Mom's Party @ Preschool

The invitation she made for me in class

Inside the invite - I think we need to work on that signature a bit ;)

Today was the "Mom's Party" at Preschool.  Almost all the kiddos had a mom or grandma present.  We started the party off with donuts, yum!  Then we had 3 different Christmas crafts to make.  Following craft time we got to join them in the gym for the Minds In Motion class.  Lots of running, dancing, and then an obstacle course for the kiddos. 

Making Christmas Crafts
After the Minds in Motion class Jillian asked if I was coming back to her classroom.  I had to tell her that I was going back to work and she was going back to class.  To which she just gave me a hug and kiss and happily went and lined up with her class.

Her "Snow Globe"

Papa displaying the finished Christmas Crafts

Doing the "rolly polly" in "minds in motion class"

French Toast with Fathers 10-3-13

Thursday Jillian's preschool had  "French toast with Fathers" breakfast.  It was the "Ff" week at preschool after all.  Rick reported that all the kiddos appeared to have dads to come to this event :).  They started in the classroom with the kiddos and had french toast for breakfast.  Then they got to join the kids in the gym for the "Minds in Motion" part of the day.  They even had the dads participating in the gym class bouncing balls with them, stomping like dinosaurs and walking backwards. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures since this was just a daddy and Jillian activity.

After the gym class it was time for the dads to leave.  Jillian reported to me that she was sad when daddy left (the barely keeping from crying when re telling the story..).  By the time I picked her up she was just fine.  She really enjoyed spending time with daddy at her Preschool.

Now it is fall break so no Preschool for Jillian for the next two weeks.  I hope starting back up goes smoothly!

If you look in the back you can see Jillian and her daddy

Preschool Week 3

8-27-13 - Daddy took Jillian out for breakfast before Preschool

TUESDAY 8-27-13

It has been several days now since preschool since it is only on Tuesday's & Thursday's.  She was a little unsure about going back today.  She was asking to stay at home and play with daddy instead.  Despite her slight hesitation this morning she walked in happily with no tears!

Jillian's drawing of herself.
This is hanging up outside her classroom.

THURSDAY 8-29-13

Daddy reports that she walked happily into her class room.  One of the teachers asked how she was doing.  He told them she was doing great.  The teacher told him that she has been doing great ever since she got over "being left" there the first day.

When mommy picked her up she was very happy girl.  Just very thirsty!  I didn't have a drink in the car for her.  Guess mommy better remember to bring a drink along for her.

I asked what she did at school and she told me she didn't know.  Then I asked if she played in the gym and she said yes.  I asked if she played in the sand and she again said yes.  So she clearly knows what she did, but apparently didn't really feel like telling me about it.

Jillian's book bag hang out.
She doesn't have to take her Minnie one, but she won't hear of leaving it at home!

Preschool - Week 2

8-20-13 (day 2)

Jillian was excited and ready to go back to her Preschool today.  So glad she has taken to this so quickly and likes it!  I cannot imagine getting her to go if she didn't like it.  Daddy said she was good to go again until it was time for her to go in the classroom and for him to leave.  She told daddy "I'm a little scared." and started to cry a bit.  Since we didn't get any calls she apparently didn't make too much of a fuss.

She did tell me that she didn't go to play in the music room today.  Instead they went to the gym area and played in some sand.  That is about all the details I got out of her for her morning.  She did bring home a picture that she tells us is of a person.  It is a couple circles and squares glued to a piece of paper.  Abstract art is her thing ;).  Yes I know she is only 3!  She did also tell me that she learned something, but wasn't real specific on those details.

Enjoying licking the icing spoon 

8-22-13 (day 3)

Daddy just reported that Jillian went into her classroom willing with NO tears!  I have been so impressed with how quickly she has adjusted and really seems to like going to Preschool.

We drove by yesterday and she was sure to point out that we were going past HER preschool! :)

Mommy got to pick Jillian up today.  Found her sitting patiently waiting with her class just inside the school doors.  She of course had to pull out her art for the day to show me :).  Also she reported "I didn't cry today!"  We are so proud of our big girl.

They must have talked about dental care today.  Jillian was telling me that when you teeth get really dirty the dentist has to clean them.  Also that eating dinner will make your teeth dirty.  She has been to the dentist once with me and wouldn't allow them to clean her teeth.  We are going to try again the next time I go in.

Preschool Week 1

Tuesday August 13th was Jillian's preschool orientation day.  We took her in to meet her teachers and check her classroom.  The first 30 minutes the parents stayed in the classroom with the kiddos.  Then the second half hour (really like 50 minutes) the parents had a meeting and the kids stayed in class with the teachers.

Jillian of course had some separation anxiety as we all know she would.  She did calm down after 10-15 minutes and by the time we returned she was happily playing in her classroom with no visible evidence of crying. We were really impressed as she has only ever stayed with close friends and family.

(08-15-13) Music time day 1 of preschool

Thursday was her first official day of preschool.  Daddy has the job of taking her in for her class.  She was happy and excited about going back.  Daddy said she happily walked into the building and to her classroom.  He helped her hang up her bag and use the special toddler size restrooms.  (She thinks that part is super cool!).  All was good until it was actually time to go in the classroom and for daddy to leave.  She told daddy "Get me outta here!"  He of course said his goodbyes and sent her in anyways.  I'm certain he assured her she would have fun and that we would be coming back to get her.  

The preschool has a policy that if your child doesn't calm down after 15 minutes they will call you to "rescue" them.  This mommy was watching the clock because I was afraid I would be called.  We got to 20 minutes, 30, then and hour and no calls!  We are so proud of her for adjusting so quickly.

Prior to her starting preschool we did visit once to check it out.  Also in the month leading up to it we talked about her going and how it would be fun and she would get to play with her friends. (Love this age when all little kids are automatically your friends).  We did also drive by her preschool at least once a week and I would point it out to her that it was her preschool.  The day after her orientation we drove by her school and she told us that it was her preschool!

Mommy and Meemaw got to pick her up after her first day.  We met her just outside her classroom.  She immediately went over and got her bag to show us what she had made for her first day.  She made a picture of her at Preschool and has started practicing writing her name.  She got to the L.  Jillian is a long name for a little girl to write!  I'm certain she will get much better with writing her letters as the year goes by.  

Gardening

Jillian got to learn about growing a garden this year.  She helped us plant seeds and watched as it sprouted and grew taller and taller.  Then finally the harvest :).

5-16-13 - Helping meemaw plant seeds 

5-16-13 - Helping papa cover the newly planted seeds

She was happy to pose with the small corn

Starting to look a little unsure of being in the middle of this growing stuff.

This stuff is as tall as me!

She was happy to look at it, but didn't want to be too close

7-28-13 - Picking her first ear of corn (this child LOVES corn!)

7-28-13 - attempting to help us remove the silks

7-28-13 - Helping meemaw cool off the corn after it was cooked

7-28-13 - Helping papa place the boxes of corn in the freezer

New food - Steak

Mommy "Jillian what do you want to eat?"

Jillian "Nothing."

So I let her sit and we go and sit down at the dinner table to eat.  She very quickly comes over to join us.

Sweetest thing ever she requests that we say grace (even though we  had already done this before she decided to join us).  We of course obliged and said grace again.  She is getting pretty close to knowing all the words! (makes this mama proud :))

Jillian (to Papa) " I don't like steak"

So papa proceeds to put some pieces on her plate.  Not to long after this she starts to eat some.  And then she of course says she doesn't like the "skins" (she means the grill marks, she used to call them fire).  She then proceeds to eat about half of papa's steak!

Soon we hear, "I love steak!" - Jillian

It is nice to see her trying some new foods.  But of course remember she wasn't hungry and didn't want anything for dinner!

7-31-13 Eating steak and potatoes, dipped in ketchup of course

Jillian & Babies

 Jillian has been known recently to ask me to find her a baby to hold.  Silly girl!  

Jillian & Adam (10/11)

Jillian & Anthony (10/11)

Jillian & baby doll (12-11)

Jillian w/ Charlotte  & Lila (02/13)

Jillian & her cousin Makayla - (01/13)

Jillian w/ Oliver (03/13)

Jillian & her baby doll sliding (03/13)

Tito Buddy

3-18-13 Jillian & Tito

Jillian loves "her" dog!  Since we have gotten a couple warmer days we have taken him for a walk, and man does she think that is fun.  Of course she tells us we have to get Tito's "loosh" (aka Leash).  Even after we have tried to tell her how to say it she calls it his loosh.  

Even we are inside she seems to think Tito needs to be lead around.  Of course the dog is stronger than her so if he doesn't want to move he isn't going to.  He is such a good sport and tolerates her tugging on his collar giving him hugs.  

What is so funny is that when she first started crawling if she would start coming towards him he would get up and move to the other side of the room.  Tito likes to give her licks right to the face, which most of the time she find funny.  

3 year checkup

(01-30-13)  Pretty smile :)

Jillian's 3 year old well check up was today.  The doctor was pleased with her development.  She now weighs in at 30lbs (the 43% for weight) and 3 feet (19% for height).  

She did well showing off her speaking skills for the doctor.  Was really chatty with the nurse who came in to see her initially.  And had to ask why there was paper on the table.  

All was good with the visit until she had to get her flu shot.  All her vaccinations are up to date and she isn't due for any new ones until she goes into Kindergarten   Woah that is a scary thought, her being big enough for school all the time!  She has been telling us lately she is getting bigger for school.

Children's Museum

Mommy took off work for her actual Birthday and we took a trip up to the Children's Museum.  Her meemmaw and papaw and big cousin Benjamin got to come along for the fun.  The kiddos had a blast playing and checking out the exhibits.  Even got to ride on the indoor Carousel.  Jillian really enjoys riding this.  Benjamin wasn't too sure about it, but was content riding on a bench seat with meemaw.  

Hot Wheels exhibit! Benjamin loved this, and well Jillian wanted to be wherever her  cousin was at.

Toy train 

If one had to be carried they both had to be.  At least memaw got the lighter one this time.

Happy 3rd Birthday Jillian!

Jillian's 3rd Birthday party was the Saturday before her actual Birthday.  She had lots of fun and got lots of nice things.  As if she didn't have enough toys already!  

Party prep - Cubing the Velveeta for the Cheesy potatoes

She was very specific in her request for a TinkerbelL/Thomas themed party

Opening presents.  

Eating her cake,and not wanting me to take her picture!

Playing with her new shopping cart and wearing her special birthday outfit

Playing with her new train table.

Big Girl!

Holding her cousin again.  This picture makes her look so big!

As of January 11, 2013 Jillian has been sleeping in her big girl panties!  I have asked her before if she wanted to sleep in her pull up or panties and she has always selected her pull ups.  Also mommy was a little uncertain about her going all night in her big girl panties.  The last 2 weeks or better she has woken up dry so it was time to give this a shot.

Making some progress on the #2 front.  She has never had issues going #1 in the potty, but has been very against the other.  She is still hesitant to do this on the potty.  I know it is a control thing for her, but we would all really like for her to decide that it is OK to do this now!

Merry Christmas 2012

Christmas Eve
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No big plans for most of the day.  Started the evening with the Children's Christmas program at Church.  I sat with Jillian's 2 year old Sunday School Class.  Daddy sat in the audience with Meemaw, Papaw, Grandma, & Grandpa. 



Christmas Eve - playing waiting to go over to Church

Jillian anxiously awaited her turn to go up front to stand on the risers and sing.  They were set to sing two songs.  Jesus Loves Me and Away in a Manger.  When it was finally her turn Jillian gladly went up front to stand.  She didn't do much of anything but stand still during Jesus Loves Me.  She started to attempt the motions and started to even sing a little during Away in a Manger. 

All was good until.... it was time to go back to our seat.  She said I'm not done I don't want to get down.  So I had to drag her down off the step.  Then she fell to the ground and was strongly resisting going back to our seats.  This happened again and the tears came.  Through he tears I hear but I"m not done yet!  She was pretty upset and was nearly impossible to console.  She wanted to go back up front.  Luckily the program was nearly over and very soon after we got to leave Church. 



Peter Cook & Jillian singing "Away in a Manger"- Christmas Ever Service @ Church

 After Church we met the family over at Jillian's great grandmas.  This has been the tradition for as long as I can recall.  The great grand kids did a gift exchange and of course a present for each from Great Grandma.  Following gift opening comes the traditional picture taking.  Grand kids and spouses - more than fills up the living room.  Then grandma with all the great grand babies. Lastly a picture of grandma with her boys and their spouses. 


Great Grandma (less 2 great grandchildren) - Jillian was not pleased about having this picture taken. Shortly after this picture was taken she broke down into tears..


Christmas Morning
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Santa brought Jillian a new doll house.  She likes to have her new trains visit the dolls.  Jillian also got some new mega bloks & duplos, a princess stories book, Cootie bug game, and a dancer blanket.

Jillian isn't too sure about the cootie bug game.  This version a slightly different than the one I grew up with.  Each has different sets of features.  She doesn't like the one with the tongue that sticks out.

New doll house

Jillian with her new trains all lined up. She didn't exactly want her picture taken...

For lunch we went to Grandma & Grandpa's house.  Unfortunately I didn't really take many pictures.  I will have to get some from Grandma.  Jillian got a Cinderella Lego set from Grandma and Grandpa, a cute Teddy bear from Uncle John, and a bible for kids from Aunt Sue & Uncle GP.
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Auntie Hanna got presents for Chase & Jillian.  Some construction equipment for Chase and some princess jewelry for Jillian.  And of course some new books!!  Jillian really likes reading her new book called "Silverlicious".








Christmas @ Meemaw & Papaw's

Jillian feeding and holding her cousin "Miss Kayla"
She adores her cousin and absolutely loves to help take care of her!

Benjamin and Jillian playing with Jillian's new fairy house.

Opening presents!  

This year was the first year Jillian seemed to get and was excited about presents.  It is of course so much fun to get her stuff.. and well.. she is probably more than a little SPOILED!!