Audrey's 1st Day of Kindergarten

August 19, 2013...the beginning of a new phase in our lives.  Audrey's 1st day of Kindergarten.

 



 

For months, no years, I've been preparing her for this day. Reading books, learning colors, shapes, letters, numbers, rules, social skills. Audrey was excited and ready for this day.  However, I hadn't prepared my heart enough.  I'm not sure you could ever prepare enough as a mommy to send your baby off into the "real world".  Sure, she had been going to preschool, but this was much different.  This meant my baby was growing up.

 

I wanted for her day to be very special.  Certainly, Audrey was nervous, but her excitement overshadowed that emotion.

 

So we began the day with cinnamon rolls with a candle for the birthday girl and sang a special "first day of school" song.

 

 

Her lunch was packed with extra special love and a note.  

 

A goody basket was ready for Ms. R. 

 

Audrey was all smiles ready for this day to begin.

 

Addison wasn't all that happy about her sissy being gone all day.  Now she wouldn't have her playmate all the time.

 

Fortunately, Corey was off work and able to go to school with us. That was good because I knew I was going to need moral support. :)

 

Mommy and my big girl ready for school.

 

Ready to go! 

 

We arrived at school at the same time as our friend Lydia.  She will be in the classroom across the hall from Audrey.  Hopefully since both of them will be there together it will help them be brave.  These two girls are such good buddies.

 

 

Into the school we go! Audrey found her cubby and put her lunchbox and backpack up.

 

Then she found her seat and began playing with the playdough that was put out for them to use.  She gave Corey, Addison and I hugs, kisses and a wave. She had tears in her eyes but was still smiling.  So no sobbing for Audrey. 

 

That can't be said for Mommy!  I had to rush back to the car so I could make it there before the tears started to fall.  Then I sobbed like a baby.  Goodness, I was not prepared for how difficult that would be.  I knew that things would change drastically for us since I was used to having my babies with me most of the time, but that got to me more that I expected.

 

Corey went on to work while Addison and I went back home to wait anxiously for 2:45pm to arrive so I could get Audrey.  Addison whined for Audrey most of the day because she missed her.  I dove into house chores and work to pass the time.  (I was quite productive!- Haha!)

 

Finally, it was time to pick up Audrey.  She climbed into the car full of smiles and details about her "awesome" day.  I was so glad the she enjoyed it.  But I was very glad to have her back in my arms.  Then I had to prepare to take her back the next morning.

 

We are looking forward to a wonderful year.  I know Audrey is going to learn so much.

Summertime, Sunshine, Smiles and Splashes

 

I'm pretty sure this summer will go down in the books as one of the best ones EVER!  As I tried to cherish every moment with my girls before sending Audrey off to Kindergarten and Addison to Pre-K3, we found ourselves having lots of fun in many different ways.

 

The girls took gymnastics classes during the summer.

 

 

 

They loved taking bubble baths in mommy's "big tub" after spending hours in the swimming pool.  I think they may be turning into fish!

 

We spent many days playing dress-up at CHOM.

 

Audrey and Addison enjoyed their first trip to a movie theater to watch Monsters University.  It was a tad bit scary for Addison, but both girls really enjoyed it.

 

We made "playgrounds" for the hermit crabs.

 

The girls and I spent some time in the kitchen baking and preparing vegetables we gathered from our garden.

 

They are great helpers!

 

Addison entertained us with some of her guitar music.

She also claimed to dress up like Uncle Keith.

 

Several days I took my computer to the back porch and worked while the girls played in the sand box, playhouse, and on the swings.

 

We spent time running around, finding treasures and catching leaves.

 

Some days we enjoyed a new place we found that has lots of indoor playgrounds an inflatables.

As the final days of summer zoomed by, Audrey and Addison spent time on these little treasures that Grammy bought them.  They splashed on the hop scotch pad and learned how to use the slip-n-slide.

 

For me, this was the best summer EVER!  We had so much fun spending time together this summer.  I am sad to see it come to an end.  Monday brings the start of school and I am going to miss these girls terribly when they aren't with me. 

 

I'm looking forward to finding our "new normal" and still making time for lots of fun.

Date Night with Our Girls

I've been trying to find time to spend alone with each girl individually.  I think it is important for that one-on-one time and I've been so emotional about Audrey starting Kindergarten so I needed this time with her.

 

Audrey needed shoes and a few things for school, so I decided this was a perfect time for a "date night" with our girls.

 

 

Audrey and I went shopping for her shoes and clothes. Then we grabbed cookies from the Cookie Company before enjoying dinner at the Mexican restaurant.

 

During our date, we enjoyed laughing and talking about what to expect in Kindergarten.  I loved my special time with this sweet girl.

 

While we were out enjoying ourselves, Corey and Addison had their own "date night".  At Addison's request, they went to Lowe's where she bought a Toy Story book and characters. Then they went to Woods and Water to look around.  They ended their night eating dinner at Chick-fil-a and had some playtime and ice cream.

 

What a fun time we all had!  I can't wait for our next "date night" when I can take Addison out and Audrey go with Corey.

 

 

I love my girls!

Addison~ 3 years old

 

My precious Addison...

 

3-years-old!! How can it be?  Was it really that long ago that I held your perfect little blue-eyed self for the first time?  I have no idea what we would do without you. You bring so much silliness and laughter to our lives.

 

You are outgoing, loving, silly, and full of mischievousness.

There is never a dull moment with you around.  You are fearless to try things yet won't watch Disney movies or other shows that have "mean people" in it because it scares you.

I love how you give us big squeezes and kisses. And you have to have your belly and back rubbed every night with "scratchy" on your beloved blankie before you can go to sleep. Yes, you are a little spoiled.

 

Here are some other things I want to remember about you:

 

* You wear a size 2T/3T clothes

*Weigh 27 pounds

*Are 36" tall

*Wear size 7 toddler shoe

*Are potty trained (except occasionally at night)

*Love to watch Barney, Max and Ruby, and any show that sings and dances (Wiggles, Sing-a-long)

*Enjoy playing outside and getting wet/dirty

*Do really well riding your tricycle and can even ride Audrey's bike

 

* Love your big sister and try to do everything she does

*Enjoy preschool (your friends are Ella Grace and Addi Belle)

*Love, love, love to sing and dance

* Always carry blankie, Care Bear, baby and Pep

*Don't like sodas (they are "spicy")

*Still like to snuggle

*Enjoy listening to books

 

There is so much about you that I hope I never forget. These pictures really capture your personality. The expressions you make are always so entertaining!

 

You, Little Bit, are a wonderful blessing to our family.  May you never forget how special you are to us!  I love you around to Jupiter and back!