What's New Around Here

I've been frustrated with my camera lately. I have been having problems uploading pictures to the computer for awhile but I finally got some uploaded today. We have had some changes around here in the last few weeks. First we got a cute little cat named Bootsie. We brought her home Humane Society one Saturday in September. I took all three kids there with the intention of looking for a cat to adopt. I had found a few online that I thought might be okay. Bootsie was not on my list but apparently she thought she should be. Maya was looking at all the cats and Bootsie stuck her paws out of her cage as Maya went by, causing Maya to stop and look at her then declare that this was the cat she wanted. We spent a little time with Bootsie and Maya was sold on her so we brought her home. She is a very affectionate, petite 1-year-old kitty, she loves sitting on laps and tolerates all kinds of hugs, kisses and being carried around by the kids.

I started back to work last week. A new adjustment for Elias and Hannah, sleeping at Grandma and Grandpa's house. In addition Hannah started going to daycare in September to prepare for me going back to work. She loves daycare but lately has tried producing tears, clinging to me and crying as loudly as possible to get me to not leave her there. Of course she stops carrying on once she thinks I am gone. I actually heard her stop her crying one day on my way out the door, so I know it is all for my benefit. She and I go to ECFE once a week. I have found it nice to talk with a group of women going through the "twos" right now too. It's also nice to see Hannah cheerfully interacting with other kids.

Earlier this week Elias lost his first tooth and got 50 cents from the Tooth Fairy. He is very proud of losing his tooth and called Grandma and Grandpa right away to give them the good news. He had his last soccer game last week and was sad that he won't be able to play on a team again until next year. Elias is never sad for long, right now he is plotting how to spend all his money.

I took Maya and Elias to conferences at school on Monday. Basically they told me that Elias loves school and is always smiling. Sounds familiar enough, he is always smiling at home too.

Maya is getting into the swing of things at school and even doing her homework at home without too much complaining. She has really taken off with her reading and has started reading to the other kids once in a while. She is still swimming at the U once a week and we all go to Girl Scouts twice a month. (I'm one of the leaders again this year). I think Maya is actually enjoying not being so scheduled this year as she has more time to just play.