Two peas in a pod

Something funny is happening at our house... every time I lose track of the kids and go to find them they seem to be together.  I am not sure if Vivian is drawn to Adrian or vice versa... probably both... but usually where one is so is the other.  It is funny (and sometimes a bit unnerving for me) to hear them giggling together from another room.  They are definitely buddies.  But believe me, it is not all rainbows and butterflies with these two... the fighting has begun in a big way.  Oh I hate the fighting over petty things but I guess it is just how kids are.  I am sure my mother could tell a few stories about the spats Brian and I had back in the day.

One Mommy lesson I have learned recently is that if I am bringing something home for them to always have two of the item and to make sure they are identical so that there can be no fighting over who gets which.

A trip to the farm.

I am a little late with posting about our afternoon at the farm but the pictures are priceless.  I found out that NB has 'Open Farm Day' every fall and was very interested in taking the kids to some local farms.  I think it is neat for them to see where their food comes from.  We took in an apple orchard and dairy farm.  The dairy farm was by far the winner of the day, especially given Vivian's cow fascination.  I must admit that after seeing the cows in action I now know why I am not a big fan of milk. Cows are dirty. We got to watch the whole milking process which was interesting (but reminded me far too much of nursing... again... another reason why I am not a fan of milk).

Up close and personal with Bessey.

Can you sense he is a little timid about touching her?

Okay, even I have to admit the baby calf was pretty cute.

More signs Vivian is growing up...

Vivian is showing me more signs everyday that she is no longer a baby.  I am starting to accept it because a) I don't have a choice in the matter and b) it is so darn sweet to see her turning into an adorable little girl.

She is proud to take off and put on her own socks now and can do it with ease.  She also loves to play with Adrian and I find them actually playing together more and more often.  (Although he is far too rough with her dolls for her liking so they usually end up playing lego or playing in their 'band'.  Vivian is the drummer and of course Adrian gets the guitar and lead vocals.)

Do you notice a difference in the picture below?  One night Vivian just insisted, out of the blue, that she was going to sit at the table and hasn't been back in the high chair since.  It feels strange but lovely to have all four of us sitting at the table for supper.

And check out her rocking ponytail.  (Adrian overheard Jamie refer to it as a 'rat tail' and now finds it hilarious to repeat that over and over again.  Oh brothers.)

Vivian is getting more girly on her own accord.  When she is in the mood she likes to dress up.  (Notice her silly brother in the background who had to get in on the action.  When Jamie saw him Adrian immediately said 'Look what Mommy made me do!'.)

When I put something especially cute on Vivian to wear I tell her to 'go show Daddy' and she will run out and pat her stomach as if to say 'Look at me!'.  It is so sweet and the funny thing is she now does it everytime she gets dressed.  I guess a girl never tires of hearing that she is beautiful!

First day of 'school' 2010

Wow, it feels weird to be posting about the kid's first day of school!  Fortunately it was only the first day of preschool, but we refer to it as 'school' in our house. 

Vivian started in the '2 room' (although she just made it in under the wire in the 20 month category... I can't refer to her as '2' yet).  It is quite a change going to a structured class with 9 other little ones her age.  I was nervous for the first day but I knew she would do fine.  We all escorted her to her classroom and got her settled and then Jamie and I were politely 'pushed' out (yes I think I was that lingering Mom on Monday).  Adrian stayed with her but as soon as we left I could hear her crying. Oh that is the worst moment for a mother... having to walk out on your crying child when you know you could make it stop with a mere hug.  I was assured it only lasted a few minutes and all it took was a snack to lift her spirits.  When I came to get her at 4:30 she was playing in the yard and as soon as she saw me she came running with the biggest smile on her face, gave me a quick hug complete with back pat, and then quickly ran back for one more trip down the slide.  That made me laugh.  I can't quite explain it but she seemed so very happy all evening that I think she really liked school.  She was smiling and singing all night and didn't hesitate with an enthusiastic 'Yes' when asked if she had a good day.

 

So little!

Adrian started a new class as a four year old and is in a big classroom downstairs.  It feels strange to walk by his old classroom every morning.  I miss his old teachers, Amy and Regina, as they were awesome but I am sure I will get to love his new ones as well.  Everyone at the Windsor St Preschool Center are awesome right down the the administrators and cooks.  They all seem to know and love Adrian and he has the nicname 'Smiley Eyes'.

  

So big!

Singing a song at his End of Year party.

Diapers only

Who needs clothes when it is so bloody hot?  What is up with this heat wave at the end of August / start of September?  What a long summer we are having.  I guess we should enjoy it as the frost will be hitting the pumpkin patch sooner rather than later.  (-:

It occurred to me at most of my pictures of Vivian lately have her clad in only a diaper.  There are two reasons for this:  the aforementioned heat, and the fact that she is a really messy eater all of the sudden and refuses to wear a bib.  (And when I say refuse, I mean REFUSE.)

She can't get enough black and blue berries.  She will eat them by the bowl full if I let her.  (And you don't want to know what happens to your digestive system when you do this!)

She loves shoes.  That's my girl.  And she is very interested in trying to get herself dressed these days.  She got these on by herself!