No one disagrees, Rachel needs to be kept busy. She is at the age where she is truly interested in doing stuff. So, I started researching some classes and things for her in Vegas. One thing, private preschool is super expensive in Vegas. And the places that aren't – like a co-op or thru the city, fill up instantly. So, I decided to get her in preschool at the YMCA that is close by. Tracey's son, Jaime, goes there and they like it. It is reasonable, but only 2 hours, 2 mornings per week. It isn't ideal (the times make it hard for drop offs in the morning with Russ's schedule), but hopefully she'll be at the co-op next year. She has only been a couple of days, had no issues with the drop off and seemed to have a great time. It will do for now.
So, 4 hours per week, we've got school, but as I said before, Rachel needs to be busy!!! We tried out a dance class, which Rachel wasn't too keen on and at $40 per month, I wasn't going to pay that just so Rachel could stand there or be held by the instructor. I discovered that the City of North Las Vegas has all kinds of rec programs and they are really reasonable. Rachel is currently booked Monday – Saturday!!! Mondays we have a pee wee soccer class and that is so terrific. The coach is a mom who has coached her daughter's team for years, she is excellent with the kids and there is a real lesson in every session. I couldn't be more impressed. (And since it looks like I am coaching Russ's soccer team, I am going to start taking notes on her drills. More on Russ's soccer later.) Tu/ TH is preschool, Wednesday is gymnastics at the rec center. Again, another excellent class, tons of equipment and Rachel loves every second of class. Fridays we have 'creative ballet' which is more of a creative movement class. Gemma is her teacher and she is a free spirited kinda gal. But, I have to say, she is wonderful with the girls. She can captivate them with stories and then they dance the story, or like last week, they used instruments and danced their names. The structure is real loosy goosy, but they are always moving and groovin' and isn't that the real point? Saturdays we have ballet and tap. This class was sort of an unknown and we are trying it this session, but not sure if we'll sign up again. It is very structured and a lot of waiting in line. Which 3 year olds in tutus aren't too good at doing.
There you have it, Rachel is busy and loving it. I really am thankful to have a rec center so close that we can take advantage of all these fun things to do! I have met a couple of other moms too. One is an AF spouse who has a 1st grader who is going thru the same making friends at recess problems that Russ is having at a different school. So, it has been nice to have some other moms to chat with and learn from too!
Rachel has been an incredible big sister lately and lots of fun. Just want to write a few things she has been up to, so I can remember them later..
In the van, Russ usually sits next to Row (in the middle seat) and helps out/entertains him in the car. Now with Russ at school, Rachel is the only one back there in the other side seat. She'll stretch in her seat and peer over at Rowan and say things like "It's okay, Rachel's here. You don't need Russell, Rachel's here"
She loves to tickle Rowan and talk to him while she's doing it. She says things appropriately too. It is so funny to hear her repeat things I say to Row and I don't even think she is listening.
Rowan will be in his bouncy jumper/exersaucer thing and she line up across the room from him and say "I'm gonna get you, I'm coming to get you" Then she'll run across the room and stop in front of him and say "Gotcha!" and she'll tickle him and something like that. Rowan doesn't like that at all…. Just kidding!
If he is crying in his crib, she'll go right in and step up on the side rail and hang her arms in and give him his bink, talk to him, give him a toy and tell him that "Mom's coming, just a minute"
She'll sit with him on the floor and tickle him and say things like "Oh, you're such a cute baby! Who's a cute baby?"
Lately she's been my shopping pal. We grocery shop together, have been doing some clothing shopping and she's just so much fun. I remember when Russ was almost 4 and he started getting really fun too. I think 4 was my favorite age with Russ and looks like it will be with Rachel too. Just a great age.
No comments:
Post a Comment