First day of first grade

Kiira had her first day of first grade today. I'd like to say that it was fabulous but the poor girl was pretty nervous and scared about starting a new routine with new kids and especially a new teacher. She picked out a special outfit and although I stayed as long as I could - there came a time for mom to leave the classroom.

Bright side: three of her classmates from kindergarten are in her class. Two girls, Emily and Becca, that she loves to play with.

Bright side: there was a beautiful fog that was particularly low on the ride to school today



Bright side: fabulous teacher. Mrs. Abbie Ehrhorn. She had a really nice way about her. We were the first ones to the classroom this morning so we got to talk with her.

Not so bright side: Kiira woke up last night sobbing and screaming and saying she thought she was going to throw up. Bad dream. She dreamt I had button eyes. It took her a good hour and a half to calm down and feel better. Super tired for the first day of school.

Not so bright side: Kiira can't go visit her kindergarten teacher bc we just found out she was diagnosed with leukemia and is taking the first half of the year off (Kiira just knows that she is "sick") Ms. Ritola has a 3 yr old daughter. Apparently they caught it early so there is a good chance she can conquer this. Nevertheless, Kiira is bummed that Ms. Ritola is not there.

Not so bright side: Kiira got upset at the end of the day because neither of us knew I was supposed to meet her at the lunch tables vs. outside the classroom door. Poor sweetie just stood there for a bit not knowing what to do. I think that's what really got her. Ugghhhh...boy do I feel bad. I hope tomorrow is a better day for her.

Evan's first day of gymnastics

Ok. This one is definitely different than the first one. I took Evan to his first day of gymnastics today at the Little Gym. He is in the "Funny Bugs" class which is a class where mom or dad sits outside while they go in alone. I thought he might think twice about this arrangement. Nope. They opened the door, he walked in and never looked back. Gotta say - the kid's pretty athletic too. How pleasant to sit and be amused by my own child. Clearly he got along with the teachers too.

First canter, first jump, first fall

Well, Kiira is a real horsewoman. She has been inducted into the hall of falls. Yesterday was her first fall off of a pony. We still don't know why but after a nice ride, towards the end of the lesson, Kisses decided that he'd like to canter. Not only did he canter but he also cantered right over a jump. Not only did he canter, and canter over a jump but he also bucked. Kiira rode the canter and the jump well. In her words, "Mom, I stayed in my half seat for the canter and the jump, but well, it's the buck that got me."



And there she landed. Pride a little hurt but physically fine. She got back up on Kisses and walked around for the end of the lesson. Even today she has been saying, "Mom, I just can't stop thinking about jumping. I don't think I want to do that again." Luckily I was just walking into the ring with my horse. I handed him off quickly and peeled little Lulu off of the arena floor.

Yes, I explained, it happens to all of us. Many, many times.

Today she had a fine ride on Robin Hood. I am happy to report he was very well behaved.

Disclaimer: the above photos are only a reinactment. No Lulu's were hurt in the process of this bucking and falling :-)

Fractured

Ok - I am officially DONE with having tooth problems. After having some fillings replaced last year, I have had one root canel, one crown and now have discovered that one of my wisdom teeth has a fracture in it. I have already had the two on the left side of my mouth pulled so here's a chance for everyone to say, "Bub-bye Heidi's wisdom teeth on the right". Believe it or not, it is cheaper to yank them than to do root canals, crowns etc!

It will be a pleasure to be able to eat pain free. September 11 will be the magic day.

Now the question is - if I put them under my pillow, will the tooth fairy come for me too?

Loose tooth

Kiira finally has her first loose tooth. It got wiggly a few weeks ago and since then she is working that tooth hard so that it falls out. I think she is hoping that it will fall out before the first day of school (8/27) but I don't think it will. She has been waiting and waiting for this day as she is one of the last of her friends to lose a tooth. Her wish from the tooth fairy? A horse shoe of course. That's my daughter!

Pinch hitter

Who knows when the right time is? Am I asking for trouble? Don't know that answer either. For better or for worse, we switched Evan's crib into a toddler bed. He helped my pick out some special baseball sheets and he even helped me unscrew his crib to make it into the toddler bed. First night - he wasn't sure he liked it. Second night - much better. Let's see how long it takes before he realizes he can climb out at night. He has realized he can climb in so it is just a matter of time I suppose. Stay tuned!

The Maine event

Ithaca? Check! Maine? Check! Alan's family has a place in Ogunquit, Maine so we headed back east to enjoy some heat and humidity and, of course, the cousins!! I would say the highlight for me was riding an elephant. The highlight for the kids of course was seeing the cousins (that was a close second for me!) We got quality time with Alan's sister, brother and even his cousin Debbie and her kids.



My travel jinx didn't kick in until the way home when we were informed after boarding and buckling in that there would be a 1-3 hr delay to take off because of weather. They ended up taking us off the plane and instead of arriving in San Francisco at 9:30 as planned, we arrived at midnight.



I have noticed that since Evan turned 3, things are WAY easier to travel. He is SO excited to get on the plane. He carries his own pull on suitcase through the airport, he gets right on the plane and buckles up. He even is patient with the delays. The biggest difference though is when he is sleepy, instead of crying because he doesn't know what to do, he simply leans in to me and says, "Monny, I little bit sleepy". So, I tell him to put his head down on my lap and have a rest. And you know what? Miraculously he does! I never thought that day would come BUT - here it is. Thank you!

See more Maine photos here!