October 22, 2002

My phone rang today - at exactly 2:56pm ..... that is 1:56pm central time. It was Ang. I quickly shushed her and told her to look at the clock. We shared a collective **sigh** ... and my stomach fluttered a bit, and a knot formed in my throat and for a second I was speechless. It happens to me every year on this date ... at that time. And today - the day Miss Alexandra Lara Elaine Thyen was born. To me ... and her Daddy. The day I became a Mommy for the first time. No matter what, the thought still brings tears to my eyes as I think of my first real part of me that I've seen with my very own eyes ... not in my mind. For an adopted child, that is a huge thing, to have something that is a part of them ... wholy .. not just in their heart. She brought that to me - and it was amazing.

What is even more amazing, is that even as milestones are met, I'm constantly amazed at the level of maturity that seems to be taking place in that not so little person. Had anyone said 'mature' and Lexi in the same sentence two years ago or earlier, I would have laughed. My social go getter was just that - constantly on the go - to the point that it exhausted me daily and even brought me to tears at times. It seems like I'm being rewarded yet again, as funny as it seems, because although the hurt that I feel a little as my little girl and longtime pal is growing up, I'm begning to see her developing so much more as a 'kid'. Always insightful, you can see her thoughts come full circle, she takes time to articulate her ideas and feelings, and what was once a relationship of holding hands and guidance, it is also becoming one of unique and engageing conversation, trust and quiet intimacy that as a Mom, is very cool to share with a daughter.

And so, Miss Alexandra, three cheers to you - my sweet Ally Ga-lou, my Ally Alexandra, my Loula Bell - I love you very much.

Love,

Mommy

Whew .... what a month!

My word .... wasn't I supposed to have MORE time now that both girls are in school?! Apparently not. My laundry isn't getting folded or put away any faster that's for sure!!! :)

We have been busy - we've also experienced the fallout of the start of school and its virtual germ cesspool as both Lexi and Cate caught colds - and now me. Cate is recovering nicely. Lexi, developed a respiratory infection that flared asthma like symptoms. After a doctors appointment, we were sent home with inhalers, allergy meds and an antibiotic. We are returning this Friday for a follow-up and also to test for asthma and the ever dreaded flu shot. Lexi thankfully, is doing MUCH MUCH MUCH better. The meds kicked in FAST - and kicked the infections tush - and Lexi is down to using her inhaler only twice a day vs every four hours. She's back to her old self and feeling so much better!!!

Perhaps I'm 'busier' because I have new found 'me' time :). I've made a few trips into Bangor I'm sure that wasn't all that necessary - and have also purchased a few items I'm sure I don't need :) but I've fun doing some errands on my own. What I miss though - and I never thought I would miss this ... is the constant chatter from the back seat :). That, and my grocery shopping buddies - I miss them so much in general :)

Cate and I drove down to Waterville for an eye appointment. Apparently the only pediatric Opthamologist is 50+ miles south. After an hour and a half drive down and another back, we found out that Cate's eyes are fine .. that her 'squint' is probably part of her silly 2 year old self that could have become habit. She did great - eye dilation and all. Big girl :)

Both girls are off to school this morning. I'm enjoying some tea - and then, I'm off to gallivant around the Bangor area. I figure I only have a few more months before the snow starts and 'gallivanting' no longer is that much fun.

Happy Wednesday everyone!! :)

In the Jungle........

Over the weekend, our girls had the benefit of riffling through our neighbors dress up trunk. To Lexi's DELIGHT (Lexi is a big ... BIG ... B-I-G lion fan) she found a lion costume ... which is now ours ... THANK YOU Mrs. Cummings!! (I mean that with all sincerity - Lexi is in AWE!) Cate has also become quite fond of the 'lion' and has been found wearing it around - for fun :)

Here are some photos of our little wild ones :)

RRRROOOOAAAARRRRR!!!!!!!!

PLEASE note - I am not posting the following video to peddle my singing skills ... HARDLY ... if Cate wasn't so cute in the end of it ... I would have skipped it .... for my own pride :)

Day 2

Lexi is loving school - today she told me, "each day just keeps getting better and better :) ". Despite a close bus error yesterday (the aid put the kindergartners on the wrong buses - the buses were out of order) - Lexi 'informed' her that they were on the wrong bus :) - lol - As much as a Mommy HATES hearing there was an error and your kiddo was almost victim of riding the wrong route home ... you have to be proud at the same time that she handled it well and was confident and assertive on her own. I also didn't hear about it until tonight at the open house - the social worker whom I've gotten to know quite well - told me when we dropped in to say 'hi'. Whew.

Lexi has 12 kids in her class - so the ratio is good - there is an 'aid' five days a week and also a high school senior who is in a work study program who will be helping half days three days a week. Lexi's preschool had a 3:1 ratio, so she is used to 'attention' - so I'm glad the classroom sizes are small. There are three kindergarten classes - they just hired the third which is a testament to the school - they could have split the third and given each teacher an extra six - it would have still been under 20 - but they went with a third and that makes me extremely happy.

We're still trying to acclimate ourselves to being on a schedule other than our own - and we really have to motor in the morning - her bus comes at 7:05 YIKES! :) and gets home around 2:45. I'm missing her during the day - I miss not dropping in to watch like I did at preschool - although I can - they have an open door policy - I haven't. I'm volunteering in the art room with the art teacher once a week so that will be fun! Lexi is signed up for Daisy's - with the Girl Scouts - that will be interesting. The best part, is seeing people we know - actually know :) - from church at school with their kids - and one of the girls in Lexi's Sunday School class is in her class too - and her dad coaches Lexi's soccer team - so it's beginning to feel a little more 'normal' around here and like we actually have a place in the town and people recognize us for us not 'them' (the new ones - lol)

I'm sure Lexi is looking forward to the weekend as much as we are - holy cow - that's a big adjustment for those little kids! CATE will be pleased to have Lexi home too - she has been missing her - a LOT! Next Wednesday is Cate's big day - HOORAY!!! :) We have soccer Saturday morning and that is IT - we're staying home this weekend - it's been a LONG week - and we're looking forward to next week!!!

Hooray Alexandra!!

First day of Kindergarten

August 27, 2008

Miss Lexi, I watched you get on the bus today - and yes, I cried a little, although I wouldn't let you see it :) Smiles are good for covering things like that up! I watched you climb on the bus ... and drive away. I can't imagine all the things you're going to do today. I'm excited to hear about them! I'm praying for you today - we all are - that you will make a friend, listen, learn and most importantly, that you will find in your heart what makes you excited about learning.

I can't wait to see you at 2:30!!!

Love,

Mommy

Cold Stream Soccer Club

Lexi started soccer three weeks ago. (yes ... it has taken me three weeks to post about it - sorry).

She is a member of the Cold Stream Soccer club - a really great local program for kids K-5. She's having a great time learning drills, playing games and making friends.

If you see her, shout "5"!!! This is what you'll see:

(put your head on the ball :) )

Keep up the good work Lexi!

May I take your order?

I've been burning candles this past week in the kitchen seems like we blow a circuit when we have lights on while they are using their compressor and other power tools outside - they all run on the same circuit. SO - one morning when Lexi came downstairs, she asked for breakfast at the center island and Cate followed too. She quickly asked for the 'specials' of the day :) - the girls got such a kick out of eating at "Mommy's Restaurant" by candlelight that we've been doing it each morning this week.

(please excuse the 'see-food')

(ambiance)

I've got to go - I've got 'specials' to plan for tomorrow :)

"Batter Up"

Yesterday was Lexi's first T-ball game. She is a member of the 'Cubs' team (of which Lexi explained was for LION CUBS - we have a HUGE lion fan in our home). There are about 50 kids signed up - and of those fifty, the teams are broken down in to ten teams of five - to give the kids a serious opportunity to play. Well - of the five on Lexi's team, she was the only one who showed for about five minutes until TWO of her other teammates showed up. They played with three of the five on their team against that of a team with its full roster and did a great job. Lexi was horrified that she wasn't on the wining team. We have a SERIOUS overachiever on our hands - but a visit to the concession stand and a ring pop later, she was convinced that the game wasn't a complete waste of her time :).

GO CUBS!!

Apparently it's not 'Cranky' enough

This morning the contractors are back and the crane to set the attic trusses arrived around eight. I told the girls this morning that a crane would be coming to help build the garage. Lexi was excited - she knows her equipment :). As it pulled up, we ran to the window to see. The excitement ended as she proclaimed, "that's TINY - Cranky the Crane is MUCH bigger than that" and walked away. You see, Cranky the Crane is a character and personal friend of Thomas the Train and apparently standards have been raised in this house since becoming a fan :).

Hear Ye.... Hear Ye

There is a LOSE TOOTH in the Thyen house!! :)

Lexi lost her two bottom teeth last fall - Yesterday, she bit into a peach with a 'yelp'. To her surprise, her two front teeth are wibbly wobbly. Stay tuned :)

Doesn't get much better than this

To Boldly Go Where No Man Ever Wants to Go Again

Monday - Jay went above and beyond his fatherly duty. Earlier that afternoon, Lexi informed me that her favorite lion had gone down the sink drain. Fine I thought, we can just loosen the pipe and shake it out thinking our pipe had the traditional 'J' in it. Mmmm .. no ... not so much ... it's not 'traditional', but stick STRAIGHT - leading away to who knows where. After much consoling, and mourning, Lexi came to terms that the lion had gone to sea (what else was I going to tell her!?).

That evening after Jay came home, I told him what had happened in the event Lexi told him. He told me that there was a 'sink trap' in the basement and he thought he could get it off to see. Well - after six earrings, a stone, a pound of hair and inches of goo, in the very bottom of the trap sat Lexi's beloved lion (from Uncle Bob - he gave Lexi his prized zoo collection he had when he was a boy). After rinsing, washing and soaking in bleach, Lexi was reunited with her prized possession. YAY!!!!! and GO DADDY :)

Now - on a side note, I think this is so cute. Lexi adores animals ... A-D-O-R-E-S them. Adores .. Adores ... Adores. She has a great variety of stuffed and play figures - somewhere around 100 or more play figures aside from her stuffed collection - seriously - thanks to Uncle Bob who shared his prized toys with Lexi from when he was a boy. Well - I am a firm believer that it's not the toy that creates the play - but the child - because the lion that went down the drain was NOT shiny or fancy, didn't have bells or whistles, wasn't produced by Nick or Sesame - but was a well worn, well loved, well broken-in lion that is probably reaching 40 years old. I love when things can take a child to places only their imagination can - with just that, their imagination and it thrills me that Lexi will have many more memories with her favorite lion. I'll think you'll smile too when you see what brought Lexi to tears and her Mommy too as I watched her understand it was gone - and again when her daddy fished up to his elbow in goo to fish this little guy out:

I put the lion next to Pecan so you can see how tiny it is and then....

I took a close up so you can see how special it is :)

A Few Photos

Class of 2008

I thought I would include a photo of Lexi on her last day of preschool today!! :) The school hosted a family picnic this afternoon - we have a beautiful day today so it made it even more fun. This sappy Mommy got a tad teary eyed as I watched Lexi make her rounds to say her good-bye's to her friends and teachers. Her school has become an extended family to us - and we're pleased Cate will be starting there in September.

HOORAY LEXI!!!!!!

My Favorite Part of Our Party of Four

Oh So Bittersweet

This morning, I called to register Lexi for Kindergarten at the Enfield Station School. I hung up, went to tell Lexi the exciting news, and found a rather large lump in my throat and honestly, tears in my eyes. Excitement, anticipation and a tad bit of sadness in this Mommy's heart as I'm facing the big day next year, when she takes her first steps as a true big kid down the road to the class of 2020. **sniff** **sniff**

Of course, when I was able to get the words out of my mouth, the excitement on Lexi's face and voice healed all wounds :)

What am I up to Today?!

I have spent this morning trying to convince Lexi that ONE MORE DAY with mommy isn't all that bad! (School is canceled for the big Nor'Easter coming up the coast. Dig..Dig..Dig.)

I am trying to understand how Cate could have mistaken that bottle of Ranch Dressing as lotion - and trying to forget my daughter smells like Cobb Salad.

Guess what we did this weekend!!

While it snowed ... snowed ... snowed .... we stayed inside and tackled some fun Christmas crafts!

Oh What Fun........!

Friday was a BUSY BUSY BUSY day!! Lexi and her classmates were closing out he semester and year with a big Christmas party. Parents and siblings were invited too - HOWEVER - Cate got a special invitation to participate with the BIG KIDS :).

Friday morning, I packed TWO lunches - one for Lexi and one for Cate. Packed them in Lexi's lunch box and CATE'S lunch box :) and we were off.

The party started at 10:30 with song time and finger plays on the mats while everyone got washed up for snack time :). Cate got to choose a mat to sit on, and Big Sister Lexi made sure she had a spot right next to her. What a treat it was to watch BOTH my girls. They made it from song time to the big round tables for snack time where Cate made her way between two boys she knows from the time we spend picking Lexi up. Cate ate her whoopie pie and drank her apple cider like a pro, cleaned up her spot and picked out a book like everyone else and made her way to the calendar area for the big PINATE!!!

'K1' - Lexi's lead teacher is an incredible story teller and told the kids a story that had them all frozen in their seats. They also received their gifts from the teachers - and sat incredibly still while they waited to break into the pinate!!

The preschoolers had been working on their pinate the whole week leading up to the big day. It resembled a gigantic bee hive - and hung in the middle of the room waiting for the kids :). It took three rounds of approximately 20 kids - including Miss Cate (she's got a good arm!) and finally didn't cave in until 'K2' (the other lead teacher - K1 & K2) beat the heck out of it!! :)

The kids were incredibly proud that their pinate could weather such a beating! And ... were even more thrilled to find their mild and loving teacher K2 to be the one to finally break into it!.

From all the activity, the kids had a chance to play a bit in the sun room and headed on to lunch. The teachers allowed a few of us to stay a little later than normal and the kids had a chance to just chill out and the adult had a chance to chat.

I couldn't believe the level of maturity Lexi displayed with her little sister there. She made it a point to introduce Cate to everyone :) - and then some - and made sure she had what she needed - to time to explain procedures and routine to her - and offered hand on more than one occasion to reassure her little sister that they were still a team.

A mommy couldn't have been prouder that day! :)

FINISHED :)

Lexi and I finished putting together the presents for her teachers this morning. She will pass them out tomorrow at their party :) We filled them with the pretzel kisses and other goodies. Lexi really got involved this year - she helped a TON with the baking of the kisses, and punched the holes in the bags, wrote on the gift tags and helped me fill the good bags inside :) We had a great time - and - it helps her understand how much fun giving can be in addition to receiving - which is so important - especially with all the commercials out there this time of year!

HOORAY!!!