Crazy Kids

I spent a large part of the day at the library today getting homework done.  When I got home, the kids were wound up and crazy.  While I was cooking dinner, Josh learned to push Mikayla's chair up to the sink, then figured out how to turn the water on, then flooded the whole island and floor.  And this only took a few minutes while I was cutting up the meat. 

And then, (yes, there's more), he figured out how to open the fridge and got the squeeze bottle of pizza sauce and decided to paint the floor with that.  (I really was watching him but he is QUICK!)  Meanwhile, Mikayla, was running around whooping it up.   

So, once I put him down at 7 and she asked to go to bed, I all but obliged her.  She still may be up for hours but at least she's laying down and quiet.  Boy, are we going to have a busy spring!

Now, to add to the story of our crazy kids--we are at church this morning and I take Josh into the restroom.  In the time it took me to unzip my pants, he had jumped into (yes, I said in) the toilet.  He may have ruined his shoes and definitely soaked his pants and socks.  Boy, you can't let that boy loose for a minute.

Big Boy

Josh had his 18 month appointment yesterday.  All my wonderings about him getting bigger have been solved.  He has grown 3 1/2 inches since his lat appointment.  He was very good and even opened his mouth and said 'ahh' when he was asked.  Now, I know whey his clothes don't fit.  I need to drag more 3ts out.

Thumbelina

Daddy told Mikayla last night he would get Thumbelina for her to watch today.  When she went to bed and I asked her what her favorite part of the day was, she told me it was watching Thumbelina tomorrow.  She had asked daddy if she could get up early to watch it and we said sure.  Boy, she wasn't kidding.  At 5 this morning, she was up and ready to watch.  Well, we said she could get up early!   I just never expected it to be that early.   We had her stay in bed until 6:30 and then it was movie time.  The verdict:  It was awesome.   It was so funny to see her so excited--it was like Christmas.

St. Patrick's Day Dinner

Green Pasta!  Cabbage! Corned Beef!  Green Lemonade!  I'll take a pass on the green milk.

CH ch ch changes

Well, the kids (and all of us) are about to go through some major changes.  ALthough I have been trying to figure out a way to be home during the day so I could spend more time with the kids, I didn't think anything would happen until it was time for kindergarten.  But, sometimes, those decisions are made for you and when you least expect it.  As of the end of the month, my 11 years at Northwestern University are over.  The good thing with being laid off (that sort of stings to actually say that word) is that there is now a severance package instead of just a two week notice.  And, if all works out I will still be doing contract work on a part-time basis (from home!!)  The only difficult part of this will be, how do we pay the bills. (yikes!)  But, crossing our fingers and saying a little prayer, hopefully things will be OK.  

Now, the good parts.  Josh is coming out of daycare at the end of the month.  We have really liked it there but at the same time I get to be the one to spend the day with him.  Mikayla is going to finish up the school year.  She has learned so much there, especially the last few months.  We will be sad to say goodbye to Goddard but this is all for the best.  So, this summer, we will be footloose and fancy free. (well, not totally but it won't be sitting in an office 8 hours a day and then sitting in a car for 3 more hours-- a few hours of work at the most every day) 

This is one summer I am going to enjoy!

Josh loves the remote control.  He seems to be trying to figure it out.  I think as long as he hits the buttons and something happens.

Every night, and also throughout the day, I tell Mikayla I love her. I ask her if she knows how much, and she says SOOO much. Then she tells me she loves me one hundred eight nine ten times. I think that means it's a lot. After we tell her that, I always tell her 'wo ai ni.' SHe says I know what that means--it's I Love You in Chinese.

Josh and I were playing yesterday and I was basically doing rolling situps with him on my stomach. He was having a ball and laughing so much. It was really cool when I stopped for a break and he signed for more. At first I thought he was hungry and then I realized he was really having fun. When I stood up, he was grabbing my leg trying to pull me back to the floor. How cool to know you can make someone that happy.

Tidbits from school in recent times (I know these aren't original thoughts but these say a lot about the personalities of these two). Josh starts a new class this week and I went to kindergarten registration last week. Time is going to fast, I am too busy, but I want to appreciate them each and every day. I hope things can slow down in the summer so I can enjoy more time with my two precious kids.

Josh

2/20: Josh had a blast laying in the tunnel and swaying back and forth! He wouldn't stop laughing.

2/25: Josh spent all morning through lunch in Beautiful Bunnies. His transition is going very smoothly.

2/26: Josh had a great day in the Bunny room today. He's going to do fine. We will miss him.

Mikayla

Mikayla liked showing her friends and teachers how she can 'braid' her hair and put all the clips in all by herself.

2/20: Mikayla enjoyed looking at our new book about healthy foods. (She has been on a kick about healthy foods since then--she actually turned down chocolate because they weren't healthy and not good for her teeth)

2/25: Mikayla was excited to share her book from home with the class (Are you my mother?)

When I picked up Mikayla, Ms Sue asked her to sign her name on a card. Mikayla did without being prodded. This is the first time that I saw her do the whole name without prompting. I was so proud!