Tyler got a really cool tool set from Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas ... and this weekend, he was determined to learn how to use it! In fact, he drove us a bit crazy asking for help with the screws. I'm thinking of going out to buy him a power model! But he concentrates so hard on his pretend building projects ... and he looks pretty darn cute in the toolbelt!
Actually, we've been expecting it to be loose for some time, and it's JUST started to wiggle. Back in November, we were shocked to see Abby's "grown-up" teeth coming in pretty far behind the baby ones. And, we were even more surprised that the baby ones didn't seem to want to budge. 
Well, a trip to the dentist where I asked A LOT of questions about permanent damage, braces, etc. (they probably see lots of crazy moms every day, right?) set us at ease. Apparently it's pretty normal. If the baby teeth are still there in February (Abby's regularly scheduled cleaning), then we'll take action. But since one FINALLY started moving, we may not need to resort to pulling (yikes!). I just thought I should take these pictures now, because the tooth may not been there soon. It's a shame, I've actually gotten used to seeing Abby with her double row of front teeth.
They are actually pretty cool. You can post them wherever, and when the kids learn them ... you remove them and add new ones. Well, between teethbrushing, bathing, and well ... you know (!), our kids seem to spend a lot of time in the bathroom. So, we've had some fun reviewing these math problems and introducing the concept of subraction. Tyler even understands the terms "minus" and "equals" now. At three, if he continues at this pace, he'll be lightyears better than I was at math! And maybe he won't have to spend as much time studying at the dining room table! 
Now, Abby has already been dropped off at school (this photo was taken early this morning, soon after she woke up) ... so Tyler was helping me upload it for the blog. When I saw the picture I said, "Eeeks ... Abby looks a bit freaky with that big grin." And Tyler said, "Yeah ... she looks scary. I'm scared of Abby!" Guess you gotta watch what you say around a three-year old!
"Wait Mommy, I'll get the backyard stick!" A quote from Tyler this afternoon, when he slid some UNO cards under the playroom entertainment center during his version of shuffling. I was so tickled about what he called the yard stick; I didn't have an opportunity to get annoyed at his aggressive shuffling technique. I'd say it's a far cry from the young man that used to spend long stretches of time stacking playing cards. Remember that stage blog readers?
But Abby kept up with them no problem ... even if she did run over to the sidelines to pose for this picture mid game. I wasn't cited for delay of game, but Coach Dennis did chastise me for being a "Mamarazzi!"
Anyway, Abby got the ball a couple times ... and held onto it ... for a few seconds! She also recovered nicely from a few tumbles. 
It was a funny game though! One kid lost his shoe about 20 times ... and that was just while running, not even kicking! The team should really benefit from this week's practice. They need to work on passing, as well as some terminology, like: "Abby, keep your eye on the goal!" Coach Joel shouted this to our little one during the game, and being the good listener she is, Abby turned around and stared at the goal while the ball was kicked right past her! Too bad Dennis won't be there to help get the team ready for game #2 - he's away on business this week. But, doesn't he look cool in his coaches jersey? 
I guess I shouldn't share that Dennis' main job was corraling the three kids who were not playing and making sure they didn't run out on the field. I guess he probably also wouldn't want me to tell you that at one point, one of his benched players set the soccer ball back into play from the sidelines. Oops! 
Someone who did a great job on the sidelines? Tyler, our cheerleader! But we all loved cheering Abby on during this fun, new experience! 
