For all the teachers out there...

I just had to post these pictures.  Last night, for the first time since receiving this gift at Christmas, Maria actually asked me to show her how to "write" her letters (instead of just wanting to "color" them in).  I know Grandma E had attempted to show Maria this a few weeks ago, but I can't recall if she was successful.  Even so, this was the first time she asked her mom for help.  So, after a little "hand-over-hand" training (which lasted all of 2 letters, I think) Maria was off and running.  By the end of the evening she had successfully traced all of the letters "a, b, c and d", and she kept right on practicing again this morning. 

And check out that pencil grasp...not bad for a girl who won't be 3 for another few weeks.  Can you tell that I'm just a "wee bit" proud of her.

Happy Valentine's Day (and a recap of January moments)

This seemed like the appropriate image for starting this post, as we sit around enjoying the Olympic broadcasts.   Being that it is February I thought that it was time to update the happenings around here.  I don't know where January went, but it sure flew by despite cold temperatures, some cabin fever, and the occasional above average warm up. 

The kids and I were lucky enough to watch the Olympic torch on it's run to Vancouver as it passed through Strathmore.  The weather was a bit cool, but warm enough that both children were able to handle being outdoors for a considerable amount of time.  Maria was thrilled to stand on the street waving her little Canadian flag and alternating that with some noise makers from the Royal Bank.  I'm not sure how much of it she will remember, but I am so glad we went.  William, obviously, will only know he was there thanks to the pictures I took, but so be it. 

The few days of above seasonal weather we experienced also allowed us to spend many a day outside playing with the dog in the backyard and taking Lucky for some LONG, much needed walks.  I have to say, for his obvious boredom this winter he is an incredible dog and seems to have outgrown his need to destroy indoor property at a young age.   Outdoor property.....well...that still needs some work.  

Aaron was away a lot this past month, and is really starting to feel it.  This is especially true when Maria draws a family picture that includes Mom, William and Lucky, but no Dad because he is "working".  Ouch.  Hopefully, if things don't change yet again, Aaron will be home a lot more starting April 1st.  At that time the plan is to move him into the shop as shop supervisor.  This will allow him to be home a lot more in the evenings and the opportunity to have four days off every other weekend.  Who knows, we might even be able to plan get-togethers with friends and family now! 

William continues to grow like a weed.  He is crawling everywhere and while I can tell in pictures that he is beginning to lean out, he continues to be a very solid little guy.  Aaron is always wanting to show off his "huge" legs (hence the picture), and while they are big, they are nowhere near strong enough to support his weight yet.  Therefore William continues to be content with crawling, which is A-OK with Mom, being that he is trouble enough as it is sometimes.  He is into everything, and appears to be particularly interested in the dog's food dishes and toys.  He has not sampled dog food (thank goodness), but I think this is mainly due to the fact that Lucky inhales food the second he sees it and leaves not a morsel behind for William to find.  The water dish on the other hand....let's just say William has had many a wardrobe change in the last few weeks. 

Maria is adjusting, slowly, to William's ability to go whereever he pleases these days.  There are many a day when toys are ripped from the hands of her little brother (something William protests - LOUDLY) and placed far out of William's reach.  However, I feel this was to be expected...afterall isn't "bickering" what siblings do best?  There are many times a day when William and Maria share laughs too and most days these "games" far exceed the number of "disagreements".  William clearly adores his older sister (she often gets the first smile of the day) and wants to do everything with her.  I'll take that for as long as it lasts.  Aside from playing with her little brother, Maria spends most of her days coloring, painting, playing dress up and house, and recently, Mario Kart Wii.  The girl has some serious hand-eye coordination! 

Other than that, I am trying to enjoy these last few moments at home with the kids.  The return to work date has been set, and while I am really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, the date seems to be rushing at me with alarming speed.  At least the children will be going back to the same dayhome I was using before maternity leave, which has been a huge stress relief.  A lot is going to change around here March 29th....here's hoping I'm organized enough to make it go smoothly. 

Enjoy the pictures of the kids and have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Little Performer

Enjoy.