OM: 09/01/2010 - 10/01/2010

Well, Marissa and I attended visiting day at her preschool, and I would say it was a total success! Visiting day started at 8:30 am, pretty early for my little girl. She was definitely nervous this morning. She ate one bite of the special chocolate chip waffles I got for her! And, then she claimed that she was sick, and had a fever and a cold. Then I asked her if she was worried about preschool, and she said, "Mommy, I am worried." Oh, how my heart ached for her. But, once we got settled in, she realized how many fun things there are to do there, she was all smiles. I think she is going to really love it there and will learn so many things. I am excited to see her thrive, and I think the preschool we chose for her is the perfect fit. Her classroom has a neat new reading loft as well, which is just perfect for our little reading bug! I remember having a reading loft in my elementary school classroom and I have many fond memories from it. Now, for the true test, next Tuesday is when I will say goodbye for real after story time, lets hope it goes well too! Mommy is signed up to work in the classroom soon after, as it is a coop preschool, and I can't wait to participate in my little girl's first experience in education. Oh, and I have to bring snack to the classroom for 10 kids, let me know if you have any ideas for easy snacks (it has to be a carb, protein/dairy, and veggie/fruit. Oliver has been uber-cute lately, and he now makes these adorable pig like squeals of excitement, that actually mean he's really tired (I swear they are really cute, and I will try and figure out how to put a video of one on here!) Here are some pictures of our visiting day!

Excellent Selection of princess shoes and closets full of dress up stuff. Marissa was in 7th heaven.

Mommy and Sass in front of the new reading loft! They are installing brand new carpet on Saturday, I love the way these look!

They have a bunny for a classroom pet!

Cool Nail and Rubberband board, I love how such a simple thing can teach so many different things.

Mrs.Laura Marissa's teacher. Doesn't she look teachery?

Oh boy, the piles of "stuff" around this house are on my mind. And, by piles I mean, piles of laundry (various, multiple piles that seem to exponentially grow), piles of laundry, piles of little girl barrettes and pony tail holders, piles of dirty dishes, piles of art supplies seeking to consume Marissa's craft table, piles of mail (both junk and non-junk), piles of photos on my memory card to be downloaded and well you get the idea. I have no idea how mom's with clean houses get the house to look so good. When Oliver's napping, I'm either reading to Marissa or trying to give her some much deserved attention, trying to get Oliver back down if he randomly woke back up (yes, we have another light sleeper,) am scrambling to shove some food down my throat or making Marissa a meal that is probably running a little late. Not to mention, maybe possibly trying to get 1/100 of one pile put in its proper place.
Adding to the random chaos that is currently our house, Leo has been working a ton. And, by a ton I mean about 230 billable hours a month. That would be billable, not just regular old work hours. To say we all miss him would be an understatement. The good news is Marissa and Oliver seem to care less about the cleanliness of our house than I do. And, for that I am their biggest fan. Daddy is working all three days of this labor day weekend, and I am therefore bailing on a birthday party at a rock climbing gym tomorrow because I just can't juggle a 3 year old and a 4 month old while trying to support the 3 year old in rock climbing efforts and a bouncy house. Well, I probably could, but I would come home with a huge headache and be wrecked for the rest of the day. Sometimes a momma just has to look out for herself. I think it's time to fire up the kiddie pools in the backyard this weekend as we have been maintaining around a 95 degree temperature this week. I'm still planning on making the weekend fun, it's just an endless summer here in Southern California.
Speaking of which, around this time of year, I always miss the coolness that comes on without fail in Vermont. It is more than a shift in air temperature however, it is a change in the feel of the wind, and most definitely a smell in the air. You just know fall is coming. And, that air, it smells oh so clean and almost sweet. I hate to say it, but fall in Southern California just doesn't compare. Apple picking, fallen maple leaf picking, leaf raking, acorn gathering, wood splitting. log stacking. There is nothing quite like a New England fall. Despite this, I intend to fully bring my Vermont roots to LA for my kids. I can't wait to do every conceivable fall activity with them. The highlight of which for me is going to Underwood Family Farms (http://www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/) to pick out our pumpkins, they have great tractor rides, 100's of pumpkins and it just feels like fall there. And, how about Halloween? Actually, Halloween used to be my very least favorite holiday as an adult (that and New Years,) but now I can say that it is hands down my very favorite holiday with the kids. Yes, Marissa and I have already been discussing her Halloween costume for months and months, and we even know what Oliver will be:) I just can't wait!
And, fall this year also means the first day of preschool for my girl Marissa. Next week we have our test visit day, just her and I (and all the other kids in her class and their parents,) and then the week after that she starts all on her very own! We have been reading lots of books in preparation. D.W.'s Guide to Preschool and Llama Llama Misses Mama (the latter is by a Vermont Author) are our two favorites. Marissa told me today, "Mom let's go to preschool right now. I'm ready. I won't be shy, I will just say'hi' to all the kids." Oh, how I hope that is the case, I worry for my shy, sensitive girl's entrance into the school world. But, Leo and I have been telling her how great she will do and how much fun she will have. I'm very careful not to state any of my concerns to her, but inwardly they are there. Mainly because she reminds me so very much of how I was as a kid. Everyone always says how fast time goes, and it really does. Which, is exactly why I honestly don't care that the house is a mess, I want to spend these waking moments with them, not cleaning.
Can you believe Oliver is 4 months old? Actually almost 4.5 months old? I can't. He has officially started teething (oh so fun) and has also become an official member of the rolly-poli club. He is also officially "tall" at 27.5 inches (97 percentile) and weighed in at 18 lbs (70 percentile) at his four month checkup. Where did August, July and June go? Ready or not, here we come fall. Next post, I'll update on Oliver's torticollis situation and our imminent tropical vacations plans. Here are a few recent photos of the munchkins.