Kindergarten begins!

Madeleine had a great first day of kindergarten. She was anxious for us to leave her, was thrilled to purchase strawberry milk to go with her lunch, and was pleased to see me at the end of the day but also asked if she could play for a while longer. She said her teacher talked for a long time, that they didn't get a lot of free play, and that she learned to say yes and no in sign language. Also - she said she didn't learn how to read yet. I'm sure she'll get to it soon enough.

Madeleine dressed both herself and Josephine today - as she did on the previous day. Sunday morning, she asked if she could dress Josephine and they went upstairs together. A short time later, they came down fully dressed. Later, I asked Madeleine if Josephine had held still to get dressed. She said no - Josephine fussed and struggled but Madeleine had perservered.

Josie was glad to see Madeleine at the end of the day, too. I think she'd missed her both at school and on the ride. She tried to kiss Madeleine, and laughed loudly whenever Madeleine talked to or played with her no matter how gently or ungently this was done.

We topped the day off with purchases from the icecream truck. It was idling in front of Madeleine's friend Evie's house so we had time to run and get our money. Madeleine was thrilled and Josephine could hardly believe her luck. It was a nice end to a beautiful warm afternoon.

Goodbye Party - Part II teacher photos

Madeleine with Ms. Rosemary, her pre-K teacher.

And, with Ms. Sheila, her preschool teacher.

With Ms. Nicci, her toddler teacher.

And, with Ms. Beverly, her infant teacher, who also took care of Josephine.

Goodbye Party

Today is Madeleine's goodbye party at pre-K - a party for which she's been planning for the last two years. Despite the long planning period, the party has required very little in terms of preparations. Last night, we stopped at the grocery store on the way home so she could select the treat to be served at the goodbye party. She chose some chocolate covered ice cream treats which we'll share with the other kids at snack time. Madeleine also selected her fanciest dress to wear today. I'm going to head over to attend and photograph the event, and Madeleine will get to leave school early (another requisite part of goodbye party day, according to Madeleine).

Next week, Madeleine's Nana, father, and I are all alternating days off to hang out with Madeleine to give her a pre-kindergarten vacation. Josephine will likely get a couple of days off too, while other days will be devoted to 'big girl' activities.

Josephine continues to astound us with her mimic abilities. This morning, she needed to press all of the buttons on the way into school: the handicap button to open the door, the elevator button, etc. She doesn't actually have the strength or ability, not to mention reach, to activate these buttons yet, but is adamant about pressing whatever Madeleine presses. Josephine also uses a spoon quite handily these days, and likes to use a real cup rather than a sippy cup at some mealtimes. Josephine continues to love stories. At home, she's been enjoying 'Everwhere Babies'. With no prompting, she always claps her hands when we read that that's one of the things babies can do. 'Monster Mama' is on a brief hiatus as we haven't unpacked from our trip - it also required extensive repairs after a some exceptionally strenuous readings.

Note: photo is Madeleine and Addie at Addie's goodbye party one year ago.

Ice cream truck

When Madeleine was 2 1/2, we were playing in a park when suddenly all of the kids raced out of the park's gate. Madeleine hadn't noticed the white truck playing music pull up at the curb and was flummoxed. She asked "Where did they go?" and I just shrugged and said that I didn't know. As we left the park a short time later, she carefully watched all of the kids eating ice cream, and the next weekend was right with the pack as they made a run for the ice cream truck.

As is probably usual with a younger sibling, Josephine has learned the ways of the ice cream truck at a much earlier age. Last night shortly after we got home from school and work, Josephine heard the ice cream truck's familiar song, and immediately signalled to us. Since she can't say ice cream yet, this involved lots of gesturing, excited feet, and jabbering. Michael loves that Josephine has figured out this summer ritual and grabbed her and headed outside. Madeleine heard what was going on from the basement and she and I joined them in the front yard. Unfortunately, as sometimes happens, the ice cream truck never materialized. The music seemed to grow louder, stall, and then gradually faded. Madeleine was happy enough to return to her cartoons, but Josephine was pretty disappointed.

Today is Michael and my tenth wedding anniversary. We did get to go out alone for a short time last weekend (thanks to Aunt Amy and Uncle Eric's expert babysitting), so are celebrating as a family today by heading to Gifford's for ice cream sundaes.