Where has my little boy gone?

I've noticed some big changes in L. Besides the potty training, which in itself is huge! L has been making attempts to "read." When T is reading, L would grab a book and start "reading." He holds a book and starts going "bbb, uh, uh, ah, ah..." It's so very cute. Sometimes with books that he's very familiar, he will tell little stories. I cannot believe that L is on his way to reading. I really thought he was my clueless child. I do not mean that in a bad way. I just thought I knew that I would have to work harder with L because he was just not that conscientious a child. He has proven me wrong. And I am very happy about it! He has also taken to quietly playing in T's room. He will gather up toys and get into T's bed and play on his own. I would suddenly realize that L is gone and he would be in the room playing. Sometimes L would come out and say that he is finished feeding the babies. It is so very cute. I believe that he has calmed down a lot. Of course, L is still my loud, rambunctious child, but in his own little way, he is maturing.

Big Boys!

I've been making a conscientious effort to have T read daily. This generally means a book a day since he is still working on beginning readers. I keep combing the shelves at the library for any and all books that T would be able to read. He is so proud when he finishes a book. I definitely enjoy setting him up for success!

He read a book called Dan and Dan by David McPhail. It was the perfect book to do a venn diagram on. T did pretty well in understanding the concepts of comparing and contrasting - although I did not use those words.

On a big positive note, L is fully potty trained! So I signed him up for the preschool class through the township. I have to admit I was very nervous. He does not do well with the Game Fun class that I drop him off at, so I have major concerns of leaving him for over 2 hours. I waited until the very last minute and registered him at 4:50pm the day before the first class. Talk about cutting it close! L was very excited. I kept talking to him over and over again about what to expect and how to behave and not behave. I reminded him to go to the bathroom. I reminded him to not touch anyone else's snacks. I asked T to teach him about bathroom etiquette. Daddy asked T to watch out for L and foods. I kept up with the reminders Friday morning. L walked right into class with a big smile. He said he wanted to sit with Connor and zoomed straight for his table. I spoke with the teachers about his allergies and my concerns. I tried to give L some last minute reminders and he brushed me off! It made me so sad. I left the classroom and sat outside with Z for a while. Everything sounded fine. I didn't hear any screaming or crying. Eventually, I took Z outside to the park area but I never left the premises. Apparently, L did fine. Miss Linda did tell me that L asked where I was, after an hour or so, but was quickly placated when told I'll be back for him soon. I am so proud of my little boy!

On the other hand, Game Fun class at the beginning of the week did not go so well. I did get L into the classroom but he didn't participate. I watched him edge into the classroom and then when I checked on him again L was by the door again. Sigh! His teacher jokes around that L talks to her more outside of class then he does in class.

Since L seems to be a bit under the weather, he may have to miss Game Fun again this week. We already skipped the first day of outdoor Pee Wee Soccer today since he threw up last night. I did not want to have him play hard in his weakened state. I will have to see how his cough and wet nose is like tomorrow before I determine whether or not to send him to Game Fun class.

A Delicious Mistake

We made Betty Crocker's Rainbow Cake. I was trying to make our version of the Funfetti cookies but I made a mistake and put in liquid that we didn't need, so we ended up making a cake instead. T read the ingredients we needed. I briefly introduced fractions. He was able to identify the right measuring cup needed. He even cracked two eggs. T was pretty proud of himself. This is always a fun lesson. At the end, you have something yummy to eat! T enjoyed two big slices of his rainbow cake after dinner.

We continued to read from Mary Poppins and Clementine. I realize that it's not the best idea to be reading two different chapter books at the same time. But T seems to be following the storylines pretty well. I think it helps that the two books are so different. Also, he has a rough idea of what to expect in Mary Poppins, after having seen the movie so many times.

Game Fun class was bust this week. L did not want to go into class. He kept claiming that he was upset. About what? I don't know. I wonder if L was thrown off because the class was in a different room. I hope he will be better this Monday.

This week at Little Chef class, T made pigs in a blanket. Yum! I happen to have the crescent roll dough. I do need hot dogs, though. I can probably use the Shelton's Turkey franks. But it will be a fun activity for the boys to do here at home. For L, I will just roll his bread flat.

I've been orally quizzing T on his Chinese words. He really seems to enjoy when I do this. I need to quiz him more often.