Our actual Labor Day involved heading to the pool for a final dip and then dinner with the Zimmermans, including brother Andrew who is now an ATL resident.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Decatur Book Festival
We stopped by the Decatur Book Festival on Sunday which was basically closing up shop by the time we got there. However we were able to hang out at Little Shop of Stories (fabulous) and got the girls a few books. Then we headed to the Brick Store for dinner with the Christmann-Veners.
Our actual Labor Day involved heading to the pool for a final dip and then dinner with the Zimmermans, including brother Andrew who is now an ATL resident.
Our actual Labor Day involved heading to the pool for a final dip and then dinner with the Zimmermans, including brother Andrew who is now an ATL resident.
Firehouse and Xocoatl
This weekend we had a blast grabbing tacos with the Kotler Weiss clan and then we were able to go in the firehouse next door-- the kids had fun sitting on the trucks. Leah was terrified but everyone else thought it was beyond cool. I think the grown ups were in to it too!
The othe reference in this post is to a cool Mexican dessert place in Little Five Points called Xocoatl. I'd link it but I don't think they have a website. The girls got paletas (popsicles) and I had the most amazing Mexican Chocolate ice cream that had interesting spices in it -- not too spicy but different.
The othe reference in this post is to a cool Mexican dessert place in Little Five Points called Xocoatl. I'd link it but I don't think they have a website. The girls got paletas (popsicles) and I had the most amazing Mexican Chocolate ice cream that had interesting spices in it -- not too spicy but different.
End of Summer....
I suppose summer is officially over! We're done with our second week of school, the pool has closed for the season and it's no longer unbearably hot outside. All in all it's been a great summer and I'm sad to see it go. At the same time I'm looking forward to cool crisp days, watching the girls collect leaves or "help" in the yard and other things like our trip to DC, visits to the Pumpkin patch, halloween, etc. It also reminds me that time is going extra fast because all of those things from last year seemed like they just happened yesterday!
One of the things I think they are really enjoying about school is music and movement with Miss Heidi. They've always been big into singing but this really gets them going.
Leah Relaxing
School is going really well-- they seem to love their teachers and have started to realize what the routine is. The early mornings (early by Shankman standards) are going OK and when they get home they are exhausted and have been napping well. Perhaps a little too well as bed time is an issue as a result. We may put them in bed around 8pm but they're up talking or requesting bathroom use (Leah) every five minutes. Sigh.
Sydney playing after school last week. She calls those shoes her "preschool shoes" and wants to wear them every day.
One of the things I think they are really enjoying about school is music and movement with Miss Heidi. They've always been big into singing but this really gets them going.
Lucy & Lyle after a quick dinner at Phoa Hoa last Thursday.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The Verdict
So what was the verdict of first day of pre-school?
Arriving at 12:01pm exactly there was only one other child still there besides Leah & Sydney, which I found suprising. Some parents must pick up their kids early.
Leah took one look at me and said "I don't want to go home!" and went back to pushing her doll in the stroller.
The teacher's assistant, Ashleigh said "That's a good sign! But I'm sure Sydney is definately ready to go-- she had a few....moments."
I looked over at Sydney happily making a tower, one of her favorite activities. She seemed fine to me!
Ashleigh continued and said that Leah went to the potty two times, and they changed Sydney's diaper once and that they went outside to play but it was quite hot.
So I gathered up their stuff and they said a chipper good-bye to the teachers and took off. On the way to the car Sydney said "Thomas no share the toys. I no like him." I suppose that's what the "moments" might have been all about. We all went to Chik-fil-A (I love e'm even if they are closed on Sundays) and we all had a nice lunch and they told me what they did as best they could.
It does make me wonder, if the teacher hadn't had Leah there to compare to Sydney's overall behavior, would the report have been different? I hope not. It's inevitable that they'll be compared. I just have to learn to take it with a grain of salt and try to listen for any obvious comparisons that might not be appropraite.
FYI, I'm wiped from the first eight-hour day (in the OFFICE that is) I've had in some time. With a new-business presentation taking up the first 3 hours or so, two client calls in the afternoon and all the other usual stuff thrown in too. I need to recharge! Good thing Labor Day weekend is coming up. No plans-- just the way I like it.
Arriving at 12:01pm exactly there was only one other child still there besides Leah & Sydney, which I found suprising. Some parents must pick up their kids early.
Leah took one look at me and said "I don't want to go home!" and went back to pushing her doll in the stroller.
The teacher's assistant, Ashleigh said "That's a good sign! But I'm sure Sydney is definately ready to go-- she had a few....moments."
I looked over at Sydney happily making a tower, one of her favorite activities. She seemed fine to me!
Ashleigh continued and said that Leah went to the potty two times, and they changed Sydney's diaper once and that they went outside to play but it was quite hot.
So I gathered up their stuff and they said a chipper good-bye to the teachers and took off. On the way to the car Sydney said "Thomas no share the toys. I no like him." I suppose that's what the "moments" might have been all about. We all went to Chik-fil-A (I love e'm even if they are closed on Sundays) and we all had a nice lunch and they told me what they did as best they could.
It does make me wonder, if the teacher hadn't had Leah there to compare to Sydney's overall behavior, would the report have been different? I hope not. It's inevitable that they'll be compared. I just have to learn to take it with a grain of salt and try to listen for any obvious comparisons that might not be appropraite.
FYI, I'm wiped from the first eight-hour day (in the OFFICE that is) I've had in some time. With a new-business presentation taking up the first 3 hours or so, two client calls in the afternoon and all the other usual stuff thrown in too. I need to recharge! Good thing Labor Day weekend is coming up. No plans-- just the way I like it.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
And They're Off!
Leah woke up very chipper at 5am saying she had to go potty. Thankfully, she went back to bed for a few hours.
I woke up about 15 minutes before they did and at 7:30 Leah came in and gave me a big hug. She said "we go to school NOW?" and I said YES! Sydney also woke up excited but slightly confused thinking today might be the first day of ballet. Once she realized it was pre-school she said that she wanted to put on a puppet show for all her friends and also to play on the swings.
They both were super cooperative in getting dressed in their new skirts/shirts/shoes and were preening in the mirror. I manged to take a few "old-fashioned" pics on our camera and hopefully scott got a few @ the school too.
I left at 8am and Scott was giving them breakfast. So by now they should be in the classsroom-- EEK!
I have to scoot out early at 11:30 to get them by noon. Can't wait to hear the full report!
I woke up about 15 minutes before they did and at 7:30 Leah came in and gave me a big hug. She said "we go to school NOW?" and I said YES! Sydney also woke up excited but slightly confused thinking today might be the first day of ballet. Once she realized it was pre-school she said that she wanted to put on a puppet show for all her friends and also to play on the swings.
They both were super cooperative in getting dressed in their new skirts/shirts/shoes and were preening in the mirror. I manged to take a few "old-fashioned" pics on our camera and hopefully scott got a few @ the school too.
I left at 8am and Scott was giving them breakfast. So by now they should be in the classsroom-- EEK!
I have to scoot out early at 11:30 to get them by noon. Can't wait to hear the full report!
Monday, August 28, 2006
As I predicted....
Although today was NOT the first day of school, they did go for a visit. And as I anticipated, I cried. I was FINE at first. Then they all went outside. Just seeing them try to "find their place" in the playground dynamics was overwhelming to me. It's not like they were excluded, or sad, or anything. It was all my own reaction of anxiety about what COULD happen.
In fact the only time they got upset is when we LEFT and they found out they had to go in the Ford with their "old" car seats, not the Honda with their "big kid" seat belt boosters. Whatev!
Overall it was great. They saw the other kids-- interacted well. Leah told the teacher she needed to go potty and did it, with my assistance. Heck, even Sydney requested a pull-up today when we got dressed (shocking!).
More girls than boys in the class and they are not the oldest, there are 3 other kids older than them which is good in terms of size and potty training, language, etc.
And two Leah's-- Leah S. and Leah J-R. Which will be confusing at first but they'll figure it out.
The teachers are great, but they are trying so hard to get me to pigeonhole the girls personality types, etc. I told them I will not be dressing them in certain colors to "clue" them in... and the question of "who's older" is just stupid. I mean, Sydney was first to the exit. That has NOTHING to do with her personality! I just don't want to give them any bias. Let them develop as it happens.
Oh, and if you notice a LACK of photos it's because our digital camera got fried on the 4th of July and haven't had an opportunity to plunk out the cash for a new one. I may just have to use FILM tomorrow to capture the first day of school!
In fact the only time they got upset is when we LEFT and they found out they had to go in the Ford with their "old" car seats, not the Honda with their "big kid" seat belt boosters. Whatev!
Overall it was great. They saw the other kids-- interacted well. Leah told the teacher she needed to go potty and did it, with my assistance. Heck, even Sydney requested a pull-up today when we got dressed (shocking!).
More girls than boys in the class and they are not the oldest, there are 3 other kids older than them which is good in terms of size and potty training, language, etc.
And two Leah's-- Leah S. and Leah J-R. Which will be confusing at first but they'll figure it out.
The teachers are great, but they are trying so hard to get me to pigeonhole the girls personality types, etc. I told them I will not be dressing them in certain colors to "clue" them in... and the question of "who's older" is just stupid. I mean, Sydney was first to the exit. That has NOTHING to do with her personality! I just don't want to give them any bias. Let them develop as it happens.
Oh, and if you notice a LACK of photos it's because our digital camera got fried on the 4th of July and haven't had an opportunity to plunk out the cash for a new one. I may just have to use FILM tomorrow to capture the first day of school!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Time to Make the Play Dough
Ok, so I just got back from the parents meeting at St. Andrews Preschool. The girls will be attending there 2 mornings a week starting next week.
Tonight we got to visit the classroom and meet the teachers/assistants. The actual orientation with the kids will be on Monday morning and then Tuesday-- drop off!
The classroom was simply adorable. They are the "Shining Stars" and it looks like a pretty nice mix of kids (based on the parents). Looking at their schedule they will LOVE IT-- with outside play, circle time, creative movement/music, ABC's/123's, etc. Oh, and there is actually time of the schedule for PLAY-DOUGH.
That is Leah & Sydney's idea of heaven. And parents volunteer to make a big double batch-- I'm up in December.
It will be such a great experience for them. I suspect they might be the chattiest kids but I could be wrong. Who knows how they'll react with a large group of kids? Based on Kindermusik (which starts tomorrow) they'll likely NOT be wallflowers.
Tomorrow will be very busy-- we have to pick up the immunization form for school, then go to kindermusik, THEN go to my office for an hour or so, THEN hit the grocery store to prepare for both a party that night and one the next. I have to make one dish for tomorrow's party and then the whole menu, minus dessert, for Saturday. And since we're hosting our dinner at the pool it's gotta be cold dishes along with things we grill to keep it easy. Should be interesting.
Never a dull moment here.
Just for the record, I'm going to cry when they go to school Tuesday. I can feel it. When they talked about how kids sometimes cry the first time they're dropped off, I nearly lost it.
Ok, a kid is hollering and that means I'm on deck.
Tonight we got to visit the classroom and meet the teachers/assistants. The actual orientation with the kids will be on Monday morning and then Tuesday-- drop off!
The classroom was simply adorable. They are the "Shining Stars" and it looks like a pretty nice mix of kids (based on the parents). Looking at their schedule they will LOVE IT-- with outside play, circle time, creative movement/music, ABC's/123's, etc. Oh, and there is actually time of the schedule for PLAY-DOUGH.
That is Leah & Sydney's idea of heaven. And parents volunteer to make a big double batch-- I'm up in December.
It will be such a great experience for them. I suspect they might be the chattiest kids but I could be wrong. Who knows how they'll react with a large group of kids? Based on Kindermusik (which starts tomorrow) they'll likely NOT be wallflowers.
Tomorrow will be very busy-- we have to pick up the immunization form for school, then go to kindermusik, THEN go to my office for an hour or so, THEN hit the grocery store to prepare for both a party that night and one the next. I have to make one dish for tomorrow's party and then the whole menu, minus dessert, for Saturday. And since we're hosting our dinner at the pool it's gotta be cold dishes along with things we grill to keep it easy. Should be interesting.
Never a dull moment here.
Just for the record, I'm going to cry when they go to school Tuesday. I can feel it. When they talked about how kids sometimes cry the first time they're dropped off, I nearly lost it.
Ok, a kid is hollering and that means I'm on deck.
The Schedule
Feeling lazy-- here' s a post I read today on a Working Mother blog that hit close to home
http://www.allbusiness.com/blog/WorkingMothers/11535/006824.html
http://www.allbusiness.com/blog/WorkingMothers/11535/006824.html
Monday, August 21, 2006
Back to Reality
It's Monday a.m. and I'm back at work. Amazing how the world just goes on! We did nothing yesterday but lay around the house and the girls took their 3 hour power nap.
Sydney summed it up best yesterday. She crawled in to my bed around 7:00am and said "I'm still a little sad." I said "Why honey?" And she said "Because vacation is all over."
From the mouths of babes!
Scott comes home tonight-- yay! We all miss him.
Sydney summed it up best yesterday. She crawled in to my bed around 7:00am and said "I'm still a little sad." I said "Why honey?" And she said "Because vacation is all over."
From the mouths of babes!
Scott comes home tonight-- yay! We all miss him.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Almost Time to Go...
Scott's off to NYC tomorrow morning........ had a great beach day! Just got back from a fabulous meal at Criolla's Restaurant-- a Cuban Carribean style cuisine. Not used to being able to have such fabulous food in an otherwise casual beach town! It's been a joy. Will hate the drive home solo but I'm sure the girls will keep me company. One more day to hang out before we head out Saturday morning.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Life's a Beach
Ok-- I love Florida! Admittedly it's hot. But the water is like the carribean. Blue water, white sands... paradise. Our house is cozy but perfect. Surrounded of course by big beach McMansions. The girls have been having a great time playing in the sand and even playing in the water. They are a bit fickle about the water. It's a love hate relationship.
It's fairly quiet down here as I guess most of the world has gone back to school. That's one of the reasons we got such a deal on this house -- even though it's 95 degrees outside it's considered "fall" by rental companies.
All the planned communities are very nice. We're staying in an authentic 40's bungalow. Definatley not like Seaside or Rosemary Beach. But it's only 5 minutes to either of those destinations and quite honestly-- I'd rather be in this cottage and walk out my door to the beach than waaay back across Highway 30-A just to stay in the asthetically pleasasing, master-planned community surrounded by $2-5 million dollar vacation homes. We've explored WaterColors, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Seacrest, etc. since you can still visit the shops and restaurants.
I still need to post photos. We've been hesitant to take camera to beach but we'll get some shots on line soon.
Today is mom's birthday-- we'll celebrate tonight at Bud & Alley's-- one of the "older" restaurants around here. Scott and I will go to a grown up restaurant Thursday night I think. And Dad is going on a fishing boat tomorrow so we're hoping for pounds and pounds of Red Snapper. It will be my job to cook it up!
Leah was so tired at lunch today that she literally could not keep her eyes open. Now they're in bed just chatting it up!! Oh well!
It's fairly quiet down here as I guess most of the world has gone back to school. That's one of the reasons we got such a deal on this house -- even though it's 95 degrees outside it's considered "fall" by rental companies.
All the planned communities are very nice. We're staying in an authentic 40's bungalow. Definatley not like Seaside or Rosemary Beach. But it's only 5 minutes to either of those destinations and quite honestly-- I'd rather be in this cottage and walk out my door to the beach than waaay back across Highway 30-A just to stay in the asthetically pleasasing, master-planned community surrounded by $2-5 million dollar vacation homes. We've explored WaterColors, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Seacrest, etc. since you can still visit the shops and restaurants.
I still need to post photos. We've been hesitant to take camera to beach but we'll get some shots on line soon.
Today is mom's birthday-- we'll celebrate tonight at Bud & Alley's-- one of the "older" restaurants around here. Scott and I will go to a grown up restaurant Thursday night I think. And Dad is going on a fishing boat tomorrow so we're hoping for pounds and pounds of Red Snapper. It will be my job to cook it up!
Leah was so tired at lunch today that she literally could not keep her eyes open. Now they're in bed just chatting it up!! Oh well!
Friday, August 11, 2006
Fight Club
Ok, I just realized like half the names of my posts so far a movies. Not very original.
This is procrastination-- I should be finishing packing for the beach. I ran three hours of errands today ranging from Midtown to Alpharetta and back in the middle again. The girls are thankfully passed out-- that would be their first nap in a week. I think we're down to once a week naps. Perhaps pre-school will change that.
I am at a loss for what to pack for the girls. I know just a few things is enough. And again I am leaving with the mentality that I must bring every food-stuff in the house as if there are no grocery stores on the Panhandle of Florida.
So..... yesterday afternoon was interesting (what I intended to post about). As I may have mentioned Lyle (2o months old) has been coming here two mornings a week during the summer. Lucy and I fondly refer to it as "Camp Lyle." It's worked out pretty well-- it frees up two mornings a week for Lucy until school starts again in the fall. Gives the girls a nice distraction as well. I'm sure it's a lot of work for Barbara as Lyle is an explorer in every sense of the world. My favorite is his t-shirt that says "I do my own stunts." I think that pretty much sums it up!
The first few weeks were a lot of "mine!" battles with the girls, and also major "snack protection"-- Lyle was not allowed to even LOOK at the ladies' snacks. I suppose that's normal. But they found their groove and things have been plugging along except for those days in the past weeks when Barbara wasn't feeling well and we had to do some last minute cancellations.
Anyway-- I came home yesterday and Barbara mentioned that something had happend RIGHT before Lucy walked in. She stated that Sydney hit Lyle and it left a mark on his face. Understandably Lyle was very upset. Sydney apprently did her best remorseful routine "I sorry, I no hit again, I sorry." So after Barbara left I decided to have a talk with Sydney. As soon as I asked her about it she said that "sissy did it." Then next thing I know Leah is in my face confessing to some sort of altercation over a LEGO of all things and that she hit him with her hand.
Now this does not jive at all. Because the mark on Lyle's face seems to be a bit more severe than what they could have done with their bare hand. Unless of course they have some sort of super powers. And Barbara said it was Sydney, and she knows the difference between them by now. And she also said the fight started with Lyle going up on the bed and them wanting him to get down.
By now I'm very confused.
So I asked again. Now Leah says that she "fought Lyle" on the couch. Then she goes on to say something unintelligible and ends it with "and they all lived happily ever after." Apparently all my questions I directed to her about "then what" made her think I was asking her to tell me a story! I mean, I'm proud of their imaginations but in this case I'd really prefer the TRUTH so that we can deal with the behavior.
Lucy and I talked about it. I have to admit I'm mortified that one of theim smacked him to the point of tears. This makes me feel like one of myy girls (since I still don't know who) is no better than that horrid girl Sheila (28 months old) from the pool. Can't go in to details here but Sheila has seriously beat up on Leah & Sydney, including pulling their hair, scratching and hitting any time she does not get what she wants or when she is trying to get attention. I like to think Shelia is somehow socially stunted and has no language skills and has to resort to hitting to get attention.
Obviously I have a much higher opinion of my kids but this is what flashed in to my head when I heard about it. Nobody prepares you for this stuff! How to handle it? I've apologized to Lucy. Lyle's injuries are not severe. I've talked to Leah & Sydney adnauseum about it. They probably think it's a joke by now because I've asked so many questions.
I suppose this isn't much different than a kid who bites, or when the girls smack/shove eachother in frustration. It's not acceptable, but it happens. They know it's wrong but it must be very frustrating at this age to not always be able to articulate, or even be understood when they do try to say what they want. I've seen Sydney raise a hand at me in frustration. I then see the look of "oh I shouldn't do this" and it stops but the thought has crossed her mind.
Well, that's the end of that tale. Hopefully something I won't have to post about again. Time to pack for real.
Perhahps we'll do some beach blogging if our wireless internet card works.
This is procrastination-- I should be finishing packing for the beach. I ran three hours of errands today ranging from Midtown to Alpharetta and back in the middle again. The girls are thankfully passed out-- that would be their first nap in a week. I think we're down to once a week naps. Perhaps pre-school will change that.
I am at a loss for what to pack for the girls. I know just a few things is enough. And again I am leaving with the mentality that I must bring every food-stuff in the house as if there are no grocery stores on the Panhandle of Florida.
So..... yesterday afternoon was interesting (what I intended to post about). As I may have mentioned Lyle (2o months old) has been coming here two mornings a week during the summer. Lucy and I fondly refer to it as "Camp Lyle." It's worked out pretty well-- it frees up two mornings a week for Lucy until school starts again in the fall. Gives the girls a nice distraction as well. I'm sure it's a lot of work for Barbara as Lyle is an explorer in every sense of the world. My favorite is his t-shirt that says "I do my own stunts." I think that pretty much sums it up!
The first few weeks were a lot of "mine!" battles with the girls, and also major "snack protection"-- Lyle was not allowed to even LOOK at the ladies' snacks. I suppose that's normal. But they found their groove and things have been plugging along except for those days in the past weeks when Barbara wasn't feeling well and we had to do some last minute cancellations.
Anyway-- I came home yesterday and Barbara mentioned that something had happend RIGHT before Lucy walked in. She stated that Sydney hit Lyle and it left a mark on his face. Understandably Lyle was very upset. Sydney apprently did her best remorseful routine "I sorry, I no hit again, I sorry." So after Barbara left I decided to have a talk with Sydney. As soon as I asked her about it she said that "sissy did it." Then next thing I know Leah is in my face confessing to some sort of altercation over a LEGO of all things and that she hit him with her hand.
Now this does not jive at all. Because the mark on Lyle's face seems to be a bit more severe than what they could have done with their bare hand. Unless of course they have some sort of super powers. And Barbara said it was Sydney, and she knows the difference between them by now. And she also said the fight started with Lyle going up on the bed and them wanting him to get down.
By now I'm very confused.
So I asked again. Now Leah says that she "fought Lyle" on the couch. Then she goes on to say something unintelligible and ends it with "and they all lived happily ever after." Apparently all my questions I directed to her about "then what" made her think I was asking her to tell me a story! I mean, I'm proud of their imaginations but in this case I'd really prefer the TRUTH so that we can deal with the behavior.
Lucy and I talked about it. I have to admit I'm mortified that one of theim smacked him to the point of tears. This makes me feel like one of myy girls (since I still don't know who) is no better than that horrid girl Sheila (28 months old) from the pool. Can't go in to details here but Sheila has seriously beat up on Leah & Sydney, including pulling their hair, scratching and hitting any time she does not get what she wants or when she is trying to get attention. I like to think Shelia is somehow socially stunted and has no language skills and has to resort to hitting to get attention.
Obviously I have a much higher opinion of my kids but this is what flashed in to my head when I heard about it. Nobody prepares you for this stuff! How to handle it? I've apologized to Lucy. Lyle's injuries are not severe. I've talked to Leah & Sydney adnauseum about it. They probably think it's a joke by now because I've asked so many questions.
I suppose this isn't much different than a kid who bites, or when the girls smack/shove eachother in frustration. It's not acceptable, but it happens. They know it's wrong but it must be very frustrating at this age to not always be able to articulate, or even be understood when they do try to say what they want. I've seen Sydney raise a hand at me in frustration. I then see the look of "oh I shouldn't do this" and it stops but the thought has crossed her mind.
Well, that's the end of that tale. Hopefully something I won't have to post about again. Time to pack for real.
Perhahps we'll do some beach blogging if our wireless internet card works.
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