when the cat's away

My first day at the new job was good. It looks like I will be filling a variety of roles, which will be nice.  It's interesting to be back in a professional environment, and I mean that in two ways. First, it makes me realize that my old job was not one. I was there for so long that I forgot what it's like to be in a place that's truly a professional environment. It's nice to be in a place where you are welcomed and valued as a professional, and where people are kind and courteous to each other. Second, it's just plain weird to get dressed up and go to work in the morning, and be there all day, and not see Celia and Henry. Weird. I like my new job a lot, but I would still rather stay home with them.

Celia is very excited about "going voting" today. When she asked if she could paddle, I realized that she thinks we'll be "boating". Ha! I tried to explain what voting is, and that it really won't be all that exciting. She definitely didn't understand. Then I had the family vote on what to have for dinner tonight and she kind of understood that.

I went to our parent conference for Celia's school last night. Her teacher had nothing but good things to say. Pita's a little shy with groups of kids, but she raises her hand and talks during class activities and has made friends. She has trouble with some fine motor activities because of her small size (like, she can't really use scissors because her hands are too small). She is advanced with her academics and will now be working on matching upper and lower case letters, and identifying numerals up to 30.

Today I'm hurriedly getting the house cleaned a little and getting lunches and everything else packed up for work and school tomorrow. It would be so much easier if we ate processed foods. I understand why so many people do, because it takes a lot of time to actually make and pack everything compared to grabbing something that's pre-packaged. But, it's my choice to do it this way. Just wish it was easier.

Henry is starting to do more new things. He has begun filling and dumping, likes to throw things and see what sound they make when they fall, and is imitating some new things. Today he imitated drinking from a cup, and kissing. He also pointed for the first time today! He pointed to pictures in a book, and to a couple other things. It's a good thing Henry has Tuesday mornings to be home without Celia, because when she's around he doesn't get to play with anything without her interfering or taking it away. So, while this cat was at school today...

Little Mouse got busy in the kitchen!

He had a great time getting into everything, banging things around, opening doors and making a mess.

Now his nap is over, he's nursing, and we will go run an errand and pick Celia up from school.