Lumi: 3 Years and 8 Months

Summary
The big thing this month is that she seems to have adjusted to barnehage. There are still days when she says she would rather stay home but mostly she is happy there. She doesn't speak much Norwegian, but she also doesn't seem to have much trouble understanding it. The language comprehension has gone a long way toward her happiness. 

Events
6.9 Suomi Koulu
14.9 playdate at Irene's
18.9 Leena and Vaari arrive
21.9 Preikestolen hike, Leena and Vaari left

24.9 playdate at Freddy's house to maybe get chicken pox

28.9 Ullandhaug organic farm "food trail" day

Language

I guess she is learning Norwegian because she yells "nei!" at Otso.

3.9 she said "Hus stengt" (house closed) and closed the door.

8.9 we had a talk with her barnehage teacher about helping her get adjusted, and asked that she teach her some key words and key phrases in norwegian. Let's see if that helps.

Later in the month the teachers said she understands when they speak to her. I don't think she understands everything, but she seems to have the normal class phrases down, like "wash your hands" and so on. 

Learning
It has been a language-intensive month, but one thing we noticed is that now she is an expert on the swings on the playground. Before barnehage, she couldn't even keep herself in motion. Now she can make herself go fast, and stand up, and move around while the swing is in motion, and even jump off the swing from a standing position while the swing is in motion. It is impressive to watch.

Social
Her tantrums are really bad these days. She bit Äiti on the arm on 6.9, drawing blood. But then weirdly the next few days she seems to have reached a turning point with äiti and has at least taken a break from testing constantly. 

We have been having a lot of trouble with the barnehage adjustment, and the tantrums seem to be a part of that. The drop off is often hard with tears and her asking to stay with me for the day. Then when we come in the afternoon and she is playing on the playground with her friends, she doesn't want to leave. Things that have helped: getting dressed before breakfast (so she doesn't put up a fight about it), keeping the drop off short and using a consistent routine (take off coat and outside shoes, put on inside shoes, last hug, butterfly kisses, and we go), and having a little snack ready for her to eat on the way home.

Toward the end of the month, the drop off at barnehage is easier most days. 

Toys, Games, what have you
She still loves books and watching Dora and various movies.
At school she plays with Play Doh and dolls and she draws a lot.
We made a bean activity box with a lot of dry beans and containers for pouring. 

I checked out a fairy tale book from the library. It has a few simple classic stories (Hansel and Gretel, The Ugly Duckling, Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Thumbelina). She loves Thumbelina and has requested it every night before bed for a week.

Food
we are still doing a yogurt snack right before bed. 
15.9 first Jell-O. approved!

Health
It feels like she always has a bit of a runny nose now, but I suppose that is the effect of group childcare.
Despite the bigger bed she sometimes rolls out of it at night.

Stats
size: 98 or 3T
height: 96.5 cm
weight: 13.5 kg

Random
on seeing my Dansko clogs she said "I like your Crocs!"