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For boogers. Despite a week in FL, the kids are still battling stuffy noses. Natalie’s newest spot for depositing her boogers: her hair. Yes. Gross. Nasty. I vow to tease her about this when she is older. I much prefer Elliott’s over zealous, Kleenex-swiping usage of 10 tissues per use.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Thanks Nana for matching Christmas PJs, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Peanuts on the big screen!

The whole clan…. (7 pairs of matching PJs – no small feat!)

Our immediate family (getting kids to smile and look at the camera on Christmas Eve – impossible feat)

Sibling Lovin’

Hey El - Where's your PJs?!?

Single Shots

Up for some tunes???

Yes, how about a Whole New World?

My computer is about to run out of battery – and the charger is in Natalie’s room.  So, Merry Christmas to all – and to all a good night!

We are so blessed.

We are in Florida for 11 days. We are happy to be here but it’s been a little hectic. The first day started with a(n overdue) trip to urgent care for Elliott’s ear infection. And every time Something goes wrong (eg when she awhile managed to fall off her chair at the restaurant), Natalie asks to go back to Chicago. She explained tonight that much of this is rooted in missing baby Ellie and Stella, her American girl dolls. I offered that we could throw a Natalie-Mommy-Ellie-Stella party when we got back. She sweetly replied, “how about I cuddle with them and you read us stories”. Aw Now I am wishing we brought those Dolls, in addition to the two dolls and two loveys that did make the trip!

Maybe the swimming underneath the waterfall tomorrow will help.

I had a parent-teacher conference for Natalie on Friday.  It was so thoughtful.  I just love Park West! Even if just Grandma and myself are interested in the amount of detail in this post, I’m sharing on the blog, so I can look back at it when I’m 53 and an empty nester.  (Note: some of her strengths displayed at preschool aren’t necessarily displayed as often as I’d like at home with her little brother… but its nice to know that some of our seemingly less successful attempts at parenting are sticking.)

Photo bomb!

Strengths

• Familiar with a schedule right from the beginning – her prior preschool experience shoes.  From the beginning, was figuring out who the kids were
• Accommodating playmate.  Right from the beginning, she liked playing with the babies.  When other kids weren’t sure what to do, she would offer them a suggestion, like here’s a bottle.  Even in the beginning, she was pretty good about sharing her precious Baby Ellie and she would use language to express her needs (instead of resorting to physical to get the baby back)
• Language is a strength.  She is articulate.
• Not a physical kid, which is a great model for the other kids
• She is expressive, especially when negotiating.  This is helpful when trying to show other kids to see how their actions affect others.  If someone takes something from her, she has a sad face.  Its easy for a teacher to jump in and say, “Look at Natalie’s face. How do you think she feels?”  And Natalie will chime in “I’m sad because…”
• Wants to share and volunteer song ideas
• So observant.  Can make inferences and predictions.  Gave an example of Gossie and Gertie and which one had the blue color book.  Goes back to pictures as “evidence”.  When a classmate might not follow her reasoning, she re-explains/re-frames and that often helps others
• Can write her name – not always in the right order, but she can, and they don’t think she even needs a guide (aka written example)

What she’s working on now

• Still figuring out WHY something might frustrate her.  Gave an example of Natalie having all the cats and dogs in a bowl and other kids wanted some.  She said “Adeline, Adeline, Adeline.”  Sarah asked her why she kept repeating her name.  She then explained that she didn’t want to share the dogs/cats but then they talked about how other kids felt.  Then, Natalie decided to share.  Finnoula wanted five, but Natalie said no.  Sarah asked Why Not?  Natalie couldn’t articulate but then Adeline chimed in, “well then Natalie wouldn’t have very many”.  Natalie agreed.  She did share one with Finnoula, which satisfied her.
• Friendships.  The concept that its okay to have more than 1 friend.  Hasi can still be your friend even if you’re not playing with her right now and instead playing with Sloan.
• Continue building early literacy skills

I love my not-so-little Natalie.  She is definitely a little girl, though still insists she is a toddler.  Or sometimes, “medium”.  🙂

Yum - don't mind if I do!

This is a hodge podge post.  Since I cannot post from my phone anymore, I have to take advantage when I have a bit of spare time in the evening.

Auntie Leah came to visit Chicago, at the end of her 2 week visit to the Midwest!  The kids had a blast – Leah does aunty-ing well.  Super high energy all the time – she needed her own nap!

This is my auntie.... 🙂

On Monday, Natalie took to the Shedd.  They were too busy checking out the dolphins and fish to take pictures.  Leah – the bio major – really geeked out on the freshwater fish session between hours 3 & 4, but Nat was exhausted, so she protested by sitting cross-legged on the floor.  Every the determined fishery specialist, Leah somehow made it into a fun game running around, carrying Natalie, so Leah got to see a bit, she claims.

The 4 of us went to the Children’s Museum.  After lunch, we got fancy with the camera….

As Leah said... no double chins, with this angle!

Then, totally separate…. the next week, Daddy invited Natalie on a father-daughter date (on one of my days home with both kids).  They were rather trying the entire morning, so I was happy to have an hour to myself to pick up the house… though maybe just a bit jealous of Jordan’s solo time with one kiddo, drinking hot chocolate and reading stories at Starbucks.  Nat was thrilled at just the idea of a date with her Dad – so hot chocolate took it from a 10 to an 11!

Off to our day date!

And Natalie’s best friend Ellie – who is almost 2 – wanted to say “hi” to the Linville USA fan club too.

Have you met my BFF, Ellie? She's almost 2!

I'm comfortable enough with my masculinity to wear a tutu - its fun!!!

Look who had a fun time playing dress up with his big sister….

Tonight, Natalie really quietly Whispered a request in my ear. “Can we say a prayer To Jesus so that Elliott feels better???”

Then she requested Jordan come up so that all 3 of us would do so.

And then she whispered her prayer really quietly into her pillow.

All for a runny nose and occasional
Cough.

I am a proud Mama. Love my kids!!!

“Can I cuddle with you double super close?” – Natalie

“Yes and yes!” – Mom, Dad and any other lucky family member

Grandma and Grandpa came into town a couple weekends ago.  I’m not sure who wanted Grandma to see the place more… Grandma.  or Natalie.  Grandma got a few voice messages, “When are you going to come see my new house and play with me?”  So they came in for a quick 24-hr visit.

Okay, we have 24 princesses in the audience. Anyone else want to join?

I love it when my sister poops - or doesn't poop in the potty! When she does, she often wants me to have a poop celebration sucker with her. When she doesn't, I sometimes get one anyways to rub it in her face that she missed out. (Isn't my mom terrible??)

Also, my dad thought it was super luxurious NOT to sleep on a cot in the crowded back half-office area.  He had a mattress instead!  Moving up….  (I don’t have any pics of his new digs but thanks to Kathy & Bill for supplying the trundle, which I think I’ve slept in at 4 different houses!)

There is a little pumpkin patch just down the street from our new place… well, as close to a pumpkin patch as you get in the City.  Google+ put together this cute video – can you see it?

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/114474630926832572677/albums/6069808039492672497/6069808040150694642?pid=6069808040150694642&oid=114474630926832572677

This one is mine!

Hey - I found this perfect Big Sister Pumpkin!

Anyone wanna go for a spin?? (Note the small cars, clutched in his hand)