1st Dentist Visit

Seems like we have been so busy lately, but nothing that was blog and picture worthy.  Lucy has been so busy with her new school schedule/activities and we have also just been trying to enjoy some down time as a family - going to the park, out for dinners, walking to the toy store and going to some of the fall city fests - now that the Octoberfests are all starting :)  Football Sundays have become our favorite day because we spend most of the day around the house getting things done, going to the park and have been cooking and grilling out at night.  

But, Lucy is having a big week!  She has her first dentist visit on Monday, which was a success in the fact I can check it off my to-do list, but Lucy didn't like as much as I thought.  She was all ready for the appointment, telling me "I want to get my teeth brushed" all morning.  When we got there, she was in heaven with the cutest little play space with princess dolls and a kitchen, and in the room they played Disney princess sing-a-longs and tied a Disney princess into every discussion (they named the flavored toothpastes after Aurora, Belle, etc for her.) But, she didn't like getting her teeth counted or the electric toothbrush. I don't blame her - but was surprised because she thinks doctors are the greatest thing ever! I was really happy with the office and how good they were with Lucy. This summer I was walking by with my mom and said I wanted to go there because it was "so cute" and my mom said I couldn't pick a dentist by how cute the offices were. But, I did some real research and both dentists were chief residents at Children's Memorial Hospital so that qualifies in my book!!!

A pic of a pic - her official "first dentist visit pic" that we have as a keepsake. I am filling out the mass of paperwork. 

Playing with the dolls

Talking with Dr. Reena about her favorite "princess" flavors

Watching Aurora get her teeth brushed

The prize bank!!!! Lucy got some really tiny ball that she immediately put in her mouth so I had to throw it out. It was a big ordeal but she had fun getting a prize.

On Thursday, Lucy's birthday is being celebrated at her school so we are bringing treats and Joe and I are staying as parent assistants for the class.  So, we are excited to see Lucy and all of her friends in action at school.  She talks about her teachers a lot, the other kids, and sings her school songs all the time so I am excited to spend the day with her :)  I am sure we will a few pics from the day!

Celebrating the big "2"

On Saturday we celebrated Lucy's 2nd birthday with her family and her best friends (her 2 cousins).  It was a great afternoon and we appreciated everyone who made it into the city, despite the traffic and everything else that there is to do on a Saturday afternoon, to celebrate with us!  It was great to see everyone and we love that Lucy will have pictures of this special day to look back on with all of her cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.  Thank you all - and for the wonderful gifts as Lucy is keeping herself so busy these days with all her fun new toys!

A few pics (seems like a lot but we got a disk with about 600 plus photos from Nana and Papa, the party photographers, so this really is just a few :)

 

Thank you everyone for making my 2nd birthday the best one yet!

Lucy's 1st day of school!

Thursday was Lucy's first day of preschool!  

To transition the kids to the room (they are all only 2!), we got to spend the hour with them, which I loved.  Today, we were encouraged to leave the kids for the class, and although I stayed in the room, Lucy wasn't able to see me much and it was really sweet watching her play, interact with the other kids, listen to her teachers, sing the songs and be so independent.  The class design is pretty much open play with educational "centers" and the kids decide where they will spend their time.  Towards the end there is clean-up time, circle time with songs and a book, and a snack.  Then the kids find their cubbies and sit there until their grown-up comes to get them :)  Probably a pretty standard day among 2-year-old preschools.  

Lucy and I took a mom/tot class at the school this summer so she had already gotten to know many of her "classmates" and two of her three teachers.  I was able to personally get to know her teachers and all the school offered, and am very happy with where she will be spending 2 hours every Thursday and Friday.  It has a great community feel to it with parent nights every month, various get-togethers during the year for families and a summer picnic.  I love the community feel of the school.  

Starting next Thursday, Lucy goes all alone to school and I am not sure I will know what to do with myself.  I know at the end of the 2 hours, I will be the happiest person in the world to have her back with me! 

I am so proud of Lucy - she is so social with other kids, listens well to her teachers and is such an independent explorer.  School becomes such an important part of kids' lives and I am happy her first experience of it will be fun and a place she feels so safe.  

Heading out the door

One last look at her teachers (she got this letter in the mail with their pictures, so it has been hanging up)

Lucy's cubbie where she will wait for me (although we have 15 minutes from the end of class, I can't imagine making her sit there for 15 minutes!)

One of Lucy's three teachers - Ms. Becca

With her proud mommy

We were surprised to see that one of her friends from her Saturday classes - Gabe - was also in class.  They could have cared less but us parents were happy they reunited. 

Listening during circle time

Coloring

Can't wait until tomorrow!!!!!

Good-bye "1"

Lucy has been saying "I'm turning 2 in September" all summer so it was special when it finally got here - and more special that she actually knew it was her birthday.  Of course we had to remind her throughout the day :).  It was a very sweet day for Joe and me because it was the very first holiday/celebration that Lucy really "got."  She knew the birthday cake was for her (and we learned she doesn't like sprinkles) and got so excited opening presents and wanted to put everything together right away.  A drastic difference from Christmas when we opened them for her and she just walked away to play with the wrapping paper.  This morning when she woke up, being officially 2, she looked so old to me!! And, after saying "I want to see daddy,"  she said "I want to see my princesses."  So she must have been dreaming about them all night :)

Happy 2nd birthday sweet Lucy!!!!  We are so proud of you and think you are the most amazing little girl in the entire world.  Hope turning 2 was as fun for you as it was for us to celebrate with you!

Love,
Mom and Dad

It's my big day!

 Our Princess Party

Checking out her cake - I did some baking!!! But don't worry, I have ordered a real cake for Saturday

Taste test - oops, I learned we don't like sprinkles

All by herself - no help!

We have a puzzle lover

Princesses!!! All of them, minus Brave who didn't make the box

My new scooter!!!! 

Giving out rides

Deciding which princesses to bring to bed....

Happy 2nd Birthday Lucy!!!

Happy Birthday Lucy!!! We are headed to the Shedd Aquarium for the day, but wanted to share a few pics of Lucy's big morning.

Princesses!

Lucy's attempt at posing for a pic

Running through the streamers on her door

Happy Birthday Lu! Hope today is the most special day for you :)