No News is Good News

I guess it's been a long time since I really blogged. In some ways, that's really good news. That means we continue to settle into daily life, however convoluted that may be.

There was an open house at the kids' school last night, and I had the chance to go. It was interesting to hear a little more about the Montessori program, and we had a chance to "live like a child" for a little while. We went to the classrooms and had to perform one of the tasks that the kids can choose at school. I picked brass polishing, with the French teacher. I found it rather impressive that the kids are polishing brass, shining their shoes, cooking meals, and all the like -- all the while learning multiplication and cursive and everything.

We might have the chance to attend one of the only Halloween celebrations about town. Although they have (limited) decorations in the stores, there are maybe 4 costumes. Clearly, it's not a big deal. So if we go, we'll be wearing last year's costumes, because there is just no way I can make 2 costumes in a day.

Jack has made good progress in the potty training department. We've been using big boy pants during the day for the past two weeks or so, with limited accidents. We've now progressed to him asking for a diaper when he has to do his No. 2 business. And even if wearing a diaper, he'll still proudly announce that he has to pee. It's exciting to cut down on the purchase of diapers and wipes.

We've stayed pretty healthy this school year. Amelia was home one day last week with an upset stomach, but it was gone quickly. Jack started complaining tonight of an earache, but after some Ibuprofen and some eardrops, he quickly drifted off to sleep. Keep your fingers crossed for a quick recovery.

The weather has been nice the past few days. I've started to ride my bike to school at lunch to pick Jack up -- it's 25 minutes each way, so it's been great exercise and a pleasant ride, even with an extra 30 pounds on the back. It makes me sad for the upcoming winter -- I'm not ready for the dark and cold (and wet). So I'm trying to enjoy every pleasant moment -- even if I'm lugging Jack up a hill.

Hope all is well in the U.S.!