Report card

Andy got a report card of sorts this week. It's an interesting preview of what's to come, that's for sure. The good news is he seems to be right with his peers in terms of language development, speech, interaction, socialization, math, motor skills, etc. He's even above average in his counting, being able to count solidly up to 41 was apparently impressive. Bjorn is thrilled about this part. It cracks me up to see his delight in his kids excelling at something, anything.

I was worried about the socialization part. He's new to this school, well, a few months now, and when I ask him about who he played with, he won't tell me much. But his teacher said he's got a core group of buddies -- Leonard mostly, followed by Elliot and sometimes Matthew. That was good to hear.

Things have been chaotic here otherwise. I was out of town for a week for work, which was both good and exhausting. I'm always glad when it's over as I don't have to do it again for a year, but I've been working toward this for at least six months so it's always nice to see the fruits of my labors.

Jennifer also moved in last weekend. Right now the house is still brimming with too much stuff so we're still sorting out what furniture to keep, what to put in the attic and what to get rid of all together. She's taking over the basement and it's been interesting to see all her stuff mixed with ours and trying to find the best way to give her privacy and space while keeping the TV and Wii station and access to the laundry room. Right now I am bumping into furniture in the wrong places still, but we're slowly getting it all situated. The bonus? She makes coffee every morning and occasionally folds laundry and does the dishes. I can get used to that.

My little mimic

Meg is really a mimic right now. I have been saying things and I swear I hear her repeat them. The unfortunate thing is apparently I'm the only one that can make it out. Or else I'm imagining things.

"Did you hear that, Jennifer? I think she said yogurt!"
"Ah, um, what?"

Yeah, well, I heard it.

The little girl is also really starting to show her toddler strides. She groans and screeches when I take a toy away or try to redirect. That part is annoying, but then she comes around with this big lovely grin. How can I refuse? If only she were cuddly. She doesn't really want to be held any more (unless Bjorn is working his magic on a nap). I would love it if I could just get her to nestle up to me in bed one morning, but instead she wants to play. Silly girl!

A friend called me yesterday to say she'd been shut in all week with her sick toddler and could we get out for a drink. Bjorn was working late so I offered her to just come over for wine and at least not have to listen to her own kids whine for a bit. She stays home with the kids and I think was somewhat horrified by the life of a working mother, what with me throwing taquitos on the table for dinner and the evening rush of pick-up, dinner, bath, play and bedtime. Bjorn's been working a lot of late nights (i.e. home after bath time) though so it was lovely to have the company.

Speaking of company, Jennifer (or Gemminer as Andy calls her) is threatening to move in with us for a few weeks in the spring until she and her friends can move into their own place. She's so fun to be around these days and helpful with the kids that I've been trying to lure her into staying longer. Wisely, perhaps, she keeps kindly declining.

Ginger bread house

Jennifer is back from college and babysat Andy for us Friday night so we could go to my office Christmas, er, holiday party downtown. She brought along a ginger bread house and Andy was beyond excited to help her decorate it. I was actually quite impressed with his attention span with it. Of course, it was a new activity and he was excited to see Jennifer, but still. They did quite a nice job. Andy is very proud of himself for having "made" it. I swear, this kid likes to claim credit for stuff he didn't do all the time, but that's another story.

I put the completed project in the center of the dining room table and he keeps talking about how he wants to go inside the house and stay there. Sure, it would be cramped, but come on Mommy, it has a door! What else do you do with a door besides open it to go inside?