The Second Time Around

So, here we are again, awaiting the arrival of a new little one.  This time there are three of us feeling the baby move, talking to the baby, and giving kisses to my belly every day.  This time there are three of us in on conversations about car seats and sleeping situations, clothes and diapers. 

There are new and different things being done with this pregnancy, and there are things I haven't done at all or haven't done with as much vigor as the last time.

1.  Belly pictures.  I started having Dustin take pictures every 2 weeks when I hit 6 weeks with August.  This time I took my first one at 16 weeks, and then forgot at 18.  We'll shoot for another one at 20 weeks.  The shirt is the same though.  It's easier to see how much bigger I am this time around!  :)

2.  Reading the pregnancy book.  I read it cover to cover last time.  I've read many portions again, this time around, but I'm just relishing in the simple fact that this one is growing each and every day.  We found out I was pregnant quicker than I did with August.  You know more the second time around.  I will be re-reading my labor book again though!

3.  Pregnancy announcement.  It was so easy the first time.  We stood there.  We didn't even have to smile, and we were wearing our props.  Add a toddler and my perfect expectation on a hot sticky day...YEESH!  It still turned out very nice, but not quite hitting the perfect expectation I was hoping for, no fault to our fabulous photographer.

4.  The heat.  Yuck!  With August I spent the early hours of those hot, hot days in our garden and then would be comfortably spending the rest of the day in the house.  I wanted to walk every morning this summer.  We went exactly 2 times.  I couldn't do the heat.  Too much sweat and it just took my breath away.  Dustin was my savior every night when he would come home and take August outside to play or to the lake to cool off.

5.  Baby quilts.  Last time, I was convinced it was a girl.  I had the girl quilt finished and I was still on embroidery block 8 of 12 when we found out we were having a boy.  I did not quilt August's baby quilt.  It was quilted by the ladies of the Sigourney Historical Society which holds a very special place in my heart.  This time, I am happy to report that both quilts are done.  I used one of my Great Grandma Strupp's cookie cutters to stencils 18 oak leaves on.  We will be ready for whatever God is blessing us with!

6.  August heard a different hymn every night as I lay in bed.  This poor younger sibling has basically only heard Deep and Wide when August and I sing before bed!  :)  This one, very much like August, loves worship time during church!  They both moved around like crazy during that time.  I think this will be one of the pregnancy memories that I will cherish the most!

7.  I really didn't buy much for maternity clothes.  I wore leggings and dresses the most.  Not possible this time.  I am promoting how much I love my maternity underwear and I'm never going back to regular!  So comfy and I didn't realize how sensitive my stretch marks still were until I switched to these.  So much better!  I now have jeans that I love and feel so comfortable and confident in and I bought dress pants!  This girl is ready for school!  I also started wearing maternity jeans at the beginning of June.  I didn't fight it at all this time.

8.  Pillows rule!  I used tons last time, and this time, I updated to an actual pregnancy body pillow and I have no regrets.  I'm not giving this up either after babe is born!

We are still filled with so much excitement and anticipation as we await the arrival of our new little one!  I'm not filled with a ton of joy about being gone in the middle of the year again, but having the gross feeling first trimester during the summer was great timing! 

The Village People

No, I'm not about to burst into the YMCA.

They say it takes a village to raise a child.  This post is about all of the people in our village. This post is dedicated to all of those groups and individuals outside of our family that love our son.

When we are out and about we come into contact with so many people in our day.  Many of my co-workers see my little guy over the summer when we are in town and at the garden.  Just taking the time to talk to my son makes my heart melt!  I love how he is starting to be a little more brave and I don't always have to be the 'translator' between him and new people.  And this summer we started what I'm sure will be a long-standing tradition during the summer months.  We have play dates with all of our littles!  We pass along diapers, clothes, books, and toys between each other.  We swap stories and advice while the kids play. 

One of our country neighbors is one of Dustin's best friends.  August loves to go see Derek!  Derek has cats that he can actually pet and carry around, and cows.  Derek has given him birthday presents and little knick knacks from time to time.  August tells me all the time who gave him his little cement mixer!  The last time we went over, August helped pick up some sticks, and Derek gave him $10! 

The library ladies are so welcoming!  They are so patient when August doesn't really want to give up a book for them to scan and he always comes away with stickers!  They've given him toys their grandkids have outgrown, and a Thomas book that was very loved, but withdrawn from the shelf.  They are always so excited to see him come through the door and he is becoming more talkative with them too.

August LOVES to go to church!  Our church family is so welcoming!  They are so attentive when he is showing them a picture he colored during the service and somebody usually slides over to keep an eye on him when I go up front to read the verses of the day.  Sheri knows what to stock for goodies in the basket and has been known to have a package of fruit snacks or M&M's in her purse too!

August has so many of our friends that have and will continue to pour into him.  They live here in Tama, Sigourney or all over the United States.  He is well loved, and so many times these individuals come to the rescue at just the moment I'm at my wits end.

The other day I was at Taco John's and was finishing my meal when a co-worker and her little girl walked in.  As I got up and threw my trash away, I walked over to say hi.  Her little girl opened her arms up to me and leaned over.  I was so excited!!  She's only been around me twice!  I was also so glad she came because her mom had her hands full with a sippy cup and an empty drink cup.  Her mom was so happy because she didn't know how she was going to accomplish everything, especially when the food came.  I was just happy to help!  I feel like as a mom, we've all been there.  Our hands our full with a child, a cup or two, maybe a purse, and our food will be coming.  I was even able to walk the little girl back to her table while her mom got the food.  I told her this is what the village is for! 

Even if you don't realize the difference you are making in a child's life, their parents do.  Be the village to someone you know with a small child or children, even if it is a small thing.  You never know how big of a difference it makes!

Extra Noise

So, in case you've forgotten, August LOVES Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.  It's one of the 3 shows I have set to record every episode for him.  I've been geeking out over it lately too.  I'll be one of the first in line when You Are My Friend comes out.

Anyway, in the middle of February, PBS was celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mister Rogers debuting on TV.  I recorded the episodes that week and watched them with August.  They were so relaxing to watch!  I was all excited to see the puppets and sing along.  These episodes were some from the 70's so it was pretty fun to see the costumes too!

As Mister Rogers talked, it was usually just him talking.  Today in kids shows a lot of the talking has a small amount of music playing in the background.  There were also long pauses between things.  It was very calming.  Throughout the years, more noise has been added and added to the things we watch and it's introduced earlier and earlier.

I'll admit, our TV is on the majority of the time.  A lot of the time it's just noise.  Right now I'm in another room while the TV is on and no one is watching it.  When we are in the living room watching TV, chances are we are doing other things while we watch.  I might be doing puzzles with August, we might be reading books to him, folding laundry, playing farm, sewing.  A lot of the time, we just have it on for noise.

Last summer, our TV went out of commission and it was over a month before we got it replaced.  It was quiet and when we did replace it, I forgot how loud it was with a TV!

What are we missing when the TV has added noise?  I think about the pauses on Mister Rogers when he was talking about a life lesson and emotions.  Those pauses give kids time to process.  Time to reflect. 

When I go without the TV or radio...or an audio book, it gives me time to process and reflect as well.  There are times when I shut things off in the car and just sit and pray as I drive.  There are times on Saturday mornings that I get up earlier and do something involving my hands where I can also just think and pray.  There are many times at my desk at work that I just stare at a brick while I think about what to do next.

God calls us to be still to know Him.  Psalm 46:10- Be still, and know that I am God.  Typically when I think of be still, I think still my body and rest in His presence.  How often do we take it that step further and cut out the noise that can keep us from being still?  It is my goal to cut out some of the extra noise in my life to help me be still.

Toddler Mom Workout

If anyone knows me, they know I don't work out.  I literally laugh in a person's face if they ask if I do, or if I want to go workout with them.  Working out has never been my thing.  But, I do have a toddler running around my house, so I have developed this workout plan which is always different (that's supposed to be good, right?), and it does happen every day.

-August emptied out a whole 24 pack of Pepsi on Friday night.  I had him walk back and forth across the kitchen bringing them to the fridge where I picked him up so he could put them on the top shelf.  A little twisting while lifting thrown in and it was great!

-The Laundry Helper Routine-  Another lifting one I do at least twice a week is when Owliee needs a bath.  This involves lifting him into the basket or holding him over the washer where he can toss his stuffed animal into the washer.  Bonus?  When he wants to stay there longer to watch the water fill the washer.

-The Public Bathroom Routine-  Lifting him up to the changing station and keeping him there.  On Sunday he thought this needed a little jazzing up and crawled under the door.  Reach and pull!  And a big YUCK!  You also need to wash and dry hands.

-The Potty Training Routine-  When you are lifting a little onto the toilet and they decide mid lift that they want to stand.  Legs everywhere, but no where you need them.

-The Dropped Stuffed Animal Routine-  This one basically only/always happens on the way to his crib for a nap or bedtime.  You have to bend over while holding a little over their stuffed animal so they can get them.  He loves to make this one longer by 'missing' him or dropping him repeatedly.

-The Getting Dressed in Snow Clothes Routine-  This one always makes me break a sweat!  Especially when he wants to do it himself for 2 minutes and then asks for help, and then changes his mind...multiple times.

These are just a few of my 'exercise' routines.  They keep me very active, but I know I am still out of shape!  :)

Little House on the Prairie

It is finally finished!  I loved spending a cold, snowy, early out day putting the final stitches in my Little House on the Prairie quilt!  I started reading the Little House series in 3rd grade and have re-read them a few times since then.  I also have one student who I can geek out with because she loves the series and is so excited for me to show her the whole quilt instead of just a block at a time!  :)

I found this quilt along about  year ago.  I was doing one of my many scrolls through Pinterest and certain blocks kept popping up with a Little House label and I checked it out.  This mom has made this quilt with her daughters as they read through the books together.  How sweet is that?!  Someday, I hope to make this quilt again with a little girl or two of my own.  I have so many floral fabrics from Grammy's stash, and I don't know if I could have found a better quilt to use so many of them in!  I only bought a couple of small pieces to make the blocks.  I didn't have any solid black and I used almost the entire fat quarter in the crow and music note.  I had a 5 yard chunk that I bought from Hen & Chicks a couple of years ago that was just perfect for the back!  I learned how to paper piece (eye roll) and I used templates for the first time.  I also used the (WAY) easier pattern for the Dove in the Window that involved zero 8 pointed stars.

This one is going to be entered in the Marshall County Fair this summer and I am keeping this one for me!  I don't keep quilts very often, but this one is all mine!

For a Toddler

In my house, if you record Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood for a toddler, he will want to watch episode after episode every day.  Watching it at daycare will not be enough.  He will ask for it as soon as he comes home.  If you are the parent watching Daniel Tiger with the toddler, you will inevitably have the theme song stuck on repeat in your head.  All day long.  And singing this in your head all day long will make you miss your little and have you counting down the hours until you can pick him up.  When you get home he will ask for Daniel Tiger and the process begins again.

August's vocabulary and ability to say near complete sentences has flourished recently!  Every night when we come home he asks very politely with his big brown eyes, "I wan iger," in that sweet, slurred, missing sounds toddler way of his.  Every now and then he throws in a 'please' and really, who can deny him his wishes at that point?  It's extra sweet when he brings the remote, as long as he's not hitting as many buttons as possible.

There is one book that is my saving grace in the car.  He has a little board book that has big machines in it.  Like 8 pages of combines, tractors, and construction equipment.  You would think he would get board after a while, right?  Nope, it's been in my car for at least a month and it's the first thing he grabs for when he gets in.  I can hear him reading the whole way to town and back home.  It is looking more than rough around the edges and when it finally falls apart, I won't be able to part with this little treasure.  It will get tucked in a box beside his foot prints, baptism certificate, and first shoes.  One of those sweet little treasures I'll keep and give back to him, someday.

I am so excited for the upcoming holiday season!  My mom found a shirt last year that is PERFECT for my child!  It says something about being mom's cookie taster.  That was quite literally one of his first words, and it is clear when he says 'cookie'!  He loves to bake with me and wants to sit on the counter and help dump ingredients into the mixer.  He knows where each grandma keeps their cookies and stands there asking politely for one until he gets it.  Not that he needs any to make him sweeter!

If you give my toddler anything food, he won't forget.  If you give my toddler a tractor ride, he won't forget.  If you give my toddler love and attention he will give it right back!

School Gardens

Many of you know that I have been posting pictures or comments about our school garden.  I am in charge of this project after the torch got handed to me at the end of last summer.  This year I have only had a couple of kids faithfully come, but that makes it all the more special for me.  I can pour into these few kids more specifically than a huge bunch.

One young girl that signed up to be a garden mentor basically apologizes for existing sometimes.  I have continually told her she doesn't need to apologize for anything when she comes to the garden unless it's something very serious.  My secret goal for her for the summer was to boost her confidence and her ability to be bold.  On the day that I took her and another student to fair, I talked to them about what to expect and things they could talk to the judges about and my own fair days.  She did not apologize once and was so confident when talking to the judges that she was asking the questions too!

I love building relationships with kids in the school that I wouldn't normally come into contact with.  When we get back to school, They have one more adult to come too and trust.  When we get back to school, the kids will continue to talk about the school garden.  Its so great to interact and teach these kids in a non-academic setting and see their dedication and pride as the summer marches on.

School gardens are an amazing project!  Ours started 3 years ago with a grant.  I remember that beautiful spring day with a few of us staff members building the garden beds.  I helped out a little that first summer during summer school.  The kids were so excited to get out and get dirty and take home some veggies.  Last year, I signed up to come every Thursday to help.  I hauled August along and he loved being there too!  That's the beauty of this project.  It's not just for the kids that attend school there.  It's a benefit to the teacher's kids, parents who come along to help, and to other family members that come with the students.  All of these different individuals working together for a common purpose is so cool!

Many of these kids don't know how vegetables they eat on a day to day basis look in their natural form.  Some of the things we've planted the last couple years are new to me as well, so I'm learning right along with the kids.  I've never eaten egg plant before.  We grew it last year and the plant looked pretty neat with beautiful blooms.  This year we planted okra.  I still have no idea what it will look like on the plant, but the plant itself is huge!

I will continue to advocate for our school garden and encourage kids to come.  They need a connection that keeps going after school is out for the summer.  They need a connection to each other, and they need a connection to their food.  Every school should have a school garden!

Berry Picking

It's that wonderful time of year again!  It's berry season!  Berry picking is one of my favorite summer pastimes and is quickly becoming a favorite of August's.

A few weeks ago we went and picked strawberries and August had so much fun!  We went with Whitney and Lynnae.  August instantly had strawberry juice on his white shirt-good choice, mom, and on his red and white sock.  He did pick and put many strawberries in the basket, some of them were a little green, but he knew what to do!  And then he tried to step on the strawberries...

And now it's time for black raspberries!   I picked one and gave him a bite and he was hooked!  August then started picking anything, even if it wasn't ready!  If he put one in the bucket, he took three out to put in his mouth!  He was reaching for the bucket the whole time.  We went the other day and I brought the carrier along just in case.  I snapped a branch and that was the end of him walking around.  He got so scared and a toddler throwing a fit in the berry patch is slightly terrifying!  He's at the stage where he sometimes throws himself down.  This was one of those time-and there are thorns EVERYWHERE!  It was hot packing him around on my back, but definitely safer!  I was worn out by the end!  Dustin went with us last night and got to pack August around.  He now understands a little bit more why I'm so tired at the end of the day!

Truth be told, we did not make it back to the house with very many berries at any given time, but we have been having so much fun!

Little Messmaker

'The world is mud-luscious and puddle wonderful.'  -E.E. Cummings

This quote completely sums up my little boy.

He LOVES being outside and is always gathering his shoes and requesting to go out.  We have spend loads of time in the garden and he loves it!  He wants to help me, a little too much.  He carries around his little rake and sticks digging at the dirt and pushing the cat down.  A man loves to bring you the smallest speck of dirt and will continue to give you more small specks, just because.

August is so attracted to puddles.  He loves his mud boots and has spent quite a bit of time belly-flopping after the rain.  And he gets in there quick as a whistle!  He then shoots that little grin filled with so much joy that it erases the fact that I just washed his white Nike shoes the day before and they are full of mud again.

And then there are meal times.  Spaghetti is the funniest to watch.  He INHALES that meal and very quickly requests for more.  That is definitely a no shirt required, followed by a bath type of night.

When we get up in the morning he gets changed right away and then I head into the kitchen to get breakfast ready.  Sometimes he joins me and other times I go to get him when its time to eat.  He very likely has almost every toy in his toy box out all over the floor.  It's oftentimes like a minefield in our living room.

This little boy has brought me so much joy and added so much purpose to my life, messes and all.

May Mishaps and Summer Struggles

So.  I have suddenly lapsed and fallen back into an ungraceful period that was basically all of my high school years.

It all started with a horseback ride.  I haven't ridden since last fall and this ride was wonderful!  Jenny rode like she typically would on the first ride of the spring.  She seemed a little lost at times since it was just me and her and she doesn't ever lead.  Over the next couple of days I was saddle sore.  This obviously wasn't my first rodeo, so I know what it's like to be saddle sore, and as I went back to work I knew something wasn't quite right.  My legs hurt.  All the way down.  On Tuesday I thought I was going to have to leave work early.  I was having a hard time walking and I felt like I was 9 months pregnant getting out of my chair.  And after plenty of ibuprofen, it finally eased away.

And then I fell.  August and I were walking back from the garden one day and I tripped on the gutter.  Did I mention I was holding him?  I managed to turn so he was up and he didn't hit the pavement at all, but I sure did.  I smacked my hand, elbow and hip.  Everything hurt, and just like before after a few days, everything got better...I thought.

And then I walked into my desk slide out...twice.  2 huge bruises on my thigh practically touching within a week of each other.  Smooth, I know.

And then I went on another horseback ride.  This one was a little different.  Jenny galloped and then bucked a time or two.  And I slammed back in the saddle.  HARD.  As soon as I gout out of the saddle, I was hurting.  My lower back was in bad shape and the pain came and went all weekend.  I thought I would be fine until I went to pick up August on Sunday night and my back spasmed and couldn't get him up on my hip.  Monday wasn't any better.  I went to the chiropractor and it turns out, my hips were all wonky.  I didn't know my body could pop so many times and I walked out feeling much better!

And then Chase pushed Dustin off the back of the boat to be funny and he cut his leg on the prop and had to get stitches.  Here's hoping that he quits milking that injury for all its worth real soon and we are done getting hurt this summer!

Garden Gloves and Grubby Hands

It's that glorious time of year where one can be outside more and more and enjoy so many fun activities.

One of my favorites is gardening!  I have really grown to love this pastime.  It gives so much satisfaction in working hard and harvesting veggies that feed my family.  The past two years I have helped in some way shape or form with the school garden.  This garden is planted by all the kids at school and they are welcome to come during the summer to help tend it.  Whatever vegetables are harvested that day, the kids can take home.  Last year, I challenged the kids to think about what they would really eat that week and what was extra.  The extra we were able to put in the food pantry at the school that serves our school families.

I have a small group of Garden Mentors.  This group of kids has come to special meetings and have decided what goes in the garden.  They all worked together to prepare the beds for planting and have planted a bed just for them that they will harvest veggies out of to take to fair in July.  They are a very excited group and its a struggle sometimes to harness that enthusiasm!  :)  They are all very hard workers and I am very much looking forward to the summer and the time we will spend together in the sun and dirt.

I helped out many classes this last week get out and plant their assigned vegetable.  I heard lots of exclamations about dirt and worms and plenty of squeals.  They had so much fun!  Team Hoglan, our parent/teacher organization gave money so that garden gloves could be purchased for the garden.  The kids could not wait to get a pair on.

We also got our garden put in at our house.  We put in the usual, tried something for the third year in a row and hoping it works this time, and tried something new.  My child was made for the dirt.  He loves it and gets really upset when we have to go in the house.  He did not help with the actual planting of seeds, but had his tractors nearby to play in the dirt.  He loves walking out the garden with me to check on the plants.  Momma Cat Denise isn't far behind us when we go.  We're going to have to work on walking BETWEEN the rows when the plants really start coming up...

'To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.'  -Audrey Hepburn

Boy Momma

My little guy is now 16 months old and is definitely in the toddler stage.  Being a mom has its ups and downs, but I have been flooded with so much joy since becoming a mother.  There are countless things I have learned, and so many things don't phase me any more.

August is all boy.  He knew at a very early age what noise a tractor makes and knows where they are.  He is memorized when he sees one driving, and more so when he's riding in one.  Our living room floor is littered with tractors and other vehicles.  He loves to be outside and while it has been nice, has screamed, kicked and thrown himself around when it's time to come inside.  He knows to bring his shoes and say, 'Out, out.'  August also discovered puddles the other day.  I have no idea where he got that love from!  :)  We've been to the school garden and planted a few flowers and he has loved having his fingers in the dirt.  He likes to bang on worms and throw rocks around.

August has a bull in a China shop attitude.  He just doesn't stop moving all day long!  He loves playing with all of his toys...at once.  Many times our living room is a mine field of toys, books, blankets, and his shoes.  He is starting to climb on everything.  We've had the gradual shift of extra things like remotes to the back of the end tables to the top of the recliner and couch.  Since he's climbing, nothing is safe.  He's also gotten hung up on his toy box.  He's still a little short to get a toy at the bottom of the box.  I have taken pictures before I've rescued him...I'm not ashamed at all!  :)

And then there are those sweeter than sugar moments that make me wish the clock would stop for a while.  One day I had stepped to the bathroom to do something with the laundry.  He was playing and I heard him get up looking for me.  He saw me, turned to go back to his toys, turned back around to me and came and gave me a couple of kisses, just because.  He's kind of stingy with those kisses, so I take what I can get, when I can get them.  He ALWAYS comes running with his arms open wide to give me hugs, and now he's doing it when I pick him up at the end of the day.  He is a daddy's boy.  When Dad comes home at the end of the day, August wants nothing to do with me.  He loves animals and tries to be friends with Bonnie, and loves baby kittens.  I've sang hymns to him since I found out I was pregnant, and I continue now.  He sings along at night and at church and you can just hear the joy in his little voice.

Some people say, "Oh, I've only had girls, I don't know how to be a boy mom."  I say, get a good stain remover, some trucks, be prepared for plenty of bumps and bruises and you're good!

SCHUETT UP 'N PLAY

My little boy is just over a year old, and he is weaned!  The closer we got to being weaned the more spontaneous I felt I could be again.  Once he was weaned I felt like I could say yes to so much more!  Now, I loved our 1 year journey of nursing, but I was constantly thinking about time and when I had to be home to nurse, if I would need to bring my pump, etc.

When the chance came to join our staff basketball team to play against the other staff teams in our district, I jumped at the chance!

I haven't played basketball in 10 years.  Paints a pretty picture, doesn't it?

Basically, I am completely enjoying myself!  We just have fun at practice and get totally schooled by the PE teacher.  I was quite rusty the first practice, but was reassured that the hoops were at regulation, even if the basketballs were junior size.  And let me tell you about the first time we ran full court!  WOW!  I might be very active walking the halls of school dozens of times a day and chasing around my boy, but man!  I am not in running shape!  I was sucking air pretty quick-and it wasn't even a real full court!

Our first game I was determined not to ask for the first sub, but after a few minutes my resolve was almost broken!  There were plenty of us sucking air!  We lost our first two games, and finally won our third this week!  It has felt really good to play again, even if I still do a lot of the same things I did 10 years ago.  I still flinch when the ball comes at me, I still can't make a basket during a game, I still get hit in the face from time to time.  I haven't really ever played co-ed games.  There's just a few guys playing, but they do bring it when they come to play!

I am really proud of myself for getting back out there and being active again.  I'm really enjoying the off-work time I've been spending with some of my co-workers and the laughs we have enjoyed.  I've really enjoyed the teamwork we have been sharing, and our cheerleaders that come to support us every game!

With 5 games left, we're all hoping we can keep putting up the points and W's!

Left Arm Hold

So earlier this week I came across this article and I thought, this is just some dumb article stating that most women/people carry their babes on the left side.  I've done it forever and I feel that most people I see carry their babes on the left.  It starts like that yes, and then it really explains the reason why.  Right side of the brain controls the left side of the body.  Right side of the brain deals with emotions-babes and toddlers are an emotional roller coaster.  Even when I carried August in the carrier, chances are that I had my left arm still under his bum for support.

Before I became a mom, I thought I was a caring individual.  Becoming a mother has made me care all the more.  And it's not just about my own child.  My heart goes out to all my kids at school, and all the others in their classes.

I've found it hard to describe how the love I give has changed since I've had a baby.  Over the summer I read The Road From Gap Creek and I found a couple of paragraphs that sum things up pretty well.

"It's hard to explain how having a baby and taking care of a baby changes the way you look at things.  It sounds a little silly when you try to put it in words.  But the truth is having your own baby makes you feel connected to everything else.  With a baby you ain't alone in the same way as before.  You're taking part in the future and with the people that come before you.  All you have to do is take care of this little living thing to have a part in all creation.  You feel foolish telling that to somebody, but that's the way you feel.

The reason you feel so important as a mother is because you are important.  Nobody else in the world will care as much and love as much this little thing that cries and don't know where it is and needs its butt cleaned up from time to time.  Nobody can ever love it like you do.  All its life depends on what you do for it now.  The most important thing is just to let it know that it's loved."

It's been such a joy to watch my son experience the world.  His face lights up when Dustin comes home at night and when I open the door when he wakes up.  He loves to be held when we make supper or go on the hunt for Bonnie.  My favorite is our bedtime routine when I sing his lullaby and he lays his sweet head on my left shoulder for a moment or two.

For the Love of Fabric

I think that love of beautiful fabric runs in my blood.  I also got a good dose of encouragement from Grammy.  Christmas break has been a long stretch of much needed sewing time!  I have gotten so much done!

I posted a couple of days ago my finished Dove in the Window quilt top.  When Momma and I went on our road trip last summer, Cindy and Abbey took me to amazing fabric stores.  I brought along this pattern and a color scheme with plans to buy fabric along the way.  Cindy took us to this beautiful store front with an incredible clearance section where I bought some fabric not intended for the Dove in the Window.  I just wanted to have it and couldn't pass up the great deal!  Fast forward to the huge store Abbey took me to that draws people from across state lines.  Rows upon rows of beautiful bolts.  Momma and Abbey helped me pick out two colors for my doves that ended up working with a piece that I bought with Cindy in Ohio.  And again, there were prints there that I couldn't pass up!  I was so excited when I told Dustin that he told me I could always buy that much!  I told him not to tempt me because I could always go back.

And there I was one weekend about 7 months pregnant with August doing the math, learning how to cut parallelograms, and cutting out a couple thousand of them for the quilt.  I didn't think, even with all those pieces, that the quilt would be all that hard to put together.

Just a hint of how many pieces went into the blocks.  Bonnie giving some love to the blocks.

Boy, was I wrong!  I had never cut parallelograms before, let alone tried to sew them together.  When put together the doves would make up an 8 pointed star.  I had never done one of those either.  Y-seams, why not add in that unexplored realm of sewing too!  I literally cried and ripped multiple times trying to get that first star together.  Dustin tried to help.  I finally figured it out after watching some Youtube videos.  I then had to watch some more when it came to the Y-seams.  I only had a few done by the time August came and then the project got put on hold for a while.  And then i kind of started to do it again, and then I'd stop, and start again.  Finally this fall, I buckled down and had a goal set of finishing the blocks before Christmas.  I didn't care about the whole thing, I just wanted the blocks done and my ironing board back.  Christmas Eve and I finally finished them.  And then I was excited to get the thing put together.  This is such an imperfect quilt that will be hidden away for a while and never set before a judge, or my Grammy, but I am none the less very happy with how beautiful it looks.  The colors are beautiful and I love the pattern itself.  I will not be doing any parallelograms, 8 pointed stars, or Y-seams for a while though!

The Summer Spill

Holy Cow!!  I am a couple of days away from starting school and I haven't blogged all summer!  Obviously, I've hit the stage of motherhood where I'm busy all the time.  Dustin took the baby for the afternoon, so I have some time without him pulling on me, screaming at me, and no where to be.

August and I have had a crazy busy summer together!  I loved being at home and spending so much time with my little boy!  I was looking through videos the other day and I had already forgotten that at the beginning of summer he wasn't crawling.  He is everywhere now!  He follows us, the cat, and crawls his own path.  Bonnie has a game she likes to play where she leads August places she knows he gets in trouble being near.  She's still just tolerating him, but knows how to manipulate him too!  Can't say she's stupid!  :)  Aside from the crawling, August pulls himself up everywhere and is walking along stuff.  He is also getting brave and letting go.  He has learned so many new things this summer!  He eats like crazy and gets HANGRY, just like his momma!  ;)  He loves being outside and hanging out in the school garden with the kids.  Dustin loves taking him on ranger rides to see the cows on Uncle Chase's farm.  He's also been on a horse already.

Our garden has kept us busy!  We've already got over 50 quarts of green beans in the basement with more to come!  I've picked and eaten so much squash, and we've got tomatoes that are almost ready.  The squash bugs have really put a damper on things.  I am now in charge of the school garden!  The kids have done such an awesome job this summer taking care of the veggies and presenting their veggies at the fair.  The squash bugs have put a damper on that garden too, but the kids are still working hard!

Dustin and I have done most of the outside work after a certain tot goes to bed.  So then we don't eat until 9 or so.  We do what we have to do to keep this little place going.  So many evenings are spent on our porch talking about the day and dreaming about the future.  I've also been really good about getting me time.  I've read a dozen novels this summer, had a couple Harry Potter marathons, and spent a ton of time in my sewing room.  August and I have gone to the library quite a bit this summer, and he loves it!  The library lady had a hard time recognizing me the other day all dressed up without the baby!

School is about to start, and I'm feeling better than I did a week ago.  Still, not ready to start, but coming around to the idea more and more.  I do miss my kids, but not all the paperwork!  I am so excited to meet my 3 new kids, and watch each and every one of my kiddos grow and learn this year.

6 weeks of wonderful

How on earth has it been 6 weeks since my beautiful son was born?!  The time has flown, and weather dependent, I will be going back to work tomorrow.  Yesterday, he went to day care for the first time, and I washed all of his 3-6 months clothes.  He is growing like a little weed and becoming so much more aware of the world around him.  He's starting to coo and make more noises and stay awake longer during the day.  He loves tummy time and kicking his legs when he's on his back.  Dustin shows him the deer hanging on our wall and talks to him about future hunts.

The first 2 weeks I was a zombie.  Changing diapers, nursing, and sleeping.  I was so sleepy that more than once I thought that the pillow I hug to my chest at night was August at my chest already.  When I was coming out of sleep to the sound of his cries, I couldn't understand why he was crying if he was already nursing!  Sleep deprivation at it's finest!  :)

I'm not looking forward to putting on 'real' clothes tomorrow to go back to work.  I've really enjoyed my over sized t-shirts and sweats or leggings.  The closest I've come to 'real' clothes is jeans and a nice shirt for church.

I have taken baby steps to get both of us used to not being around each other.  Grandpa and Grandmas have both had their turn babysitting so errands and a date could be had.

My 'best' accessory lately has been spit up on my shirt, worn like a badge of honor.  That is, until I can put him down and change into something else!  Sometimes, I'm not sure who goes through more wardrobe changes in a day, me or him!

I've always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, and I think I would, if we could afford it.  Teaching gives me the balance of the stay-at-home/working mom.  I get to work, and have the summers off to be a stay-at-home mom.

I love feeding August, putting him on my chest to burp him, and then taking a little nap together.  Bonnie does not care for August.  She is scared, and keeps her distance.  It took her 3 weeks to even get close enough to sniff his feet.  Another 2 weeks to sniff his fingers with her neck stretched out as far as it could go.  She does watch him from a distance with curiosity.  Soon enough, she'll come around...or be running away from him when he tries to pull her tail!

I have truly loved the last 6 weeks at home with my baby, and I'm excited to see what the weeks will continue to bring with our little boy!

Labor of Love

My baby is 3 weeks old, and I'm finally able to sit down and write about him.  The last 3 weeks have flown by, and with this cold snap, I am glad I don't have to leave the house every day!

Dustin and I made predictions about when our little boy would make his appearance.  We were both wrong.  Dustin's birthday is the 19th, so I thought I would start labor on the 19th, but he wouldn't come until the 20th because he'd be just as stubborn as Dustin.  Dustin thought he would come the 23rd.  He got closest.  I was actually having contractions with a little bit of an edge on the 19th, but I was able to keep my composure.  Dustin wasn't too keen on going to church on Sunday because they were getting stronger, but knowing that I was looking at weeks cooped up in the house, I was determined that we were going.  Mom came up Sunday night, only to decide that it was way too early.  My mood shifted big time.  I was down in the dumps because I really thought we were going to the hospital that night.  I had contractions throughout the night on Sunday.  When I had 3 around the time my alarm, and then the snooze went off, with quite a bit more edge, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep my cool at school.  I kept Mom updated, and Dustin kept calling me from work to check on my.  I tried to nap. 

While reading labor stories, I thought people were crazy if they were able to sleep in between contractions.  I was thinking about the high I would be on knowing that my baby would soon be coming.  Turns out, I was able to sleep in between them for 2 nights, and various naps for 2 days.

Mom came up late in the afternoon and talked me through my contractions and help keep the time.  Everything was already loaded in the car, so it was just time to wait.  Finally, it was time.  Dustin was scurrying around, Mom was asking us questions to make sure we had loose ends tied up, and I was working through contractions.  I had to tell Dustin a few times to go slow...we have a few sets of train tracks en route to the hospital... and then we were there.  I remember having to stop in the middle of the parking lot for a contraction.  Becky, our Lamaze teacher escorted us to the labor room, and man was it busy!  There were 7 girls born between Monday and Tuesday, and our baby boy made 8 babies in total. 

They decided to keep me and Mom joked about missing half of Wheel of Fortune by the time the nurses were done with their run through.  What a long night!  I made sure to walk every now and then, bounced on the ball, and tried to sleep.  I had dreams about food since all I could eat was ice chips.  The hours just seemed to drag on.  About 8am, the doctor came in and broke my water.  I wasn't planning on having an epidural.  I talked with my mom.  the nurses told me pros and cons.  I talked with my mom.  I finally decided to have one.  I had one about 10, and I was able to nap for a while.  Finally, they said it was go time.  The nurse went to get everything ready, Mom went to update Dad, and Dustin and I were left alone for a few brief minutes.  He laid his hand on my belly, and prayed.  We were both flooded with excitement and peace.  It was the calmest Dustin had been since we left for the hospital. 

That moment when they held him up, the tears streamed down my face.  And then to have him on my belly, I just kept kissing his hands until they took him to the warmer.  While they cleaned me up, I just stared with the biggest smile on my face as Dustin looked at him, and August held onto his finger. 

Introducing him to family and friends has been such a joy.  He has changed so much in 3 weeks.  Dustin is so convinced he looks like him, but then I showed him my baby pictures.  He's the boy version of me.  We gave him the name August after Dustin's Great-Grandpa Schuett.  We gave him the middle name LeRoy after my Grandpa Goudy's middle name.  I have a feeling he is going to be very long and lean like Grandpa was. 

There are certain things I will never forget about that day.  I don't think I'll ever forget the icky new plastic smell of the BP cuff I had to wear.  I will never forget the sound of his little heartbeat on the monitor all night long as my lullabye.  I will never forget the taste of the veggie pizza I had.  The first food I had in over 24 hours.  I will never forget the sound of pride in Dustin's voice as he named our little boy, mixing with August's first cries.  I wasn't wearing my glasses, but I will never forget the sight of my son under the glare of the overhead lights, the first time I saw him.

25

Wow.  I am now 25 years old and the day has flown by!  It's special days like these that remind me just how blessed I am, even on the ordinary days. 

Dustin and I both happened to be up around 2 am to go to the bathroom when he told me Happy Birthday for the first time.  I then got texts throughout the day from family and friends.  When I got to school, Stacy and Kelsey gave me cupcakes.  I got so many Happy Birthdays from co-workers and many more on Facebook.  Dustin surprised me by bringing a beautiful bouquet of flowers to my classroom with a card signed with his and the baby's name.  He also had 2 roses placed in the bouquet, one for him and one for the baby.  It also happened to be Birthday Bunch lunch for all the kids with birthdays in October so I got to hear a chorus of Happy Birthday while feeding one of my students.

On a cloudy, chilly day like to today, it's hard to believe that 25 years ago when my parents brought me home they had the AC on in the car!

Birthdays I feel are fun!  Who cares what the number is on the cake, have some fun with the fact that it is your day!  I have had so many memorable birthdays in my life.  I had so many sleepovers in elementary where we ran around outside until dark, played an N'SYNC game, and staying up so late!  We always had such a party at Donna and Errol's that included homemade hats and the singing candle!  My 16th birthday was very special too!  We basically had a block party (all of the neighbors within 5 miles of our house), with a potluck and it was the first birthday in the new house.  It was such a memorable evening.

Tonight, I'm already in my sweats, and Dustin is ordering a pizza.  We are celebrating bigger this weekend with a trip to pick up the baby's crib and go out to Texas Road House.  I'll let Dustin tell them it's my birthday, but there is no way I'm getting on that saddle this year!

Life on a Legal Pad

Before school ended, I couldn't remember squat.  My body was a hormonal rage and I was just plain tired and that lead to my memory being a big target.  Summer came and I got more sleep and wouldn't really forget anything.  Well, let me tell you, school is back in session, but not my memory.  I walk around with a pen in my hair and a legal pad in my hand.  At all times.  I write stuff down next to specific students' names, I write stuff down to remind myself to take care of later, I write stuff down to remind myself of conversations I've had.  I also have my ladies remind me in case I forget, because chances are I still will.

Everyone keeps asking me how I've been feeling.  I really have been feeling great, but I am starting to feel the affect of the weight.  My secretary made a comment about a waddle I seem to be developing.  I do feel it, but not until the end of the day when my tummy muscles and back are just plain tired.  My bed time is creeping closer and closer to 9 o'clock.  I've been walking at school after work because when I get home, I do 50 other things that need done, and then it's bedtime. 

My kiddos keep me going though, so during the day, I hardly have time to think about how tired I'm getting.  They are wowing me every day with something new they've learned, or something new they are finally doing after days of drilling it into them.  We really overhauled our program this year, and our kids are a part of the school in a way they haven't been before.  They are doing so much interacting with their classmates, and becoming more independent students.  I started tearing up at a meeting yesterday telling a mom how proud and amazed I am by her daughter.  These kids make my heart smile, and I continue to brag about them.  They hold such a special place in my heart.  It is so amazing to watch their relationship with their paraprofessional develop and change throughout the year.  They each learn things separately, together, and about each other.  They care so deeply for the child they have been placed with, and each lady wants their child to be pushed. 

Every day they do something that makes me laugh.  One of the girls was giggling so loudly and for so long one day that my belly was doing a little dance listening to her.  I love to hear each one laugh and I love to see their charming smiles.  One of my boys has been stopping me in my tracks lately, and reminding me to slow down and take in these moments.  He will say, "Miss Katie?  Miss Shannon cares."  or he will say another lady's name in her place.  The first time I heard it, I started to tear up.  He's maturing.  Then he will turn around and try to speak in a Boston accent while being reprimanded....so there's that...

It's only halfway through September, but I'm already preparing for maternity leave.  Some of the teachers have told me horror stories of going early and not having any plans ready, and no sub.  Thankfully, I have a sub and she is great!  I know she will love my kiddos just as much while I am gone taking care of my baby boy.  I plan on sharing a snippet about each student and their relationship with their para.  I know I will have to keep it short, because you all know how I can go on and on about my kids!  I plan on typing it, so I will still have plenty of legal pads to use when I get back!  :)