Tin Grin

On the last day of school, Noah's big reward was to get braces! Not much of a treat. He has been such a trooper. First a retainer that promptly got lost by his mom, then another retainer that got eaten by the dog, and now this. Hopefully, he will only have to endure for a few more months and he will have a brilliant smile for the rest of his life. I think he looks brilliant with his braces though!

First year over

Noah's first year at Sonoran Science Academy ended on May 21st! I can't believe how incredibly fast it went! I am so impressed with how well he adjusted and performed with all the changes that happened this school year - a new school, new friends, new sister. Noah, I hope that you are extremely pleased with yourself and how you have overcome and succeeded in all the challenges you faced this year - highest scores on MAP testing, straight A's, second place in the region for science fair project, "Music Student of the Year".

On the last day of school, there was an assembly where awards were given out. Dave also wrote a song that he and the music teacher taught to the kids and sang it to Noah's homeroom teacher - Miss Leyla. It was so awesome to see how much the kids all supported and knew each other and how much they all loved their teachers.

I am so glad we made the switch to SSA - and I think Noah is too. He deserves a huge amount of credit for struggling through the difficult beginning and sticking to it. Noah had great teachers (one of which got "Teacher of the Year") and a wonderful group of kids to help him feel confident and welcome. We are looking forward to seeing them all next year!

Her blessing

On May 17th, we had Reese blessed. There were 4 babies blessed that day! It's amazing to think that just over two years ago, when we first arrived at this church, there were many Sundays when Noah was the only child there and now there are so many and growing! It was very special to have Dave be the one to bless her.

Here are some pictures after we got home of her beautiful gown that Grandma bought for her special day. She was fairly cranky that day at church, so I got some pictures when things were calmer at home. Again, I totally messed up getting pictures of everyone that came to share the event with Reese - Grandma and Grandpa, Grandma Great Hardcastle, Grammy and Pop, Aunt Heidi, Cousins Sadie and Burnee and big brother Noah. We missed Uncle Tate who had to work.

Burrrrr!

We have had some unseasonably hot weather this May (I know that is hard to believe). So Noah wanted to get in the pool. I got overly anxious to see how Reese would react to the pool and decided to take her in. I am a real baby when it comes to the temperature of the water and me wanting to get in. Well, it was only about 74 degrees (ideally I like about 84) and it was cold! Well, Reese really is a baby when it comes to the temperature of the water, so she and I were only willing to go as far as the first step. I'm not sure what she will think when the water gets warm enough to get in. We should find out in a couple of weeks.

Grandma Great

It was so nice to have my dad's mom here to visit. I felt like I really got to spend some time talking and getting to know her more. I'm just sorry that it is coming so late in life. Of course, I messed up again with the picture taking. Here I was with 4 generations of girls together - Grandma, my mom, me and Reese and I got no picture - typical.

A funny thing happened while grandma was visiting. Reese is loud - crying, squealing, hiccuping, farting and pooping - just like her brother. We went to a local chinese restaurant for lunch and while the waitress was taking our order, Reese had some gas. The waitress was amazed at the noise and commented on it. She went on and on (in her Asian accent) about how the baby farts like a big person. She even got other employees to come over and talk about it. They just would not let it go! It was hilarious and reminded me of a scene that might have been in A Christmas Story.

My Mother's Day

I am so blessed to have two very wonderful children. I am still getting used to saying that - "two".

I am so proud of Noah. I am proud of his brains and his maturity. I am proud that people always comment on how well behaved and polite he is. I am proud that he always follows the rules and does what is asked of him. I am proud that he was recently awarded "Music Student of the Year" at school. The irony is that he really dislikes music class, especially the concerts where he has to sing and dance in front of a large audience. His teacher gave him the award because she said he always gave 150%. It just goes to show that even when Noah does not like something, he still works hard at it. I am proud that I never have to worry about his behavior when he is away from me. I am proud that he has no prejudices and I love seeing people through his eyes. He is a very serious boy, but has a good sense of humor. My wish for Noah is that he can learn to goof off a little and find the fun in and appreciate all the great things he is fortunate enough to do.

I am so excited for Reese. I am so excited to show her all the things that we have shown Noah. I am excited that I have more patience, time and understanding this time around. I am excited about how much I appreciate every little thing she does. I am excited to see her develope her own personality - her energy, how she focuses and absorbs everything she sees, her love of wild motion. My wish for Reesie is that she will continue to smile and be a happy person as she is now.

Good hair day

It's a good thing Reese has a brother with gorgeous hair who is willing to look out for her. I always said I was scared to have a girl because I cannot do my own hair much less someone elses. Noah is easy - it just needs combing. So, he has taken it upon himself to do Reesie's hair. Here it is - she seems to like it.