Too Cool for School

So today was Leah's highly anticipated first day of "preschool". Preschool at age three?? Yup, our school district has a cool program where the Parents as Teachers Program puts on a preschool along with the high schools. So Leah goes to preschool for the next seven weeks and three classes of high school students teach her class as part of their child development class.

The only not so fun part about Leah's school is that she has to be there at 7:50 AM and it takes about 15 minutes to get there. Now really that's not THAT early. It's just the being dressed, fed & out the door part by that time that's hard work for us. Can't you tell by the expression on Leah's face in this photo?! We were running late and didn't have time to take 20 to get a smile! Our family of four along with a nifty Elmo backpack made it in time even after we had to turn around due to road construction and move our cars since we parked in the wrong place!



I really hope that Leah likes school. She started off being VERY shy today and sticking close to Paul and I. She did really well when the teachers gave her one on one attention but she had no interest in playing with the other kids. Hopefully she'll warm up over time.

And this is her cool new skill for the week. She needs a little coaching on the "A" but otherwise, she has it down!

Twofers

"Have you seen Jonah's twofers dad?"

"They're really coming up! Did you see them???"



Leah is totally intrigued by the appearance of Jonah's teeth. I guess it's the natural curiosity over something appearing where once there was nothing. I've convinced her that touching them is not a good idea because we all know that baby brothers DO bite!



As for Jonah and teething. I was really convinced he would be just like Leah and be a toothless wonder until almost his first birthday. I even scoffed at my friends who swore he was teething. Guess, this mom doesn't know everything. Those two little white chompers pushed on through right during the craziness of company and planning for Leah's birthday party. He endured the typical crankiness but nothing he didn't survive with a few doses of tylenol and a few nights of sleeping with mommy. Guess he knew he had to do something special to get attention the week of his sisters birthday!

Birthday Breakfast

Last Saturday we celebrated Leah's birthday with a pajama breakfast. Lots of good food and fun with her friends. Grandpa Lee & Grandma Helen were here for a visit along with Auntie Bethie & Peter. Leah was pretty thrilled with all of her gifts, especially the new power wheels Escalade. Just what every three year old really needs!

Photo Booth

It is really tough trying to fit four heads into the little screen of the photo booth, especially when 2 of the participants have no clue where to look. Here's the result.

3 Years

Three years ago about this time they had just broken my water and Paul and I were six hours from parenthood. It's been quite the experience. Happy Birthday Leah Noelle! We love you!

(please excuse my out of order photos. we are overtired and partied out!)

More St.Patty's Day

So, after the inspiring morning of running we let loose and had a good time enjoying the parade! It's not a complete day with out a mountain of green beads & some funny hats!! Fun was had by all!

Goals

So a year ago Paul, Leah and I attended our very first Saint Patty's Day parade. I noticed then that lots of parade attendees were sporting numbers from the Saint Patty's Day Race that was held earlier that morning. Once upon a time I was a runner (think high school cross country)and seeing those runners made me think "I could do that." So a year ago my 4 month pregnant self announced that running the STL St.Patty's Day five mile race would be my post baby fitness goal!



One year later brings us to yesterday. And yes, I ran the race! We packed up the kids and were out the door at 7:30 to make it down town in time for the 9:00 am start gun. Paul was a sport and kept the kids entertained the 51 minutes it took me to run and even managed to be standing in just the right spot to see me as I ran by.

Thanks to our friends Jason, Jen & Carter who joined us for day. And to Jason & Nancy for running with me.

Leah & Jonah are a little to young to really get the concept of setting goals and then doing what it takes to reach them but I hope yesterday was a bit of good parenting by showing them just one example of someone doing it.

Where's the Woodpecker

We can hear the woodpecker but despite searching high and low we can't seem to find him. He's out there every morning when we let the dog out but he is quite elusive.





Last week we had some really warm days and Leah and Jonah both wanted to be outside as much as possible. All of these photos were taken before 8am before they even made it out of their pajamas! We can't wait till it's this warm all the time!!

Dish Duty

So we have been super busy around here with company and just general running around. The next couple of weeks don't give us much of a break either. When I get super tired the kids pick up the slack. They did the dishes for me on Tuesday.





Seriously, Leah loves to "do dishes." This was an awesome way to keep them entertained for a half hour!

Readers

So those that know me well are aware of my voracious appetite for books. I almost always have one going. It really makes my husband crazy that I'd rather read than watch TV (he is NOT a reader, well he CAN read, he just chooses not too do so for recreation). I have always hoped to instill the same feelings about books in my children and have spent many hours reading to Leah and a few to Jonah. I know that my love of books was passed down from my mom who spent hours reading to me and my sisters. Anyway, I was quite touched when I turned from my desk this morning and saw this beautiful sight!

Thoughts on Fashion . . . Inspired by Leah

In the past few weeks Leah has been wanting to get dressed as soon as she gets out of bed. I have had to learn to "let go" when it comes to matching and things being weather appropriate. It's totally worth it when she puts on her own pants & socks and just needs a bit of help with the shirt. Here are some other thoughts.

Stripes and paisley go together just fine as long as they are both pink!

Every princess needs a baby brother to dress up as her "dasher" man. (her words??)

"Really Brayden your underoos look GREAT with the pink cape"

When you are 3 it's awesome when your friend shows up to your party in the same dress as you! In fact, you hug her!