Interview with Athena, age 4 3/4

1. What is something mom always says to you?
That she likes me.

2. What makes mom happy?
When she doesn't have to clean up our rooms.

3. What makes mom sad?
When we don't do the right things.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
When she tells me something funny.

5. What was your mom like as a child?
I just really don't know.

6. How old is your mom?
I forget. Can you just tell me? uh, 32?

7. How tall is your mom?
Pretty tall.

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Um, go on the computer. (OK, i'm embarrased now)

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Um, do something by herself that she always wants to do when we are around.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
I don't know.

11. What is your mom really good at?
Helping.

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Doing something that's really hard for her.

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Stay home and play with us.

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Is it the green stuff?

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
When she helps us so much and she does something that we really like. Like if she gives us a treat or something.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Snow White.

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Do something without my brother. Do something that is not really allowed for Rowan to do, but my dad can do it too, but he has to stay with Rowan.

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Because now I'm wearing jeans and she always does too.

19. How are you and your mom different?
Because are faces aren't the same kind of.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Because I'm always her kid.

21. What does your mommy like most about your daddy?
That he is kind of funny.

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
To the park.

Rowan's "Firetruck" party

All he could talk about for 2 weeks was the "firetruck pinata". He cried for it many times. He didn't want to share the bat and give any other kids a turn. He had a great time at his party though, for the most part. Right when it was supposed to start he was asking to go home, but then he got distracted once everyone arrived and he had a good day.

Rowan turns 2!

Tomorrow is the anniversary of Rowan's birth. I can't believe it has been 2 years already, although I can hardly imagine my life without him. He is definitely not a baby anymore:( He is talking a lot, telling stories, playing a lot, he even started to ask "why?" about everything. "Why dirt?" (as in why is there dirt on the tire) "Why these?" pointing to the shorts I picked out for him. It is cracking me up. He is also beginning to pronounce some words that he used to have difficulty with. I don't want to forget some of these because I loved his baby way of saying them.

"con cete muh muh" - concrete mixer - he now says "con cete micker" That was one of my all time favorites.

So what else is new with the soon to be 2 year old. He continues to love his sister and show his love throughout the day. He loves to give her big snuggly hugs. Athena and Rowan play together a lot throughout the day, although they have their moments. He still loves anything trucks, trains, and sports related. He has been wearing a Superman costume for 5 straight days (I've gotten him to take it off most nights so I've washed it a couple times in between). He loves to say he is "Toop Man!" I'm not sure why he loves the costume so much, but I think it is because of the reaction he gets from everyone while we are out. He smiles big whenever anyone says "Look, it's Superman!"

Well, if you want to be reminded of Rowan's actual "birth" day, I posted a birth story last year here. And here is a post about his cupcake party. I just read that we ate 50 cupcakes. I guess our group has grown as I just made 6 dozen cupcakes for his party on Saturday. I don't think 50 would have been enough, but maybe it would. We shall see. Well, I'm super excited to celebrate with my family and friends over the next couple days. I love thinking back to all of the special things we've done since Ro has joined our family.

fun stuff

Athena enjoying herself at Lucca's birthday party.
Rowan turned forward facing this weekend (he has ridden forward facing on occasion, but today we made it official). It was getting very difficult to stuff him in the backseat rear facing and he was almost at the weight limit. It was time. I'm still not quite used to seeing his cute little face in the rear view mirror though!
Cupcake face.
Happy boy.
Athena in deep thought mode. And I'll leave you with a little "ballet".

Preschool drop out

I officially withdrew Athena from preschool this week. I haven't been happy with her teacher(s) this year and just decided it wasn't worth the drive and money for mediocre schooling experiences. I am relieved to have the decision behind us and am looking forward to spending more time with my girl. Next year she'll be in kindergarten full time and I am going to savor every moment we have together these next few months. She is really growing fast and so mature already. She learned to ride her big two wheeled bike, tie her shoes...what is next? It is going to be weird not taking her to school anymore as it really was a big part of our routine, but I'm sure we will find a new routine that works for all of us. I most likely, will not continue with Rowan's parent participation class as I would have to find regular childcare for Athena and it just doesn't seem worth it to me. I am thinking of signing them up for a fun class with the extra money we are saving. Originally, Athena wanted to take swim lessons but now she is set on dance. We will see what we can figure out. So, that is what has been going on over here. We've been having a lot of fun these days, enjoying the beautiful weather, lots of bike riding, and enjoying our quiet time at home as well. I haven't been doing anything spectacular in the kitchen, just cooking up our normal meals: chili, chana masala, burritos, pasta. I hope to get inspired to try some new recipes soon.