Something in the air...

This is probably the first year when I actually looked forward to the end of summer (Gasp!). I usually love the hot hot hot. But this year, I welcome the crispness in the air, the wearing of sweats to bed instead of shorts, and the serenity that seems to come with fall. I am so unbelievable happy at my new job; it was the impetus I needed at this time. Priorities seem to be shifting for the better and my outlook seems to be more positive (even in this economy).

Sofia is loving the first grade. Morning drop-off is the best. I watch her play on the playground and become mesmerized when I see her laughing and smiling. I also see in her face the "challenges" of the playground: mainly getting across the monkey bars and sliding down the fireman pole. I constantly encourage her to just do it and I'll be there if she falls, but she's still not ready for either.

We had our first meeting with her 1st grade teacher and speech therapist, and I thought it went very well -- no surprises. Jay and I brought up our concerns about the two tantrums she had in school, but her teacher was not bothered by them at all..noting that they were not completely unreasonable. That was a huge relief to us, because I was very concerned. We talked about Sofia's handwriting being a bit below grade level, so we are on task to have an OT test her. Homework, reading and handwriting practice are major parts of our evenings and all four of us are so wiped out from the day, none of us can stay awake past 9:00pm.

Together, Sofia and I are taking a Filipino class at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. It is geared towards elementary school kids, but the facilitator suggested I take it too, and I'm glad I am in it. Today we had a Filipino jazz singer come in and sing the Filipino National Anthem with us. Sofia was so excited to be meeting a famous singer, she got her autograph and everything :) When we first started, Sofia kept referring to it as "Pino-Pino class" which is just so adorable (It is now what Ava calls it)

And speaking of my sweet Ava, she just amazes me every day. The potty training is coming along (slowly, that is). But she knows that it's necessary...as she said the other day: "Momma, I can't go to school to Mrs. Marvin's class until I stop pottying in my pampers" And I am so impressed at how many songs she has memorized. The latest song in the repertoire is "Don't stop believing" from Glee.

And since music has been so much a part of our every day, here's a snipit of a song that pumps me up at the gym: "Right now, hey, it's your tomorrow. Right now, come on, it's everything. Right now, catch that magic moment, do it right here and now. It means everything"