Speaking too soon

Well the mini-cays I mentioned in my previous post bloomed in numerous ways.  While she was off at our desire on Friday she ended up coming home before 10am on Monday and staying off Tuesday.  She wasn't quite herself on Sunday and developed a slight fever along with a rash on Monday morning.  We did head into the Dr and verified that she didn't have strep.

I also ended up booking another cruise, not out of Baltimore as previously indicated, but definitely sooner than the previously booked cruise.  Snagged the flights too.  I even booked us to go a few days early since we're leaving from Galveston, so we can enjoy the beach before departing.

Today she was well enough, thank goodness, and was able to go with me to the open house at her would-be school.  I remain very impressed with what they have the kindergarten doing at this point in the school year and I'm psyched on all fronts.

Mini-cay

I haven't been able to vacation like I would _want_ to in a while, but I am trying to create mini vacas before big-girl school kicks in. That includes: allowing Avery to skip school and stay in her PJs most of the day, cutting out of work early so we could hang out, and allowing her to try out the hot tub for the first time.  Admittedly the nudge came from school being short handed (still) with a sick teacher and needing a few ppl to bow out.

I did (finally) book us a cruise for the later half of the summer, which I am crazy eager for.  If the status quo can just chill we will get to go to Labadee, Cococay, and Dominican Republic.  I wanted to book another for March out of Baltimore (baby step before I need to fly for one) but go figure every sailing is sold out.

It isn't all unicorns and rainbows

I know I am spoiled with my kid.  She has made it too easy for so long that when normal, age appropriate behavior pops up loudly it can be frustrating.  When I go to pick her up at the end of the day I am the last person she wants to see.  It breaks my heart. I know she just enjoys playing with her friends, it isn't personal, but it hurts.

She has been testing boundaries and getting grumpy when she doesn't get her way.  It's so atypical of her.  We'll get through it, I just hope I am approaching things in the best way possible.  I don't like to punish her by taking things away or saying no, but let's be honest -- a good dose of no is healthy in the long run.

Open House

Kindergarten open house.... Feb 8!  Oh my.

A great year

I am happy to say that Avery was very happy with her Christmas presents, even though they weren't exactly what she asked for.  We got to visit with lots of folks and enjoy our little break.  As we head into another long weekend for New Years we have plans to hang out with her bestie for a movie.

It really has been a great year, but it's gone so fast.  As we head into 2023 I suspect it will go even faster as we register for Kindergarten and all those things.  I intend to reserve some quality time with her before school gets into full swing.  It is a wild ride, but she's the best.

Santa Baby

Santa and I have been in close communication the past few weeks.  Avery has been pretty consistent in what she has been asking for of him - as she was in past years as well.  He had a bit of a misfire with one item, but I hear that he was able to get the right one in, here we are just a few days before he flies.

Santa definitely owes this kid everything on her (short) wishlist.  She's the best.  So helpful and polite.  My only worry is that Avery has an extra dose of the people-pleaser nature that often causes me strife.  She does so many things that I think are rare for young kids (putting her dishes where they belong, picking up after herself w/o being asked, feeding the cat and dogs w/o being asked, etc) - but then she often says something to make sure I know she did it.  Perhaps it is just that one of her dominant love languages is words of affirmation and she's seeking them.  I will need to make sure her tank gets filled and see how she does with that.

Fall Fun

Girl has been having a big time so far this month.  She and I have taken off every Friday in October to enjoy the seasonal activities and have cut out a bit early a few days this week to enjoy company.

In September we enjoyed the Oktoberfest here in town.  So far this month we have hit the Houston Pumpkin Festival and their Halloween parade. We would have gone to the Hickory Apple Festival but the rain kept us away.  Instead we hit the apple orchard to get our 'supplies' for other activities (read:  applesauce!).

This week Aunt Jackie came to visit and Aunt Susanne stopped in for a few days.  We've been all about the games and fun.

She did go to her yearly dr visit and comes in at 44 lbs, 3'8" - she is in the 95% for both. Lots of changes in leadership at school going on too, but we're rolling with it.