Kids Update (long over due!)

The month of September had been a hard one.  I'd say three out of the four weeks, one or both of the kids were sick.  Its also crazy for birthdays, especially William and Natalie's that I need to plan parties for.  Then, I started working for a blog that pays!  So, I haven't been thinking too much about writing. 

So, at long last, an update on the kids. 

Natalie:

• Can pick out her own clothes from the dresser and gets dressed 100% by herself.  
• Rides the bus to school.  
• Is getting used to the school rules and routines and tells me about them.  
• Is learning the days of the week at school.  
• Shows a lot of interest in reading a digit clock, though usually reads it backwards.  
• Can wash by herself in the bath.  
• Can undo a seatbelt, but knows not to when driving. 
• Can open the door to get outside, though still sometimes worries about getting hit by the screen door. 
• Starting to learn names of classmates
• Continues to be more accepting of trying new foods
• Continues to be more accepting of being wet or dirty

William:

• Has graduated to sitting in a regular chair for meals. 
• Can name his friends.  
• Uses emotion words - sad, happy, upset, scared, frustrated
• Plays pretend - cooking (even without pretend food toys), taking on characters from TV with props, taking care of a baby
• Has moved from Blankie to Sheep
• After a few months, has started to sleep with the light off again
• Loves to be read to
• Getting better at colors
• Knows if there is two of something
• Can identify letter W, and knows the other letters are letters (ex. commented that their were letters in his alphabet soup)
• Says he is drawing or painting actual things
• Participates in dinner conversation telling about his day (though often is inaccurate)
• Can name all the Star Wars characters
• Has been to the ER 
• Uses the word "because"
• Memorizes books, especially Dinosaur Roar