Last week

This is the last week with Lucas and the schedule we've enjoyed for most of the summer...for those of you who have yet to bring home your children - no matter how much leave you have it's not enough. I can't believe 12 weeks have gone by so d@#* fast. September 10th is when Lucas will start Montessori school 3 days a week while I go reluctantly back into the office. I know I shouldn't complain...I am thankful that we can get by with my part-time schedule and it's the best of both worlds.

This is the last week Alexander is in preschool. His *toddler* days of nursery and preschool are coming to a close and we embark on the Big K. Next week is a mix of an evaluation by his new school, orientation and then we are heading to Storyland in NH for Lucas' first overnight away from home. Kindergarten starts on the 8th.

This is the last week of August...always bittersweet as I love the summer and although Fall here is absolutely beautiful, August is the last of summer and September starts the approach to winter for me. BUT September is also the month that the Ministry of Education in Russia starts back to work after months off (yes I said months) and I know of sooo many families that are chopping at the bit for news in September. I can't wait to follow their stories!

The boys have been doing great...Alexander I think is over the big issues with having a new brother. There is the usual "he can't touch X" or "he drooled on the blanket and now I can't use it", etc but that will be par for the course for - oh I don't know - another 20 years? Paul and his brother I think still have their moments and they're...well...um...older.

Lucas has made a few strides...he has a few more words but no major explosion yet. We've had Early Intervention for a few weeks now and they are impressed with how much he is learning and picking up. He has started running which is so cute...he gets going especially fast when I chase him around the house and surprise him around corners. He just squeals and runs away...I love it. But by far my favorite recent thing is that when he wants us to show him a book he will walk backwards towards us, whether we are sitting or standing and bump into us. If sitting he plops right down into our laps and if standing he looks up and keeps nudging. He also sometimes goes beep beep as our car does when it backs up! So sweet!

Laura