Jill's Smith Family Adventures: A September to Remember

Well, September 2009 has come and gone and boy has it ever been eventful! September 1st marked my return to work after maternity leave and Brody's first day at daycare. The same day, I observed and enrolled Cadence at a new preschool, Tempe Montessori, which she started at full time the next day!

Her old preschool was play based and she got to play and do music. She loved singing all the songs and has a basic knowledge of her colors and letters. This summer was rough though. After a move to the two-year class away from her friend Hazel, the introduction of a baby brother and complete lack of routine at home; she was no longer excited about going to this school. Plus in my eyes she is so smart! I wanted something a little more academic for her.

Wednesday that week was her first full day at the school. The initial separation anxiety was a problem, but she had a great day. We took pictures by the school sign to mark the event! On the next day, Thursday, Cadence was so tired and got so upset she made herself sick! So after an outfit change we were back at it again! She had a fine transition though, no tears at school thankfully. She continued on the no tears train until the 11th when Ben joined me to drop her off. She did not like Daddy being home and dropping her off at school! She cried at drop off everyday for over a week and by the end of the month was loving it again!

The school is amazing. It is located in what appears to be an old ranch style home on a large property. On the property they have a huge green grass yards and tons of animals! There were chickens running all over, there is a goat and a sheep the kids feed regularly, there are two rabbits that live under one of the buildings, AND there is a pond with fish! They have a VERY active parent's organization, which I love. AND I intend to get more involved with once Ben is in town more! In Cadence's toddler class they are teaching bilingual. One teach speaks only Spanish to the students and one only English. I love the Montessori teaching method too. It really speaks to me and how I feel children instinctively learn, by doing and experiencing. Oh, and as an added bonus, the school posts pictures of the classroom and the kids in class. I love it. I could go on and on...

Labor Day weekend, we packed up the troops and headed to cooler temps in San Diego. We took advantage of the 2 for 1 Sea World passes and spent both Saturday and Sunday explore the water. It was all fun and games until Shamu splashed Cadence. She was NOT a happy camper. Once we were home, she found the Shamu straws and said, 'whale splash me.' So cute.

In other news this month, Chloe turned 7! Unbelievable! We had a Fancy Nancy tea party for her girlfriends at her moms house and then a family party at our house the next weekend. Chloe got a bunch of great books and some fun dress-up things too! Chloe has developed into such a loving young lady. She is smart and beautiful! She has it all. At her parent teacher conference, she had straight A's. So proud of her! Her dance is progressing too. She and Matthew are officially entered into the West Coast swing open invitational in November, where they will certainly win first place!

The little man has been enjoying his time at his daycare, his Wednesdays with Grandma and his Fridays with mommy. He is getting stronger and chunkier every moment! He laughs and smiles all the time to anyone who smiles at him. It makes for some very happy family members. The time is going by so fast! And he seems to be enjoying his tummy time too!

Although Daddy has been MIA as of late, we have enjoyed ASU games, trips to the chiropractor, Cadence's gymnastics classes, and lazy time when we have him home with us.

And I couldn't have gotten through this month without the support of my parents! Mom's help at home one day a week plus dinner at their house has really helped the weeks move by and kept me from feeling too lonely. M&D celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary on Chloe's birthday with a dinner out. What an amazing couple and what an inspiration for me and Ben!

Other than starting back at work, I found and pulled my first GREY hair. Boo-hiss! Looks like 8 years of my natural color may finally be coming to an end.

September has been a truly momentous month for the Smith family! We'll see what next month brings (so far we are only 24 hours in and it has been crazy)!

As always, here are the latest and greatest of out September adventures.