2 weeks down

Madison has adjusted very well to going to preschool.

We wake up the mornings of her school days singing a song to the tune of 'The Farmer and the Dell' to get her out of bed and excited for the day.

Although I am unable to take her to school, I have recruited a friend and a brother to help me out, and its going great.

The first week was a little rough, and a few tears were shed. But now she can not wait to get in the door and sit in the circle!

Although it is only the second week of class, she has managed to pick up pink eye in both eyes and hives. Im sure that their will be more illness to come, but I didnt think that it would be brought home so quickly.

Speaking of illness, the H1N1 virus has hit the office at work. One of the customer service reps had gone to an urgent care on Sunday and was diagnosed! The crazy thing about it is that she was back to work on Tuesday! I thought I had heard and read that if you contracted H1N1 you were to stay at home for 7 days or more. But from what I hear, she received clearance from her doctor that it was OK to return to work. To say the least, the washing of hands, sanitizing of hands, and the wiping down of desks in the office has become a high priority around here.

Not Just Your Adverage Monday

It was a Monday morning like no other. Some things were this same, but on this Monday when I woke up Madison, I told her that today was finally the day that she was starting school!

She was so excited! We got ready, and I dropped her off at Grandma Donna's. I told her that I would be back to pick her up and bring her to her first day.

(Outside of Donna's)

When I came to pick her up, she was more than ready to leave. We went home and got Muncle to come with us (He along with Kinsey will be taking her and picking her up), and then we were off. She told me on the way that she was going to be a big girl and not cry when I left her, because she knew that I would come back to get her when she was done for the day.

Well, that all flew out the window once we walked into the room. She hung up her backpack, picked up her name tag, and then she lost all composure. She started to cry :( telling me that she didnt want to say and she didnt want me to go. I sat down to hold her, and I told her she would be fine, and would have fun with all the kids while I was away running errands. One of her teachers was next to me, I gave her once last hug, and then out the door I went.

(Hanging up her backpack)

I did it! I got though the first drop off at preschool with no tears shed from my eyes. But, picking her up was a little different story. When Kinsey and I went to get her, and I saw her come around the corner with her backpack on and a smile on her face, my eyes filled up with tears. And I lost it! I know that she is only 4 years (and 20 days), but she seeming so much older. She is growing and learning before my very eyes. Coming around that corner it was like she matured in the 2 hours that she was at school.

She is now on her 3rd day of school, and is doing great so far. She still has a little break down when Kinsey leaves her. But I know that Kinsey is reassuring her that she will be back to pick her up, and that everything will be fine. Within time, I know that the drop off process will come more easy for her, that she will have a new group of friends, and lots of things to tell me when I get home from work. She is already excited for "Red Week", Show and Tell, and cant wait to bring home Ted E. Bear for a week.

Let the Learning Begin!

Did she just do what I think she did??

A new and exciting thing happened today....

M A D I S O N

Yep, she did it! She spelled her name out loud!

Way to go Baby Girl! Momma Loves You!

Labor Day Weekend

Well, Its back to school for everyone. Except me! I have one week left of classes and then get a 2 week break! YEA Me! This semester has really kicked my butt! You would have thought it would have been easy taking 2 typing classes, but that was not the case. Its hard to find time to sit down and get it all accomplished.

Today, Madison and I will be attending her orientation for preschool! I am so proud of her its unreal. She is really excited about meeting her teacher and some of the other kids that will be in her class. She asked me last night if I would sit down and play legos with her when we were at her school. She keeps asking different questions about school.. Will I be staying with her? How long she will be there for? And the most important one... Do they have a potty?

Over the long holiday weekend we had to find things do keep us busy. Saturday, we went to the MN Zoo with some friends of ours. Madison had a great time following around Gavin, and making sure that Gabe had crackers. Im sure that Gabe's tummy was plum full when he got home! We went around and saw all the animals, and even stopped at the African exhibit. It was so neat because we got to see giraffes up close and personal.

(Yeah! That is a little to close!)

(Madison playing at the new park inside the zoo)

(Looking at the rays and small sharks)

On Monday Madison and I took an adventure out to Stillwater. We went to Teddy Bear Park, rode a Trolley, and ate lunch at the Freight House. We really enjoyed ourselves and the relaxing day that we had together. We even went down by the St Croix River and watched the boats and played in the grass while we waited for the trolley. I wish we could have spent more time down there to do more exploring, but little (and big) legs get tired after walk for a long period of time.

(Sitting by the St Croix)

(Playing at Teddy Bear Park)


I really do enjoy the moments that I have with Madison. She is such a smart little girl with a lot of things to say and loads of energy! She just amazes me every day!

Has it really been that long?

Ok, So I really need to get better at writing this blog. To be honest, I forgot I had one there for a while.

Madison turned 4 years old last week! My have the years just flown by since she was brought into this world. She is truly a gift from God! One that I dont know what I would do with out. She brings laughter to all my days, and makes me stop and realize that once in a while I needs to stop and just live in the moment. She is truly my sunshine! : )

We had a party at Sullivan Park with friends and family, games and cake. This was so new to us, as we usually have her party at home. Everything worked out fine, and I think that everyone had a great time.

Now to be honest, I gave her two parties (which I do every year). We had one at home on her actual birthday, and then the one at the park a few days later. Katie Miller helped me pull off the one at home.. I think that I should say that she threw Madison the party. She baked the cake, wrapped the gift, and decorated the house with streamers and balloons! Madison was so excited to come in the house and see all the balloons on the floor to play with.

Madison will be starting pre-school in the next few weeks. On the 9th we will attend the orientation that is held the week before classes start. Madison will get to meet with her teacher, find her chair, and see some of the kids that will be in her class.

Although Madison is very excited, I am a little apprehensive about this journey that we are embarking on. Im sure that my smart little one will do just fine making new friends, and learning new things, but Im scared about the first day. The first day that I have to drop her off. What if she cries and doesnt want to go in? What do I do? On the other hand, what if shes so happy to go, that she doesnt care that Im leaving? I will say that I am glad that I only have to go through that on the first day. Kinsey (a friend of mine), will be taking her the rest of the days until she moves. Then comes the task of finding another parent from preschool (that I would trust) that would be willing to pick her up and bring her back to Donnas all in once piece.

As you can tell we have some things going on. I really hope that my little girl will grow up and realize how much her mommy loves her every day and even though she says that shes not a baby, she will always be my baby no matter how big she gets.