Back to School- First Grade!

Monica is in first grade!

I didn't realize how much I counted on her to keep Leah out of trouble. We miss our big girl around here. But she is happy to go to school everyday and loves to tell us about the stories she reads in class and is learning some sign language from her teacher, Mrs. Medina. She let us know at registration that she is hearing impaired and would be teaching some signs and we are totally supportive. Now, Monica crosses her fingers and waves them in the air in front of us when she wants our attention. I'm enjoying the loss of the incessant "Mom. Mom. Mama. Mommy. Mom. Mommy. Mommy." HAHA! 

I have a couple of friends who have been posting the adorable hairstyles they do on their daughters' hair on Facebook and have been generous in sharing the links they find the tutorials on. So, we looked through the links and Monica picked the hairstyle she wanted for her special first day of first grade. It suits my ponytail-loving girlie girl. I get to have fun braiding her hair and she gets all that thick and heavy hair off her neck.   

You can't see it in this picture, but on Monica's shirt is the Eiffel Tower. She has the Barbie "Fashion Fairy Tale" movie, which is set in Paris. She got to pick three new shirts for school and all three of the shirts she picked have the Eiffel Tower on them. It fits that the city of love would be her favorite as she is all about loving- giving hugs and kisses, writing love notes to Mom and Dad, and always trying to give special gifts to her family. 

How is Leah doing with Monica being at school? Well, she's three year old and ruling the roost. She loves having me basically to herself, and likes being the big girl and helping with Jillian. Sometimes that's a great thing, like when she picks up her room and helps me do the dishes and make breakfast and lunch. And sometimes Jillian is the unfortunate receiver of Leah's services, like choke holds as Leah tries to move her back into the living room. Needless to say, I don't leave them alone in a room for longer than 10 seconds to grab what I need in another room, or I take Jillian with me.

We're optimistic for the school year. Monica is reading really well now and loves to count and add her numbers. She has also started a Ballet Folklorico class, which she loves. She has a natural sense of rhythm and is picking up the steps fairly easily. It's really a pleasure to take her to class.