Bowling

As an extention of Connor's birthday, we took him bowling this evening for the first time. He had the best time and so did his sister. Connor got a score of 81. We decided that this will probably be the last year for family only parties, next year we will allow him to invite his friends. The kids are already asking to go back so we'll probably go over one of these Sunday afternoons.

Before we went over to bowl, we had everyone over to the house for pizza and Connor opened his gifts. Grandma Judy, Papa Bill, Grandma Donna, Papa Hilton, Uncle Jason, Aunt Justine, Aunt Brenda and Steve made his birthday that much more enjoyable. Thanks to everyone for the money and gifts. His money is burning a hole in his pocket. He wants in the worst way to buy something.

Connor is 6....

Connor turned 6 years old today which is so hard for me to believe. Time is passing us by so quickly. I'd love for time to stand still during this brief period of his life. When I brought my bundle of joy home from the hospital 6 years ago, he was a tiny 7 lb and 12 oz and 21 inches long. Today he weighs in at 43 lbs and 46 inches tall. Today was a school day for Connor, so after he got home from school and his Dad got home from work, he opened his birthday gifts. His Grandma Shirley and Papa Brad stopped in later in the evening and had some birthday cake with us.


Connor gets his picture taken with his Dad and then with his Mom and Maleah



Connor enjoyed his birthday gifts. I was able to find Bionicle - an outdated Nintendo DS game on Amazon for a steal. We got him a Bionicle to construct and we got him some Matchbox cars. All the gifts were a hit this year. :) Tomorrow night we are heading out for a little fun, we are taking Connor bowling for the first time.

Maleah's First Dental Cleaning

Maleah had her teeth cleaned for the first time with our hygienist, Keli. Maleah did fantastic throughout her cleaning appointment. She was so relaxed and compliant with everything Keli asked of her. I forgot my camera so Keli took a couple pictures with her camera. Maleah had no cavities and is a great brusher, (along with her Mommies help). I really didn't know what to expect of Maleah since she can be pretty shy with strangers, but she warmed right up to Keli. Talking about her appointment for almost a week straight may have helped too.

Interview with Connor (almost 6)

On Facebook, I was asked by a few friends to interview my child, so I interviewed Connor and had quite a few chuckles with my friends over these answers. Even though this is in Facebook to see, I still wanted to share it in my blog for the non Fabebook users.

Interview with Connor (soon to be 6)

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Be good
2. What makes mom happy?
Good behavior
3. What makes mom sad?
Bad behavior
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
you tickle me
5. What was your mom like as a child?
A good little girl
6. How old is your mom?
36
7. How tall is your mom?
5 feet
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Drink beer (LMAO)
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Work and get gasoline
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Building a rocket or something
11. What is your mom really good at?
Driving
12. What is your mom not very good at?
Being mean (I must try harder)
13. What does your mom do for a job?
Cleans dirty teeth
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Steak and chef salad
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Buying me stuff I want
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Power Rangers
17. What do you and your mom do together?
We play the DS together
18. How are you and your mom the same?
We have the same color of skin
19. How are you and your mom different?
Because you're a girl and I'm a boy
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Cause I do stuff that makes you proud
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Because he loves ya
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Penn Brewery

Picking Up Connor

This afternoon, I picked up Connor at his school before heading over to his dental cleaning. While I waiting outside of the principle's office for him to round the corner, a group of second or third graders lined up outside of their room. I saw Connor and he gave me the biggest smile. He grabbed my hand and we walked down the hallway. We passed the older kids and he still held my hand. I felt proud that he wasn't embarrassed to hold his Mom's hand. I know the time is coming when he won't want to show affection toward me, I'm just happy it wasn't today. Walking past a group of girls, they said, "Goodbye Connor", and he shyly said, Goodbye. I asked once we were outside who those girls were and he said, "I don't know there names Mom, but everyone knows me."

Oh and to add, Connor had no cavities, as usual. He has yet to get a wiggly tooth. He asks me every day to feel his teeth for a loose one but nothing yet.

Maleah's sick

Maleah's been sick this past weekend with a stomach bug and running a fever of 102. I gave Christine a heads up last night that I might not be at work today. Maleah was up again through the night spitting up so I called the day off.

Brian called me around 9:00am telling me the terrible news that occurred over the weekend is my area where I grew up. An acquaintance of mine, Toni Clinger Schrecengost, was shot and killed by her husband and then her husband killed himself. This news has shocked the New Bethlehem and surrounding area. I grew up knowing Toni as my cousins best friend. My Aunt and Toni's Mom were close friends. I haven't seen Toni in more than a decade, but a tragedy as this leaves me feeling very sad for all the family members dealing with the emotional aftermath. My prayers go out to their families during this difficult time.

Sight words for Kindergarten

Connor has sight words that his teacher is encouraging the whole class to practice at home. Connor was not able to read before entering Kindergarten and he is doing well with these sight words in preparation for reading. We work on them every night before going to bed. The list is simple and few. He does really well with recognizing the color words. He had trouble with like and look. It's amazing watching him learn. These are his sight words:

a and can have I in is it

like look my see the what you

red orange yellow green blue pink

gray black white brown purple

In addition to these words, he can count from 1-100 by 1, 5's and 10's. Oh, and to our surprise, he learned to tie his shoes at school. We have tried numerous times to get him to learn, but he doesn't have the patience. I haven't pushed this as I thought we would master it this summer. I guess Kindergarten thinks it's important now. :) He knows his full address, phone number, the days of the week and months of the year. He knew all those before starting Kindergarten though.

5 weeks at home...Heaven

As many of you know, I had the whole month of January off work since Dr. Weaver spends time in Mexico, soaking up the sun. I really enjoyed my time off with Maleah. We spent most of our days playing babies, watching ABC's and 123 DVD's and watching lots of Dora. We practiced color recognition, and counting to 10. She's mastered putting puzzles together. She likes I Spy books.

I guess it's not that bad having January and the first week of February off after all. I really enjoyed sleeping in until 7:15 most days when it was only 10 degrees outside. Connor had 3 days where school was canceled and several days where there were 2 hour delays.

After staying home for 5 weeks, I can say that I'd really enjoy being home full time. With the Economy being in a downward spiral, we've made the decision that I'll continue to work until things stabilize.

Maleah

Maleah loves to be read to before she goes to sleep at night. I take about 10 minutes each night, some nights it is just one book, sometimes it is 5. Tonight we are reading Go Dog Go! She practices her colors with this book.




Every night, I also have a routine of covering her with her two favorite blankets. The blankets have to be print up.

Connor prepares for 1st grade

One of the components of testing for readiness for first grade is rapid letter naming. Connor and his classmates have been practicing this important skill at school. Mrs. Say would like for the kids to practice rapid letter naming at home. Connor is to read the lines left to right and stop after one minute. A score of 50 per minute is their target.

Connor is able to do 43 per minute. With a little more practice, he will be right on target. I can tell now, homework is going to be a chore for all us.

Edit to add 2/14/09 Connor is able to recognize 54 in one minute.