Back to School Blues, Adoring Amelie & Chasing Madeline

School has yet to start and I've already got the blues. Today is my last day home with Amelie before returning to work. She's nearly 5 months now, I can hardly believe how cruel time can be--zipping by so quickly. Part of me is in denial, I have yet to really think about what I'll be doing when I return to the classroom. Thank goodness tomorrow is an overlap day with my long term sub. My first plan is to sit in the back of the room and soak everything in like a sponge. I'm hoping that I can figure something out for the rest of the week during my day behind the desk...

For those of you who don't yet know Amelie, she is so amazing and fun! Amelie is a little bundle of joy, always smiling and keenly observing the world around us. We've discovered that our little Pearl is an outdoor lady. Her favorite activities include leaf & shadow watching. I'm certain that when she's older, Madeline will teach her about the joys of bug & stick collecting, (those are Madeline's favorite outdoor experiences.) Amelie has also acquired a new skill! She is officially a roller and can roll completely over from her back to her tummy. Great for her, not so much for us! Our appointments have continued to go well, and now we have an official IFSP,(individualized family service plan), that the state supported Early Start program has laid out. The plan is really basic simple stuff, except for the fact that Renato & I are to be more educated when it comes to reading audiograms, etc. Are they going to test us on that? All of the doctors and specialists that we have worked with are wonderful, wonderful people and I'm so grateful that everyone has been so understanding, kind, and friendly (especially with Madeline!) While Amelie's ears do present our family with a challenge, I do feel it is making us stronger in so many ways!

Madeline deserves her own chapter, as usual...

Preschool is going well for the little darling. We've heard our share of concerns: Madeline won't take a nap, Madeline wants us to read more books before she takes a nap, Madeline gives herself time-outs when she doesn't want to do something...BUT on the bright side of things: Madeline already has a "best friend," (a 4 year old named Kaylee), Madeline hasn't had any accidents, she hasn't had any food related meltdowns yet, and the teachers have complimented us on the fact that Madeline is so "bright!" As a mother, I'm happiest that Madeline is making friends, but I can't lie--I really liked the "bright" comment as well! I've already gotten myself used to the fact that Madeline will probably always be known as a "high energy" kid, she's got a definite flair for the dramatics and possesses one the loudest voices known to kidkind. I can already see the parent-teacher conferences in my mind, we're in for it!

Some of the funny things Madeline's said lately:
"I'm cheering for the churros!"
(after I asked her if she'd be cheering for the A's or Angels at the baseball game with Daddy.)

"To the best of my recollection..."
quoting Olivia the pig, (Madeline remembers funny expressions from books and repeats them for kicks & giggles)

"It's one of the few things I can do!"
she says this one all the time. So funny! I'm not sure where she picked it up.

"Mommy, Mommy, am I going to have 2 daddies?"
this morning she ran into my room shouting this question. I have NO IDEA why, but she was genuinely concerned.

"No, no, I'm never, ever gonna listen!!!"
she says this all the time, and trust me, I don't think it's funny. I did think it was hilarious the other night when she said it while talking/yelling in her sleep! (I hear her sleeptalking regularly in the middle of the night!)

"How about..." (fill in the blank--when trying to negotiate)
"What are my choices?" (a different approach to negotiations)
"Explain why"

of course there are dozens of other funny things, and I'd love to write them all for you--but while Amelie is sleeping I've got limited time. I need a shower! Wish me luck for tomorrow!!!