We like to potty

 

 

Big news today. Someone peed on the potty for the first time! 

 

 

 I took these pics yesterday when he sat there forever and read books and ate books and sang songs.

Right now, he thinks the potty is this wonderful new place to hang out. I'm waiting for that to wear off any minute now.

 

xoxo  Keri

popcorn

This is one of my favorite pictures of Sylvia ever.....so proud of this lady. 


As part of kindergarten, there are 40 "popcorn" words that they are all supposed to learn.  They are words that "pop up" all of the time, like "is", "the", and "of"...

Today, Sylvia's teacher sent us a sweet message that there was "great news from kindergarten."

Sylvia is officially part of the "popcorn club".  SO PROUD!!  She knows all of her words.  She is a great reader, and we knew that she knew those words, but so fun to make it official and celebrate it.  Sylvia brought home a certificate and a bag of popcorn, which is being saved for the next movie night.

Stella has loved learning some of the popcorn words, is very proud of Sylvia, and wanted her photo taken with the popcorn too :) 

 

xoxo  Keri

sweet Stella Bella

She didn't cry when she went to pre-school for the very first time.  She gave one little wave without looking back and walked right into the building. 

Even though some of the little 3 yr old ballerinas were scared to follow their teacher into the classroom for the first time, Stella had no fear.  She hopped right up, got in line, and when the class was over, she ran back to me smiling ear to ear.

She has rarely been separated from me, and on those rare occasions, she has thrown some crazy temper tantrums.  She tends to be shy, and has spent years clinging to my legs.  However, sweet Stella Bella has been beyond excited for these new challenges, and she has been braver than I've ever seen her. 

Stella suddenly seems so old.  She LOVES learning about letters, and is doing a great job recognizing her letters, learning to draw some of them, and figuring out what letter words begin with.  She learns so quickly, just like her big sister.  I feel like she changed from a little baby to a smart little girl over night.  Her memory is very impressive, and she reminds me of everything I have said all day long.  Don't ever make a promise to Stelly Bell that you can't keep.  She has just amazed me lately.

I am so proud of all of those things, but what continues to impress me most with Stella is her compassion.  Although she steals Jeremy's toys and teases him from time to time, she is so sweet with him it blows me away.  She is always paying attention to what he needs or wants, and speaks to him in such a sweet way.  The first thing she talks about when she wakes up from nap is almost always Jeremy.  She tends to say silly things like "Jeremy told me he want me to tickle his toes".  It's not always accurate information, but he is always on her mind.  Today she was trying to get him to play "dance class" with her..poor kid :)  But that Stella girl is definitely empathetic far beyond her 3 years.  She is going to accomplish amazing things.  Sylvia recently had to take 4 things that describe her to school, so I asked Stella what she would pick.  She said she would wear butterfly wings because she loves being a butterfly and she really loves to fly.  You were born to fly, Stella Bella.  We love you so much and are soooo proud!!

Here is a collage of Stella's first day of school, including my view peaking in through the door when we picked her up, Jeremy and Sylvia waiting excitedly to Stellla again, and Stella sitting next to her new friend, Kiera.

may you always know how loved you are

may you always make new friends as easily as you do now

[Right now you have a new "bff" every day, or so it seems.  That makes my heart happy.]

may you always value your old friends so

[You see neighbors and pre-school friends on the bus, in other classrooms, and in the hallways each days, and are so excited to smile and wave.  You've got your buddy Courtney on the soccer team, and another pre-school friend that waits for her little sister at dance class the same way you wait for Stella.  I feel like you are constantly surrounded by sweet friends, and that is an amazing way to go through life.]

may you always wake up so excited to start your day.

[The first day of kindergarten you hopped up and smiled saying, "Yay, I have school today!!"  Everyday since has been about the same.  As much as you love to sleep, I know there will be days in your teenage years (or sooner) that I have to beg to wake you up, but I hope you are always so excited about life.]

may you always be so excited about reading.

[At age five, you surprise your mom and dad (and lots of other people too), about how well you can read.  You are always so eager to learn new things, and I hope you always are.]

may you aways be so successful at the things for which you work so hard.

[You are kicking butt at this kindergarten thing.  There are 40 words you are supposed to learn by the end of the year - you knew them on day 1.  I taught you to count by fives in a day.  Today they tested your letter recognition skills and were very impressed.  I just know you have many amazing successes in your future.]

may you never give up when things become difficult.

[This makes me thing of the Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, the Places You'll go": 

Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don't.
Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you......

things will not always be easy, and I wish for you the determination and confidence to persevere.  I am doing my very best to keep you challenged far beyond what is requested of you in kindergarten, but that is no easy task with you, my friend!]

may you always know how loved you are.

[You are such an incredible little girl.  We love how you hum and sing 24/7.  We love that you request brussel sprouts anytime you get to pick the vegetable.  We love that you have such patience and passion for learning.  We love that you still sleep with your blanket, Cubby, each and every night.  So incredibly loved you are, my dear Sylvie.]

Box Tops

Our Sylvie has had a super busy few weeks, and she is LOVING it. 



She loves everything about kindergarten, and everyday she tells me about some new "bff".  Sylvie has an assigned bus seat with Brenna on the way to school, and the very first day Brenna asked Sylvie if she wanted to be her friend.  Sylvia thought that was the best thing in the world.  She absolutely loves riding the bus, and Brenna instantly became bff #1.

After dance class tonight, Sylvie called out to her friend Alex that she is her bff too.  Stella heard the string of letters and felt the need to chime in...."S-T-E-L-L-A ........that spells Stella!!!!"  It was the funniest thing.  I'm so proud of both of them.

 

Sylvia was very excited for her first soccer game on Saturday.  All week long she wanted to know which team they'd be "fighting."  Last season her team scored one goal out of all the games, and I think the other team may have kicked it in.  This year, Sylvie has improved sooo much and their whole team looks great.  Coach Daddy put her in for the 2nd quarter, and I think it took a whole 30 seconds for her to score her first goal.  Ever.  Yay Sylvia! 

In all of her spare time, I've taken her running with me a few times.  So fun to have a little buddy :)




 

This is one busy little lady. 

 

one quick little note:  Sylvie's class is collecting these Box Tops for Education to raise money for her school and to win a party for her class.  I think most schools do the same thing, but if you aren't saving them for anyone else, and you think of it, they are on the tops of many cereal boxes, among other things:  http://www.boxtops4education.com/Image.aspx?Id=8358

Sylvia reminds me to save them all of the time, and I still catch myself throwing them away, so don't worry if you don't remember.

Great first few weeks of kindergarten, Sylvie babe!  You are going to have a GREAT year!!

 

kindergarten orientation

Today, Sylvia had her kindergarten orientation.....and I let her write her first blog post.  She wrote out what she wanted to say, and then typed it herself (which she loved!).  And so, here is a summary of Sylvia's morning:

"I heve the bst teacher in the olw Wrld. I got too rid in a school Bus. i wus a liatLL bt shi"

Translation (not that it is needed!):  I have the best teacher in the whole world.  I got to ride in a school bus.  I was a little bit shy.

Sylvia is so amazing.  I normally help correct her spelling right away, but I told her to type "as is" for the blog.   She said, "oh, so you can see me grow little by little." 

Yes, Sylvia, I want you to grow little by little (not so fast!), and I want to keep you little just a little bit longer. 

We love you!!

xoxo  Keri

Catching up

A few months back I was telling my friend how sad I was that Sylvie's pre-school era was over.  She had two years with the same wonderful class-mates and excellent teacher.  And as sad as I felt, I didn't even realize they would be playing Pomp and Circumstance as the 5 yr olds marched down the aisles in their little white caps, which would lead to me sobbing.  I have videos to view and post when I'm more organized, and you can probably hear me weeping in the background. 

My friend is awesome, because at that time, she didn't slap me.   You see, her daughter was just about to graduate too....from high school.  They are currently several states away getting her settled into her college dorm.  Oh my goodness, it goes so, so fast.  And so, in this moment at least, I have renewed motivation to record our day-to-day lives so that in between pre-school graduations and high school graduations, we can share our stories with family and friends, record the memories so I don't forget them, and most importantly, leave a legacy for our three kids.  You are so loved.  So....please don't judge the scattered ramblings and tired messages.  I have good intentions :)

Sylvia - I cannot believe you are starting kindergarten in a week or two.  or 12 day 13 hours and 44 minutes....but who's counting?  You LOVE to read, and I can rarely read a book for story time without you taking over.  You LOVE to draw, design dresses, and are currently obsessed with project pipsqueak, which is a contest for little girls to send in an original design for a dress.  We sent in yours, and one you helped Stella design, and you have since created 17 more on your own.  You wanted to be a shoe designer at the time of graduation, but you have since changed your mind 6 times and now want to be a math teacher who coaches cheerleading....or maybe an engineer.  No really, you said that!  We are so very proud of all of your talents, and so excited for this next year.

Stella - You are starting pre-school this year!!! I have been so nervous, because you have been by my side forever, but you have watched Sylvie for two years now, and you are so ready!  You love the idea of "learning letters" and having new friends.  We signed you up for some activities over the summer to get you prepared for going to school.  You have done great with swim lessons, absolutely LOVED gymnastics, and did really, really great at the art camp where I dropped you off each day for a week.  There was one day midweek where you cried, and cried at art camp, and finally, I just had to leave.  When I came back to pick you up you told me that your teacher held you and then everything was better.  Everytime after that when I asked you "what was your favorite part of art camp?", the answer was always the same...."when my teacher held me."  Oh my goodness, you are so full of surprises, so sharp, and so, so funny!  We love you Stella Bella!

Jeremy - You are seeming so old to me lately.  You long ago lost that sweet little baby smell, and now when I rock you at night, you smell like warm summer nights and the grass you like to run through and sometimes pizza or sandwiches, because that's about all you eat.  You just seem so much more like a little boy than a little baby, and I can't even imagine what you'd be saying if you were talking (well other than Mama, Dada, Banana!).  You obviously have a wonderful sense of humor, because you think everything your sisters say and do is absolutely hysterical.  You love books, and your favorite remains "Moo, Baa, La La La".  You give then best, mushy, wet baby kisses, and although you give me heart attacks all day long, climbing on anything and everything, the cuddles and kisses make up for it all.  xoxo

And so, my plan is to update, much, much more often.  Wish me luck!


xoxo  Keri

My little superhero

Breakfast with my buddy usually involves waffle with peanut butter or cream cheese, and sometimes I try to sneak in yogurt or fruit.  What a picky eater this little guy is!  Unless I'm feeding him something that looks like a sandwich he just flat out refuses.  I've fed him some pretty strange sandwiches in an attempt to sneak healthy foods on him.  Mushed broccoli sandwiches anyone?  I'm hoping in time he will get on board with the fruits and veggies, but for now this little superhero's favorite foods are pizza, hot dogs, and of course, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Chippy and Graduation Day

One weekend in March Sylvia got to bring home "Chippy" from pre-school, and he went everywhere with us to share in her adventures.  He saw Jeremy get a hair-cut, went on a play-date with the girls, and had lots of time to dance with Sylvia and Stella.

We took these pictures the morning Chippy had to go back.  We had about 5 minutes before pre-school, and Sylvia had 999 ideas for different poses for Chippy and herself.  I have no idea where she gets that from!!  The picture with Chippy next to her sparkling shoes was all her idea  :)

 

 Sylvia graduates from pre-school this Friday (sniff, sniff!), and has a tiny solo part in the "You can Sing a Rainbow" song.  She practices ALL the time, and Stella knows it by heart too.  There is a preview below along with an encore performance of a song from their FAVORITE movie of all time.  See how long you can watch before you get totally distracted by sunglasses and pj tops!
http://youtu.be/laJDL0U3Noo

And...one more little performance from their 2nd favorite movie (at least for the moment):

http://youtu.be/-0pjy9GScdM

xoxo  Keri

Go Phillies (and Eagles!)

Totally random out of order post...


These are videos from October 1st that I don't think I ever posted.  I have no memory of this, but apparently we were watching the Phillies Play-off game.  Not sure where John was - maybe he was at the game?!  Anyway, this makes me laugh, and shows how much Jeremy loves his sisters.  He has been getting smooshed since day 1, and that's ok by him.


http://youtu.be/n4g0Tc3nIVg






and a cute little clip of the Eagles fight song (which I so obviously should not be teaching!)

http://youtu.be/zasVWds07-8



xoxo  Keri

Wild man

 

So.....wild man took his first steps on April 18th, walking between John and I.  I did my best to capture some more steps the next morning, and by the afternoon, I caught him out of the corner of my eye walking halfway through the dining room.   Very impressive little man.  Within a week or so, he was walking in circles around the house, and he can now stand up without a wall or any support, and away he goes.  He is loving walking around outside, and somehow (thank goodness!) he seems to be a very steady, cautious little walker, and is usually going fairly slow and in control.  Not quite what I would have expected, but I am thrilled that he isn't running headfirst, out of control, the way I was imagining!

So....here is footage from 4-19.  The morning AFTER his very first steps (you have to watch to the very end, Sylvie's glasses and Stella's faces crack me up each time!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glNr0qKv_kU



xoxo  Keri

tiny dancer

Sylvia has been waiting for her first dance recital for a very long time, especially considering that she is only five years old!  

Fancy costumes, fun music, and a chance to perform and twirl around in front of lots of people, what is not to love?

She was a natural performer, of course.  All smiles from the time she got there, to the time she left and realized she was given several different beautiful bouquets of flowers.  You are loved little lady!

John took video while I had the regular camera to grab snapshots.  And..although I'm sure John did a great job, I haven't even looked at our video camera!  Chris and Mark took video too, and had it all uploaded and e-mailed before I even thought about it (of course that was before those beautiful boys of theirs were born!).  

So, courtesy of Aunt Chrissy and Uncle Mark, here she is:


http://youtu.be/91EP65YzNOA






xoxo  Keri

breakfast with Stella Bella

I wrote this post a few weeks back, but it never posted.   My sweet girlie back when she was still 2:


Stella is normally my sweet little morning monkey, sooo thrilled to eat her breakfast with a smile. 



This week she must have been taking lessons from her sleepy big sis, because she was not quite herself, but pretty funny anyway.

Day 1 as she sits down to eat:   "Ha, ha, ha, ha, I NO LIKE you!" (in her sweetest singing voice).
me:  Well I will always LOVE you!
Stella:  I love YOU, Mommy

(maybe she was just messing with me before I had my coffee - it wouldn't take much :)



Day 2:  Stella sits down, turns to look at me, and makes the meanest face she can at me, scrunched up nose and squinty eyes
me:  Why are you looking at me like that??
Stella:  Because I love you! 

alrighty then

Day 3:  me:  Stella, what would you like for breakfast?
Stella with fingers in ears:  Mommy, I put fingers in my ears so you are not talking anymore!

I love that feisty girl - no matter what craziness comes out of her mouth!

xoxo  Keri

the interview

Sylvia decides to interview Mommy:


What is your favorite color?  Well, I like a lot of colors
You can only pick one.  Like pink or purple.  Blue?
For the clothes you wear.  Only pink or purple.  I have to pick pink or purple?  Pink, I think.
OK, any color that you like to wear.  Gray.  or aqua.  or both.
Do you like opera music or rock and roll?  Rock and roll.
Do you like regular music or Adele. Oh, definitely Adele.
Do you like opera music?  Ooooppppperrrraaa muuuusssiiicc!  I'm not sure?
What is your favorite food?  sushi
What is your favorite vegetable?  asparagus
what is your favorite fruit?  strawberries
do you like blueberries?  yes
oranges?  yes
apples? yes
pineapple?  yes
Do you like brown eyes?  yes
Do you like hazel and green eyes?  yes
How about pink eyes?  no
Do you like crackers?  yes
cream cheese?  yes
popcorn balls?  yes
Do you like interviews?  just this one

xoxo  Keri

soon to be walking

I do lots and LOTS of laundry around here, so the kids have to be pretty filthy before I'd do a midday outfit change.  However, today Jeremy earned himself a nice clean post-nap outfit.  By the time lunch ended, he was covered in playground mulch and chocolate milk - I think that is the sign of a good morning!

I've been meaning to post these videos forever, so here goes:

These videos are from April 12th, which is the week before Jeremy took his first "official steps" on April 18th.  I was trying to "practice" with him.  (Now, one month later, he is walking very calmly and in control all over the house.  Time flies!!)

Jeremy's favorite phone is John's iphone, but he loves ALL phones - even the pink ones: 
http://youtu.be/6vaM595vmDU


I remember luring the girls with their bracelets, so I tried to lure Jeremy with the phone.  Here he shows off his standing and crawling skills, his sweet little happy nature, his unique way of playing peek-a-boo, and his obsession with any kind of technology (the video camera!):
http://youtu.be/uF2iV_14xDo




And check out that awesome baby giggle (although he was not too happy when I wouldn't hand over the video camera!:

http://youtu.be/-Ljnc3QGMho



next up videos of Jeremy's first steps, blog updates from Stella Bella's 3rd birthday, and Sylvia's dance recital.  Oh...and some Sylvie and Stella performances from the kitchen....stay tuned :)

xoxo Keri

here comes trouble

We had some definite first steps today!  Jeremy has been close over the past few weeks and taken a few "sort of" steps, but tonight he took some strings of 3 or 4 wobbly steps between John and me - "Look guys, no hands!!!".  Then, he was getting braver and leading off of the sofa on his own towards one of us.  Look out world - here comes trouble (or as Daddy calls him, Bubba :)

 

xoxo  Keri

Princess Sylvia turned 5

On the day before Sylvie turned 5, we all celebrated with a princess party, complete with necklace-making, nail-painting, and deck dancing. 

All of her best girlfriends from pre-school were there, as well as a neighbor play-date buddy.

She's been looking forward to turning 5 since, well, since forever.  Let me tell you, I think this is going to be a big year.

Earlier this week, she wowed some moms at a party where she read some game instructions intended for the adults.  I didn't hear exactly what she read, but there were big words involved, and they wanted to know what I was doing with her that she could read soooo well.  Hooked on phonics?  No, that's just Sylvie-girl.  Amazing :)

Sylvia just started a new 10 wk session for dance class, and has a new teacher for this session.  Her new teacher is the owner of the studio and seems great.

 After class this week, her teacher came up to me to tell me that Sylvia is "just delightful." She said that Sylvie and her friend make the best little team. (I took the dance photos a few weeks ago when we were allowed to observe - they do make a cute team, don't they?!) 

After pre-school this week, Sylvia's teacher came up to me to tell me that she has the sweetest little singing voice and is almost always on pitch (she MUST get that from Daddy's side).  She said that Sylvia should definitely take music lessons if she shows any interest in instruments.  I later found out that Sylvia was chosen with one other girl to have little singing solos in the pre-school graduation.  (shhhhh....it's a secret!) 
Date to be determined.

 

 So...in her first week or so as a 5 yr old, she wowed people with her reading, dancing, and singing skills.  Iit's going to be a great year!!

xoxo  Keri