Malcolm and kindergarten...

Despite a couple of tiny bumps along the way Malcolm's been adjusting very well to kindergarten. Again, we all think it's because he's used to the whole routine from daycare. He likes his teacher, he's involved in the activities, and is always excited to go. He has never once even protested about going to school.

Melody celebrated her 23 month yesterday and she's doing quite well too, despite a little cold she's picked up along the way. She has more words now, she can certainly comprehend so much and all that coupled with a bit of a growth spurt. Tracey and Roger  had to hire another child care provider since Carol's Mom had to quit. The new lady is very nice. So far she comes twice a week with her 1 year old baby to look after Melody. All day long Melody points to him and says: "baby". In fact, everything associated with the baby she says "baby" whether it's the stroller, booster seat, play yard, etc... it's quite entertaining to watch.

In other news, Papa is in the hospital again. Last weekend he suffered a fall while walking and the repercussions of the fall have now translated into some other health issues. It's so ironic because the incident came at a time where he was feeling quite good. He'll be in the hospital probably for a few days undertaking a few different procedures. The good news is that the doctors seem to have figured out exactly what is wrong. We're all hoping for a speedy recovery.

That's all the updates for now. Here's a picture of Malcolm and Melody at breakfast yesterday. It was picture day at school, so Malcolm dressed up in a collared shirt. We'll have to wait and see how the pictures turn out.

Happy Anniversary

Roger and Tracey have already been married for 6 years now. They celebrated by going out to dinner in Yaletown. It's funny though, when ever they go out all they do is talk about the kids. That night in particular was poignant because they both vowed to try and enjoy life more, life with kids that is. Roger especially felt like he was being too harsh with Malcolm, perhaps setting expectations too high for him. Afterall, he's still only 4. You do really have to enjoy every moment that is presented. Sure times will be tough sometimes, but all in all the kids are only young once. This time will never come back again. 

So many transitions right now. First and foremost it involves Malcolm entering Kindergarten and Melody being looked after by a new person in the house. Luckily both situations have been great. Melody is so fixated on little baby E that she even cries when they leave. You see the caregiver that Roger and Tracey hired also brings along her son, baby E. All day long she points at E and says: "Baby". By the way, speaking of Melody's speech, it's exploding right now. She can say so many words now and everyday it's expanding. So far we have: Baby, Key, Hat, Hot, Shoe, Sock, Wow, Uh oh, camera, Obi, Mama, Daddy, up, Grandma, Papa. It's quite amazing to watch really. So all around we wish everyone the best of luck, Tracey, Roger, Melody and Malcolm.

Kindergarten, a milestone in the making.

I think it's been quite an easy transition for Malcolm. This week he's only been attending school 1-2 hours a day. They don't call it gradual entry for nothing. Actually, we have his daycare to thank. The routine that he's established there has certainly made the world of difference. The irony of it all is that his school day is only from 9-3 whereas his days at daycare were 8:30-4. He's so relieved that there's no more nap during the day. He's certainly tired by the end of the school day, he's asleep as soon as he hits the pillow. In fact, he fell asleep on the way to his first soccer practice this evening. It's certainly going to be a busy month, kindergarten, soccer, swimming and even skating lessons. There's some concern that he's overscheduled, but Roger thinks that keeping him busy will ultimately be better for him. I know he needs exposure to all these different things. We can't even imagine when Melody starts all her activities, whoa it's going to be even busier! The picture above is a little triptych that Roger created to mark his first day of kindergarten. He's growing up fast!

Malcolm begins his first organized sport: soccer.

So Tracey and Roger have been trying to get Malcolm excited for soccer. So far, he's been quite good. He seems genuinely interested in trying it out. To Roger's surprise he wasn't the smallest kid there either. He has his first real practice next week. With Roger and uncle Albert coaching, at least there will be some familiar faces around. He's got some shiny new soccer boots, new jersey, shorts and soccer socks. We've all been kicking the ball around at the park, here's a short video of him dribbling with his fast little feet. Not to be outdone, Melody got her own soccer ball too!