Stateside
Here we are, back in the oppressive desert heat. After three nights of passing out when I put the kids to bed at 8, I think I’m beginning to regain my equilibrium. I’m missing the great weather, being with family, and all Canadian chocolate – but also appreciate the little things about America – like toilet seat covers in all public bathrooms (it’s the things we take for granted). It is strange, after seven years here - home will always be home, but this is home too – and I’m glad to be back.
Not two days after I posted that Jules had little motivation or inclination to walk – wouldn’t you know she started walking. She regularly sets off now, and takes eight, nine, ten steps before falling. She’s also doing that ubiquitous toddler squat, and has figured out how to rise up to standing in the center of the room. She still prefers to hold our hand, and comes up to me about 50 times a day with her finger outstretched, ready for me to hold it and walk around with her. We circle our little house over and over and over again, and she never seems to get tired of the trip.
I’ve not yet managed to find an affordable pre-school for Bella, and am not sure if I should keep trying, or just keep her home for the year until she begins kindergarten (hopefully at our local charter Waldorf school). As always, I’m intrigued by the possibility of homeschooling – but haven’t got the first clue where to start. If we don’t do preschool I’d also like to find some other good activities to sign her up in to provide some activity and structure to her days (always good for Bella, who thrives on solid, dependable routines) – and welcome your ideas.
The girls are feeling more than a small amount of house fever. We had all become accustomed to a climate which allowed us to be outside whenever we wanted; the stale, closed-up feeling of an Arizona house in the summertime leaves everyone feeling claustrophobic. Julianna will stand at the back door crying as if her heart was breaking, “Oot, oot, oot, ooooooot”, unable to understand why I am reluctant to take her outside.
Lucky for them they both seem rather impervious to the heat. Not so lucky for me, as I end up outside with them, unable to bear being cooped up inside a moment longer. I am very glad we have a large covered patio – and I can often keep them happy in the shade riding and pushing their bikes and toys around under it’s protection. In the early evening most of our yard is in shade, so although it is still hellishly hot – I can at least stand it outside for an hour or so. Just a few more months until we get decent temps again – I can’t wait.
Sam and I have our seven year anniversary (and no, I’m not feeling itchy) coming up on August 28th – I would love suggestions of something nice to do that is a little more original than dinner and a movie. Any suggestions?
I’ve got a whole bunch of started-but-not-finished entries waiting on my computer for a slice of time to finish. I need to fill you in on our home remodel project, co-sleeping, and future family planning (just to list a few of the bigger topics). Nag me to finish, okay. I’m a slacker at heart, and need the external motivation!
First off, welcome back!! Glad to hear you had such a nice visit at home!
You have my empathy with the heat. We are in southern Louisiana and although we don’t reach the same temperatures you guys do, the 90+ percent humidity makes it stifling outside most of the time. Thank goodness for the neighborhood pool!!
Congratulations to Miss Juliana on learning to walk–doesn’t that make her seem so much older now?
Finally, I never realized you and Sam had an anniversary so close to mine!! Shane and I celebrate 7 years on August 21! How funny!
P.S. I want to hear all about the future family planning–it’s something that’s been on my mind as well and I’d love to hear someone else’s take on it. Get writing, girl!
Comment by Lisa P — 08.19.06 @ 6:55:46
Here is a link to the Calvert Homeschooling program, where many people choose to start. http://www.calvertschool.org/engine/content.do?BT_CODE=CES1512 There are a ton of messge boards out there, and probably some good local resources for you too. Good luck!
Comment by Kate — 08.19.06 @ 7:09:59
The Y here has all sorts of programs for homeschoolers — even preschoolers — which are like a 1 1/2 PE class. Sam is taking one this fall — a varied gym class — they learn the basics of a new sport every week. He’s going to Preschool as well.
Tess and Julianna probably started walking the same time! Tess doesn’t like to hold our hand and walk though. She can walk forever but if she falls she crawls, and if she’s on the floor already usually she crawls.
Enjoy the heat (I hate heat:))
Comment by Jenn — 08.19.06 @ 8:24:44
I would love to hear about cosleeping. I can’t for the life of me figure out how to make it work and I’m desperate for sleep. Please post about this-soon! I’m heading back to work in a week and my 7 month old was up 9 times last night!!!
Comment by Abby — 08.19.06 @ 10:10:15
Julianna walking — exciting news! I am waiting with baited breath to hear about your house, co-sleeping AND future family planning. Get cracking on those entries!
And can I just say that it was strange to read “Just a few more months until we get decent temps again”. Here in MI, I’m already getting ready to mourn the passing of summer, lol. Just two more months until we start freezing our heinies off. I’m not ready!
Comment by S — 08.20.06 @ 3:04:07
Hey, chica! So glad you made it home stateside unscathed!
Mike and I had our 7th anniversary on the 31st of July (and your anniversary falls on his birthday, so I’m looking for plan ideas myself!)
We went to go see “Wicked” here in Chicago, but I don’t know what the musical prospects are where you live, or if you are even musical theatre lovers.
That said, here’s my creative idea—-a baseball game. Sure, the time out under the lights would be fun, but I suggest it for the SEVENTH INNING STRETCH. I joked with Mike on our anniversary that we should do a short stretch so we’re ready to continue with the game.
No itches here, either, just stretches.
Okay, back to feeding the munchkin.
Comment by Kori — 08.20.06 @ 1:52:15
Did you bring home any ketchup chips?
Comment by Karen — 08.20.06 @ 6:22:35
I don’t think it has to be said again that I MISSED YOU! Glad you are back and even more glad that I got to hear your voice on the phone.
Ohhhh, family planning post? Please, pretty please, get on it. I’m scared to write mine. Don’t want to be jinxed.
Kori - LOVE Wicked (yep, I’m a theatre junkie), however I wasn’t able to see it when it was here in Phoenix. Glad you got to go.
Here’s the the home stretch of icky AZ summer weather. Come to Anthem - we have an AWESOME kiddy water park.
XOXO
Comment by Leigh — 08.20.06 @ 6:39:57
Welcome back. Can’t wait to read whatever you want to write about.
I love dinner theater. Copperstate Dinner Theater runs inside Greyhound Park and is actually really great… you get dinner and a live show in one stop — a really fun night out. www.copperstatedinnertheaters.com
Comment by Beth — 08.20.06 @ 11:41:19
I would like to hear a house up date… how you are living with construction (maybe you are not I have no idea that is why I need an update!) and how it has changed your family with Sam’s travel to work taking less time.
And some family planning… I personally feel someone is missing from my dinner table but husband is happy the way things are. Still I don’t want to talk about it or act on it until the youngest is 2.
Comment by Katie — 08.24.06 @ 1:43:58
Welcome home!
Here is a site for Waldorf homeschooling. It’s got lots of great information:
http://waldorfhomeschoolers.com/
And another site I found on Mothering.com that covers unschooling with a Waldorf-ish slant:
http://christopherushomeschool.org/index.htm
Maybe these will be of some help if you decide to homeschool. Coming back from a Birthing From Within retreat last weekend, I am re-inspired to consider homeschooling. Several of the women do this and its great hearing about how it works. I love the concept of homeschooling - and think it can be best for the children - but I don’t think I have the temperment for it. I have a tendency to doubt myself for one. And I am not as patient as I think I’d need to be. But it is something I’d really like to have the willingness and courage to do.
As for the anniversary, one of my all time favorite gifts for special occassions is a list of ‘X-number of Reasons Why I Love S0 & SO.’ As the recipient of one of these lists, I must say it is an overwhelmingly tender experience. The list was a collection of funny, quirky, wonderful, qualities that described me. In essence, the list told me that I was loved because of my uniqueness and my blindspots and my neurosies - not in spite of them. If you give it a try, have fun! Also, since you are such a beautiful writer, you could write him a letter. I did this for Matt’s birthday last year and he said its the most favorite present he’s ever received.
Have fun!
Comment by Brooke — 08.26.06 @ 1:31:53
Hey glad you’re back!
We found a place for Eva very last minute, but she’s just 3. I don’t know if they have availability for the other rooms. The school is called Discovery Tree (it’s in Sunnyslope) so not too far away. good luck. School starts this week. It’s a co-op and play based. I’m excited about sending her. Her teachers did a home visit and she liked them very much. Hopefully I’ll see you around soon. I’d also like to hear about the remodel! I’m excited you guys got going on it.
Comment by Chris — 08.28.06 @ 4:57:42