New Discovery

Worms are cool!

 



She Doesn't Tire Of It

The treasure chest of dress up items is in constant use!

 

My favorite...

Upgrade

A few days before her fourth birthday, we decided it was time to upgrade her carseat.  She meet the criteria to move to a booster.  We voted for one with a highback since she rides so much in a car (the back makes sleeping a little more comfortable) and the safety seems a little higher (and after a big accident in our history, I'm a big believer in a safe car seat).  

 

 We moved the better 5-point harness seat to the truck since it can be used for several more "pounds."  I think it's rating is until 65 lbs.  We love the booster so much, however, that I'm sure we will upgrade the truck seat sometime this year.

Speaking of weight, she had her 4-year old check-up a few weeks ago and weighs 39.4 pounds and is 41 1/2 inches tall.  Puts her between the 75th and 90th percentile, closer to the 90th.  This was her first doctor visit since last year's check-up!  Thankful for such a healthy girl!

Grammy!

Grammy's 91st birthday was last week.  I stopped by then and gave her some flowers, but we all headed up on the weekend to see her.  Wish Camden got to see her more often, but they always enjoy their visits.

 

 

 

As an added bonus, Gramma Pat and Grampa Jim were in town, too.  Camden brought Gramma a sticker for being so good and giving her a Highlight Magazine subscription for her birthday (she received the first issues this week -- and devoured them!).

Happy 1st Birthday, Preslee Marie

 

Preschool

We had a big change in our routine this week.  This summer when Camden moved up to the 4 year old class at her daycare, I started to have some concerns.  I wasn't really impressed with her new teacher in demeanor or interactions.  The summer was just daycare, but last week we moved to "preschool" format.  My concerns did not diminish (and maybe even increased) with what I thought Camden was getting.  Since we are considering starting her in kindergarten next year, I want to make sure she has a solid preschool preparation/experience.  

 

A friend of ours runs a preschool that we had talked about moving her to.  I saw a sign for an Open House on Tuesday last week and stopped by.  Turns out it was for all the incoming kids and their families.  I stayed briefly anyway and talked to a few parents I knew (they not only go to our church, but their kids were also at our daycare previously).  In talking to them, I realized my assessment of our current daycare/preschool was fairly accurate.  Additionally in the 15 minutes we were there, I was impressed with the staff, facility, attitude.  The testimonies of the parents didn't hurt.

 

The director said they were full and school started on Monday. I told her I'd like to be put on the wait list.  She gave me the handbook for me to make sure (which I read that night which only confirmed our desire to make this move).

 

Long story short (well sorta), the director called on Sunday afternoon, said she had a cancellation, and the spot was open for Camden if we wanted it.  I quickly said yes and Camden started the next morning.

 

From the moment we walked in on Monday, I knew we made the right choice.  From the greeting to the ease in leaving me, it was exactly what I want for her.  She had recently picked a new backpack (yes, Spiderman) in which she brought her blanket/pillow/change of clothes and we packed her lunch in her beloved monkey lunch box from earlier days (haven't had to do that since PDO when she was 1).

The first week has exceeded my expectations.  She absolutely loves the very structured, but very loving environment.  I am confident she will thrive in her new preschool.

Latest Water Adventure

A few Sundays ago, we enjoyed some time on Lake Waveland with our group from church.  After a wonderful meal, we took turns out on the boat.  Doug hooked the "raft" up to the back and off we went.  Camden was so excited.

 

Jen and Harry (fresh out of the Navy - welcome home!) and their two nephews joined us.  The two boys went first.  After seeing them, Camden was all too eager for her turn.

While it made things a little lopsided, Kevin took one side and Camden the other.  Doug was masterful in steering to give them a great ride and keep them afloat.  It probably didn't help that I was on the boat cringing at every turn, closing my eyes half the time, and fretting.  Boy it's hard being a paranoid mother.  I knew she was fine.  She had her dad, a life vest, and slim chance of wiping out, but my heart was racing and mind was churning scenarios none-the-less.

Doug taught her three hand signals.  Thumbs up to go faster, thumbs down to slow down, and a swipe across the neck to stop.  Everytime I looked back, Camden had her thumb up.  The little daredevil!

They both giggled and squealed the entire time.  Kevin also got her to yell, "Mom's a big chicken" because I was cringing a little too often.

 

We took a break and let another group go.  Afterward, we loaded up again and Camden went on her own.  I probably shouldn't have gotten on the boat.  Actually I did still have moments of concern, but I knew she was loving it and was so happy for my brave, adventure-seeking girl.