first few weeks back in Michigan

back in Ann Arbor, and Evie's first day of pre-school

Eve's pre-school in Ann Arbor is great, and she loves it so far. On the first day (last Friday) one of the teachers was kind enough to send us these photos along with a brief update, which alleviated our anxiety! Although she was expressing minimal enthusiasm in these photos, it is clear from her actions and words the past few days that she loves school. Yesterday morning Evie said "I am so excited to go to school!"  She must have played really hard, because she ate about twice her usual dinner. We also joined a swim/tennis club that has a great kid's pool, so she can go crazy in the evenings and weekends too.  Evie undoubtedly misses all her people back in California, though, and asks about them regularly.  Meanwhile, Ella has not yet told us her feelings about the move, but generally seems happy (though a little fussier than before).

bedtime routine

Eve's bedtime routine is getting ever more elaborate, as she adds little things each week. Her latest addition (in video below) is that she does her bedtime songs for her new tiger before we do her bedtime songs for her. The overall routine is now something like this: bath, pajamas, books, potty, teeth, nighttime diaper (and pajamas again), rock-a-bye baby for tiger, jingle bells for tiger, rock-a-bye for Eve, jingle bells for Eve, tuck-in, and possibly a last request (drink, one more book, or the dreaded "I need to go potty" (again), which is usually but not always a bluff).  Time to make cuts in the routine!