How awesome is this?

Seriously - this was my drive home from the commissary. I love England!

Emmy Update

Emmy tried school again today - success!! She went for an hour and a half and did cry at the beginning but the teacher said she only cried for a minute after I left and didn't cry the rest of the morning - until I showed up, of course!! She played outside, ate her snack and was generally happy. Thank goodness! What a weight off of my shoulders - now she can go for the full 3 hours Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Not that I want to be away from her - but I think she will improve in her speech and socialization. Aidan made dramatic improvements in just about every area when he started school and he was much happier in general. Being challenged is so good for them! I'm so proud of Emmy for overcoming her first big hurdle - there will be many many more to come and I feel good that she is beginning to develop confidence in herself and her ability to cope with new situations and challenges. Yeah!!

Emmy at School

Aidan has been enjoying himself at school - no surprises there! Emmy, on the other hand, has been having a rough time adjusting. She goes to nursery school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-12. The teachers here try to do an adjustment period - over the first few days they increase the time she spends at school. The first day was horrible - she was hysterical (and had wet pants) after 30 minutes and I had to come and bring her home. She went back on Friday morning because they felt badly that she had such a negative first day. She still cried on Friday but didn't seem as bad - she still only spent 30 minutes there. We have been talking and reading books about school all weekend and she seemed happy this morning. She was saying that she was going to be brave and have fun at school. She even said "Mommy comes back soon" as we were walking down but as soon as we got into the classroom she started crying and clinging to me. She suddenly became more verbal and said No - don't go Mommy! Ugh - it's better when they can't verbalize that! But I left her for an hour today and I got back as snack was finishing up in the kitchen. I could see her as I came in and it was so heartbreaking to watch her sit at the little table not eating, looking lost and so small. She has such a big personality normally and it makes me so sad to see her like that. I'm sure she will be fine in a few more sessions. The teachers all told me how much better she was today. She's going for an hour and a half on Thursday so hopefully she will continue to improve.

First Day of School

Today was Aidan and Emmy's first day of school! Aidan started Kindergarten. He'll go full time, 9-3 every day! Emmy will be at preschool Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-12.
Aidan has to wear a uniform to school like the big kids. He looked so cute this morning - very grown up.

Aoife is 4 months!

Aoife is 4 months old!! She is doing great - still happy all the time! She is still sleeping through the night - about 12 hours. Although I hope it will last, I'm sure it won't so we are enjoying every night of good sleep! She is pretty chatty when she's awake and loves attention from Aidan and Emmy. They both adore her and are very concerned about where she is every minute of the day. Here she is - holding her head up very well!

Umbrellas

My mom sent the kids these wonderful umbrellas to use here in rainy England. They love them and have only used them in the sun so far. Like Emmy's outfit? It's a 12 month sized Red Sox cheerleading outfit that she found in Aoife's room and insisted on wearing. The top was too small and the skirt was too big! I think the sizing is off a bit!

Uffington Country Fair

This weekend we went to a country fair not far from our house. It was a little cold and rainy but that didn't stop us! Emmy had a great time looking at all of the animals and Aidan had fun on the rides and watching the sword fighting!

Aidan is on the bottom right - he didn't get much higher than that - he liked repelling down the wall better than climbing it!