California kids

These California kids got a taste of 75 degree weather today and it was certainly welcome. Despite some rough weeks before, Elena has been on her best behavior for days and Michael has begun to sleep better. Remind me to post all my frustrations sooner and maybe they'll fade as promptly (Here's where I wish to win the lottery, right?). Elena has expressed concern though, that she'll 'run out' of good behavior.




















We also made our final decision about sending Elena to Kindergarten this year and our conclusion is that we'll give her a bonus year in Jr. K in preschool and send her ahead next year. Though the review from her teachers was very positive, proclaiming Elena to be the, 'class leader, very popular' and 'to definitely have the attention of the class,' it also revealed that she, 'speaks out a lot' and 'is easily distracted.' They feel while Elena's vocabulary is extensive (shocking) and she has the necessary academic skills down, she is a little immature and could benefit from another year in preschool. We agree and though it would be logistically and financially easier to send her to Kindergarten with her neighborhood friends this year, she will be better off this way and that's all that's important. She seems happy about it and very excited to go to Kindergarten with one of her favorite (and younger) neighborhood friends, Kelsey.

Michael isn't doing much new, but says, 'Uh Oh' (kind of) when prompted. He remains a happy boy who loves bathtime, his family and now, throwing things (like Tupperware) as hard as he can. Atta' boy.

Moody blues

Oh the Grohs kids these days... We're convinced Elena has a master plan to drive us insane. She's mouthy, bossy and easily sent into fits of emotion and tantrums. She of course, finds her way back to sweet Elena, but calling her challenging lately is a definite understatement. Is it age four or some evil plot designed to make us grey before we're 40?

And Michael. The boy who slept so well for months, has decided that there's no reason to sleep without Mama by his side. And if he does decide to sleep solo, he does it for a couple hours at a time, waking for a pacifier, a 'shhhh' or a 'snack.' We aren't 'cry it out' people, but use the modified Ferber method as we nestle him into bed. It's much harder to do at 2 a.m. with Ryan and Elena sleeping. I trust that it won't always be like this, but for now, my beautiful boy is a joy in the day, but by night, he's a little devilish.

Oh the Grohs kids. I know the years to come will pose much greater challenges, but for now, may I just sigh with exhaustion? Night, night.





(p.s. It's not all bad... I took Elena to see Little House on the Prairie on Broadway the other night, which was one of the sweetest moments with her - I love seeing her enjoy the theater and especially theater based on my favorite show of all time. And Michael can now crawl from room to room and has pulled himself up on the furniture a couple of times. They remain our little loves, despite their infinite drama.)

On the move

Thank you, Easter Bunny!

Well, it's a little past 7:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday - We're already pooped and nestled in front of a Charlie Brown Easter movie (from Papa and Grandma Grohs). Elena is cradling the glass easter eggs the Easter Bunny got her especially for her 4 1/2 birthday today and Michael is 'high-fiving" Daddy. This shall be a short post, but it was a sweet morning with a lot of excitement from our 4 1/2 year old girl. Michael is just happy to enjoy his first Easter with a family who's very happy to have him on board.

Milestones

"Meat" (another affectionate nickname for our little Michael) finally crawled for the first time yesterday and Elena was his biggest supporter, offering applause and hugs galore. She was very adament that yesterday was a big day for Michael, but that Sunday would be a big day for her (as she turns 4 1/2 tomorrow, Easter Day). I think she loved celebrating Michael's victory but was quick to remind us that she was important too and had a big moment coming.

Pictures seen here include the Easter Egg Hunt and Michael's first egg-dyeing. Can you guess whose egg is whose?

We've been busy readying ourselves for the Easter holiday. Last weekend was the big neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt that Mommy chaired this year. It was a success with 1500 eggs, about 80 kids and Elena finding the 'golden ticket' egg that she had to redeem with the Easter Bunny himself. It was another one of those moments that I realized how much she's growing up, as her fear of the Easter Bunny is waning. She even hugged him. She did deny a trip to sit on his lap at the mall though (phew).

Anyway, Michael is certainly becoming a little boy, joining in when we clap, playing peek-a-boo (even covering his eyes sometimes), and making sounds that are clearer every day. We are very excited to watch him crawl and begin exploring a world that will soon be his. Happy first Easter, my little angel boy. Happy Easter to all.