The long awaited Winter Break started for me on Dec. 18th, and I don't have to be back until January 4th. I could not believe how quickly first semester FLEW by! And I cannot believe I'll be writing 2010 on students' passes in so few days!
Aden and I headed to Belleville on Monday, 12/21. He's so good in the car! He sleeps for a little over an hour, usually, but mostly he just talks to himself, or sings, or plays with his car toys. Today, on our way home from Belleville, we were listening to music on the stereo (Beck - one of his favorite artists), and he said, "Turn it quiet, let's talk." So I said, "What do you want to talk about?" and he said, "Let's talk about Grandma's house!" Very cute. So, we discussed all the things we did this week, like play with new friends (my highschool buddies, Jeana and Keith, and their two cute kiddos), play with Uncle Marko, jump around at Monkey Joe's (indoor carnival)... but most importantly, and most puzzling, was to learn about Santa for the first time!
Aden had no words (as you may know, this is RARE) when I was explaining to him how Santa comes down the chimney to bring good boys like himself, presents. I didn't even get into the whole sleigh-and-reindeer thing. He just sort of stared at the chimney. Then we put out a snack and milk for Santa, of course, and he was super confused at that point. But on Christmas morning, he got excited about his presents, even if he still had no comments regarding how they got under the tree. I'll bet it will register next year! Too cute.
I had a great time seeing friends from town (Erin, Tony and Emelia; Alana and Sam; Jeana and Keith) and friends coming back too (John, Lauren and Dave) and family too! It was great to see cousins Carol and Jarrod - we had fun hitting the Belleville bars. Ryseff cousins James and Julia are doing good too! Aunts and Uncles, Aden's Great Grandparents... poor Aden was SO overstimulated on Christmas Day night, he had an early bedtime. We all really missed the Marys Miles, Connie and Leo. They're still quarantined due to the babies' risk for getting quite sick from a common cold.
Can't wait for New Years - it is still my most favorite holiday in the year. And frankly, there is a hell of a lot about 2009 I can't wait to put behind me at the stroke of midnight. But there has been an awful lot to think back fondly on, and build on in 2010 too. Looking forward to another decade, for that matter too! See you all next year...
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Fall Back!
Looks like it's been about 5-6 weeks since my last post. We've been busy!
School has really turned around since the other Asst. Principal started in late Sept. Brent is great and I am so glad to have him on board with discipline and everyday stuff. We can finally breathe again in the office! Football season came to an end about two weeks ago, and basketball season doesn't start until mid-November, so I've also got a lot of free evenings coming up!
I did total my Pontiac Vibe when driving to a fieldtrip in Indy... whoops. Luckily, there were no serious injuries, and a very nice off-duty fire marshall took me three blocks away to the Children's Museum where our students and their teachers were. I was pretty shaken up, so Dave (my most excellent Special Ed. co-teacher) sat with me in the lobby - I love it when Dave ditches the students for me! I rode home with the kids on the bus with Aden's carseat in tow. What a day. But then I bought a Scion Xb - it's BRIGHT red and I like it a lot. :) Aden loves it, and thinks it looks like the Rocketship from Little Einsteins.
Speaking of Aden, he's been just a delightful 2-year-old lately. He uses very polite words to make his demands; when he wants more of something, he just keeps saying, "A little bit of more, please!?" repeatedly. Or, he'll say when asked if he's ready for a bath, "Oh maybe later, thanks." He's jumping around like nuts - very excited about b-b-b-b-b-boons, which is what he calls balloons. He did a great job at his birthday party at the Wonderlab - the science center for kids in Bloomington.
Mark and his girlfriend Meghan came to town for Jackie's and my Halloween party this weekend. We all went to dinner with Aden, and I realized how lucky I am to have a 2-year-old who can handle (happily!) eating out at a restaurant. He actually put on his Brobee costume and was super excited to Trick-or-Treat with his dad. Back at my house, the party was a ton of fun. The costumes were hilarious and it was great to let loose with my friends - new and old.
I still can't believe it's November 1st. This year is wrapping up quicker than expected! Enjoy the fall!
School has really turned around since the other Asst. Principal started in late Sept. Brent is great and I am so glad to have him on board with discipline and everyday stuff. We can finally breathe again in the office! Football season came to an end about two weeks ago, and basketball season doesn't start until mid-November, so I've also got a lot of free evenings coming up!
I did total my Pontiac Vibe when driving to a fieldtrip in Indy... whoops. Luckily, there were no serious injuries, and a very nice off-duty fire marshall took me three blocks away to the Children's Museum where our students and their teachers were. I was pretty shaken up, so Dave (my most excellent Special Ed. co-teacher) sat with me in the lobby - I love it when Dave ditches the students for me! I rode home with the kids on the bus with Aden's carseat in tow. What a day. But then I bought a Scion Xb - it's BRIGHT red and I like it a lot. :) Aden loves it, and thinks it looks like the Rocketship from Little Einsteins.
Speaking of Aden, he's been just a delightful 2-year-old lately. He uses very polite words to make his demands; when he wants more of something, he just keeps saying, "A little bit of more, please!?" repeatedly. Or, he'll say when asked if he's ready for a bath, "Oh maybe later, thanks." He's jumping around like nuts - very excited about b-b-b-b-b-boons, which is what he calls balloons. He did a great job at his birthday party at the Wonderlab - the science center for kids in Bloomington.
Mark and his girlfriend Meghan came to town for Jackie's and my Halloween party this weekend. We all went to dinner with Aden, and I realized how lucky I am to have a 2-year-old who can handle (happily!) eating out at a restaurant. He actually put on his Brobee costume and was super excited to Trick-or-Treat with his dad. Back at my house, the party was a ton of fun. The costumes were hilarious and it was great to let loose with my friends - new and old.
I still can't believe it's November 1st. This year is wrapping up quicker than expected! Enjoy the fall!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Awesome!
Yes - everything is pretty awesome right now, according to Aden. He loves saying, "Wow! That's awesome!" about anything he finds, well, awesome. For example, after Kay Kay told him she needed to clean his bum after a dirty diaper, he said, "My bum is clean - that's awesome!" He also thinks dates and raisins are awesome. Oh, and reading books. Easy to please!
Aden is becoming quite the conversationalist, especially with his cousin, Miles. Aden and I drove up to Matteson last weekend for a visit with the Marys, the new twins Connie and Leo, Miles, and we also got to see Grandma Linda and Zaide when they came over to visit! It was a wonderful weekend. Aden and Miles played SO NICELY together. Of course, there was the occasional screaming fit over a toy, but that was to be expected - they are 2, afterall. If Miles bumped into something, Aden would say, "You okay, Miles?" and Miles would call after Aden constantly if they were in separate rooms. I recall when they were babies, and Mary and I would say, "Can you imagine the day when they will just go off to the play room by themselves and play??" That day has come... and just in time because the Marys' hands are full with Connie and Leo!
Those two are the cutest twinsies EVER. Connie is just beautiful and feisty, and Leo is a happy little bowl of jelly. No other way to describe them! I, for one, have no idea how the Marys do it - but they do! Aden and I hope to make trips up over the winter, as they will be fairly well quarantined due to the babies' immune systems and flu season. Can't wait to see them again!
Zaide Joe had his hands full swinging the boys on the rope swing outside. I think he did most of the swinging, because the boys tended to let go immediately upon lift-off. Aden was so excited to see Grandma and Zaide - he kept saying "Zaide swings!" when we got back. That was fun!
Well - it's been a busy week. Monday night I supervised a volleyball game, Tuesday was a football game and tonight was the Fall Open House. I'm beat, and looking forward to chillin' with Aden for the next two evenings. Our new Asst. Principal starts Monday, so I'll finally be able to get my head above water. Of course, things are really going great and I'm getting to know our new 7th graders (my sevies!), who are funny and lively, good athletes, and know where to draw the line with over-the-top behavior. I'm about ready to give up enforcing dress code, though! (Keep the 'girls' locked up, ladies!) Ha! Can't wait for winter and, hopefully, turtlenecks.
Loving this beautiful end-of-summer weather... really looking forward to the weekend... time for bed!
Aden is becoming quite the conversationalist, especially with his cousin, Miles. Aden and I drove up to Matteson last weekend for a visit with the Marys, the new twins Connie and Leo, Miles, and we also got to see Grandma Linda and Zaide when they came over to visit! It was a wonderful weekend. Aden and Miles played SO NICELY together. Of course, there was the occasional screaming fit over a toy, but that was to be expected - they are 2, afterall. If Miles bumped into something, Aden would say, "You okay, Miles?" and Miles would call after Aden constantly if they were in separate rooms. I recall when they were babies, and Mary and I would say, "Can you imagine the day when they will just go off to the play room by themselves and play??" That day has come... and just in time because the Marys' hands are full with Connie and Leo!
Those two are the cutest twinsies EVER. Connie is just beautiful and feisty, and Leo is a happy little bowl of jelly. No other way to describe them! I, for one, have no idea how the Marys do it - but they do! Aden and I hope to make trips up over the winter, as they will be fairly well quarantined due to the babies' immune systems and flu season. Can't wait to see them again!
Zaide Joe had his hands full swinging the boys on the rope swing outside. I think he did most of the swinging, because the boys tended to let go immediately upon lift-off. Aden was so excited to see Grandma and Zaide - he kept saying "Zaide swings!" when we got back. That was fun!
Well - it's been a busy week. Monday night I supervised a volleyball game, Tuesday was a football game and tonight was the Fall Open House. I'm beat, and looking forward to chillin' with Aden for the next two evenings. Our new Asst. Principal starts Monday, so I'll finally be able to get my head above water. Of course, things are really going great and I'm getting to know our new 7th graders (my sevies!), who are funny and lively, good athletes, and know where to draw the line with over-the-top behavior. I'm about ready to give up enforcing dress code, though! (Keep the 'girls' locked up, ladies!) Ha! Can't wait for winter and, hopefully, turtlenecks.
Loving this beautiful end-of-summer weather... really looking forward to the weekend... time for bed!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Updates
Good morning! It is 6:40am, and I am almost done cooking up 2 pounds of bacon and 18 sausage links for the office staff pitch-in breakfast. Of course, it was only when I got home from supervising last night's first BMS football game at 9:45, completely exhausted, that I remembered I had to do the bacon and sausage. And I had none in the house. SO - I got to go to Kroger at 6am! I think it's my new favorite time to shop, though. Pretty quiet. But the pitch-in is worth it, I just love the people I'm working with! And Lynn is bringing cinnamon rolls, so it's definitely worth it.
Aden has made big strides recently! No more pacifier at bed or nap times! That was very exciting, because he's the one who wanted to throw it away. I was also calling him the kissing bandit recently. At KK's house, he would hit his girlfriends, just so that he could kiss them and say he was sorry. Unbelieveable! It was hilarious, because he was just barely tapping their arm, then saying, "I sorry. I kiss it, make it better." Then he'd go in for a lip lock in some cases. Oh my my. Jackie calls it the Hit-n-kiss move. Probably only appropriate for 2 year olds.
We've got some exciting plans coming up! Aden and I are going to Matteson to visit the Marys, Miles and Connie and Leo in September! Everyone is also excited to see Joe, Linda, Natalie and Kellen too! (Alan, are you coming? Hope so!) It'll be quite the crowd of kiddos. Looking forward to it. And then, of course, Aden's birthday is coming up. It will be at WonderLab, the children's science museum here in town. It's one of Aden's favorite spots, and although he doesn't understand yet what a birthday is, he knows there will be a party at WonderLab and that makes him happy!
Okay - I've burned a batch of bacon, so I better go mind the stovetop.
Aden has made big strides recently! No more pacifier at bed or nap times! That was very exciting, because he's the one who wanted to throw it away. I was also calling him the kissing bandit recently. At KK's house, he would hit his girlfriends, just so that he could kiss them and say he was sorry. Unbelieveable! It was hilarious, because he was just barely tapping their arm, then saying, "I sorry. I kiss it, make it better." Then he'd go in for a lip lock in some cases. Oh my my. Jackie calls it the Hit-n-kiss move. Probably only appropriate for 2 year olds.
We've got some exciting plans coming up! Aden and I are going to Matteson to visit the Marys, Miles and Connie and Leo in September! Everyone is also excited to see Joe, Linda, Natalie and Kellen too! (Alan, are you coming? Hope so!) It'll be quite the crowd of kiddos. Looking forward to it. And then, of course, Aden's birthday is coming up. It will be at WonderLab, the children's science museum here in town. It's one of Aden's favorite spots, and although he doesn't understand yet what a birthday is, he knows there will be a party at WonderLab and that makes him happy!
Okay - I've burned a batch of bacon, so I better go mind the stovetop.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Back to School - Already??!!
Aden and I have wrapped up our summer. It's sad, I know.
I was in Sacramento for a very cool conference in mid-July. It was 101 degrees out, but with that dry air... well, you know what they say. I am such a Midwesterner, though, that my contacts were fried to my eyes by Tuesday, and I had a scratchy throat by Wednesday. I need humidity.
The hotel we stayed at was directly across the street from the state capitol building, and we learned that Arnold Schwarzenegger lived in the 14th floor penthouse - not in the Gov.'s mansion. Sure enough, we stumbled upon Arnold and entourage having dinner by the pool on Wednesday evening! You know - he's only 5'10!! That was the only celebrity sighting in glamorous (really?) Sacramento.
Aden was staying home with Daddy and KK, as well as Grandma Linda and Zaide. He had a GREAT time, and probably didn't even notice I was gone. The week after I got back was our last official week of summer. We did the usual pool, park, library, Wonderlab routine, and had a great time. Aden is such an observer - his attention span is loooonnnng! Some things I've been noticing about him lately are that he is fascinated with studying small things he can get a hold of, he narrates everything he does right as he does it, and he has no desire to take physical risks! He is definitely not a "climber," as they say. Just a sweet little guy who loves to cuddle and give kisses, and will talk your ear off! Sometimes I wonder if he'll stop talking long enough to eat.
I am back in the office and school starts on August 10th. Early start, early dismissal! My principal, Paul White, has resigned and moved to a different school in Southern Indiana. I will really miss him - he was an excellent leader. Our other Asst. Principal and Athletic Director, Eric, will be taking the helm, which is the best possible transition. A very exciting time for everyone... even though we're SO SHORT HANDED! My job has doubled, but this is only temporary. I am sure we'll replace Eric's position by mid-Sept. And kids are always angels at the beginning of the year, right? I won't have any discipline issues to deal with, right?
I'm not sure what traveling I'll be doing until September, when I'd like to either go home to Belleville or up to see the Marys and their brood. Time to buckle up here in Bloomington and get ready for school to start!
I was in Sacramento for a very cool conference in mid-July. It was 101 degrees out, but with that dry air... well, you know what they say. I am such a Midwesterner, though, that my contacts were fried to my eyes by Tuesday, and I had a scratchy throat by Wednesday. I need humidity.
The hotel we stayed at was directly across the street from the state capitol building, and we learned that Arnold Schwarzenegger lived in the 14th floor penthouse - not in the Gov.'s mansion. Sure enough, we stumbled upon Arnold and entourage having dinner by the pool on Wednesday evening! You know - he's only 5'10!! That was the only celebrity sighting in glamorous (really?) Sacramento.
Aden was staying home with Daddy and KK, as well as Grandma Linda and Zaide. He had a GREAT time, and probably didn't even notice I was gone. The week after I got back was our last official week of summer. We did the usual pool, park, library, Wonderlab routine, and had a great time. Aden is such an observer - his attention span is loooonnnng! Some things I've been noticing about him lately are that he is fascinated with studying small things he can get a hold of, he narrates everything he does right as he does it, and he has no desire to take physical risks! He is definitely not a "climber," as they say. Just a sweet little guy who loves to cuddle and give kisses, and will talk your ear off! Sometimes I wonder if he'll stop talking long enough to eat.
I am back in the office and school starts on August 10th. Early start, early dismissal! My principal, Paul White, has resigned and moved to a different school in Southern Indiana. I will really miss him - he was an excellent leader. Our other Asst. Principal and Athletic Director, Eric, will be taking the helm, which is the best possible transition. A very exciting time for everyone... even though we're SO SHORT HANDED! My job has doubled, but this is only temporary. I am sure we'll replace Eric's position by mid-Sept. And kids are always angels at the beginning of the year, right? I won't have any discipline issues to deal with, right?
I'm not sure what traveling I'll be doing until September, when I'd like to either go home to Belleville or up to see the Marys and their brood. Time to buckle up here in Bloomington and get ready for school to start!
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Midsummer Update
Greetings from Bloomington... Aden is fast asleep, lulled to dreamland by the Bloomington Speedway Friday Night Special. Really - it shakes our glassware, the stock car races are so close. But we love it! Can't sleep without the roaring of the engines every Friday night. You wouldn't catch me dead there, however. Not really my scene.
New roomie Jackie will finish moving in tomorrow! Aden is excited to hear the garage door open and always greets her with a coy little smile and "Hi Jackie!" He wanted to hang out with her today when she was organizing her spices in the kitchen - we let him smell the cinnamon, which went up his nose and in his mouth somehow, in a matter of about .8 seconds. I don't know if he smelled anything, though, because he has caught a midsummer cold. Runny nose - nothing Benadryl can't help.
We have been having a great time at the pool! Aden plays by himself for a good three or four minutes before he looks for me at the edge of the water. Not quite enough time for me to enjoy a leisurely read, or even flip through a magazine, or small pamphlet, actually. I don't take my eyes off of him. Worried he'll get into it with a three-year-old. I'll have to get a camera so I can get some cute pics of him in the pool.
Aden has been counting to 15 lately!! I highly doubt he understands the value of the numbers, or anything like that, but I'm glad he has the sequence memorized! Pretty cool! He's also getting better at singing. He can do the words and somewhat of a rhythm for a few songs now, which is fun.
I'm off to California Sunday morning at 4:45am! Looking forward to the conference - especially after the itinerary was emailed to us. Whoa, will we have a lot of free time! Sunday is totally open, Monday doesn't really have more than a lecture from 3-5pm, and the rest of the week is just about 8:30 - 4pm! Yay! (I'm going to have to remind myself that I have no spending money available right now... this will be tough!)
And another update about me - yes, yes, I am now on Facebook. If you're reading this blog, you're probably aware of it. I've caught up to 2007. Hooray for me!
Too bad I had to miss the 2nd Kurt Mueller Memorial Concert! It was Thursday, July 9th in Belleville, and they had a great reggae band again. Apparently, it went off without a hitch in the sweltering heat, and everyone had a wonderful time. I know Kurt would have. I miss him a lot lately. He would have been a calming presence for me during this crazy time. Actually, just thinking about him is calming. I'll just have to do that.
Time for bed! Busy day tomorrow - Farmer's Market with the Makis, play time with Aden, and then I have to pack for Cali. Good night.
New roomie Jackie will finish moving in tomorrow! Aden is excited to hear the garage door open and always greets her with a coy little smile and "Hi Jackie!" He wanted to hang out with her today when she was organizing her spices in the kitchen - we let him smell the cinnamon, which went up his nose and in his mouth somehow, in a matter of about .8 seconds. I don't know if he smelled anything, though, because he has caught a midsummer cold. Runny nose - nothing Benadryl can't help.
We have been having a great time at the pool! Aden plays by himself for a good three or four minutes before he looks for me at the edge of the water. Not quite enough time for me to enjoy a leisurely read, or even flip through a magazine, or small pamphlet, actually. I don't take my eyes off of him. Worried he'll get into it with a three-year-old. I'll have to get a camera so I can get some cute pics of him in the pool.
Aden has been counting to 15 lately!! I highly doubt he understands the value of the numbers, or anything like that, but I'm glad he has the sequence memorized! Pretty cool! He's also getting better at singing. He can do the words and somewhat of a rhythm for a few songs now, which is fun.
I'm off to California Sunday morning at 4:45am! Looking forward to the conference - especially after the itinerary was emailed to us. Whoa, will we have a lot of free time! Sunday is totally open, Monday doesn't really have more than a lecture from 3-5pm, and the rest of the week is just about 8:30 - 4pm! Yay! (I'm going to have to remind myself that I have no spending money available right now... this will be tough!)
And another update about me - yes, yes, I am now on Facebook. If you're reading this blog, you're probably aware of it. I've caught up to 2007. Hooray for me!
Too bad I had to miss the 2nd Kurt Mueller Memorial Concert! It was Thursday, July 9th in Belleville, and they had a great reggae band again. Apparently, it went off without a hitch in the sweltering heat, and everyone had a wonderful time. I know Kurt would have. I miss him a lot lately. He would have been a calming presence for me during this crazy time. Actually, just thinking about him is calming. I'll just have to do that.
Time for bed! Busy day tomorrow - Farmer's Market with the Makis, play time with Aden, and then I have to pack for Cali. Good night.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Even Aden is Sweating
Aden and I had more adventures this past week... Each day, he did something very impressive, and I'm sorry, but this blog post is going to be a mommy brag post. I hate to do it, but come on! I have to every now and then! It's been a SCORCHING week - close to 100 daily.
I was really proud of Aden for being so independent in the baby pool at the park this past week. He waded in up to his waist (doesn't go any deeper than that anyway) and played nice with another kid. He even let me SIT on the edge of the pool and watch him for like 15 minutes. Such independence!! Yay! He also braved the mushroom waterfall, which I thought would freak him out. Little victories.
I also noticed some developing conversation skills. His cousin Kate (John and Colleen's youngest) was talking to him at the family reunion. She said, I like cheetos! and Aden looked at her and the cheetos and said, I like cheetos too! I was so impressed with the way he said, "too!" He wasn't just mimicking her, he was responding to a comment. Once again, Yay!
Okay - so here is the reality check. Aden was SUPER cranky, and pulled some really "two-year-old" moments as well. He flipped out over a couple of meals that just didn't meet his standards, and he caused my right arm to go numb since I had to hold his hand while driving from Belleville to Bloomington. I think I have nerve damage, and this doesn't help the inevitable onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
He loved being with "Gampa Lyndey," "Gamma Kiss," and "Marko Marko," and was very friendly toward my cousin's kids as well. Lauren (Elaine and Judd's youngest) had the cutest smile when Aden gave her a hug and a kiss. She is a doll! The reunion was great - Betty and Roger are wonderful hosts! I really enjoyed spending time with Tom and Lillie too (who stayed at my parents' house once the AC was back up and running.....)
Looks like the weather is cooling off. Aden and I plan on doing the same old, same old... pool, park, library, Wonderlab, walks and playtime at home. If I am feeling brave, we might try finger painting this week.
Happy Fourth of July!
I was really proud of Aden for being so independent in the baby pool at the park this past week. He waded in up to his waist (doesn't go any deeper than that anyway) and played nice with another kid. He even let me SIT on the edge of the pool and watch him for like 15 minutes. Such independence!! Yay! He also braved the mushroom waterfall, which I thought would freak him out. Little victories.
I also noticed some developing conversation skills. His cousin Kate (John and Colleen's youngest) was talking to him at the family reunion. She said, I like cheetos! and Aden looked at her and the cheetos and said, I like cheetos too! I was so impressed with the way he said, "too!" He wasn't just mimicking her, he was responding to a comment. Once again, Yay!
Okay - so here is the reality check. Aden was SUPER cranky, and pulled some really "two-year-old" moments as well. He flipped out over a couple of meals that just didn't meet his standards, and he caused my right arm to go numb since I had to hold his hand while driving from Belleville to Bloomington. I think I have nerve damage, and this doesn't help the inevitable onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
He loved being with "Gampa Lyndey," "Gamma Kiss," and "Marko Marko," and was very friendly toward my cousin's kids as well. Lauren (Elaine and Judd's youngest) had the cutest smile when Aden gave her a hug and a kiss. She is a doll! The reunion was great - Betty and Roger are wonderful hosts! I really enjoyed spending time with Tom and Lillie too (who stayed at my parents' house once the AC was back up and running.....)
Looks like the weather is cooling off. Aden and I plan on doing the same old, same old... pool, park, library, Wonderlab, walks and playtime at home. If I am feeling brave, we might try finger painting this week.
Happy Fourth of July!
Friday, June 19, 2009
First Week of Vacation!
This past week was my first week off of school. Aden and I have had a wonderful week! We kicked it off with a trip to Lake Monroe with my friend (lucky new retiree!) Susan and her great nephew, Nathan. Nathan is three, and an official "Big Boy," so, of course, Aden had a great time mimicking him. Oh, and Aden also loved sharing toys with him. BBBWWWAAHAHAHAH! Not really. But Aden did a great job - even going into the lake up to his waist pretty much by himself! Susan grilled us some cod after our fun in the sun and we all had a great time.
Tuesday, we played in the gym at school (oh, how I love having a master key!) and then played at Michelle's house while we had an Ophelia Project meeting. That is the group I helped to start in our county in 2003. We've received several grants to work to raise awareness about bullying and relational aggression among kids, and adults.
Wednesday, Aden was SO EXCITED to see his Zoe. She's his number one sitter, and he was thrilled she brought her Tony along to play too, while I ran errands. Aden gave them both hugs and kisses when they left. Aden also attached right away to Jackie - new roomie - when she came by. He hugged her around the legs right away. Never seen him do that before! He was smitten.
Thursday, Aden got to see his BFF from KK's, Megan (he says it like this: "May-GUN") at her house for a play date. Megan is totally into vacuuming and sweeping, and so is Aden! So, they "cleaned house" while Megan's mom, Shannon, and I talked. They were super cute when it came to sharing. At least Megan was - Aden was really happy when she shared her toys with him, but he wasn't quite ready to reciprocate. We'll get there!
And today, we hit the library, bagel shop, and Kroger's before 10am... followed by a monster nap (three hours for BOTH of us! YAY!) and a wonderful time at Dave's house out in the country. Dave's grandaughter, Lyla, was there. She is a gorgeous 7 month old, and she and Aden did indeed lock lips at one point. Dave had two little ducklings we played with, we checked out his cool chickens, his dogs and cats, and even went for a little boat ride in his pond. Aden had a ball. He's such a mellow guy - he fits right in with Dave.
Great news from the Marys! Baby Connie came home, and so now the Marys' family is all under one roof - healthy and happy (if not a bit tired). Can't wait to see them again soon!
Grandma Kris is coming for a visit this weekend - I think we'll hit the Taste of Bloomington and our Art Fair on the Square. Aden will also enjoy Father's Day with his Daddy - he made him a very nice little present to mark the occasion.
Looking forward to Week 2 of summer vacation!
Tuesday, we played in the gym at school (oh, how I love having a master key!) and then played at Michelle's house while we had an Ophelia Project meeting. That is the group I helped to start in our county in 2003. We've received several grants to work to raise awareness about bullying and relational aggression among kids, and adults.
Wednesday, Aden was SO EXCITED to see his Zoe. She's his number one sitter, and he was thrilled she brought her Tony along to play too, while I ran errands. Aden gave them both hugs and kisses when they left. Aden also attached right away to Jackie - new roomie - when she came by. He hugged her around the legs right away. Never seen him do that before! He was smitten.
Thursday, Aden got to see his BFF from KK's, Megan (he says it like this: "May-GUN") at her house for a play date. Megan is totally into vacuuming and sweeping, and so is Aden! So, they "cleaned house" while Megan's mom, Shannon, and I talked. They were super cute when it came to sharing. At least Megan was - Aden was really happy when she shared her toys with him, but he wasn't quite ready to reciprocate. We'll get there!
And today, we hit the library, bagel shop, and Kroger's before 10am... followed by a monster nap (three hours for BOTH of us! YAY!) and a wonderful time at Dave's house out in the country. Dave's grandaughter, Lyla, was there. She is a gorgeous 7 month old, and she and Aden did indeed lock lips at one point. Dave had two little ducklings we played with, we checked out his cool chickens, his dogs and cats, and even went for a little boat ride in his pond. Aden had a ball. He's such a mellow guy - he fits right in with Dave.
Great news from the Marys! Baby Connie came home, and so now the Marys' family is all under one roof - healthy and happy (if not a bit tired). Can't wait to see them again soon!
Grandma Kris is coming for a visit this weekend - I think we'll hit the Taste of Bloomington and our Art Fair on the Square. Aden will also enjoy Father's Day with his Daddy - he made him a very nice little present to mark the occasion.
Looking forward to Week 2 of summer vacation!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Starting Over...
So, I'm starting the blog (among other things) over again. Let's just get right to it, shall we?
Aden and I are ready to embark on our summer journey! We plan to play outside A LOT, go to the many parks we enjoy, go to pools, visit Lake Monroe, hang out at the Public Library, and of course, WonderLab. We've got quite an agenda...and it might include potty training at the end of the summer!!!! We'll see about that.
Aden's favorite park has a wonderful playground, a great teeter-totter, and two features others may not think are cool, but we do. First, there is a short tunnel along one of the walking paths. Aden LOVES to go to the tunnel and just yell and clap and stomp his feet. It cracks him up to hear the echo. The second thing he loves is to take a path through the woods to the creek, where he can enjoy throwing rocks and pebbles into Jackson Creek. He gets a fistfull of pebbles, winds up (drops half of them on his shoulder) and throws into the water, which he sometimes hits; mostly he drops the other half on the bank. I usually cheer him on and collect fossils and crinoid stems.
I'll be busy re-settling into my house. Aden and I will have a new roomate, Jackie. Jackie is a second-year Language Arts teacher at my school, and she'll be living in our remodeled basement and sharing the kitchen. I'm looking forward to getting to know Jackie - she's smart and funny and I'm glad she's moving in! I'll also be going to Sacramento for a week-long training on AVID, a program we're implementing for at-risk youth, focusing on executive functioning skills, organization, and motivation. Am I freaking out about being gone from Aden for 5 nights and 6 days? Uh, yeah! But he'll be with his KK, Grandma Linda and Zaide, so I know I have nothing to worry about. Oh, and he's getting better about "talking" on the phone.
Looking forward to seeing the Muellers/Cadys/Seals at Betty and Roger's in late June! We can't wait for these fun family get-togethers. I hope to visit the Marys and their ever growing brood again before school starts.
Summer is officially here!!!!
Aden and I are ready to embark on our summer journey! We plan to play outside A LOT, go to the many parks we enjoy, go to pools, visit Lake Monroe, hang out at the Public Library, and of course, WonderLab. We've got quite an agenda...and it might include potty training at the end of the summer!!!! We'll see about that.
Aden's favorite park has a wonderful playground, a great teeter-totter, and two features others may not think are cool, but we do. First, there is a short tunnel along one of the walking paths. Aden LOVES to go to the tunnel and just yell and clap and stomp his feet. It cracks him up to hear the echo. The second thing he loves is to take a path through the woods to the creek, where he can enjoy throwing rocks and pebbles into Jackson Creek. He gets a fistfull of pebbles, winds up (drops half of them on his shoulder) and throws into the water, which he sometimes hits; mostly he drops the other half on the bank. I usually cheer him on and collect fossils and crinoid stems.
I'll be busy re-settling into my house. Aden and I will have a new roomate, Jackie. Jackie is a second-year Language Arts teacher at my school, and she'll be living in our remodeled basement and sharing the kitchen. I'm looking forward to getting to know Jackie - she's smart and funny and I'm glad she's moving in! I'll also be going to Sacramento for a week-long training on AVID, a program we're implementing for at-risk youth, focusing on executive functioning skills, organization, and motivation. Am I freaking out about being gone from Aden for 5 nights and 6 days? Uh, yeah! But he'll be with his KK, Grandma Linda and Zaide, so I know I have nothing to worry about. Oh, and he's getting better about "talking" on the phone.
Looking forward to seeing the Muellers/Cadys/Seals at Betty and Roger's in late June! We can't wait for these fun family get-togethers. I hope to visit the Marys and their ever growing brood again before school starts.
Summer is officially here!!!!
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