Winter is Coming

It really is coming, everything is dying and the rain and winter chill has started. Well, the rain never went anywhere, but it is starting to feel gloomier and our days are shortening.  Avery turned 3 last week.  We had a small party with a few of her friends.  She was thoroughly spoiled and had a blast.  It was a good week.  She also brought cupcakes to preschool and they all sang to her there. 

My inlaws were here for a short visit and Avery loves having company.  She loves her grandparents and had so much fun.  We get to see them again in just a week along with lots of friends as we are heading to CO for a week of fun.  Sam has been busy with work and I have been busy with the house.  Finishing the trim really sucks and tedious and slow work, but slowly the house is coming together.  A fence should be going up in the next week to contain our mutts, this will make life with dogs much less annoying.  Preschool for Avery is fun.  My "job" on the board is a lot more work than I expected, but I am getting to know quite a few people and that is nice.  I left Avery at school for the first time yesterday and it was awful.  She pitched a giant screaming/punching/kicking fit.  I got a phone call 10 minutes later that she calmed down and was playing.  She was totally fine when I picked her up.  I know tomorrow will most likely be the same story.  She has already told me today: "I will cry when you leave me at preschool tomorrow, but one day I will be brave at preschool and I wont cry, but tomorrow I will cry when you leave me at preschool."  She often speaks in run on sentences.

 

Avery's 3 year check up was our best to date.  She actually let her doctor examine her!  This is huge!  She was 26 pounds even, which puts her in the 10th percentile and was 34 3/4 inches tall putting her in the 25th percentile.  Finally, after 2 1/2 years of being at 0 for weight we are on the chart and the doctor is satisfied and happy with our 5 pound weight gain over the past year.

Other than that we are starting to get excited for winter and the holidays!

and we have a preschooler!

So today was Avery's first day at preschool.  She did pretty good considering I had to stay.  I think she is often better behaved when I am not around.  It was just half her class today, the other half went on Tuesday. Next week all 20 kids will be there and from what I heard of the Tuesday class it is going to be rowdy.  There are LOTS of boys! I have to go with Avery until she turns 3 so she is stuck with my through the next 2 weeks, then she can start going on her own.  I hope it will be a smooth transition for both of us.

Avery eating her yummy breakfast!  Cinnamon rolls are her favorite :)

Avery all ready to go!  The first of many 1st day of school photos on our porch!

Avery with Miss Angie at the science center, they were playing with magnets and sand.

Miss Sheila explaining the rules of Duck Duck Goose.  They kind of got it ;)

It was a fun day.  I definitely think Avery will thrive in the environment once she gets her head wrapped around their schedule and way of doing things.

Big Week in the Making

Avery playing dress-up with a new classmate at the open house :)

Avery will be starting preschool!  I can't believe it, but in my heart I know she is ready. Luckily I have chosen a cooperative so I get to be a big part of the process.  I was also talked into a board position so I will get to be really involved. It's going to be fun.  She will start this Thursday and then will go T/TH's for 3 hours.  The preschool has a play-based learning philosophy and we love the teachers, the set up and the school.  We think she is going to have a blast and I can be present as much as she and I need me to be. 

Other than that.  We have just been crazy busy.  I am on a major purge binge.  We have little storage in our new place so things we don't use or need have to go! Sam has been working a lot.  He has been back and forth between Juneau and Haines and Skagway, so he is busy busy busy.  His cousin Courtney was here doing an externship for a couple weeks with Smith Equine and the small animal practice Sam works for.  Avery adored her and definitely wore her out :)

I am still in denial I am going to have a 3 year old here in a couple weeks.  How has it been that long?