The Big Sister Update

Milan is doing really well.  She's adjusting well to her new preschool (it's actually a day camp during the summer months).  She likes her teacher and is making new friends.  The school has it's own pool and the children are given a swimming lesson each morning.  So far, the swimming lessons are Milan's favorite part of camp.  Overall, she seems to love it and although she is only going two mornings each week, wants to go everyday.  Besides playing outside, she still loves to read and now spends quite a bit of time coloring and drawing.  She's a lot of fun right now, and I'm really enjoying the one-on-one time we spend together.  We're starting to play boardgames and have real, little conversations.  Still can't believe I'm able to have conversations with my daughter!  Can you believe she's already three and a half!?

Seventeen Months Old

She's a climber.  Within the span of a week, she started climbing on EVERYTHING.  This little cutie pie is wearing me out!  Her favorite word is "no", but it sounds more like "nooooooooooooooooo", especially when she runs away from me (which is most of the time).  She loves to be outside and doesn't come in from the outside without putting up a fight.  She's my spunky little daredevil, much different from Milan when she was this age.  Even with all of her newfound independence, she still loves to cuddle and snuggle into the base of my neck, especially when she is tired or upset.  She loves to look at books, color and play with babydolls.  She is also obsessed with balls.  LOVE this little girl 

I know I've been a terrible blogger lately, planning to come back and update you on what we've been busy doing this past month.

Blowing Dandelions

Gorgeous Spring weather all week, and fields full of dandelions.  Blowing dandelions has become our new, favorite pastime. 

The End.

Big Changes

Recently, we made the difficult decision to leave the daycare/nursery school Milan has attended since she was 5 months old. I cried my eyes out the day we put down the deposit to her new preschool.  That was a couple of months ago, and yesterday, the day I've dreaded for weeks and weeks, finally arrived.....her last day.  I've been an emotional wreck all of yesterday and most of today.  We've all loved this school from day one, and made the decision to let her continue to attend, two days a week, even after I was laid off nearly two years ago.  These last few days have been a constant barrage of memories from the last three years, and I can only describe our leaving as being heartbreaking.  I worry that we made the wrong decision.  I worry she won't love her new school.  I feel like a terrible parent for taking her away from the only teachers and friends she has ever known.  I feel guilty for taking her away from a place she loves and is loved.  I feel sad knowing I will no longer see the teachers and the other children I've seen nearly every week for 3 years.  I feel extremely emotional knowing this, in a way, closes the chapters on her infancy and toddlerhood, as we emerge into the preschool years.  I feel shocked at how quickly 3 years have gone by.

I realize that making these kinds of decisions is what being a parent is all about, but this is the part of being a parent I dislike the most.  I can't wait to get to the other side of this ache in my heart, knowing that Milan is happy and well-adjusted in her new school, and knowing we walk away with 3 years worth of wonderful memories.  

They held a good-bye party for Milan yesterday.  They did all of Milan's favorite things which included: dancing, watching Dora, reading princess stories, and eating ice cream sundaes.  James and I were overcome with emotion when we picked up Milan and prepared to leave the school for the last time.  We watched as each of her friends, one by one, walked over to hug and kiss Milan good-bye.

Silly faces

Surprised faces

Monkey faces

Happy faces

 And a special thanks to Jen.  We knew the minute we met you 3 years ago, our little baby would be in good hands.  Thank you for helping us take care of her over the last three years.  She loves you.  We all love you!

First Trip to the Dentist

Yesterday, Milan visited the dentist for the very first time.  After we were seated in the dentist's chair, Milan's breathing became quite rapid, so I knew she was scared, but it didn't take long for her OUTSTANDING hygienist, Renata,  to reassure her which made the rest of the appointment a breeze.  Milan did a great job, James and I were so proud of her.  I was thrilled - 20 teeth and no cavities.  Milan was thrilled because afterwards she got to pick out two small toys in addition to the purple princess toothbrush and 3 princess stickers Renata gave her for being such a big girl.  Her first trip to the dentist was a big success!