Sofia's last days as a preschooler

Sofia's last week as a preschooler included a playdate at a friend's house (with good manners!) and her spring program at school.  Daddy had been out of town, but made it back to see his girl shine. Nana, Papa and Grammy came to watch her too.

Her smile has changed quite a bit since she lost a top tooth in a scooter wipeout last week.  Yesterday she pulled the other top tooth out herself (it had been hanging since the crash) and was very proud of herself.  I saw the fall and remained calm throughout - I was grateful it wasn't worse, but it was scary for me to watch.  Sofia refused to come home afterwards and insisted that we walk Ely.  It was obvious she was in pain, but she got right back on her scooter and moved on.  I think she enjoyed showing off the various cuts and scrapes too.

It's hard to believe that Sofia will start kindergarten already.  As I took her to school this morning, she said, "Two more days of preschool and then it's on to kindergarten at GH".  Wow... she really does understand!  I'm relieved she seems to be handling the transition well so far!

Update on Sofia

We had her last preschool conference this week!  All is good, though we need to focus some energy on being nice even when another kid isn't nice to you.  It's appropriate behavior, but it needs to be corrected.  Academically speaking, she is reading at a second grade level.  In any case, we love her and are incredibly proud.

Yesterday she lost another tooth at school.  This is what she said, "The tooth fell out and then it was on my tongue and then I swallowed it".  The tooth fairy visited last night in spite of not having "proof" and Sofia was excited once she remembered to check her bed.

We visited what will become her classroom once kindergarten begins this fall.  Sofia loved being able to ride the bus and explore the school.  She was a little shy with the principal, but I don't think that will last long.

And here we are enjoying a breakfast out of her own... While I'm not always proud of her table manners, it was a nice outing for us and I just love that kid.

President's Day Weekend 2013

We started the weekend with me taking Sofia to her preschool celebration of Chinese New Year.  She got to release her lantern (balloon with a light inside), be part of the dragon and sing a song with her classmates.  I'm glad we took the time to go!

On Saturday we met our friends for dinner at a King's table before heading to the Mondo Festival, a celebration of uni-cycling, juggling and other fun skills.  There were plenty of balloons flying during intermissions and everyone was throwing them up and down.  We'll see if we can make this an annual event!

Monday was President's Day, so I took the girls out to a trampoline park.  There wasn't room for me to jump along, but I had fun watching and taking videos!

Sofia's Winter Program

We went with all the grandparents to watch Sofia perform in her program tonight.  While there was some argument over whether Sofia would wear a costume to play "Jack Frost", she decided that the dress she found on a shopping trip with her dad was better.  (I agreed.)

Sofia was poised and very excited for her parts.  We are so proud of her!

Sofia's field trip with Grammy chaperoning

Sofia's school went to see Disney On Ice and Grammy chaperoned!  Sofia was so excited about seeing her favorite characters and had fun with her Grammy!  I'm grateful that Grammy was able to go to continue our tradition of having at least one family member chaperon the girl's field trips.

Sofia's also entered a new stage in her speech: the "And guess what" phase.  She is hilarious to listen to because everything begins with, "and guess what".  This will probably pass quickly, but for now it is comical and sweet.

November 2012

We began the month with conferences at Samantha's school.  Daddy made it home just in time.  It's obvious to everyone that Samantha loves school and is doing very well!

Happy Birthday to Bill!  We hope you liked your video song from the girls!

Grammy stayed late to be a character in a play that Samantha needed performers for.  As Samantha was explaining the plot, she looked me in the eyes and affirmed that she was in charge.  Thankfully she wasn't mean about it, it was very sweet!  I recorded some video that showcases her directing ability that we've been watching over and over again.  It's a great memory!

I started my new job!  I keep reminding myself to be patient and that it takes energy to process change.  It's necessary that I make an effort to take some time for myself.  I got a little time with some friends and I appreciate that, even though I'm sad I missed time at the zoo with Jordan and Dylan.  Daddy took pictures though and everyone wore themselves out!

The girls and I went to a fundraiser at Samantha's school.  There was plenty of music for dancing and running around!  Everyone was exhausted by the end of the night.  This is the best shot from the night since they couldn't stand still for a decent picture!

Daddy took some time with Sofia and they hung out at an arcade with a friend of Daddy's and his 2 sons.  Sofia loved it and came home with lots of stuff from the claw game.

We had conferences at preschool for Sofia too!  She is a leader and is progressing a lot on reading.  We are so proud of her!

The photo above is Sofia holding a friend's new baby.  Mazel tov to Adam!  Daddy finally got to take both girls to see the baby.  I think they've been enjoying spending more time with Daddy lately and I'm glad to see it!

More from September

Both girls are very excited on Monday mornings because it’s school! Daddy and I love seeing them excited. They get a few extra moments of chaos since Brianna and Connor come to our house to ride the bus in the mornings, but all the kids enjoy seeing each other. The hard part has been to get them out to the bus on time because they just want to play!

Sofia especially has blossomed at her preschool so far. A lot of her friends go to the private elementary school, but when I asked her if she wanted to switch she declined. Sofia is becoming more and more articulate.

Samantha is adjusting to more demands on her to be organized. She loves seeing her friends during the day. Like most kids Samantha tends to give up effort when she’s received approval, so I push though it’s usually a gentle nudge by asking, “Is that the best you can do or is it good enough?”. I’m reassured by my messages appear to be sinking in though. Samantha is loved very much wherever she goes!

The girls and I were in a parade with their gymnastics studio.  They got to play on the float with the uneven bars while I dodged gymnasts walking.  It was a long day, but a great experience!  Thank you Papa for coming to watch! 

Samantha made Shabbat dinner herself.  She led all the cooking and didn't need too much help from Daddy and I.

We got to spend some time with Uncle Todd, Aunt Shelly, Jordan and Dylan at the zoo. It was a lot of walking, but very fun to see them!  It has been impossible to get a good picture of the kids all together!

I began the football season with a 3 ½ hour outing with the girls, looking for crafting ideas and enjoying a park.  Samantha took the picture during our "coaching session on the bar".  Did I mention that they love gymnastics?

Shana Tova! I was at a concert with a friend (which was a fun way to start the Jewish New Year), but the rest of the family had fun following the traditional meal.  Samantha also scored with her school fundraising drive!

We went to Goldzilla which is a fundraiser for RAGOM (www.ragom.org).  RAGOM is the organization we got Ely through.  There was a sea of Golden Retrievers!  It was a powerful event because everyone there loves their dogs and you could feel the positive vibe!  I can envision us getting another dog once we (the humans) are better trained!

First Day of School 2012

Sadly this is the best picture I got.  

The best part is they don't care!  Both kids were so excited for school to start!  Samantha has been talking about it for weeks and Sofia had no hesitation.  Daddy and I are very proud!

End of School Year Events (On the same day!)

Samantha's teacher is retiring, so some of the parents got together to give her some gifts and throw a party. Her teacher has had a long career and said she could not have asked for a better last class. We wish her well!

By the way, Samantha's last 1st grade report card was stellar. She has a thirst for learning, loves the social aspects of school and is extraordinarily kind. Daddy and I are so proud!

Sofia's spring program was tonight, so all the grandparents came with us to watch Sofia perform. She sang, danced and knew all her moves. Afterwards, we ate and the kids ran around like maniacs. It was entertaining to watch! Unfortunately the video of that performance is too long, but you can see one of her home exhibitions, this one to Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger".

Sofia's Reading!

We just had conferences with Sofia's teacher and we are so proud!  She is reading (an activity that she hasn't wanted to do much at home) and a very kind student.  She plays with everyone and it's great to hear how she's learning!  It's also a joy to hear her finally read at home!  I love watching her world unlock with the power of reading.

(The photo is from her keeping her entertained waiting for my doctor's appointment.  I thought it was appropriate!)

Sofia's field trip to The Blast

I chaperoned Sofia's recent preschool field trip to a local community center and it was a blast! I had 3 girls in my group and they were all great! They all knew me and weren't shy at all. I got to play with them and then observe. Sofia plays well with everyone and doesn't stick to just one group of kids. As usual, she ditched me for Mr. W. On the way home. Sofia always starts the day with me and never stays with me. If that's not a metaphor for motherhood, I don't know what is! Here are "my" girls with smiles and funny faces...

I am so lucky to be able to do this.  My children love it and I love being there for them!

Sofia's Masquerade Ball

Sofia's preschool had a Masquerade Ball which I took her too.  At first she was shy, but relaxed quickly after finding her friends.  We ate, danced, played games and had a blast!

Sofia's Holiday Program

Sofia's program was tonight and it was so fun to watch her!  She sang her songs and danced very well.  I thought it was great that it was all about Sofia.  Nana, Papa and Grammy joined us, which made Sofia shine even more.  Samantha sat with the other older siblings that she knew.  All the kids ran around afterwards and enjoyed themselves.

Sofia's Preschool Conferences

Sofia's turn for conferences came so Daddy and I squeezed ourselves into kid-sized chairs for a chat with Sofia's teacher.  Good things were said as we listened to how Sofia has made friends that she plays with and that Sofia is a great team player working in groups.  Daddy and I are incredibly happy that Sofia is blossoming at preschool.  It's amazing to watch her world open up and watch her play!  All in all, we enjoyed telling Sofia how proud we are of her! 

It's amazing how fast the time goes, but I'm conscious to enjoy the moment!  Sofia is a wonderful kid!

First Week of School 2011

Welcome to the beginning of the school year!

Samantha was extremely excited to get on the bus and go to school every day this week.  Her class ended the week with  and a day themed with teddy bears, including a teddy bear picnic.  Both Daddy and I love that she loves school so much!

Sofia was eagerly anticipating school and disappeared to play as soon as we walked in.  There was no hesitation and she was quite happy.  Sofia and I were up a couple of hours Monday night, so it was a good thing she had a short nap her first day at preschool.  On Wednesday morning she asked to go to Leslie's, but did fine at school.  She is making friends and having fun, which is good to see!

Samantha's last day of preschool

What a whirlwind of a day!

Our first baby is done with preschool now! I know that Samantha will be missed as much as she will miss the environment. She got a certificate today that says, "Samantha has earned this certificate for OUTSTANDING CONFIDENCE". Her teachers all tell me that she is one of the most self-assured kids in her class. I cannot imagine a better feeling than to hear my daughter is sure of herself. Samantha is kind, compassionate, loving and a feisty fireball who stands up for herself. I don't think we could be more proud of her.

It's hard to believe that Samantha will be in kindergarten already this fall. She has a hunger for learning. Languages, science, reading and math all excite her. Swimming and dance have been full of joy for Sam and I'm seeing an eagerness for music lately too. She is a leader, but listens. I'm amazed by her every day.

Here she is with Ms. Schulz, who is a fabulous teacher who loves the kids and the one who taught Samantha chess. She is wonderful!


This is Mrs. Gainor, who was Samantha's primary teacher. She will be missed as well!

As a "graduation" party of sorts, we had the Ficenecs over for dinner. Daddy got both Samantha and Ella balloons to commemorate their last day at preschool and balloons for Sofie and Johanna as well. Both of the younger girl's balloons popped before long, which was entertaining too!