School Projects...

We have continued to learn about the discovery of the Americas and the Native Americans. One of the books we are using is called More than Moccasins. It has a bunch of crafts and activities to suppliment the book learning we are doing. In these pictures, you see the wigwams we made, the southwestern Pueblo as well as some weaving mats. Did you know that the Native Americans in New England used Potato stams with berry ink to decorate/stamp their baskets...We're learning all kinds of neat things, and having fun in the process!

First Official Soccer Game!

Simeon started soccer with the rec center on Saturdays. The first few weeks were practices, this week we had our first game. He LOVES to run. Poor thing scored in the wrong teams goal right off the bat, but now makes sure he knows which direction he should be scoring in. I'm hoping that we get his asthma under better control in the next little bit, so he can enjoy the running more. The asthma doesn't stop him, but I struggle with seeing him gasp for breath as he's running around the field!

Break Me Outta Here!

I love going to get Naomi after a nap! She is just so sweet and talkative. On this day, she was dangling her legs through the bar, chattering away. I wish I had captured the smile of when I first walked in the room! I love my little princess!

In other news, we had her one year appointment at the dr's. Apart from the shots she needed, everything is going well. She has quadrupled her weight already, can you believe that? She is 25% for head circumference and weight, and has shot up to the 50th percentile for height.

As we were telling the dr. what Naomi is up to lately, she confirmed my "fears", I am in real trouble when it comes to this kid! Naomi is learning very quickly, and definitely reaching developmental milestones which are beyond her brief 12 months. She is advanced. She's a smart little cookie, who likes to climb, and communicate. She loves books and will go to them when you prompt her. She still loves sucking her fingers and snuggling her blanket.

Thank you Jesus for the gift of Naomi!

Projects...

Rich has been redoing out bathroom for the past week. The floor was rotting, so we gutted the bathroom completely, are now putting in a bath/shower combo, rather than our old stand shower and are making the room bigger. Needless to say, things have been chaotic around here, especially since we only have one bathroom.
I needed to do something to keep my hands and mind busy. I took out some leftover yarn from baby blankets I had made for friends, and decided to make Naomi a hat. I'd never crocheted using two different colours, but really like how it turned out. I may have to get some colours I like more and make her a brighter hat for winter, I also want to try to make some mitts to match the hat I've already made! I think both the hat and the model are just precious, if I do say so myself!

The tooth fairy's visit.

Simeon has had the central incisors loose for quite some time. About two weeks ago he lost the first one, and two days ago he lost the other. I must say I think he's cute without his two top teeth! Wouldn't you agree?

Homeschool has begun!

Simeon is starting his third week of school today and has been doing really well. The first week he was really motivated, last week, not so much. The first three days were like pulling teeth, what he could normally do in the morning, he dragged until 2 in the afternoon. Friday was a great day full of motivation and we were done in no time flat. I'm hoping that he remembers that HE has the power to determine how long our school day is. We are doing a whole year based on the "cowboy and indian" era of American history. Last week we made a teepee out of cloth and some smaller ones out of paper. We also studied about the vikings and Leif Erikssons trip to North America. We've made some paper and carboard 3d maps and have been having fun overall.

Characters

I love my kids, but boy do they have character! The photos are just further proof! Simeon loves to dress up, and "act". Naomi, she's my little dare devil. Just turned one and already climbing...let the "fun" and adventures begin!

Happy Birthday Naomi!

Saturday was Naomi's 1st birthday! I can't believe how quickly a year has gone by. It seems impossible for my baby to be one already. We had a great birthday party with family. It was really laid back, and the birthday girl enjoyed eating her cake and playing with her new toys. Thank you to all who spoiled her. She will be styling in all the new clothes she got.

Naomi at one is one little spunk ball. She definitely has personality.She makes her likes known with laughter and smiles, sometimes laughing and giggling so much that she is gulping for air, while when she is discontent, you can hear screeches and fussing. She has mastered "the stare", and if she doesn't know you, she lets you know that she is checking you out and trying to judge your character.

Some of her favorite things are Simeon, ( he can always get her to laugh) swinging in her new swing, (thanks Nana) and her blankie. That child LOVES her blankie.

She is now over 20 lbs and loving her New Britax Boulevard. She is still rear facing for now,but she loves to sit in it and just relax. I wish my seat in the car was so plush and comfy. She looks like she's sitting in a recliner. It's so funny to me to see how far she's come. She was discharged from the hospital, needing to use a car bed, because she was so small and wouldn't pass the carseat test, and yet, she has caught up to her peers and is in a big girl carseat now! AMAZING!

For the longest time Naomi only had her bottom central incisors. In the past week, her top two central incisors have cut through and the bottom lateral incisor on the left is getting ready to cut through. She has been a wee bit cranky, but has also spent more time sleeping, which is fine. She's going to be really cute with her new pearly whites!

Finally I'll end with a picture for comparison. At Becky's last year, we took a picture of Naomi with a Bitty baby so you all could see how small she was. Here is the original post with that picture! You'll see in the pictures above, just how much she's grown in a year! If you cut and paste this address into your browser, http://jessie-ordinarydays.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-doll.html , you will see the original picture of Naomi and the bitty baby doll.

Happy Birthday sweet girl! Mommy and Daddy love you and are so proud of you! God has blessed us with your presence! You are one of His good and perfect gifts!

Adoption Shower

It has been my pleasure to watch God move in our friends', Jon and Jolene, life. God orchestrated our meeting a year ago, and I've been able to help, encourage, pray, cheerlead them on their first adoption journey. Next Saturday, they will be flying to Ethiopia to meet and be united with their son! I am so stinking excited, you would think it was one of my adoptions.

Anyway, my friend Jen and I planned a "mini-shower" that was last night! It was great to see Jon and Jolene again, to bless them ( along with some of our other friends)with toys and clothes for Talo.

Jolene, if you read this, your family is just beautiful. I can't wait to see a picture of the three of you, not you and Jon holding a picture frame, but really your live sweet boy smiling beside you! God's ways are perfect!

Much love and prayers for you both! Jessie

First day of school!

This picture was after I asked Simeon to go brush his teeth before starting school. After getting Naomi dressed, I went to check on Simeon and the picture is what I found. His explanation: I need to shave before school. I don't think he would have gone so far as to use a real razor, ( since he has a plastic one)but I can't be sure and I'm glad that I walked in when I did!


Monday was the first day of our homeschool year. Simeon is in first grade. I was really a little nervous about it. Last year was a real struggle to get him to do the work some days, and all summer he talked about not liking school . I prayed about it and just got ready for a struggle, but much to my surprise there wasn't any. I was greeted by Simeon coming to my bedroom early Monday morning, telling me how excited he was to start! Yeah for having a good attitude!

This year we are studying the "Cowboy and Indian" era of American history. We have made a diorama, 3d map and played a Native American children's game. I think we are both enjoying the projects. We are also doing a science journal this year, following a formal art curriculum, and beginning our French curriculum. Our days are definitely full, though school only usually takes up about 1/2 a day. As for sports, Simeon is taking Saturday soccer, will be starting a boys dance class which includes tap, hip hop and jazz and will probably be doing gymnastics at the recreation center in town. Nothing like keeping busy!