Category: Samuel

Samuel’s first day of “preschool”

Well, it really isn’t preschool, just a playgroup between 5 moms on Tues/Thursdays. We’ll take a turn hosting at each of our houses. Anthony is really excited that I’m going to be a preschool teacher (as he always talks about how this is what he wants to do).

The first “official” day of the playgroup (August 25th), I wasn’t even able to be there (I was at another funeral). But my sister Lynette dropped him off for me. He did really well! Marched right into the house with no shyness. He knew at least one of the other kids there, so it was no problem. This picture was taken the 2nd week, at another house. But same friends! This 2nd week, he even wrote some of his name! That was VERY exciting, and he was quite pleased with himself too!

We are calling this his preschool because he has just been so lonely for his brothers when they are all of at their school. Last year he would run crying after James and Anthony when they would leave in the morning for school. One time Samuel even got his backpack on and started going out the door as well. That time I indulged him and we went and sat in the back of James’ class for about 15 minutes and read stories. When I told him it was time to go, he began to get very distressed. He wanted to be with his brothers! Fortunately the teacher intervened and gave him some crayons and paper to put in his backpack for ‘homework’. But it didn’t appease him enough. I still had to carry Samuel out of the school, nearly kicking and screaming.

Oh how I hope that he will continue to want to be in school once he gets there! Though it really is his love of his brothers. He wakes up in the morning saying, “where’s guys?” or “Where are my brothers?” Today in the store he began freaking out because dad went down another aisle, and Samuel couldn’t see him. Oh, how he loves his dad and brothers!

Samuel at his 2nd week at his playgroup
Samuel at his 2nd week at his playgroup

What a case these guys are

Benjamin was thinking that maybe he would like to try learning cello too, but said that violin would be enough for right now. (Gee, that is a very grown-up decision Benjamin.) Benjamin and Samuel then began playing in the small 1/8 size cello case. Sam fit in the best!

Although I cut his head off a bit, you can see that Sam would fit pretty good!
Although I cut his head off a bit, you can see that Sam would fit pretty good!

Benjamin probably wouldn't be able to fit as a carry on.
Benjamin probably wouldn't be able to fit as a carry on.

Samuel wanting violin lessons?

A willing Samuel?
A willing Samuel?

Yesterday when loading everyone up to go up to Meika’s house for lessons, Samuel insisted on taking the little violin.  I didn’t argue, and let him.  So he had a short 5 minute lesson with Meika that made him so happy.  The interesting thing was that during one of my cello lessons today, Samuel watched the whole lesson.  At age 3, I’ve never had any of my boys stay and watch a lesson voluntarily.  He was squirming back and forth on the couch during the lesson, but he was watching nonetheless!  Hmmm….I wonder….

Samuel has potty trained!

The most exciting thing that has happend this summer so far is that Samuel has potty trained.  Well, I shouldn’t say potty trained because sometimes he doesn’t use the potty.  I’ll explain. 

Funny Samuel
Funny Samuel

When we went camping the end of May I decided that this would be a good chance for Samuel to learn how to get close to nature.  So I took off the diaper, and let him “go commando”.  This is something that my Aunt Joanna did for her kids on the farm.  Teach them how to go while running around outside playing.  “Go on that rock,” is what she said to her kids, and it worked remarkably well.   I just forgot to include that part of the instructions because Samuel decided to be like the dog and mark his territory everywhere. 

So now that he has potty trained, I now have to remind him that if he’s in the backyard playing, that he needs to come inside to go pee.  In fact yesterday after dinner, Samuel finished his dinner then went outside.  The rest of us were finishing up.  One of the kids got up to clear their plate and went to the window to see where Samuel was.   “He’s got his pants down again.  Oh!  He’s popping!”   I sent Dave out to help Samuel.   When Samuel came back inside I quietly and gently pulled him inside and told him that he really needs to be inside when he has to go pee or poop.  “Understand?”  He said yes.  I asked him “Where do you go to pee and poop?  “Inside.” 

We’ll see if he actually remembers and follows instructions.