True Colors

I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think maybe the grandparents are finally out of Kate’s doghouse. There didn’t seem to be a silver bullet, a secret code word, or one magical gift. The gifts did seem to help though, along with determination, patience, a sewing machine and a wheelbarrow. It’s refreshing to finally see the real Kate on display around the grandparents.

Last week, Dawn took the kids to my parents’ house, and since Kate was doing well, she figured it was time to leave her there while she took Sam to get a flu shot. Kate has been acting more comfortable at their house every time we go, but we’ve never left her there. After a long wait at CVS for the flu shot, and no SOS phone call from the ‘rents, Dawn pulled back into the neighborhood and was surprised to see my Dad approaching the main entrance, several blocks from the house, pushing a wheelbarrow. “That’s too bad that he had to work while Kate was at the house,” she thought. Until she saw Kate, riding in her wheelbarrow-chariot like a princess with her big grin. Thankfully the wheelbarrow and its “motor” had capacity for two, because Sam wasn’t about to sit on the sidelines for that one.

The previous weekend we took Kate on her inaugural trip to the North Georgia mountains. Even though the Dahlonega area was home for 3-4 generations of their Seabolt forefathers, Sam and Kate were somehow more interested in the colossal pumpkins at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm. And truth be told, the pumpkins are really in third place at Burt’s in their minds, behind the hayride, the tractor, and just slightly ahead of the popcorn. Kate snuggled up with Aunt Sharon and took in all that the hayride and the north Georgia fall had to offer.

Then we made our way to the Athens area for a grandparent double-header. The drizzling rain was no obstacle for the kids on their farm feeding routine. I mean, how will those fish survive in the rain if we don’t throw some food in the lake, right?

Dawn’s mom inquired about the kids’ costume plans for Halloween, and Sam shared his latest idea: a ghost. We’re still lobbying for the Curious George angle, by the way, but “Nini” [dawn’s mom] got inspired enough to make ghost costumes and thus introduce Kate to yet another “first”: the sewing machine. I’ve heard that shows like Project Runway are fueling a come-back for the sewing machine, so this could be a vital skill for the youngsters. Kate was captivated. After the ghosts, they continued in the home economics curriculum and moved into the kitchen, collaborating on some spectacular sweet potato muffins. It’s fun for us to see the kids creating memories with the grandparents, and for them to finally see Kate’s true colors shine.

We’ve entered a legendary phase of parenting toddlers.  As the lines got blurry between the turbulent two’s and the twin-tastic threes, we initiated the ultimate rite of passage with Sam into big-boy status: potty training. Ok, so some of you are thinking “wow – aren’t they like 9 months late?” Sure, maybe so. But our approach was not to push it too hard until Sam was motivated. And pre-school peer pressure has been a great motivational tool. He’s doing great overall, and Dawn is adeptly handling the sprints to the throne and the “clean-up on aisle 7” issues. Last night, Dawn went back to work at the hospital on the night shift, and despite my best efforts to promote frequent potty-sitting, I encountered the inevitable: the first poopy underwear. The kids had been kinda sad & whiny throughout the night because Mommy was gone. While I’m cleaning Sam up, he again begs for Mommy. When that didn’t work, he asked “is Daisy coming over tonight?  I want Daisy.” Daisy is our 15 year old baby-sitter. We love her, she’s great with the kids, and they love her. But I may have shot a mental arrow or two in her direction when Sam broke down upon learning that no, Daisy wasn’t coming tonight. Sorry - you’re stuck with me to wipe your butt tonight, kid. Dawn’s already handled dozens of these “presents” so I certainly don’t have reason to whine. And when the little angels went to sleep without a peep, I found a way to forgive and forget.  :)

After about 3 months back in the US, and 8 weeks at school, Kate continues to be comfortable and confident at school and church. As I’ve said before, we had no idea what to expect, and tried to prepare for a really tough adjustment. But it’s super cool to see her interact with her little friends and jump right in to new things. We went to a birthday party for one of their preschool classmates, and as we walked in the door, a little girl ran up and squealed “hi Kate!” I didn’t understand what Kate said in response, but they ran off together to fearlessly conquer the two-story tall bouncy slide. This weekend she also conquered her first night away from us! We lined up the babysitters of the year – blake & chrissy – and let them work their magic. Kate had basically no issues. When she woke up at 6:15, she calmly found her way to the master bedroom and just crawled up in bed next to Chrissy, as if she’d done it a hundred times before.  Maybe we'll get used to that arrangement, and shoot for a hundred times more.