The life of a pregnant mom who teaches 8-year olds all day

I just started reading The Happiest Toddler on the Block today, and I must say: it's given me peace of mind knowing that my little man Andrew is not the ONLY non-stop, always in mischief, yet cute as can be toddler on earth. He is such a blast right now. That being said, he's an energizer bunny that keeps going, and going, and going, and....you get the hint. :) The Happiest Baby on the Block was a good book too, but we didn't actually live by ALL the advice Dr. Harvey Karp wrote in his book. We combined a lot of the Baby Wise strategies with his, and it seemed to work quite nicely for our little man. :) It's crazy to think we will be reliving the newborn phase all over again in 4 short months! At least we are now "experienced parents" who have some tricks up our sleeves. :)

As I said in my last blog, this pregnancy has been a very different experience than my first. I had morning sickness, crazy exhaustion, and have been an emotional roller coaster the entire time. Oh yea...the strange cravings (popcorn and marshmallows, a late-night run for trolly sour gummy worms or a breakfast burritos, TONS of eggs: which I couldn't even think about or I'd be nauseous with Andrew) have been so strong, I obsess until I get what I want. :) There have been a couple things that have actually been better this time around: feeling her move a lot sooner, knowing what to expect without reading the book, and not having the crazy, dark line running down my belly (AKA linea nigra).  This baby girl is foreshadowing all the mysteries that having a girl vs. a boy will bring. :)

Here are a couple photos throughout the pregnancy:

First sign of pregnancy :)

12 weeks and already showing! 

I had several pictures I was going to post, but my computer is not cooperating. :) Until next time! 

Our 2nd bundle of joy's story

*I actually typed this months ago...and here it finally is! :)
9-1-11
Since it's week 12, I guess I can make it official that I am PREGNANT again!! :) We are very excited, but I'm not going to lie: this pregnancy has been very different than my first! Here is how it all happened:
Let me start off by saying we really are over the moon happy about our little plum!! Todd has been ready for baby 2 for quite some time, but I kept insisting that I wanted a non-preggo summer with Andrew and then we would start trying. Todd was in Europe in June when I went to pick up my BC. I found out it was going to cost me an arm and a leg (new prescription + no generic+ new insurance= SUPER expensive!!)so I asked for my old one. They said no, so I told them, " I'll call my doctor and have her call in my old prescription."  (the irony of all of this is: I'm pretty sure a BABY is slightly MORE expensive that the perscription) ;-)

Todd was out of the country for a few weeks so I figured I'd be good. Well.... never called my doctor, hubby returns from Europe...you can guess what happened next. The whole theory of  BC taking a few months to get out of your system is a big myth...try less than 2 weeks of not taking it and bam!! Baby on the way. :) The way I found out is also quite interesting: I got into some poison ivy while working in my yard, broke out uncontrollably and had to go to the doctor.  WARNING: the pictures you are about to witness are disgusting, but I just want you to observe just HOW BAD it was:

The nurse asked if I could be pregnant and I said I might be but it's too soon to tell (Todd's face was priceless!) I went home, took a 1st response:  it was negative. Another very different thing about this pregnancy: I seriously just KNEW I was pregnant. It was really crazy.

Because they didn't give me any meds for the uncontrollable itching and inflammation, I went back the next day. They asked again if I was pregnant, and I said I took a test but it was too early to tell. They figured I wasn't because of the negative test so gave me a steroid shot and 3 different perscriptions that you should NOT take while pregnant...I was worried ( but also in agony from the itching), took another test 2 days later (4th of July) and it was POSITIVE! "I knew it!!" was exactly what came out of my mouth! :) So, I immediately stopped the medicine I was taking (which was rough considering all I could take for itchiness and redness was benadryl or rub some calymine lotion all over my entire body). Then the morning sickness kicked in, then the exhaustion, moodiness, very odd cravings...etc etc...which essentially made me extremely lazy for the rest of the summer!! When Andrew napped, I napped. When he was playing, I would usually lay on the couch or floor. Crackers and zofran were my morning ritual. :) So, after that long story, I may have to type a WHOLE OTHER blog  to to tell about the bizarre cravings and other interesting differences this pregnancy brings. I do have to say that we are very blessed and I know this was definitely God's plan for our family. :)

Fast Forward to 10-17-11:

We find out IT'S A GIRL and are absolutely THRILLED!! That explains why this pregnancy is SO DIFFERENT than  Andrew's. God is good. :) :) To be continued....

My summer with my handsome little man

This really has been one of the best summers ever. Andrew has been an absolute ball.  His dancing, silly faces, and growling noises keep mommy entertained. :) The one thing I would REALLY love for next summer: a big backyard with soft grass: WITHOUT a swimming pool. I never thought I would say that.  We really have enjoyed our time with the pool. All the fantastic pool parties, fun with friends, the late night pool memories (now don't get any raunchy ideas) ;-) But in my opinion, it has become more of a nuisance than a luxury.

Example- I got Andrew and myself ready for a nice dip in the pool yesterday. Swim trunks/little swimmer on, floaty blown up, mommy in her bathing suit, both of us slathered in sunscreen, music going in the backyard (seriously a 40 minutes ordeal). When I got out there to clean it up a little bit, low and behold: algae had mysteriously appeared ALL over the walls (it literally happens over night).  After 30 minutes of attempting to scrub it all off the walls, I looked up to see nasty flakes of algae floating in the pool. YUCK! So, of course I didn't want to put my little baby boy in that nasty water. I would have probably attempted to swim (it really wasn't too terribly bad), but when it comes to my baby, I don't chance it. So we ended up playing in the front yard for a little while and then spent most of the day inside.

I had a week of training last week for Problem- based learning and then a professional day today. Oh, and next week I have 2 days of science training. Oh...and I had math training in June. Did my district forget that we are teachers who are SUPPOSED to have summer OFF??! Seems like it. With that said, my summer really is flying by. Oh well, at least I got paid for some of it. ;-) But I would have rather spent the day with my giggly, wheels-off wild, into-everything toddler Andrew Maddox. :) I will savor those precious moments I have left until school starts!

Anniversary weekend!

So, as always I make up my mind to sit and write a blog and it never happens. I will put most of the blame on my slow laptops...yes plural. I have both my personal and work laptop and they are BOTH not quite right lately. Secondly, I blame the fact that the only way I am able to post pics is from my phone (which I usally just go to the pics I've posted in facebook and save them on my computer and then post them on here: not the best quality).  We are in the process of picking out a new camera but I really just want the old one back. :( oh well!! There are far worse things that could happen!

We spent last weekend at the Gaylord for our 5 year anniversary. Originally, we were going to eat in North Richland Hills and then go out to the Glass Cactus for some Spazmatics (fun!) When Nanny Maria offered to stay the night at our house (which she has done before), we decided why not just stay at the Gaylord!! Glad we did! Not only did we get a night out without the baby, but we got to spend all day with little man by the Gaylord pool. He had an absolute BLAST! They had a toddler area with a little waterfall, little mushroom lookin thing that sprayed water, and a very shallow area for them to play in. He loves being outside, water, and people watching so this was perfect for him. :) He even got his first kiss from a girl!! Seriously though.....he has been giving me kisses for a few weeks now (talk about the sweetest thing EVER!), and he was sitting in the pool with this adorable 2-year-old girl when he went in for it....open mouth and all!! HAHA! I felt like I needed to apologize to the little girl's dad who was sitting right there. ;-) My little man is already quite the little casanova.  Here are some pics I was able to get on my phone.

The life jacket probably last about 5 minutes tops

My mop-headed cutie pie covered in watermelon: but he sure was happy!

That night, Todd took Andrew back to the house to meet up with Maria (who was able to go to the Rangers game that afternoon with her family thanks to Todd!) while I got ready for the evening at the hotel. It really was a great idea! A short little vacay away from the house to celebrate 5 years of married bliss! :) We ate so much  at The Old Hickory we thought  we would burst but decided we may as well order the dessert since it was free. Good thing it was :Peanut butter and jelly creme brulee: definitely a bad idea!! :\ Disgusting!

Most disgusting dessert ever: PB and J creme Brulee: at least it was free!

Dinner at Old Hickory at The Gaylord Texan

After dinner, we took a shuttle from the Gaylord to the Glass Cactus for a fun-filled evening of adult beverages, music, and good times. Strangely the same couple sitting right behind us at the restaurant  (in front of me I should say), recognized us at The Glass Cactus and even told us Happy Anniversary.  I definitely couldn't forget them : the couple sitting on the same side of the booth at the restaurant getting pretty hot and heavy while I sat directly in front of them.  Todd's response: "I remember when we used to sit on the same side of the booth"  I guess we are just an old married couple who would rather enjoy the comfort of our own side of the booth and save the PDA for a more appropriate setting. ;-)

Spazmatics at The Glass Cactus

What a fun night!

a few exciting things

My last post was a bit lame. I thought it was funny at the time, but then got to thinking that it may have given the impression that my life is completely boring. :) Well, I have actually done some pretty fun things this summer and just forget to share on here.  One thing was I to the taping of a new reality show called X factor with my mom and sister. In case you haven't heard of it, it's a singing competition similar to American Idol (I'm sure Simon Cowell would wring my neck if he knew I said that), only there is not an age limit and they allow singing groups to try out. I was a bit flattered because after you show up with a printed ticket,  they give you a hard ticket that tells you where you will be sitting. Well, we ended up getting tickets on the floor (I kept singing J-Lo's "On the floor song" while waiting to be seated) :)  When we asked some people around us if that was good (I imaged a mosh pit style area where we would be standing), but it was actually a good thing because we were right by the judges/stage. It's interesting how they strategically place the audience by seating the most attractive people directly behind the judges stand (no...we did not make THAT cut). ;-) Anyway, it was pretty cool getting to see Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, and LA Reid up close and personal. Here are a few pics (oh and a bonus pic of us out in Fort Worth)

Jackie, my brother,me, Todd and then Ryan, my sister and Blake

Simon Cowell on the balcony outside the AAC

Pretty good seats I must say! :)

Waiting outside the AAC for X factor

Silly diapers...

I have wanted to sit at my computer all week and type up a blog. I wouldn't say my life is extremely interesting, but I think of myself as one that takes pleasure in the simple things in my everyday life as a stay-at-home-summertime-mom. :)

For example: I order diapers on amazon.com. I'm an "amazon mom" thanks to my friend Sarah's tid bit of advice, and I hope someone else reads my blog and signs up as well. It really does save a lot of money,  is so convenient, and you can save on all sorts of baby items.  I knew Andrew's diapers were going to arrive anyday and this would not be any ordinary diaper delivery....they would be SIZE 4 DIAPERS!! Dum dum dum.....haha!! :) This is so silly when I think about it, but I would seriously talk to Andrew about it on a daily basis: "Andrew, I wonder when your SIZE 4 DIAPERS will be here??" "I wonder why your SIZE 4 DIAPERS are not here yet?"

He grew out of the newborn diapers in about 2 weeks, the size 1 a few weeks later, size 2 may have lasted a couple months, and his size 3 diapers have fit him for most of his cute little life. SO....when I started noticing they were getting a little snug, it was kinda crazy. "We need to move up to SIZE 4? Oh, my baby is growing up!!" So...the day they arrived was a bit like Christmas morning to me..... :) I ripped them open and couldn't wait to get them on my little man. hehe....I can't believe I'm sharing this! ;-)  Something about diapers that fit him a little better just seem to be one simple pleasure I enjoy in my day-to-day life.

Todd is back from Europe so my days of living the "single mom" role are done for a while. It was easier than I thought, but I sure did come to realize the things Todd does to help run the house. It makes a WORLD of difference to have my hubby back to help out. One other big deal for little Andrew (besides the SIZE 4 DIAPERS ;-): he has learned to sign "more" when he wants more to eat! I think deep down, he knows exactly what everyone around him is saying and trying to get him to do, but he is a bit hard-headed like me. He will only do it when he wants. Plus, I think he gets a kick out of seeing me get so overly excited that it seems like he graduated honors from Texas A&M University or something. I know that will come one day as well , and I will be just as excited as I am now. :)

My little Genius figured out how to get the lid off the Gerber puffs: he's quite proud of himself :)

Stories to share

Summer is fabulous...absolutely the BEST THING EVER! Especially now that I have my little man to share everyday with. :)

So yesterday, I went to visit my friend, Jena and her beautiful baby boy Dexter (baby fever came over me and lasted about 5 minutes until the following incident unfolded). Mother of the year moment: Well....Jena has stairs in her house...Andrew has never had an opportunity to be anywhere near stairs so I assume (NEVER assume with toddlers), that he would not be brave enough to climb the stairs (mind you, we are downstairs in her living room...NOT upstairs). So, we are both talking, I periodically check on Andrew (as any good mother would), and last I saw, he was about 3 yards away from me with a big grin on his little face, no where near the stairs enjoying his sippy cup  (probably scheming his next move). Not EVEN 2 minutes later....BUMP BUMP....WHAAAA!!!! Scariest moment to date for me. My little Andrew had climbed the 3 steps up to the carpeted area before the stairs go up again (there's probably a name for this), climbed a little further, and FELL onto the carpet area!! SO...he didn't actually hit the floor at the bottom of the stairs, but he still tumbled down... :( POOR BABY!! I scooped my little sugar bean up, kissed him over and over, inspected his little body for any visual injuries, and then gave him his paci (which I'm normally trying to keep away from him during the day).

Sparked another story: later that evening, I'm in the kitchen making some of Andrew's favorite: Annabel's Vegetable Fritters (from First Meals by: Annabel Karmel). Pictured below:

Andrew is playing in his "fenced off" child-proof area while I'm cooking in the kitchen when he starts to get pretty fussy. I blame it on being so close to dinner-time, so I put him in his high chair with some broccoli and pasta. Broccoli is normally something he will NEVER turn down (especially if he's hungry). Well, he wanted nothing to do with the broccoli. He cried and cried, so I thought, "What if he really did get injured after falling down the stairs today?!" So I take him out of the highchair to get some Tylenol, and he starts crying even harder. I was pretty worried at that time (and by the way: Todd is out of the country for 2 weeks, so it's all Mommy right now). I go to the kitchen to get him some milk (thinking maybe he's thirsty), when he starts leaning toward the counter where the veggie bites were cooling (they had just came out of the skillet). I pick one up to blow on it and he starts screaming at me! I keep saying, "No, it's hot! Wait," but he is reaching with all his might trying to grab it from me. It finally cools down, and I give him a bite....the crying completely stops...I guess he smelled the veggie fritters cooking from the other room, got fussy, and when I didn't give him what he smelled, he got frustrated. I was laughing so hard! My son is officially as picky and particular about food as I am. When it comes to food: if you don't give him what he wants, right when he wants it, he's not happy. So...the baby fever comes and goes, but for now....I think I will stick with having my 1 accident-prone, grey-hair-causing, into-everything (but perfect in every way!) Toddler Andrew for the moment. We'll see if my mind changes after summer break. ;-)

YAY SUMMER!!!

Oh my goodness....this is the happiest I have been in a while!!! I have 1 more day of work and I'm FREEEEE!!! Woohoo!! :) Those of you that have seen/talked to me this year, know how long I have been waiting for this day. Not that I dislike my students or anything....but man....I sure had my hands full this year!

 Anyway, enough about the J-O-B that is soon to be DONE WITH for 2 months, 15 or so days....my brother and his girlfriend Jackie came to visit last weekend. Oh, and my last post was ACTUALLY from May 25th. It was saved as a draft until just now. :) Andrew went to his first Rangers game and had a blast! I was pleasantly surprised at how he made it through the entire game. Granted, we didn't show up until the 3rd inning....but he made it without getting fussy until well after the game ended! He was SO well behaved (even in the 90+ degree heat), and really enjoyed himself. He also grubbed down on some popcorn, gerber crunchies, some rice I brought from home (and yes, he was also fed a full dinner right before arriving). My baby boy is growing up so fast. I just know he and I are going to have an absolute fabulous time this summer. :) YAY!!!!!!!

Such a sweet picture of my boys :)

Me and my little man after the game (had to break out the paci..on the verge of fussiness)

Look how happy they are :)

Awesome seats (compliments of Todd's previous job)

Go Rangers!!

Summer is just around the bend!

Oh, I am so ready for summer!! This school year has been a HUGE challenge for me! I am glad it is almost over. My baby boy and I are going to have so much fun spending everyday together. :) :) He has such an awesome personality, and I can't wait to read books, play outside, float in the pool, and maybe watch some "my baby can read." I guess I need to purchase the program so we can get a head start on his future as a gifted learner. :) hehe.

We went to Oklahoma to visit some friends last weekend, and Todd was actually able to go to the Mavericks game (spoiled husband). Oh well, I had a blast staying up late Saturday night talking with my HS friend, Ashley and then enjoying some delicious coffee, mimosas, and breakfast that next morning.  I was  contemplating going to our High School Reunion, but she convinced me to make an appearance. I think it will be a good time, but I'm certainly not looking forward to that 6 hour+ drive with  Andrew and Sadie (my boxer). Todd will be in Budapest for work, so can't go with me. :( That was another reason I was undecided on making the big trek to little "D town." It will be worth it. :)

Andrew and Me at Bricktown in Oklahoma City

Enjoying some Sangria and Tapas at Bolero

Seeking Positivity

This year, I have become my worst nightmare. And I just want to start off by saying, it is not AT ALL because of my baby boy. I hate when people keep telling me, "You just had a baby, things are different" because I know that is a big factor in all the chaos that this year has brought into my life....but it goes so much deeper than that. And to be completely honest....Andrew is my angel that finally made me realize that things have got to change.

I have always thought that my biggest strength was lifting people up with kind words and being there for them in time of need. I am not the "brightest crayon in the box" so to speak, and I am in the least bit a "funny person".  I am definitely not the first name that comes to mind when people are looking for a good time, and I have zero creativity. I am a "wooer" who enjoys seeing people light up with compliments and someone that people come to for guidance and reassurance. At least, I used to be.

I get so mad at my students when they rebel and don't want to do their homework/classwork or choose to draw all over their papers rather than listen to me/complete assignments. I become so frustrated when they won't look me in the eye when I'm trying to get on to them while asking, "Why aren't you working? Why aren't you listening?"  I actually caught MYSELF doing this same thing pretty frequently this year. Not looking people in the eye because I was so disappointed, exhausted, negative that I chose to just look away. Saying only negative things because I was so insecure with myself. I really can't blame my students at times when they really don't "feel like" doing their work because to be quite honest: that has been my year in a nutshell. I want to try and have always had  the work ethic to get things accomplished. I like doing a good job and seeing the results through my students. But man, this year has brought my confidence down to the ground.

I have decided to try my hardest to stop sweating the small stuff. I need to bring back only positive energy into my life. I need to pray for strength and optimism and the ability to lift others up rather than pull them down. I have had such wonderful friends reach out to me with advice and books to read in order to figure it all out. Currently on my list to read: 5 Love Languages, The Purpose Driven Life, and Bittersweet by Shauna  Niequist. I am blessed...this I definitely know. I just need to learn to tame the negative thoughts and pay it forward by bringing light to the the lives of those around me. Especially my wonderful baby boy and amazing husband.

My Cutie Pie

He will be 1 in less than a month!

That's his flirty face

That's his "granny face" :)

Things in our lives

I thought I would update this blog with the new things happening in our lives. Well, my little sugar bean (Andrew)  is getting so big and trying to walk. I can't believe his first birthday is coming up already. He has such a funny personality, and it's the best thing in the world to see Todd and my characteristics showing through him. What a blessing.

I have signed up to run a half marathon in May. All I have to say about that is....What was I thinking??!! :) I guess I'm just trying to prove a point to myself that even though I have a baby, I am still completely capable of being in good enough shape to run 13.3 miles. I think it will be a huge accomplishment, but last time I ran a half marathon, I was in a whole lot better shape than I am now. I guess I will just pace myself and take all day to finish if I need to. :)

Todd just was just offered a brand new job at a brand new place which is exciting for him. I, unfortunately, will probably not be switching schools (even though that was the original plan: teaching closer to home). By the looks of the finances in Texas education, I won't be getting another teaching position in quite some time. I'm a sitting duck, so we will see what that brings in my near future as an educator.

Baby talk has been coming up more and more in the Templeton household. And not talking about our first little angel....but a possibility for a second. Hmmm...the thought of it brings butterflies to my stomach...both exciting and nervous butterflies. My mom was already 5 months pregnant with me when my older brother was Andrew's age. We'll see what happens....I'm going to focus on getting this half marathon under my belt and then look into the possibilities and pray for what the future might bring. :)

Look at that big boy at snack time

Silly faces are his fav way to make mommy laugh

Andrew has a very hefty appetite

All that big boy play is exhausting

Playing with his walker

pretty silly picture taken with mommy's new i-phone 4

Miami!

Well, today was the last day of spring break...boo! Do I have to go back to work?? :) Anyway, Todd and I were able to take a vaca..just the two of us...to Florida! Just to let you know how that went...I came back wanting to become a permanent resident of the great state of Florida...seriously! I was meant to live on the beach, and I am more and more convinced of this when I hang out anywhere near the ocean. South Beach Miami was by far the best beach I have ever been to. The weather was absolutely perfect, the sand was soft, and the water was a breath-taking turquoise. I told Todd, "The only type of grunge I will ever tolerate is beach grunge!" You know...the smell of sun tan oil, the glow of skin that's been baking in the sun, and the feeling of "heavy-hair" that's tasted the ocean breeze all day. Ohhh....how I love it!!

To make a long story short (even though bloggin would be the perfect opportunity to share my loooong version of the story)...I was "stuck" in Miami, Florida ALL BY MYSELF for 2 days/one night. Todd and I were on two different flights to get to Florida (he was supposed to already be there for work, but that got cancelled last minute causing us to book him a totally different flight than mine), and he missed his flight. He was on stand by ALL DAY while I made my flight, caught my second flight in Atlanta, and showed up in West Palm Beach ALONE. The origial plan (sniff...sniff)....was to drive across the Florida Keys TOGETHER and finally reach Key West Friday evening to spend the night. Well....I got the rental car and was going to make that 5 hour drive ALONE....but thought, "You know what? I have always wanted to go to Miami....so I'm driving to Miami!" So, the only person who needed convincing was myself (hence: I was BY MYSELF)...so that's where I ended up...and stayed the night. I have to say...both of us were sooooo frustrated about the WHOLE ordeal. But you know what...God really does work in mysterious ways. Honestly, this was my ONE AND ONLY opportunity to have the chance to make my own decisions about where to eat, sleep, hang out, and WHEN to do all these things. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by my unknown ability to get around on my own. I'm always relying on Todd to lead the way, and this was my chance to make the calls and go where I wanted to. Granted...it was kinda scary at first....but I met so many friendly people and was able to drive in Florida, windows down, music blaring...beach grundge extrodinare...ALL BY MYSELF.....pure BLISS. Really. When would anyone plan a trip like that on purpose?
 Todd got there on Saturday, we drove to Fort Lauderdale to stay the night (went on an incredible sailing adventure), and then I actually convinced Todd to GO BACK to Miami to stay another night. :) :) We had an AMAZING time, and I am not lying when I say I WILL live in Florida one day. I mean really....being able to order a Mojito pretty much anywhere you go....now that's my kinda place. ;-)

The drive from Miami to South Beach

I was SO excited when my feet touched the sand..first picture I took.

Yes...I probably blinded lots of people with my ghostly skin...but I got some sun on my trip :)

Huge Cruise ships

Sunset while on a Sail boat in Fort Lauderdale

Hotel pool in Miami

Hangin with the Hubs in Miami...such a much-needed time away from the daily grind

The Many Roles I Play

**Pitty-Party Alert** ;-)

Something I was pondering about as I drove home from work today was all the "roles" I now try to take on in my life. I have to admit...I had it pretty easy the past 2 weeks with school being cancelled and me being off for 6 of the last 10 work days. On the other hand, being at home in my pjs, spending the day playing with my 9 month old  made it that much harder to get back into the groove of things and get my "teacher face" back on. This week was hard....really hard. TAKS tests are around the corner and my students are no where near where they should be in the school year. Trust me. It's scary. I can't quite decide if it's just my group of kids this year (I do have 8 that were retained at some point in their school career), or if it's because I have a new, extremely important job: raising my son. 

A friend of mine at work once told me I had to decide which job I wanted to do ok at and which job I wanted to be the BEST at: a mommy/wife OR a teacher. I thought she was crazy. Of course I would choose mommy-hood and being a good wife to Todd. Well, as time progressed and my students' needs seemed like they weren't being met, work became something that flooded my thoughts, my time, my sanity. I didn't mean for it to happen, but work kind of started controlling me. So, I backed up and decided I wouldn't bring work home and would only accomplish what I could between 8-5. Well....you know where that got me....I beat myself up when I saw a kid struggling in writing, not knowing what a root-word was (or the difference btwn consonants and vowels for that matter...and yes, I teach THIRD grade), not knowing that Texas is the STATE we live in..not the country...it goes on and on. SO...what did I do...I had to come up with a plan, make phone calls, go to LOTS of meetings, spend every-waking moment I'm at school TEACHING and RETEACHING until these kids "got it." Which led to me completing paperwork, online-training ( yes, teachers still go through trainings every year to keep up to speed with "the times") grading, lesson planning, replying to emails....all AT HOME.

So, there are only 24 hours in a day...minus my 9 work hours, 1 hour driving to and from work, 2 hrs. cooking, feeding Andrew, cleaning the kitchen, trying to keep my house clean/laundry, and sometimes throw in an hour workout now and then maybe 6 hours sleep...well, you see where this is going..."and...when do you see your HUSBAND?" Hmm...well, somewhere along the way I was a mommy/wife and now I'm a mommy/teacher...and now that my sister is living with me, I am now a mommy/teacher/sister/wife...OHHHH and FRIENDS! Yikes!! Where have I been when they needed me??? And and am I giving God the credit He deserves? I am a Christian and want to share my faith with other believers and be a faithful follower...but it sure is nice to catch up on sleep on Sunday mornings. Where has all this time gone the last 9 months?? OH Yea, I've been busy being a mommy/teacher/sister/wife and guess I completely forgot about those much needed parts of my life! :( Don't get me wrong, I still talk to some friends on the phone every once in a while, I will grab dinner with some of them occasionally, talk on FB pretty regularly...but man...I really think I have lost touch with a lot of my really great friends. And I admit....I'm at fault. And I went to church a few weekends ago with my sister and still pray almost every night and thank God for my wonderful baby boy, health, husband. But is it enough?

So as I'm driving home thinking about all the stuff I left at work due to the fact that Andrew had a doctor's apt. at 4:30 (and the doctor's office was 20 minutes away) and the TERRIBLE DAY I had, and how I need to be a better teacher, talk to the parents about problems I'm noticing, etc. etc....be a better wife by picking out the perfect valentine's present for my hubby and complaining to him less and less, and be a better friend by calling them and planning to meet up for lunch.....I end up missing my baby boy's doctor's appt. Now, I will say I ran into terrible, awful, no-good traffic as I was heading down 20 towards Dr. Raine's office....but I blamed myself and MY JOB on the fact that we weren't going to make it in time...and we didn't. :(  For the first time in a long time...can't even remember....I cried out loud....for a long time. And as I was crying, I kept thinking, "I'm being a terrible mother, crying in the car while I should be completely focused on the road! What if he was old enough to understand mommy's crying like a kid and looks silly." I must admit that it felt good to let it all out. And Andrew WAS fast asleep in the car and couldn't hear me. ;-)  But yea...I probably looked like a complete idiot. Anyway, it's been hard for me to find my place this year. I need a solution and I guess I just need time and practice. Hopefully one day I will nail all my roles down (or at least come to the realization that something's gotta give and I need to know how to "share myself.") I have a wonderful husband who helps out and has a lot of patience with me. I just worry I have lost him in all my "roles". I hope he understands that I am still trying to be a good wife by cooking, cleaning, doing things around the house. But sometimes all I want are more hours in the day. Who knows...it could happen. ;-)  Here's a little clip of my baby boy. It takes my computer way too long to load videos and I just now realized this was a short version of the one I wanted...but it's still adorable. :)

bronchiolitis

So, I had to venture out of the house today and not for good reason. My little Andrew has been coughing pretty badly the past few weeks. He went to the doctor on Martin Luther King Day due to coughing and not sleeping well and was diagnosed with an ear infection. Then he went back to the doctor last Thursday for his 9 month check up..I brought the coughing back up and the doctor said it would probably go away. Well.. the coughing  kept Andrew, Mommy, and Daddy up practically all night Wednesday, so that's when I decided something was up with my little man. So, we scheduled an appointment and went in today.

 I was a nervous wreck for two reasons: the ice on the roads and the fact that I was pretty sure something was wrong with my baby. I suspected rsv..but that test came back negative. They suggested a breathing treatment to see if it helped and came back to listen to his chest and diagnosed him with bronchiolitis.
  :( Basically, he probably DID have rsv which developed into bronchiolitis....which makes me sad that I have suspected something for weeks now, and it has now turned into something worse. Poor baby. We were sent home with a nebulizer to give him breathing treatments three times a day. That little contraption looks so high-tech that it makes me want to cry for my sugar bean. :( Things could be so much worse, but I can't help but feel very helpless and like I could have done something to prevent it. I know children get sick...I just don't want it to be MY baby boy. So now starts the journey of what parenting is all about: wanting so badly to magically take away the pain and never quite coming to the realization that you can't protect them from everything...sickness is inevitable.  So, please say some prayers for my poor, wheezing little Andrew. I will now leave you with not only some pictures of my one and only "skin-child" but some of my "fur-children" Sadie and Mali-cat (the Legacy Boxer Rescue people always refer to dogs/kids this way on emails). :) :)

 first lunch date with just Andrew and Mommy

Smile for the camera

He moved from where Todd is sitting to here within seconds

This was Mali's fav place to sleep, so I kept it there all December

Silly Animals...I still love them! They weren't completely forgotten ;-)

                                                     And yes, Sadie still sleeps in our bed :)

Winter Break??

Well, as it turns out, I ended up getting a very unexpected "Winter Break" this week....bad news is, I will probably be making up this "break" in its entirety when the sun is shining and summer should be in session..... :( Let's hope the district gets a waiver. On the bright side, I have spent the past 2 days (4 after this week), with my sweet angel, my hubby, and my sisteroo. I seriously feel more at east than I have felt in a while. It could be because with other breaks from school, it's highly anticipated, while this was out of the ordinary. I have also had this opportunity to blog not once, but TWICE in one week!! YAY! :) Maybe now I will keep up with it.

While I'm sitting at my computer, there are some things I'm currently pondering over: my job (when to start the search for a school closer to home), babies (and when to try for another little angel), and the possibility of staying home for a few years after our second. Financially, the thought of us losing my source of income is extremely scary. But if I do in fact move to a new school, that would mean finding new childcare for my little Andrew (no more Nanny Maria) :( :(  And if we want another baby in the near future, the cost of two kiddos in a daycare seems like a waste... If you read this, I would appreciate ANY advice I can get!! I don't know what it would be like to be a stay-at-home mom (or even if it's meant for me), but after these past few days at home with little man, I think I can handle it for 2 years. I just don't want to miss the milestones, the boo-boos that are going to happen, and the mysteries of how long he napped, how much he ate, and how active he was during the day. Of course, I can ask my Nanny these things....but I want to know the specifics. I want to experience them first-hand. 

I am extremely blessed for my baby Andrew, and I love him more than I thought I would ever love anyone. I know Todd and my life will be warmed even more when we have our second. I also know that Andrew will be a wonderful big brother (when that time comes). I just don't know how much "bigger" a brother I want Andrew to be....and I don't want to plan for it or against it, so I guess it should just happen...it's scary that I'm getting this out in writing, but I sure do feel better now. :) Until next time, those are my thoughts as of today. :) God is good, and I know all things will work out for the best!

These pants make me laugh!!

This was one of Todd's baby toys

With Nanny Karen

"What mom? Can't you see I'm playing?"

He loves tissue paper

And eating wrapping paper off gifts....:)