I know it’s been eerily quiet on here!  Unfortunately I feel like Facebook has killed my itch to blog because it’s so much faster, so much easier, and so much more relevant.  I’ve decided, though, that I’m going to pick blogging back up because some day I’m hoping to wrap this thing up with a big ‘ol bow and tell my kids I wrote it for them (especially since they don’t really have baby books).

What jolted me back onto the blog was the need to share Noah’s adventure to kindergarten!  If you’re on Facebook, you’ve already seen the photos and heard the stories but I need to put it here too!

On August 21st, Noah started kindergarten.  We took the obligatory first day photos -

We were all very nervous!  Would Noah like it, would he do ok, would he make friends, would he wear the uniform shirt since he despises buttons…???  As everyone who had ever been in our shoes before assured us, he did just fine.  He was a little hesitant at drop off but he went and didn’t fight it or tear up.  When I picked him up I was the one running into his arms (instead of the other way around)!  I couldn’t wait to hear all about it!!!  He smiled, stood tall, and said “I liked it”.  I almost dissolved into a puddle of tears.  I’m not normally emotional about this sort of stuff but it hit me like a ton of bricks.  My little boy… my happy kindergartner.  I was so relieved!!

On the same day, Kate was officially a “Playful Puppy”.  Noah started at the YMCA in Ms. Molly’s class three years before and now Kate was making herself at home (ie taking over) the same room.  As a potty trained, nearly 3 year old, she was ready!  Here was her on the first day, sassy as ever -

But before the start of school I suckered the kids into a “back to school”-esque photo session.  They did really well through the HEAT, bugs, and occasional traffic!

Noah helping set up -

At this point the books had avalanched and the sweat was dripping off of all of us!  I will love these photos forever!

Dear Noah,

I can’t believe I just put you to bed on the last day of your fourth year. I love that you still insisted on finding your best friend, monkey, to curl up with, even if he is becoming less necessary to your daily life.   Tomorrow you will be 5. It’s so hard to imagine, since the day of your birth is still so fresh in my mind; like it was just yesterday!

In the last 5 years you have changed a lot – you have become such an awesome little man! As a baby you were fussy and reserved. As a toddler you were fearless but shy and incredibly active. You eventually became stubborn, determined, and strong willed (much like your mother). But as a four year old you thrived as a curious, inquisitive, and funny little boy. Your only-a-mother-can-love qualities became more bearable and you really blossomed! You made friends, spoke in front of people, you sang at the Mother’s Day brunch (YOU! You sang!!), you finished potty training and no longer wake us in the middle of the night with wet sheets (for which we’re very grateful), you’re independent and you love to figure things out. I’m rambling now but you’re crazy cool!

I want nothing but the best for you! I have all these dreams and aspirations for you. I want you to grow big and strong. I want you to swim underwater, to finally give in and wear clothes with buttons, I want you to learn, to read, to tinker. I’d love for you to stop teasing your sister but I know, baby steps.  I can’t believe you start kindergarten in August! I was never going to be one of those moms who got emotional about that sort of thing but that’s proving harder and harder as every “graduation” event passes.

This will be a big year for you, full of a lot of change. I know you will continue to grow and that you will adjust just fine. But, if you need your mommy, now or ever, I’m right here. You still curl up perfectly on my chest and you will always fill my heart, even when you tower over me!

I love you bubbs!
~Your mommy

Longest question ever?  THIS is why the kids got such a sweet reward – they totally rocked their costume session!

What could possibly deserve a bribery this big!?!?  If we’re Facebook friends you already know!

We were asked to take some product photos of new ruffle jumpers being sold on Etsy.  We found the perfect model and thought we’d share!

Of course every model needs a good stylist.  That and Noah loved the pearls!

Unfortunately we have to make fools of ourselves to get nice photos of Kate.  We do this because when you ask her to smile… you get… this…

Aren’t my kids the cutest!?

Kate and Noah are really enjoying each other’s company these days.  They play so well together and have so much fun!  Of course they still argue like siblings but those patches are getting fewer and further between.  It’s really nice to watch but every once in awhile someone takes advantage.  Like this day when Noah used Kate as his rickshaw driver during his morning commute.  I wonder how much he got done on that Thomas The Train laptop he’s holding.  LOL!

The kids are back in school… since, like, August (hey, I’m busy, what can I say?)!  The work of editing photos has become incredibly more efficient with all the quiet but I do miss the fun times we enjoyed during their break.  Noah is in a new room this school year.  He’s in VPK which is one step from KINDERGARTEN.  I can’t believe it.

His teachers are on getting-to-know-you overload but we’re enjoying the effects of it.  Here is a photo he drew of himself with a little blurb he gave during an interview.  I can’t help but notice how sad his self portrait is!

They also measured all the kids.  I’m slightly excited that Noah isn’t the shortest… barely.  I can’t believe some kids are 6 inches taller than him!  I wonder if he’ll always be a peanut.

And through all these questions I’m even learning new things.  Apparently Noah’s favorite fruit is kiwi.  Um, I’m not sure he’s ever had kiwi.  LOL!

Noah’s also discovering new things this year.  While doing arts and crafts and cutting newspaper he became very curious.  He wondered if his scissors could cut fabric.  You know what – they can!