We survived the first half week of Kindergarten!! Hurray! (and yes, sometimes you need to celebrate these kinds of things...) He seems to really be enjoying it. The only meltdown we've had was yesterday morning, and my personal, professional Mommy opinion was that it had more to do with trying to get out of cleaning up his book pile that not wanting to go to school. No tears since. Today they had to bring a teddy bear, and dressed up in adult-sized clothes for a Teddy Bear picnic. Azx3 told me he wore a hat and a dress-up shirt, 'cause he was a daddy. Sadly, no I do not have pictures - parents weren't invited. And I have a sneaking suspicion it's due to the several little ones still having tears yesterday at drop-off and pick-up, rather than not being cute.
A big prayer request for us - wisdom as far as hubby's job. Or potential ones. We just need wisdom to know which way to proceed, as looming decisions will affect where the baby is born, hubby's continuance in school, Azx3's kindergarten, etc. Will let you know if I find anything definite out, but as for now, we could use all the prayers we can get. Thanks!!
Friday, August 19, 2005
Thursday, August 18, 2005
The First Day of School
So it finally arrived. In some ways, I think it was bigger for Mama than Azx3. We actually kinda started the night before, with all our preparations. We went to Chuck E. Cheese's for dinner, per his request. We walked in, and the greeter asked if we were celebrating anything special. I said he was starting Kindergarten tomorrow, and choked over the last word and teared up. Then we came home and got him all ready - picked out his clothes, got his backpack ready, picked out his baby picture to take, and got the cameras ready.
That morning he was excited, but not as much as I thought he'd be. I think maybe he was a little apprehensive too. We had a nice family breakfast and loaded up to go. I drove, which was probably good as I couldn't get too teary yet, since I still had to be able to see. We arrived and just like all the other families, took a million pictures of him walking in, putting his backpack in his locker, meeting his teacher, etc. After he was settled in his center (reading - his favorite!), I could barely disturb him from his book to say bye, forget getting a hug or kiss. As we walked back to the car, I could feel the tears coming on, but was proud of myself, as I waited until we were all in the car with the door shut before I broke down.
He is so ready. He knows all his letters, knows the sounds, and is even reading a bit. He knows his manners, knows how to help and follow directions, knows how to play nice and share, and loves being around other kids. I am so excited for him, as I know this is just the beginning of the rest of his life, and what an adventure awaits him!
As his mother, I weep with tears of joy and pride for the reasons above, with a tinge of sadness (and probably a mix of pg hormones) for the time of his being home only with me gone, and I laugh and smile as I watch his achievements progress. Then I turn my head and see how this is just the start of my being a "school Mom", as I have 1.5 more at home needing me. I know it's harder emotionally on me being pregnant (Yes, just play along!) but I can't even begin to imagine what I'll feel like on this day when #3 is off to school. Let's just not go there...and enjoy the feeling that it's easier to watch him leave today, as I have to answer a million questions at home about where Bubba went, work on potty training, and enjoy all the kicking and dancing in my belly.
That morning he was excited, but not as much as I thought he'd be. I think maybe he was a little apprehensive too. We had a nice family breakfast and loaded up to go. I drove, which was probably good as I couldn't get too teary yet, since I still had to be able to see. We arrived and just like all the other families, took a million pictures of him walking in, putting his backpack in his locker, meeting his teacher, etc. After he was settled in his center (reading - his favorite!), I could barely disturb him from his book to say bye, forget getting a hug or kiss. As we walked back to the car, I could feel the tears coming on, but was proud of myself, as I waited until we were all in the car with the door shut before I broke down.
He is so ready. He knows all his letters, knows the sounds, and is even reading a bit. He knows his manners, knows how to help and follow directions, knows how to play nice and share, and loves being around other kids. I am so excited for him, as I know this is just the beginning of the rest of his life, and what an adventure awaits him!
As his mother, I weep with tears of joy and pride for the reasons above, with a tinge of sadness (and probably a mix of pg hormones) for the time of his being home only with me gone, and I laugh and smile as I watch his achievements progress. Then I turn my head and see how this is just the start of my being a "school Mom", as I have 1.5 more at home needing me. I know it's harder emotionally on me being pregnant (Yes, just play along!) but I can't even begin to imagine what I'll feel like on this day when #3 is off to school. Let's just not go there...and enjoy the feeling that it's easier to watch him leave today, as I have to answer a million questions at home about where Bubba went, work on potty training, and enjoy all the kicking and dancing in my belly.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Catch Up (Part II)
Okay, so here's part 2...
On July 25, my little girl turned 2. What a hoot she is! She talks up a storm - really, we asked the pediatrician about it, and she said just based on listening to Azx4, she probably has the vocab of at least a 3-yr-old. It's amazing to listen to her - to see how her world looks through her eyes, how her little brain processes things, and how much she tries to be like us, especially her mama. She had a good birthday too - Elmo her friend was her theme, and she got lots of goodies. Highlights: a first little jewelry box and charm bracelet, a beautiful sterling silver brush and comb set, Mrs. Potato Head, and the hit of the night was Bubba's gift of Cinderella legos. Fortunately, we did have the video camera rolling, so we were able to capture her cuteness: upon opening a gift of clothes, she promptly held the shirt up to her shoulders and proclaimed,"How cute!" I am so proud of her, and while I can remember our family before her, I cannot imagine it without her.
Update on my garden: we came back from vacation to find it had exploded! Or just hit the point of summer where it was really growing...finally. We've enjoyed one batch of pickles from our cucumbers, before they succumbed to a mold problem. (That's what 3 inches of rain in one weekend will do to your plants!) The pumpkin is really growing a long vine with lots of leaves and blooms, but no pumpkins yet. Tomatoes are surviving, but no blooms yet. The watermelons have taken off - 3 that are about softball size as of this writing, but I'm honestly not sure when to pick them. Will wait and see. I'm not terribly disappointed that my garden didn't just flourish this year - it's my first ever attempt, and frankly I think I've done pretty darn good. Plus, it's a container garden, and the lady at the home improvement store warned me that they are much harder to maintain and grow much smaller fruit - both in quantity and size. What I have learned is that definitely next year I'm going to dedicate a corner of our backyard and have a decent one. I love the idea of growing things for my family to eat, of being able to can a little bit and have stuff to eat later on, and I'm already planning out what to grow. (a salsa corner, a pickle corner with my own dill, blackeyed peas, yum!!)
Again, I apologize for not getting this up to date sooner. It's really hitting me hard that my oldest, my son will start Kindergarten in less than a week at this point. I'm trying to really dedicate our time left until then as just family time. In fact, he and Azx4 and I just got back from Grammy & Papa's house. It was a great break for everyone - Grammy & Papa got to see him one more time before he starts school, Azx4 went and learned she can go without Mama and Daddy there, and Daddy and I had some really nice quality time to ourselves. Honestly, I hadn't been away from my kiddos (at the same time) for more than one night since before Azx4 was born. I did some laundry and cleaning/organizing, but basically scrapped while they were gone and watched movies - loved it!! I know they had a blast while they were gone too - but now we're home and I'm exhausted. PHew!
On July 25, my little girl turned 2. What a hoot she is! She talks up a storm - really, we asked the pediatrician about it, and she said just based on listening to Azx4, she probably has the vocab of at least a 3-yr-old. It's amazing to listen to her - to see how her world looks through her eyes, how her little brain processes things, and how much she tries to be like us, especially her mama. She had a good birthday too - Elmo her friend was her theme, and she got lots of goodies. Highlights: a first little jewelry box and charm bracelet, a beautiful sterling silver brush and comb set, Mrs. Potato Head, and the hit of the night was Bubba's gift of Cinderella legos. Fortunately, we did have the video camera rolling, so we were able to capture her cuteness: upon opening a gift of clothes, she promptly held the shirt up to her shoulders and proclaimed,"How cute!" I am so proud of her, and while I can remember our family before her, I cannot imagine it without her.
Update on my garden: we came back from vacation to find it had exploded! Or just hit the point of summer where it was really growing...finally. We've enjoyed one batch of pickles from our cucumbers, before they succumbed to a mold problem. (That's what 3 inches of rain in one weekend will do to your plants!) The pumpkin is really growing a long vine with lots of leaves and blooms, but no pumpkins yet. Tomatoes are surviving, but no blooms yet. The watermelons have taken off - 3 that are about softball size as of this writing, but I'm honestly not sure when to pick them. Will wait and see. I'm not terribly disappointed that my garden didn't just flourish this year - it's my first ever attempt, and frankly I think I've done pretty darn good. Plus, it's a container garden, and the lady at the home improvement store warned me that they are much harder to maintain and grow much smaller fruit - both in quantity and size. What I have learned is that definitely next year I'm going to dedicate a corner of our backyard and have a decent one. I love the idea of growing things for my family to eat, of being able to can a little bit and have stuff to eat later on, and I'm already planning out what to grow. (a salsa corner, a pickle corner with my own dill, blackeyed peas, yum!!)
Again, I apologize for not getting this up to date sooner. It's really hitting me hard that my oldest, my son will start Kindergarten in less than a week at this point. I'm trying to really dedicate our time left until then as just family time. In fact, he and Azx4 and I just got back from Grammy & Papa's house. It was a great break for everyone - Grammy & Papa got to see him one more time before he starts school, Azx4 went and learned she can go without Mama and Daddy there, and Daddy and I had some really nice quality time to ourselves. Honestly, I hadn't been away from my kiddos (at the same time) for more than one night since before Azx4 was born. I did some laundry and cleaning/organizing, but basically scrapped while they were gone and watched movies - loved it!! I know they had a blast while they were gone too - but now we're home and I'm exhausted. PHew!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
The Biiiiiig Ultrasound!
So we had the "official" ultrasound today...official meaning it's the one my doctor goes by as far as due date, etc. Was with the same dr and staff who have done my previous two kiddos, which is nice. We got in there, and decided to see the "goods" but not to have them tell us anything. So in our unofficial uneducated opinion, we are having a.......
Girl!! We're about 85-90% sure she's a girl. There wasn't anything there...grin. She was really active and moving the whole time which was fun, as I could feel it and see it on the screen. The tech checked all the technical stuff out, and then the dr came in just to double check a few things.
I think the best part for me was that my dad got to come with hubby and I. It was really special for me to watch the two guys get kinda ga-ga watching the baby move and hearing all their comments.
Well as far as baby goes, everything is right on track for our due date. All the parts are there and working. We got to see the 4-chambered heart and watch it beat (and hear it) for a bit. Plus we saw the brain, the spine, the hands, the feet. I just can't describe how amazing it is to see what's going on inside of my womb - been feeling it for a while, but to see it with my eyes, to have some other people able to share in that part of the miracle is astounding. To see how delicate and tiny and still intricate already this little body is just blows my mind. To see with my own two eyes the Lord's fingers at work, to know the same hands that scooped out oceans and set stars and planets in the sky have come together inside this seemingly insignificant little person that I am and knit together my child with such love and intricacy, down to the tiniest nerve and vein...as the Psalmist says,"His works are wonderful; I know that FULL well." (139:14)
Girl!! We're about 85-90% sure she's a girl. There wasn't anything there...grin. She was really active and moving the whole time which was fun, as I could feel it and see it on the screen. The tech checked all the technical stuff out, and then the dr came in just to double check a few things.
I think the best part for me was that my dad got to come with hubby and I. It was really special for me to watch the two guys get kinda ga-ga watching the baby move and hearing all their comments.
Well as far as baby goes, everything is right on track for our due date. All the parts are there and working. We got to see the 4-chambered heart and watch it beat (and hear it) for a bit. Plus we saw the brain, the spine, the hands, the feet. I just can't describe how amazing it is to see what's going on inside of my womb - been feeling it for a while, but to see it with my eyes, to have some other people able to share in that part of the miracle is astounding. To see how delicate and tiny and still intricate already this little body is just blows my mind. To see with my own two eyes the Lord's fingers at work, to know the same hands that scooped out oceans and set stars and planets in the sky have come together inside this seemingly insignificant little person that I am and knit together my child with such love and intricacy, down to the tiniest nerve and vein...as the Psalmist says,"His works are wonderful; I know that FULL well." (139:14)
Friday, July 29, 2005
Catch-up!! (Part I)
So I'm obviously waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy behind on updating this thing. That's what vacation will do to you I guess. We had a blast! I'm working through our 500+ pictures we took and trying to figure out what to post. I'm going to try and put them in a special "vacation" category, so you can go straight to that and follow our adventure day-by-day if you want, while still staying updated on the main page too.
To catch up then...
We got back safe and sound late Tuesday night (7/6). I went to work the next day and discovered that the place of business was closing as of 7/15. Yep, as of that Friday, I am no longer working. Which has been so nice. Even though I was only working Wed/Friday mornings, I have learned of myself that I would rather be at home with my children than anything else in the world. Period.
Speaking of, we did not have our ultrasound that Thursday, due to our insurance being goofy. Apparently there are only 2 places in town that take it. So we waited until that following Monday (7/11) and went with the hospital radiology people. Not the greatest u/s I've ever had by far, but very reassuring - everything is where it's supposed to be and working (tummy was full at the start of it, and then at the end tummy was empty and the bladder was full! ;) ). The neatest part of it all was taking the kids. Even Azx4 seemed to understand and be engaged for a minute or two. Azx3 loved it! He remembered from when I was pg with his sister, so this was neat and exciting for him: I saw baby's hands! (they were up by his/her face - looked like we were playing peekaboo during the whole thing) I saw baby's feet and toes! I think that was by far the best part for me - watching my older 2 in awe of their new sibling. :D By the way, we didn't even have an option to check out the "goods" - so don't ask, we don't know.
The other thing I've been trying to prepare for (physically and emotionally) is that Azx3 starts Kindergarten in a little over 2 weeks. Here where I live, that is the first year of mandatory schooling - meaning my little baby is starting school this year. He is so ready, ready socially for little friends, ready mentally to learn, ready for the schedule, just ready. His mama ain't! No really, I am ready for him to go and quit tormenting his sister when she doesn't act like an almost-6-yr-old. I'm excited for him to grow up a little bit, and for all he will learn. I'm just not ready for the changes it means, for how it means our family is changing, growing older. He is my firstborn, the one who taught me how it is to be a mama, what it means to mother a helpless baby, what true unconditional love is and how it can be simply said with a toothless grin, and he helped me learn (whether I was ready to or not) how much strength and love I had inside me to give. He has shown me what an absolutely incredible gift God has given me in a son, what an amazing wonderful perfect-for-me man the Lord blessed me with in a husband, and how I need to tell them both this daily. Are you weepy yet? I am, just considering the enormity of what it is to send your child to school, and what it means for the both of you.
We have had a great summer looking back on it. We really have - we (meaning the kids and I and Daddy when his schedule allowed) went to family music classes as long as they were offered, we've been to playgroups, we've been to the park so often it has our footprints, we've been to the library and storytimes, we've swam in our pool, we've all just had a blast being our little family. And I am so proud, and thankful, and will cherish these memories the rest of my life of the last summer before my kids started out (one by one in their own times) into the great big world without their parents.
There's more to update, but I'm going to close this entry now. Just a note for me and a preview for you for next time - Azx4's second bday, my garden, and some more.
To catch up then...
We got back safe and sound late Tuesday night (7/6). I went to work the next day and discovered that the place of business was closing as of 7/15. Yep, as of that Friday, I am no longer working. Which has been so nice. Even though I was only working Wed/Friday mornings, I have learned of myself that I would rather be at home with my children than anything else in the world. Period.
Speaking of, we did not have our ultrasound that Thursday, due to our insurance being goofy. Apparently there are only 2 places in town that take it. So we waited until that following Monday (7/11) and went with the hospital radiology people. Not the greatest u/s I've ever had by far, but very reassuring - everything is where it's supposed to be and working (tummy was full at the start of it, and then at the end tummy was empty and the bladder was full! ;) ). The neatest part of it all was taking the kids. Even Azx4 seemed to understand and be engaged for a minute or two. Azx3 loved it! He remembered from when I was pg with his sister, so this was neat and exciting for him: I saw baby's hands! (they were up by his/her face - looked like we were playing peekaboo during the whole thing) I saw baby's feet and toes! I think that was by far the best part for me - watching my older 2 in awe of their new sibling. :D By the way, we didn't even have an option to check out the "goods" - so don't ask, we don't know.
The other thing I've been trying to prepare for (physically and emotionally) is that Azx3 starts Kindergarten in a little over 2 weeks. Here where I live, that is the first year of mandatory schooling - meaning my little baby is starting school this year. He is so ready, ready socially for little friends, ready mentally to learn, ready for the schedule, just ready. His mama ain't! No really, I am ready for him to go and quit tormenting his sister when she doesn't act like an almost-6-yr-old. I'm excited for him to grow up a little bit, and for all he will learn. I'm just not ready for the changes it means, for how it means our family is changing, growing older. He is my firstborn, the one who taught me how it is to be a mama, what it means to mother a helpless baby, what true unconditional love is and how it can be simply said with a toothless grin, and he helped me learn (whether I was ready to or not) how much strength and love I had inside me to give. He has shown me what an absolutely incredible gift God has given me in a son, what an amazing wonderful perfect-for-me man the Lord blessed me with in a husband, and how I need to tell them both this daily. Are you weepy yet? I am, just considering the enormity of what it is to send your child to school, and what it means for the both of you.
We have had a great summer looking back on it. We really have - we (meaning the kids and I and Daddy when his schedule allowed) went to family music classes as long as they were offered, we've been to playgroups, we've been to the park so often it has our footprints, we've been to the library and storytimes, we've swam in our pool, we've all just had a blast being our little family. And I am so proud, and thankful, and will cherish these memories the rest of my life of the last summer before my kids started out (one by one in their own times) into the great big world without their parents.
There's more to update, but I'm going to close this entry now. Just a note for me and a preview for you for next time - Azx4's second bday, my garden, and some more.
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