First Day of School for Charlotte 2011 - 2012

Charlotte started her first year at St. Paul's School in the 2's class (aka the Butterfly class). She will be attending on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

She was ready with her lunchbox, or backpack, as she calls it.

Beatrix was trying to help Charlotte pose, but I like the looks on both of their faces here. They really do enjoy each other, and this captures it.

Once we got to school, she was starting to get a little more leery of the situation.

I tried getting her to stand by her butterfly, but she just said, "No, mama! No!".

Look at their pretty wall outside their classroom.

She clung to me briefly as I handed her over. There were a few tears, but I'm told only a very few, and she went right to work cooking in the kitchen. I needed to get Bea upstairs to her classroom, so I didn't linger. When I came back down, I peered in the window, and she was working on a puzzle, and moved on to the books. She seemed to be adjusting quite well.

I got to school early so I could spy on her before it was time for them to unleash them to us. Another parent was standing at the door, and she immediately told me that my child was as happy as could be. I looked through the window, and Charlotte was dancing and smiling, and playing with toys. Her teacher told me she had the best day, and really enjoyed the big playground. I knew she would! So glad she had such a great day.

First Day of School for Beatrix 2011 - 2012

Today, Beatrix started Pre-K, what will be her last first day of school at our treasured St. Paul's School. I know the end of the year seems really far off right now, but I can't help but think how quickly that school year goes by.

Beatrix decided she wanted to wear a red skirt with her Hello Kitty t-shirt today. I had other plans, but I guess I should let her make decisions for herself. She also told me she wanted her hair long today. See, I would have put it in a ponytail!

We took a few photos at the house before leaving.

You've got to see Hello Kitty on the front.

And, of course, you've got to see Hello Kitty on the backpack.

And, the sassy pose.

I told her that I have to get a picture at the St. Paul's School sign. She agreed that would be good.

The obligatory photo at the St. Paul's School sign.

I wanted to get a photo of her at the door to her classroom, but she emphatically declined. I thought I would just sneak in at the door and get a quick photo of her in the classroom.

Before Beatrix noticed me at the door

Once she noticed me, it was all over. I was told to leave and not to take any more photos. Where oh where has my baby gone?

Not happy about me lingering

I decided to oblige her, and left her to her first day. I am glad she was confident enough to tell me to leave, and I just hope she has a fabulous first day!

Class Visits at St. Paul's School

I can't resist posting some photos from the girls' class visits this morning. Our building was added on to, and the old part completely gutted and renovated. When I first saw the inside, I was shocked. It is so pretty, so new, so clean, so everything perfect. I wish I had some photos of the entry at the school. Completely unrecognizable. You can get a brief look at what the hall looks like now in the St. Paul's Chimes Newsletter. We are so happy to have the opportunity to utilize this nice, new facility.

Beatrix's classroom is upstairs in the new addition. She is starting Pre K - 4 in the Monkey Class on August 29th, and will attend 5 days a week.

Beatrix building blocks with Ms. Alexander

Beatrix's tower is almost complete.

They are the Monkey Class.

One of the play areas.

Beatrix got right to work with one of her drawings. Another building in NYC.

Beatrix is having a conversation with Ms. Moody.

Beatrix having a cookie with a classmate from last year.

Charlotte's room is downstairs in what would have been the original building, but you can't recognize any of the old building. She will be in the Butterfly Class, which is younger 2's, and will start on August 30th, attending 2 days a week.

Charlotte working on a puzzle.

Charlotte may be lost for a little bit, but I know she will love it.

The Butterfly Classroom

Charlotte working in the kitchen. She wanted me to sit in one of the chairs.

OH BOY!

Today was the day for our BIG ultrasound. My appointment was at 1:40 in the afternoon, and it seemed like forever waiting. Steven and I went alone, leaving the girls at home with our nanny. We didn't want them getting antsy if there was a delay, and as it turned out, there was a delay, so good decision on our part.

I bought two t-shirts online from Cafe Press while in NYC. One of the shirts said OH BOY and the other said TICKLED PINK. I think deep down I thought I would be wearing the TICKLED PINK at the end of the day. I had planned on telling our family by surprising them with the t-shirt. I could not wait to tell them the news, despite what they may think. Mom thought it was pretty mean of me to make her wait.

The tech looked around at the baby for a few minutes. Everything looked good, and after asking us if we already have children, and us telling her we have 2 girls, she said, "Well, looks like you got something different this time!".  I know Beatrix will be very happy at this news, as she told me when I first told her I was pregnant that she thought it was a baby brother.

I  hated making my family wait, but I really wanted to surprise them in a fun way. Steven was flying back to NYC tonight with his mom, so I dropped him off at her house first. I immediately went inside saying I needed to use the restroom, which I did, but I also changed into my OH BOY t-shirt. I wondered how long it would take her to notice, but as soon as I walked out of the bathroom, and maybe a 5 second delay, she screamed and laughed. I think Omi is happy about having a grandson!

So, I left Steven there, and next up was my sister. I was going to pick her up so we could go back to my house to pick up the girls. I walked in Holly's house, and she was checking her email, and didn't want to look up at me because she didn't want my face to give it away to her. She had no idea about the t-shirt, so when she finally looked up, within a second, she screamed with joy. She is very excited to have a boy cousin for her baby boy due 3 weeks prior.

We went to my house and got the girls. Of course, we took the opportunity to take some photos.

I asked Bea what letter she saw on my shirt, and it didn't take her long to figure out BOY. We took a few pictures to Charlotte's dismay. The tot does not like sitting still!

Next up was Goosey and Popsey. We decided to meet them at Skeeters out in Katy for dinner. They walked in, and I walked up to Popsey first, and he got it right away. Goosey was busy greeting Bea, but she eventually saw the news too.

Ultrasound at 23 weeks 1 day on 8/1/2011

It's a BOY!