There has been a constant for Zoe at school these past few years: Her friend Zachary has been in class with her every year (first at preschool, now at elementary school). Zoe still calls Leo her best friend, but Z&Z (as I call them) are incredibly close; last week their kindergarten teacher told me they’re always together in class and called their relationship “sweet.” The two of them are always laughing and goofing around, and I think the photo below – though blurry – perfectly captures the essence of their friendship.

-M

Not long ago, the four of us went to an open house at Zoe’s new school. We wound up exploring the music room with a few other students, and before we knew it the five girls – including Avery! – had kicked off their shoes and started a round of Ring Around the Rosie. It was too fun not to capture on video.

-M

Okay, readers, do you mind if I contradict myself (from below) and brag about something? We were in a bookstore over the weekend and Zoe picked up and started reading aloud a Star Wars book. She sounded out things on her own and pretty much read every word – with the exception of some difficult ones like “villian.” At one point I looked at Q and mouthed “wow,” because I was so impressed.

Zoe has been able to read many words, and shorter first-reader books, for some time now – but she has never before read a book this advanced. And the reason I was particularly surprised/impressed is that she has always been more into numbers than words; she has never seemed super eager to read on her own, and we haven’t wanted to push her. We knew the reading would come in time – and it sure has!

-M

I try not to use the blog to brag about the girls (much), but I can’t resist sharing a proud-mama moment.

We had a bit of a nutty morning and at the last minute I (instead of Q, as planned) drove the girls to school. We were running very late, so I asked Zoe if she would mind if I dropped her off and she walked in by herself. (This is something that the older kids do, and it was the only way she would make it to her classroom on time.) Without hesitation she said that would be fine, and sure enough – she had no problem hopping out of our car and walking into her school – Star Wars lunch-box in hand, natch – with the “big kids.” After dropping off Avery I went back to Zoe’s school and quietly tiptoed past her classroom to check in on her; there she was sitting next to her teacher during circle time and smiling widely.

I was so proud!

-M

Speaking of goofing around, this was the scene at our house the other afternoon. (The girls took at least four laps around the house like this.)

-M

I love running around with the family on the weekends, but not after a week like I’ve had! We stayed around the house this morning, and it was uber-relaxing to just lounge around and play with the girls. Zoe and Avery had way more energy that Q and I did, though; after an hour of doing craft projects they wound up rolling around on the floor together and playing. Here they are goofing around and hamming it up.

-M

It has been, as some of you know, an extremely nutty week for me at work. (I wrote and fielded media inquiries on this story, and I’ve been bombarded with oft-angry calls and e-mails for the last four days. This has definitely been top-5 in terms of busiest times at work. Ever.) I’m not a fan of crazy weeks like this – mostly because I’m so exhausted and emotionally spent that my “quality” time with the girls is anything but. I’ve been so stressed that Avery asked me the other night, “Mommy, why is your face angry?”

Still, it hasn’t been all bad. I got up early and spent quite a bit of uninterrupted time with the girls this morning, reading to them as they ate breakfast and helping them make words out of little letter books. And the girls’ moods haven’t been affected by my stress – Avery, in particular, has been especially cheerful. “I’m practicing skipping!” she cried out in excitement as she raced around the house yesterday. And she was like my cheerleader this morning, asking me in the bathroom, “Are you done with your shower? That’s fabulous!”

Now, here’s to a fabulous (stress-free) weekend!

-M

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a public good-bye to a favorite outfit of Avery’s. Well, her beloved Tinker Bell pajamas are now way too short for her – and we’re about to retire them. Obviously, Avery isn’t too happy about this!

-M

Avery’s the sassy one in our family for sure. An exchange from earlier this evening, after I told her good-night for about the 10th time:

A (lying in her bed): I don’t waaaant to go to sleep.
Me: But, Avery, it’s late. It’s time for you to go bed.
A: Okay – then it’s time for you to go to bed, too. Go to bed, Mommy!

-M

Readers, do you mind another kindergarten post? Assuming not, I wanted to share Zoe’s first class photo (courtesy of her teacher) and to briefly discuss her first week. The adjustment (for her, at least) has been a smooth one: Zoe frequently talks about her new teacher and sings a song he taught the class, and she has reported making two new friends, Zach and Annibel. Not bad for 3 1/2 days of school!

Oh, and if you can’t spot her, she’s wearing a white dress and in the back row.

-M

Avery is a bit more rambuctious (and much less used to babies) than Zoe, so we’re extra cautious when she’s around her new cousin. She got to hold him for the first time last night, though: We were babysitting Isaac, and she promised to be gentle and listen carefully to her dad. She was and she did, and the ensuing scene reminded me of when Zoe held her sister as a newborn.

Here’s to many more babysitting sessions!

-M