun week. Found a Diego Slip & Slide on the Food Lion clearance rack Wednesday, so you KNOW that had to come home with me. I was working on mulch while she set out to tackle the water frontier. She didn't really get the whole concept of running and sliding on it, and in a moment of sheer stupidity I attempted to demonstrate on the grass. Felt that in my back immediately! But, a few pain killers, a bag of frozen peas and a good night sleep seemed to work wonders. Lilly never got the slip and slide motion, but she sure had a good time!

Then tonight mom & dad came over and we had dinner. Mom & Lilly once again found a frog in the hose. Lilly has named him "Rocky." There was great commotion trying to reel the hose back in, as Rocky wanted none of it and hopped into a boxwood. Of course, Lilly was in quick pursuit with Mae Mae assisting and the two of them initiated the great frog hunt of 2009. 2 boxwoods and a brick wall later mom caught him and put him back in teh hose box, only to have him immediately hop out of there with Lilly chasing on his heels crying "ROCKY!" Too funny. You will be glad to know that poor Rocky, as of bedtime, was still alive, hadn't suffered a stroke and appeared to be avoiding a complete nervous breakdown by hiding in the mulch.