Family Photo Shoot gone wrong

Clair needed a family photo for her preschool class, so we arranged to head into Frederick and get some photos taken downtown by a friend. I was so excited because we don't get family photos anymore. I take loads of pictures of the kids, but no one gets ones with me in them. I had visions of greatness in my head. I planned the outfits. I ironed. I arranged the day, the weekend around this. I was stoked!

We get into Frederick, we walk around for a while. We connect with Jim and decide that the first photo will look nice just in front of one of the fountains by the creek. We go to sit down and try to get settled, and i see Jim's face turn worried, whilst simultaneously hearing a big splash, a big cry, and "there goes Clair!"

She fell face first all the way into the fountain. She was soaked, head to shoes, a mess! She was scared. She was covered in yucky water. I pulled her out straight away, stood her up, and just stared. I was angry she messed up the photos with her need to do it herself. I was sad for her being upset. I was disgusted that she was covered in that horrendous yucky water. Oh poor Clair. Oh poor me!

David ran to the car to get some extra clothes. We stripped her down right there and got her dried off using Max's extra clothes. We got her warm and her spirits lifted. I apologies to Jim and he insisted we might as well try a few more photos. So we did. We persevered and got a couple nice photos. I couldn't wait to get her home and get her cleaned up! She had to walk around in no shoes. David carried her mostly. She's a brave, determined, independent sole. She needs to learn to slow down and let me help her. I'm afraid she's really going to get hurt with this "I do it" attitude. I love this girl so much!

Settling In....

It's been a long time since I've written. We moved and things have been pretty out of control. I haven't had the chance to feel like a great Mom in the moments, more less reflect at the end of a day. It's hard making time to keep track of how things are going. But the kids keep growing, and amazing me each day.

They have each settled into the new home, new neighborhood and new routines quite well. They love the neighbors across the street and are starting to appreciate others in the neighborhood. Clair still hasn't found a buddy yet, but I have no worries that she will, soon.

They are getting the hang of walking to school and only being on Ms. Sarah's schedule instead of a bus schedule. I like the relaxation that provides. There is a little more time in the mornings.

Everyone's rooms are nearly set up and functioning. They are starting to think about putting their marks onto things. They have been flexible and patient over the past few months as I have worked through boxes and David has worked through projects. The list is long.

Over the past couple week's I have tried to take time to play with them at times. I still haven't gotten in my game of hide and seek in this house yet. And, I think this house would be the BEST house ever for that game. I must play it with them one afternoon.

We moved and had some very immediate trips - Gino's wedding, A trip to Hershey Park for the day, and a trip to the Beach. Just before the beach trip, we dealt with a car accident. Thankfully everyone was okay. It was David, Max and Clair who got hit. It was very traumatic for the kids and especially Clair. Max seemed to handle it more in stride. The truck hit clair's seat directly and boy was she mad, as she had every right to be. The beach trip was taken up by car shopping drama which continued upon our return. It wasn't until the second weekend in October when we woke up on a Saturday and just enjoyed our new home. It was nice.

I love the space, the cleanliness, the sunshine, the views, and generally feel it's a very good place for us. I'm so proud of how the kids have adjusted. I'm so proud of how much help they have been when asked - especially Ellie. She's learning to organize her huge humongous space. It's a process for us both. Max has helped with boxes. Miss Independent is a great errand runner, now that she can remember which direction to go for which rooms. That was touch and go for a couple weeks almost. It was cute watching her learn her way around.

It has been a tough journey since putting our house on the market, but as we get settled I can see this home providing a foundation for the rest of the kids childhood. I hope that they look forward fondly. I suspect Clair won't even remember Old Log Court, but I will always remember it fondly. I believe Ellie will too. I'm not sure where it will be for Max, but time will tell.

Even Lady Grey has settled in and knows her way around. She's sitting here telling me it's time for bed.

Conversation with Clair at Bedtime

Clair doesn't like to be alone at night, and most times. She's chatty, really chatty. She loves to talk. She is especially good for chatting whilst lying in bed at times when she should be falling asleep.

A couple nights ago she started a conversation, "Mommy, I like to kiss Zvi at school."

Me, fully of shock and surprise, as well as slightly amused and not sure how to react, "What?"

"Yes, he leans over and I kiss him. He likes it."

Me, "How do you know he likes it Clair?"

Clair, casually replies, "Because he smiles." and moves on with the next part of her story.

I proceeded to suggest hugs or handshakes were more appropriate. She proceeded to explain why a hug won't work, "becuase he doesn't lean over far enough for me to wrap my arms all the way around him."

Then she asks, "what's a handshake?"

I think she was disappointed when I showed her that move.

Clair has school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. So each day this week I've asked her about Zvi. She hasn't kissed him this week. Yesterday's report was that he didn't get close enough. Today's report was that she didn't kiss him or give him a handshake even though he got very close. But instead, she reported that Zvi Pooped in school today. Yes, luckily, it was in the potty!

This girl is going to keep me on my toes. She's smart, social, and knows what she wants. What a combination for life, if only her stubborn unsocial momma doesn't make her hide those qualities. I'm trying hard to respect them as they are so her and I love her so much!