Sunday, February 13, 2011

This blog update is for my sister Laura...

We spend most of our days with the door open, basking in the sun and the perfect weather.Andrew got me an alarm system for Valentine's Day (he is a hopeless romantic!), so I've had a lot more peace of mind lately.

Dean is sitting up now. He does big belly-laughs - Eva says, "He does a laugh just like we do!" Which is a perfect description.

Leighton is in the process of being potty-trained. He wasn't really ready (as in asking to go potty), and I know everyone says to wait for that, but I was ready and that's good enough. He's doing pretty well and I'm surprised how quickly he picked up on it. It's a big life change, when you think about it, but he's adapting well and will now tell me when he needs to go.

Eva is learning to read and she LOVES it. I started including a 5-minute reading lesson with preschool (from the Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading) after she started asking about what words were and how to spell things. I figured she was ready, and she was. She is picking it up so quickly and I LOVE seeing her learn things and then apply them later that day when drawing a picture or trying to sound something out. We have started out slowly - we finished short vowel sounds and are onto consonants sounds - and it's awesome. I highly recommend the book.

I had a girls' craft night last week and I finally made my long-time dream a reality - I made a bib necklace. Otherwise known as a "statement piece," they are obnoxious and big and I love them. So I made one, and I have to say this may be my favorite thing I've ever made. After craft night, I could hardly sleep thinking about my creation. I got the chance to wear it 2 nights later when we went out on the strip for dinner and a show. I felt like a million dollars! It was cheap, easy, and unique - my kind of craft.

Posted by Picasa

5 comments:

The Willis Wonder Years said...

I love you and I miss you and your fabulous family! I hate that I have not even met your precious Dean yet. I cant believe how much and how fast your kiddos are growing. I love your crafty piece. It is beautiful and your quite talented.

Juliann said...

I love that Eva is reading!! Reece started reading at an early age as well. My cousin (a preschool teacher) recommended the bob books. They are really popular and you can get them at the library. You should look into them. They work magic!

Cam said...

I can't wait to hear Dean's big belly laugh!! He is as chunky as ever. :)

Watts Family said...

Steph, I just ordered that book last night!!

Kimberly said...

I miss these kids!! I can't believe how big Dean is already. Sam would have SO much fun playing with them. Can't wait.