Friday, August 27, 2010

Babysitters Extraordinaire

Last night marked another "first" for the Smith's in this world of parenthood — an official babysitting experience! As in leaving our cell phone numbers, figuring out the going-rate, giving last minute instructions and then driving away. Granted, our drive was two blocks to Luke's preschool for parent night, but still, a major milestone!


After walking Madison and Emma home, Luke cried through the walk home and most of his bath. I get it. These girls are extraordinary! When we got home from parent night, the three of them were playing this intricate game where Emma would throw a softball over our upstairs railing to the hallway. Luke would then throw it down the other side of the open hallway to Madison, who would try to hit it with a bat (a soft one!).

I may need to hire them again while I fill out all the medical paperwork for preschool. "Has your child had any surgical experiences?" "Does your child take any medications?" It's going to take me a while.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Summer of Friends

Last summer, three of my dear college friends moved back to Washington State. Two from California and one from Uganda. It was my summer of friends and I loved having them back in the area (still do!). This summer, however, it's been Luke's turn to delight in the department of friendship.

There's Marcus, his "best buddy" ...


90% of the time they play so well together, jumping, roughhousing, yelling like boys do. But that 10% when they are frustrated at each other, wow, look out. But oh so quickly, they are back to laughing and being goofy.

And Ava ...


Ava is three months younger than Luke, but has opened Luke's eyes to the world of kitchenettes and hair bows (don't worry, Rog, Luke hasn't tried one on!)

And Gracie ...


Gracie lives in Seattle and anytime someone mentions that city, he'll relate it back to his friend. "By Gracie's house?" "Will we see Gracie when we go there?"

You may remember "the week of Ellie", and then there's Madison, who lives up the street from us. I have to be protective of her, or else Luke would be ringing their doorbell at 6:30 a.m. Madison is 13 and so gracious to play with Luke.


There's Alex, his best heart buddy and this summer he met Caden ...


There is nothing sweeter than time spent with a good friend. As long as there is a good referee nearby.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Brownie boy

I hate to admit it, but I'm not much of a baker. My mom almost always has fresh cookies, cobblers, shortcakes or brownies at the ready. And she is patient as a saint when Luke is there to help her. Luke, on the other hand, is not patient enough to wait for the finished product:



I don't blame him one bit.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Gulp

We just got Luke's school supplies list from his preschool, along with Open House and first day of school dates. I'm not sure my heart can handle it.

Let's just hope this picture isn't any indication of his future school success. You can see he's paying such close attention to Coach Sammy:


More like he's contemplating which Otter Pop color he'd like next.

So we are soon to head to Target for Crayola Crayons, a backpack and colored pencils. Luke's first day of preschool is September 7. I really have no idea how this is going to go. We have really stretched and pushed Luke this summer in the area of separation from mom and dad. If he knows the people really well (like grandmas and a couple of my good friends) he does just fine when we leave. It's with unfamiliar faces he has a harder time. We have been working hard with him in the church nursery this summer and have seen some progress. Last night was actually the best hour yet. He only fussed a little bit in the beginning and only checked in with Dad once in the first few minutes. He was doing so well that the children's pastor encouraged Rog to go in the main sanctuary ... we actually got to sit together in church! And when we went to pick up Luke after the service, he said he wasn't ready to go. So we are encouraged. The biggest issue is if and when something happens to upset him, that's when he has the hardest time comforting himself, or letting someone unfamiliar comfort him. I'm hopeful that he'll quickly get to know his preschool teacher, and she will be able to work him through tearful situations. I really think he's going to love preschool, it's just a matter of Luke continuing to gain confidence in this area. If you think to pray for this, we would greatly appreciate it! His first day of school is September 7. Gulp!