Big Girl Rooms, Update

Well, apparently the day went off without a hitch yesterday (at least until Jason picked up the girls and attempted to take them to Publix, which is an entirely different story). Hallie's teacher informed us that Hallie kept asking for pull-ups, which is weird since she's never even worn one before. But the new little girl in her class is potty-trained, so our pride may be kicking in a little. The teacher thinks H is ready for potty training because, in her words, "that girl has too much sense."

Toni said that Sara had a wonderful day yesterday, although she did tell Jason that once during the day Hallie yelled from across the hall, "Sara crying, Toni." SUCH a helper. She said that Sara was falling asleep at the lunch table, which is right before the noon nap time. Poor little thing. But they say she napped on the napper, so I'd call it a success.

This morning didn't go quite so well for Sara, who decided to throw the type of red-faced fit that only my Sara can throw. By the time I left the school, Toni had laid her on a mat and walked away, slightly amused by how just how mad she was for no reason. Toni was digging for a pacifier in Sara's bag, which I only hope calmed the craziness.

But this morning went fabulous for Hallie. We went to Sara's room first to drop her off, and while I was putting Sara in her room, Hallie just walked on over to her new room and went in and started playing. I kind of panicked when I turned around and she was gone, but then I saw her playing with her friends across the hall. She told me to "have good daaaaay" and I left.

So, I think 50/50 isn't too bad for the second day of the schoolyear. And I have no doubt that Toni will prevail in Sara's little world and they will get along great.

Big Girl Rooms

Hallie and Sara got promoted today! This means that Sara now has our beloved Miss Toni, and Hallie has moved into Miss Malania's class with her friends. I was anticipating/dreading the move for Hallie, as I knew it would be hard to understand why Sara-and not Hallie-was going to Toni's room. So, we've been talking it up for about a week and a half now.

Hallie did better than expected this morning, although she did say after being in her new room for a few minutes, "I want to go to my class." And then she pointed to Toni's class (which is directly across the hall, unfortunately for Sara). I convinced her that her new room was where she needed to be and that it wasn't so bad. We'll see if Miss Malania managed to keep her out of Toni's room all day, though.

In her new room, Hallie will start potty training. I think she is more than ready, as she asks to go to the potty every once in a while anyway. It's just a matter of helping her with the timing now. Although I'm not exactly looking forward to this process, I AM looking forward to buying (and changing) one less box of diapers!

Sara's big promotion means 3 things for her: (1) she gets to go on the playground almost every day, (2) going on the playground means she has to wear shoes, which may be a little bit of a battle for Miss Toni, and (3) she has to nap on a napper and cot only once a day from 12 to 2. The last change is going to be the biggest. I have warned Toni that Sara will be sleepy and grumpy long before noon arrives, but Toni assured me they will be fine...we'll see.

An update to follow after Jason picks them up...

First Dentist Visit

My big girl went to the dentist for the first time today. Although she didn't want to lay down, once Miss Laurie said she could clean H's teeth with her sitting up, we were in business. Hallie opened up her mouth wide and let Miss Laurie brush and floss. And Miss Laurie had her cool water-sprayer, which Hallie loved. Here she is drinking water. (And of course, she got lots of fun stickers and loot, so it was a hit, overall.)

One Year Checkup/Update

Jason took both girls to the pediatrician yesterday and is still recovering from the trauma of it all...

Sara had her one year checkup, and the doc says she looks great. She is 31 inches tall (95th percentile) and weighs 23 lbs 5 oz (75th percentile). We're moving toward getting rid of the bottles and just drinking milk cups, which is sort of like Mommy and Daddy getting a small raise because they don't have to buy formula. We also need to start brushing her teeth, which should be interesting.

Sara took several steps at her first birthday party and has continued to putter around a little bit. She will be taking off in no time. But, just for the record, she HATES shoes. (Not at all like her diva sister, who has a little bit of a shoe fetish.) Hopefully we'll get over this soon, as her big girl room at school will require shoes. Keeping my fingers crossed...

Cousins

A Few More Party Pics

Playing with Juju and JonJon

We got to hang out with the Groves this afternoon after the party, which was very fun. (Then we went to the hottest restaurant ever with three squirmy children two and under, where we proceeded to regret this decision.) But, we ended the evening with some chocolate and were so glad to spend time with our sweet aunt and uncle and, of course, Charlie!

"Who, Me?"

While everyone else was playing in the playroom, Sara went missing for a couple of minutes. And then I heard them. The pots and pans, that is. She has quite a penchant for opening cabinets. One that her sister never had. People have often expressed a little amazement that I've been able to keep some cabinets "unlocked" and some breakable things within arm's reach of my little ones. But Hallie has never really been interested. Sara...well, let's just say she's interested. :)

A Few of the Party Guests

We are so blessed by our wonderful family, who are so very good to my girls. We had a fun day celebrating Sara with them!

Assembly Line

The grandfathers were our assembly crew, tasked with undoing all the boxes.

Waiting patiently...

It's Hard Not Being the Birthday Girl...

Not so sure Hallie was completely ok with Sara getting ALL the presents and attention...

It's rough to be the big sister when you're only two. And Hallie definitely had a few moments today. But I'm very proud of her because she was so genuinely excited about Sara's party. She has been asking every morning for a week if it's Sara's birthday yet, and this morning at breakfast she sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She also gave Sara a baby doll just like hers. I am glad my girls have each other.

Birthday Cake: Sara's Favorite Food Group

The pictures really say it all. She thought she was in heaven.

Opening Presents!

She had just a couple of things to open. :)

She really liked the cards and envelopes, of course.

Birthday Girl!

Sara Bee turned one today! So, we celebrated with a bumblebee party, of course. She had a wonderful time!

Cutie Pies

Check out photos of my girlies here...

http://kristenstewartphotography.wordpress.com/

Vocabulary

Just in time for her big birthday, Sara has started saying a few words, including:

"Uh-oh" (her favorite for sure)
"mama" (my favorite for sure)
"daddy"
"thank you" (you have to work for this one, but she can say it)

I can't wait until she calls Hallie by name. Hallie continues to refer to Sara as "her baby," which I love.

We are very excited about Sara's birthday on Saturday and are planning a bumblebee celebration (with much help from her Gigi)! Pictures to follow...

First Haircut

Hallie's hair has been looking a little stringy, so this morning she got a haircut at her daddy's barbershop. Miss Angie just trimmed the ends, in hopes that the trim will make her hair grow a little faster. She has such pretty, curly, thick hair--Mommy would just like for it to be a little bit longer. So, we'll see...

Hallie was very brave the whole time, and thankfully Miss Angie moved very quickly!

Big Girl Seat!

Sara Bee got her big girl car seat today! She now faces forward and can get into lots of mischief with Hallie in the back seat without having to crane her neck around that clunky old backward facing seat. She likes it very much and played peekaboo with her blanket all the way home.