Ketchup, No...I Mean Catching Up

I've fallen behind on updating the blog with Henry and Emma happenings the last few months and I apologize. So tonight, I'm going to try and get everyone caught up. And probably the best way for me to do that is to break it down as it comes to me. So buckle up 'cuz here we go!

1.Potty Training-Yes, I know, I've mentioned pt more than I would have liked over the past 2 years, but this time I can honestly say, it's working! Emma took to it right away this time around and has really done a great job! She doesn't announce that she's going to the potty anymore, she just goes(in the training potty, of course). She goes in, takes care of business, cleans herself up, and washes her hands. The one little detail that doesn't always happen is (and she's going to want to strangle me one day for posting this) she "forgets" to pull up her panties and pants, so she comes shuffling out with her clothes around her ankles. Henry is doing well with the pt too. He isn't as independent as his sister, but he is getting there.

2.Chores-We are having the kids help with some daily chores around the house. Very simple things, but things they need to learn. Every morning they help make their own beds and pick up any toys(stuffed animals) from bedtime. They are also helping with preparing breakfast and lunch most days. Picking up toys and learning how to care for them is also a big "to do" right now.

3.Sharing and Taking Turns-We are working daily on sharing toys,crafts, games and taking turns. This particular developmental stage has been rough recently. They have tons of toys and tons of craft type things-enough for probably 4-6 kids, but do they share? Sometimes. I know this will be an ongoing issue or whatever you want to label it, but we have got to get this to a better point and soon. Taking turns is also difficult at this point. They are learning how to play age appropriate boardgames and a few other games and taking turns has proven to be a hard idea to grasp.

4.Prepping for Pre-k-That just sounds so weird. It doesn't seem like it's been 4 yrs since H&E were born, but it has. And we have been doing some research on preschools in our area. The good news is, we have found a dayschool right down the street that is affordable and has very good ratings. We'll be enrolling/registering the kids there within the next month and they will start school in September. So we are busy teaching them their full names, daddy and mommy's names, our address and phone number, ABCs, colors, numbers, shapes, etc.

5.Manners-Manners are a big thing with me. So ever since the kiddos started to talk and comprehend things, we've incorporated using our "please and thank yous". They do pretty well most of the time.

6.Art and Music- I think my kids are artists in their own way. Henry LOVES music! He loves to hear it, dance to it, sing along, and if possible play along on an instrument. He can be caught serenading us at the dinner table most evenings. And recently he has become more interested in painting and coloring. He actually painted more than Emma the other day and had a wonderful time doing it. Emma LOVES crafts and art. The girl cold color/ paint for hours on end and has when it's been manageable. And she can draw like you wouldn't believe. I've started carrying a pen and paper in the car just in case she asks if she can color when we are on the road. She likes creating things. I think it's great that they both are so into arts and music. It let's their imaginations soar and there's nothing better than that for a kid!

I wish I could post about recent or kinda recent Henry and Emma sayings because boy have they been funny and interesting, but I keep forgetting to write them down right away. The only other kinda big thing coming up is their fur year checkup which includes shots. They are aware that we are going to see the doctor next week, but Mommy has failed to mention the whole, "you're getting shots" thing. This time should be rather interesting. They have grown so much since last year and are so much more aware of things. I'm hoping that having the knowledge that a reward will be waiting for them when they are done will be good enough to get them through the "trauma" part of the exam. They get stickers!

Now, of course, I'm drawing a blank in my head. There's always something afoot at Casa H, but the great big muscle/tissue/oh whatever you wanna call it that is located in my skull isn't wanting to help me out.

And for those of you that know me or read the blog regularly, you know that I can't post without including pictures:) I know, I'm a freak.