Our New Schedule

I am getting around to this week's pictures and videos. Hope you like these photos. I think he's so cute that I can barely stand it! Grant's doing really well with my friend for day care. It helps me a lot, since she's such a great friend and mom to her own kids. It'll make it pretty easy for me to leave him at a real day care in a couple of weeks. He's getting bigger and stronger all the time. I went in this morning to find that he had rotated his body 180 degrees overnight- his head was where I'd put his feet when I put him down. He's so advanced!

Grant in the Tub!

and with his kick and drive toy!

Cute Video

What a week!

So I'm back in Lynchburg with my little family. Things are going well. I'm starting back to work on Monday, and I'm actually looking forward to it! I'm also doing Weight Watchers to take off some baby weight (and hopefully more).

Grant is two months old now. At his last appointment, just two days ago, he weighed twelve pounds even. It certainly feels like more when I'm carrying him up the steps for the umteenth time. Today we had a milestone- he had his first nap in his crib! He sleeps all night in there, but he has resisted naps. Here are some photos!Grant loves his Fisher Price "Kick and Drive". He can make it play music, light up, and spin by kicking the yellow thing at his feet or hitting the danglies with his hands.

Cute monkey outfit- the shirt is from Denlow and the shorts are from Rebe (one of the loving grandmothers). These pictures are all from today- there was an unfortunate incident with an unfastened diaper midday.

Eight weeks old!

Here's the latest set of photos!
I miss my Daddy! Isn't this the saddest little face you've ever seen?!? He doesn't cry much, but he knows how to do it!
A happy smile for Gram
This smiling picture rivals the overalls one for my favorite. He's just so sweet and happy. Most of the time.
Grandma Eileen gave Grant a kiss and left some evidence behind. Fortunately it was bath day.
A tired Grandpa with a happy baby. Grant is so good; he laid like this for forty-five minutes. He just let Grandpa snore away.

Great Grandpa!

Yesterday, while Troy and a friend went to a gun show at Dulles, Grant and I went up to see Grandpa. Great-aunt Teresa came, too. Here are some pictures from the event!

The Right Pacifier!

I think I've found it. Grant loves to suck on pacifiers, but we've had two problems. First, he gags for the first bit he has it in, which is rather unpleasant. Second, he knocks them out quickly with his tongue. I bought our fifth type today (pacifiers aren't cheap), and no gagging! Plus, they stay in well. They're supposed to simulate breastfeeding.

We had lots of other fun at Target today, as well. We bought lots of picture frames so that we can put out our family pictures. I also bought school supplies. You can't beat 10 notebooks for $1. I love buying school supplies. I'm kind of excited to get back to work. Not too excited. Just a little.

Today I learned that Grant is a chunky monkey compared to Charlie, who is eight days younger than he is. Holding Charlie was like holding a doll!

Pictures for the Grandparents

Sleepy Grant. This should add some fuel to the hair color debate.
Troy is not happy this one is going on. I just think its funny. Grant has yellow poo.
Sleeping in his swing. The overalls were a bit too big for him. So were the shoes. Oh well. None of it fell off him.
How cute is he?!? I love this one.
I love this one even more. Such a sweet expression on his face.

Grant and Daddy. Its a little fuzzy, but I like the expression on Grant's face so much. He likes to listen to his father talking.
More cuteness.

Just hanging out. I can't believe he'll be six weeks old tomorrow!
Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Mommy Lessons

I haven't been ending my posts as I usually do. So I thought I'd reflect on what a month of motherhood has taught me.

- Time flies. Not just the past month, but the minutes and hours in a day. I can pass eight hours in the blink of an eye. Its so different than when I was pregnant and time moved so slowly.

- I really enjoy breastfeeding. Its weird to think that I make milk. Troy's tried telling me that 50% of all mammals make milk, but its still kind of strange. However, there's something about looking down and seeing Grant eat that is so peaceful. I'm making his food, and he is growing, all because of me.

- I don't need eight hours of sleep. Six hours, interupted by a crying, hungry baby, is enough.

- Troy is much more helpful than I figured he'd be. There are still some areas that's we're learning about (ALWAYS refrigerate leftover breastmilk!), but he's wonderful. And funny.

I'm sure there's tons more that I've learned. But this is good for now.

Just for you, Aunt Sharon!

Upon request, here are some photos of Grant from the past week. I can't believe how beautiful my baby is. He's just gorgeous! Enjoy the pics, everyone!
Just this morning- Grant in his "Got Milk?" onesie with a lovely cow print. I must say- I think I need the cow print shirt. I'm beginning to feel like all I do is feed this little boy! He eats all the time!
A bath shot. He looks pretty unhappy, but he really enjoys his baths. No fussing or crying, and he always relaxes enough to pee in the tub.
Sleeping on the sofa. Not his best photo, but he looks so sweet when he's sleeping. Which is quite often, actually.
The funny shot- this may be the "shock and awe" look that my dad often refers to. Grant has taken over Henry's role as the cute one in the house. Troy and I spend most of our time saying, "Oooh- look at him! Isn't that just adorable?!?"

A Month!

I can't believe that Grant will be four weeks old tomorrow. Its been a good month, overall. I'm feeling back to myself, with no pain or problems. Grant is usually sleeping well. I need to make sure not to jinx myself. I've been telling people how well he sleeps, but last night was not so fun. He woke up more often and it was harder to get him to sleep. He's so cute, though, that we tend to overlook some fussing at night.

We had a good trip to Raleigh for the 4th of July. Troy's grandmother, Grant's great-grandmother, was in town from Ohio. We had a great time sharing the baby with her. We ate too much, as usual.

Today I learned that Grant does like to snuggle up sometimes. Like today, when he just wanted to sleep on me instead of in his crib. They say you can't spoil a newborn. What's the harm in trying?

We Can Get Sleep!

This weekend has actually been okay, sleep-wise. Grant does like to sleep, although its rough waking up every 2-3 hours at night to feed him. Sometimes it takes awhile to get him to go back to sleep. During the day, he sleeps longer stretches and doesn't seem to want to eat as much. Hopefully his days and nights will get into a more friendly pattern.

We hung around the house yesterday and watched Deadwood. There was lots of breastfeeding and diaper changing in between. Today we may head to the grocery store and Toys R Us. It kind of depends on how much energy I have once Troy finishes sleeping in. I decided to let him sleep as long as possible this morning so that I can wake him up tonight if I need to. Nice, eh?

Today I learned that sometimes Grant just needs a lot of tries before he'll actually latch on. Booger.

Quick Update

Its been a long time, I know. We are doing well, although I'm sure Troy and I are going to lament my parents' return to Tennessee. Mom has been an absolute lifesaver for getting some rest with Grant here. Dad loves to sit around and hold Grant, and they enjoy making faces at each other.

I'm interested in seeing what type of schedule we set up when its just our new little family. Will Grant be the only one who gets any sleep?!?

Snip Snip

My little boy is getting circumcised as I type. Its such a scary thing to think about! They are going to use a little anesthetic, such for the sanity of a crazy, worried mama.

Our first funny story- Troy was changing his poopy diaper today. He got all the gunk out of the boy parts and was going to put a clean diaper on. He was holding Grant's feet up and out of the way and he must have been holding them back too far because more poop started coming out. We rush and clean that up and MORE comes out. Our little Grant is like a playdoh dispenser- crank enough tension on those legs and poop comes out. I would've laughed a lot more, but laughing, coughing, and sneezing hurts a bit. So I had to make do with giggling. I guess that's what I learned today- don't pull back too hard on the baby's legs.

HE'S SO CUTE!!!

No News

What a nice quiet weekend its been! I know for myself, and most other members of the family, that it would've been great to be having a baby this weekend, but I don't think that's happening. If the castor oil wouldn't do it, I'm not trying anything else. But we do have a "last resort" date of June 18th.

We went to the used book store yesterday, and I loaded up. I'm so glad I love to read (thanks, Mom!) and it was fun picking out some new material. The owner of the shop asked if I'd been reading to the baby, and I said no. But on my way out, I realized that I have been reading to him. He got read to every time I read to my class. So this little guy knows a lot about third grade language arts and math.

I'm also working on some stitching. I won't be using my sewing machine for awhile- I took it in yesterday for a tune up. Really the needle threader needed to be replaced, but I figured I'd get the whole thing looked at while its there. I haven't used it much recently, and after Grant comes, I'm sure I won't feel like sewing right away. So I'm working on Hardanger. Someone's going to get very lucky this Christmas, assuming the projects gets finished. I am the queen of the unfinished project.

We've gotten enough rain for the weekend, so I hope it stays sunny. We've been walking each evening. Its not bringing on labor, but I can tell each walk is easier. Hopefully it will help to be in better shape for labor.

Today I learned that Henry will ring his bell to go out even if he's just been out and done all his business. I also learned that the song that comes to mind when he does this is from "Little Shop of Horrors."

I've given you Southern Exposure
To get you to thrive.
I've pinched you back hard, like
I'm supposed to
You're barely alive.
I've tried you at levels of moisture
From desert to mud!
I've given you grow lights and mineral supplements.
What do you want from me?
Blood?

Here you go, Teresa.

Will it be the last belly pic?

I'm On Vacation

So I came home yesterday from work and told Troy I simply couldn't go back. I'd felt tired, nauseous, and generally icky all day long. We decided I should call my backup substitute and have her start for me today. So I stayed in bed an extra two hours this morning, started a load of laundry, and am now indulging in time online. I do need to head upstairs and put the nursery back together. We had the carpets professionally cleaned yesterday, as well as the couch and my orange chair. We moved most of the stuff out of the nursery so the floors could be cleaned really well.

I'm going to read and do other quiet, restful things in between taking care of some things around the house. I have an appointment with Dr. "Nothing's Wrong, You're Just Pregnant" Wheelock at 3 pm today, with an ultrasound to see how big Grant is these days. Will he say induce or will he tell me to come home and suck it up for awhile longer?

Today I learned that some guy rode for four miles at fifty miles per hour in his wheelchair after the handles got stuck in the grille of a big rig. They said he was bummed that he'd spilled his soda, but was otherwise fine. Wow.

Long Time, No Post

Sorry its been awhile. I think I'm avoiding any new forms of complaining. I feel like such a whiner. Grant has decided he's going to single-handedly teach me a lesson in patience.

The doctor says I'm progressing well. We'll leave it at that.

We spent the weekend hanging out and doing some things around the house. We got some pictures framed recently, so we were rearranging the art in the kitchen and living room to accommodate the new pieces. I think it looks really good.

Relay for Life was Friday/Saturday. We walked for an hour Friday night. The event went really well- my team raised over two thousand dollars. I wanted to stay overnight, but Troy and Rachel (our doula) convinced me that I'd be very unhappy if I didn't get enough sleep and then went into labor. I allowed myself to be convinced.

Henry is a happy, healthy puppy again.

Troy has discovered longboarding, a form of skateboarding. I hope I can survive another one of his hobbies.

Today I learned that Heely's- the stupid shoes with a wheel in the heel that I hate- are causing a sharp rise in childhood injuries. I was nearly run over several times at the mall last weekend by kids who had them on. And I even beep when I back up.

What's Happening

Friday- We waited around the house until the lady came to pick up the Audi- she drove up from Charlotte. We no longer own a fleet of vehicles- we're down to a quite normal two cars. Then we drove down to Raleigh and met Will at Ted's Montana Grill. Great food.

Saturday- Troy, Will, and I ate at Cracker Barrel and went to a local mall. I bought nursing pajamas, tanks, and a bra. I'm getting ready to feed this little monkey when he decides to come out. We picked Becky up at the airport, received lots of cute French presents, and then ate dinner at the Melting Pot.

Sunday- Troy, Will, and Becky went to see a movie at Southpoint- I walked and walked and walked around the air-conditioned place. I didn't really buy anything; I just wanted to get some exercise and it was so hot outside! We had dinner at Cheesecake Factory.

Monday- We hung out at the house and had a nice grilled lunch. Then we drove back to Virginia. The house is still in one piece, and all the fish are happy. We've spent the evening doing laundry and other household chores. Not fun, exactly, but the necessary evils, I guess.

Today I learned that its incredibly hard to tell someone how to sew things. Its much easier to show them.

AR Points

To encourage students to read, we use the Accelerated Reader program. Tests are made on books, usually with five to ten questions. After the student reads the book, they take the AR test and collect points based on their scores. We try to set goals for the students at the beginning of the year. Students that meet their goals get a reward. Twice a year there's a "store" where students can spend their points for goodies. Tomorrow is the last day for students to meet their goals and earn points. We've done so much AR reading! My star pupil this week is a particularly angry little guy whose goal was 42 points. He has 102 points right now. I can't keep books out of his hands. I wish I could do more than provide him with plenty to read, but I think for now that might just be enough.

We finished the breastfeeding class last night. Its amazing that humans actually have to take a class on something that mammals just do. We'll have to see how easy or hard it is for Grant and I. We will make it work!

Tomorrow is the last SOL test. Yippee!

Today I learned that Henry LOVES cottage cheese. Loves it!

Puking Has Ceased!

Henry puked between 30 and 50 times in the last 24 hours. The low estimate is mine and the high estimate is Troy's. Our house is such a mess from all that yuckiness.

After $200 and all day at the vet (for Henry- not us), we've determined he had an upset stomach of unknown origin. However, our little canine baby is no longer puking and appears quite pleased to be home with us. I want a good night's sleep- I have to administer the math SOL test to six kids tomorrow.

Troy is also pooped. He didn't worry too much about Henry, but he spent all night dealing with me being anxious. Such a level headed guy.

Today I learned that vets are baffled by perky pukey puppies.

Poor Henry

I came home to find that Henry had puked all over the first floor. I sat down at the computer after cleaning up and taking him out, and he curled up in the corner of the office. It is kind of hot, and I guess the wood floor is comforting to him?
I hope he feels better tomorrow. I think he may have to go into his crate- I'm too tired and pregnant to come home from work and clean all the carpets.

Henry taking a break from puking by resting with his nose against the vent. No wonder his breathing sounded funny...

Weekend Update

- I am ready for this baby to come out. I spent a good half of the weekend on the couch, zapped of all energy. Out, Grant!

- We had a lovely dinner on Saturday night with some friends. We did some walking, too. I like socializing some. I wonder if we'll really be all that altered when the baby comes. Can't you take babies out to restaurants? Sunday, Joann came to visit with Katherine, who is the cutest nearly-two-year-old (except Amelia, of course). They wore me out- I had to pick up after Katherine.

- The laundry got done!!!

- SOL testing started today at school. I didn't give any tests today; I test kids Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Everything went well with my group that hung out with me. I was very pleased.

- Troy sold the Audi. There simply aren't words for the happiness and relief that brings me.

I feel like there's a lot of whining in here. Please don't get me wrong- I'm very happy. I'm just frustrated with the end of school nearing. Life really is good in Lynchburg!

Today I learned that my "too tired to think" point is at noon. It used to be 2 pm.

Another Week

Time just keeps going. I'm so glad we're in town this weekend. I need some good, early-to-bed sleep that has no alarm on the other side. Troy's watching "Pan's Labyrinth" tonight. He wanted me to watch it with him, but Gwyn described it as the most disturbing thing she'd ever seen. I told Troy I was opting out.

Henry was good all day today. No messes!

School is on a funky schedule on Tuesday due to Falwell's funeral here in town. They're worried about transportation, so they're releasing everyone an hour early. It makes no sense since the funeral is at 1 pm. They'll be sending some buses out as the funeral is just beginning and ending. I guess we were all kind of hoping for the day off if they were going to alter our schedule.

Today I learned that teachers are always desperate for an excuse to have a day off. Maybe everyone, everywhere, in every job feels this way.

Today's Real Entry

Ah, the joys of home ownership. We will be spending an outrageous amount of money to get a new part for the air conditioning. Fortunately, the part is under warranty. The outrageous amount of money goes to the lucky guy who puts the thingy in.



I took a couple of photos of my flowers today. I should've done it before the snowball bush, tulips, and lily of the valley faded. Those were really beautiful.

Lupine- this pick was Troy's. Its growing really well and spreading out.

Clematis- Another pick of Troy's. Its growing up the railing to our deck.My peonies- I planted them four years ago. The first year they didn't sprout. The second year they sprouted and grew, but didn't bloom. Last year they bloomed. This year, they are ENORMOUS and beautiful.

I came home today to three piles of Henry vomit and one pile of Henry poo. I can't figure out why he puked. That's one of the great mysteries of my life. Its been going for several years. I think I would feel let down if it stopped and we never figured out why. I must say- anyone watching would've enjoyed the show of me trying to clean all that mess up with my big belly in the way.

Today I learned that having a relatively new home can still be relatively expensive.

House Advertisement

I found this on the Lynchburg MLS realty page today. I did not change anything.

"Remarks: Wonderful two story home that stands out through upgrades and meticulous preservation. Located in a private cul-de-sac this home is perfect for anyone that wants the privacy of the country and convenience of a 10 minute drive to Lynchburg. Pristine hardwood floors, ceramic tile and custom cabinets enhance the open floor plan. From the kitchen, breakfast nook, or dining room enjoy the serene private wooded rear yard while entertaining or eating. Enjoy 9 ft., ceilings in the finished basement in addition to to the cathedral ceiling in upstairs bedroom. Secret storage room just through master bedroom closet is perfect for storage or an imaginative mind."

Oh dear.

Naked Clowns

First of all, let me show you my Mother's Day present from Troy:

Its for timing contractions. I think Troy just wanted an excuse to buy a pretty red stopwatch. I guess I shouldn't grumble too much; he did get me something.

As for naked clowns, we were studying fish today in reading, and we were talking about how the clownfish got its name. I asked one of my students, "What do clowns usually wear?" thinking that he would respond with something about bright clothes. His response?

"Nothing! They wear nothing!" I can only hope that he thought I'd asked him what clownfish usually wear. Because clowns with nothing on scare me.

Today I learned that my OB's response to any quesionable discomfort I have is, "You're pregnant." Even sharp intense pains. Its all because I'm pregnant. Lucky me.

Irony, in Second Grade

The second grade is putting on a play. Its called, "I Need A Vacation." There are parts for a family of a mom, dad, and three siblings. A line in the song goes, "Jane gave dad quite a scare, Mom is pulling out her hair..."

The irony? They gave the part of the mom to a girl with alopecia. She really has very little hair to pull out. Even weirder? No one- not one of the four teachers nor the music teacher- noticed in two weeks of rehearsals, until I showed up one day and started laughing at the choice of mom. I couldn't believe they'd missed that.

Today I learned that this is teacher appreciation week. The PTO had lunch brought in. I love free lunch.

Butterflies and Birds

My second grade reading group read a story about butterflies. We were comparing and contrasting butterflies and birds, and I wanted to know how they are the same. We'd already gotten the wings and flying thing. I called on another student.

"Butterflies are insects and birds are... birds!" Ah. A triumphant answer on the similarities of these two creatures.

The right answer was they both lay eggs.

Back Home

We're back in VA after Jack and Debby's wedding. It was a very nice event. I have yet to go to a bad wedding. There was no drama, everything was lovely, and a good time was had by everyone. The food was yummy! I did spend a good bit of the time with my feet up, but I'm pregnant. There's only so much partying my body can take. I'm just surprised I made it til midnight and got everyone home.

It was lovely to see my parents, sister, and brother-in-law. The aunts, uncles, and cousins were a delight. I can't think of anything funner than making fun of my cousin's "Greek god" of a prom date.

The house is still standing. We both tend to get anxious as we enter the neighborhood, thinking that perhaps the house burned down while we were gone. But its still here! The grass is currently being mowed by one good husband.

The only disappointment was that I thought we'd be able to pick up Henry today. Turns out its only medical discharges. So I'll have to look at pictures and think fond thoughts. It'll be nice to be able to get ready in the morning without having to take Henry out.

Today I learned that my stomach has just barely enough room for a burrito. Enough, but just barely. Mmmmm. Guacamole.

Wedding and Mother's Day

Three day weekend, all thanks to Debby and Jack. I will enjoy being out of school tomorrow to celebrate your marriage! I hope the weather is great, the guests generous, and the love abundant.

My students wrote letters to their mothers today for Mother's Day. The following is my favorite:

Dear Mom,
Happy Mother’s Day. I hope you have safe trip. You are the best mom in the world. Thank you for everything you buy me. I like when you cook ribs. Love, ---------

Its the simple things, isn't it? I'm starting to wonder what kinds of letters Grant will come home with in a few years. What will he thank me for? What will he love about me? What sorts of strange things will he tell his teachers about home? I know all sorts of things about my students' families that would probably make them blush. I hope Grant and our other children have some sense of discretion.

Today I learned that a game of Monopoly with the assistant principal can make a student's day.

My Cutie Pie

I bought Henry a new toy recently- its made just like a tennis ball. Not the same shape, though. He just loves it. It comes up to bed with him every night- I keep stepping on it during my many trips to the bathroom.

Henry taking a break- its such hard work to keep a wild toy under control. Its like watching a rodeo.

I love this one- he put his paw through and started gnawing on the toy. Then he couldn't get his paw out. Bless his heart- he's not all that bright.

Gas Update

29.8 miles per gallon. Ha!

Nursery Photos

Just for you, T...
Poor Henry. He's so confused by this whole thing.

Scary Man

I heard about this on the radio today, and I laughed so hard. I wonder where I can find my own weird folk singer for my classroom...

Bob Dylan reportedly scared the children at his grandson's kindergarten after treating the class to a live show.
The "It Ain't Me Babe" singer has allegedly been dubbed the "weird man" by children in the class, in the Los Angeles suburb Calabas, where his son Jakob Dylan's child attends.
A source told the New York Post newspaper: "The kids have been coming home and telling their parents about the weird man who keeps coming to class to sing scary songs on his guitar.
"He's been visiting the school just for fun, but the kids don't appreciate they are in the presence of a musical legend. They just think of him as the weird guitar guy."

We've had a nice weekend. Very low key. We went to a Cinco de Mayo get together on Friday at a friend's house. Yesterday we put up the changing table in the nursery, and I've been rearranging it every two hours until I have it how I think I want it. Which lasts for another two hours until I go back and move more stuff. I'm looking forward to the next week at school. Tomorrow is a work day- no students!- and Friday I'm off. Three days with the kids- not too bad.

Today I learned that Troy still makes awesome banana bread. There's nothing quite like the heel with butter. Mmmmm...