a little monkey business

In lieu of this book, Caps For Sale, Lisa had all the kids bring their favorite hats to school and together they engaged in role playing games and a photo shoot. I received these a few days later.

I have a butternut squash in my belly!

I do so little and seriously overdo it. Why does pregnancy have to suck like this? It doesn't seem like it would make a lot of evolutionary sense to cause the woman protecting the womb to be so disabled. Just a thought anyway.

I walked into my weekly appointment a few days ago and the nurse said, "Welcome to the third trimester." Am I here already? It's hard to imagine how much worse, and by worse I mean uncomfortable, it's going to get. On top of these horrendous stomach pains, recent back pains, and newly acquired restless leg syndrome, I'm sure a whole new level of discomfort is about to be dropped on me.

I just hope these last few months fly by at rapid speed.

Sexy carrot legs makes for a tasty dinner

"E.T. phone home"

I won't be giving this little one Reese's Pieces just yet. Heck, even Altea is still deprived of such luxuries. But one day, it may just be what is needed. Haha.

Here she is, third trimester photo shoot, and looking more alien like than ever.

the makings of a french ballerina

Many months ago, Altea began to ask to take classes. We've been slow to board the "activities" train because Mike and I are both strongly against over scheduling. And with Sweet Peas, regular playdates, my babysitting, and other various activities that always seem to come up, we already have a full schedule. But she is four now, and has reached an age where we believe these classes may be beneficial. We've been discussing her options for months and she has narrowed down her interests to French, Ballet, and Martial Arts.

About a month ago a friend of mine sent out an email to our AP parenting group and mentioned that she was trying to set up a private French class for her daughter and others. Her daughter is a good friend of Altea's so I immediately emailed her back and agreed. Starting in March, Altea, Soleil, and Freya began a two hour weekly French class with an amazing teacher. The first day I had planned to stay with her and check it out. We were the first to arrive, so I introduced myself to Nathalie, her teacher, and began explaining to her that Altea was slow to warm and would probably not talk to her for a little while and would like me to stay. As I spoke, Altea interrupted me and told me to leave. She said she was fine and wanted me to go. I still planned on staying, but over the next 15 minutes she urgently pointed to the door and insisted that I go. So I went. I went all the way to Peet's and enjoyed myself a nice cuppa tea. Is this girl ready for classes? I believe so.

Well, here we are, one month later, and signed up for a ballet class. I decided to start at the local rec center since it was inexpensive and for a short duration. The first day went ok. I was disappointed that the teacher failed to introduce herself to the students and none of the kids knew each other's names. This was very problematic for Altea as knowing a person's name is a key base for building trust. Her, and I, were not interested in letting me leave. And I plan to stay for a while at this one. I just wish the seats were more comfortable.

It's so cute to see how attentive she is in class. Most of the girls are timid, but Altea has much to say and offers a lot of feedback to the teacher. I loved to watch her spunky attitude and confidence displayed in a room full of strangers. Here are some pics I shot of her first day in Ballet and at the park afterward.

Conversation

Altea: What animal is beef from?

Me: Beef is from a cow.

Altea: Oh, I thought a cow was pork.

Me: No, pork is from a pig.

Altea: Oh, then what is human meat called?

Me: We don't eat humans.

Altea: Why?


And that is how we started our conversation on cannibalism, which has continued to many conversations on cannibalism.

Birthday Bash!

Batta batta batta batta batta batta SWING!




And she whacked that piñata right down to the ground!