Classroom 7

Ashlyn survived her first month in her new classroom!  There was a little chaos during her first week when her teacher was "let go" mid shift!  Ms. Shandra and Ms. Lupe have been teaching the class since then and we really like them.  Ms. Tomika said Ms. Denise (her original teacher) shared too much personal business with parents so they let her go.  Not really sure, but not a lot of room to ask questions.  Anyway, she has transitioned to the new setting very well.  Her schedule is very different from the infant classroom.  In fact, she is so tired when I pick her up in the afternoons we moved her bedtime up from 8 to 7!  And she still sleeps until almost 8.  They do arts and crafts, have lessons every day, listen to music and dance, have story time, go outside almost every day, eat 2 snacks, lunch and take a nap!  Pretty busy!   One of Ashlyn's favorite things to do is ride the bye bye buggy.  One of my favorite things to do when I pick her up in the afternoon is to stand at the window and watch her before she sees me standing there.  I love to just watch her interacting!  She is getting so big!

Day 3 and 4

Transition days 3 and 4 went very well!  Yesterday, Ashlyn ate lunch in her new classroom and today she stayed through nap time...on a cot and nap mat!  Her daily activity sheet said she napped from 12-2 on her mat, but Ms. Tomika and Ms. Lydia informed me that was probably the total amount of time the class spent on "nap time".  That doesn't necessarily mean Ashlyn slept that long.  I will have to ask for some clarification.  She read books, played outside and had circle time.  They asked me to bring sunscreen and insect repellent?!?!  I guess they spent quite a bit of time outdozin'.  We said goodbye to Ms. Lydia and Ms. Tomika today.  Although we will walk right by their classroom 2 times a day, she will no longer have them as teachers.  They have been absolutely wonderful and we will miss them dearly.  Ms. Denise has some pretty big shoes to fill!  I have to admit, I shed a few tears saying goodbye to these ladies...but I will never forget them.  Ashlyn's first teachers!  

Ms. Tomika, Ms. Lydia & Ashy Poo!

Transition day 2

Today went great!  Chance dropped Ashlyn off in her new classroom.  She was there for 2 hours.  She drew a picture with sidewalk chalk and got to play outside.  She also enjoyed her morning snack at the big kid table!  They sit in tiny chairs at a very low table.  It is too cute.  One of the activities on the lesson plan is learning to use a napkin!  Love it!  Under mood, on her daily activity sheet, "happy" was checked and VERY was written above it!  Tomorrow she will have lunch in class 7.  Hoping for another good day.

Day 1 of transition

Ashlyn was supposed to be in her new classroom from 9-10:30 today.  Due to some things going on at the loft (maintenance) Chance and Ashlyn were running a little late.  They got there around 9:30.  So Chance took her over to class 7.  Probably not the best idea...she got VERY upset when he had to leave her in there.  Ms. Tomika said she peeked in the window just minutes after Chance left and Ashlyn had dried her eyes and was playing!  When I went to pick her up today, I stopped by class 7.  Ms. Denise said she did great!  They had circle time and everyone went around and introduced themselves to Ashlyn and then they showed her all of their toys and some of their artwork!  I got her lesson plan for the week and at the bottom it said "We would like to welcome Ashlyn to our class!"  So sweet.  I also found out there was 1 case of hand, foot and mouth disease in class 7.  GREAT!  Hopefully we will miss out on that one this time around!  All in all, I think day 1 went well!

It takes a lot of practice

That means sneaking in a few songs before bath time!

A good chuckle

I peeked around at Ashlyn on our way home from Emory.  This is what I saw.  It gave me a good laugh!

Dear Santa...

We headed out to Emory this weekend for a fundraising event, Hee Hawg!  It is an annual event to raise money for the Rains County 4-H club hosted by Mimi's group, Lake Country Neighbors.  There was a delicious BBQ lunch, bounce houses, raffles, vendors and other stuff for the kids to do.  We tried our luck in a raffle for this John Deere tricycle.  We didn't win the bike, but Ashlyn has started her Christmas list early!  And she has been very good!

I am convinced if cuteness won the raffle we would be the proud owners!

Fall party and book exchange

We had a party in Ashlyn's classroom on Friday.  As the room mom, I was responsible for organizing it.  Secretly, it was Ashlyn's going away party, but I disguised it as a fall party!  There was great involvement from the other parents and a really good turnout!  We had a book exchange for the kids and also brought new or gently used books to donate to the classroom to help build up their library.  Once again, I didn't get too many pictures (I'm detecting a theme...I am not a very good photographer).  But we all had a great time.  I handed down the "room mom" duties to Evan's mom, Allison.  She will do a great job!

Ian, Ms. Tomika & Ashlyn
(They fight over her lap)

 The Gang!

One eye open

I think I may have mentioned before that Ashlyn is a little spoiled at school (one of the reasons I don't want her to transition...I am not sure the new teacher will give her quite as much TLC).  Ms. Lydia and Ms. Tomika are pretty crazy about Ashlyn.  So much so that Tomika stands next to her crib while she is trying to fall asleep during nap time.  Ashlyn falls asleep fairly quickly, but will occasionally open one eye to make sure Tomika hasn't moved.  Once she is deep asleep, Tomika can tend to the other children.  A little spoiled...don't cha think?

Ms. Tomika sent me these pictures at work.  We are going to miss these wonderful ladies!

One eye on Ms. Tomika

Practicing napping on her nap map (with Tomika sitting next to her)

Ashlyn meets Big Tex

Ashlyn enjoyed her first trip to the State Fair!  We went with a group from my work.  We were a little late (quick stop by the pediatrician to check on a nagging cough/cold...no ear infection...but a little wheezing to keep an eye on) but had a great time!  Unfortunately, I didn't get too many pictures (a few of my co-workers took some so maybe I will have more to post later).  We enjoyed our Fletcher's corn dog, the beer garden, walking through the auto buildings and listening to some live music...and the weather was perfect!