Life is just rolling along here.  We've been sick- I mean, SICK! all year.  Today we're feeling semi-normal, and the weather warmed up just a bit.  We got out of the house, which was SO nice.  R and D colored with their sidewalk chalk and rode their bikes.  They've been begging to do both since Christmas.

I found the greatest notebooks at Wal-Mart.  It's a primary notebook, with a space at the top for a drawing, and then lines for early-writing (I don't know what they call that) on the bottom half.

So fun!  I read Rachel a poem, then she draws a picture and narrates a bit- in her own writing!- at the bottom.  (I'd let her read it herself, but there's usually pictures, and I'd like it to be her own design!)

Danielle is actually my bigger focus right now.  We're working on emotional stuff- self-expression, boundaries and such.  Also, confidence type-stuff.  Can you tell what we've been struggling with recently?
I won't say we're doing *formal* schooling, but certainly more structured than the totally free-form stuff she was doing up until now.

Even just chalk drawing is frustrating and difficult for her now.  So, I drew, she directed.  This way, I get to encourage her to think it out, lead her imagination.  She's such a follower (of Rachel, usually) that she's not developed the individuality bits as well as Rachel did.  I'm not worried, but I'm making it a point to grab those teachable moments when I can.

Speaking of teaching... here's one situation:  Danielle is a touchy-feeling person.  She's always in touch with someone, and right now, it's rarely NICE touching!  hee
Well, again, I think she just needs guidance.  We established a boundaries rule yesterday- please ask before hugging, poking, hair-petting someone.  It will take more reinforcement, but I think it will help, in the long run.  Then, it seems, she needs specific physical interaction with each of us daily.

They're all different, aren't they?  It's been such a turn of events this month.  She's not usually one to volunteer to sleep, and not cuddly, either.  But, the stomach virus and fevers and ear infections (yes, it's been THAT bad!) have turned the tide.  Enjoy it while I can, I suppose, because I know she's growing up too fast.

A bit about Carol!  I'm having so much fun playing "in and out" with her.  This is one of my favorite ages.  :-D  I love how she'll give me anything if I appreciate it, and coo over it, and smile.  If I try to TAKE it, though, WATCH OUT!