We have been plagued by illness after illness for the last two months. We have been graciously visited by the stomach bug (twice), the rhino-virus (high-fever cold too numerous to count), and the influenza (yep, even though we got the flu shot). This family loves to share and germs are no exception.
Throughout all of this, Everett turned one on December 23rd. He is walking and says a few words like 'kitty', 'sissy', 'momma', 'dada', and 'cookie' (yeah, go figure). He loves following Sophia all around and is already annoying her at the same time. He eats most foods and is becoming a true toddler. He is actually more adventurous than Sophia was. Everett readily climbs on anything and is seriously stubborn. I can happily report that he is finally sleeping through most nights! Now if I can just get to sleep at a reasonable time. I think that you'll agree with me that he is cuter than cute. I love his cheeky grin, which often turns into a smirk when he is up to no good.
Sophia recently begun preschool downstairs at the Montessori. She is really enjoying her new freedom and friends. She loves as much independance as she can get. Students are encouraged to find 'lessons' that interest them and thrive. They actually make their own nachos with tortilla chips and shredded cheese, toaster waffles with peanut butter, ice water, and other snack foods they make themselves. Then they are required to clean up too. They can experience numerous practical life areas such as: sewing and jewelry-making, painting/arts and crafts, stacking/building materials, and kitchen-work (pouring, measuring, mixing). Students can also work with many musical instruments, tactile science objects (minerals from me, rocks, plants, fossils, etc), and critter-care (hamster, rat, fish, lizard). While she is in preschool she will learn her phonetic alphabet, reading and basic writing, simple mathematical ideas (proportions, basic arithematic), and geography of the US and the world (with cultures). We are really excited about her learning at the Montessori. We are very fortunate that both Sophia and Everett are well-loved by their teachers. Sophia's former toddler-room care-giver Sundi, has recently told me that she honestly misses her...and has so much free time now that she isn't constantly being challenged by Sophia. Sundi has already called dibs on Everett when he transitions into the toddler room. I have assured Sundi that she won't be disappointed with his equally stubborn personality.
