Friday, August 26, 2011

Middle Name = Trouble

The little man, Gabriel, and I were having a conversation on names the other day...

Me: What's my first name, Gabriel?
G: (smiling) Mommy!
Me: My name is Tina and Papa's name is Josh.
G: Or, JoshUA.
Me: Yeah, buddy, that's his full name. You know what Grandpa's name is?
G: No...
Me: It's John, like Logan's middle name, Logan John. Yours is Quinn, Gabriel Quinn, right?
G: (pondering) Only when I'm in trouble...

Thursday, August 25, 2011

A Smattering of Tears

I've done so well this week. My oldest started Kindergarten on Monday and went to full-days just yesterday. Another first today, she wanted to ride the bus. I could hardly argue with her, as it can be a handful to pack up her brothers to drop her off and wake them up from their naps to pick her up. So I filled out the forms and even as I handed them in, I was full of worry. She would have to get up earlier. Will she find her building when they arrive? Will she miss the bus when they leave school?

I just had to tell myself she will be fine. Even though she is still young enough to need supervision and guidance, it is time for her to become a little more independent. That in itself is a big change for Mommy. I thought I had fully convinced myself to relax...

They gave me a tentative time they would pick her up, around 7:10AM - as we are one of the farthest houses from the school and will be one of the first picked up. So we were up, dressed, finished eating, teeth brushed and ready by 6:55AM.

Five minutes later, we see the bus rounding the corner to the house. Here it comes, here it comes! On goes her backpack and I push her out the door, without even a kiss and a hug. She proudly struts down the driveway to the huge, yellow bus. The first step up is almost bigger than she is, but she is up and smiling the whole way. I see her slide into the seat with the ease of someone who's been doing it a long time. One second later and the bus is gone, out of view.

I think it was that stark departing from view, that quick dissappearance. A lump arose in my throat and my eyes started to well up, even as my brain was saying, what's wrong with you, she'll be just fine. I took a moment and let the brimming tears fall, gathered myself together and had to say it out loud, "She's ready. She'll be just fine."

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Toilet Connoisseur

My Gabriel made me very proud - he's finally making his #2's in the potty!! Which led to another, most hilarious discovery:

My son is a toilet connoisseur.

He has used/tried to use many various toilets throughout town and has a list of preferred qualities:

1. It cannot be automatic. It must have a manual flusher, so that he may control the flush when he is prepared.

2. He has expressed a "love" for Eljer toilets - if you did not know, the Taco Bell on North 27th Street has this aformentioned Eljer toilet and he will express desire to eat here solely because of that fact.

3. Any toilet used, must be named. Our toilet's name is Bob. Then there's Eljer at Taco Bell and Nana's toilet's name is Mary.

4. He has declared a preference to shorter toilets, for his obvious shortness in stature.

5. The quieter toilet, the better. If the toilet is loud, one must flush and run away. Again, an automatic toilet is discouraged for this very reason.

6. The ultimate toilet is Grandpa's, with it's lid that slowly closes without having to hold on to it. There is always an excitement in the air as we head to Grandma & Grandpa's house and "Grandpa's toilet."

So if you are with Gabriel and he needs to use the restroom, be prepared to answer all of his questions. Is it automatic? Is it a loud toilet? Is it a little toilet?

Monday, August 22, 2011

1st Day of Kindergarten

Up early and ready for school.

Posing for a few photos.

Heading to Kindergarten.

Her own backpack peg.

Krista at her desk and ready to learn!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Early Riser

So this past week, I've been trying to get Krista up earlier and earlier - to get her ready for her Kindergarten schedule (she has to be at school around 7:55AM). The only child I have that is not an early riser, this has been a difficult task. I physically have to pull her out of bed, she huddles down and covers her face with her hands - she is like Gollum in the morning.

She is no good, so it looks like (at least at first) I will have to put her uniform on her. She then, still hunched over with her hair veiling her face, creeps to the living room and buries her head in the corner of the couch. I get her breakfast and set it at the table with a little chair. I fix her hair while she eats - listening to all her whines and complaints that it hurts soooo bad.

We're doing great on time, but then hit a brick wall when she eats her breakfast. And it doesn't matter if it's a waffle or cold cereal, she is such a slow eater. I already knew this, I just wasn't confronted with the fact so bluntly. The boys will be done with 2-3 bowls of cereal and she will still be casually eating her first bowl. At least 20 minutes for one waffle or one bowl of cereal is crazy, right? Although, a healthy behavior, it is slightly irritating. I guess we'll need to just factor that in and get up even sooner, especially if she is going on the bus to school like she wants.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Hey Hey Pic Update

This one's for you, Mom -- I uploaded some pictures last night for you to enjoy while you are resting at the hospital. Still need to get on the videos, but at least a start.

Enjoy --

Summer Pics

Fourth of July

Kaitlyn's Birthday