Hello after a while! I was remiss in getting an update completed last month. Thanks to all those who let me know they were looking for the update in September. We were bogged down with a bunch of stuff that kept me distracted from the things that are important. With all that behind us, I'm glad to be back and pleased to share the following two month update.
To view the September 2009 photo album, click here.
To view the October 2009 photo album, click here.
September was a particularly tough month emotionally for ol' ma as Jacob headed off to school. The weeks leading up to the start of school was a very intense time as I worried over new clothes, shoes, book bags, supplies, and anything I could think of that would make the start of school a smooth transition. I just wanted him to have a good start, and I felt powerless in being able to control that. When it was all said and done, Jacob was more than ready. He jumped on the bus the first day and hasn't looked back yet. I hardly get a kiss good-bye each morning, as he hears the bus make the corner of our road. He is mezmorized as it backs into our driveway, and I have to hold him back as he waits impatiently for it to come to a stop. After the first couple of days, my next worry was that he would decide he had school tackled and would be ready for the next thing. I figured he would wake up one morning and tell me he is done with school, and was ready to play outside for the day. That day hasn't come, and I pray it never does.
His teachers are fantastic. Both are very enthusiastic and professional, just what Jacob needs. They have been helping us deal with his (shall we say) "enthusiasm" in life. Head start encourages parent involvement in the classroom, so Jordan & I are visiting his class room each week. It's great for all of us, as I get to see how he is at school, Jordan gets to play with the big kids, and Jacob gets to show off for me. He is so excited when we get there. He introduces me to all of his friends every time I get there, then he shows me their toys or his favorite book or how he plays the computer.
He has made big strides since the start of school. He will sit 'criss cross applesauce, hands in your applesauce', to listen to a story. He is holding a pencil better, and his cutting is improved. He taught us the poem they say before meals, which we have now incorporated into our pre-meal routine. He has also taught us several songs. If you ask him about school, he blanks out. If you just listen to him as the day and evening progresses, he shares endlessly what they have done throughout the day. There are other more subtle things that I see as changes in his daily activities. Unfortunately, he has picked up a series of colds and infections since the start of school. He has had a chronic runny nose and cough, with two rounds of antibiotics to combat it. This is no fun for him, or the people around him (especially in these days of H1N1 awareness). Head start has definately been a good home, and a good start for Jacob this school year.
Jordan continues to shock and amaze us with her verbal skill development. She is nearly talking in full sentances. The enunciation can be a little foreign to the casual listener, but the trained ear can make out her intentions without any difficulty. If I can't get it, Jacob tells me what she is saying. She is like a sponge when it comes to watching Jacob. If he does it, she is one step behind trying to do it just as good. She wants to push the stroller, ride the bike, wear the back pack, open the door, sit on the chair, go on the potty (more about that in a minute), put on the shoe, run as fast, dance as good, sing as loud, read the book, color the picture, etc... just like Jacob! If you watch her, when he is in the room - you see she has her eyes on him without straying.
About the potty - she started telling me she had to 'go potty' in September. I didn't believe her at first, but to pacify her I started putting her on the big potty. When she started peeing, and wanted to keep doing it - I resurrected the potty chair from the basement. She quickly learned how to back up to it and sit down under her own power. Now she does it with ease and great frequency. We haven't gone to pull-ups or training pants, mainly because I don't want to jinx it. But with great regularity she goes on the potty voluntarily 2-3x each day (#1 & 2!). She especially wants to do it, when Jacob does it. Big surpirse!
We are pretty much settled in for the season to come. With Halloween now come and gone, it'll be onto Thansgiving and Christmas. The gardens have been tucked in, and all the wood Stephen cut and split is out of the forest. Of course, there is more he wants to do, but we all feel good about where we sit as the winter comes on. The woodshed is full, the root cellar has potatoes, onions, & apples. The freezer will soon have a side of beef. All this will help get us through the long winter. We have plans to be here for Thanksgiving, and plans to travel WNY at the first of the year.
Stephen turns 40 in just 9 days. This is a big one for him. He's remembering what he used to think about people in their 40's. It happens to all of us one day - good thing I still have A LOT more time before it happens to me :) He is trying to find some time for hunting, with no success to date. He bought a lifetime license, along with buying one for Jacob - so I'm hoping we get something back before too long!
That's about all for now. We shared some good times at both The Adirondack and The Most museums in September & October. There are pictures in the albums for everyone to get glimpses of our visits. Take care and we love you!
