First day of (Pre)School!

Happy 1st day of school!

Gear in tow.

D with his backpack...and me in the background holding it up so he doesn't tip over.

Checking out the classroom.

Ms. Teri, D, Mom and Ms. Jackie

Today was Dawson's first day of preschool. He is attending CCS in Mt. Horeb Monday and Tuesday mornings from 8:30-11:15. The philosophy of Montessori is really neat. Here's is a little blurb from their website that sums their mission:

Our Mission is to provide a nurturing and challenging Montessori educational environment for children  in which they explore the world and their place in it through hands-on learning experiences and positive social interactions that reinforce the knowledge and skills essential for independent thinking, resourceful problem-solving, active citizenship and life-long learning.

He did so well today. No tears (for Mom or Dad either ;). We were trying to say our goodbyes and he was like "Yeah, whatever Mom and Dad, I'll be fine. What's the big deal? Just get out of here already!"

He got good reports from Ms. Teri and Ms. Jackie. Playdough, snack time, trucks, songs and stories. They also mentioned he was sensitive to noises (kids in other rooms, background music, etc.) which is really funny because it is something we know of Dawson but forget that might be a characteristic of his and not all kiddos. From a car horn in the distance, a motorcycle driving by, the washing machine, etc., he is always listening and asking "What's that?".

It will be fun to learn more about Dawson through them and see how much he learns!

23 Months

Lil' ham much?

Brady, D's buddy...

Big boy bed!

D loves his big boy bed...he is one proud dude.

Dad getting fancy with his photo taking skills.

One of two favorite things to do at Grandpa and Grandma's. The other? Swinging.

Playing at the park.

Swing, swing.

When I talk about D loving to run, does THIS photo give you a good idea of what I mean?

....can this season really be around the corner?!

With summer winding down and the 2 year mark just a month away, time seems to be speeding quickly by. Life with Dawson lately has been so much fun! His big conversations are growing more detailed and elaborate by the hour. His memory floors me, as he recalls details of places, conversations and events of weeks prior. He's a tiny human now! ;)

The big event this last month was transitioning Dawson into a "Big Boy Bed". He did much, much better than I ever imagined. Pretty much no difference for him. He was so funny "helping" me take apart the crib and set up his new bed. We could hardly get the sheets on fast enough before he could crawl back up and start jumping on the bed. He is very proud and shows his bed to all that come over.

Dawson will also be attending a montessori preschool this year as mom's design work has out grown nap times. Averi will be in his class as well! We had orientation last week and he seemed very comfortable as he wondered around the classroom playing with new toys and discovering the classroom. He will be going to CCS on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 8:30 to 11:15. His first day is this Tuesday!

At 23 months, Dawson...
- Is a great independent player as long as you are within his sight. He'll grab your by the hand and say "Play with you" he leads you to his next destination.
- Loves to play with cars, trucks, tractors, buses, trains, etc. Any transportation vehicle will do.
- Knows basic colors, 12 shapes, ABC's and can count to 20.
- Adores his Grandparents
- Obsessed with: Mickey Mouse, String cheese, Juice, stickers, Mickey Mouse, his Packer shoes (crocs on lend from Jackson), Sesame Street app on my phone and...Mickey Mouse.
- Will never outgrow: walks (strollers rides), asking questions, (Who's that?, What was that? Where ____ go?) and playing at the park.
- Loves to use the word "so": "I so tired", "It's so dark", "It's so windy", "I'm so hungry", "It's so hot/cold", "It's so cute"...
- Appropriately and with inflection uses phrases like: "Oh no, I made a mess!", "Oh my goodness!", "We're almost home!"...
- Friends: Veda, Averi, Jackson, Brady, Oliver

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(Here's the part about where I gush about how great Dawson is :)

Dawons is SUCH a joy. He listens well, plays great independently, is fairly even keeled, always up for an adventure, likes to snuggle and give kisses, sleeps well and is full of life. If I could hand pick the qualities of a child, Dawson would be the product of that list. I thank God everyday for the light and blessing he brings into my life. My love for him grows exponentially each day.