The Flirt and the Soccer Player

Last month, Karston told Daddy that he liked Ella in his kindergarten class. Obviously Daddy asked to hear more, but Karston said he was sleepy, rolled over, and fell right to sleep. This morning, we arrived at the school parking lot at the same time as Ella. Ella and her dad were about two steps ahead of us. Karston gave Ella a dazzling smile and a small, shy wave. Ella had a fake stumble twice so she could fall a half-step behind her dad to exchange smiles and waves with Karston. Too cute! Tuesday morning, Karston didn't want to walk in with Ella even though we arrived at the same time again. Too shy!

Daddy said Cale spent all morning Monday, until it got too hot to be outside, kicking a soccer ball. He didn't trip, he just kept the ball in play on the level pad of our driveway. He kept the ball moving like a natural! That's some skill for a two-year-old!

Reading a Book

Before bed this evening, even though he was very tired, Karston read a book to us. Yes, this is a first! He got almost all of the words in the book correct (I'm sure the pictures helped too); the word nine appeared at least every other page and caused him the most trouble so I think Karston prefers his numbers in numeral form. He is on the cusp of reading!

My Foot

Last night, Cale called out for juice around 3 am, and Daddy brought it to him while I talked to him. I stayed next to him for a while afterwards. He went through several fussy spells, and generally didn't answer me when I asked him what was bothering him. He did answer me at 4:30 am, though; he said I don't know where mine foot is rather distinctly. Sure enough, one foot was tangled up in blankets, so I straightened that out (not convinced that's what he was talking about). That's when I decided I should get some sleep too, and went back to my bed. Sure enough, this morning Cale's feet were still at the end of his legs!

Kid Tracks, Take Two

Today was Cale's first day of Kid Tracks preschool. We would have missed Kid Tracks more once Karston was a graduate, but we knew Cale would be starting soon. He was very happy to arrive, but since he had only been there with me, and I stayed longer to do the registration paperwork, well, he was sad to see me go. He said Mommy don't go, and that really tugged at me. I'll be faster to leave next time!

At pick-up time, Cale was sitting on a green tractor ride-on toy. Apparently he spent quite a while on that tractor! Every time Daddy asked Cale how he liked Kid Tracks, Cale said Took green tractor away. From me. So I guess that's what really mattered to him today!

After dropping Cale off at Kid Tracks, we went to (sigh) our first parent-teacher conference. Karston's kindergarten teacher is worried about his letter sound recognition. Given the timing, I had just checked with Karston's preschool director, who snorted. So I think this is either childish diction or weak test-taking skills. Since he does know his letters and their common sounds, this should be easy to fix. We'll see!

Cleaning

I hope this (the cleaning, not the mess-making) lasts as long as possible!

Cale spilled pencil shavings this afternoon, and said, Made a mess. Daddy said, Well, we'll have to clean that up now. Both boys about knocked each other down to get to the kitchen first! Karston grabbed the Fuller Brush carpet sweeper, Cale grabbed the Dust Buster, and they raced back to the scene of the mess. Cale's favorite part was to announce, Mommy, going to be loud! each time before he turned on the Dust Buster. Guessing from his smile, he was ready to do that all afternoon!

Best Friends

At school today, one of Karston's classmates asked him who his best friend was. Karston answered, My brother!

About the same time, Cale was playing with Opa and Grammy. After Cale's nap, Grammy asked him if he wanted a cookie, and Cale said, No, wait for brother. Cale did eat his cookie once Karston arrived.

Yes, they really do like each other. Wonderful!