NOV/DEC 2009

These months have flown by...


Master Z continues to grow and flourish at school.



His teacher Barbara reports that he "loves nature" and his physical therapist Vivian says "you have an unsually bright and perceptive young man." Another teacher reported that he loves music and is a "good dancer" who "moves his whole body when dancing."



Some notable quotes during these two months:


While reading a book about big, strong animals Zach questioned "do they have personal trainers?" (what his Bobba calls his physical therapist to him).

While visiting Nana's house for Thanksgiving, he exlaimed " Nana has decorations" when he saw the pumpkins etc outside her front door.



Others:



"I'm a car doctor, I take care of cars."

"Thank you mommy for making this delicious Salmon."

When spitting his toothpaste out he exclaimed that it didn't go "exactly in the sink."

While in the library with Mark he picked up a book and remarked that it is "by Maurice Sendak"



So our child continues to amaze us with his incredible vocabulary and is becoming more physical, and continues to be a source of constant joy and love...

Weeks 5&6

Z continues to love school. He has been enjoying the Fall/Autumn season and comes home with lots of projects related to the season. He takes pride in his work and gets excited to show Daddy what he did in school.

Some notable quotes from this period:

"Is this a digger Daddy?" then "No it is a demolisher!"

At zoo: "I wonder, maybe there is a giraffe."

"Maybe that mommy duck went to work today" - said to Daddy on a Saturday when Mommy was at work.

"My car (referring to a toy car) goes in that compartment."

Also, Z asked me "Who is God?" and I answered, "Where did you learn about God?" - to which he replied, "Nursery School!" I actually didn't know how to answer so changed the subject to other things learned in nursery school...

Week 4

Z continues to greatly enjoy school. He asks me almost daily if "today I go to school?" and really seems to have a good time while there. I always look forward to the pick-up and seeing his happy self running toward me.

Monday was Columbus day and Z did not have school. We visited Aunt Em in Beantown and enjoyed our long weekend there. Wednesday & Friday went smoothly at school and on Friday I was "Shabbat Mom" which entailed that I read a story to his class "How Does a Dinosaur Say Goodnight" and bring a snack (pretzel sticks). Bobba&Zaida surprised Zach by attending his Shabbat ceremony, in which he and I said the prayers over the challah and wine and his classmates sat quietly around the table. I was most impressed with his teachers and the other boys&girls and continue to be really happy with his nursery school.

Some Z quotes:

"I've never had a taco!" (when we had homemade tacos for dinner)

"Please read me books from that collection" (pointing to books from a different box in his room)

"He delivered it to me."

"I'm just borrowing your scarf" (wearing mommy's scarf after mom returned home from work)

Week 3

Third week went as well as prior two.

His teachers continue to mention what a well-adjusted and well-rounded child he is and how well he plays with others.

Also, a few notable Z quotes:

Last week "Mommy, are you a paramedic?" and

"Zach would like to go to home depot to see the fork lifters." :) "Daddy, read me books that I do not recognize."

In other Z news, our son enjoyed the Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippor hoildays at B&Z's apartment (see pic) and LOVED apples&honey. We also attended his nursery school Synagogue services for Kol Nidre, although we haven't yet joined the shul but did purchase tickets to check it out. It seems like a nice, warm community. Zachy entered the building like a confident boy, wearing his new Thomas the Tank Engine yarmulke, and announced to Mark "this is where I go to nursery school!"

Days 3&4

Little man Z continues to amaze.

Day 3&4 went as smoothly as the first two. And yesterday (Day4) was with the full class of 12 children, prior to that Zach was only with half the class as it was divided into 2 groups for the first 3 sessions in order to acclimate the children. I was a bit concerned that with so many students he might be a bit overwhelmed but he seemed to do just fine. In fact when I went to pick him up (and yesterday I actually left the building!) one of his teachers commented that he went over to comfort a boy who has been having a difficult time adjusting. What a sweet sweet thing to do for the other boy who cries hysterically (poor fellow!) for the full duration of class. Our Zach is quite the sensitive soul.

Also the teacher mentioned that Z is "very musical" and loves to play the instruments and sing. We know this about him as he has always loved music and has been soothed by music, even as a very young baby.

Day 2

Day two went as smoothly as day one. Z was excited to go to school and upon arrival to his classroom he quickly sought out some toys he enjoyed ... and when I said "I'll see you later" he simply replied "OK" and that was that! I was one of the first moms to 'leave' and by leave I mean to go down the hall to the library and do another arts&crafts project for the hour while our children were in class. When I came to pick him up, he was happily playing and was excited to see me. I am so proud of our boy. I am still a bit in shock as to how smoothly this is going but am not deluding myself into thinking that there won't be some separation issues over time. Just am grateful for the easy start!

After Zach's school day, he had a playdate with cousin Judah which he greatly enjoyed.

Day 1

Today was the first day our precious son went to nursery school at Bet Torah pre-school, in Mount Kisco, NY. I was quite anxious, awoke early in anticipation of the big day, but our little man seemed non-pulsed. Upon arrival at the school, Z was excited to see the playground. When we entered the building, he became a little less excited, however once we entered his classroom, he immediately went over to the play kitchen to "make some tea." One of his teachers, Barbara, whom we know from doing Mommy&Me at the synagogue, came over to him at once. I noticed that most of the moms had already left the room and so I decided the time had come for my departure too...and so I casually said "see you a little later" at which point my adorable son did not even look up at me, as he was already engaged in play. I left, feeling somewhat deflated (but elated that he did not shed a tear!) and went to the library to do a "project" (arts&crafts!) with the other moms. While we chatted and had coffee, we eagerly awaited word from Mindy, the program director, about our little ones. A few times she entered the library to report that all the kiddos were doing well. My heart soared. I could not believe how smoothly this was going... One hour later we were allowed to enter the classroom and I found my Zachy playing happily with, you guessed it, CARS! I could not have dreamed of an easier first day for my child. And hope the others go as well.