Getting Closer

This isn't a really good picture but I felt compelled to take it at the time since it was such a momentous occasion. The other day I was able to take a shower while Caroline and Kate played together. It was miraculous. They are really starting to interact together on a regular basis and it's very cute. For the most part Caroline entertains Kate as she does here with her pig imitation.


Since Dora had a show about becoming a big sister Caroline is now very proud of the fact that she, like Dora, is a big sister. Everywhere we go Caroline points out her sister to everyone we come into contact with.
I'm really loving their blossoming relationship.

Tricycles Are Out

The hottest thing at the ballpark this past spring were these little three wheeled scooters. All the little girls had them. They came in two flavors, Princess Disney and Dora. Caroline loved those little girls' scooters. She even tried to steal one by hiding it behind a bush. So when we saw the Dora variety on clearance we had to snag it for her. She loves it.She seems to be getting the hang of it too. They better watch out at the ballpark!

Flow-da

I think I'm suffering from post vacation blues. We spent last week in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Which is where Jonah was born and where I still have family. We drove there this time. We took two days driving there and two days back. Driving that far with a toddler and baby is no picnic but once we were there we had an awesome time.

Of course we spent some time at the beach.
We picked up my niece Caice in Virginia on the way down. She and Jonah act just like brother and sister.
We arrived on Kate's six month birthday. Happy half birthday Katie!
Caroline and Kate preferred the pool so we spent a lot of time there.
Hardworking dad got a lot of time to relax. Just in time for father's day!
Of course we had to play a game of putt putt.
We got dressed up and went out to eat.And that was about it. Beach, pool, family, fun, and food. What else do you need? It was fantastic and I want it back!!!

Late Bloomer

Making sure my kids are good readers has always been a priority to me. I was an avid reader growing up and want to pass my love of books onto my kids. Plus it seems like a no brainer to me that you have to be a good reader to be successful in anything. So from the time Jonah was born I read to him faithfully every single day. If he couldn't sit still I would read to him while he played and he would eventually come around (this tip's for you Liz). After he turned a year old I would read to him every single night at bedtime. So when he was in the first grade and turned 7 and still couldn't read I became extremely concerned. He loved books and he loved for me to read to him but he just didn't seem to "get it." I became really afraid he had some sort of reading/learning disorder, especially since I have a brother who was diagnosed with dyslexia.

I then requested a meeting with the reading specialist at Jonah's school. She told me that learning to read is a milestone that usually occurrs when a child is between 4-8 years old and that some kids just get it later. She assured me that the kids who learn to read later can end up on the same level as the kids who learn to read earlier. Just as kids who learn to walk later will eventually begin running with their peers. I was pretty surprised by this. I always thought that the more I read to him the earlier he would begin to read. She suggested that I keep reading to Jonah and that he would eventually get it. Well she was right. The next year in second grade Jonah got it and began reading at his grade level.

This past year Jonah really began to love reading and just devour books. He even read the entire Harry Potter series. At his school they have a reading counts program where they earn points for the books that they read by passing a comprehension test for each book. The kids earn charms for every 50 points that they earn. Jonah ended up finishing in first place for the fourth grade and in third place for the entire school! I am so proud of him!!!! I am also absolutely amazed when I think back to first grade and how much trouble he had "getting it." As a parent this whole experience was such a huge lesson about not freaking out when a milestone is delayed and supporting and encouraging my child. Good job Jonah!

Jonah with his 400 point charm.

My Turn

When I started watching Samantha I realized very quickly that Caroline wanted to do all the things that the baby got to do. She wanted her turn in the baby stuff. I guess they seemed like little amusement rides to her. For the most part I didn't mind unless I was about to put the baby into something and Caroline would swoop out of no where and plop down. That got old quickly. Also sometimes she would get a little too rough. I went through three bouncer seats while I watched Samantha because of Caroline. The one I have now has a 45 lb weight limit so I hope it lasts through Kate. And then sometimes Caroline wouldn't even wait for the baby to vacate before she would hop aboard. Of course this could get downright dangerous so I would watch her like a hawk.

Samantha enjoying her bumbo seat.
Caroline enjoying Samantha's bumbo seat.
Caroline loves the baby swing. I've had to ban her from it since Kate was born. She's just too big.
Now she has to try out Samantha's car seat.
Caroline! You have to wait until the baby is out first. (No one was hurt in the taking of these pictures.)

First Sam.
Now Kate.