Transitions

The start of the school year seemed to usher in positive change at our house. The biggest transition has been for Lil in that she began her adventure at the Dr David Suzuki school. One month into grade 3, she has joined the cross country running team, has met Dr. Suzuki, the Snowbirds, and best of all, has learned to love learning again. I let her know that if she did well at school I would sign her up with our local competitive swim team, and so when she won the Good Start award for student of the month, she donned the goggles, swimsuit and in the water she went. It's difficult to believe that education can get better than what she is experiencing and we are so grateful that this innovative school is in our neighbourhood.

My lovely man and I took a few days to attend a conference out of town...the first time away from the kids in 6 years. Given my poor travel carma, the train did break down half way home, but otherwise we so enjoyed catching up with old friends and colleagues and fuelling our brains with new ideas to bring to the practice. While the idea of having our nights in a hotel away from the kids was appealing, we spent the first day sleeping off the stressful pace of the week previous, and the second day sleeping off the wine and cheese. I was surprised at how rapidly our colleagues seemed to have aged, how much I missed the kids and how poorly I function in high heels these days. When we got home, our sitter shook her head and asked us how we managed it all, but seemed willing to take the assignment on again next year.

Grace has a new alias...the girl previously known as small but mighty is now nicknamed tiny whiney. As she learns more complex language, the whining is diminishing somewhat. When I watch Big Bang Theory I can't help but think that Grace is growing into a charming little brainiac who would rather go to a hospital board meeting or play with a puzzle on the i pad than play outside. Life is full of very serious matters to ponder for young Grace but luckily Sophie and Bella seem to be able to drag her from her introspections with a game of ball.

So one kid is a jock and the other a little nerd which translates to Mom and Dad spending the next 15 years living in the van ferrying the girls in two different directions. We couldn't be happier.