The Second M found these wonderful dried fruit and vegetables from the store. Normally the Third M loves eating peas, but in the last few days he was crazy about the Raspberries and Strawberries. Not the evidence on this picture! You would say that he was caught ‘red-handed’, too. (But I couldn’t get a picture of that. )

It’s been a wild few weeks as we thought that we could enroll the 3rd M in preschool when he turned two. That’s six months from now, so we thought we were ahead of the curve! Not so! All the good schools have a 1-2 year waiting list. Luckily, the 2nd M was not deterred and she rushed around for a week researching and calling schools and touring them with the 3rd M. She determined that Montessori would be best for him, but really wanted a dual-language program. (He already understands Spanish, so, let’s keep that going.)

She found a dual-language Montessori in the local area on a Saturday and it turns out that a friend of hers in on the board. On Sunday, the board member told her all about the school, but that it had a waiting list. The 2nd M called the school Monday morning and they said at 8am that they had an immediate opening, but that she had to let them know by 4pm if they were going to take it! So, after consulting with the 1st M, they enrolled the 3rd M!

This is the end of his first week and he LOVES it! The teachers (one Mexican, one Honduran) said the 3rd M is very happy, helpful and social. He loves washing his hands at the sinks, loves the gym and enjoys playing his music on their CD Player. He can do all these things by himself (except walk to the gym.) He also loves to help set the table, prepare food and eat. The 2nd M is thrilled because the school has catered lunch by an excellent company, Michael’s of Denver, that serves the kids organic and local foods and bakes their own bread. (They even has a blog post about why gluten and wheat are bad! Click here if you are curious!!) So things like humus and vegetable salads are on the menu. The 1st M loves the fact that they’re potty training right away, so, fewer diapers for the wash!

Meanwhile, the 3rd M comes home and he’s calmer. It’s obvious he needed the intellectual and social stimulation.

It’s been great, but the 2nd M did loose a lot of sleep. The transition was harder on her than the 3rd M. Typical.

Since he was born, the 3rd M has been attending our monthly neighborhood socials (called HUNI hours.) In this last one, the 3rd M decided to walk out into the open during the raffle prize announcements. Perhaps it was because he wanted the microphone.

Everyone whipped out their smart phones to take a picture. He couldn’t resist mugging for the camera. (See below.)

Later, he sweet talked the HUNI Membership volunteer to let him up on his lap so he could play with his computer and mouse. He’s cute and he puts that to use. It’s all about the end game.

This morning I took the 3rd M to the Children’s Museum. We spent some time in the nice, quiet space for kids under 2 , but what he really liked was the noisy, boisterous, crazy big kids areas and BOY did we have a good time!

I set him up in front of the vacuum tube that shoots out balls. I can just imagine what he was thinking….
“wow, it’s noisy and chaotic here. Such energy. It’s so exciting and I don’t yet know why!

Oh, gosh, there is a big orange ball. That’s SO cool. I must have it.

Wait! There’s another big orange ball. I bet I can pick up two balls.

WAIT! There’s more. OMG! There all coming at once!! What can I do here? I must have them all.  This is SO exciting!! They just keep coming and coming and coming.”

3rd M has started his swimming lessons. The first day was more for us than him but after going fully underwater he had no idea why we were cheering… “That was easy!” He loves the water just like his dad.

I’ve been amused at how the 3rd M plays with the our Puppy. Or vice versa. In this interchange, the Puppy grabbed the 3rd M’s current toy: a kitchen sponge. Hey, 3rd M, you’ve gotta be quick!

For those that don’t know, we left my iPad in Montenegro. I’ve since gotten a new one and now can take fun videos of 3M.  I’ve forgotten the timing a bit, so the broll is cutting off the video a bit, but you can still enjoy his cute little face without a perfectly timed storyboard. Meanwhile, if this post works, there will be more! (And we take requests.)

We went to the new burger bar around the corner with the grandparents. 3rd M thought it was great and the loud atmosphere was perfect to hide his enthusiasm.

Well, the 3rd M (aka Newt) has really been super into unloading the dishwasher. This is great because it means I don’t have to bend over!

Note how he waves the knives around. Enough to put fear in the heart of any parent! Luckily, though, no stabbings of himself or the dog have taken place. Worst case scenario has been it winds up in his mouth or on the floor.

Guess who took his first steps last night. The little guy above did! It was not far, 2 unsupported steps, and only a parent would make a big deal out of it but after months of always hanging on to everything, 3rd M crossed the chasm. I did not have the camera ready but we sure cheered for him. 3rd M did not think it was a big deal. I do not think he realized he had achieved anything different. It was simply a few steps.