Race for the Cure 2010

The kids did great at Race for the Cure this year. There were lots of "prizes" aka giveaways at the tents that were exciting and Ben "won" the McCullough Family altered Fun Run route. You can't beat that! It was all due to his special bandana. He told us that fast people wore their bandanas like that and cool people wore there bandanas like that and that he was both!

E's 18 Month Checkup

When the kids were off of school and we were between vacations, we took Elizabeth to the doctor for her 18 month appointment. She is doing great and is now 21 lb 8 oz (11%) and 32.25” long (64%). Her percentages are staying right on track from previous appointments so she is continuing to grow well. The doctor said that she looks great and we will go back when she turns two! She did have to get one shot that day, so that wasn’t super fun, but she was a trooper.

Elizabeth has more words every day. She wants to “walk” everywhere herself and go “(out)’side” as often as we will let her. One of her favorite words is “cheese” whether smiling for a picture or asking for a snack. She is starting to name people more and often follows the name with mama sounds. So we have dada-mamamama, grandma-mamamama and grandpa-mamamama. Ben/Brother sounds mostly like Bubby or Bobby. Elizabeth enjoys all of her accessories always wanting to wear “hats”, “shoooes” and “socks” – probably so she can go “’side”.

She still firmly believes she is the princess in our house and at school. She doesn’t leave the teachers’ sides and often goes on errands with them to the school office the same way she follows Daddy around at home. At the same time, she is very independent and as her brother says “wants to do what she wants to do”.

She is still a great eater. She runs to her booster seat as soon as we get home from school ready for dinner. We check her care sheet to make sure she ate lunch and it normally says she ate double servings of everything – she is just hungry again! When you move that much, you must just need a lot of fuel! She eats a good variety too. She definitely out-eats her brother when it comes to vegetables.

She is quite the wonder and we are enjoying watching her soak in the world around her!

New Classes

After a fun week off, the kids both started in new classes at school on Monday. Ben is now in the Explorers class and Elizabeth is in ICD (the oldest “infant” class). Most of Ben’s friends moved with him so it is mainly new teachers and classroom to get used to. His new schedule is chock full of center time, group time, worksheets, and all sorts of learning and stimulation. It is also the first time that we have had school supplies – he even has his own scissors and three subject notebook now! He loves it and actually requested on the second day that Mom didn’t pick him up so early and let him stay longer. The Explorers are studying Hawaii this week and having a Welcome Luau on Friday. We are really excited about what fun is in store for him this year.

Elizabeth is in a room that has a loft play area, lots of dress up and a whole new level of toys to explore. There are also tables and chairs instead of the table with little jump seats, and there is no buggy that the class uses to get around. The kids are expected to hold onto a rope and follow the teacher. Watch out, ICD teachers – Elizabeth has a mind of her own! Her teachers are ones that she is already familiar with and she seems to be right at home. There are a few familiar faces, but lots of older kids to get to know. It should be a fun year!

Back to School night is next week and we will get to hear even more about the year ahead. They are both growing so fast – it is exciting to see the new opportunities they will have!

Ben's first day outfit - Wow!