Update

I realize that I post a lot about myself. But I often forget about the other members of the family, and I am sure some of you like to know what is new with them. Lately I have been trying to remember some of the funny/interesting things that Rachel does. I have to remember to record them somehow or I will forget.

What Rachel is up to:

Still mispronounces things, like "live room" for living room, and "threef" for third.

Still having trouble using "th" and says things like "free" for "three". I think it's more of a habit, now, because she CAN pronounce the "th" sound.

Instead of saying "the", she says "thr". As in, "Thr tree has leaves." I think it has to do with one of her teacher's accents. It's kind of funny.

Tells us interesting facts, such as the difference between wasps and bees

Is obsessed with seals and dolphins. Has now lost two stuffed seals (both named "Sealy") to her huge distress. Have not been able to find either, although we have turned our small house upside down. We recently bought a dolphin "Dolphia", who I hope stays with us a bit longer.

Decided yesterday to create a "fire pile". Let me explain. She felt that if we had a fire in the house, it would be a good idea for her to have all of her favourite things piled by the front door to make it easier to bring them outside in case of an emergency. So we have a pile of toys, books, clothing, baby blankets, shoes, hair accessories etc. sitting by the door. I wonder if she'll notice if the pile is cleaned up by the time she arrives home.

Had her kindergarten orientation yesterday. I thought she would love it, but she seemed a little overwhelmed. She received a t-shirt, "Class of 2024". I think the other kids were feeling the same way. When the teachers took a picture of the kids at the end of the orientation, none of them were smiling, despite the numerous, "Say cheese!" requests. However, we have chosen a small, friendly school, and I got a good feeling from the teachers and the other students. I'm sure it will be a big adjustment, even though Rachel has been in Montessori daycare all year. This is big-kid school!

Has lots of questions about money and buying things. Thinks if you need more money you just go to the bank and they give you more. Trying to understand why Daddy has to go to work every day.

Has her birthday party planned out. I have tried to accomodate some of her wishes but cannot plan a party "on a stage where everyone sings "Break, break your heart"". Instead we will try to keep the costs low by having a "home" party with just a few friends. She wants a "water fairy" party, so I will attempt to find some Tinker Bell Fairy stuff, and plan a few fairy-themed games. I've gone online and found some fun ideas. Hopefully we can have an outside party at the end of June.

Tries to convince me that she is really turning six, not five.

Likes to climb on rocks. We have a nice trail by our house, and we go and get some exercise on the rocky part of the trail. Which is good since she has become a bit obsessed with Toopy and Binoo, a cartoon that she says she can watch all day long, over and over.
Fights daily for her independence. She is now allowed to go check the mail, and takes my key ring to unlock the super box at the corner of the street. Can walk to her friend's house by herself.

Fights daily about what to wear. ALWAYS underdresses. Wants summer dresses when it's +5. No coats after April, sweaters only, nevermind the temp. Won't wear socks, or only wears socks that mismatch. Wants fancy shoes to go to the playground or to walk on the rocks, instead of runners. It's a constant, constant struggle and no amount of cajoling, bribing, yelling, or bargaining seems to work.

Wants a puppy. Runs outside to greet the neighbour's dogs whenever she sees them. Talks about having a "dog party" where all the dog owners in the neighbourhood are invited to our house, with their dogs. Asks every single dog owner she passes if she can pet their dog. Acts like a dog with a high-pitched bark. Walks like a dog on all fours. Tells us daily that she wants a "Beagle". Plays daily with her stuffed dogs: "Puppy", "Inuvik Puppy", and "White Puppy".

Faithfully waters her garden. She has planted bean seeds, peach seeds and avocado pits. Checks daily to see if they have started growing.