Tae Kwon Do

Oliver started tae kwon do a couple weeks ago.  We tried a few different "sports" lessons with him in the past, but nothing really stuck and it has always been a struggle to get him to participate.  So we decided not to push for the moment and wait to see if he took an interest in anything. 

It has been a less than perfect transition to Kindergarten.  I did not expect at such a young age that Oliver would already be picked on by the other kids for his size.  The structure, long day, and homework in Kindergarten has also been a challenge for Oliver.  So we started thinking about ways to boost his confidence outside of school.  Joe and I both thought that a martial art might be good for him, but we were not sure if he would be interested.  I knew the instructor would be critical.  After some research, I found a teacher that sounded perfect.  I was so nervous about bringing him the first time because when Oliver does not want to participate, it is hopeless.  And I really wanted him to give it a try.

On our first visit, Master Coles shook his head at me and said, he is too small, I just don't think this is going to work.  I assured him that Oliver is in fact 5 and asked him to give him a chance.  Oliver did well and took to Master Coles immediately.  Although, Master Coles was surprised at how well Oliver followed instruction and learned quickly, he was still concerned about his size and strength.  He offered to give Oliver private lessons twice a week to see if he could help him get some basic skills before joining the group class.  So for the past couple weeks we have been going for private lessons, just Oliver and Master Coles before the doors to the regular classes open.  The teacher declined to let me pay for the lessons and Oliver has been an attentive student.

Today, when the group class started to arrive, Master Coles asked Oliver to stay on the mat and join the class.  I was so proud of him.  Even though he is the smallest and is still gaining strength, he is learning, he is trying and he is paying attention.  He participates in a way we have not seen him do for any other activity.  I give a huge amount of credit to the teacher.  We are going to continue with one private lesson a week, but Oliver is going to start joining the group class every Friday now.

We left the group class today and I told Oliver I was proud of him.  He responded, "Mom, I am proud of myself."

10 months old (I didn't forget!)

Adeline turned 10 months old on October 24th.  She is changing so fast.  She cut 4 teeth at the same time on top this month.  She is growing so much (above 90th percentile for height, weight and head).  Her first word was in fact: "duck" (d-aa-k), first recited during our trip to Cali.  She will say it every time she sees a duck in a book, stuffed duck or any bird that resembles a duck. 

She can point to her nose, ears, mouth, teeth, and eyes when asked.  She likes to brush her own hair and give her doll a bottle.  She waves hello and goodbye on her own as soon as she sees someone coming or going.  She is a speed crawler, stands solid on her own and coasts along furniture.  She will try to take a step or two on her own, mostly unsuccessfully, but is very good at falling on her bum. 

One of her very favorite things it to read books.  She likes to be read to, but she also loves going to the book shelf and pulling down book after book, looking through each one.  So grateful to have another baby who loves books.  Generally speaking, she is not a fussy baby; however, she is strong willed when she wants or does not want something.  She adores her brother.  She is very sweet and gives hugs by leaning in.  Kisses are pretty much the same, but they are still adorable and given with a true sweetness that is clearly part of her being. 

Happy Halloween and END OF THE BILLABE YEAR!!!

This was definitely one of the most challenging billable years so far.  But, we all managed to survive, and I made my hours goal.  A big thanks to grandma for coming in at the last minute to help out.  Unfortunately, probably my favorite holiday since having kids falls on the last day of the billable year.  I missed the pumpkin carving, but I made it home just in time for costumes and trick-or-treating, before getting my last couple hours in after the kids were in bed. 

As requested by Oliver, we were a family of superheros:
Oliver -- Iron Man
Adeline -- Baby Incredible Hulk (because according to O, she can get rage angry sometimes)
Daddy -- Captain America
Mommy -- Wonder Woman
Meghan -- Super Girl