Maran's First Day of Play School!

I was so nervous about this morning and how Maran would take to going to Play School (Mother's Morning Out).  She is so used to so much activity from her orphanage days and I think she was bored out of her mind for the past few weeks.  The plan was to drop Luke off in carpool line and then park the car and walk Lil' Miss Sassafras in.  Once we pulled up to car pool lane Maran decided she was going with Luke and she was out of the car like a bolt of lightening.  She never looked back and I don't think I could have hit the gas pedal any harder (slightly joking here but maybe  not by much).  It's time for Maran to have some 'away from mommy time'.  She ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.  She did her first art project and made many new friends.  She got teary eyed once.  She found Luke on the playground and she was in heaven.  I called once and e-mailed once only to find out that she could have cared less about being away from me. 

The Christmas Holiday was nice but long.  With both Luke and Maran at home full time it had many challenging moments.  While we were busy with many holiday parties, family gatherings and all it seemed like they bickered more.  Of course they did... they were together longer!  That said today was probably one of the best days so far and believe me it is WELCOME. They played perfectly this afternoon.  I was trying drastically to recall what I put in their lunches so that I can do a repeat of that one really soon!

Maran is talking like crazy.  You actually can have a small conversation with her.  She asks you where you are going what you are doing, why and so on.  She tells you what she needs and she is SUCH A HUGE HELP.  You can ask her to get things and she understands and she will even take things to certain rooms of the house.  Such progress for such a SMART young lady.  This child will help you tidy up like nobody else has ever helped. (What a relief).  The fact that she is an organizer has made me step up a little.  Pretty soon my child will be organizing my office which is maybe not such a bad thing. 

Here's to hoping that Play School continues to be fun for her.  She was ALL SMILES when I picked her up.  Many of the days have been long but overall the 9 weeks we have been home have gone by fast. 

Hope today brings a smile to your face and a giggle in your voice.

It was actually quite cold but she continuously sheds her coat.  Showing off her backpack here. (Note hairbow already missing in action)

There is a better picure than this but David uploaded the wrong one and I am too tired and confused to figure out how to get the right one here... so for your viewing pleasure you get the picture that is not so good.  Luke enjoyed playing big brother today and did a great job.

She certainly gets her nickname as Lil' Miss Sassy honestly......