Ahhhhh... summer is finally here, although it's not quite swimming time, much to your dismay. Yesterday, you tried anyway, but the water was only 68 degrees, so you didn't last long. How nice to have neighbors who let us use there pool! Dad and I are making a concerted effort to get you to ride your two wheel bike. I even went so far as to sell your tricycle. Sorry hun' you were just too big for it. We started out going down to the cul-de-sac and back, but you kept falling off because you go too slow! The falling off just made you more scared to ride it, so each trip was accompanied by much crying and whimpering. I'm writing this down for you, because I know one day you won't be able to remember ever not being able to ride a bike. Well, we were getting frustrated with all the fuss, so I took you to the school parking lot which is smooth and flat. We've been about 5 times now and there's been no falling. You are picking up speed and enjoying it 10 times more. I'm hoping we can try on the road again soon, now that you have some confidence back. Today we're going to the school playground with Maddie and Karrie, and you're going to show off your stuff.

The other new thing you've been up to is pretending to be a big sister, or a Mommy I can't be sure. You've dubbed one of your baby dolls "Nathen" and you want to take him everywhere. You do such a good job of taking care of him. It makes me very sad that you don't have a real sibling to take care. I know you would make such a good big sister.

Today we went to the strawberry patch to pick strawberries. It was great fun. We ended up picking 11 1/2 pounds of strawberries and I'm not sure what to do with them. You did quite a bit of tasting, and it took a while for you to figure out which ones to pick, but you got it eventually. Although quite a few yellow ones made it in our basket. Next year I think I'll get the stuff so we can can some jam, but with my work schedule this week that's just not going to happen. I guess we'll just have to find some other uses for them. The farm we went to is called Krupps farm. They also had some animals to pet and an ice cream shop where we bought a big cup of Strawberry Shortcake. Mmmmm....

A Conversation:

Elise: Where is your brain in your head?
Mom: It's takes up this whole part. On top is your skin, then your skull, which is bone to protect your brain, and then inside your skull is your brain.
Elise: What does it look like? Is it pink or red?
Mom: Well, it's gray. It kind of looks like spaghetti, or the inside of a squash.
Elise: Have you seen one?
Mom: Yes.
Elise: For real?
Mom: Yes.
Elise: Ummmm.... Did some kid's brain fall out or something?
Mom: No, in school we disected little pigs, so we could see what the inside of the body looks like.
Elise: That's cool.

"That's cool", you thought that disecting a pig to see it's brain is cool! Woohooo!! My daughter likes science!! Then we had a whole discussion about what happens to food after you eat it and where it goes, which ended with "Why is it sometimes hard to get your poop to come out?" I told you that we'll go to the library soon and check out some books about the body, so you could see what it looks like from the inside. I'm so excited to teach you all this stuff. I love it! That's so cool!

Saturday we got back from our week long trip to Walt Disney World! We had a really great time, but it is good to be home. I was so proud of you! When all the other kids were crying and throwing tantrums, you were your usual patient, sweet self. Even after 2 hours of driving, 2 1/2 hours of flying, and a 45 minute bus trip! We went to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. Your favorite rides were It's a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, and the Gran Fiesta Tour at Epcot. You really loved touring Minnie Mouse's house. We had to do that and It's a Small World 4 times! You liked the quiet side of Epcot too. You made crafts and checked out all the playgrounds. Everyday, we'd head back to the resort to go swimming and take a nap, which seemed to keep us all recharged. Another favorite was the parades. We did the nighttime Spectromagic parade and Mickey's Jammin' Jungle parade at the Animal Kingdom. They even recruited you to do crowd control!

Best of all, were the characters. You got to meet Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Belle, Ariel, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Dale, Donald Duck, Rafiki, Meeka, Dopey, and your favorite Princess Jasmine! We took tons of pictures and I made a little book for us to remember our trip. You even braved Big Thunder Mountain, The Pirates of the Carribean, and The Haunted Mansion with me. Although, we had to cover you eyes through almost all of The Haunted Mansion. We did tons of swimming, ate tons of sweets, but now it's good to be home! I'm only going to post a few pics on here, because we will have our nice book soon.

Today was a big day, Kindergarten Screening. It didn't work out at all like I hoped. I tried to get someone to switch days with me, but couldn't find anyone. So I worked last night and got out late, then came home in the morning to sleep a couple hours, then I was supposed to pick you up at Karrie's and take you to the school. Well I woke up, threw my clothes on and went out to find my car's battery had died. I had to call Karrie to have her take you. In the end, I think I was much more distressed about it than you were, but I was so dissappointed. I was really looking forward to taking you. You said you met some new friends but that you didn't know their names. You played babies, playdough, and what sounded like red light, green light. It sounded like you had a good time and that it went well. Now I just have to wait to find out what they say.

On a lighter note, you demonstrated your superior brain power again for me tonight. You are really working on getter your letter sounds down. I'll hear you sounding out words all on your own. Tonight we were reading The Foot Book and I asked you what word you thought was "feet" and you pointed it out without hesitation. I asked you how you knew that was right and you said "feet starts with F". Brilliant, I tell you!

You are so grown up now. You found one of our old portable CD players today and have been dancing around the house with the headphones on. You don't quite get that we don't hear the music too. It's fun to hear you sing at the top of your lungs with no background music. Not to bad actually.

In light of our kindergarten concerns, I've taken out some books from the library. What Every Kindergartener Needs to Know. Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. We started doing more "school" at home. The success of the lesson seems to depend entirely on your mood. You do great if you are up to being taught, but if you have other things on your mind I get no where. I'm so glad we're not homeschoolers! I'm definitely not cut out for that. There are definitely areas that you seem to excel at; math and problem solving. For example, if I were to give you 5 pictures and tell you that this girl is trying to make a cake, you could put the pictures in order. The other day we were reading Caps For Sale which is your current favorite book. The man is carrying 12 caps on his head and he feels to make sure they are all there. In the picture, the caps are standing about 3 feet off his head, and you said "how can he feel all those caps, his arms are too short?" Funny I was thinking the same thing.

I'm including some of your latest artwork, which I really liked. The first one you painted at school. You said it was us driving cars around the sun. The second one is entitled "Spring" and features flowers, a rainbow, the sun, and a person catching a butterfly with a net. We brought it over to my Grandparents along with some cookie bars. Of course, they thought it was brilliant!

Tonight was our second parent teacher conference at school. It didn't go exactly like I had planned. I was very anxious to hear if your teachers feel you are ready for kindergarten next year, and instead of the resounding "Yes!" I was hoping for, I got "We don't want to say yet. Let's see how she does at Kindergarten Screening." They went on to say that academically you are ready, but that you lack self confidence and are not assertive. They said you don't do things independently and prefer to find another child to follow, usually Maddie.

I'm torn. I think you are ready, and that you are just so used to Maddie taking control that you just follow her at school because that's what you are used to doing at daycare. I also think that it's partly just your personality, you're not a very assertive child. On the other hand, I'd hate to send you next year and have you struggle the whole rest of the time in school. I guess we'll just have to see what happens at kindergarten screening and between now and fall. Here's a copy of your report card, and a paper where you drew a triangle, cross, and diagonal line.

February 9, 2008

What exactly do you have against your bed? It's a very nice bed, a double with yellow flannel sheets and a butterfly bedspread. Despite that you are currently taking a nap on a couch cushion behind the chair in your room. Dada calls it "Bugs Bunker". You slept there all last night. Most nights you start out sleeping in our bed and then when Dada and I go to bed we take you in the bathroom, have you pee, and then transfer you to your bed. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes you end up in our bed again, or on the floor in our room. You also like me to make a bed up for you on the couch downstairs for naps, excuse me I mean "rest", you're too big for naps. But you NEVER want to sleep in your bed. You also can't seem to stay still when you sleep. Not only do you toss and turn, but you go 360 degrees. I'm including a nice sleeping picture. You also require music, books, stuffed animals (the current favorites being Barking Dog, Chickie, Pink Bear, and Little Pink Bear, what can I say you're creative with the names), a glass of water, Patsy, and Mini. It's February now, but you are listening to a Christmas CD. Your favorite song is Jingle Bells, and you serenade me in the car on the way to school.

January 30, 2008

My God look how gorgeous you are. My big, grown up girl. Last week I picked up your packet for Kindergarten. I can't believe it! You are almost a kindergartener. I have to admit, I'm so nervous for you to go. Maddie won't be there to smooth the transition. It will be new kids and a new teacher, plus all day! I hope it goes well. In the packet there was a kindergarten readiness checklist. You checked out on all of them except two. The ones you missed were "Your child can button or zip their own pants or jacket." and "Your child can be separated from you for more than two hours without becoming upset." I still have tears when I drop you off at Preschool even though you seem to enjoy it.

Your main hobbies of the moment are cutting paper (as seen in photo), playing dress up (also seen in photo), and playing with soap and water. You cut up anything I'll let you, and I am constantly picking up little straps of paper. You received a vanity table for Christmas and you spend lots of time putting on your many dress up clothes and applying coats and coats of sparkely lip gloss. Like you need make-up! But I think you spend the most time in the bathroom, with the stool pulled up to the sink. You fill the sink with water and a generous helping of hand soap and then you cook or make a swimming pool for the Polly's. Your friend Samantha came over the other day and when her Mom came to pick her up you were both elbow deep in suds. Her Mom seemed a little panicked by the mess, but the bathroom actually comes out cleaner in the end.

December 25, 2007

It's Christmas and once again you were showered with presents. Santa brought you a vanity table complete with make-up and jewelry and a snow tube. Mom and Dad's big present was the Enchanted Tales Princess Castle complete with horse and carriage, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Prince Charming. You are all about the princesses. It was a good Christmas.

Aunt Allison is staying with us. She seems to feel compelled to get you gifts that poop. Last year, it was Barbie with Tanner "the pooping dog". This year it's Baby Alive! (you have to have the exclamation point in there).
She's a lovely doll that not only pees in her diaper, but she poops in it too. You were all about feeding her, but were hesistant when it came to the diaper changing part (see pic). I thought it was pretty gross too. Aunt Allison of course got a kick out of it.

I'm glad that Mom and Dad can give you everything you want, but I worry that you're spoiled. I think we're really going to have to watch that. It's hard because you are so good that we want to give you everything. Merry Christmas darling angel!

December 24, 2007

It's Christmastime!! You would think a four year old would be excited, but not you! You're too busy being terrified of Santa! Last year I told you that you had better go to sleep otherwise Santa wouldn't come. You asked how he would know if you were sleeping or not. So I told you he would check. You panicked and screamed, "I don't want Santa to look at me!!!!!!!!" We let you sleep in our bed, and you were fine. This year as Christmas approached I could tell you were getting anxious about Santa again. We talked about what to do and decided that we would ask Santa not to go in your room or look at you on our cookie note. You seemed okay with this...until it was time to go to bed tonight. We finished reading stories and you just started shaking and crying hysterically. We reminded you of what we had written on the note, and that Santa was just coming in the house to leave presents, but you wouldn't calm down. I finally had to leave to go pick up Aunt Allison from the airport. You called her and she agreed to sleep in your bed tonight, and Daddy lay with you until you were asleep. I think next year we're just going to have to face our fears and visit one of Santa's helpers in the mall. Above is a picture of you in your new Christmas PJs.

December 19, 2007

Last night was your first school concert. It was very fun watching you up there. I could tell you were concentrating so hard. Your class sang 3 songs. Two were about a snowman and the third was like "If you're happy and you know it..." but with a Christmas theme. My favorite was the chubby little snowman which goes like this.

There was a chubby little snowman
who had a carrot nose.
Along came a bunny,
Now what do you suppose?
The hungry little bunny
was looking for some lunch.
He ate the snowman's carrot nose.
Nibble
Nibble
Crunch!

I have it memorized because you've been practicing in the car for me. After the concert we had Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma Denise. They got you the animatronic parrot you asked for, "Squawkers", a digital camera of your very own, and some books. We had fun playing with Squawkers, and you had fun hiding in the boxes from Mamas gifts. You were taking pictures of everything with your new camera. This morning you already have 120 pictures on your camera, most of which are of inanimate objects. You don't seem to mind. We're looking forward to Christmas!

October 31, 2007

Pretty as a Princess! It's another Halloween, Mama's favorite holiday. This year we had the added excitement of a school party. We had a parade through the halls, cupcakes, and goody bags. So much candy, where to start! Trick or Treating was not quite as much fun. Maddy and Karrie decided to go to a church Halloween party instead of trick or treating. I asked you what you'd prefer, "knocking on doors or the church party with Maddy?" It was hard for me to not try and bias you, because I really wanted to go trick or treating, but you chose that anyway. We made plans to go with the Rozelles, but just before we headed out of the door it started to rain. I grabbed some umbrellas, but with the wind, cold tempeatures, and rain, you only made it to 4 houses before you were asking to be taken home. Daddy and I pushed for a few more houses before finally giving in.

We dropped Daddy off and then headed off to the church to see if we could find Maddy and Karrie. The party was billed as "Treats from Trunks". Silly me, I didn't realize they meant trunks of cars, so the church party was a wash too (literally). You didn't seem to mind any of this, because you still had quite a bit of candy. I just hoping for better weather next year.

October 15th, 2007

Today, your class went to the pumpkin patch. You got to go on a hayride, and pick out a little pumpkin souvenir. I think you were most excited about getting to ride the bus for the first time. You've also made some new friends at school, Samantha and Lily. Samantha is sitting next to you in the picture from the pumpkin patch. Actually, she's next to you in every picture from the pumpkin patch! I can tell she really wants to be your friend. I love getting my daily report from school; what kids you played with, what boys were bad, and what you had for snack.

October 10th, 2007

Oh, how cute you are! Today you told me that you learned a new prayer at school. I was a bit confused at first because your preschool is not religiously affiliated. You got a very serious look on your face, clasp your hands together, and recited "I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America..." You recited almost the whole thing by memory. It was just the cutest thing. I guess I understand why you thought it was a prayer, afterall, they taught you the traditional version with "One nation under God" in it. You've been fascinated by prayer ever since Becky took you to Vacation Bible School for a day. You have a bunny that says a bedtime prayer, and you say it before bed quite often. That one goes like this, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the lord my soul to keep. Angels watch me through the night, and keep me in their blessed sight. Amen."

September 14th, 2007

September 10 was a historic day. Elise first day of school!! You are going to Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. You were so excited to go. We got there and put your backpack in your locker (how cute you have your own locker). Then we took you in the classroom. We played for a little while, but then it was time for us to go. I honestly thought it would be no big deal to you, but suddenly your eyes were red rimmed and you looked like you were trying so hard not to cry. Dada was holding you and you hugged him so tight, I thought you might strangle him. I wasn't worried though. I knew you'd be fine as soon as we left, I was just surprised.

Dada and I ran some errands that went back to pick you up. We were one of the first parents to enter the room, and all the kids were sitting at tables. You jumped up and ran over to us yelling, "I had fun and I didn't learn anything!!" I'm sure the teacher appreciated that. You didn't get to go out on the playground that day, because it was too cold and rainy. You've been 3 times now and you seem to love it more each time. You've been out on the playground twice, and made some new friends, although you don't know their names. I wish I could be a fly on the wall, because it's so hard to find out much from you. All you ever say is, "I dunno." Usually I have to wait until things come out in conversation. I'm just so glad you are enjoying yourself. And Mommy gets a little free time too.

September 7, 2007

Another big milestone! Today, I went in to get you up from your rest (although no resting was going on). You had taken all your Polly Pocket's accessories and put them in a plastic bottle. You were excited to show me your "mixture", then you told me how you put all of them in there "except for the one that's up my nose." Ackkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!! I said,

"What is up your nose, honey"
"A Polly shoe."
"Why did you put it up your nose."
"I dunno."

I took a look and sure enough, there it was shoved wayyyyyyy up there. So I took you in the bathroom, and got out the tweezers, but then thought I'd give the old plug the opposite nostril and blow trick a try, and it worked beautifully. That Polly shoe went flying across the bathroom like a bullet out of a gun. We were both laughing hysterically. Then I had to have the serious talk about not putting things up our nose, and I educated you in the techniques they have at the hospital for extracting things from noses when Mommy can't get them out. Hopefully it won't happen again.

August 7, 2007

Today was a very sad day. More so for your Mom and Dad than for you I know. We lost our precious Harley. He had been loosing weight, vomiting, and acting lethargic. Daddy took him to the vet in the morning and came home in tears, Harley has intestinal cancer and is basically starving to death. We kept him home and tried to love him up as best as we could. Then at 1:00, we took him in and had him put to sleep. Death is such a hard thing to understand, even for adults. You seemed to understand, you were there when he was put down, and when we buried him. But later when I was crying because I wanted to go check on him and then remembered I couldn't, you asked Why? I asked you "Why do you think, Sweetie?", but you just said, "I don't know."


I know you're too young, and you probably won't remember him when you get older, but he was very special to your Dad and I. We got him as a kitten after we'd only been dating less than 3 months. He was such a lovey, goofy, sweet boy. He was with us for so long, and we really thought we had a lot more time. You called him "The Lover" because of his sweet and loving personality. He seemed very protective of you, and would always rub on your feet during breakfast. Once when you were sick, he slept in your bed most of the time. I'm including a picture of that time, plus a bunch of others, so maybe you'll remember him. I'm glad he's not suffering anymore, but I am going to miss him so much.

August 6, 2007

Sometimes you just make me so proud! Today, you had your 4 year check up. We had to bring in your first mornings urine in a cup, and this had you completely mystified. "Why do they want my pee?" "What are they going to do with my pee?" "Will they put it in the potty?" On the drive in you said, "Remember when we took Shai to the doctor and they took her away and she had to spend the night." I said yes I remember, but you are not sick, and I won't let them take you away. First you were weighed and measured. You are 33 1/2 pounds and 40 inches tall. Then they took your blood pressure and checked your vision. 80/42 and 20/40. Dr. Vanzee said 20/40 is normal for a 4 year old, but with your family history it will be a miracle if you don't end up with glasses. Dr. VanZee checked your eyes, ears, and listened to your heart and lungs. Then he asked you to jump, stand on one foot, walk on your tip toes and your heels. You were so excited to show him that you could do it all. Then he was asking me some questions, and in the meantime you were doing a little improv demonstration of your dance and acrobatic moves. I'm sure he was quite impressed ;-)

Then it was time for shots.......... I had told you that you would be having some, and that they would hurt. I knew you were nervous, because on the way in you said that you had to hold Mini because she was scared. I asked you what Mini was scared of and you told me shots. But you had on such a brave face, and took the shots just like a brave girl and didn't make a peep. Then you got up and said, "That wasn't so bad! But it did hurt." On the way out of the office, you asked me if they had some more of those pee cups. Not sure what you had planned for that. We went out for ice cream to celebrate, and you said I couldn't take the bandaids off because that would "let the hurt out." You told Daddy that he "missed all the fun." I am so proud!

July 29th, 2007

This year we had two birthday parties to celebrate your 4th year. Today, we had a party with your friends and Grandpa and Grandma Denise. We got a big blow up waterslide for entertainment (no you're not spoiled at all!), and it was a big hit. Among the partygoers were Hannah and Kale, Haley and Evan, Alexis, and Maddie. I think it's pretty safe to say you've completely exitted the shell. You are a true social butterfly now. You just love being around kids. You were practically frothing at the mouth for them to show up. I told everyone not to bring gifts partly because you've already received so many from us and your grandparents and partly because I know you could care less!! You are way more
interested in playing with the kids than any ole presents. Most of them brought some small gifts anyway, however.

You played on the waterslide, ate some food, played in your playroom, on the swingset. I could barely keep track of you! Maddie was very afraid to go down the slide, so you held her hand and she went down (once!). I just loved seeing you surrounded by friends, and interacting. It will be so cool to see your friendships bloom.