First Day of School

As I mentioned in my last post, we've said a lot of good byes this summer and with today being the first day of school, I guess we officially said good bye to summer too.

A lot of changes have occurred over the last couple of weeks: new daycare, new routine and today...a new school! We were lucky enough to get the girls enrolled in the 4 year preschool program through the Cedar Rapids School District-a grant funded program (so it's free). They go everyday from 9am to 1 pm and get to eat breakfast and lunch there too!

Headed Out:

Stella:

Zoe:

Abby:


Abby-Zoe-Stella:



So the girls were all excited and ready to go. Nobody was nervous, not even me. Thought we were headed out the door without a hitch. Then the girls asked for a quick drink and as Zoe's taking a drink, Stella smacks the bottom of her cup, knocking it out of her hand and soaking Zoe! Quick outfit change then dropped Rowan off at daycare.

Walking to School:


So we enter the class room and its packed with twenty 3 and 4 year olds and their parents-hanging up backpacks, washing hands and trying to get everyone settled in at their assigned seats to eat breakfast (by this time at least half of the kids and a few parents are in tears).






I kissed each of the girls and told them to have a good day and as I step away from Abby, she bursts into tears, which made me cry. I SWEAR, the thought of crying hadn't even crossed my mind-I totally blame the whole incident on the little boy sitting next to her who was hanging around his dad's neck for dear life screaming "I'm not staying here!" Thankfully Ian got her settled and after the the teacher promised us "she would be fine in 10 minutes", we headed out.

I was so excited to hear what they had to say when they got home tonight, but sure didn't expect Abby to puke on command after I asked her "how the first day of school was?" (Poor girl is still so worked up about things). But in the end, I would say they had a good day and were excited to tell be about the crocodile puppet, the little children rug, what they had for lunch and sing me a new song!

Saying Good-bye

It's never an easy thing to do- and we've had to say way too many this summer! Not only is it hard to imagine how fast the girls have grown in the last 4 years, but how fast our time has come and gone with our sitters! All of "our" girls have "growed up" and will be moving on to make their own life memories. (And with that we will keep it short and sweet because the flow of my tears at this point could cause my computer to short out).

How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

~Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie

Sarah, Mallory, Stephanie (and Kari too)-We love you tons and are so honored to have you as a part of our extended family!

Celebrating Sarah and Mallory's Graduation from Mt. Mercy:

With Steph on her last day:

Wedding Preparations!

As most of you know the girls were asked to be in a wedding this fall for our friends Mallory and David (Mallory used to watch the girls). I think that the count down on their Facebook pages today states that they "are in the teens". It's hard to tell at this point who is more excited...the girls or the bride and groom!

Helping open gifts at Mallory's Shower:

Photo Op with Mal:


And in our dresses after alterations and finding shoes. THey have been asking everyday if they can put on their party dresses and twirl around. (Watch for more wedding pics at the end of September):

4 month Check up

One might think that this is an old post seeing as Rowan will be 6 months old in a couple of days, but in all honesty, we just had his 4 month check up last friday (it's such a bummer that Dr. Nau is so popular!), complete with shots.

Weighing in at 19lbs, 9 oz:





And there is no stopping this guy-literally-he is rolling all over the place, grabbing and manipulating objects and taking charge in that jumperoo (I had to move it up a notch about 3 weeks ago)! He's loving his cereal and baby food and drooling like crazy (no teeth yet though). He giggles all the time and his smile never ends.

A New Rendition of an Old Song....

Does anyone remember the song Alice the Camel? Yeah? Well, here is Steph the Camel...she too had 3 humps!

Move Over Richard Simmons.

Rowan quickly figured out that if he kicks his legs, he can bounce himself in the vibrating chair. I couldn't resist with the rest...