Oh George

Curious George and Edmund

Today Steven and I took Edmund to see Curious George at A Sea of Learning, our local teacher store. I received an email about a week ago that Curious George was coming to A Sea of Learning and I immediately put the event on the calendar. Steven had me figured out. I was definitely the one who wanted to see the larger than life George, but I thought Edmund would enjoy the experience too. Steven thought Edmund might be scared of Curious George. I thought otherwise. After all, Edmund had sat on Rameses' lap the past two Christmases.

A Sea of Learning did an excellent job getting the word out about Curious George. Almost too good if you ask me. The place was packed, and we arrived 15 minutes early. The owner of the store turned on the Curious George movie while we waited. Edmund had no interest. He wanted to go back and play with the Thomas "choo choos" in the front of the store. Fortunately, I was able to distract Edmund from the trains because if he'd gone back to the front there's no way we would have been able to catch a glimpse of the curious monkey. At last, it was time to call on George. Edmund got into the act and said "Googe." When Curious George made his way into the crowd a small smile crept across Edmund's face. Edmund remained focused as Curious George counted beach balls and even listened as the owner of A Sea of Learning read Curious George's first book. Edmund was able to keep his focus despite the din of the crowded room.

After the reading was over I asked Edmund if he wanted to meet George. Edmund said "Googe" and smiled. I took that as a yes, but the line to sit with the curious monkey was long. We wandered around the outside of the store for quite awhile and spent some time with the "choo choos", hoping the line would fizzle out before Edmund had enough. Eventually the line dwindled to a few other families and soon it was Edmund's turn to sit with George. Edmund let me hand him off without a fuss. He put on quite a show for the store's owner and parents still waiting in line. Edmund's expressions as he spent time with George had everyone in stitches.

Despite the crowd at A Sea of Learning, the visit with Curious George was well worth it. As we drove home Edmund began giggling as he recalled his short time with George. "Ohhhh Googe" he giggled repeatedly. Now we all had the giggles. What a funny monkey.

Kitty Cat

Edmund and I have almost 2 full weeks of school under our belts after a 3 week long vacation. Saying it was difficult to return to work after winter break is an understatement. However, now that I'm in the swing of things I feel as if I never left. Edmund also seems to feel as if he never left. I was hoping some of his less endearing habits at school, such as banging his feet under the table at lunch, would disappear. No such luck. Not only does Edmund still do the lunchtime march, but he gets the whole class to join in. Learning table manners is a process. We're working on it.

This post wouldn't be complete without a Susanna mention. My dear friend from college returned from her Foreign Service duty in Mexico to visit family and friends before heading to Peru. Steven, Edmund, and I were fortunate enough to receive a visit. Edmund quickly became a huge Susanna fan. After she left our house Monday evening Edmund would longingly call for "Zanna." He did this up until bedtime. She certainly made a big impression. I'm sure Edmund will anxiously await her next visit.

This post has no real connecting theme, but I had to write down this Edmund story before it gets lost wherever it is forgotten memories go. This story comes with a disclaimer. The preschool is cleaned and exterminated regularly, but when it's cold outside and the building is surrounded by woods you are bound to see a creepy crawly every now and then.

This morning Edmund and I were running late for school. That seems to be how things go when Steven is on call. As soon as we enter the building I set Edmund down and let him wander while I set up the classroom for the day. Today instead of going straight for toys as per usual, he started pointing and happily saying "kitty cat, kitty cat." He was also slowly moving around the room which caught my attention. Suddenly I spotted the "kitty cat." It was a water bug (essentially a large, disgusting cockroach). I am terrified of these bugs so I went to the kitchen hoping it would go back to that from whence it came. Fortunately when I returned to the classroom the bug had disappeared. However, I was forced to brave the "kitty cat" when it reappeared around 9 am. At this point I had a classroom full of children and had to keep my cool. I swept up the bug as if it was a simple little cheerio. My co-teacher commented on my bravery. She was not sure she could have done the same. It's funny that having 8 little toddlers watching you turns you into a bug braving hero. I'm sure if it showed it's face in my house tonight I'd run away screaming.