Family

Yesterday we had to go to my Great Aunt Mae's funeral. Funerals aren't fun, of course. And it made it a very long day for us. Lil M and I drove up after work. I let T bow out because it made her uncomfortable. So, Sis and Nephew and Lil M and I got to hang with one of our relatives for dinner after the funeral, and that was nice.

The part that wasn't so nice is that T didn't go home when I asked her to (she was 1/2 hour late) and that made me cranky. It is her weak point... being on time for things... and we've been working on it, but I felt like she was disrespectful to me after I was being understanding about her not going to the funeral. Fun times. Actually, it wasn't too bad, but it did make for a longer night than I wanted. Because after going home, I had to talk to her about it... which led to a whole conversation about respect and family and the like. The gist... she isn't used to someone worrying about her or her whereabouts... and doesn't fully know how to really be in a relationship. She seemed surprised (continually) that I do care and that I do worry about her.

Lil M was a trooper yesterday, just let me tell you! Apparently, at DC some other kids were being disruptive during nap time, so she did not have one. Then, we had to drive up north and back (hour each way)... funeral, dinner... she didn't get to bed until 10pm! Which is an hour and a half too late, by our normal daily schedule. She did great.

Let's see, what else... oh, today I talked to her DC teacher and she said she will be doing an evaluation on Lil M here in the next month to see how she is doing. We talked about how Lil M is actually doing well and could potentially move up to the next room sooner than some of the other kiddos, but due to their availability, she won't be able to until September. But it was good feedback. Sometimes I think she gets overlooked because she's not quite as loud as the other kids. So, it was nice that her teacher does recognize her abilities.

Lil M can count to 20 (misses #16, usually), and we're working on 20-30 together
recognizes primary colors and lots of other ones
can do her ABC's
recognizes all her letters now (upper/lower), with the exception of one or two each time
count down from 8 (10 if i help her)
count to 10 in spanish (enunciation is not good, but she does get it)
knows left from right
counts things/people etc, all the time... including knowing when there are things available - like last night - 5 people at a 6 person table... took her twice, ('cause she didn't count herself), but recognized there was one empty seat.
she is about 36.5" tall now and wearing a solid size 6 toddler shoe
loves her squeaky shoes
asks for squeaky hugs and likes to give me "lots" of kisses (at one time)
likes to have her window open - "to smell the trees"
likes to sing the "cowboy" song (by carrie underwood - cowboy cassanova) - and wants me to turn it up LOUD in the car
tells me to turn the music off when we get home and pull into the garage. "turn if off, mommy"
likes to have "two peanut butter sandwiches" for breakfast most mornings (which means one sandwich cut in half!)
specifically will ask for applesauce, raisins, peanut butter, chinese food... sometimes cereal or oatmeal...
does not like carrots or sweet potatoes. or regular potatoes for that matter.
prefers noodles over rice, but likes both

Just an update. :)

Peace.