Fall Break: Take 1

I love having 2 weeks of in the fall! We are only halfway through our break and I feel like we've already done so much.

Last Monday Dylan and I drove to Terra Haute to see my bff, Sarah, and her family. Sarah and I have been friends forever (we were born across the street from each other.) As we've gotten older our visits with each other have been further and further apart, but this year it's been different. We both had baby boys within 3 months of each other and maybe that's the reason why we've seen more of each other. I missed her incredibly, so spending the whole day together was great.





Dylan hanging out with his buddy, Paxton. (Sorry it's blurry.)

On Tuesday I was able to get caught up on grad work for the week. Dylan and I also got flu shots that day. I was so proud of him because he didn't even cry. We were spontaneous on Wednesday and met my sister and her friend, Jon, at our favorite orchard/pumpkin patch, Tuttles. We always got our pumpkins there, so it was great carrying on the tradition with my family. We enjoyed apples, apple cider slush, and picking out pumpkins. Dylan seems to be as big an apple fan as his mommy; I ate a ton of apples when I was pregnant.

Thursday I met some of the wonderful people I work with for lunch. We went to the Creation Cafe on the canal. The food was good; the company was amazing. It was great getting to spend time with each other because we usually look like a bunch of chickens with our heads cut off.

Friday I spent the day with Michael and Dylan. We did a little shopping. Then we played poker that night. It was the final table for our league...I actually made it this year! I ended up getting 5th place and earned enough money to get some new boots the next day.

Saturday I got my hair done. To celebrate fall I went dark (and I love it). That night we went to Howl at the Moon to celebrate our good friend's birthday. It was great going out with all of our friends.

Sunday we vegged. It was a pj and football day.

This week I am looking forward to more fun. I am loving my break! Once we go back I only have about 9 weeks until our next break!

Hello Fall

The past few weeks have been so hectic; I haven't felt like I've even had a moment to breathe. I've been meaning to write a new post for a while, but I have just had so much to do (Terra Nova testing, report cards, meetings, social outings, grad work, being a mommy, etc...). Since we have parent-teacher conferences today I don't have to be in so early, so I have a moment to blog while the monkey man plays with his toys.

This may be rare, but I love living in Indiana. We have a "big" city and compared to other cities everything is reasonably priced, but the real reason I love this state is the changing of the seasons. Sure, everyone gripes when it's too hot, too cold, too dry, too snowy, too wet... but I personally love the change every few months brings. Last weekend fall officially began (even though I have been seeing the hints of fall for a few weeks before that). I started listing things I love about fall and thought I'd share.

• Light fog over the fields in the early morning
• Snuggling under a blanket with Michael and Dylan
• Crisp fall mornings
• Apple cider (hot, cold, slushie style)
• Browning corn fields
• Firepits and fireplaces
• Strong scent of cinnamon
• Cozy sweaters
• Warm boots
• Scarves
• Sleeping in (not that it happens much)
• Visits to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard
• Our big Halloween party every year
• Thanksgiving
• Mums
• Leaves changing colors
• Walking under falling leaves
• Walking through crunchy leaves
• Big family reunion
• Trip to Nashville, IN
• Carmel Apples
• We're even closer to Christmas

These are just a few things I could think of. If you live somewhere the seasons change I hope you can find something to enjoy about fall!

Half a Year Already?

March 3 was the best day of the year for me this year because Michael and I welcomed our sweet baby boy into the world. The past 6 months have been a whirlwind of excitement, sleep deprivation, tears (Dylan and mommy), laughter, and most of all, love. Since I haven't shared it yet, here is the story of Dylan's arrival into the world.

As March approached my belly just kept growing. Danger Awesome (as everyone knew him before his arrival) was due to arrive March 11, but as I got closer to this date I was more and more uncomfortable and was over being pregnant. Monday, February 28 I was having more pain than usual and could hardly walk as I walked my 6th graders down to the gym. I called my doctor and explained the pain and she insisted I come in as soon as possible. I spoke with my principal and explained that I would need to leave when my kids went to lunch. He okayed it and insisted someone else drive me. "What if you go into labor on the side of the road?" he asked. I conceded and a friend drove me (in my car) to the doctor's office and waited with me until Michael arrived.

The doctor believed I was having contractions and sent me to the hospital to be safe. We stopped home on the way to grab our suitcase and proceeded to the hospital. They checked us into triage and monitored the baby and me. They made me walk the halls for an hour (I couldn't even walk that long because of the pain) and rechecked us. They then concluded that I was having contractions at least every 5 minutes, but they weren't strong enough for me to deliver. Disappointed, we went home. My doctor decided I should start my leave right away because she was certain the baby was coming that week; and if he didn't come on his own they would induce Friday.

Tuesday was VERY boring as I laid around the house trying to find decent daytime TV. Looking back I can't believe I didn't watch my go-to-stay-home-sick movie, The Princess Bride. Wednesday I decided to clean the house. Michael (who had stayed at home with me this whole time...just in case) thought I was crazy, but I was hoping the movement would move things along. That night we had Mexican for dinner and walked around the mall by our house. I went to bed with no signs of an arrival.

Sharp pains woke me up around 2:30...they were worse than before. I had Michael time them; they were 5 minutes apart. But after our disappointment Monday I wasn't sure about going to the hospital. After an hour of timing them I decided I would go to the bathroom, come back and lay on the other side, and keep timing. If they continued we would go. It didn't come to that because my water broke in the bathroom. I called the doctor and we were off.

We arrived around 4:30 and after 2 hours in triage they checked us in; shorty after I got my epidural. (No way would I have made it without one!) My sister arrived after that, followed by my parents. The 5 of us just hung out all day...I kept taking little cat naps. Finally around 3 in the afternoon the nurse said I was 10 cm and we just had to wait for the doctor to arrive. I had a pretty easy delivery and even cracked jokes to my husband and sister. At 5:02 my beautiful boy made his debut. He was the most wonderful thing I had ever laid eyes on. I couldn't stop my tears from leaking. The hospital visit is a bit of a blur, but I do remember getting to finally take our bundle of joy home. And we have spent the last 6 months becoming a family. Dylan is the best thing to happen to us...so far.

My sweet boy

Love at first sight

First family photo

So curious

My smiley boy

6 month picture

Goodbye Old Friend...Hello Memories

Borders stores are closing and it makes me very sad. I love bookstores. When I was younger my dad and I would have special father-daughter days; usually spending part of the day in a bookstore. We would each go to our favorite sections (History for my dad and children's fiction for me) and get lost for hours. We never had a set time to leave; instead we would wait until we just found each other when the time felt right. I always got to pick one book to take home; which probably led to my book collection obsession. I love the look of overstuffed bookshelves. I want to buy a Nook someday, but I will never completely get rid of the real thing.

Anyway...Michael and I have been making frequent stops at Borders to check out the sales. We never leave empty handed. All of the stores are being liquidated and they are selling everything down to the last lightbulb. The last time we were there I commented to Michael that the artwork in the children's section was so neat I would love to have some of it, but it wasn't for sale. The discounts have gone up again so we had to make another trip. This time they were selling some of the artwork I had my eye on. Michael bought our favorite pieces and I can't wait to figure out how to use them in Dylan's room.

My favorite bookstore may be leaving me, but I will always have a piece of them in my life. Farewell old friend...I will just have to continue this tradition at another bookstore and if they all leave there is always the library I guess.

(Sorry the pictures aren't the best quality. Guess you'll just have to visit if you want to see how awesome they really are.)

The winner of the bonehead award for today is...

ME! I have many blonde moments in my life. My dear friend Darrin always says, "You're so pretty princess" when I make less than brilliant remarks. So most people won't be surprised by today's events.

Michael and I went to Target to pick up Dylan's acid reflux medicine refill. Since we were at Target (and I can never get out of there with 1 item) I also bought fruits and veggies to make a new batch of baby food, some sippy cups, and a couple other items. We also wandered through the toy section because Michael likes buying toys that Dylan will grow into.

We check out and walk out to the car. "The car's locked," Michael says to me. I reach into both pockets which are empty except for my phone. My heart sunk to stomach. I remembered getting the diaper bag out of the car and then putting it back figuring I wouldn't need it during the short trip. I had a sick feeling that I had put my keys in the bag before I put it back in the car. I felt terrible as I explained the situation to Michael.

I immediately called one of our friends who is always there for us, but got only voicemail. Thinking fast I called another friend who lived close and got lucky when she answered. I told her my predicament and she happened to be at Target too. She drove Michael home and he drove my spare key back to Target.

After Michael unlocked my car I opened up the diaper bag...my key was nowhere to be found. I was so sure it was in the diaper bag we hadn't bothered to look anywhere else. I thought I might have left it on the pharmacy counter so I ran in, but it wasn't there. We looked under the car and I even looked in the produce bags. I couldn't believe I just plain lost them.

I met Michael at home so he could drop his truck off before we went to get dinner. On the way I kept saying I was shocked I had lost my keys and I was grateful Michael wasn't mad at me for causing all this trouble. He told me he makes mistakes too. (Yet another reason I know I'm with the perfect guy!) When we arrive at our destination Michael gets Dylan out of the car and there are my keys in his car seat! I didn't even remember putting them there. What a crazy day.

Full of Grace NOT

Today I fell for the second time in two years at school (I fall a lot more other places). I have the grace of a water buffalo! Last year I fell backwards walking my students in from a fire drill and I was around 6 months pregnant. I got up, insisted I was fine, and took my kids back inside. My administrators followed me up and insisted (forced) me to go to the doctor. Of course I was fine, but I did appreciate the concern. Today I was walking my kids out to the buses and I turned to let them pass. My foot got turned where the sidewalk turns to grass and before I knew it gravity was beating me again. It seemed to happen in slow motion. I knew I was falling but couldn't stop it from happening; I could however try to keep my dress down as I was falling. I heard teachers around me ask if I was ok and I kept nodding, but I landed right on my tail bone and that hurt! I heard the teachers shooing the kids on. Some tears escaped and I got a little dirty, but after a moment I got up dusted myself off and felt a little sore but not majorly injured. My good friend, Sarah, apologized for worrying more about covering up my "lady parts" than any actual injury. I laughed at that. You have to have someone look after the important stuff! I reported my fall to my administrators and filled out an accident report. I have 24 hours if I need to go to the doctor. We'll see...right now I'm not exactly comfortable. At least I can look back on this and laugh. Sometimes I wonder what kind of ballet dancer I would have made!

Best School Year Yet

I want to start this post by saying that I have worked with many wonderful people in all of my years in education, and I have worked with many wonderful students. That being said I feel like this is going to be my best year yet!

One major reason I am having a great year is the fact that I work some pretty fantastic people. I work on a team of teachers who make going in (and leaving my little monkey at home) a little easier. The teachers I work with are great at collaborating and have positive attitudes. Plus, they are great friends. I love eating lunch and laughing so hard milk would come out of my nose...if I still drank milk out of those paper cartons. The people on my team aren't the only fabulous people in my building. The 6th grade teachers are really there for each other. Last year we were all new to what we were doing and we leaned on each other. When you have so much support it makes you a strong teacher. I may not work as closely with the 5th grade teachers, but they are supportive and friendly too. I am also incredibly happy about our administration. This is the 4th year I have worked with my principal and we really get along and I enjoy working for him. We lost our awesome assistant principal right before school started (she got a position as an interim principal), but gained a new assistant principal who has already proved he's up for the job.

Another reason I am having a good year is my class. Many people close to me and those I work with know that last year's class was a learning experience. But this year I have a group of sweet, caring, helpful students. We have been having a great time together. I tell them everyday how happy I am to be their teacher and they make it easy to come to school. I am hoping that we can really learn from each other this year and I can build a safe and nurturing learning environment. I want to see success in each of my kids. 

I am also really excited to continue with my graduate classes. I hope to learn many things I can share with my students. I hope I can get my students as excited about learning as I am.

I thought I'd share some pictures so you can see my home away from home. I've done my best to make it feel like a warm, inviting environment.

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

My area (with a wall of Dylan pictures)

Class Library

Smartboard

 Here's to a great year!

I'm a Baby Chef

Early in my pregnancy I saw an infommercial for the Baby Bullet. I was instantly intrigued. I had already thought about making my own baby food, and they made it look so easy. I began looking at different baby food processors. Of course anyone who knows me, knows I am terrible at making decisions. I will marinate on a decision as long as I can (menus are a thorn in my side). So when I was out for a girls night and my friend mentioned she bought the Baby Bullet for her sister and got a set free and I could buy the extra set, I jumped at the deal. A couple of months later I get my Baby Bullet. Of course Dylan was too young for real food, so I just had to wait.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity (and now feels like a second) Dylan was ready to start eating "solids" I bought the approved fruits and veggies and started making baby food. It was so easy! And the best part is I can make enough for the whole month and freeze it for later. Here are pictures of the process and the best result...a very happy baby!

My Baby Bullet

One sweet potato goes a long way

Avocado and banana

Cute serving containers

Food for almost a month

Going in fridge to thaw

Watching mommy cook for him

First taste of avocado (bib says feed me)

Dogs were really interested in the sweet potato

Notice the thumbs up :)

Maggie wanted a bite too

"Let me do it!"

I am so happy that I can provide such healthy food to my little guy. He is loving each new food. We are introducing a new one every 4 days. I can't wait to try more recipes as he gets older!

A Big Transition

Today was my first day back to work since February. I have had the luxury of spending nearly 5 months with my son, Dylan. He was born in the beginning of March and my maternity led right into summer break (one of the perks of being a teacher). I have been thinking of today for awhile, but it always seemed so far away. It really seemed to sneak up! Over the past few days I had pondered what my reactions would be, and I honestly thought I would fine. But my emotions had another idea.

This morning after I got ready I went in to wake up Dylan so I could nurse him once more before I left. He was sleepy at first and then his cheerful morning side appeared. He was smiling and "talking" to me. I felt a tug on my heartstrings and a wave of guilt washed over me. In that instant I just wanted to stay with him. I forced myself to gather my things and head our the door. The tears started before I even left the driveway and didn't stop until I pulled into school.

I did much better the rest of the day, mostly because I work with such supportive friends (including another new mom who is going through the same thing). My schedule kept me pretty busy with getting things ready for our kids to come on Monday, and I only felt teary a few other times. I took the time to text my husband to say I missed them both. He will be working from home several days each week and gets to stay with our little man. As soon as our afternoon training was over I rushed home and just sat and cuddled with Dylan. It was a great feeling to see his big smile.

I know that Dylan will do fine without me there and I will be fine without him. But this transition will take some time to get used to and I can only hope it will get better each day. Starting Monday I will be counting down the days until our fall break when I can spend 2 weeks straight with him. Until then I can only hope the hundreds of pictures of him on my bulletin board will get me through the day.

Welcome

I always enjoyed writing when I was younger, but for some reason I have strayed from this passion. This year I have really considered taking it up again; especially since I wanted a way to keep track of the life of my son. I started graduate classes this summer with a concentration in technology and I thought using technology to incorporate writing and memories was a great idea. So here’s to trying new things!

My Guys