Luke & Rebekah {2 and almost 4}

I thought it was time for some kid updates.

Rebekah

• Turns 4 in July, but thinks that 3 1/2 is its own age, independent from 3
• Is 98% for height, placing her at 45 inches tall, and 75% for weight
• Wears size 5 clothes, size 10 shoes (US)
• Is extremely funny and smart
• Makes up her own songs and has a great falsetto
• Loves pretending
• Loves reading, playing games, and putting together puzzles
• Loves snuggling
• Struggles to stay dry at night
• Eats everything with gusto and is my biggest fan when I cook
• Goes to preschool 5 days a week, from 12:45-3:15
• Is very social and quick to make friends
• Loves to share ( most of the time) and to provide for others
• Is fun-loving, and loves to look forward to things
• Has at least 5 best friends
• Loves to play with language by making up new words, such as “straightly” (the adverb for straight) or “hewf” (her silly word for a drink)

Luke

• Turned 2 in April
• Loves to walk/canter anywhere he can
• down a lot of stairs
• Loves music, singing, and dancing
• Is a picky eater
• Learns new words every day
• Loves cars, biig trucks, airplanes, trains, and especially Thomas the Train
• Is infatuated with kitties
• Adores his big sister
• Is starting to be a really big fan of daddy
• Wants to do what all the big kids are doing
• Loves his shoes and sweatshirt
• Loves moo-mies, especially if you’ll sit with him
• Loves the idea of going bye-bye and being in the car
• Gives the best hugs and kisses
• LOVES, loves, LOVES his bedtime story
• Calls all men Da-da
• Loves to play chase
• Has a fiery temper
• Weighs 12 kilos and is 85 cm “tall,” placing him between the 20-25% for both
• Recognizes his family in pictures
• Is a quality time kid
• Is loyal

First Report Card & Parent/Teacher Conference

We also got Rebekah’s first “report card” in preparation for my first parent/teacher conference.  I assumed that her written evaluation was mostly copied and pasted benchmarks she was achieving, but was surprised to hear tonight that every assessment is individualized, with very little overlap.  That, in fact, is a hallmark of their teaching program (some title that has “excellence” in it), where every child is valued as an individual and encouraged to learn at their own pace.  As humanistic as it is, it serves us well at this juncture, and we love her class.

Here are some excerpts from her written report: {=s my thoughts}

• Rebekah expresses her ideas, opinions and needs clearly and has a wide vocabulary which she uses appropriately in conversation.  She contributes to group discussions and is becoming aware of the need to listen to others {hilarious} and take turns talking.  She usually {awesome} listens attentively at story time and can predict ad retell simple stories and rhymes.
• Rebekah likes to experiment with sand and water and can understand and use mathematical language…
• Rebekah has made friends in nursery {aka preschool} and plays cooperatively with them, often taking the lead during play {no!}.
• She enjoys adult company and is happy to seek help when she needs to.  She likes to be a helper {I know, and I love her for it} and carries out tasks in a responsible manner {hoping she will receive a sticker}.
• Her fine motor skills are good and she uses pencils and scissors with ease.
• Rebekah is always very enthusiastic about nursery activities. …She asks lots of questions {really?} and retains information well.  She is very creative and loves craft activities where she makes good use of a variety of media showing patience, skill and imagination.

So, all that (and the parts I left out, none of which were negative (!)) was up for discussion for the parent/teacher conference.  Rebekah and I baked cookies for her teachers and put them in take-away boxes with a little note that said, “Thank you for all you do for Rebekah!”  After teaching for 5 years, it’s exciting to be on this side.    Anyway, I was practically sweating by the time I got there.  I felt like I did at my first teacher/parent conference as the 22-year-old teacher.  We literally sat on those tiny chairs, and Mrs. Muldoon was very positive about Rebekah, saying that she was a joy to have.    I did ask pointed questions, but she said Rebekah really is thriving and loving being there.  I was glad to hear it.  Mrs. Muldoon also said that she and the other teachers were learning the hard way that they couldn’t talk in front of her and not expect her to hear and understand everything!  I laughed out loud because Josh and I have to speak in code, too!  So, I left with a full heart, feeling that my prayers for her to be a blessing to others were being answered.

I also wanted to include a few of her newest pieces of art.  They are the first things that have actually looked like what she said they were.  I LOVE the first one and will probably frame it.

Self-portrait: notice the hair, the nose, the blue eyes, and the purple dress.

She freehanded that butterfly...

Picasso had nothin’.

Related posts:

1. Rebekah & Luke
2. Rebekah & Luke
3. How We Roomed Rebekah & Luke Together for the First Time
4. Lumberjack Luke and Rebekah
5. Rebekah & Luke love babies! (no, I’m not pregnant)