Look out Kindergarten Here I Come!!

Well after counting the days for the last 2 weeks, Sarah's first day of Kindergarten has finally arrived. The anticipation and excitement leading up to this day was almost too much for her. Last night at supper time she had a minor meltdown all because she didn't know how to write. Nothing could convince her that she didn't need to know that until Grade 4 - she was devastated. Upon awakening this morning however she was recovered and back to pure excitement about the day. As you may have guessed she has had her 1st day of school outfit picked out for months now. An early birthday gift from the Jacksons, Karen new the dress would be a hit and it was. She has been trying to wear it for days now seemingly paying no attention to the rule that it was to be saved for today. Each day she has put it on in hopes that miraculously I have changed my mind. Too her disappointment she has had to take it off each day until now. Getting up quickly and having a good breakfast she jumped in the shower and finally was able to put on her new dress.

Since the plan was for us to drive her this morning she didn't get to take the bus with the other kids on the block. She did however have a chance to run out and see them before we left. Connor and Christian (seasoned veterans in Grade 4 and Grade 1) appeared far less excited than Sarah announcing that this was the worst day in the world (part of me thinks Christian was a teeny bit excited for Grade 1 but couldn't let that show in front of his big brother!)

After dropping Ethan and Megan off at the sitters for their first day there, Trevor and I took Sarah to school. Along with all the other parents of kindergartners we wandered around not quite sure where to take them and not quite sure we were ready to let them go even if we could find where we were supposed to be. We soon made it to her classroom however and her day began. I was overcome with a few tears off and on and have no real reason to explain myself. I wasn't sad she was there or scared for her but just emotional. The teacher got her to pick out her name tag and when she did I felt this proud moment even though she has been able to do that for 2 years. It was all strange but luckily I held it together (and so did Trevor - hee hee like there was any chance of him tearing up- that I would have loved to see but he's not a sucker like me!)

After getting her settled at her desk we slowly made our way out the door and while I felt the urge to linger outside the class Trevor had to be to work so I reluctantly gave him a ride and continued on to the gym. A morning free for me- hasn't happened in 14 months. I figured a good workout would energize me for the day. I was doing great on the elliptical for about 40 minutes when a commercial came on for a new birthing program on TLC. In it the dad announces "It's a girl". I instantly flashed back to when we had Sarah and all of a sudden couldn't believe that time had gone so fast. It seems like just yesterday we were telling people "it's a girl" Now we are saying "she's a kindergartner". Needless to say I got all teary again. Yes there I was on the elliptical, tearing up hoping that those around me were thinking "wow she must be working out hard she is sweating from her eyes!" I know - they likely were thinking 'man if it upsets you so much to do the elliptical maybe you should get off" . Luckily there weren't many around and I pulled it together quickly.

Along with the rest of the eager parents I was back at the school with plenty of time to spare. Sarah came out with her little friends all in a line, smiling and happy but announced that boy she was tired. And she was exhausted. I think this is to be expected as it is such a big transition and adding French to the transition makes it even more tiring. On the way home she talked about playing in the tool center and the food center. I asked her if she learned any French and wondered out loud how you say good bye in French. She thought about it for a moment and said " Du ta vay" I said " Oh I thought it was au revoir" to which she giggled and replied "oh yeah that's it". Silly girl!! Thankfully she had a great day and is looking forward to going back next week. Until next time -- Au revoir mes amis.

Getting ready

Official Door Picture- the ladies at Trevor's office advised him that he needed to have a door picture so each year you can see how much they have grown- assuming you take the picture in front of the same door each year.

Can you tell who the Kindergartner is?

Sarah in front of the school

Sarah in her new desk

Ethan's favorite time of year

This spring when we first arrived at the cabin Ethan ran around to the front with a look of great anticipation. When Gramps asked what he was going to do he excitedly said he wanted to throw the apples from the apple tree into the lake like last year. Much to his disappointment we had to break it to him that the apples wouldn't be ready to throw until the END of summer!

Well that day arrived and Ethan was as excited as ever! After picking up all the semi-rotten ones that had fallen to the ground he stood at the edge and let them fly! At one point I started having serious concerns that he may end up throwing like me. One try landed the apple in my eye and I was directly beside him! Another landed an apple 2 yards behind him! Trevor arrived on the scene however and determined it was all in his release so with a little coaching the apples were (generally) makin' their way forward into the lake.

The highlight of the day came however when Ethan ran out of apples to throw. After some beggin' he got his dad to agree to one more bucketful. Trevor wandered over to the try and jumped up to grab a few from the branch. Unfortunately he grabbed the whole branch and it broke right off. Branch -actually limb better describes it, apples and Trevor landed on the ground in one big thud. While I laughed, Ethan delighted as he now had more apples than any little apple thrower could want.

Ready

Set

Fire

Done

"They" were right again

Whoever 'they 'are were right again. In the potty training world, 'they' say that your child will do it when they are ready. Well Friday morning morning Ethan awoke ready. To my amazement he announced at breakfast that the "pee was comin" and so after rushing to the bathroom -- he went. An hour later - same announcement, same race to the potty, same result -Success. 7 times more that day same story - "the pees comin -- run run run - pee pee pee- cheer cheer cheer. He woke up dry and stayed dry all day. Not foolish enough to think that this was a miracle I awoke Saturday full of anticipation for what the day might bring. Except for a couple of accidents when he knew he had to pee but didn't want to leave the toys he stayed dry all day again. Sunday and Monday - nothing different. If I wasn't a miracle believer before I sure am on the road to being one now. He appears to get it and that is that. Wow - I thought boys were supposed to be harder than girls- he is 5 months ahead of where Sarah was. If Megan could be five months ahead of him then I could potentially be diaper free in 16 months, 15 days and 2 hours. Ahh I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Here's some cute pics of our proud big boy. Note the underwear is backwards on purpose so as to see the picture on the back. I can't see how the butt would be comfy but it's apparently the only way to go !

The Newest Edition

After much anticipation and some predictions by Sarah as to when her new cousin would arrive, the day finally came when Karri and Rob welcomed the first edition to their immediate family and the newest edition to the Black family. Today Karri gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Dylann Alivia Cales weighed in at 6 pounds 13 ounces, is 22 inches long and has a bit of dark hair. After seeing the pictures this morning, Megan squealed with delight and started waving at the computer. Sarah claims to have known she would be a girl and was only off by 6 hours on her predicted date of arrival (had their been a pool going I am sure she would have won). We are thrilled to officially be an uncle and aunt and can't wait to meet Dylann in person at Christmas time( that seems so long to wait) We hope that all goes well as they bring Dylann home and start this new journey as a family together.

Hangin' out at 3 days old waiting for G & P and lookin' just like my daddy

Tidbits of Conversation

Sarah came into the computer room while I was updating the blog. She was playing dress up with her friends from next door. This is the conversation that occurred

Sarah , holding up two dress up dresses: Mom which one would look better for radio?
Mom , laughing to herself: Do you know what radio is?
Sarah: no
Mom: It is something that plays music but no one can see you
Sarah : Oh .... I think I'll wear a crown too!

Hmm do I feel old today.

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In an effort to attempt the potty training with Ethan again (we let off on holidays because there wasn't much point-- well there is a point but who wants to stop on the side of the road 10 times in an hour when you have 14 hours to drive home). Anyway what I have started to do is put Ethan on the toilet with a potty seat every morning. This morning he was sitting there and squirming around when he bumped himself on the 'splash guard' of the seat. All of a sudden he was in tears and he yelled out " I broke my penis". Well what is a mom to do? I am sure I took the wrong approach but I couldn't stop myself. I burst into laughter. Truly it was uncontrollable laughter which only upset him more. He told me to stop laughing - his penis was broke. Again I tried my best to hold it together and to assure him that his penis was fine but he was distraught and I was barely keeping the tears back. The poor little guy! Sorry buddy - I should have offered you more support during your trauma but I couldn't help myself.

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Sarah came into the living room the other day and sat down on the couch. She said "Mom the marker dropped on the floor and colored all over my feet" As I glanced at her multicoloured feet I asked if that was the truth. Sheepishly she said " No, I colored on them". I may be sleep deprived and suffering from a general lack of brain cells most days but even I wasn't going to buy that the marker jumped up and colored her feet! Nice try though Sarah. (and kudos for fessing up without any cajoling from me!)

Family Vacation

I am in the process of blogging about our great family vacation this summer but there is so much to write about that I am way behind on our life in general. With so much going on I am going to jump ahead and out of order so as to update you on the things happenin' right now. The family vacation stories and pics are on their way but here's a few fun stories about our everyday life for now.

Our Family Vacation 2007 -Part 1

As many of you know our family vacation this year was a road trip to Dawson Cree, BC to visit Trevor's sister Karri, her husband Rob, Karri's belly which as Sarah will tell you houses her GIRL cousin and to attend the Packard Family Reunion. A road trip(with three kids under 5) may be a daunting idea to many but we thought it would be a fun experience. We had confidence so we knew we could make it. That "confidence" came in the form of Grandma, Papa and their 5th Wheel. Luckily G & P ( not to be confused with P & G=which I think is proctor and gamble) were coming along with us so if there was going to be misery it was going to be shared misery which made us feel all the better prepared to attempt the trip.

G & P arrived on Friday evening to find that we had packed everything but the house itself. ( actually we didn't pack Megan's inhaler or Trevor's allergy meds either- but more on that later). After finally getting car seats arranged, suitcases packed, the fridge loaded (in the camper that is) and the DVD players hooked up we were ready to go. Saturday morning we handed off Megan to G & P as they were in charge of her for the day. We squeezed Ethan and Sarah into the van and we were off. Ethan was still not feeling well after having a terrible sore throat and cold for the past week so he was quickly unamused by the basket o'entertainment that I had carefully created for each of them. The tray we bought him wouldn't stay in place and nothing would stay on it because he kept tilting it the wrong way. We soon relented to putting on a movie for him which was sooner than we would have liked but he was feeling so bad that nothing else was going to work. Sarah and I played little dolls and Polly pockets. One little conversation sticks out in my mind - - - Sarah had just given me a boy doll who was fully dressed in a tuxedo but appeared to be missing his feet altogether. I asked her where his feet and shoes were. She quickly looked up and said " I don't know - just pretend he lives in Hawaii " Hmm. I understand the no shoes in Hawaii with all the sand and all but I think they still need feet though??!

After some sticker booking, coloring, reading, more doll playing we arrived in a town just past Saskatoon for lunch. Stopping at the town's school yard we picnicked and let the kids play. Megan was particularly found of the space and seemed to relish the opportunity to be out of that damn car seat. She walked all around the playground while we ate our lunch ( we had our eyes on her at all times) but she was 100% content.

After lunch we headed to our final destination for the day: Silver Lake. Papa's sister Barb and her husband Iver run the golf course and campground there and since it was a significant birthday for Barb (more than 59 less than 61) we were staying for a few days to celebrate.

And celebrate we did. Barb's four boys Darryl, Norm, Don and Dale were there along with Darryl's wife Lana and their daughter Olivia. Hot dogs were roasted, cake was eaten, beer was consumed. The only unfortunate part of the whole weekend was that it was beyond sweltering hot. And as adults we couldn't handle it so one can only imagine the toll it took on the kids. Megan was sick the first night up screaming and crying and sounding like she had croup. AT 1 am the camper was our only option so as Sarah slept soundly right next to us I rocked and bounced while Megan cried and finally slept. Oh you feel so helpless when they are sick. On a more positive note I'm happy to report that Ethan slept in the tent that night for the first time and it looks like we are moving his room to our backyard as soon as we are home. I think he slept for more than 12 hours straight.

After another day of swimming in the little lake, playing on the swings, crafting, eating and overheating, the meltdowns that were on the horizon all day arrived. Megan was so hot that we finally took her into the lake (against her will) to cool her off. As other campers watched we dunked her while she screamed at the top of her lungs. I was waiting for Social Services to be called as it sounded like we were torturing her but really it was for her own good! Sarah was so hot and tired that after trying everything to please her to no avail we finally but her in the car, turned on the air and some Anne Murray and in minutes she was out. Ethan decided to join her just for fun and to cool down. He too fell asleep and ended up sleeping 12 hours again after we finally moved him to the tent because he didn't want to get up. When it finally cooled down Megan enjoyed hangin out, relaxing and wandering even though she was coughing lots and still under the weather.

Monday morning we packed up but this time Trevor and I took Megan and G&P took Ethan and Sarah. After saying good byes we were on our way to the next part of our adventure.

On our way

Looks like there is barely room for Ethan and Sarah - we almost had to leave them behind!

Just hanging out enjoying the freedom of no carseat for a few minutes

A quick swing before getting back in the car again

At the campground

Air conditioning in +37 weather is the greatest gift in the world

Wide awake one minute ..... sound asleep for the next 720

Playin in the dirt

In the camper

Sarah just couldn't keep Papa away from the Pollly Pockets

Peek a boo

Another Princess in the Making

This morning Megan and I were up early. Let me rephrase that - this morning Megan was up early. I was an unwilling participant in the early rising but not much I could do about it. I plan to get back at her as a teenager.

Anyway we went downstairs and she wandered into the play room and headed straight to the dress up area. She stood in front of the hats and gestured in a way that made me think she wanted to wear one. I took down a cowboy hat and placed it on her head. She looked at me, took it off, threw it on the floor and gestured again. This time I picked up the tiara and placed it on her head. She happily shrugged her shoulders, looked coy, smiled and toddled off content to be a princess for the morning. Looks like we have another princess in the making. Can one household live with two princesses?

"Camping" with Friends

This weekend we had the opportunity to go "camping" with friends. In all actuality they camped and we commuted. Our friends Karen, Quinton and their daughter Lily , along with other friends Kim, Dave ,Evan and Andrew plus a couple other families reserved sites at Echo Valley Camp Ground near Fort Qu'Appelle. Being only a 25 minute drive from the cabin we drove out and "camped" with them during the day and evening and then went back to the cabin for bedtime.

The weekend was great. Out of pure luck the camp sites were within eye and earshot of the kids playground so on Friday night the kids played for hours over there while the adults enjoyed a nice steak dinner and then engaged in some friendly bocci ball (damn Quinton for his long throws!). Of course the evening couldn't end without roasted marshmallows and smores. Ethan appeared to love the smore however it took him 40 minutes to finish the one and only one he had. Now that is savouring one's food. I on the other hand didn't have that will power and ate mine in record time!

Sarah and Evan having no fun at all - yeah right - they had a blast goofin' off together

Saturday was a bit raining but that allowed Sarah, Grandma Judy and I the chance to run around the yard in our bathing suits. Lucky for you all, Trevor was golfing so there was no one to take pictures !! Whew. The boys enjoyed (well maybe that was the wrong word-) endured a game of golf and then Karen and Quinton stopped by the cabin for lunch and a visit with my family. Ethan and Lily enjoyed cuddling on Q's lap for movies because on a rainy day that is just a fun thing to do.

Movies and flashlights -Lily's prepared for a Dora-a-thon - Ethan for a power outage. Someone is going to be disappointed! Looks like Q can handle it though.

That night we again drove to the campground and feasted on bush pies- another yummy camping tradition. What is better than pizza filling between two slices of bread roasted toasty on the fire! Hmm - I'm hungry just thinking about it. At one point during the night all 7 kids were huddled in Kim and Dave's camper coloring and watching a movie. We couldn't have asked them to be any better!!

Karen catching a snuggle with Ethan.

Sunday was a scorcher so we stopped by the camp on our way to town and played in the paddling pool for a bit. Megan got to enjoy the experience for the first time as we had left her home with Grandma and Gramps the previous two nights. Not alot for a toddler to do while camping except eat dirt and panic people by walking to close to the fire. Of course G & G didn't complain about the one on one time they got to spend with Megan.

When the rain kept us from the campground the kids entertained one another by building tents out of the two big chairs. Megan found her own hideaway under the kitchen sink -- a perfect fit!

Our Littlest Monkey is 1 so Let's have a Party!

A year ago Trevor and I were at the Pirates of the Caribbean movie when I felt the first pang of labour pains. Today we had her first birthday party. Her love to climb on, in, under and over things lead us to pick a Monkey theme for the party. Unfortunately she was still not feeling well so she didn't swing about in her usual smiley manner. She had a few moments here and there where she was happy (likely when the drugs where in full force) but for much of the day she just needed to be cuddled and carried. On any other day this would have been fine but getting a party ready is made more difficult when you only get to use one hand!

Alas the party did come together and fun was had by all. Many friends and family stopped by for monkey cake, banana splits and some fun (but windy) times in the back yard. I bought the older kids some balloons that shoot about like rockets. They appeared to be a hit with everyone except Megan as one dove directly at her and scared the crap out of her! Poor kid -- just what she needed when she was already feeling bad enough - a wayward flying balloon rocket chasing her around the yard.

Regardless of the throat infection, wild balloons and windy weather it was a great day. Although I hate that time goes by so fast I can't wait for the years and years of birthday parties that lie ahead. ( I know those words will likely come back to haunt me but really - I love birthday parties right now!)

Here are some pictures of the party. There are few of other people as Megan didn't want to be put down so I didn't get much of a chance to snap any pics of those who were there. Just pretend there are pictures of the following people: Tim, Marnel, Presley, Drew, Kim, Evan, Andrew,Dave, Karen, Quinton,Lily, Regan, Kale, Peggy, Neil, Ian, Catherine, Aaron, Connor, Christian, Mattea, Tomas, Kerri, Nevin, Annika, Josh, Uncle Trevor and Auntie Stephanie!

One? What's so hot about One? So far it hasn't been so great!

Monkey in the Middle

Why are all these people looking at me and where is that cake I was promised?

" Hi- yeah I'll have to call you back I just got my cake and they are all waiting for me to dig in, make a mess, have fun and generally make a fool of myself- little do they know that I am going to eat it daintily like a little princess"

Whoever gave me this pink tissue paper knew what they were doing ! It rocks! And this tutu is just my size - perfect. (thanks to everyone for the presents -I've used them all and love them)

All About Megan

How does it happen? One day you are giving birth to a little bundle of joy and then in the blink of an eye she is turning one, climbing slides, saying momma, and laughing at herself like she is the funniest thing in the world. Time has a funny way of passing by too quickly when you least want it too. Yet when your kid is throwing a temper tantrum in Walmart time all but stops. Somethings not quite right there!

Regardless today Megan is 1. I can hardly believe it. A year ago we were at the hospital trying to pick out a name for her ( Megan seems to suit her perfect - good choice Trev.) 9 months ago she was sick with bronchitis and a terrible cold. All we could do for her was cuddle her and pray for her to get better quickly. 6 months ago her personality was emerging - she was all smiles and giggles. 3 months ago she was standing in the middle of the room doing squats and picking up things from the floor. Today she is on the move, into everything and one of the three delights of our lives!!

For keepsake purposes here is a list of things about Megan we want to remember. Feel free to add your own comments in the comment section if you have a thought or memory that Megan might like to know about when she is older.

Megan Johanna Black

Weight at Birth: 7lbs 14 ounces

Weight at One: 18 lbs 11 ounces

Eye color: Blue

Hair Colour: dark at birth, lightening up each day. This summer it has taken on a strawberry blonde look.

Number of Teeth: 6 although from some of the nights we've been up with you teething one would think you should have a mouth full by now!

Sleep Schedule: You usually fall asleep around 9pm and on a good night sleep til 7. On a less than good night you will be up once or twice. This pattern only started within the last week because I am weaning you. Today will be the last day for nursing.

Shoe size - well I bought all size three shoes for the summer but your long monkey feet kinda hang over the end of most of the sandals. So I guess size 4 is more accurate!

Clothing size: 9 months for the waist 12 months for length. Lucky for you hand me downs aren't working and you have had many new items bought for you. When I put you in Sarah's old pants we find you naked a few minutes later-- the pants left wherever you crawled right out of them!

Nick Names: Meg, Maggie, Miss Maggie, Mega Muffin, Maggie Doodle or Doodle. Of late Scrappy has been added to the list. This one was chosen after you showed your strong determination to hold onto toys that kids are trying to take from you. You scream and tighten your hold until they back away. If they happen to get it from you you chase them to take it back. Definitely can tell you are a third child - have to fight for what you want I guess!

Personality: You are always smiling. You love to watch the other kids and are very laid back. You find Ethan hilarious and sometimes belly laugh when you are watching him play. While you love to hang out with mom, you do go fairly easily to other people (especially if I'm not around). You love to cuddle and give hugs. Most recently you learned to give kisses. When we say kiss you smack your lips and proceed to go to everyone in the room to give them a kiss.

Favorite foods: You are a great eater. You like to feed yourself so don't take much from the spoon anymore. You like avocado, bananas, blueberries, chicken, carrots, peas, corn, potatoes and chili. You would drink a hundred bottles of milk a day if we let you (sorry but we don't). So far there aren't many foods you won't eat.

Favorite things to do: We have a little red car in the back yard for kids to ride in. No matter where it is stored (under the tree or behind something) you always find it and climb in. For a moment you pretend to drive it but then you like to turn around stand up and hang on the bar that is along the back for others to push the car around with. There are many pictures of you in and around and on the car for you to see.

You like anything you can climb. You stand on the picnic table at Grandma and Papa's, climb up to the piano at Grandma and Gramps' and climb into the dishwasher when I am emptying it. And your favorite is of course the stairs. You can climb up and come down all on your own. You have fallen down a few steps before but haven't had any major injuries. You love to stand at the top of the stairs and throw toys down them but we don't let you do this often for safety reasons of course (and for the mess that is left at the bottom!)

You have started to like dolls although are just as happy to push around the empty doll stroller. This way if Sarah is around you might get lucky and get a ride in it yourself.

One thing you don't really care for is TV. It is rare that you would sit and watch anything with Sarah and Ethan. On occasion you have watched Baby Einstein but it doesn't enthrall you like it did Sarah. Except for a few times when it would have been nice for you to sit while we did something - we are fine that you don't like TV. You have started to like books so we will just read to you instead.

You like swimming and splashing in the pool or tub if the water is warm. Anything cooler than warm and you scream at a ear-piercing level! We will be taking swimming lessons in September so hope all goes well- fingers crossed.

What we love most about you though is that you are part of our family. You are absolutely loved and adored by all of us and I am sure you have many years of being spoiled ahead of you!