B.T.W.

Aidan....

• You now know all the words off of Meet the Sight Words 1. (I didn't realize that until I saw you say them all while we were up at Bridgett's.)
• We're moving on to Meet the Sight Words 2 with review of 1. You do not, however, really see the point in knowing them... that understanding of why you should know a word is beyond you yet.
  
• You know all the numbers 1-10 and presently, you're working on actual counting. Give it a few more weeks and you'll have it.
  
• There seems to be no interest in learning the alphabet song. (huh!)
• In a few days we will receive in the mail your very first start of a phonics program.. the primers for the Explode the Code series. I do not expect you to be able to do them at all but I want them for ideas and to "plant seeds" as Mutti says.
• I will be starting tomorrow with VERY loose teaching. I mean, I've always taught you things but there is to be a time every morning when you and I do "school" together. Yes, hunny, I know you're two but it wont be hard. For example... we'll use only one color to color a picture, color and draw and cut out one shape until you know it, start trying to trace things like lines etc for hand coordination, practice with scissors, play counting games, etc etc. I'll be going with the flow most of the time. My philosophy is to have no expectations and just enjoy watching you learn. Seriously, this won't be a big thing... it's just I shall be making a more structured effort.
• You totally speak in complete sentences. Sometimes it takes us (your daddy, me, and grandma) back the sentences you come out with.
  
• You are SOOOO 2! You are pushing every button you can to get a reaction out of us. You like to act really silly when you're supposed to be doing something (ex. falling on the floor when you need to get dressed) You are being mean to the animals or Ainsley to see what we'll do. You also have a "leave-me-alone-I-want-to-do-it" attitude at times. You're disrespectful with speaking to us but I don't take it badly because you don't know it's disrespectful. (ex... you told me today to "GO MOMMY... SHOO.. get Out ...GET OUT!! ) As I said and I'll reiterate.... you are Soooo 2!
• We're working on the whole manners things.... making you stop interrupting adults while they are talking, using "ma'am" and "sir", asking and telling things nicely, etc etc.
• Aidan, you're still a wonderful big sister. You play with "De De" while she's in the play pen... with her being hurt... she needs to be immobilized and so you'll ask to be put in it too. You still worry over her and make sure we are taking care of her properly. You have no issues with telling us what De De needs at any given moment.
  
• There are some jealousy issues at times
• You love playing with your baby dolls, you LOOVE to color, and you watch too much TV.
• Now, you can put a puzzle together that isn't slotted for each piece
• You are an extremely loving, affectionate little girl. I love your hugs, I love you mini beaver grin, I love your spirit.
  

De De... oops, I mean, Ainsley....

• You are working hard on vocalization .. esp since you have to stop with the physical right now. At this time.. you say "mama", "hi", "bye bye", and yesterday you started saying "da da" I hear more consonant sounds out of you every day.
• Holy cow, Ainsley, can there be a more happy, lovey, smiley girl? You make my heart whole with your infectious happiness! You are such a joy! I am so glad to have you.
• It is hard on you to not be able to move. Though you stay mostly in a good mood... it's obvious you want to be down and exploring
• Well, you were starting to walk. When we went up to Bridgett's you were just starting your first steps... obviously that is on hold right now.
  
• I worry like crazy about your arm. Sometimes I clip it to your front but it doesn't seem to stop you from using it. I just don't see how it can knit back together when you use it all day. I don't let you crawl or anything but still. I really cannot wait until you can get another xray
• Ainsley, you copy hand gestures now... like waving and raising your arms above your head. You even copy the "more" gesture.
  
• There is such an understanding look in your eyes... like you understand everything and are amused by it all... like you're waiting for the rest of the world to catch up
• You and your sister seem to be linked somehow... you "talk" to each other and crack each other up. You also have started annoying Aidan by grabbing and taking. She's now got that sibling tone..... "De DEEEEEE!"
• Girl, you are an instigator! If Aidan is in ya'll's room at night.. then you'll stay up and play and keep her up. We now have to stagger ya'll with the bed times. You go first.
  
• Unfortunately, we've gotten in the habit of giving you a bottle during the night. We are going to stop that when your arm feels better.
• I can't believe you are almost ONE! Didn't I just have you? OMG!
• Say goodbye to both the bottles and pacifier. They both shall be going soon. As will the formula (yay... HaPpY DaNcE!)...... say hello to milk baby!
• Oh, Ainsley, always keep the smiles..... and yes, I like your mischievousness... you remind me of me. How can I not love that?