Back to School

Both of the kids started school this week. This is Cate's first time being away from home during the week, and I was very nervous as to how she would do. She has started at Highland Park Learning School in their 2 day a week program. She goes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 2:30. There are five children in her class, 2 girls and 3 boys. So far, I think she's doing okay. They have play time, music class, art, a schoolastic lesson (they're learning letters, numbers, colors...stuff like that), lunch, and a nap each day. She isn't eating much because they have to bring all finger foods and nothing that needs to be heated. She isn't always the best eater anyway, so I'm not too worried. Their teacher actually gets 5 1-year-olds to sleep on a mat on the floor. I can't believe it, but apparently Cate slept on her mat for 50 minutes on Thursday.

Will started back at the Little Light House on Wednesday. He is in the same class he was in last year. There are 2 other kids who were also in his class last year, 4 kids who came from other classes, and 1 student who was on the waiting list. His class has 2 boys and 6 girls. The crazy thing is, the other boy also has Angelman Syndrome! Will and Henry (the other boy) are the only 2 in the school with AS and they're in the same class. They are friends too! They sit together on a bench during circle time, and their teacher told me Will is trying to teach Henry how to do things in class! I am so proud of my sweet boy. I think we're going to see some awesome development during this school year.

Baxter, our new puppy, is also doing well. He is chewing all of the kids toys and our carpet, so we're having to watch him very closely. Will seems to really enjoy him. I think Baxter knows he's here for Will. He always kisses him and he lies at the foot of Will's bed when we're putting Will to sleep. Cate isn't such a big fan because Baxter takes her toys and her cups. I'm trying to teach her to stand up to him and tell him "No no!" We'll see. Anyway, pray for us that Baxter will grow out of his chewing phase quickly.

More to come....

Welcome Baxter!

I know, I'm a slacker and haven't posted in a while. Sorry. Life's been crazy around here. Today, we added to the craziness...we got a puppy. Baxter, a chocolate standard poodle, joined our family today. He is 3 months old, and is adorable. He seems to be pretty laid back, which is a must in our house. Will loves him, and calls him "Ba!" It's the sound he uses for all dogs. Cate isn't sure about him yet, but I think as they get used to his occasional bark, they'll love him. I took a video clip of Will loving on Baxter. Baxter is Will's birthday present from his Gran and Poppy. As you may or may not know...Poppy gives the best prizes!

Squeaky Shoes!

So, I'm trying to be better about posting more often, plus I have a funny story...so here goes!

I took Cate to Kathleen's Kids (a local children's boutique) today to buy the kids these matching fall/winter church outfits I'd seen. Today is tax free, so I thought, what better time to buy them. Anyway, I realized this morning that Cate has outgrown all of her shoes, so I took her over to the shoe section to try some on. I put these brown leather Mary Janes with bows on the toes on her. The lady said, "Put her down and let her walk." So, I did. She just sat on the floor for a minute. But when she got up and started walking, we both got a surprise. The shoes squeak, like a squeaky toy! It's hysterical! Then she started walking all over the store. She loves these shoes. She wouldn't let me take them off of her feet, so needless to say, we bought them and took them home...still on her feet. She went down for a nap when we got home, and I went to the grocery store. When I went in her room to get her up, she still had the shoes on! Jeremiah said he didn't want her to cry, so he let her sleep in them. It's so funny to me how much she likes the shoes. Normally, she doesn't like wearing shoes at all. Anyway, they are very cute. The bows are interchangeable, so you can coordinate with outfits, something very important to little girls. I've attached pictures of her squeaky shoes for your enjoyment. They come in all sorts of colors, so I see more squeaky shoes in our future!