Mildly Creepy

Tonight was 'Buddy Night' at preschool.  A special one hour arts and crafts time for Daddy and the twins.  I arrived a little early to pick them up--thus proving the theory I CAN be on time when I've only myself to dress and feed.  I couldn't resist watching them through the classroom window (Hello, Creepy).  As if sitting in a parked car after dark staring into a classroom full of toddlers isn't obsessive enough, I also felt compelled to take a few photos (Hello, Stalker).

Dave holding Finn and The Pink Swan, Mirabelle, taking flight.

Daddy stealing kisses from Finn [insert collective sigh].

After a few bizarre stares from people in the parking lot, 

I finally went legit and walked inside.

Mug Shots

The babies had their first school pictures a few weeks ago.  Apparently Mirabelle was not feeling the love from the photographer and refused to sit for her solo portrait.  They did manage to get a sibling photo of the two.

We opted not to get the photos this time, they'll do them again in the spring.  But since these were their 'first ever' school portraits, I at least digitized the proofs for your viewing pleasure (and my growing book of embarrassing baby photos meant to torment my children at some far future date).

Alright.  Mriabelle, look on the verge of tears
for the camera; and Finn, look clueless. 

Great!  Now, Mirabelle, look bored; and Finn, don't move.

Who's Happy And They Know It?

Happy, right?  You remember . . . don't you?

It's Called PRESCHOOL . . .

. . . not daycare.  There is a difference (I think).  Mainly, daycare costs more.   In actuality, there doesn't seem to be a right or wrong answer to which is better; but merely a judgement call by the parents.  Here's some interesting editorials on daycare vs. preschool.

Regardless, we're super excited about preschool in this house.  We went to the Open House  last night.  Finn was quick to jump into the action and play with the other kids, Belle was a little more bashful.

I'm sure there will be issues of separation anxiety, but this program is a great opportunity for the babies to learn social awareness skills, sing, dance, play and possibly learn table manners (one can only hope), and of course begin their educational journey with shapes, colors and numbers.

Here's where I lucked out being a twin mom.  I at least know neither child will be completely alone at school; if they get uncertain, they've only to look for their sibling.  Of course, this will eventually have it's drawbacks down the road . . . but really folks, why dwell on the negative?

First day of school is this Thursday!!  I've got to organize their backpacks (dead serious) with a change of clothes, diapers, ziplock bag, and extra shoes.  Then, at the end of every school day any important papers and artwork will be placed in their backpacks for me to review (yawn, for all you 'seasoned' parents out there).

Here's some pictures from Open House:

All You Need Are Backpacks

Monday we previewed some part time childcare options.  After looking at a few preschools and daycare facilities, we picked a preschool program recommended by a trusted friend.  It helps that Finn & Belle already know at least one of their classmates!!

The program is run by a local Methodist Church and the director did a phenomenal job easing my 'separation anxiety' (the twins could care less if I'm around).  So beginning in September, the babies will spend two mornings a week at school learning basic skills appropriate for their developmental age.

Apparently all they need is a backpack with diapers, wipes and a change of clothes (say whaaat!?!).  My barely walking babies already need backpacks?  The director said buying the twins a backpack gives them a sense of ownership.

So, Dave and I did a little online shopping this week and found Finn & Belle's very first backpacks (at the risk of embarrassing my man, folks, he was super excited about shopping for these backpacks).

We finally agreed on two backpacks from Sugarbooger by o.r.e..  Finn gets this Retro Robot pack.  He doesn't know it yet, but robots are cool.  Lady Belle gets the girly Flutterby pack that has just a kick of hip to match my baby girl's style.