Logan & Connor's first teeth cleaning

Okay, it's not the first dental visit... they've been to the dentist before but have always been a little scared and would just receive an exam & fluoride. 

Logan's first visit when he was 2 was so horrible. Kids Care Dental has their exam chairs in a large open room with about 4 chairs lined up. Logan was so freaked out, we had to go to the "special" closed room. He wouldn't even let the dentist touch him. He was on my lap and I sat on a chair. We laid him down on the dentist's lap (while still sitting on mine) and there was screaming and kicking and spitting.... It did get better over the years but it was only during the last visit, that he didn't cry. It was the first time his brother had his visit. Maybe this helped with his anxiety.

Connor's first visit wasn't so bad. He let them examine him but he didn't receive a teeth cleaning because we were in the "special" closed room in fear of his older brother making a scene. haha.

During today's visit the boys waited outside on the merry-go-round horse. I don't think Connor even got off it once. The wait was long. I watched all patients come and go. I was wondering if we were being punished for being late, 10 minutes late. I hate being late but with 3 little ones, it's so hard getting my husband out of the door. Did you think I was going to blame my kids? ;)

When we went inside, we were told they would get a teeth cleaning. I freaked out a little but Logan already promised he will be good because he's 5 years old now. When asked who's going first.. Logan volunteered Connor! haha

I was a little nervous since Connor is younger and it's only his 2nd visit. He looked a little nervous but would reach his hand out and I would hold it and reassure it was okay. There were lots of giggles and joking so he was more relaxed and of course, he loves to watch TV. He got to see and feel each tool before they used it. I'm sure the chocolate toothpaste he chose was yummy too! There were a few times that he looked like he was going to cry in the beginning but didn't. I'm so proud of him!

Logan did good too but he was still nervous. I can tell. He wouldn't stay still and I know by how he acts... funny how you pick up on little things your children does when they are nervous. He said the lights were too bright so they gave him some shades. He eventually took it off... He chose the strawberry toothpaste. 

They did so awesome, we headed to Miwok Park and had Happy Meal lunches.

Logan Starts Kindergarten

Wow... I didn't think he would scream and cry since he did so well yesterday at CDI (After school program) but he did. I thought we were over all this. It makes me so sad!

We took some photos before we left the house. He was still happy and excited.

I didn't feed him breakfast because I thought the school had a breakfast even before school. It turns out there was no more than donut holes and juice and we went straight to class first. 

They all lined up outside the classroom.

They all already had an assigned cubby with their names on it.

Once inside, they got to play for less than 5 minutes on the tables.

Then they all sat down for a story. Logan doesn't sit still. I think he was nervous. He started to crawl around.

He started HERE

Then crawled to the other end...

I asked him to go back... there he goes.

It was so overwhelming. There were more parents than students... he cried when I left and they had to hold him back. I was outside eating my "breakfast" (donut hole) and hearing him cry the whole time was heart breaking.

The school has been a little unorganized in my opinion. The notice to when he actually started didn't come until a month before. I ordered uniforms but found out there was no longer a uniform policy. I called and asked to remove that information off their website.

CDI called to confirm that Logan was in kindergarten and not transitional kindergarten (kids who aren't 5 by a certain date. I had to call the school to double check and he was in fact enrolled in TK. They fixed that... *SIGH*

I stood outside the kindergarten gate this morning with a couple of other families only to be told they changed the rule or process and that we had to go around through the front.... 

Logan's Participation in Preschool - June/July

Logan's last day was July 10th. I went through some of the stuff in his folder and found this cute little drawing of our family portrait.

Some of these were not dated so I don't remember when I received them...

It's great to read that he has been focused and behaved!

So sweet of him! Love my little caring man!

Logan's last day of preschool

So here it is... the beginning of his school years. His last day of preschool was Friday, July 10th. I sent him to preschool with younger brother with cupcakes. I was starting to feel sad. 

This picture turned out blurry (because it focused on me) but I didn't want to hang around any longer and delay the good-bye process. His morning "tradition" is to give me hugs and kisses (sometimes a lot more than usual) and then he blows kisses (with TWO hands - it must be with TWO hands) and he runs to the window where I come around and wave and blow more kisses (WITH TWO HANDS). ^_^

I picked him up and gathered all his belongings and got even more sad. He said his good-byes to all the teachers (and the pet snake - yuck) and gave them hugs. His favorite teacher (Hennie) is off on vacation. I'll bring him in one day to visit since Connor is still there. I'm a little sad that the school doesn't do a Preschool Graduation thing for the kids leaving... I know a lot of preschool that does this. It's so minor it seems but such a big deal for me.

Kindergarten starts on July 14th but he starts the Summer Camp (Last day) on the 13th. I took the morning off because I thought I would hand out for a little bit. He was shy when he saw all the kids outside. He sat down on the floor but focused on all the little rocks and stuff he found instead of the group sitting in the circle.

When we walked back to the bungalow, he walked into the chain link fence staring at the garbage truck in the yard. I noted to one of the assistants that he's clumsy so "watch out for this one" haha.

I stuck around for a few minutes before he said he wanted to say "bye" and I asked if he wanted me to leave and he said "yes". I'm glad he was okay with me leaving but I was also a little sad at the same time. Of course, he wanted his "routine" of hugs, kisses and more blowing kisses at the window.

Vicky was so sweet to send me this picture letting me know he was doing great since I expressed some concerns about Logan adjusting to his preschool earlier this year. 

Connor Potty Training

I have to admit I have not been on top of potty training Connor. I was trying while pregnant but then the baby was born. Logan was sick for months... it got crazy.

June 2015

I put away all the little potty trainers because he is adamant about using the big boy potty. We were on top of it with Logan. As soon as Logan said "Pee" he was picked up and ran to the bathroom STAT! Of course now, I hear Connor say "peeeee" and I'm halfway cleaning poop from little brother and daddy is no where to be found. Even though I feel warm pee on his diaper he still pees when I put him on the toilet seat. I think he's able to hold some.

This past weekend, he came in and said he had to pee while I was busy with little brother again. So I just said "okay, go pee and wash your hands too". I listened carefully. I heard him pee into the water. I heard a flush and then I heard him turn on the faucet! When dad woke, I asked him to check the toilet and all was good! Yay! So proud of him!

When I picked him up from preschool, they said he peed on his own and had a dry diaper in between!

He's so independent. He wants to do everything by himself. ^_^

UPDATE: 8.12.15 - He's been going diaper free at preschool and has very little accidents. He's been doing well at home too. It's a little harder because the toilets at home are not little like at school. He also pooped 2x by himself!! He is recognizing his urge to go now.

Dustin - 11 Months

Wow! One more month until he turns the BIG one! ahhhhh! Someone slap me! haha It's actually a few weeks from now since I'm a little late... He turned 11 months the day after 4th of July so it only made sense to kill 2 birds with one stone and do a July 4th theme! I had fun making the DIY Tassels and although the stars in his Crochet Stars & Stripes hat looks more like flowers, that was fun to make too! I'll be using them in his one year cake smash photos too (in different colors of course!).

I was a little hesitant to let him watch fireworks but he did okay. When it got a little loud, he made a face but was taken in. Other times, I covered his ears.

His gums are sore from his upper two front teeth coming in... 

He can walk along couches and use the walking car in short distances. This video he was a little scared but shortly after this, he's all smiles and has such a proud smile when he does use it to walk! (you'll see that video next month!)

Dustin went to a pool for the first time for a friend's 3rd birthday party. He sure loves to splash around!

He loves to help with laundry by taking everything out and throwing it on the floor or mixing the clothes between baskets (each person has their own basket).

Logan loves to cuddle with Dustin. It's sad that they're always sick and I won't allow kisses sometimes :(

I'm trying to teach him how to get off furniture. I remember teaching Logan at an early age... it really is true when you have more kids that you forget all these things... I took out the balls for the pack and play and Dustin was a little scared of it but loves to throw the balls around.

Here he is at 11 months old!

This last month has been very emotional. I have not come to accept that he is my last baby and time is just moving way too fast... His brother is starting kindergarten next week! He's becoming a "toddler"... it's all too much for the emotional unstable. HAHA