August 2006

Hello to All ~
As summer winds down, the Larkin household is raking in the "firsts" -- We have had lots of exciting things happen this month, and Jim and I look forward to even more in the coming weeks and month.
Margaret started pre-preschool on August 14th - we had a "meet the teacher" day and everything...she really is starting to grow up! She knows her colors, her numbers (up to 20), her alphabet and is learning her letters (right now, almost everything is either an 'A' or an 'S' but we have to start somewhere). She is blossoming in Miss Adrianna's class and I can't wait to see the next thing she learns. She is also very opinionated, and is more than happy to tell you "don't tell me that" if you say "no" or anything else she doesnt happen to agree with. As funny as we find it, we try not to encourage it through our laughter.
On August 18th, Jack had his 9 month checkup -- he still tops the charts at 27 lbs, 6 oz and 30 1/2 inches long! He may be big, but gosh he's cute!
Jack took his first steps - he's not completely confident yet, but for record keeping purposes, I'm marking down August 28th as the first steps - he would still prefer to hold someone's hand, but he giggles, and thinks it's the greatest thing ever to have his freedom!
He has also given up baby food almost completely, preferring instead turkey dogs, green beans, peaches, bananas and anything else that he can smear all over his clothes, the table and his face! With a face like that, though, it's hard to care! We are still working on sippy cups, as he would much prefer his bottle...we'll get there.
Other big firsts - Margaret wore big girl panties to school and went ALL DAY with no accidents today (August 28th - it was a big day here!) We are so proud of her, and hope to be done with at least some diapers in another month or so - keeping our fingers crossed!
Margaret also had her very first haircut on August 27th (see pictures below). She wasn't a huge fan, even with the videos, lollipops and bubbles, but Mommy was still far more upset to see that beautiful hair fall, and a true little girl emerge, with those big blue eyes behind those bangs.
Finally, Margaret had her very first slumber party this past weekend with Justin, and it was great fun -- Mommy and Daddy had 4 children under the age of 2 1/2 and we lived to tell about it, so we consider that a success!
So, as you can see...August has been busy, but exciting and fun. We can't wait for the kids to start interacting more than they already do. Each morning, Margaret wakes up and can't WAIT to go get Jack out of bed. We walk into the room, and his entire face lights up from the sight of his sister -- That, right there, is the meaning of life.
Love to All,
Jim, Sarah, Margaret & Jack