Pre-K doin's.

 I've always thought that things like pre-k graduations are so silly and unnecessary.  Logically, I buy into the idea that kids don't need participation trophies, and that we don't need to make up silly milestones for them.

Then, I had a kid in Pre-K.  I'm not saying I don't think it's silly, because it is.  And it's certainly unnecessary.  But, the kids all seemed pretty proud about graduating, and I'd be lying if I told you I didn't get teary during the ceremony.

It started with Dani being named "Pre-K Student of the Year" for her school.  This meant she got to attend a local baseball game and was recognized on the field--and got to run out onto the field with the home team.

She stayed out there for the National Anthem.  She was so proud.  And, it was pretty awesome, the whole family got to watch her from the stands.

 Two days later, it was Pre-K graduation.  Nothing like a hot summer night in an un-air conditioned elementary school cafeteria.

 Dani got to lead the assembly by holding the mic and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  (teary mommy)

 Look at this kid's face.  She's walking to receive her Pre-K "diploma".  She's beaming.

It's impossible not to be excited for her--because she's so excited about being ready for real school!

 Tori and Tommy managed to sit relatively still during the event.

 An attempt at a family photo was, as usual, like herding cats.  Tori is channeling her inner Bangles "Walk like an Egyptian" vibe.  This was the best, of many attempts.

It's amazing how fast this time flies.  Dani's headed to kindergarten.  Kindergarten!  (And Tori to Pre-K)

When we were driving to the Mohawks game, the night she was receiving the Student of the Year honor, she was in the back seat telling Tori, "To be the student of the year, you have to work hard and do your best every day in pre-k, Tori."

She is amazingly smart, and articulate for her age.  (I realize every parent says this.)

And, we're so proud of her.

 

A few kid sayings of late...

Some weeks ago, Tori hopped into the coveted second row minivan seat (that Dani had asked for) and when Dani protested, Tori's response was, "You snooze, you lose, kid."  (Thanks Grandma.)

Now, all three kids vie to be the first at anything so they can hurl the "you snooze you lose" taunt.

 

Last night I was talking to Dani and Tori about my parents' impending visit.  I was mentioning that there were a few things in the house that I wanted Grandpa to fix.  I told them that Grandpa could fix anything.  Dani disagreed.  "Grandpa can't fix people, mommy."

 

At dinner tonight, Tori announced that she would like to call me Bethany.  When I said no, she could call me mommy, she settled on mom, and told me if I were a balloon she would pop me.

 

Dani's favorite jokes to tell these days;

What do you call a cow with no legs?  Ground beef.

Why can't you hear a pterodactyl going to the bathroom?  Because the "p" is silent.

 

 



Five!

 Dani turned five this week.  Five!  Where does the time go?

It's been quite a year for our not-so-little Dani.

She started Pre-K.  She waits for the bus, with her Super Mario backpack, just like a big kid.  Every night at dinner, she's so eager to tell us about what her buddies did at school, to sing us songs, and tell us about her day.  When we drive around town, she loves to point out her friends' houses, and she's learning how to get places, telling me while I'm driving which way I should be going.

For weeks, she was singing songs in anticipation of her Christmas concert at school.  When the flyer came home, I was scheduled to be in court, but at the last minute, the matter was adjourned so I was able to go.  With some help, I snagged a second row seat.  She walked out with the twelve children in her class, anxiously looking around, and she saw me and Grandma Deb.  She frantically waved, and was so excited to sing to us.  Tears rolled down my cheeks while she sang and danced, "I'm a little snowman, look at me." 

There was my baby, up on stage, at school, in her first concert.

 She's the first one to offer to help, before I have to ask her.

Usually, she's the first one to tattle, unless she's joining in the mischief with Tori and Tommy.

She's quick to laugh, and make silly faces and sounds.

She's getting good at talking back too--Mommy, apparently, is very often wrong, you know.

And she's getting SO BIG--she's the tallest kid in her class, and comes up almost to my shoulders.

And she still wants to snuggle, as often as possible.  But these days, she reminds you more of one of those big dogs who doesn't realize she's not a lap dog, as she piles on top of me on the couch or asks me to pick her up.

 It's hard to believe she's five.

I swear, just yesterday she was a baby, trying to gnaw my face off.

And wow, I had far fewer grey hairs back then!

 It was so much easier back when there was just one.

I had so much time for just focusing on her...and celebrating the silliest of holidays, like her first St. Patty's day photos.

 She loves fiercely.

From the moment we brought Tori home, and she exclaimed "Baby" and kissed her, she embraced the role of big sister.

 And she couldn't wait to do it again with Tommy.

 She usually sets a pretty good example for them to follow.

And she is naturally good at sharing the spotlight.  It's interesting that when she chooses characters that she likes best, it's most often the supporting ones.  She prefers Luigi to Mario, Robin to Batman, Widget to Wubbzy.  She's the first one to hand over the coveted toy of the moment so Tommy won't cry, and to share her goodies with Tori without being asked.  An action not accompanied by please or thank you is nearly non-existent with her.

She changed my life.

She taught me how to love with a depth I did not know I possessed.

She taught me, and continues to teach me every day, important lessons like these:

A walk around the block can be magical if you find pinecones.

The boxes stuff comes in are often more fund to play with than the stuff.

Everything is better with sprinkles.

Always make time for another kiss and hug.

Bedtime songs are way better than bedtime books...Raindrops on Roses is still her favorite.

Getting dressed is more fun if you don't care if your clothes match.

You don't need a reason to turn off the lights and have a glow stick party.

Knock knock jokes don't have to be funny to be funny to toddlers.
All you need is a sunny day and a maple tree seed pod to turn into a unicorn.

 

And the most amazing part is that this is just the beginning.  The beginning of the life of my amazing little Dani.  As much as I selfishly hate to see her to grow so independent, I love to see her roots grow stronger as my little flower reaches for the sunlight.

Happy birthday, Dani.

And the first one is off to school.

Dani started Pre-K this week.  Pre-K!  While it would sound sweet and nostalgic to *sniff, ask where my little baby went, but, I was pretty excited for her.  While I'm a big proponent for kids home with parents, I realize they miss out on the camaraderie of peers. She's going to meet kids that she can't boss around and make friends and have a blast!  So, yesterday was the first day of half-day pre-k through the school district.  Wes brought her to school and picked her up.  The school has a dress code, which I'm a fan of, and hope that the petty materialistic bullshit that comes with peers can be avoided, in part, for awhile because of it.

Of course, when we were shopping for bookbags, Dani had to have the Mario and Luigi design.  No cute Hello Kitty or anything...

She literally got a happy meal toy yes, bad mommy buys happy meals with a Luigi in it, and has been a fan ever since.  I should mention we do not own any Nintendo game system that exposed her to Mario and Luigi before the toy.  Since then, we've been intermittently watching the Super Mario Super Show on Netflix....for those of you too young to know what that is, it's a show from 1989, which is a mix of cartoons and skits with actual people (Captain Lou Albano from the WWF plays Mario).  Worst show ever.

 Soooo, back to Dani and school and such.  They let the parents in on the first day to check out the classroom.  Dani's been very close-lipped about the day-to day at school, only telling me that they are learning manners and what to do.

 Today was the second day, and we decided she'd take the bus.  To be honest, we ranked the elementary schools so that we'd get a school that she could take a bus to.  Our city is small and we can drive to any school in less than 10 minutes, but I didn't want us to have to drive her because we were too close to the school (packing up 3 kids to deliver one would suck!).  So Dani got on the bus today!  She (and the girl next door) were the first kids on the bus.

On the way home....Wes waited at the stop--and the girl next door got off, but not Dani!

I had filled out a form months ago that asked if we needed child care transportation, and I had put our sitter's address and said Tues and Thurs were the days.  BUT when we got the bus pass, it was for our home only.  Wes called the bus garage and they said the school had to set up the alternate transportation but that they were swamped and he should wait a day or two to call.

When he asked the driver where Dani was, he mentioned that she was on the way to the sitter.  Wes calls Miss Ruth to give her a heads up and see if Dani was there yet, and Dani arrived at Miss Ruth's house.  She was crying at that point, as she had to switch buses and she kept telling the driver that he was not going the right way to our address.  But all ended well, with Tori and Tommy being super-excited to see Dani get off a school bus! 

 It's been a wild ride, these few days.  Dani really seems happy to be going to school, like it something that is hers, alone.  I've got to literally interrogate her to find out what she did all day, not because she didn't love it, but because I think she liked it so much she can't really describe it.

 Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I think Tommy and Tori are happy for the 33% additional attention...one less kid they have to share mommy and daddy and Miss Ruth with!

I blinked.

Dani, in just a few hours you'll be three years old! Three!!! How can that be?

I blinked, and you're three.

You started out as such a little bitty bit. A little rumble in my tummy, growing into an angry ninja who liked to try out her moves in my tummy and keep me awake all night.

And then, you were here. December 9, 2008. Our first baby. This is where I'm supposed to say you were perfect and beautiful. To be honest, you were red and screamy, but perfect nonetheless.

From early on, you were a dynamic, dramatic little girl. I took you everywhere. You were smiley, and sweet, and you were never, ever the crying baby in the store. Not once. That's one of the reasons I took you everywhere.

You slept well, you ate well, you never even had a cold. You would light up at your daddy's voice and he loved to snuggle with you. Your first nickname, from daddy was "little rat". It sounds silly, but it was absolutely a term of endearment. Every night at bedtime, I sang "My Favorite Things" to you, hoping you would associate that song with peacefulness. You do. It nearly always calms you down when I sing it, and you've often asked me to sing "eyedrops on roses song".

Time flew by. We took you out for the first time on Christmas Eve 2008; you were just a few weeks old, here:

You surprised daddy by rolling over at 8 weeks. He called me at work to tell me he was so surprised. You did nearly everything early as your first year flew by.

And I guess I blinked again, because then it was your first birthday and had your very first cake, made by daddy, of course:

And you were one. Walking. Babbling. Laughing and smiling. My little punkin', you were always such a joy. Curious about everything, but never getting into trouble; we never had to baby proof, because you always listened to daddy's constant reminder "no kitchen; no bathroom; no stairs". You didn't mind, as there was always something else to play with.

Our family got bigger, and Tori joined us. The minute you saw her you said, "Baby!" and gave her a kiss. The minute I put her on my lap to feed her, you started to cry and climbed on my other knee, jealous and wanting your own bottle too. Of course, we gave you one, but once you knew that Tori wasn't taking your place, you were your happy old self again.

You started talking. It was amazing how much you could understand, even before you could really say anything. Every day there was something new you showed us.

And then, I blinked, I guess, because you were two. You've always been comfortable in front of the camera, probably because it's always taking your picture. Dani, you're quite the little ham.

Two, you were two! And you were running and talking and trying to play with Tori. You wanted to do it yourself--from brushing your teeth to feeding yourself. And you were so darn smart. Like a little sponge. From singing the alphabet song to identifying letters and numbers by sight, we were constantly amazed. And you were still the happiest, silliest little girl.

You started to insist you were a big girl! Sometimes you were shy, other times, the boldest kid in the room. Tori got old enough to be fun, and you spent most of the day chasing each other around and laughing.

Our family grew again. Tommy joined us. This time, Tori was the jealous one, and you were the big sister. The helper. You helped with bottles, and fetching bibs, giving Tommy his paci and anything we asked. When you're not bossing Tori around, she's your best friend. You're our sensitive little girl, quick to cry, and quick to love. You notice every detail, as small as when daddy wears his wedding ring or mommy gets her hair cut. You like to Skype, and can talk on the phone with grandma and grandpa, for at least a few minutes before you announce "okay bye!". You have the most amazing imagination--and will tell stories with such detail I am awed.

And, I guess I blinked again. Just a minute ago you were such a little bitty thing. And now, in just a few hours, you'll be three. And I can't wait to see what you do next, my sweet little Dani.

Where do they learn this?

So smarty pants here even surprised me tonight.

We're looking for creative options for milk delivery that minimize spilling when Dani's not supervised. I'd like to move away from soft nipple sippies to have Dani drink the milk quickly, but she makes a mess with a big cup.

So, in a flash of brilliance, I decided to open the cupboard for a new, Dani-sized drinking vessel:

(Yes, it's a Stoli double shotglass, but it's the perfect size for toddler hands.) So I fill it with milk and hand it to Dani, who remarks, "This is a real glass." Okay, okay, so that doesn't make her the smartest toddler on earth, I understand.

Then she inspects the glass, and the decorative garland on it, and says, "It's a Christmas glass, mommy." And I tell her that it's mistletoe or holly leaves or something that sounded holiday-related because I wasn't really paying that much attention (to be totally honest). And, I'm pretty sure I told her it was mistletoe and berries, but upon further inspection I was dead wrong...

And then she says, "But mommy, that is saturn."

SATURN? SATURN?

Little kid, you are not even 3 years old, and we don't even have a book about the planets, last time I checked. Yet, you have managed to identify a Christmas-themed saturn on a milk-filled shotglass correctly?

The UC grad in me is totally high-fiving you, Dani, my little smartypants!

More Dani-isms.

Dani, trying open a bottle of seltzer I was drinking, upon finding the cap too tight to twist off, "Mommy, it's locked!"

Dani 1, Mommy 0.

Tonight was the night. Big Man spent a chunk of time today getting it ready. Dani was finally going to move into Tori's room and a big. girl. bed.

I got home from work and snuck upstairs to put the Dora stickers on the wall. She's going to love this I thought. And Dani did. She didn't want to come downstairs for dinner because she didn't want to leave her Diego bed.

I've got it easy, I thought. Until bedtime, I did.

Big Man took Tori and Dani and I walked upstairs together. "I don't LIKE my Diego bed. I want my crib!" said Dani. Big Man stood by and snickered "great idea mommy".

But I got her a drink of water, stood guard outside the door for a few minutes, and went downstairs. I made a few calls, loaded the dishwasher, and didn't hear a peep. Wow, that was easy, I thought.

I finished up my second call, and thought, I'll just take a peek upstairs to see how cute they look sleeping in the same room.

I was, in fact, having a smug, "I'm a supermom" moment. You know, that little mental happy dance where you can't figure out why parenting is so hard for everyone else, when it comes so incredibly naturally and easy to you? Yep, that one. Delusional, party of one.

From the landing, I notice that the door to their room is shut, and I see blinding light underneath it. Uh oh. I take down the baby gate and let myself in. Dani's got the ceiling light on and its daylight-bright in there; her bed is in the middle of the room, and it's chaos. Tori is fortunately fast asleep, despite the commotion.

"Go downstairs and watch Mickey, mommy," Dani says, "I'm not tired," she insists.

She starts to fuss and whine. I slide her bed back against the wall, and get another night light. I tell her that under no circumstances is she to turn the light on again.

She's upstairs singing songs and probably tying sheets together to escape out the window.

Dani 1; Mommy 0.Tori has now attained "most favored baby" status for sleeping through it all. (so far).

Kid Quote of the Day.

While lifting up a bottle of eye drops tonight, Dani exclaims, "These are mommy's raindrops!"

Snow day!

Hurry up, mommy! You are too slow. We need to plaaaaaaaaaaay!!!

There are snow angels to make! And snow hills to slide down!
And snow to eat! Yay!

The snow is taller than me! I hope it stays like this forever!

When the contractor's away...

Dani will play!

We finally had the ancient, original door and side lights replaced, well technically it's still a work in progress. Having a new door and more insulation makes a huge difference in warmth in our downstairs. And, with an ancient house like ours, every little bit helps--especially when we spend so much time on the floor.

Dani has been enjoying her "drumsticks" and has been banging out solos since the project started!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Last winter, Dani was too little, and I was too pregnant to really get outside in the snow. But this winter, she's been talking about snowmen and such. FINALLY, we got some snow! I got home Friday and there were just a few inches, but I bundled her up and went outside, in my work dress no less, just to catch the last bit of light so Dani could play.

Here she is trying to throw a snowball I made. She helped me shovel the walk, and did not want to do in. In fact, I had to fireman carry a kicking and screaming Dani inside. She would have played outside for hours if I'd let her.
I promised her that we'd go out this morning, and overnight a few more inches fell. I think we had about 6 inches total. I pulled her on the sled, she ran around, happily falling, eating snow and clapping her snow-filled hands so snow would fly everywhere.
It wasn't great packing snow so we couldn't make a snowman, so we took a sled ride down the street, and then a short walk.

I wised up when I wanted to go inside today. I mentioned that if we went inside she could have a lollipop.

Surprisingly, she was also willing to share the lollipop with Tori.
Here's a short video of Dani that ends abruptly when I realize she needs help getting out of the sled, and I didn't want the camera to get snowy.

I'm already looking forward to the next snow storm!

To Dani, on the eve of your second birthday.

It seems to me that there is no better measure of the passage of time than a child. Two years ago tonight, I was packing to go to the hospital. You were literally trying to kick your way out of my belly. There was a wicked snowstorm.

We left the house at 4:30 am to get to the hospital for check-in. You were the first scheduled baby delivery of the day. Your daddy got to put on scrubs and was in the operating room the whole time. He got to see you first, and hold you first, too. You were a little red screamy thing all wrapped up in a blanket. When I got to the recovery room, and the nurse brought you to me, the first thing I said to daddy was, "she's so pale". I didn't really know what babies looked like when they were first born, but I thought you'd be browner. I'm sure you understand why.

You had a little personality from the start. And a little temper. You spent the day with daddy and me, but we sent you to the nursery that night. In the morning, the nurse told us, "that one's got a temper on her". You were quite the little screamer.

We figured it out, eventually. What you needed when you fussed. What your different cries meant. What made you laugh and what you didn't like.

What I never expected was how much you would change me. I'm a different person than I was before I had you, in a million ways I could never explain. Just better, I hope. With each day, I just grow more fascinated and more in love with you, little Dani.

I just can't seem to figure out when my little baby girl, turned into a kid. Really. You climb stairs by yourself. You sing songs. You know your numbers and letters and colors. You even know Kornheiser and Wilbon by voice, and love Chicago Bears Football. I never knew a little kid could laugh so much, or make me laugh so much.

You've been asking for "yellow Mickey Mouse shoes". They should be here tomorrow. You're a tad obsessed with Mickey Mouse, but at least you don't know who Justin Bieber is.

Know Dani, that you are loved. Not just by daddy and me, but by your whole family. By the many friends that we have that ask about you and read about you on this blog and see your pictures on facebook. Mommy's clients all know who you are and ask about you. You're just a bright little light that shines on all of us.

So, as you enter your second year, I don't know what you'll do. You've already hit almost every milestone our pediatric book says you should hit at the end of your second year. We're going to work on the potty thing, and then maybe algebra? Just kidding, we'll wait until you're three for algebra.

So, my little snuggle pup, happy birthday. Happy 2.
We're going to have a great year!

Arrrrrgh, a Dani guest post.

Arrrrgh. I see me enemies out th' porthole! T' scurvy bastards won't get me!

I will protect me baby sister and cut off mine enemies heads! Arrrrgh.

I lick the blood of mine enemies off me sword! Arrrg, Captain Dani Feathersword must protect her pumpkins and her family!

Arrrgh!

Busy bees!

We had a busy weekend--from a Friday night wedding at Beardslee Castle--outside ceremony and reception with mosquitos so thick you could grab them out of the air--even the wedding party was swatting. It was a cop wedding--so lots of shaved heads--which were covered in bites/welts after a short time. After the ceremony, we learned that the cocktail hour was outside too...........AH! I kept Big Man's blazer on the whole time, and the bartenders had bug spray, so we all sprayed down, because it was brutal. Today, I look like I have the chicken pox--it's that bad--red dots all over my legs, feet and ankles.

It was a very nice affair, nonetheless. As my faithful blog readers know (Dad), Big Man won't let me post his pic to the blog...so Facebook friends who don't realize that I don't type the notes in Facebook...this is why you don't see his face...because it is here on my blog.

We got home late Friday night, and got up early on Saturday so we could get ready for Big Man's family to come visit. Brothers and wives and kids and such came for the weekend to hang out, and to watch the Bears game!

Dani had a blast with her twin cousins, Jason and Justin. But, she loooooved her Uncle Ronnie. She's always been attached to him, even as a little bitty thing. After they left last night, and all day and night today, she kept saying, "Uncle Ronnie" and pointing to "Uncle Ronnie's chair" which was where he sat at the dining room table.

Dani just had a blast!

And she even got to play with the 'mote! And the Bears beat the Cowboys! It was a great weekend!