Busy, busy, busy!

We have had friends staying with us again (they've been pretty unlucky in the last few months and need a place to stay) so that on top of homeschooling and every day life means things have been extra busy!

I am trying to ease us into a new daily rhythm to make homeschooling a bit easier. At least Shmoo is very enthusiastic about his 'homeschool work' (bookwork) and weather recording; as well as loving our Steiner-inspired morning circle routine. I am trying to get over the idea that I have to get everything perfect right from the very start (it doesn't have to be *perfect*, right?!?) The actual homeschooling work isn't too difficult, we're starting slowly and adding stuff in as we adjust (although I do have a new appreciation for the management skills of homeschooling large families, particularly those with babies/toddlers as well as older children!) but I'm finding I'm getting caught up in the little things. Do I really have to record everything we do every day and how long we do it for? And I'm struggling to breakdown the natural learning stuff into separate KLAs. I guess it's just going to take some time to get a feel for it?!

Shmoo had another paed appointment today. Nothing new. We're upping the Ditropan to 1 tablet twice a day and keeping on with the 'no pants' thing whilst at home. Next appointment in 3 months.

Loo's starting to frustrate us with the toilet training thing as well. We know he can do it, and mostly he's not too bad but he has this incredible stubborn/contrary streak. If we in any way suggest that he might need to go to the toilet he will flat out deny that he needs to go (even if he is hopping around, squirming with his legs crossed). Then he'll do a last minute mad dash to the toilet when he starts to leak *sigh*. Never mind. I'm sure he'll get there.

Hm. What else? We have started planning Beanie's first birthday party. He is 11 months old now!! Can't believe he is nearly 1! Almost a year since we had the most amazing birthing experience ever! The Bean is starting to make attempts at talking. Of course, he says the usual dada and mama, not sure if he's saying it in context yet, but he definitely tries to say 'meow' in context! He's also getting a bit closer to walking independently. He has, on a few occasions, taken a step or 2 between the furniture. It's lovely watching him grow and seeing how his little personality is developing.