F is for Fish

I don't do themed snacks for every letter of the week, although I'd like to do more if I can come up with the ideas.  (They're always a big hit with Austin.)  But I had an idea this week so Austin and I tested it out this morning.  We made little jello aquariums.

I know, they kind of look dead.

We followed the directions on the jello package for adding fruit and vegetables, meaning we waited an hour and a half after pouring it into the cups to add the little gummy fish, then let it set up the rest of the way.  I was pretty sure this would work, just slightly anxious that gummy fish might contain whatever it is that keeps jello from setting up if you add pineapple, figs, guava, etc. (like the package warns you).  But it set up just fine.

A little note: the gummy fish get kind of hard since they're in the refrigerator and are much chewier than usual, so be careful if you give this to younger kids.

I told Austin we would eat it after dinner...he started asking for dinner as soon as he woke up from his nap! He loved the final product.  "This is my favorite treat!"  Wait, I thought rainbow cake was your favorite. :)  It's lovely to see how such a simple thing can bring him such joy.

Coming up next: anyone have a great snack idea for H is for hippo?

First Day of School

Austin started Christian Play Day today, his one-day-a-week preschool.  It is very low-key; we are sending him entirely for social time with other kids.  The program is staffed by volunteers so I've heard mixed reviews as naturally a lot depends on who volunteers to teach your child's particular class.  Austin's class is taught by an acquaintance from my MOPS group.  When I learned that last night it was like a little comforting pat from the Lord: "See Courtney, I'm taking care of Austin and this is the right choice."

So far Austin seems to like it but in typical fashion he would not tell me much.  I was out in the hallway waiting during the last few minutes of class which are devoted to show and tell.  I think I heard Austin's voice chiming in to comment on several of the other children's items.  Loudly.  Without regard to others speaking.  Hmm.  Well, he's there to learn that sort of thing.

First day of school = picture time, of course.

I discovered a trick to make Austin give a real smile.
Tell him to say some silly words.  Like "radishes
and rutabagas."  For once I had several cute
pictures to choose from.

To Me

My sister got these shirts for the three grandkids when my mom celebrated a milestone birthday this summer.  Thought we could get a bit more mileage out of them today.  (Milo's says "Grandma."  Don't imagine your average toddler finds many occasions to wear that kind of shirt.)  But anyway, happy birthday to me.

Desired picture outcomes: 1) Austin smiling 2) Esther smiling
3) "Happy birthday" visible on shirts.
Actual outcome:  "Happy birthday" visible on shirts.
I knew I was asking a lot.

I don't have any particularly special birthday thoughts, except that these days when I read about a celebrity/athlete, etc. in his or her thirties, I first think "older than me," then go "Oh wait..."  But really, I feel so blessed with each birthday I reach.  As God has grown my heart for those in other parts of the world, Haiti in particular, I see keenly how being a healthy thirty-one year old is something to be thankful for, not regretted.  Thank you, Father, for giving me more gifts than I deserve every day of the year.

Bonus time: since the picture above didn't have quite the level of cuteness I was going for, here are some extras from today and yesterday.

I turned the camera screen around so Esther could see herself.
She loved it, needless to say.

This awesome look is made better by the word on
his shirt, don't you think?

Little Talker

Esther has said her first official word.  I was sure she would talk early since she hears Austin and me constantly but here we are at fourteen months, just getting around to it.  Just like her brother, I guess.  But anyway, here she is: