School Bound

Now that Daddy has accepted a new job, it's time to start thinking about where to send Keira for Jr. Kindergarten. For the summer we've decided to ease her into being away from both of us all day by having her spend 3 days a week with our dear friend Nicole (who has her masters in early childhood education) and 2 day a week with her Auntie Chandra and another dear friend Mishelle (who also has her masters in Education!)

Today was the first day of work for Daddy and the first day for Keira to be in someone else's care all day. After Daddy left for work, Keira and I got dressed and headed off to a potential school to take a look at the campus. Immediately upon arrival Keira hit the ground running!

"They have a farm here!" (the little play houses kind)

"They have a big playground!!! Look at the swings! They have hopscotch!!"

Keira played on the playground while I spoke with the director and waited for my "tour guide."

I wanted her to meet one of her potential teachers and see the classroom, so I gathered her from the playground and headed to the room. We walked in and she immediately made a bee-line for the books, the blocks, the art center, fluttering around like a little bee checking everything out while I asked a few questions. It was almost as if Little Miss forgot I was there. She was too busy having a good time!

When it came time to leave, she had to be convinced that she was off to do something equally as fun! I think she'll do just fine.... it's me who needs to be eased in!

Off to College she goes....

OK, well she's not quite ready for college just yet, but Keira did dance in her first recital at the local Jr College Theater last week!

In preperation for the big day, I explained to Keira that she would be dancing on a big stage. I told her that we were going to go to the college for her recital. I told her that we would be in the crowd of all the other mommies and daddies and we would be cheering for her! I told her that she would do great and would make us happy if she danced her best. I tried to prepare her as best as I could so she wouldn't be scared when the lights came on. If only I knew!

At first, I didn't know who was more nervous... me or her, but I think that was my way of denying that she's growing up so fast! I was definitely more nervous! Little Miss had no trouble hanging out back stage with the other dancers. She had no problem walking out onto the huge stage with her class. Once the lights came on and she saw that she would be dancing in front of 200+ friends, parents, and family members of the other students.... NO PROBLEM!

Keira proudly danced the Crocodile Rock. She looked up and saw Grandma and Papa P and Daddy and I and gave us an excited wave... and continued to dance her little heart away!

She's growing up so fast! She's a very independent little girl! She has no fear! Sometimes I want my little baby girl back... but watching her grow up with the confidence that she has.... makes me oh so happy! And I know that no matter what... she'll always be our little girl!

Happy Mother's Day!

Three things Keira said that made me laugh on Mother's Day:

Laying in bed and feeling Keira's breath on my face... I open my eyes and there she is STARING right at me! "Happy Mother's Day Mommy! Now go cross it off the calendar!"

As I'm getting ready to get in the shower.... "We'll be right back Mommy, Daddy and I are going to go get you flowers from the flower store!" Jason "Gee, thanks FedEx for the surprise.*

As I'm struggling to get Keira to stay in her bed.... "I don't care if it's Mother's Day, I don't like you anymore tonight!"

*FedEx story.... I bought Jason Shari's Berries for our anniversary. I had to get a Sat delivery, so FedEx of course delivered them while Keira and I were at dance class. Jason happened to be home for the delivery, and the box says "Berries" "Shari's Berries" all over it... so SURPRISE... Happy Anniversary Jason, you got a box of berries!

Such a sweet little girl

As I've mentioned many time, Keira loves to help cook! Whether we are making pancakes for breakfast, bread, bagels, or something for dinner... she always wants to be "Little Chef".

Last night we were fixing dinner and Grandma Dub and Chandra were over visiting, while Jason helped Chandra work on her car. Keira turns to Grandma and says, "Grandma, dinner will be ready soon, would you care to join us?"

That's my girl! She's so thoughtful!

Loving my crazy silly little love bugs!

There are things that happen in life that make me love my daughter that much more... even though not everyone sees it... she is a wonderful little girl! She might not listen 100% of the time.... she might not have the best manners (still thinks it's funny to "toot" at the dinner table and announce it).... but she is loving, caring, sensitive, funny, creative and affectionate! She is crazy and silly... loud and adventurous. She's a great travel companion.... she is good company... she loves to make people happy. If your heart hurts... she'll do everything she can think of to make you smile. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She's my Keirapotamous. I'm so happy to be her mommy!

I realized even more so lately.... how incredibly lucky we are to have Jason! He is the most wonderful father and husband! I'd marry him over and over again!! He loves Keira.... he reads to her... he plays with her.... wears silly hats and masks and jewelry... and princess crowns because it makes her happy! He's my calm... he's my cool and collected... and he's so good at making my heart happy!

I am blessed!

Busy Busy Girl!

This weekend was an eventful one for Keira! On Friday evening, Auntie Chandra and Auntie Andrea came over to say "see you later" to all of us. Chandra is moving down to LA and Andrea is moving up to Ashland, OR to go to school. I don't think that Keira understands at all that she isn't going to see them every time we go to Grandma's house now. I'd like to think that she won't realize they are gone... because I don't want her to be sad about them not being here. I know she'll figure it out soon though.

Saturday was jam packed with fun festivities for Keira! After saying another see you later to Auntie Andrea, we loaded up and headed off to the Bunny Hunt! I am not sure exactly why I like it so much... it's lots of waiting..... for 30 - 45 seconds of pandemonium, followed by 4 - 5 minutes of wandering around looking for straggling eggs that were somehow missed by the 400 other kids and parents! Keira loves it... has a blast rolling down the grassy hillside and devouring lots of chocolate!

After finishing up at the Bunny Hunt, we changed our clothes and headed off to Great America. Lockheed was having their annual Employee Picnic and we went for a couple hours to ride a few rides and get our season passes. Keira loves Great America. She loves the roller coasters... waiting anxiously for the day when she is tall enough to ride the big ones. She loves the water park.... doesn't care how warm it is... she's running through any water spray she can find until she's soaked to the bone! I'm looking forward to visiting the park time and time again this summer... watching her live it up!

We finished up the weekend making peanut butter pancakes for breakfast and working in the garden again! Keira loves helping sweep and rake and pulling weeds! She's getting as excited as Mommy is with all the new things starting to sprout up! It'd so fun to go out every day and see how much bigger everything is! Keira is quite the little helper! She loves being "Little Chef" and Mommy's Garden Helper!

Little Chef

Lately it seems that Keira is becoming more and more interested in helping out with certain things around the house. She LOVES being “Little Chef” and helping Jason and I out with dinner. She’s even taking it upon herself to make her own PB&Js. She still needs a little help scooping out stuff, but she’s great at spreading it all out on the bread and cutting her sammich in half.

When we wake up on Saturday and Sunday morning, Keira will decide what she wants to make for breakfast. Some days it’s oatmeal and some it’s “Egg Burgers” or pancakes/waffles. No matter what we make though, Keira gets her step ladder out and helps with the measuring, mixing, toaster, etc. I love that she is so excited about cooking! I love that she’s learning that when you mix a few ingredients together… you get delicious tasting homemade food!