Soccer Star

Lincoln started soccer on Saturday.  Like all things in life he was excited about the idea but once there he was unsure.  At first he did not want to even put the jersey on or go out on the field.  He insisted Cory go with him. 

Soccer lasts an hour.  The first part is "practice" and the second part is a game - 3 vs. 3.  When his team huddled up to talk about their game plan, Lincoln stood.  But at least he joined the group and at this point we were just thankful for the progress. 

And then the 3 on 3 started.  At first he stood back behind the rest of the team and watched.  They went through a few rounds of 3 on 3 and then the coach put him in.  His first time down the field and he scored a goal! He was so proud of himself - as were we! 

And sister enjoyed the water cup while all the festivities went on. 

 

He even joined in the team huddle at the end - without a parental assistance! 

 

Afterwards I was able to snap a picture of him - all smiles and ready for next week!

Preschool begins

On Tuesday, Lincoln began attending preschool.  Up until this point he has either been in a home childcare part time or a MDO program.  This will be his first experience with a true academic setting.  He will go Tuesdays and Thursdays to a great church preschool.  Lincoln is leery by nature so I knew this would be a tough adjustment.  And this is Cory's first time ever to take Lincoln to any type of child care aside from church class drop-off.  Lincoln is excited that the boys are going in the "Honda" and the girls are going in the "big car."  

On Tuesday morning, Cory took him to preschool.    He said when he walked in all the kids were sitting quietly at their desks playing with their "busy basket."  The teacher instructed Lincoln to go sit at his seat but instead he decided to go over to the Lego table.  We had visited that same Lego table on the day of the open house so I am sure it was familiar to him.  Cory soon snuck out and Lincoln was left to experience his first day.  

I picked Lincoln up that afternoon. When I went to his class he RAN towards me hugging me.  The teacher said "See, I told you Lincoln that soon your mommy would be here to get you!"  Then he looks at me and says OVER and OVER "Mommy, you have to come get me.  You can't leave me.  People can't leave kids.  Kids will get scared."  Then we gathered his stuff and he was telling me about his day.  And as we walked the long hallway and approached the door he held my hand and said "Mommy, I want to spend all my days at home."  {cue my heart being shattered}  

He talked more about school and how he got to play outside and when he wanted a drink he had to drink WATER!  Heaven forbid.  He would much rather drink milk or juice.  He told me how he had to go pee-pee but his teacher had to go with him.  He also told me and several other people who asked that he did not eat lunch.  I chose to have him eat the catered lunch so I guess he was thrown off by all the new that he just was not sure how to eat his fancy lunch.  Ha!

So Wednesday night we talked it up that it was time to go to school again.  He said he was ready and went to bed excited about the day.  He was up that morning earlier than normal and got himself all dressed and ready for the day.  Cory again dropped him off and reported that as soon as he walked away Lincoln began to get upset.  I decided to be *THAT* mom and emailed the director to check in on him Thursday morning.  She wrote back the sweetest response that he was happy, doing well and participating in all the activities.  And that she would check on him during lunch to make sure he got something to eat!  

Day Three was this week and he reported that he took a nap, ate lunch but that he cried "free" times.  When I asked him why he cried he said 'b/c I want my mommy!"  Sweet boy.  Sure knows how to make his momma feel special. Here is to a great school year!!

Cousin Craziness!

A week in late July, Cory's mom (Mimi) brought our nieces and the kid's cousins Mady and Lucy up to visit.  We had such a big time with them at our house.  The kids loved having them there and we stayed busy going places and doing lots of fun things. 

Everything Emery {15 months}

Wow!  Our little gal is quickly leaving behind her babyhood and charging forward into toddlerhood.  I think she may have forgotten to bring ALL of her sweetness with her.  Ha!  She is definitely still a mommy's girl and sweet and cuddly but she also has her moments.  She gets frustrated with Lincoln but still continues to follow him around all day and want to be near him.  She loves all things baby dolls, bracelets and necklaces.  However, it is not uncommon for her to play with cars, balls and trains.  

 

Let's see what else you have been up to, sweet girl:

• At your 15 month checkup on the 25th you weighed 25 lbs (80th percentile) and you were 32.5 inches tall (95th percentile) 
• You wear mainly 18-24 months clothes. 2T is a tiny bit big on you. 
• Between 13-15 months you went back and forth between taking a morning nap.  However, I think you are finally done with it.  I try to keep you up till about 12:30 so that you will nap at the same time as Lincoln.  However, I think you would easily lay down closer to 11:30 if I would let you.  Your afternoon naps are a pretty consistent 3 hours.

 

• You are a picky eater.  I can count on you always eating bananas, macaroni and cheese and corn.  You also like crackers.  You will just about any fruit or veggie as long as it is in the form of baby food.  You eat one of those squeezable pouches most meals.  You also love pancakes or waffles and eat them for breakfast each morning.
• You still drink soy milk.  I have tried cow's milk a few times but it still seems to upset your tummy.  We have also given you ice cream on few times and it also upsets your tummy.

 

• You have 12 teeth and you are also starting to get your 4 "fang" teeth in. 
• You love to move your mouth and bob your head like you are talking but you do not say anything.

• You love to hold mine or daddy's finger and walk room to room with us
• You still sleep with your paci and lovie.  I try to limit your paci to bedtime.  You LOVE that thing and if I let you have it all day you would.

•  You are pretty much running or a fast walking.  You waddle and it is really cute.
• You LOVE women but HATE men.  It is quite comical.  You will let any women hold you but if a man (except daddy and grandpa's) try to hold you then you immediately begin to cry.

• When other people are around you they comment on how laid back you are, how sweet you are and how much they love all your facial expressions.
• You understand everything we say to you and follow simple directions well.  You talk back to us with "words", pointing your finger and by using facial expressions.  It seems as though you sure have a lot to tell us.

• You love Lincoln and constantly want to be near Lincoln but you do not enjoy how rough he can be.  When you get upset with him you yell "no no no" and wave your arm back and forth.  It is actually kind of funny.  He loves you dearly but has a hard time showing it in a gentle way.  You are one tough cookie to put up with love.  :)

• You have about a handful of words like: dada (it's your favorite thing to say), mama (only when you are really upset), bubba, Lincoln (in your own little way), hi, hey, bye-bye, dog (sounds like do). 
• Speaking of, you LOVE puppy dogs.  I have a feeling you will be able to use those baby blue eyes to convince your daddy to get a dog one day. 

• And we gave you ketchup and cheese dip recently and needless to say you LOVED it. 

Happy 15 months, sweet girl.  I can hardly believe you are that big already!!