My First Taste of Home-Schooling

This has not been a proactive decision. The choice to "home-school" (as much as you can a 2 and 4 year old) is a result of many complicated logistical and behavioral frustrations we were banging into head-first every day since Abe was born. I want to blog about it to remember my thought process and/or help any one else out there who may be experiencing something similar. (The pictures are in no order...just an attempt to keep up with our goings-on from the past month!)

When we first found out we were pregnant, I immediately registered Van and Jean-Margaret for 5 days of preschool each. The closer we got to school starting, I cut them each back...Van to 3 days a week and Jean-Margaret to 2 days a week. After we spent such a fun summer together, I knew I would miss them too much if they were gone every morning.

School did not go so well for Miss Jeanie. She started off okay--then after witnessing some kids throw up and tantrum all day--she was not a happy camper. She stopped eating at school and sucked her thumb in the corner the entire time. We tried a few different efforts to make her more comfortable and decided it was just best to keep her at home this year and try again later. She is such a sweet little "helper" it didn't really seem like a difficult decision. The pediatrician assured us the only thing she would be "missing out" on is a few extra germs and viruses...so not to worry about socialization (since she has siblings).

Fast forward to November--life with a 1 month old and a stay-at-home 1.5 year old and a 4 year old who was only in school 3 days a week...mama realized she needed some extra help! We decided Van was probably ready to go to preschool 5 days a week. He was fine at first, but after having him home for Christmas break (and lots of snow days) we noticed he was growing more hesitant about returning to school.

His behavior grew worse and Evans and I realized he was feeling left out of our family. He started to understand that Jeanie and Abe were home with me (or with G-Mommy!!)  while he was in school. He was trying so hard to get our attention, he resorted to some pretty challenging behavior.

Van's first (of hopefully many) neighborhood concerts

I have to remind myself frequently that although he is an amazing, wonderful, dependable, smart, sweet little fella...he is still only four years old. I should not expect him to adjust to becoming one of three just because he already adjusted to becoming one of two.

Three kids takes up so much of my attention that it feels a lot more demanding than splitting your time in half or even into thirds.

We pulled him back to three days a week to see if that would help. I realized the days he was home were WAY easier and more flowed more smoothly than the days he was going to school. There is NO way to get a napping infant, busy toddler, and stubborn/unwilling 4 year old into the car by 9:00. (and if  you are in this predicament and figure it out--please enlighten me!)

The preschool doors lock at 9:15 am. On our absolute best days, I was getting him to school around 9:30. Since the doors already locked by this time, we had to go in the front entrance which is farther from the preschool. I had to get the stroller out of the car, carry Jean-Margaret, and hold Van's hand. We walked around the building, up to the second floor, took Van potty, washed his hands (preschool regulations), hung up his coat and back pack, and dropped him off. By the time I got both babies back in the car and back to the house it was after 10.

We would have 2 hours at home before time to pick him up from school--the doors unlocked from 12:15-12:30. Usually by noon, I found myself scrambling to feed Jean-Margaret lunch, feed Abe, keep them awake and go through the pick up drill all over again. We would get home just in time for Jean-Margaret and Abe to have their afternoon naps.

By 1:00, I had not taken a deep breath all day long. The day was crazy! In order to get a moment to myself/straighten the house/ eat lunch/fold an ounce of laundry...I had to put Van in his room for "down time" so the children's naps would overlap. Van does not sleep much any more so he would listen to music. By the time Abe woke up (usually around 1:30) Van would be ready to hang out. It's hard to give a 4 year old the attention he needs when you are feeding an infant/changing diapers/curbing fussiness. Especially when Jean-Margaret was up the next hour.

Abe's first cereal bites

By the time Abe went back down for his last nap of the day--I could finally give Van the attention he had been craving all day. I realized I have an enthusiastic, fun, inquisitive little four year old--who wants to learn so much. The time I get to spend with Van helps reaffirm why I wanted to be a mom in the first place! I love to teach my kids new things and I find it so fulfilling to watch them learn. Being a mom of a four year old is FUN. It's so neat to play with them and hear what is going on in their creative imaginations. Being a mom of a four year old AND two babies...their behavior can suddenly seem demanding and overwhelming.

 In order to enjoy my time with him and take our days at their own, chaotic pace...I needed to have more time with Van. Life is [a little bit] easier when our days begin in a more peaceful state.

For the remainder of the year and summer, I am attempting to keep all three at home. Preschool is not cheap so we are using some of the money we save to hire a babysitter. I have purchased (upon recommendation) a child's first encyclopedia, dictionary, backyard bird and tree guides, and a few workbooks. We go on lots of "nature walks" and library trips and try to learn what we can. Meal times are FUN and engaging. Not rushed and hurried.

We do yoga, build tents, paint, play dress up, cook, play with Sophie...

... all of the simple things we never had time to do before. I feel less like a demanding dictator who chauffeurs her children all day...and more like a nurturing mother.  Life is NOT easy...nor do I expect it to be, and definitely far from perfect, but for our lives are a little bit more at peace.

FIRST EAGLES CONCERT!!

Bowling 

Is it Van or Abram?

Van's Bible presentation at Church