kiddo update

September 20, 2006

Celine started dance recently and has been enjoying that once again. I get that "she's growing up so fast" ache in my chest when I look in on her class and see her sitting back straight, bun a top her head, in a circle of little girls. Ballet very much suits her personality - poised, graceful, reflective, studious. Speaking of which Celine loves to read. More often than not she is reading anything she can find - magazines, food packages, books, pamplets. It's lovely to share this love of words and knowledge with my daughter. Our school year officially started the beginning of this month with a letter of intent sent to the state. So now a lovely pink, purple flower decorated binder (Celine's creation) sits on my desk in which we keep track of what Celine is learning in everyday life. Some recent entries include "counted by 2's with almonds at breakfast time" and a beautiful drawing, complete with gold glitter, of the monarch butterfly life cycle. I am treasuring the young girl Celine is becoming and often in disbelief that this beautiful child is mine.

Celine has a shadow as of late and her name is Brienne. She wants similar hair (Celine's growing her bangs so Brienne's growing hers) she wants the same juice for breakfast, she wants to do the same activities, wear the same clothes - you get the picture. Brienne is in the "I can do it" stage and in most cases she really can. She takes pride in doing her chores well and doesn't want to ever be left behind on any activity. This includes learning sewing skills - quite a test on mommy's patience fixing all those wayward stitches which she insists on doing herself. An increased desire to participate more fully in family life means that Brienne is becoming a great helper for me. She's still is a very strong willed and determined child but these traits are slowly being channelled into more appropriate expressions. I am starting to be blessed by her determined & strong character and catching a glimpse of the adventures she will have because of that strength.

Laurent earned the nickname sunshine during my family's recent visit and this really does aptly describe him. He is just brimming with life, full of questions, enthusiasm and energy. He recently explained to a group of attentive college students the life cycle and habits of monarch butterflies. We grow weary sometimes of the constant questions but his desire to learn and know is very genuine so what can you do but answer them! Laurent and Damien are "auditing" a college credit course in rock climbing one evening/week - Laurent's first college class : ) A college student acquaintance who teaches the course invited them to join. This will help Laurent expend his boundless energy as well as give him more social interaction on which he thrives. Currently Laurent is studying caterpillars, we all are but he is especially keen, so his most recent career goal is entomologist. Other days he prefers a marine biologist & diver. Laurent is great fun to be around, very personable, truly has a sunny disposition (unbelievable considering his baby days) and it's a pleasure to watch him shine.