Saturday, October 28th

We worked in the yard today, it was a bit nippy. Putting the yard and house to bed for the season is work, but it is so nice to have such a lovely yard and house, we are grateful. Speaking of grateful, Aidan is really doing well on his manners. I read something written by a teacher that said the students who come to Kindergarten prepared are the ones who can play well with others and are courteous, absolutely not the ones that can recite their ABCs forwards and backwards.

Why is our tendency to shove academics down their throats when what we all know that what matters is kindness? My family was into talking, playing music, laughing and hanging out when I was growing up. And I never had a lot of luck in school, and never saw the point of all that homework. Oh well, I guess with this, like anything, all in moderation.

Enough about that, I had dinner with some of the moms recently at the 112 Eatery. For those of you who have been there, you know it was a treat, and those of you who haven't, run don't walk (but make a reservation, the place is small & popular). Not small uncomfortable-sitting-on-the-laps-of-that-uptight-couple-next-to-you small, but small cozy I-wish-I-wasn't-nursing-and-could-have-a-gin & tonic-and-make-this-an evening small. After running about 20 minutes late, which is really on time when you have a four month old, I started with the bibb lettuce salad with fine herb vinagrette, then had the Nori Encrusted Sirloin with Ponzu sauce for dinner. SO DELICIOUS, every last bite.

Coleman cut two teeth, the bottom front ones. So far, no problems nursing.

**Pics: Coleman today!, Aidan's first day of school, working elevator made from TinkerToys, Elizabeth (my friend Adelheid's daughter) and Cole side by side, and Joel and I going to the reception.**

Time to cozy up the house!

Aidan started preschool about 6 weeks ago. He goes T and Th mornings from 9-12 and is loving it. He knows a lot of his "classmates" from ECFE, so that made the transition go well. He is emerging as a very articulate youngster with mad art skills. He lives for Cole smiling at him, balloons, marbles, and strangely and passively enough, loves Teletubbies.

We have been busy the last few weeks, but still spend most of our downtime as a family. It is our favorite pastime. Cole is 3 and one half months old! He started cooing, ah-gooing, and he laughed for the first time. He is also using his stomach muscles to try and sit up. He was sick with an ear infection and is just starting to feel better, which means Mama feels better too. It is so hard to have your tiny one sick, what am I saying?, it is the pits when anyone is sick, for different reasons.

I am doing a little part time work caring for friends' children and organizing homes. I enjoy staying at home so much, but a girl needs a break! Turning chaos into order does that for me.

We went to our friends' wedding reception (they were married earlier this year) on Saturday night, the 14th, which happened to be our 6th wedding anniversary. It was the most wonderful time. Great location, food was fabulous (Fabulous Catering did the food), and best of all, I wore "real" clothes! Kate and John were darling and are such a loving couple. Our anniversary was mentioned in the groom's speech, which was touching and thoughtful.

We are looking towards the holidays and not doing one "should" thing. Feel free to do the same, mix it up, and donate or save (gasp!) money instead of shopping and stressing.