Phllip and Zoey

Pictures by Kristine

I love my Zoey like she is my own. She is growing up to be such a beautiful girl!

Gillian's First Report Card

I received Gillian's first report card yesterday and was laughing on how cute it was:

1st Quarter:

Math- We use elements of our daily routine to promote math skill. For example: as a group, we will count the number of days on the calendar. We also count the number of friends in our line and the number of lunch boxes in the basket. We will continue to develop rote counting and number recognition skills. As the year progresses Gillian will be even more familiar with numbers and better able to count along with the group.

Science- This quarter, the class took part in the school's "Go Green for God's Creation" celebration. The students learned about the beautiful Earth God has given us and the importance of keeping it clean and healthy. We discussed the sky, the water, and the animals on Earth and the importance of protecting them.

Literacy- Gillian enjoys having stories read to her. When reading, we talk about being detectives and looking for clues about what is happening and what will come next in the story. We are also introducing the concepts of "title," "author," and "illustrator". As Gillian is constantly exposed to book and has reading modeled for her, Gillian will become a more successful reader.

Language- Gillian is much more talkative now than she was at the beginning of the year. She is much more comfortable now speaking to her teachers and classmates. As the year progresses, we will continue to support Gillian as she develops vocabulary, and it will be easier for her to express her thoughts and needs.

Social/Emotional- One LIFE SKILL on which the entire school focused on during this quarter is Sense of Humor. Gillian laughs and is sill with friends. For example if someone is doing a goofy dance, Gillian giggles and dances too. Or, she and her friends make silly faces at each other and laugh together.

Fine/Gross Motor Skills- Gillian loves to run and play during recess time. She especially likes being on the "Noah's Ark". There is also a slide on the Ark which Gillian likes to use. Gillian also like to swing on the playground.

I'm so proud of her!

Potty Training

We started to slooowwwwly encourage using the potty in July. When we found out that her school wasn't pushing the being trained by first day we were relieved. When we went on our trip to Colorado she would go the whole day without accidents (as long as you ask her if she wants to go). She is usually really good at going pee pee in the potty if you ask her. The poo poo is a whole different story. She is not three yet so we really haven't pushed it. I think over Christmas break we are going to finally force the pee pee and poo poo. I know she can do it. If someone asked me what the hardest thing about having children is this would be it. I thought walking or getting rid of the pacifier were obstacles but this takes the cake. I will be thankful when we finally get to wear big girl undies.

Amazed

I am amazed everyday with Gillian and her growth in life. Her vocabulary is amazing. She can count to 10 in Spanish. she knows up,down,hello,goodbye, and friend in Spanish as well. That is more than I even knew in college. She tells me exactly what she wants (although this isn't always a good thing). She runs, jumps, tries to skip, and she even dropped a small ball and kicked it before it hit the ground. She loves loves loves books. She makes us read at least ten books a night. I have gotten smarter and bought her books that have more words. She knows what she wants to wear to school and she will even remember where I put her shoes at even when I do not remember. I am just so amazed!

She is starting to be more picky about her food. I thought maybe we skipped this stage but I was wrong. She is not bad about it. She doesn't like pickles on her cheeseburger. She LOVES mac and cheese. She is willing to try anything new as long as she sees someone else eating and enjoying it. When we went to Gojo's for my birthday she tried shrimp,crab, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and egg drop soup. She still wants to eat whatever is on my plate. Her favorite after school snack is the prepackaged cheese and sticks and her "pee pee in the potty" treat is gogurt but we call it a Popsicle.

She has gotten to the stage where she wants only mommy for somethings and daddy for others. Only mommy can get her up in the morning and take her to the potty. Only mommy can get her dress and put her coat on. Only daddy can take her to bed and rub her tummy to fall a sleep. Memaw is NOT allowed to push the shopping cart no matter what. Only Stevie can help her with dinner if he is around. I laugh at how particular she is with certain task. She wants to do everything herself. She wants to get into "Gilly's seat" in the car and buckle herself in. When she can't do it she looks and me and very defiant she says "Mommy help me!" She want to put her only shoes on and she wants to pack her own play bag. I love it when we go to the store she wants to carry the milk and gets mad when I tell her to heavy. When I give her the milk she will put it on the ground and say too heavy (well duh).

My favorite thing of all right now is when you ask her who's a pretty girl she will give you her cheesiest smile and say "me"!