Phew!

Oliver started preschool two weeks ago; he's going from 9 to 3 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. He started when Kate was in New York, and the first week was fairly uneventful. I think he was in shock, and with Kate being gone his routines were all upside down anyway. When the second week rolled around he made it clear he had no intention of going to school, crying and griping all morning both days. But each day when he actually got there he settled down pretty quickly. He's been much more of a handful at home, especially with Mommy, processing his indignation at being left in a sort of love-hate-I'm going to hit you-I need your hugs kind of way. He's settling down now, it seems. He told me he didn't want to go this morning, but no tears. He made a friend last week that he's looking forward to seeing again. And his teachers have said several times that he's the sweetest little boy in the world. So another milestone reached.

Cora has been busy as well, loving school as usual. Two days ago when she got home she discovered two caterpillars in our neighbor's yard. She brought them home and we outfitted the terrarium for their use with sand and sticks and leaves. From our Internet research, it looks like they are Black Swallowtail caterpillars that will pupate soon. Cora named them North America and South America. They're both hanging on the underside of their respective branches right now, either dying or getting ready to spin their cocoons. We'll know in a few days.