school firsts

Lydia's first day of school -

She started school at 5 and a half months old. The report from Ms. Marie and Ms. Delores - "She really likes to be talked to."   They tell us every day that we pick her up that she is happy, watches and smiles at everyone, sleeps just a little bit, and is content in the bouncy chair or someone's arms.

Marie and Dolores told Eden's current teachers how smart she was when she was in their room, too. Marie told us that Lydia is following right in her sister's footsteps, "She's a smart one, too, always watching everything."

About a week ago we attended our first first parent-teacher conference for Eden. The best quote? "If we could have a room full of Eden's, it would be great." Other great comments included

• We just adore her. I know she can tell she has me wrapped around her little finger. She'll just give me a look or a wink, and I'm all silly." - Kyra 
• "It's almost like you can have an adult conversation with her. ... .... She was sitting in my lap at chapel singing the song and I said, "Eden you have a beautiful singing voice." She looked up at me and said, "I like your hat." - Janet

So, the report was really good - we sat there and asked questions so it did not look like we knew that is what we would hear (but we did). She really is great. Here are the highlights ...

• loves to be the first one with the answer when they ask a question
• can talk to any adult clearly
• plays well with the kids in the class older than her and the ones below her
• will definitely let the other children {especially the rough boys} know if she doesn't like something
• She's way ahead when it comes to what she knows, how she can communicate, etc. Some of the other kids in her class are being exposed to letters for the first time
• She can write her name on anything, has great finger skills (cutting, folding paper)
• She handles change well, whether it's going from one activity to the next, sharing a toy with a classmate, or having her place at the table, etc. moved without warning.
• Is eager to pay attention and soaks up everything they tell her even if they just mention things once.
• When they learn a new song, she is right up front, watching intently to learn the words and the motions.
• She's just a joy to have in their class.