Come on Irene!

3:00 pm: Hurricane Irene is currently walking up the east coast at a very slow 14 miles per hour. We were told to expect tropical storm force winds (39-63 miles per hour). The rain started at around 11:00, and has been coming with some force for the last hour or so. We've put a measuring cup outside in a pretty protected section of the deck to see how much rain we get. Now, we've decided that it's wine-o'clock. More updates to come later.



6:30 pm: Anastasia is enjoying a pajama day and Myney and I have endulged in a little wine before dinner. We're seeing a lot of rain, but not nearly as much wind as they've called for. Our measuring cup on the deck, placed there at about 2:30 pm, was almost full.



We've replaced the 1 cup measuring cup (1/2 liter for my Swedish followers) with an 8 cup model (2 liters). Our backyard has a few puddles in it and the garage is starting to take on a little water. Still, the city drainage seems to be functioning well, so for now, we're sitting pretty.

9:30 pm: Anastasia is sleeping to the sound of the rain on her roof, and Myney and I are watching the rain as it continues to pour from the sky. It looks like the wind's energy is focused on the coast and leaving us with just the rain. No flooding to report, though I did unplug the freezer and work light in the garage just in case.

12:00 am: it's time to go to bed. The wind is stronger than it's been all day, but still, it doesn't feel like it's something we should be very worried about. For a tropical storm, the temperature is quite chilly, and the water seems to be being absorbed by the drainage system.

Kindergarten

All summer long, Anastasia has been asking when she would go back to her school so she could be in Kindergarten. On Monday, the day finally arrived. She was very excited to pick out her outfit (from the limited choices available in the uniform options.) She posed for the annual picture on the front porch before we set out.



Once we arrived at school, we stopped for one more picture outside before heading up to her classroom.



Because Anastasia and her classmates have done so well in preschool, a significant group of them have been assigned a class that is half kindergarteners and half first graders. Her teacher also has a wonderful reputation for getting the most out of her students. We're very excited to see how she progresses this year.



Anastasia's second day of school was highlighted by an earthquake, which caused schools to be closed on Wednesday so that structural engineers could inspect all the school buildings before students returned. We learned late yesterday evening that only one DC Public School was damaged, School Without Walls (how's that for irony?). So, it was back to school for little girl.

Earthquake!

Yesterday our city was rocked by an earthquake that measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. Orlando was home at the time, Anastasia was enjoying her second day of Kindergarten, and Myney and I were at work. Since I work on the 10th floor, once it was safe to evacuate, we were none too keen to head back upstairs. I also wasn't really interested in taking the subway, so it was a 2+ mile walk for me to get home.

Since cellphone service was spotty at best, I relied on text messages mostly, but even they weren't getting through to the family here. Folks in Texas knew more about my status that my own husband.

When I arrived home, I found Orlando enjoying a peaceful afternoon waiting for school to let out. He was unaware that students had been evacuated from their classrooms and were just waiting in the school cafeteria for parents to arrive. So, we walked together to get our little girl, who was very excited to tell us all about the "big bump" that hit the school.

Home safe, we talked about our very different experiences during the 45 second event. My office shook pretty violently, Myney was in a meeting, and her work was largely uninterupted. Orlando was unperterbed by the rumbles, and the dogs were oblivious to it.

In the house, we saw no damage, though a couple of books did fall off of Anastasia's bookshelf, and the wooden letters that spell "Annie" above her door also fell.

No pictures of the damage, suffice it to say that we're all fine and have felt no aftershocks since the initial event. Thanks to all who checked in on us in the aftermath.

A Birthday Party Fit for a Princess

We celebrated our little princess this weekend. She asked for a "Flower Party" so we spent a few evenings making paper flowers to decorate the house. We ended up with two huge bouquets, and augmented them with the real thing around the house, too.



My friend Nathalie volunteered to make theme appropriate cupcake toppers for the party, too. Anastasia was very surprised when she saw her face on all the cupcakes!



When the party was well and truly underway, and the grown ups were enjoying themselves, the kids headed to the front yard for a little Slip'n'Slide fun. It took them a little while to get the hang of it, but eventually they were sliding with real gusto.



Meanwhile, another group of kids took to the backyard to entertain the big dogs on the deck.



And several of the grownups took turns holding two-week old baby Zolie, the littlest guest at the party.



Soon it was time for cupcakes (thanks Myney for baking the delicious bites.)



Fresh from their heavy dose of sugar, the kids made their way up to Anastasia's bedroom, where they proceeded to make a bigger mess than I've ever seen in her bedroom. Then they migrated back downstairs to form a band in the living room.



They had a blast. Meanwhile we enjoyed a few moments to relax on the deck.



And on the front porch:



Anastasia crashed hard at 7:45 or so, after reassurances from Orlando and me that the Pick-Up Fairy (that story will come soon) gives a special exemption for birthday girls. The adult portion of the party continued for another couple hours and Sunday was a pajama day for Anastasia and me. A very happy birthday for our little girl.

Water Baby

Anastasia has always loved splashing in the water, and always hated getting her head wet. So, this summer, after we returned from Sweden, Orlando and I took on the challenge of helping her to feel comfortable in the water. DC public pools are great. They're free, big and you can choose between indoor or outdoor fun. So, at least two times a week for the last month, we've taken little girl to a pool for a lesson with Mom or Dad. She's made great strides, too.

Initially, she was afraid to let go of the side of the pool, even when I was holding her. She would cling to my neck on the verge of choking me. Now, after a few weeks of constant exposure, she's able to kick herself across the pool using a kick board without any additional assistance, and she's happy to jump off the side of the pool into my arms. Next step, we'll start working on getting her to put her head under the water.

Sadly, DC public pools do not allow photos to be taken in the pool area, so there are no images of her swimming skills. The next time we're in a pool that let's us take pictures, I'll be super excited to be the family photographer and document our little girl's progress.