Family Update

Summer is winding down (at least it feels like it) so I'd better document Sophie & Jacqueline's new endearing (& not so endearing) traits. Several people tell me that they are 18 and going to college before you know it. Trust me, I believe them.

In general news, we signed them up for pre-school. They will attend the one around the corner from our house (at Calvary UMC) one day a week to start. School starts a week from Tuesday. The pre-school only had 1 open slot, so they will alternate until a child moves up to the toddler room. We attended the open-house on Saturday morning. I think they will be fine. They loved the toys in the room and liked the teacher. They also should benefit from being with other kids and away from their sibling for a while. Mom will enjoy the break too (running errands, not relaxing).

Jacqueline's "likes" and "dislikes" and other general musings.

1. She loves to dance. Dancing is shaking her head and wiggling her body. She also learned to clap when I song ends. She enjoyed the bluegrass band at the Farmer's Market last weekend. In a similar vein, she likes to wander in circles. Sophie will play with toys forever; Jacqueline gets bored quickly and just wanders.
2. She does not like obstacles she can't figure out. She is quick to show a flash of temper when she gets frustrated, usually exhibited as a loud, ear shattering, high pitched scream.
3. Her new thing is to push large objects around. The learning table and her princess scooter are her two favorites. I think someone is going to enjoy re-arranging furniture.
4. She is learning to not let Sophie bully her around. She'll even push Sophie out of the way when walking to get where she wants to go.
5. Like Sophie, she has developed an obsessive desire to figure things out. Case in point, Jacqueline spent 20 minutes on Sunday repeatedly climbing into and out of their water/picnic table.

Sophie's "likes" and "dislikes" and other general musings.

1. Sophie doesn't really dislike anything. She's a laid back kid. If anything, she doesn't like nap time because she can't be exploring.
2. Sophie really likes slides. Big smiles and giggles when she reaches the bottom. The pre-school has one so I know she will be happy. We may have to get one for home.
3. She still obsesses, maybe a little too much, trying to master skills and learning how toys work. Stairs are still particularly fascinating.
4. She has become a little goofball/show-off when she wants attention. Cute sometimes, but not when she's supposed to be eating dinner. We'll see where this goes.
5. Sophie is Mom's little helper. You can count on Sophie to pick up any object off the floor and bring it to you. She also is starting to understand verbal commands, like "get Mommy's shoe." (Ok...that last sentence sounds like I'm discussing a dog...)