Alaina starts school!

This is a belated post--I have gotten behind.  In the beginning of September, Alaina had her first day of "school"--the same preschool that Ethan attended.  Alaina joined the "Lamb" class.  It has been a bit of a ride--at first she seemed great.  Then, she realized that we just left her there.  For awhile, she would scream as soon as we pulled into the parking lot.  It is getting better now, but she is still not completely adjusted.   She also has not managed to learn how to nap well there, so that has been pretty exhausting for her.  She routinely falls asleep in the car on the way home--making for a very cranky dinnertime.  Finally, she managed to get two bad colds in two weeks with high fevers, one of which she managed to pass on to her brother and I.  Ugh.
So, all in all, it has been a bit of a disaster.   I am trying to not lose sight of the fact that it is great for her to socialize, get messy and learn a school routine.  I think we are close to turning the corner....I hope!

A Tribute to Sister Ann

Yesterday, we lost another member of our family.  Sr. Ann was my dad's aunt, and was 91 years old.  She was the last remaining of her 5 siblings, having been preceded in death by Louis, Joe, Stephen, Carl, and Madeline.  She was a nun, devoting her life to the Catholic Church and the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.  She was also a scientist, holding a doctoral degree.  At the time she studied biology, I can imagine that there were very few other women getting advanced degrees in the field.  It makes me proud to think that she was a trailblazer of sorts, advancing the education of women in a time when so few pursued higher education.  She spent most of her career teaching biology to other learners at Cardinal Stritch University.  When I think of Sr. Ann, I think of someone who was humble, kind, and very generous.  The world was a better place because of her.  I am so sorry that she is gone, she will be truly missed.

A visit from the tooth fairy...

Last week was a big week for Ethan.  He made it through his first week of kindergarten, and on Thursday night, he lost his first tooth.  

That night, the tooth fairy, "Margaret" came for a visit and left him a dollar.  Pretty cute.

Alaina, on the other hand, continues to sprout baby teeth.  Her four canines are coming in now..she has quite a mouthful!