Jonathan is enjoying preschool and is learning more and more, thanks to his awesome teacher! He has quite an extensive sight word vocabulary, and is able to read short books. He is also able to write his letters. He does have difficulty cutting (he really doesn't like cutting circles, "please don't make me cut a circle!"). He has not chosen a dominant hand yet, and he frequently switches back and forth between hands when coloring, cutting, and writing. Let's just say that fine motor is an area of weakness for our little guy.
Jonathan is also enjoying his tae-kwon-do class. When asked about his class, he says, "I love it!" He is working hard to follow directions during class and learn all of the routines. He knows what to say when he bows and he does a nice job paying attention when stretching. The line rotation is difficult for him, and the "no talking" part is a huge struggle for our chatty boy. At last night's lesson, he raised his hand during stretching, and when called upon, he said, "I have three grandmas," and then proceeded to tell a story. His instructors have a hard time getting him to stop talking because they are busy trying not to laugh at his random stories. :O)
Owen is growing rapidly. At 13 months, he says: dada, mama, plea (please), puppy, pig, piggy, and nigh-nigh (night-night). He is a fantastic eater and loves strawberries, apples, pineapple, and especially watermelon. He also loves cheesy broccoli and sweet potatoes. He is definitely my dad's grandson because he LOVES meat. Owen is not yet walking, but he can stand on his own for 30-45 seconds at a time. He is just not interested in walking right now. He can get places faster by crawling or being carried (which he definitely prefers). He is a little snuggle bug and wants to be held as much as possible. I will admit, this can be a bit frustrating because it's difficult to get things done one handed, but I know that this phase will pass all too soon and I will miss my snuggly little boy. Owen's favorite toys are balls, birds, and light sabers. He also loves to knock down towers and throw things on the floor to clear surfaces.
This move has been so great for our family. We are fortunate to have more room and a backyard. I love being able to walk outside and into a backyard where the boys can play. However, if we see our neighbors (and close friends) outside, Jonathan will immediately ask to go play with them. A part of me is thrilled that Jonathan has friends and wants to play with them. He's growing up, and that's part of life. The other part of me is sad because our family time is limited. It's a new phase of life and an adjustment, but it's a good one. The best part of it is that Jonathan's face lights up when his buddy Owen comes over and asks him to play. It's awesome.
We are enjoying our new church and making lots of new friends. Our small group is amazing and close friendships are forming. I am enjoying teaching Bible on a quarterly basis to the 2's - 3's and 4's - 5's classes. I am also the Special Needs Ministry Team Leader. Both roles keep me busy and involved, and I love it. Darin loves working with his best friend from college. He is still leading worship, and is also heading up the outreach ministry. This is a new role for him, and he loves it. He has such a servant's heart, and loves that he is able to use the gifts that God has given him.
My 7th year of teaching is coming to a close in a little over a month. I am torn because I absolutely love this group of kids (I think I say that every year), but am excited for summer because I really want to be able to spend more time with my OWN kids. It is almost a daily struggle in my mind and heart to leave my kids to teach someone else's. But at the end of the day, it's so worth it. I am content with my position at school, and will continue working with 6th grade students next year. I love my co-workers and am very thankful for my job.
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