Birthday 1 - DADDY

The triple threat of Cohen birthdays starts every year with Daddy's birthday. Except that it really starts with Daddy birthday prep. First, we had to paint his brand new shirt. You see, 4 Cohens had a "Wiggles" shirt, and Daddy never did. We solved that problem with a team effort.


We got the last few details ready:

driveway decorations

ice cream cake

birthday entertainment

Since Daddy left for work early in the afternoon of his birthday, we had to squeeze in as much sweets and sugar to the morning as we could. We started with cuddles and cards and then opened a family-tree puzzle that Grandma made and sent.

The children may have been a little excited to give Daddy his new shirt.

all proudly wearing Wiggles shirts - yummy yummy!

It's never too early for ice cream cake!

August 2020

I would say, "August was back to normal." But that's a lie. Because nothing about COVID is normal. And then we started school. On screens. And Jon and I became the kids' teachers. This isn't normal. In August, we were back at our home and no longer in Driftwood for 2 weeks. And then 2 Gildens moved in to day care. And then the triple threat of Cohen birthdays at the end of August....

First up, kitties (pre-August 26, of course):

after returning home from 2-week vacation

Nikki-Daddy cuddles

I don't know why.

When new home decorations conflict with having time to hang said decorations, poor kitties are the ones who suffer.

Dewey joined our family on August 26. He adjusted so quickly, and the other 2 ladies are doing their best to adjust as well.

For a cat who has never met a kid before, he's learning what to do with them pretty quickly as well.

COVID continues, but at least we have our new Disney masks to entertain us and others!

Speaking of entertainment:

And we can continue the happy blog post with more cute Cohen family moments from August. We'll begin with bromance moments:

Nevertheless, the Wiggles obsession persisted. (You may notice you can't really hear the songs on the TV. THAT'S OK. Call Ethan if you feel like you're missing out, and he'd be SUPER HAPPY to let you know what they sound like.)

Dress-up in August:

Little one was gifted this Gecko costume 9 months ago on Channukah and decided August was the right time to try it on.

Catboy joined Team Cohen, and we are in PJ MASKS heaven!

Gabi designed this robot herself.

More Cohen love:

Muscles by men. Captions by Debbie.

proud new flag

A Cohen moment with EVEN MORE Cohens was captured when we nabbed this screenshot to represent all the virtual opportunities we've been using to connect with Grandma and Grandpa from Florida. We play games online together, read together, and talk often. Time zones, physical distance, and a global pandemic hasn't stopped these guys from bonding!

Summer 2020 is just SOOOO hot. Like really REALLY hot. And also, I CANNOT keep them contained inside all day. And also, we can't really go anywhere at all. To the water!

Spencer FINALLY allowed himself to move in the water without us holding him. #nohands

Big Spenceman turned 3.5 this month! Also, Spencer starts at TCDC next month with his preschool cousins and is very excited about his "school buddies."

Spenceman and Daddy time

Where is one supposed to put one's shorts? (...30 minutes after one has been repeatedly reminded to put on one's shorts...)

Spenceman and Daddy some more

Maybe 3.5-year-olds need to nap. Maybe he shouldn't have sung all afternoon during nap time. Maybe these times are just too exhausting for everyone.

5:46 pm

6:28 pm

7:32 pm - 9:53 pm

Ethan started Kindergarten this month. While we certainly had emotions involved, it wasn't the typical emotional experience that many parents have with their kids starting elementary school, but it's the only one he'll get.

new PJ Masks perler bead creations

"Mommy, look at me!"

Yes, that's watermelon on his cereal.

Gabi officially started 2nd grade this month. She very well may be attending Ms. Mommy's homeschool, guided by the charter school's lessons this year. Time will tell.

keeping the Tooth Fairy busy (and her mouth holey)! (tooths 7 & 8)

(She had permission and was technically helping each time.)

Starting in September, we enroll Joey and Shayna into "TCDC" (Team Cohen Day Care) when Aunt Syssa returns to full time employment. We look forward to structured education with social, academic, and physical opportunities for growth. In the mean time, August had a whole bunch of non-structure with Gildens:

Gabi and Ethan had been begging to wash our cars. (?) We finally obliged. Then, Gildens came over to exchange materials. Then, they ended up in bathing suits too...

whoops

Virtual school began this month. It was not without stress or frustration. We will persevere. Our children will continue learning. We will keep supporting our children's education. And Spencer got more screen time than any 3.5 year old I have ever raised.

when virtual schooling loses focus

Shameless promotional photo for our top-class day care curriculum, demonstrating our quiet moments of Self-Selected Reading, scheduled daily to provide time for students to explore and read books independently. ("SSR" is also one of the best gifts I've given myself in this chaotic world.)

(Big sigh. I really did have zero intention of actually home schooling my children.) (Or husband.)