Updates from Preschool

So far, the transition to the new preschool room seems to be going pretty well.. The lead teacher in her new room, Ms. Tessa seems awesome and very conscientious, and has already sent a ton of pictures and updates on what HG has been up to.  It looks like there are a lot of new activity opportunities and a lot of creativity which I think will keep HG better engaged and excited about her days there.  Here a few pics and the teacher comments (which are always sort of entertaining as well)..

Harper explored the preschool playground with her new Green Conductor friends and Ms. Tessa.  She expressed curiosity and motivation as she explored each area of the playground.  She carefully climbed stairs while holding on to the rails.  She peered into tunnels.  She declined to go down any slides.  She talked about taking a ride on the small train to the zoo.  She laughed and smiled with me as we turned the wheels and talked about animals that live at the zoo.  She talked with Jane about the big red slide as they climbed the stairs of the big train.  

Harper worked with Caroline and Knox to create with sand.  Harper said, "I'm making pasta!"  She used the shovel to dig and pour.  She participated in brief conversation with Caroline as they decided to create a "pizza" when their bucket was full.  Harper said, "Here is the topping!"

Harper pulled the seat back and said, "I want to play here."  I sat next to her.  She grabbed the pipette and explored how to use it.  I asked, "Would you like some help?"  She said, "Yes."  I showed her how to work the pipette using a pincer squeeze.  She then worked the pipette and mixed the colors herself.  We worked together for a few minutes then I let her explore on her own.

Preschool and Poop Prizes

This week our little toddler is officially transitioning over to the preschool room and becoming a Green Conductor!  We are hoping that this will be an exciting move for her.. the toddler room has seemed to sort of run its course in challenges and forward progression for HG, and she is coming along fairly well with potty training so we asked for her to move a little bit early in hopes that she will be a little happier overall.  It's a much bigger class, both in size and number of kids, and she will definitely go back to being the younger of the group but as long as she isn't too overwhelmed it should be a good thing for her in the long run.  The teachers have sent us two separate pictures so far from her time over there which is a good sign I think of what is to come this year!

In other semi related toddler news, there is some fairly steady headway happening in the potty training front which is certainly exciting.  Much of her day at school she is consistently going on the potty and she is very excited about underwears.  So much so, that she put a pair on over top of her sleeping shorts and diaper during naptime this weekend.  We have now had two #2's on the potty which is a pleasant surprise as well.  Our neighbors Laura and Catherine have an entire bag filled with "poop prizes" for their daughter Audrey who has been resistant to the concept.  When we had our first one, I was taken by surprise and unprepared, but Laura ran over with the bag and let HG pick out a princess wand which was super sweet.  I am actively acquiring items for our own such bag now.. last night's prize was new pens and a Hello Kitty notepad.

I am also pleased to report that the MUCH dreaded dentist appointment actually came and went with very little stress on both our parts.  Amazing what a difference 6 months makes- no screaming and shaking this time!  A little Frozen on the TV above and some fascination with the office's Tinker glasses (which I literally had to pry from her hands), and bribery with a special popsicle afterwards seemed to do the trick!  I was really really proud her and how well she tolerated something that even I find to be incredibly unpleasant.

Mommy and HG on "date night" trying out a new restaurant last weekend.  We had a delicious dinner and it has been fun to get out in the evenings to some new places with all of us together while Hunt has had some more free time on his school break.

Bed Time Procedures, Stall Tactics, and Lovey's

I think it is fair to say that I have a pretty strong love/hate relationship with bedtime procedures at our house these days.  There are moments of pure uninterrupted sweetness that are unmatched and irreplaceable, but ugh the process of getting to those fleeting moments can really be a drain.  Harper is the toddler master of stall tactics, and she has absolutely figured out the best way to delay bedtime is to be cute and distract away from the subject all together.  It doesn't help matters that she is just like Hunt and a night owl, and seems to get her second (third.. fourth..) wind around 8pm.. just as I am soo ready to be in my own bed and watching some mindless TV.  So mommy does get a little cranky by the end of the hour long production of negotiating through whether or not there will be a bath, the constant reoccurring fight over legitimate teeth brushing, whether or not there will be time for a show (currently Barney on Demand... uuugghhh), reading two books, retrieving some ice water from downstairs.. We still aren't even in bed yet at this point and the yet to be snuggles and songs, spreading out blankies and rearranging lovey's (pronounced luu-bees).  And just as I am literally losing any shred of patience, she usually does or says something really cute that brings me back to how lucky I am to have her.  My favorites are the spontaneous "I love you" and "I love your hairs", often little regurgitation of things that I say to her.  Last night she was laying on her side, Pink and White (aka luu-bees) tucked into their position under her arm, and looking particularly sweet and peaceful, and it can be hard to always remembers some of these sweetest moments, so I just had to get some pics.

Here Comes the Bride..

All dressed in white.. and looking completely fabulous and glowy and ready for the big day to be here!!