Trip to the Dentist

Last Wednesday (8/14) Mikaela had her very first dentist visit.  It didn't go too well.  She got in the chair and they got her all set up with the television and then when the hygienist got ready to brush her teeth, she freaked out and that was it.   But here's pictures before that happened. They were great and we'll give it another go soon.

Meeting MeMe

Last week we took a trip to Wylie to visit Anna "MeMe" Graem, Donna's grandmother.  It was the first time she was able to meet Nicholas.

Parenting Styles

Problem:  The tag in her pajamas is scratching her.
Mom's solution: Get a new shirt.
Dad's solution: Turn it inside out.

Dancing Queen

For as long as we can remember, Mikaela has loved to dance.  Now that she's three, we decided to enroll her in a preschool dance class at the city rec center.  We chose a very low key class where outfits are not required to help us get a feel for her enjoyment of it.  No sense sinking a bunch of money into something she won't enjoy.  The teacher does a fantastic job engaging the kiddos in to music, rhythm, and dance, teaching them basic ballet in the process (first position, etc).  She had a great time.

The pictures aren't great because the camera battery died and my phone didn't do as well, but here you go.  We plan to keep her in it in the fall so we'll have better pictures in the future.

The first of class was stretching on mats using stuffed animals and scarves to help.  She was great about watching the teacher and following as best she could.  At one point she exclaimed, "You're a good teacher!"

After warm-up they moved to the bar for some basic ballet moves.  She wasn't always doing it right, but she was very attentive and mimicked what she saw as best she could.

After bar work, they did some free style movement with scarves and later ribbons, as well as some structured movement.

The last of the class was rhythm work with  instruments.  If she is really paying attention, her rhythm is spot on.  I'm looking forward to the fall and watching her learn more and more.

It's Bumbo Time

The Many Expressions of Nicholas Graem

Dare me to whistle?

First Foods

Nicholas has been intently watching everyone around him eat.  I decided to go ahead and give him some rice Saturday morning just to see how he'd react.  Enjoy!

Oh boy!  I love my high chair.

What is this, Mommy?

Oh Boy!  I'm ready to try it!

Okay... not a fan so far...

What was that?

It did not taste good.

I think I'll just stick to my finger.

You're bringing me more?  Really?

Uggg.  Still not good.  Mikaela's looks much better.  Not fair.

Seriously, Dad.  Put the camera down and help.

Let's try looking down.  Will that help?

Nope.  

Okay.  Eyes close this time.

Still with the camera, Dad?  Really?

Can we find something better next time?

Workin' the Duck