Preparing for Halloween...already?

It's been a while since I have had time to update this blog. We have been busy trying to get into the routine of school, but a little storm named Fay altered our routine for a few days. Thomas is getting used to going to school but still quite upset when I drop him off. It's getting better compared to two weeks ago. Nana and Aunt Lizzie (and Ken, too) are going to take turns picking him up early so he doesn't have to stay for the afternoon daycare. He is so happy about that plan. We are going to try it for a few months and maybe by Christmas he'll be able to handle a full day at school.

Lately Thomas has been obsessed with the movie Toy Story 2. We have several of the character dolls and action figures. He jumps off the couch just like "Buzz Lightyear". It made it really easy to decide what he should be for Halloween. I got the costume off ebay and I am still looking for the accessories that go with it. It came in the mail yesterday and Thomas loved the costume and it fits perfect. Here's a sneak peak of what he'll look like for Halloween.

"To infinity....and beyond!"

First Day of School

Today we reached another milestone....the first day of school.

We started getting ready the night before by choosing the special "first day"outfit, we also prepared the lunchbox, and picked out a special stuffed animal to take for naptime. We accidentally oversplept this morning which added to the stress of it all. I didn't get to snuggle him long enough as I planned. We made it to school on time and we were so glad that Ken took the morning off to go with us. Thomas wasn't too sure about going. He told me, "I'm going to leave my lunchbox in the van." Translation: if I leave my lunch she won't let ME stay at school because I won't be able to eat. (Ha! And to think he's only three! ) He did cry as we were getting ready to leave him. He said to me, "Bye, Mommy....it's ok, daddy's going to stay with me." Talk about disappointing him! Needless to say, the staff said he had a good day with some tears. I suppose that's normal and to be expected. He is a little upset that I am making him go again tomorrow. (By the way, Thomas took flowers to his teacher this morning just like I did on my first day of nursery school. )

Our Home Visit

Thomas begins "big boy" school on August 11th at St.Luke's. It is customary that the pre-school teacher makes a home visit to get to know the child in their own environment. Since Thomas was rather anxious about summer camp, I thought it was a good idea for his teacher to come over and play. The teachers he had in summer camp are not the same ones that he will have for this school year. The teacher's name is Mrs. Lowney. She brought pictures of her family to show Thomas and also pictures of her assistant. She asked Thomas lots of questions and was able to understand him with his three year old voice. We talked a lot about their procedures and our seperation anxiety issues. Thomas was sad to see her leave and I think having her come will make him more excited about going to school. He's a picture of Thomas and his first teacher. :)

Thomas' Three Year Old Pictures!

After we went to the "Mr.Richard" concert we had an appointment to have our pictures taken at Picture People. Even though Thomas was a little grouchy, we got some good pictures. I wanted pictures that captured his age, that's why I brought some of his favorite books as props. He has us read at least 10 books everynight. I hope that his love of reading continues, but incase it doesn't... we have this picture. I also wanted to have one done of the two of us like when we did his pictures at three months old. These photos that we have taken every year are my favorite. I love to see how Thomas has changed from year-to-year. He's growing up so fast. Hope you like them!

Mr. Richard Concert

Today we were very busy. We started our morning at the Barnes and Noble in Waterford Lakes Plaza seeing a "Mr.Richard" concert. I had heard that he was a great childrens performer and sang fun songs. Well, they were right! We got there about 30 minutes early to save seats for our friends that were going to meet us there. Thomas was so happy to see the kids that used to come over to our house to play. The concert was a lot of fun. Thomas had fun dancing and even dared to go to the stage area to dance with the other kids for the final song. After the show, we bought a t-shirt. We had a super fun time and will be looking for his CD's.

Summer Camp

Today was the first day of summer camp for Thomas. He will be going Tuesday-Thursday for the next weeks weeks from 8:30-1:30. It is at St.Luke's Lutheran School, where he will be going in the fall. This is a great opportunity for us to practice for the fall when he will be going full time.

I had to wake Thomas up early so that we would be on time. I asked him what he wanted for breakfast and he said, "I want to have breakfast with Elmo."

I had to take his picture before we left. So handsome!

When we got to the school I took his picture in front of the school signs. He had all his supplies including his first packed lunch. (Love note included) :0)

The class was on the playground. Thomas was excited to climb the equipment and see what kind of outdoor toys they had.

Everything seemed to be going good until I said it was time for me to leave. He didn't cry but kept questioning WHY I had to go. I told him that was how summer camp worked! Of course I cried after leaving him, but was brave and didn't show my tears in front of him.

We both managed getting through the day. When I came to get him he began to wimper. He was glad I came back for him. The teachers mentioned that he cried some after snack time, but had fun playing nicely with the new friends. I asked Thomas what he did and he said that he played with cars....at least he mentioned something fun.

He also made a beautiful, glittery fish! It is already on the frige. All in all, I think he had fun. He said he wasn't too excited about going back tomorrw, but they are having a splash day so that may help with the separation anxiety. Wish us luck making this huge transition. If it doesn't work out, I'll have to homeschool him until he's 18! Ha! :)

***More 4th Fun***

I wanted to share some photos from our 4th of July fun at Emily's house. We went to her neighborhood fireworks show and we were very impressed. Emily had been wanting us to go there for the past few years and since Thomas was older and more aware of the holiday, we joined her and her family for the fun. The man who organizes the event raised thousands of dollars to purchase fireworks. The roads were blocked off for safety and they even had a DJ! Thomas had fun doing sparklers and stomping on bubble wrap. He wasn't scared of the noise, thank goodness. We also got a chance to spend time with Grammy Pammy and Daddy Vroom-Vroom. We hope everyone had a fun 4th like we did.