First birthday partayyyy

Amy's birthday party was a lot of fun! We grilled out, and had lots of family and friends visit. I was overwhelmed with all the love that was shown for my sweet girl!

We had family and friends from all over Columbia, but also folks from farther away!

My BFF from college, aka Amy's godmother (FGM), Catherine came all the way from Irmo, my dear friend from grad school, Tasia, and her daugther, Saniah, came all the way from Lexington. My Aunt Mary Sue came down from Laurinburg, NC. And my Uncle Nabil came ALL the way from Houston for a surprise visit! It was a lot of fun :)

 

Please pardon the picture overload.

Disclaimer: I was not the photographer for these pictures, therefore, they are very good.

 

Dad (Sido) and Uncle Nabil getting Amy ready for her cake:

 

 

Uncle John and Michael being awesome:

 

She wants to know where her cake is!

 

Digging in:

 

 

Bailey and Katie giggling with Amy:

 

Then Amy felt like giving kisses! One for daddy:

 

A kiss for big brother:

 

And big sister:

 

Mommy got a kiss too, but there was no photographic evidence...

 

 

 

Uncle Nabil and Michael

 

 

Uncle Nabil and moi

 

All cleaned up and time for presents!

 

Bailey and Amy love each other! (I imagine this is how Rebecca was with me when I was a baby...)

 

 

Thanks again to everyone who helped make Amy's birthday so special!

First Birthday Preparations

 

We celebrated Amy's birthday the following Sunday- April 22nd. Here are just a few of the things I put together to make her day a special "one"!

 

For party favors, I made cookies that I stamped with a "1,"wrapped them in saran wrap, and tied a ribbon around them.

(I did this while watching news coverage of the capture of the Boston bomber...just thought I would mention that because I think I will forever correlate the two!)

 

 

 

As a sweet activity for the guests, I had them write Amy a note and called it a time capsule- I cannot take credit for the idea {Pinterest}

The guests enjoyed writing their notes to Amy. I would be lying if I told you I wrote mine with dry eyes. I was balling like a baby thinking of her as a 20 year old woman...

 

 

Next, I wanted to do a timeline, but I didn't want to just do a month-by-month count. I chose to do two timelines. The first one was a timeline of "firsts"...

 

 

 

 

I also did the traditional timeline...which the pictures turned out too dark to see. I should have closed the blinds first...oh well...

 

 

 

 

I made tissue paper hanging things (what's the correct word??). Vladimir actually made one too to help! I think they turned out pretty cute. MUCH better than having those terrible balloons that could pop at any second hanging around...

 



 

And finally, the outfit I made for Amy. I monogrammed her onesie and then made the tutu. It was absolutely adorable on her. And to be the worst mom ever, I did not get a picture of her in it. I realized after the cake had been smashed that I never got a picture. I cannot stop kicking myself about it! Oh well..

 





Amy's First Birthday

So Amy turned ONE on April 18th, 2013! We had my parents, Richard, and his girlfriend, Gracyn, over for dinner. Of course as soon as they got there, my dad (Sido) had to snatch Amy up!

 

 

 Then he did share her with my mom (Tetta)...

 

 

 

 We opened up presents! Uncle Richard got Amy a Hippo pillow pet. {side note: he had no idea that my House's -Augustine House, which we happen to be in first place right now-  mascot is the hippo, so when sorting day comes in August, I will be borrowing Amy's pillow pet!}

She loved it by the way!!

 

 

More presents!

 

 

 

We had baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and salad for dinner. Afterwards, it was time for dessert! The kids helped me bake cupcakes for the occasion. We decided against a cake because we were going to give her a cake at her birthday party that weekend!

She was just a little excited:

 

 

 

Fresh off the sugar rush, it was time to play with toys! She was a little hesitant at first, but eventually walked with the push toy.

 

 

And one last one to melt you heart:

 

 

Happy birthday, baby girl!!!

8 months old...

My baby is 8 months old today. I cannot believe how fast time has flown. She has brought me so much happiness and adventure. The older she gets, the more she is changing and becoming her own person. I cannot get over how she is already crawling, trying to stand up, interacts so well with other babies, and is just a great baby! On the 18th of every month, I tell her the story of her birthday.



8 months old today- having her bottle in her birthday suit :)

 As she does get older, the day of her birth gets farther and farther away. When we have another baby (God willing), there are a hundred things I would do differently. But hindsight is 20/20. I do not think I will ever forget the day she was born, but I do want to capture it in writing before details get jumbled.

If you don't like reading about childbirth or the processes involved, I suggest you stop reading now. Its not gory, but I don't want to offend anyone! :)

It was a Wednesday morning, and I had not slept very well the night before. My stomach had been giving me problems for about 2 weeks and it was really bad that night. I woke up and made it to school, where I was on morning duty. I remember sitting at my desk feeling like I was going to pass out at any moment. My stomach was so upset and I knew I would not make it through morning duty without a stop at the bathroom. I called a teammate to see if she would cover for me for a few minutes. She answered her classroom phone, "Are you having the baby?" I laughed and just asked her to step in the hallway to watch the kids.

The morning went on, and I started to feel better. My long term sub was shadowing me that week just to get a feel for how I run my classroom and to get to know my sweet babies. The kiddos were completing their morning routines and I was doing my normal morning tasks. We had our morning meeting and they went to related arts (it was either art class or music). I had a team meeting during my planning and was feeling fine at that point. After the meeting was over, it was time to pick up my kids. My sub volunteered to get them because she knew I was on the complete opposite side of the building and didn't want to make me walk. While she did that, I ran to the bathroom because I knew it would be a long day if I didn't. It was then that I realized I had sprung a leak. I didn't want to panic, so I calmly waited for her return. She got back with the kids and I said that I needed to go to the nurse.

I went to the nurse and called my doctor. Voicemail. I called again. Voicemail again. I was heading back to my classroom when I decided I should let my principals know what was going on. In a smart move, I talked to the female assistant principal rather than the male principal. She asked what color the leak was. When I told her clear she immediately said I needed to call my husband and get to my doctor! The principal walked in, asked what was wrong, made a disturbed looked, told me not to have the baby here, and turned the other way.

I called my husband, who proceeded to ask me "Are you sure?" (YES THEY TOLD HIM IN BIRTHING CLASS DO NOT SAY THAT! my darling dear husband said it anyways). He was supposed to be in Murrells Inlet that day for a meeting. I was panicking a few days earlier saying I didn't want him to be 3 hours away so close to my due date. He told me that the baby wouldn't come and it would be fine! (they cancelled the meeting that week...)

I finally got a call back from the doctor's office. They told me to come in and get checked out. All of sudden a flood of emotions overcame me- fear of what was happening, excitement that today may be the day, sadness that I might not see my sweet students again, and so many more. I went and hugged each of my students and told them I loved them very much.

My husband finally got there and we left for the doctor's office. At the doctor's office there was a bit of confusion. We finally got to see the doctor, they did a test, and confirmed that we would be having a baby! (fun fact I learned: when amniotic fluid dries, it crystallizes and looks really cool! They kept a slide of it because they said it was rare for them to get it in the office)

Vladimir went home to get my hospital bags, and my mom made her way to the hospital. I was so scared but excited. I did not have a SINGLE contraction, so they immediately started me on pitocin. It was only 11:00 am. I feel like I wimped out (mainly because the nurse talked me into it) and got an epidural. Family started showing up, my legs were as numb as can be. Time was flying by for me. I wanted it to slow down so I could take it all in, but I was ready to meet my baby!

Eventually, I stopped dilating. Baby was in position and ready to rock and roll. My body-not so much. At 10:30, they decided I needed a c-section. My worst fears were coming true. My mom, aunt, and cousin all had c-sections. I wanted to break that cycle. Not this time. (I still think the epidural is what did it, and next time I will think twice about it)

So, I signed the papers, they prepped me, got my sweet husband in his scrubs, and wheeled me to the operating room.

I was shaking (I had been the whole day, but now it was nerves, not just being in labor). In a whirl, they were cutting me open and all of a sudden I heard cries- sweet, beautiful, life changing cries. My husband stood up and immediately told me "It's a girl!" I had to ask him if he was sure- I had been feeling boy all along. They brought her around the curtain and I immediately fell in love with her. She had the most beautiful eyes. They took her away, along with my husband. I laid there and got put back together. I remember the doctors and nurses talking about music.

They finally wheeled me to recovery and I got to meet my sweet girl. I was in love. They helped me learn how to nurse and she was a natural. I never wanted to let her go. I knew that my life was forever changed and I could not have been happier. There was also a nice button of morphine that became my BFF.

That is the story of the day, 8 months ago, that my sweet Amy came into the world. The following Monday was the worst day when I had to go to the Emergency Room and was separated from her until that Wednesday. The longest three days of my life- but that's for another blog.

I am sorry this was so long, but I did this for me and for my girl. If you stuck with me through it, I applaud you! :)

Long time, no blog..

So if blogs were graded, I would be getting a big fat F! I have been terrible at keeping up with this poor blog along with family, school, and life in general! This is what has been going on the past few months!

School:

I love love LOVE being back at Cardinal Newman. Some days I wonder if I am in the right place (aka I miss my babies at Bridge Creek and all the teachers I used to work with!)...but then I walk up the hill and say hello to my mom and know that I am indeed in the right place! Or my students say something to make me laugh and all is right with the world.

Family:

Vladimir is still working about 12+ hours a day, 5 days a week. We hardly get to see him, but we have gotten used to it. It makes the times that he is home to spend with us that much more special!

Alyssa has gotten into the middle school routine. It took a little while, but she seems to be balancing her time well! She isn't doing any sports at the moment, but is in the school play "Seussical, Jr." She is having fun!

Dyllan is all about wrestling now. He had his first match tonight. He got pinned, but boy did he put up a fight! The child is a human rubber band. Not only is he developing his wrestling skills, practices are wearing him out! I tell Coach Goff everytime I see him THANK YOU for wearing him out. The child is the energizer bunny and wrestling is a great way to channel it!

Amy is learning something new EVERY SINGLE DAY! She is 7 1/2 months old now. she loves to play peekaboo and steal my glasses right off my face. She says DaDa (no MaMa yet) and loves to giggle. She has started waving hello and goodbye. And finally the biggest milestone yet: she is crawling! She was army style manuevering for a while, but now she is full on crawling! Yikes we have our hands full now! We still don't have any teeth, but I am considering that a blessing. She is on medication now for a double ear infection- poor girl! She is getting too big too fast....

House Selling:

Nothing new....stay tuned and keep praying...

Hopefully I will not neglect my blog as much anymore...
Until next time!

What a week :)

Happy Saturday, y'all!

What a week it has been. I always love three day weekends, but always forget that the short week following is always a long one! Monday we went to my aunt and uncle's house for hamburgers and hot dogs. It was great to see everyone! Bailey has grown too much and too fast and everyone loved seeing Amy :)

Becca Boo and Amy

 

When we got home, we gave Amy her first go at rice cereal. She loved it! It does tend to get a bit messy though...

Mmm, rice cereal..

  

The next day was back to school and cross country! The kids had a meet at RNE and ran well! Dyllan had some struggles with not feeling too well, so a fellow XC runner gave him support at the very end. So sweet to watch a big senior support a little sixth grader :)

 

Wednesday they had a meet in Chapin, and since Vladimir was working, I stayed home for that one and let them ride the bus back. I think they enjoyed that more than me driving them back!

 

Thursday was a normal day, although cross country practice was cancelled..yay! I caught up with an old Conder friend, Stacy, so she could help Alyssa with her violin. Amy and I got to play with her sweet boys, Michael and Christopher. I think Amy was a bit scared of all the noise at first, but quickly warmed up to them! Stacy is having a baby girl next year and Amy was good practice for the boys. They brought one of the baby's loveys to "test" on her!

 

Friday (yay for Friday!) we ate at Mouse Trap with mom. A lot of older folks like to eat there. Katie, my cousin, was working. We decided to surprise her with a visit. It was fun to listen to the music and watch the "elders" as Alyssa called them.

 

Today, we got a lot of cleaning done and enjoyed a beautiful Saturday. Amy's nose was congested all last night and today. The humidifier is running now. Hopefully it won't last too much longer.

 

Tomorrow we will head to church and enjoy a day of rest.

 

As for the school week, I am really loving middle school. They understand my sense of humor. Before, I would make a joke and laugh to myself because it would go right over my student's heads. Now I find the students are laughing with me...or maybe at me. Educationally speaking, I had my first writing conferences this week. It was so neat to actually have the students understand what I am saying about their writing, take it to heart, and make the changes. I feel like I can connect to the 7th and 8th graders better.

 

On a less educational note, I realized that I have it made this year. In previous years, I only got a 50 minute break, which more than likely was filled with a meeting. This year, I get 1 hour and 20 minutes of a free period (which is mine to do what I want...I went to the bank and Publix on Friday!) AND I get a 40 minute lunch break (which is usually reserved for pumping haha TMI I KNOW). Sorry to any public elementary school folks reading this. Also, my troublesome students (which is no where near the troubles I have seen in the past..) leave me after 80 minutes..and I only see them every OTHER day! The only class I see everyday is my House and that isn't a class. Its more of a homeroom on steroids. But more about that later.

 

And lastly, a new milestone to mention...I have realized that Amy has become very fond of the dogs. Before, she would either just look at them, or ignore them completely. She likes to "talk" to them. They get bored after a while, but she still has fun (until she grabs their hair...) and loves it when they lick her face. Probably because she knows mommy hates it!

 Here she is talking to Jack:

 



 

 

Until next time!

 

Crazy, beautiful life

What a crazy few weeks it has been. What an amazing few weeks it has been.

1. Milestones

Amy has hit several milestones all at once. She decided to start rolling over at 4.5 months. She now turns herself over at some point every night and sleeps on her belly. Drives me nuts. I find myself checking her breathing way too much.

She has also giggled for me. It is when I tickle her under her chin, and when she is in a super happy mood, but it is a real giggle. The best sound in the world!

She has (almost) mastered her hands. If we hold a bottle in front of her, she will grab it and pull it to her mouth. After a few seconds the weight of the bottle gets the better of her, but she understands what she is doing! She will take her paci from us. If it is angled correctly in her hands, she can put it in her mouth. Its fun to watch because it usually takes her several tries. The first try gets into her eye. The second try she gets it turned around and puts the handle in her mouth. Eventually she gets it in the correct spot. Now, if we can only figure out how to let go of the paci without removing it entirely. But that's for another day!

2. Schedule CrAzInEsS

Oh me, oh my- who knew how life with one child at daycare, one at St. Joseph, and one at Cardinal Newman can be so hectic! Daycare is pretty simple. There is no homework or papers to sign. I cannot stay organized with Dyllan's paperwork and Alyssa's paperwork. Luckily they are pretty organized on their own. Throw in the drama with cross country and you've got one busy day!

I take Dyllan to school in the mornings, then Alyssa and I head over to CN. Luckily my first block is free, so getting to school 5 minutes before students show up isn't an issue for me. After school, I go pick up Amy, head home to try to organize stuff for dinner only to go back to CN to pick up the kids from cross country practice. Then I go back home and cook dinner, feed Amy, wash bottles, get stuff ready for school/daycare the next day. Rest for 5 minutes. Sleep. Wake up and do it alllll over again! I love the weekends...

It has been an adventure adjusting back to a routine, with an infant in tow. I am having so much fun with her, though, that the craziness is all a part of the fun!

3. New job

I am LOVING my new job. I was pretty nervous before classes started. I mean the jump from 3rd grade to 7th/8th grade is HUGE! I teach 3 different classes, for a total of 6 blocks altogether. I am also a House Head, which means I have 20 kids who are a part of Augustine House that compete against the other houses (Aquinas, Albert, Anthony, Catherine, Teresa, Isidore, and Bonaventure) for House points. It helps build camaraderie and makes middle school a bit easier. I wish they had it when I was a student. Alyssa is in Bonaventure. Wait until next year when we have a three-way competition in our home (Augustine vs. Bonaventure vs. whatever Dyllan gets sorted into). 

The kids I teach are great. They make me laugh every day. I worry think about how that may hurt my classroom management, but then I realize, they are not going to run all over me because I giggle at a joke. They are looking to be treated with respect. I give them that everyday in my classroom. Besides the kids being a bit chatty, I haven't had any behavior problems. I hope this continues. Oh, and I think they like me! :)

Alrighty, until next time! Happy Labor Day! :)