Proud Mama Moment

I should say that the last year has been a little trying when it comes to Kaleb's behavior. Although it is completely typical of a 2/3 year old, some days it just felt like he was throwing tantrums 10 times as bad as any other child that age. While the tantrums still happen, they are far less. Kaleb's vocabulary is huge and he is learning to use his words rather than cry or scream.
Just this past week it hit me how Kaleb seems so much 'older'. He is thriving at preschool and he loves it there. Kaleb knows the days of the week and the months of the year.........every one of them!! He even sings the songs. He talks all about Africa and African zoo animals because that is what they learned about in school. He tells us stories about his friend Ryan and his two teachers Miss Tiff and Miss Hannah. He can, of course, tell us exactly what was for snack each day because that is his favorite 'meal'! Best of all, he hasn't gotten into trouble and his teachers say that he is doing great!
Kaleb is also really into riding his bike and scooter now. He goes out into the driveway daily to ride. He seems so responsible about it too. He always makes sure to get on his helmet and he rides the bike or scooter down the driveway but turns off onto the grass every time so that he doesn't come close to the street. His imagination is taking off and he is doing a lot of alone play in the garage. I will listen to him as he takes random objects and pretends that they are people or spaceships. The things he comes up with is really funny. I remember having the hardest time with Kaleb because he just didn't know how to play alone. He always needed me there and that made getting anything done around the house difficult. Of course, he did become a good helper because I managed to get him doing what I was doing. Now, if he doesn't feel like helping me clean or do the dishes, he goes off to play by himself. Such a nice change.

Emerson is doing great. She plays Pat-a-cake now! She gets so excited when we sing it to her. She is still all over the place and getting into everything. She stands without holding on occasionally, but no real interest in walking considering how fast she has gotten at crawling. She loves to climb and is probably even more of a dare devil than Kaleb if you can believe it. With me following behind she has climbed all the way up the basement stairs. At Grandma's house she has one step between the living room and kitchen that Emerson loves to climb up and down over and over.
Aside from the cold she has had non-stop since starting daycare, and the pink eye she just got over everything is great with the kids. Knock on wood that Kaleb can stay healthy this winter!

My job stinks right now. Two students that I have this year are really making for long miserable days. I guess I was wrong in thinking that this was going to be an easy year. I even have a student teacher this year, but I am not ready to leave her alone with all of the behavior issues we have. I feel like I have to get those under control before I hand over control.
On a happy note, I FINALLY got my diploma! After a little drama at the end with the Capstone/Thesis project, I finally got my grade (A) and received my diploma about two weeks later. I turned it in right away so I should see a little pay increase on my next check. This also means no more weekend classes!!! YAY! At least not for a few years.
I will upload and update pictures soon!