Strawberries!

Nothing says spring like some fresh, messy strawberries!

Yum!

Preschool

Yesterday we spent the morning looking a preschools for Brie. We had three to visit. The morning started out at the local Catholic church. We had heard some mixed reviews of their program so we were not sure what to think. Well we were instantly impressed. There were 5 kids, 4 boys and a girl in the preschool class. We got there just before 9 am. The kids were playing with the toys and independently. At 9 they started circle time where the kids all sat down and the went over the month and the day. They then discussed the number and letter of the week. This week was M and 6. All of the kids got to identify the letter and number and then they sat down at the table to learn to write them. From there they got to color their pictures and then they got out the scissors to learn to cut. From that point on we were sold. Marcus didn't even want to look at any other schools. The day is pretty much structured with activities, free play, snacks and even field trips. It is a 5 day program with most of the structure in the am and free play in the afternoon. It is the only one of the three that runs year round because they are also a daycare facility so we can enroll her now.
After looking at the other two, which were certainly inferior, we have decided to enroll her in the first school. She will start in about 2 weeks after she gets her 3 year check up. Of course the one we picked is 3 x the cost of the others, but we feel Brie needs the socialization. It is about 2 blocks from our house so it is convenient and she seemed to get along well with the teacher and other children. We know she will likely come home with every illness under the sun, but she is much stronger now and is extremely shy around other children. At first we are going to send her 2 mornings a week and may increase it later if needed. She will be the youngest in the class, but she seems to do better with kids that are a little older. She is excited to go to "school" so I think that she will do well.

First official haircut

Over the course of her three years Brie has had her bangs trimmed. First by Nanna and mommy and a few times at the hairdressers.

Well last thursday she got her first real haircut. It was starting to get a little too long and difficult to manage so we got it cut. Just an inch or so off the bottom and it looks alot better.

Brie was a bit shy in the beginning and would not talk to Michelle the hairdresser, but when it was finished she was happy to comb her own hair and was all smiles.

Firsts

Over the past few weeks we have had alot of firsts for Brie

- She had her first swimming lession on Saturday

- Trip to see Elmo live on Saturday

- Official haircut on Thursday (pictures to follow)

- And today her first ear infection.

She was up every 20 minutes last night screaming, but didn't or couldn't tell us what was wrong. She finally asked for Tylenol at about 4:30 am and then slept until almost 9. When she woke up she seemed fine, but again asked Jenna for "medicine." Finally she told Jenna this afternoon that her ear hurt. Sure enough she has an infection in her right ear. So at 8 pm tonight I was calling in some amoxicillin and we are now waiting for Aunt Shelley to pick it up in hopes of a better night. She is actually sleeping right now and I hate to wake her up to give her the medicine, but it will get her to start feeling better sooner.

Wonderful Warm Weather

Today, despite both girls having little colds, we spent the entire day outside. I am not sure what the actual temperature was but it was beautiful. We blew bubbles, rode the tricycle, the scooter, and went to the park.

The girls had a great day and went to bed early. I went in to read Brie a bedtime story and snuggle for a few minutes and she was already sound asleep at 7:15.

Mirror mirror on the vanity

For her birthday Brie got a vanity from Nana and Pop. After it was put together she spent about 20 minutes looking in the mirror and "curling" her hair with the flat iron.

A new house guest

Starting yesterday we have a new playmate for the girls, Aunt Shelley's dog Jasmine. The girls are not quite sure what to think of her. Brie is okay as long as she doesn't bark or move to fast, but Sophie is a bit terrified of her. She is okay if she is being held and will pet her, but if she is walking around and Jasmine comes near her she cries and wants to be picked up.

I think they will become good friends. Brie is already starting to warm up to her and give her hugs.