another first first

Our first child lost his first tooth.
6 years, 5 months old.
I think he lost the first tooth he got at 9 months old!  (maybe...possibly?)

Miss Wendy gave us a lil tooth box and Cale was happy to see $.80 (price of snack at school) and a piece of gum there for him.
Our tooth fairy is fine with sweets.... ;)

Despite how happy he looks in pics and how he loves to show off his new smile, he was an incredible baby before it came out.  Crying and whining........
Yeowza.
INCLUDING our actual baby...Cale is still the biggest one. :/

Okay - pics of this milestone:

Diva Dash

When Neve was about 2-4 months old I began running.
I've "picked up" running off and on throughout my life.
Never could say that I really enjoyed it - looked forward to it as lots of people did.
I wish I had, but for me it was merely a way to lose weight.
And this time, getting strong again.
Having a baby really makes you feel strong (growing a person, delivery a person, sustaining a person soley with your body...), BUT, it also can have the opposite effect.
At least it did for me.
I had gotten so used to asking the boys to pick things up for me so I didn't have to bend over, that when I finally could justify picking up my own things again (without a gigantic protruding belly in the way) I realized that it wasn't....easy... :/

I'm not saying that isn't embarressing...it IS.
Which is why we're back to running.
I wanted to get strong.  Strong heart, strong lungs, strong legs.
Rock hard abs (haha.  Yeah, right.)
So, as painful as it was each time (mentally and physically to "get out there") I did it.
Having a good friend to do it with definitely spurred me on. 
We signed up for the Diva Dash - which gave us great motivation to continue on.
A 5K with obstacles, and as a fun bonus, an all-girl-dress-up-race.
We chose Rosie the Riveter as our inspirational lass to model ourselves after.
I think I got the hair poof down quite nice.
Her motto is "we can do it."
Quite appropriate. :)

Back to school...

Back to school...
To prove to Dad that I'm not a fool.

Adam Sandler?!  Billy Madison...
Yes?  No?  :)

Anyway...Cale started "back to school" August 19.
That Monday morning he was just pumped.  Up at the crack of dawn (though what else is new...), got his clothes on (that he picked out the night before), and fixed himself some breakfast.

I love that kid. And I love his spirit for learning.
I love that he is not fearful of new surroundings.  He seemed nonplussed that he may not have any of the same friends from his Kindergarten class.  Or a new bus driver.  Doesn't bother him.
1st grade is big stuff.  No longer the babies of school.

Crazy that he is getting papers sent home with actual grades on them.  92%, 98%...weird, yeah?
His lunch time is moved to a more reasonable hour -
in K he was eating at 10:50a, now he starts at 11:15a, I think.

He's learning so much too.  And he's got homework.
Ten minutes of daily reading (with signatures from parents to validate) and then twice a week working on flash cards.

He is doing awesome.   
His teachers name is Mrs. Hawk.  And to Cale's surprise Grammie got him a red and black checkered "hawk" backpack (HAWK is the brand name)...  Ironic a tiny bit.  And he loves it.

So there ya go...Second year of school - at almost a month in - he's still digging education.
Two thumbs up.

Waiting at the bus stop:

M4

Megersa is 4!!  Back to the even numbers...
0, 2, 4, 6.  (I love when Cale says that Neve is "zero.")

This year we didn't do a party for Seka.  He doesn't want one.
Grammie came out for a surprise visit, so that was great fun for him.
Megersa's birthday choice was breakfast.  And his pick was IHOP with Daddy.
He got a great big pancake with chocolate chips.
He requested a "firetruck cake with blueberries and strawberries" - strange I thought...but I obliged.
He got presents from us, Grammie, Nana & Pop-Pop and Miss Wendy.
Calls from family too.
While opening his present from us (the guitar in pics) he said "I hope this is a great big book about sharks." ...sorry pal. ;)

A note from Mom:
Megersa - you are our wild child.  You wear your heart on your sleeve and are currently testing how much you can push but still receive love.  And we do love you!!  You still have some food issues - currently you are not a fan of pizza or mac & cheese - though you argue with Cale that those are your favorite meals...  You tell us you don't like playing alone, but when you are alone in the bathroom or suppose to be napping you will sit quietly and sing or talk to yourself.  Everything is a weapon to you...you love to "fight bad guys."  Daddy and I are constantly telling you to put your sticks down.  I get the feeling you will be one of our first ER trips.... You love all your siblings and constantly tell me how much you love me and that "Mommy is beautiful and I am handsome." 
You will not allow anyone to call you Seka except for your brothers.  And you do not entertain any other nicknames besides.  You still go to bed super late at night and wake up with Cale when the sun comes up, but I'm hoping in time your lil body will regulate into a more normal sleep pattern. :)
You are mischievous, energetic, and extremely loveable.
And you're 4 now!  Hooray!!  :)
We ALL love you,
Mommy