it's my girls' world

Happy Monday Friends... and happy last week of school, Canadians!! I got this idea from Sarah about a lil' recap of our school year and knew I had to do it also!

A came into Grade 1 French Immersion after graduating from our awesome Montessori. I was a bit worried about the adjustment but girlfriend embraced the change with lots of little girls in her class (out of the class of 23, there are 17 girls). She chats so much about her friends and their day to day activities. We had a rough start with a mat leave replacement teaching them until March--- oh the things I can tell you, friends! But in March, her wonderful teacher came back in and we saw so much growth and development and teaching of the curriculum.

A is not my reader. She is  probably the strongest reader in her class but she really doesn't love it and barely picks up a book. The Raz Kids app that the school pays for is awesome because of the 'rewards' it gives the kids and she will do that but I'd like to get her to love reading more. I'm going to try hard (or hardly as she says it which in her  vocabulary means really hard) this summer. She prefers doing math games, art projects or deciding the guest list for her birthday party. She is in an enriched math program and she really enjoys it. She loves writing and her phonetic spelling might very well be my favourite thing in my life right now-- words like speshul and purrfect bring me lots of joy. 

She is obsessed with hand sanitizer and singing. She is quiet and hard working in class. I've had the opportunity to volunteer in her class when her current teacher came back working with the kids on reading and writing and it's been a pleasure seeing her interacting with her peer group and listening so intently to the teachers words. Next year, we are going to work more on extra curricular as well encouraging her into a couple school clubs (providing that the teachers aren't on strike).

C is now in Grade 4 French Immersion and she still loves the French. She loves learning and the principles that she espouses really impress us. She is in a 4/5 split which comes with it's challenges with the girl politics and class room dynamics.  I've had to speak to her teacher a couple times to monitor certain developments and I also have conversations with her about ignoring things, respecting others, rising above it and knowing the right words to say. I'm not always impressed with her peer group and the conversations she relays to me. 

She has also had a very strong teacher. The teacher is a very critical thinker and encourages autonomy, taking ownership, leadership and advocacy. All life skills that will come in handy in this changing world. I've had a couple interviews with her teacher and she always has such positive things to say about C and her attitude, socialization and values.... but her desk needs to be cleaner and she is distracted at times. 

C is my reader but so much so it's been distracting in class. Her teacher came up with the idea of not keeping her books in her desk and it has helped greatly with C now focusing on more attention to detail instead of very quickly trying to get through her work so that she can read. She loves math and  health most! 

C is more of a leader than a follower and is very strong with her extra curricular life at school. She does choir and PALS (leading games during outside time)  and she has tried things like yoga and bucket drumming to see if it's for her. Next year, she is excited to become a lunch room monitor. 

So great years for both girls, always areas for improvements and always room for growth for them and for us as parents. Here's to a great summer, my girlies. 

This weekend my baby turns five! Babies don't keep is what comes to mind when looking back at

Here's a look at this past year. 

Matching with mama on a road trip to Rochester in July last year.

The grandparents kept her entertained in NYC when Mom and Dad took their first real vacay alone post  kids

First day of junior K. Girlfriend loves her little Montessori.

And her pickles for Oktoberfest in... you guessed it October!

Great Wolf Lodge was fun in November!

There was a huge snow storm in NYC over our March break.

And another family wedding in July. This one as a flower girl.

Little one, you are the perfect combination of sweet, sassy and smart. 

We adore your comic charm.

Your smile lights up a room.

You love your family and friends and a good party

You regal us with your long and winding stories about all the kids in your class. You are quite the narrator.

You and your sister have such a beautiful friendship and relationship but you fight like cats and dogs.

You get furious when ignored or interrupted. 

You say the sweetest things and you create bonds with the most random people.

Your taste buds are awesome with your love for olives, fontina and lemons

You make us so happy with your beautiful light and love. Keep shining, sweet girl!

Linking up with

With a seven year old and an almost four year old, it's safe to say we are out of the baby stage! We seem to be one of the only ones though--- at least four people I know personally are pregnant! And  I miss the sweet baby smell, the teeny tiny toes and those little squirms and squawks-- so new mamas, soak it all up... they grow up TOO fast!

Honestly though, I'm okay with my kids growing up. Bigger is okay-- it's sometimes better. Here are just a few reasons why...

+There is less stuff to pack when you're leaving the house-- no wipes, diapers, breast pump or bottle! No change of clothes, toys, books and variety of items.

+If you forgot something, it's not the end of civilization-- they can deal until you get home-- there might be a minor meltdown, but they can deal.

+Less worry and less managing-- although less control! You have to let them out into the big, bad playground :-( and you wear your heart on your sleeve.

+The conversations keep you on your toes. There are quirks, comments and questions. And you find yourself having to google something- like why the sky is blue. 

+They dress themselves-- but that comes with it's pitfalls too-- like they choose their own outfits and mix stripes and leopard

+ They get opinions- LOTS of them. (okay, that's not  always for the better).

+ You don't have to sterilize every single thing. And the five second rule at home is okay!

+You can reason with them. They listen.You can explain situations and they get it.

+They can pose like crazies supermodels!

They do stuff-- like swim, and skate, ride their bikes and write

And they do other stuff-- like CHORES! Unpacking dishwashers, putting away toys or help with cooking. 

And then you look at them in awe and realise that these teeny tiny people are growing up to be  bright, kind, responsible individuals and you have a just a little hand in that....

Oh and I'll just snuggle my new niece or nephew when I need my baby fix :-)

Linking up with Annie and Amanda.

 

 

Well it's happened…. my baby has become a little lady--- making the transition to 'big school' yesterday.

We had quite the low key Labour Day weekend. With such a hectic summer, I wanted to make sure there was lots of down time- laundry and rooms were organised and all the little back to school stuff was organised and packed.

Because last year, it was an epic battle everyday to decide what to wear daily, I did these hanger tags in the hope that said battle would only happen on a Sunday now. I like it so much so far, I'm leaning towards doing these for A also… and let's be real, for myself as well. #orgjunkie

Little mommy love notes were printed as I kind of hate my handwriting.

Back to School dinner was at a restaurant of the first grader's choosing. We were going to take a trip to her school but she told me it was fine, she would see it on the first day of school (!?)

We read I wish you more  the night before. My intention is to read it every eve of Back to School.

Look what I found when I came upstairs-- an awesome slumber party.

And in the morning….. Daddy's chocolate chip pancakes as the first grader requested.

Lunch packed.

Then it was picture time.

And lil' sis had to squeeze in also. 

And then it was drop off…. So many people, so many kids and quite a bit of chaos. I thought I would walk in with her and meet her teacher but they lined all the first graders up and took them to the library.

Thank goodness A starts tomorrow so she was able to keep me company.

In the afternoon, more chaos with pick up but she had so much fun. As we had some cookies and milk, she had so many stories to tell me…. and so many requests for more sugary lunch snacks--- hahaha!!!

Here's to wonderful year!

Linking up with Jess for It's The Little Things.