Lost Tooth!

      Tonight Laura's loose tooth was really wiggly. I had suggested earlier in the day we pull it out, but she wasn't sure about that idea. At bedtime she was wiggling it a lot and I told her she should just leave it until the morning because I thought Rachel would like to see it. I brushed her teeth and put her to bed around 9:30, but at about 10:00 she came downstairs with her very first baby tooth in her hand. She was sooo excited. We were slightly annoyed that she was still awake, but also excited for her. The Tooth Fairy had to get things in order and left her a pearl in a little sparkly pink box beside her pillow, with a note explaining that if she takes good care of her pearls like she does with her teeth, she can collect them and make a pretty necklace.

ETA: I kept my camera on my bedside table because I knew she would come into our room first thing in the morning to tell me. She couldn't fall asleep until almost 11:00, and woke up at 6:30 she was so excited! I have pictures and a video of her when she woke up and opened her present from the Tooth Fairy. She is a real big kid now!

Loose Tooth!!

We have been anticipating loose teeth for a while now, reading books, getting excited, etc.
Then tonight, I saw on facebook that one of our cousins whose kid is one day older than Laura lost his first tooth today, and I posted a commented how Laura still hasn't lost any and none are even loose...
Fast forward three hours to when I was getting Laura ready for bed, and while brushing her teeth I noticed this:

Her adult tooth has popped through the gum behind the baby tooth. I freaked out a bit because Josh had bad teeth when he was a kid and required a lot of orthodontic work, which I was really hoping to avoid with our kids, if possible. I took her downstairs to show Josh and he was just excited for her. I touched the baby tooth in front and it was loose, so she was really excited about that. I finished putting her to bed, and as we were talking about her favourite thing of the day, she said she was excited to finally have a loose tooth, but she was a little worried it was going to hurt when it falls out. I told her it might, but it might not. We'll have to wait and see. 

Then I came downstairs and Dr. Googled it. Apparently its a condition called lingually erupting mandibular incisors or shark tooth/ teeth, and occurs in about 10% of kids. It can be a problem, but apparently it resolves itself in a lot of cases. Let's hope we are the latter! I am relieved that the baby tooth is loose, so hopefully when it falls out, the adult tooth migrates forward to the spot it is supposed to be. Better get the tooth fairy on stand by!

Boyfriend!

Last night at dinner while the in-laws were here, Laura was counting the people at the table and adding and subtracting the numbers, etc. We were talking about how there were four girls and only two boys, and I jokingly said the girls would need to get boyfriends to even it out. Rachel piped up emphatically, "Well Duke is my boyfriend!" Welllllll okay then!

Laura and Duke's older sister went to nursery school together, so we have known their family since Rachel and Duke were babies. Laura and his sister were best little buds for a while, so Rachel and Duke sort of felt like they needed to be partners, I think. They go to nursery school together now, are in the same gymnastics class, and attend the same library program, so they see a lot of each other.  Anyway, their little romance has been blossoming for a while, I guess, and Rachel even stole a kiss from him one day at pick-up time from nursery school!

Today was his birthday party, and I was telling him mom about what Rachel had said at dinner, and she said, "That's so funny! This morning Porschea (Duke's sister) was talking about her 'boyfriend' and Duke said, 'Well, Rachel is my girlfriend!'"

So there you have it: its official from both of them. ;)

He is the sweetest little guy, and I think he would make a great boyfriend. They're so cute.

100 Books!

     As of today, Laura and I have officially read 100 chapter books together! And before her 6th birthday, too! Last year around this time I decided to write a blog post to keep track of all the books we have read, and it was around then that I found the wonder that is goodreads.com. I am able to keep track of all the books we have read, all the books I would like to read together, and I even spent a day tediously putting them into a loose, age-appropriate order that I thought would be good (in some instances to coordinate with homeschooling units/ themes/ trips I would like to take, etc).
I'm really proud of her ability to sit and stay focused on something like this. She absolutely loves storytelling in all of its forms. She deeply analyzes shows and movies, is mesmerized by live productions, and really enjoys listening to out-loud stories.
She is really coming along with her own reading, too, and once she has that down pat, I'm guessing she and books will be inseparable. I sure love my little bookworm!

Jamfest!

     Laura tried out a "Tiny Cheer" program with our local cheerleading club a little over a year ago, and then last summer took some recreational classes with Rachel. It was a little too intensive yet for Rachel, but Laura liked it well enough, so we enrolled her in a half-year program on a team of 5 - 8 year olds that ended with a non-competitive competition. We thought since she enjoys performing so much that this would be a fun new avenue to explore. She was a bit wishy washy about going to practices, but she always enjoyed herself once she was there. They spent the first 2 1/2 months team building and practicing skills that they would then incorporate into a routine that they have been practicing since the end of November. 

    Today was the much-anticipated day of their big competition! They didn't have to be at the venue until 4:30pm, so we were still able to go to swimming lessons this morning. We came home and spent about an hour and a half doing her make-up and ringlets in her ponytail, and then we were off! Both sets of grandparents came down to watch and support her, and aunty Danie too. I quite enjoyed watching the more experienced teams compete; it really brought me back to my cheerleading days. So fun. :) 

    The team was able to sit together with their parents while we watched the other senior teams perform, and then they were off to warm up! They had worked so hard, and although it wasn't the best run I've seen them do, they still did great, and nailed all the stunts, including a double base! Considering they had been modifying the routine right up until the practice the night before the competition, the team performed really well. So proud!

     

At the awards ceremony afterward they were given a plaque for their efforts. The other two teams from our club both placed first in their divisions, so all in all it was a good day and a great experience! The whole team was really excited after their performance, and I would love to be able to go again next year. Cheer competitions are so fun!

Poor Rachie was not feeling well, and although she held it together while we were there, she ended up crying the whole way home, complaining of an ear ache. :(

Freeeee!!!!

     Rachel turned 3 1/2 in November and was still regularly having bottles (of a warm almond/ coconut milk mixture) before bedtime. I'm sure, to her, it was the equivalent of nursing - mostly a comfort thing to wind down for sleep. (We did always brush her teeth afterward, though.)
We were hoping she would stop of her own accord, as it isn't beneficial for palate development, etc, but we didn't want to traumatize her, either. However, we "forgot" her bottles when we went away at Christmas. We made sure there was still milk for her to drink from a cup or a sippy if she wanted it, but I think it was the suckling from which she derived the comfort. She didn't really ask for milk while we were away once she learned there were no bottles.
     Also, up until now, she has been unable to get through the night without wetting a Pull-up. We had just run out of Pull-ups before Christmas, so we bought two small packages. We presumed we would use most of one while we were away and didn't want to be stuck without any when we got back. However, we ended up leaving the package of them at my mom's while we went to Josh's parents' house, so we had to buy another package while we were there. If you are keeping track, that is a total of three packages that we now own. And, this is promptly when Rachel realizes she can now make it through the night without peeing. You know, because she isn't drinking 8oz of milk directly before bed. So. Good news: we are free of bottles AND diapers now! Bad news: We own three packages of Pull-ups we don't need!

Anyone need some Pull-ups?


P.S. We were able to return one because it wasn't open, so that was good. But the one that was open and left at my mom's has at least half left, and we also have the one that we bought and opened at Josh's parents' house.

Buddy the Elf is Back!

      Laura, in particular, has been highly anticipating the return of Buddy, our Christmas Spirit Elf, for advent. This morning he showed up riding a new, electric train around the Christmas tree!

Tuesday, Dec. 1

Well hello Laura and Rachel!

I am well rested now and ready 

to spread some more Christmas Cheer 

with you this advent! 

Let's start by visiting the 

special Holiday Train today! 

Love, Buddy

This ended up actually being kind of a bust because the kids couldn't see the performance past the adults standing in front of us and subsequently became crabby. We ended up leaving after a few songs, and as we were walking away, realized the view from further back was actually better. But the girls had committed to leaving already and didn't care to stay. I was disappointed and upset because I had put a lot of effort into planning and executing this activity to avoid meltdowns, and apparently still failed. Ah well, such is life sometimes, I guess.

Wednesday, Dec. 2

Good morning Laura and Rachel!

I thought it would help us 

get in the Christmas spirit 

if we made some snow globes today!

Yippee!
Love, Buddy

We made these with kits and they were a fair amount of work (for me!)
but they were fun and turned out cute. :)
Rachel made a pink Clarice (girl reindeer from Rudolph) and Laura made an elf girlfriend, Noa, for Buddy.

Thursday, Dec. 3

Hey Laura and Rachel.

Why don't you write to Santa today

and tell him what you'd like for 

Christmas this year? 

Love, Buddy

Laura ended up asking for something else than what she had said she wanted a few weeks ago when Santa had already ordered her gift, so I had to remind her to include that in her letter, too! ;) And then went out scrambling for some other stocking stuffers!

Friday, Dec. 4

Laura and Rachel,

Christmas is about spending 

time with your family.

Tonight lets stay in, have pizza, 

cuddle up, and watch a

Christmas movie together.

Love, Buddy

     Josh wanted to watch Home Alone together and eat pizza, so that was what we did tonight. We put on our jammies and made our own pizzas so we could each put on it what we wanted. It was really fun, and everyone was excited about it and enjoyed it, so that made it even better.  

Saturday, Dec. 5

Dear Laura and Rachel,

Christmas is a celebration

of the story of  of the birth

of Jesus Christ. 

Today we're going to go

for a special walk

to learn about that story.

Love, Buddy

    I had been to the Bala Trek to Bethlehem once as a kid, but I didn't remember much of it, so it was a fairly new experience for all of us. I didn't really know what it was going to be like, and frankly, had fairly low expectations after the Holiday Train experience with the kids. We brought Grandma and Grandpa along though, so the girls were more entertained and better behaved, and the actual tour was really well done. Josh is fairly anti-religion and was skeptical, but even he enjoyed it. Well done, Bala!

We weren't allowed to take photos, I stole these from the internet.
These were the tax collectors. They hassled Laura for rolling up her
paper she needed stamped and asked her for more money! haha
They were so great.

Again, not my photo, but here are Mary and Jesus and Joseph
that we met at the end of the trek. 

Sunday, Dec. 6

Hi Laura and Rachel,
Wasn't it fun learning about 

the Christmas Story yesterday?

Today I thought we could learn 

about another holiday that happens

at this time of year - Hanukkah!
Love, Buddy

    Trying to be careful to educate and not appropriate, we read several books from the library about the origins of Hanukkah and how people celebrate today. We listened to Hanukkah songs and made Star of David ornaments, made food that people typically eat during Hanukkah (latkes and applesauce, brisket, and sufganiyots), and lit the menorah. On the last night of Hanukkah, we gave the girls a gift (chocolate coins) and played the dreidel game while the eight candles burned. We all really enjoyed learning about this holiday. 

Monday, Dec. 7

Oh hi Laura and Rachel,
I was just doing some shopping here 
and thought you guys might like
to go shopping too to get some things
to take to the food bank today.
Love, Buddy

Tuesday, Dec. 8

Help!
Laura and Rachel, I've been captured
by Woody, Jessie, and Buzz!
They didn't like that I suggested
you guys donate some of your toys to 
kids who will use them more.
Love, Buddy

Wednesday, Dec. 9 

Laura and Rachel,
Good morning!
I was just borrowing your mommy's
new computer to look up some ideas
for a gingerbread house.
What do you two think we should make this year?
Love, Buddy

Laura suggested a gingerbread train like the Polar Express, but Rachel suggested we make Pinkie Pie's house (from My Little Pony). I googled it and it looks like a challenge!
It took us several days, but this was what we came up with:

Thursday, Dec. 10

Dear Laura and Rachel,
Christmas is a time for giving
and today I have brought you some gifts!
In turn, perhaps you could take
a gift to the neighbours.
Love, Buddy

     I heard Rachel let out a squeal this morning to find presents under the tree; she thought Santa had come already. haha. Laura quickly corrected her and told her the presents were from Buddy, and then she attempted to read his note. Their gifts were ornaments for the tree and they were both really happy with them, and also excited to take gifts to the neighbours. 

Friday, Dec. 11

Hi Laura and Rachel!
Let's visit my buddy Santa today,
and take some pictures.
Don't forget to smile!
Love, Buddy

Saturday, Dec. 12

Good morning, Girls!
Dashing through the snow
in a one horse open sleigh - 
that's what we are going to do today!
Oh, what fun!
Love, Buddy

     Other than the fact that we still have no snow, this ended up being about as magical as it could have been! We arrived and there was no line - always a bonus when you have little kids with you. There was a quartet of carolers singing nearby while we waited for the wagon to return, and they made me happy - they were quite good.  Everyone was in a good mood and once we got on the wagon, Laura started singing Christmas carols because that is the kind of kid she is. The people who ended up on the wagon with us were such good sports and started singing along with her, even the men. It totally made my heart swell.

Sunday, Dec. 13

Dear Laura and Rachel,

Today you're going to hear

lots of Christmas songs

at mommy's cantata at church!

Monday, Dec. 14

Hello Laura and Rachel,
I just have some craft stuff out here
and thought it would be a good
day to make some Christmas gifts.
Love, Buddy

Tuesday, Dec. 15

Hey Laura and Rachel,

Wanna go for a drive

after dark to see all the 

pretty Christmas lights?

Love, Buddy

Wednesday, Dec. 16

Laura and Rachel,
I was trying to be helpful 
and do some wrapping for you guys,
but it looks like I need some help!
Can we do it together?
Love, Buddy

Thursday, Dec. 17

Good morning  Laura and Rachel,
The best way to spread Christmas cheer
is singing loud for all to hear!
Today is Rachel's Christmas concert. 
I'm so excited to hear her sing 
and spread all that Christmas cheer.
Love, Buddy

     Buddy accompanied us to Rachel's Christmas concert today because he was so excited to hear her sing, and she did a great job! 

Friday, Dec. 18

Oh, good morning Laura and Rachel,

I was just sewing you guys some aprons

so you could make Christmas cookies today!
Mmm!

Love, Buddy

Saturday, Dec. 19

Dear Laura and Rachel,
I overheard you reading 
about the Nutcracker this week
and thought it would be fun
to go to the ballet today!
Love, Buddy

Sunday, Dec. 20

Hey Laura and Rachel, 

Did you know that candy,

candy canes, candy corns, 

and syrup are the elves' 

four main food groups?

Today let's take a well-balanced

meal to our friends 

with a new baby.

Love, Buddy

Monday, Dec. 21

Hi Laura and Rachel,
Let's show some Christmas Spirit 
and catch the men who collect the garbage
and recycling every week to give them a
Christmas gift. I'm sure they would like 
some appreciation for what they do!
Love, Buddy

Tuesday, Dec. 22

Hello Laura and Rachel,
As of today the days will be getting longer
and we will be able to enjoy more sunshine!
Let's celebrate the solstice today!
Love, Buddy

Wednesday, Dec. 23

Dear Laura and Rachel, 
We've just caught Buddy the Elf
in this bucket of candy canes here
because we wanted to make a suggestion today!
Why don't y'all be candy cane fairies 
and spread some Christmas Cheer?
Love, Tink, Periwinkle, and Rosetta

Thursday, Dec. 24

Dear Laura and Rachel,
Tomorrow is Christmas!
It's practically here!
And now that advent is over,
I, in my cap, will be settling down
for a long winter's nap.
Here is one last gift for you
to remember me by.
You two did a great job
of spreading Christmas Cheer this year.
Love, Buddy

Laura actually cried this morning when we read his note. She is sad to see him go. I, on the other hand, am exhausted and am looking forward to my own long winter's nap! Merry Christmas, All!