Sunday, September 27, 2009

In some way's she's my girl

So when it came to choosing between vehicles or action figures, Trevor has always been a vehicle guy. He has never really been as interested in stuffed animals or action figures like Kevin and Brian were. With girls it is the same way. I liked dolls....Barbies and stuffed animals. Gwen is becoming more and more like that. There were many pictures of all of us kids playing inside suitcases with our stuffed animals. We loved to get squished inside them with all the soft toys. Trevor has a few stuffed animals, but he hasn't ever really done the "pile as many into your bed" as possible. The closest he has come was playing "washing machine" where he swirls blankets and pillows around in an effort to recreate what it would be like in a washing machine.

Gwen on the other hand, has now created a crib full of dolls and stuffed things. The more the better. She then takes about 5 books to sleep with her as well to read to these animals. It is pretty cute, but I look at her crib and don't know how she can even find room for herself. Plus with her birthday coming up, something tells me she is going to get even more dolls and such to put in her crib.

Yesterday, Gwen and I went to Edina's indoor play park where they also have a swimming pool. Gwen was a little confused that we weren't going swimming at the lake, but at least she was excited to go. I remember bringing Trevor to the same thing but the results were completely different. Gwen loved to use a dumbbell floatie to just hold on and float while I held her back or stomach up. Trevor would have wanted to kick, jump, climb, you just knew he was full of energy he wanted to get out. Gwen just loved to relax, look at bubbles that formed in the water.....oh well. I'm glad she had a great time.

Meanwhile, Trevor went to his first "memorable" movie to see, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." He really enjoyed it, from what I could tell. He knows the book well, so he was able to tell me all the parts where it was different from the book. I'm pretty sure we'll be back to see the Toy Story series in 3D. Probably not next weekend but soon.

It was a good time for both kids....I always feel like a good parent when I can make sure both kids are having a good time. Oh and as far as Trevor and Kindergarten, I'm pretty sure he's doing great. No news is good news, and he has always said that he is getting good comments from the teacher. Granted, for some reason this has led to a much worse listening time at home. But I'd rather have to deal with it than the teacher.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

I'm a PTA mom!

So this week, I attended Trevor's school's PTA meeting. I have to say it felt a little strange. My mom attended the elementary PTA meetings, although I'm not sure how many she attended in Jr. High and beyond. I felt almost like "I belong more with the kids than I do with the mom's." Simply because I knew a few of the moms from morning drop off. Yes, they did sit around each other, and talk to each other. But I was ok with that. It was the first meeting of the year, and the group was happy to see so many Kindergarten parents there.

Counting the group, I'd have to say there were about 30 or so parents. I figured there would be more, but I had no idea either. A lot of the parents had kids in the 4-5th grade, but also another one going to Kindergarten next year, or one in 1st grade too, so they would be there for a while.

It seems like a very efficient group, in that they only have meetings every other month, they have binders for any committee chair, and that they are very open to any suggestions, but I'm guessing there isn't much to have to improve upon. The principal of the school was there and talked for a lot of the meeting, but that is his style. He shares a lot of information and takes a lot of information back to his groups that he is involved in. It is very obvious he loves his job. However, one thing his is, is not short-winded. Trevor really likes him, and tries to say hi to him anytime he sees him. I think if they both had the floor to speak, it would be interesting to hear what was said.

Anyway, I want to sit this year out, as far as being any big volunteer of any committee, but perhaps sometime in the future I can do something more. Maybe Treasurer? That sure would be fun. I am looking forward to trying to shift my own way of thinking. I CAN be a member of PTA....not my mom. And bring on the activities! I feel organized enough to be able to handle it!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Oh Poo

Disclaimer for those that are not parents, or have a weak stomach. This might not be for you. The week has started off great. It has been interesting already. No issues what so ever with Trevor. A little treat for Gwen before bedtime is that she gets to wear "Dora diapers". It is a pull-up style diaper instead of the traditional tape style diaper. And she has more often than not kept it dry the entire night. So in the morning, I let her wear the Dora diaper until she needs it changed. It might just be possible that she's going to be out of diapers overnight before Trevor is. But that's not something that we'll be talking to him about.

Anyway, Monday is our grocery day. So instead of walking to school, I bring the kids in the car so I can head over to the grocery store after drop-off. When the kids were getting in the car, I saw that the cat got into the garage. So I was looking for her when I opened the garage door and before I backed the car out. As a side note, I thought that Gwen needed a diaper change, but knew we didn't have the time to do it before school. As I got into the car, the kids let me know that the cat decided to come with us to school.

I dropped Trevor off, making sure the cat didn't escape, and we headed to the grocery store. When I took Gwen out of her car seat, I discovered she had gotten into her diaper and got poop on her shirt and pants. Probably wondered what it was and then wiped it off on her shirt and pants. So we washed her and my hands and I got her back into the car-cart and started the shopping. She got her usual cookie as we checked out, and when I was packing the groceries, I noticed she had poop coming out of the back of her diaper, all along her back, pants, shirt and car-cart. The only thing I could do was unpack the groceries, try as best as I could to wipe her down, as well as the cart, and get her home for a bath. All the while still making sure the cat didn't escape outside. We made it home, cat inside, Gwen bathed, and finally I was able to unload the groceries. Unfortunately, I still have to take apart the car seat and wash everything with that. But first we have to go pick up Trevor. And there is a slight chance of rain, so I can't do the walking thing again.

So what a start to the week. I suppose it would have made things a little easier if I had a change of clothes with me, but that should teach me to leave her night-time diaper on longer than an hour. It won't be long before she'll be doing the potty training thing. But hopefully I learned my lesson.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

School is back in session

And with it all our activities that run during the school year. It's a big change for Trevor to go to school every day. But this week, he improved every day. The teacher didn't have to talk to me after class, which was a big win, and yet Trevor has the ability to tell us if something happened during school where he was asked to do it appropriately next time.

According to him, after Monday, he didn't get in trouble at all. But we were introduced to all the wonderful papers that get sent home with your child now that they are in school. There was sports and cub scouts registration. There was school projects and homework to do. And now, we even have a PTA fundraiser for Trevor to bring back to school in two weeks. I think I might send out an email to people just in case they want to purchase things. It seems it is time to start swapping kids fundraiser items!

We have also been trying to have a little fun on the side with the whole family. My friend Heather introduced me to Pandora which I play on the kid's computer. It's a radio-like program where you pick the songs you like and dislike and as you rate them, it suggests other songs until you have a regular playlist. Another new activity is Disney DVD Bingo. While Trevor has played the game a few times before, Gwen now really enjoys identifying all the characters during the number calling. I'm excited for her birthday in a few weeks so that I can get a few more Disney characters for her. She has really taken a liking to Tinkerbell in addition to all the Princesses.

On the school front for me...this week was my first week of classes. Of course, one of my sessions was dropped due to lack of enrollment, so I had to switch into a different class, after they had had their weekly lecture. It isn't too big of a deal, but I had to play a little catch-up, and as long as I don't get behind I'll be good. Nothing like trial by fire for your first session!

So we are still waiting for our Sunday School to start in a few weeks. After that, our activities will be in full swing. Not to mention our birthday/holiday celebrations. Here we goooo!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

That girl Gwen

She cracks me up. While I wouldn't describe her as completely outgoing like Trevor, if she is in a safe place with me, she loves to talk to people we see. If she's in the grocery store, if we are going for a walk, she will unprompted say, "Good Morning!" And then I get the oh my gosh look.

She loves to sing and dance. Or to watch dancing with music. Especially to clap for the performers after they are done. She likes to play with the dollhouse, zoo animals, carry around her dolls, play Mr. Potato Head, and now will try to do anything that Trevor does. She also loves to color. As a result, she knows all of her colors.

Thankfully, she is finally off of the usual two choices for lunch. I think if she had to choose a favorite, she likes what are called "Dinosaur Chicken". They are breaded chicken in the shape of dinosaurs. But she has a little trouble saying it the correct way....so she says, "Dinosaur Kitchen".

It's hard to believe that she's going to be two in three weeks. Some days it seems like she is 2 going on 10. I have a feeling she's going to give me a run for my money in different ways than Trevor has.

Trevor's first week at school

I wish I could say it was awesome. I wish I could say that he didn't have any issues, and that he is so confident and makes friends with everyone.

But if I'm honest, he's had a few issues. Nothing that I'm worried about, or reason for concern. His first day with me was fine. He was checking out the lay of the land, and maybe since I was there, he was well behaved. On a regular day, he has been having more issues than usual listening and behaving. He has his usual fights with Gwen and simply chooses not to listen to me if I ask him to do something.

So on Wednesday, part of it was misinformation that I gave Trevor about picking him up from school. But another part was Trevor deciding he knew better than the teacher what was going on and what he was supposed to do. He ran out of the room near the end of class saying that he was "done". After a lot of convincing by the teacher, he came back to walk with the kids up to the front of school, only to take off again to try to run out to the car.

I talked with both him and his teacher. To his teacher, I explained that he is going through an, "I'm bigger and better than everyone phase, and I know better than everyone as well." Also, that I would talk about the rules that they are teaching, and use some of the same ones. Specifically, be safe.

So on Thursday, I got a report that he had a wonderful day. He even told me how he helped one of the kids do an activity that they were doing. They were doing a fun "find the gingerbread man" game that introduced the kids to the school and the different people that work there.

Then on Friday, he had another issue. This time, he tried to explain his way out of standing up for the Pledge. And then, he wouldn't listen to his teacher, he started yelling at her. So now we are talking about "being respectful". When I picked him up from school, he was pretty upset because he thought I was going to be angry with him. But his teacher and I reassured him that it was only his 3rd day of Kindergarten. I said that that is why he goes to school. To learn how to act and to learn lots of new things.

After we got back home, Trevor was asking me about when he could see his old preschool teacher again. I think a lot of this transition is harder for Trevor than I thought it would be. He has a very small class, and not very many boys in his class. He knows one girl from preschool, but they didn't play much together in preschool. So for the most part, it's almost like we moved and he has had to change schools, and make all new friends. I'm not concerned, but I wish it were different. What mom wouldn't wish that her kid has a perfect time adjusting and is a little angel at school?

On a different note, Trevor was eating an apple for a snack and made one of his lower teeth pretty loose. Now, that is all he does...wiggle that tooth.

So now we just have to work on being as consistent as we can and wait out this development.....ah the joys of having a school kid.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

We did it!

The first day of Kindergarten is under our belts. Trevor again did wonderfully. The teacher talked to them, and asked them to walk to the door to go make a book box, and Trevor knew since he was being watched, he better do the thing requested of him.

It looks like his class size will only be around 12 or 13 kids. But that we got the big scoop from the teacher. Lots of expectations, and ideas, and directions for the parents that she'll be explaining to the kids today.

The only thing that was a little crazy today, was that Gwen had her first day of class and it was for longer than Trevor had his school. Trevor seemed a little unhappy about that, but like I told him, it was just this one day.

He's going to have homework, every day, it will be our responsibility to take out his 3-ring binder and check off any notes for the day, the class website will be a place to check out other things that are going on, and also be able to write a note to the teacher as well.

I might even have it worked out so I can swap going to class with another mom that has her kid in the PM Kindergarten class. This month is just getting up to speed in the class, so the teacher said they are going to be playing on the playground every day instead of starting the hard and fast schedule that they will get to in October.

I'll be interested to see how Trevor likes his first week. It should be fun for him. Glad to have survived the first day of school!

Monday, September 7, 2009

104 days of summer vacation

Have finally come to a close. Now I honestly don't know if it has been 104 days or longer, but Trevor discovered a Disney Channel show called Phineas and Ferb that he really likes. Their theme song starts off by saying, "104 days of summer vacation....." something about and then school comes along to end it. So we are on our last hours of having two kids at home before sending one off to his school experiences.

This weekend we were at the lake again. The weather was really nice, although the lake water temperature was not cooperative. I'm pretty sure I got some nice Vitamin D, and could have used more sleep, but it is always nice to spend the time with family.

Today Russ and I got to play golf with some members we know but haven't had the chance to play with before. From going to Twins games, to the State Fair, lake trips, t-ball, Children's Museum, family dinners, sleepovers, trips to various parks, playing with friends, roller skating, it was a very good summer. If only the weather would have been warmer. I was going to try to take the kids to the free waterpark in the area. But it never hit that really hot temperature that I was hoping for.

So a new adventure begins. Trevor asked me yesterday when he gets to see his preschool teacher again. I told him when Gwen goes to preschool there. It seems that he isn't too sure that he wants Gwen to have the same teacher that he did. Although by the time it happens he might have a different thought in mind.

We went to the back to school rally on Thursday and met his new teacher. He unpacked his school supplies and put them where they belonged. He met two boys that he shared SO nicely with. Although neither of them are in his class. It is as though he knew he had to turn on the charm and be on his best behavior in order to make a good first impression.

His first real day of school is Wednesday, as tomorrow I go with him to class. I wonder if he even wants me to come. I think he's really looking forward to being more independent with kids that are older than he is. He is no question ready for it. And so ends the summer vacation....next chapter to start soon.....

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Week one of two

We have two weeks until school starts, well...now we are down to one. But last week I spent trying to find things to do for the kids to keep Trevor occupied. It went ok, but he really is needing to get back into the swing of school. We have different things to do at the house, games, books, and toys but the toys are getting stale, and with the weather being nice, there are only a few days left before it's going to be too chilly to be outside too. I can already smell fall in the air.

So the kids and I and Brian all went to the Children's Museum on Thursday. At least that got some energy out. Saturday night Trevor and I went to the Twins game. The seats were great, 3 rows behind the Twin's dugout so there were plenty of balls that were thrown into the stands near us. Unfortunately we were unable to get any of them. I kept thinking that I would have to remember these seats, but then I figured it was going to be the last time we were watching a game in the metrodome. Therefore, we had to stay until the end of the game to be "blown out" the doors when they opened them at the end of the game. I remember loving that as a kid too.

I guess the chance that we will be back isn't zero due to the fact that the vikings play there too, but watching a football game isn't the same thing as a baseball game. Not nearly as fun. In my opinion. So with a fond farewell, I say goodbye to the baseball watching times at the metrodome. I can't wait to see what it's like at the outdoor stadium.

Then our other big activity was yesterday when we all went out to the state fair. While the drive and parking part of the day was the hardest for everyone, I think everyone had a great time while we were there. We saw all the animals, we rode on the skyway, rode down the big slide, twice for the kiddos, ate mini doughnuts, cheese curds, corndogs hotdogs, fries, jalepeno poppers, and a bucket of sweet martha's cookies. Then Trevor got to bounce on the big trampoline thing. Pictures will be up in a few days. I have had to reformat my computer, so I haven't reinstalled the camera software yet.

Only a few more days of summer vacation, and then it'll be time to start the school stuff. It is hard to think that I have a school-aged kid in the house. Then I open my eyes and look at him and know he's ready. And VERY willing. I know his preschool thoughts were short lived once he started telling people he was going to be going to kindergarten. I think he really feels grown up.