A few Videos

Here are two videos I took of Abigail this week. The first one is of her reading. She has made such great strides this past month and is amazing me every day.



and this one proves that Abigail truly lacks musical talent. Here Abigail is attempting to play Ode to Joy on the keyboard. I am really glad that she loves music!




So far we have been having a wonderful summer. I am looking forward to what the last 2 months will bring.

What's your Child's Talent Part 2

I first did this poll when Abigail was 19 months old. At that time it described Abigail perfectly by saying:

Your child has strong spatial ability. Your may be living with the next famous astronomer such as Carl Sagin or the next cutting edge artist such as Picasso or Frida Kahlo.

These children can spot everything, including candy hidden behind your back. They know where everything is located in the house. They are great at finding lost items for other family members. They think in pictures and forms.

I tried it again tonight and again it described Abigail perfectly for who at 45 months old.

Your child has exceptional linguistic ability. Your child could bethe next president. Also, your child may be the next Dale Carnegie, Dr. Suess, or JK Rowland.

Your child can hear things and remember them easily. They are often advanced readers and learn to talk quickly. They enjoy telling stories. They learn other languages easily. They can generalize how their language is put together in written and spoken form readily.

For fun, if you want to try the quiz yourself click here

Faith

(Thank you Barbara for giving me a title to this post)

I am not the most religious person, but Abigail has questions about God and since it is easier then sitting through a Catholic Mass with a 3 year old, she goes to Awanas every week. Well this past week she has been attending Vacation Bible School (girl scout camp about Jesus) where the theme was "roundin' up questions ...drivin' home answers" And Abigail had a question.

Monday night, at dinner, Abigail wanted to know "If God made everything, than who made God?" And like every good Mama, I replied,"Let's ask your teacher tomorrow." After a day full of questions I just did not want to have that conversation with a three year old. The next morning, she asked the director, who told her to ask her teacher...and on and on and on...Until this morning. It is Friday and she still did not get an answer. So...

They were having their end of the week Rally and the Pastor said to the kids well I hope I have answered all your questions. And apparently Abigail's hand shot straight up and because she is three, and little and cute he called her up to the alter. He then invited her to share her question they had not answered. So in front of all the teachers and all the kids she asked her question " If God Made everything, then who made God?" and the Pastor was silent for a moment, before he answered.

The answer he finally gave was not relayed to me, but Abigail definitely made an impression on him.

But this is Abigail. She is constantly on the lookout for false logic. Just because it not an acceptable answer to her. UnI hear at least 10 times a day "But Mommy your wrong" or "I think this is a better way" Unless it makes sense in her heaed she does not have faith in what people say unless she has examined it and proved it to be true.

Reaching Goals

Abigail and I set a goal that she would finish an old Bank Street Reader that I had when i was a little kid. The text has four sections. So I told her that when she finished each section I would get her a toy that was less then $5, and then when she finished the entire text book she could pick out something "big". We have left "big" up to discussion.

So we started this on the 14th, the first day of my summer vacation. In the 9 days since I have been on vacation Abigail is 1/2way through the book and has earned two prizes. She earned the second prize this morning when she woke me up at 7:30 with the book in hand to finish reading the story.

She was so proud that she met her goals. I love the sense of accomplishment (and excitement) that she is getting. I am hoping that she continues to be motivated. I want to build on this If I can keep trying I can do it attitude. Since she gets frustrated so easily with her perfectionism issues.


Prize for finishing Part 1


Prize for finishing part 2

She's a swimmer...

Abigail's preschool teacher from last year gave Abigail swimming lessons last week. She is such an awesome teacher and definitely got Abigail motivated to swim again. Even though Abby could (kind've) swim last year she was trying to tell me that 3 year olds could not swim, that she would swim when she was 5. Kim did a great job taking that idea out of Abigail's head.

Here is a video of her swimming the day after she finished swim lessons!

Last day of school!

Abby had her last day of school last Friday. She has done wonderful and has a successful year. She is looking forward to the summer vacation- but also to seeing her friends again in the fall. I cannot believe my little baby is about to start her last year of preschool!

Here is a picture of her from her first day of preschool this year.



and a picture of her on her last day of preschool



not as big of change in her physically but major changes socially and cognitively. Here are a few comments from her last report card.

Abby communicates well and adjusts to new situations appropriately. She is very trusting in the adults that are around her on a daily basis and looks to them for guidance when needed. She plays well with the other children and follows rules and routines with guidance and some reminders. Abby is thoughtful of others feelings and is respectful of them. She is not the one to start conflict and is easily guided in the right direction if there is any.

Abby is very curious and very persistent when she knows something. She will ask for assistance when needed but she is determined to do things on her own. Abby can rote count and her one to one correspondence is very good. She often helps other students identify numbers/letters when they are stuck. Abby has a great imagination and loves to play with the kids whether it is princesses, dancers, vet doctor, etc.

Abby has a great vocabulary. She follows directions when she is focused. She loves to give the answers during circle time and over time has learned to give the other kids a chance. Sbe loves to listen to stories and can always recall aspects of the story. Abby does well writing. She is a lot of fun to have in class and will always succeed.

Abby is very active. She loves to run, jump, play and dance. She is sometimes clumsy he that is usually because she is looking another way or not paying attention to where she is going. Her physical motor skills are all very typical of a three year old. She does very well printing the letters of the alphabet and numbers.

Christmas in May ??

Abigail decided to treat me to her own rendition of "Christmastime is here" this weekend. Of course she was accompanied by Alvin the entire time.

Here it is caught on tape for your viewing enjoyment