Emma's First Day of School

We have been waiting for this day for such a long time, just short of a year actually. Emma is finally back in school! Needless to say, there has been much excitement in our house leading up to this day. To say Emma has been looking forward to her first day of 4 year-old preschool is an understatement! She woke up bright and early yesterday and the first thing she said was, "I have to get dressed for school!" I had no problem getting her motivated to eat breakfast, brush teeth and take the prerequisite first day of school pictures. Emma was ready to go!
Once at school, she ran into the classroom with a casual wave and barely a look back at me. I had to call her back so I could get my hug - maybe she didn't need it, but I sure did!

Emma's excitement had not diminished when I picked her up a short two and a half hours later. She bolted out the door into my arms (I didn't have to ask for a hug this time :)) and started telling me about everything they had done. She was speaking very fast but I think I got the gist of it - they had glued popcorn kernels to their initials on a piece of paper, had a snack (cookies because it was a little boy's birthday!) and had read stories and sung songs. What a great day - it was absolutely incredible to see Emma so happy!!

Henry had his second day of school yesterday. My little man tried so hard not to cry :( As soon as turned to corner to leave, I heard him start crying. He wanted to be brave...but it isn't easy being 2-and-a-half...

I had a very nice morning all by myself. This was a new experience for me. It almost felt like I had forgotten my kids somewhere....

Henry's First Day of Preschool

Today was a beautiful, sunny day - perfect for the first day of school. Henry was ready with his backpack and excited to go to preschool for the first time. Actually, I think Mamma, Daddy and Emma were very excited for Henry to go to preschool. I don't think Henry had any idea what this really meant. Since he can't remember Emma going to school (she hasn't been going to school for almost a full year), he had no point of reference at all.
After a somewhat stressful morning (we really need to get the routine down again - none of us - except maybe Dan - is used to rushing out the door in the mornings) we made it to school. Henry was all smiles and immediately started playing with all the toys. Emma was happy to see her old school and made sure everyone knew she is now 4 years old! Unfortunately Henry's smiles vanished when I gave him a hug and said goodbye. The tears started rolling down his cheeks and he looked oh so sad. Poor little guy! The nice teacher picked him up and carried him, still crying, to where the other kids were and Emma and I left. I knew Henry would be just fine as soon as we walked out the door but it was still hard seeing my baby so upset.
As predicted, when we came back to pick him up, the big smiles were back - we could hear him chatting up a storm as we walked in the room (that boy is such a talker!). I got a big hug and he started telling me all about his day. According to Henry, his first day ever of school went like this: He played with puzzles, went down the slide, pushed buttons and went potty. Not a bad day!
Hopefully there won't be any tears when he goes back on Monday.

Tattoos?

Emma and Henry had fun with stickers the other day. I couldn't help but think of tattoos when I saw this "art" all over Henry's body. I hope this is not a sign of things to come...not that there is anything wrong with tattoos - I would just rather not see them on my baby :)

Henry, by Emma

Emma took this picture of Henry. I like it. It's very artistic, I think. My baby looks like such a big boy!

Pretty as a picture

I just love this picture of Emma! Her hair is starting to grow back (Emma is so excited about this and reminds me several times a day that she will have long hair again) and her eyelashes are getting full again. Doesn't it look like she has eyeliner on because of all those new little eyelashes? Most of all I love the quiet smile on her face. I took this picture during a steroid cycle so the fact that she is happy at all is amazing! My brave little girl!!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my sweet husband,

I love you!

Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner to help us celebrate Dan's birthday tonight. Dan's favorite sweets are Rice Krispies treats so Emma and I made a Rice Krispies treat cake for his birthday. Dan was excited but the kids much preferred the store bought "proper birthday cake" with Homer Simpson on it that Daddy brought home from work :) I suppose I should have gotten a picture of that cake too...

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is one of my favorite days of the year. I had honestly not given this day too much thought, other than as a day to honor my own wonderful mother of course, until I was finally a mother myself. Four years ago (can it really be that long ago??) Emma was 5 weeks old and Dan and I drove to Chicago to have brunch with Jen, Rick and their son, my godson, Jake. They were visiting briefly and this brunch would be our only chance to see them. It was a perfect day -the weather was gorgeous so our drive to Chicago was a pleasure. I remember feeling very special that day - like I was part of a club that I had longed to be in for quite a while. Before we left the house in the morning Dan had given me a "pocket locket" - a big heart that opened to reveal a picture of our newborn. I loved it and I still do! I don't even remember the name of the hotel where we had brunch but it was very nice - as these things usually are. "Us moms" were all given the obligatory flower as we were shown to our table - my dried rose is still hanging on the wall in my closet - I love glancing over at it every so often and smiling at the memory of my first Mother's Day. We had a wonderful time with dear friends and our beautiful baby girl.

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Today was another sweet day. Some things have changed - Dan and I now have a four year-old and a two year-old. Some things haven't - we went to a tasty brunch and ate too much :) New traditions have been started - I was woken up this morning with breakfast in bead. Emma and Henry had helped Daddy make a bowl of berries and cream for me. They had even been to Starbuck's so I could have a venti cafe mocha first thing this morning. Emma and Grandma had baked chocolate chip cookies earlier in the week so I was given a big tin of them. Emma was very proud of the fact that she had signed her name and Henry's name on my card. In fact, both Henry and Emma had very proud smiles on their faces as they woke me up - I definitely shed a tear or two - they are just too precious! How can I not love Mother's Day!

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I hope all you fabulous moms out there had a wonderful day with lot's of love from your little (or not so little) ones!

Emma and I with Jen and Jake on my first Mother's Day.

Emma at 5 weeks old.

I wish I would have managed to get at least one picture of us all this year - somehow this didn't happen...there's always next year...