Abby Goes to Preschool!

Two days before school started I received a phone call from the school where I used to work.  They needed a sub for the Kindergarten teacher, who was going to be out with a knee injury for a couple of weeks.  Could I fill in for her?  I was interested but didn't think I could since I wouldn't have anyone to take care of Abby for me during those days.  She isn't quite old enough for preschool, as the school requires preschool students to be 2.9 years old and potty trained.  Abby is almost 2 1/2 and not yet potty trained, but the school made an exception for us and allowed Abby to go to school with me! 

She did great!  Separation from mommy in the mornings was hard, partly because she knew I was just across the hall from her.  But I was able to check in on her a few times during the day and give hugs and kisses, which helped her a lot.  Abby participated in circle time, created art projects and followed directions like the rest of the class.  She fit right in!  Unfortunately we quickly realized that Abby is not ready to drop naps yet.  The kids rest for a while after lunch, but nothing like the naps that Abby is used to taking.  She was so exhausted after a full day of school and could barely stay awake until bedtime, even early bedtimes.  Thankfully the Kindergarten teacher was ready to transition back to her classroom for the afternoons halfway through our second week of school before returning full time next week. That gave Abby the ability to finish the week half days and still get home for naps.

It was really great to spend some time at my old school again, seeing familiar students and their parents.  And Abby really liked going to school!  She may not be ready for school now, but I know that she'll do great in a year or two when she does start school.

Remembering Makwa

Our beloved Makwa passed away last week. He was a special dog and we have many wonderful memories of him.  We will miss him very much.

Birthday Celebrations



Daniel took the day off work for Abby's birthday.  We had a wonderful day together!  We took Abby into Boston to the New England Aquarium.  She loved looking at all the fish, penguins, and other sea creatures.  She also enjoyed riding the subway and visiting Daniel's office.  After lunch we headed home for a short nap before going for swimming lessons.  Abby loved showing off her swimming skills for Daddy!   

We ordered Chinese take-out for birthday dinner and celebrated Abby's birthday with a little chocolate cake.  To end the fun filled day we walked the gardens at the Long Hill Reserve here in Beverly.  It was a great day celebrating the life of our sweet Abby!

My sister, Tara, flew out from Minnesota for a few days to celebrate Abby's birthday.  Abby and I had a lot fun showing her the sights.  We visited our favorite park, explored historic Rockport, and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon on the beach at Plum Island.  Abby had a great time playing with Auntie Tara in the sand!

 

Daniel and I planned a birthday party for Abby with some of our close friends on Saturday.  It was a fun afternoon of food, cake, opening gifts and visiting with good friends. 

Happy Birthday, Abby!

Happy 2nd birthday, Abby!  You are such a sweet, silly and smart little girl and Mommy and Daddy are so thankful for you.  You bring so much joy to our lives, from your contagious giggles, hugs and kisses, and kind and loving spirit.  You are a blessing to our lives and we thank God everyday for giving you to us. We love you very much and look forward to this next year with you.

Fun Activities

We have had a busy few months!  In January Daniel's brother and family came to visit us.  It was great to have them here. Abby loved spending time with her uncle, auntie and cousins.

I joined the Beverly Athletic Club in February.  They have a great children's center and Abby loves playing there several days per week while I work out.  We also signed Abby up for an eight week swimming class!  The Waterbabies class is for parent and child and we sing songs and play games.  Abby loves it and is doing great.

We celebrating Easter with friends from our church this year.  We gathered for a meal and the kids had an Easter egg hunt.  Abby joined in on her first egg hunt and had a lot of fun!

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Daniel, Abigail and I really enjoyed the Christmas season this year.  Abigail is at a really fun age now to start enjoying the festivities.  She loved having the Christmas tree and lights up.  Every morning she insisted that we turn on the tree and the lights on the mantle.  And throughout the day I would find her looking intently at the tree, touching each light on the string and the ornaments she could reach.  Abigail also got to meet Santa for the first time!

We attended the Christmas Eve service at church and all the kids were given little battery operated candles.  Abigail was enthralled with hers!  It kept her busy most of the service, holding it up in the air or putting it close to something to light up.  On our way home we drove around our neighborhood, oohing and ahhing at all the beautifully lit up houses.

Daniel made pancakes for Christmas morning breakfast and then we opened gifts.  Abigail quickly got the hang of tearing open the wrapping paper and even helped mommy and daddy with unwrapping our gifts.  Later we went to the park.  It was a beautiful warm day in the mid 60's.

December 29th brought our first snowfall of the season.  We only got about 2 inches of snow during the night and then turned to a rain/snow mix.  Abigail and I put on our snow gear and headed out to play in the snow first thing in the morning.  Abigail wasn't too happy to be outside and just stood there saying, no, no, no."  She liked looking at the snow from inside the warm house, though!