Family Day

Today we spent the day together as a family : )

We traveled to Indianapolis this morning to have lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant without telling Annaliese where we were going. She was very excited and seemed very content with her shiro & injera! She also enjoyed the music and videos that were on the television.

 

 

Then we came back to Champaign and ordered pizza from Monical’s & watched the movie Cars at Jonathan’s work (our personal theater)! Thanks Garrett & Lona : )

It was a great day!  

Look Who Can Tie Her Own Shoes?!

Every picture we saw of Annaliese in Ethiopia (or when we were there with her) she was wearing crocs or flip flops. So, as far as we know, learning how to tie shoes has been a new thing. We got her a pair of lace up shoes when school started and Jonathan has been working with her on occasional mornings when time allows. To our surprise, here is what we noticed the last few days. (Sorry the video is sideways!)

Laundry Helper

So you have seen how she helps in the kitchen – here is how she helps with the laundry : )

 I just don't know how we got it all done before she came home : )

 



Spa Treatment

Nothing but spa treatment in the DeNeal household : )

This morning, Annaliese received her first hot oil treatment. When we consulted with a beautician earlier this month, she recommended we do this once every couple of months (particularly during the winter) to maintain hair health. So, we gave it a try this morning.

 

I am not completely sure we did it correctly, but she sat still for a record five minutes or so : ) If nothing else, that made it worth it!!

School Update

Well, Annaliese has made it through her first full week of school and she loves it!

Her teachers, for Kindergarten and the ESL program, are doing a great job with her. They report to us that she is like a sponge and they have enjoyed working with her.

It did not take her long to decide that she no longer needed me to walk her up in the morning – on day four, she started saying “mommy stay buckled…Annaliese go.” Oh my – this independence is going to do us in : )

Another Transition (for mommy this time)

This week I started a new job!

I have changed from full time to part time, so that I can be available to take Annaliese to school and pick her up. What a blessing to be able to do this : )
 
I will be working with Carle Home Health and am very excited for the opportunity this offers me and my family. Please pray that the transition continues to go well.

First Day of School

Oh my goodness, our baby went to Kindergarten today! Who would have ever thought that we would have a child in school anytime soon?!?!

We have all been very excited to make this last big transition in our daily routine. We have prepared – registered, visited her classroom, met her teacher, bought a Minnie Mouse book bag & supplies, gone clothes shopping – for weeks now, and today was finally the day!

She was excited when she woke up and did beautifully with her new “on a schedule” morning routine – no more time for hour long breakfasts or hour long episodes of getting dressed for us! She was so excited : )

When we first arrived, she was a little overwhelmed by the noise of all the children in the gym and then the sight of them. She pulled back on me a bit, but was easily persuaded to check it out further. Mrs. Fitzgerald, her wonderful principal, showed us where to line up with her class and she sat with the other children.

Not long after, her teacher Ms. Jenkins came by to say hello and give her a hug : )

I stayed with her until they all walked down to her classroom. She did so well staying in line, being quiet, and following the other children. Oh, how I wish I knew what she was thinking at moments like this!

Ms. Jenkins has been extra kind today, as well, sending mommy 2 e-mails so far to let us know how she is doing throughout the day! How thoughtful to do for a mama that is so new to all of this!

I will be heading back to pick her up in about an hour. Will keep you posted : )