Vote for....

If you haven't ever read Prince Liam the Brave's blog, please do so. I "know" this family through a friend and they are fighting a courageous battle against Neuroblastoma. Right now their charity, Cookies for Cancer, is trying to win $20,000 through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. Go here to Helmet of Hope to vote for Cookies for Cancer.

More days of fun and merriment

Lost tooth

Terefech lost yet another tooth this past week. It had been wiggly for a long time and she finally got it out. Here is the evidence....

We decided to do a combination of tooth traditions at our house. There are several Ethiopian traditions that we have heard and we chose to use the one that has you throw the tooth on the roof and the moon comes down in takes it. We then inserted that after the moon has it, the tooth fairy comes down and leaves you something under your pillow. Witness Rich throwing the tooth on the roof...

Terefech was absolutely thrilled to find money under her pillow the next morning. So, if your kids come home from our house talking about throwing their tooth on the roof....sorry.

Rainy day fun

Happy Birthday Terefech!!!!

We had a wonderful weekend of firsts for Terefech. This past Friday was her first sleepover at Grandma and Papa's. She had a wonderful time. It gave us time to get her birthday presents and kind of get set up for her birthday on Sunday. When she came home on Saturday she was greeted by her new fish tank. She had been wanting one and well, we couldn't resist. Prior to coming home, she went through her first car wash. That was cool! She giggled and was on the edge of her seat the whole time. On Saturday night, we went to a bluegrass festival at church, her first music concert. She learned what all the instruments were and thoroughly enjoyed the music. Sunday was her birthday. It is hard to imagine what she was thinking about on this day. We have been to a few parties so she had the basic idea down. We had balloons and decorations and she was completely bewildered about who had done it. The dog was even in the realm of possibilities. She opened presents and was thrilled with each one. We had a party with a few kids and more adults. You would have thought she was at DisneyWorld. It was fun to see her just soaking up the atmosphere of the event. As you can see we had a penguin beach cake. She couldn't decide between the two so we just combined them into one. You can also see that she loves pink and Barbies.

It is amazing to have a child who at 5 is going through so many firsts. She is often in awe of what is going on around her but is so thrilled to have the experience. Being the center of attention and having it be all about you is so new. I know that she loves having new things that are all hers and that people picked out just for her. She often reminds us who got her what or she wants to know who got something for her.

Thanks to everyone that was here and those that sent their wishes. She loved the phone messages, people singing to her, and the fact that everyone said Happy Birthday.

First day of preschool

Terefech had her first day preschool this past Tuesday. She is attending the same preschool Declan did so she was at least a little familiar with it. Her teachers had also come by the house the previous week and played with her so that they weren't strangers when she went to school (one of the many reasons we love this place!). Her school does what they call ease-in. The first day is half the class and only for an hour. Next day is the whole class for an hour. After that, they add a half hour each day until they are at a full day. I think it is perfect for Terefech. Although she is all about school and thinks it is the best thing ever, I think increasing over some time is good for her.

Terefech is always excited to try new things and go new places. At times, I worry that she isn't attached that well since she feels free to run off to school and leave us. Then you get the biggest hug when you pick her up and I rethink that a little. I think she just loves new experiences and certainly anything Declan has done. It will be wonderful for her to make new friends, learn the language of play, and once again reinforce that we always come back for her.

Jumping right in.

In front of the cubby. So exciting!

With teacher Susan.