Just Do It.

No, this is not a blog recommending Nike shoes, it is a blog directed towards all my new parent friends. If you think you and your spouse aren't getting time to work on your marriage, if you think all you do all day is watch kiddie movies, wipe poopie diapers, and maybe get in a late night shower before crashing into the bed, or if you just feel like you need a short break - JUST DO IT. Take a mini-vacation. If grandparents just aren't able to take the baby/toddler/kids, then find friends with kids (or experience keeping kids) that you know you can trust. Set up to take 2-3 days away and just do it.

Eric and I just got back from 3 days in Eureka Springs, AR (fabulous romantic getaway place - and it is NOT in a dry county), and before we left, I didn't realize how much we needed the time alone together. I sat in a rocking chair on the porch of our B&B and read an entire book, something I haven't done in a LONG time (well, except for such literary selections as "Good Night Moon" or "Mommy Hugs"). Eric took a nap in the middle of the day without worrying that I would get ticked because he wasn't helping with Billy. We got to eat two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners without rushing or getting a little person convinced he needed to eat something besides his ketchup. I slept, without waking, a full 8 hours. Twice in a row. And, of course there were sightseeing activities (I finally got to see the Passion Play - Eric had been), bar activities, hanging out with the other B&B guests until well after midnight (the cops drove by - we figured we might need to tone it down a little), and of course there was alone time.

I couldn't believe how energized we both felt after this little trip. I didn't know how much we needed it. I will say, originally, we wanted to go on a cruise - but I just couldn't be in the middle of the ocean with no way to get home quickly if there was an emergency. This was just the right distance, and just the right time. The moral - GO AND DO IT. I highly recommend doing this - and I am forever grateful to my mom for putting in the time and energy to keep Billy while we had a quick vacation. I can't thank you enough mom!

In Eureka - I highly recommend the Peabody House (where we stayed) - it is a great place, and the innkeeper is fantastic (and fun - she might just join you on the patio for drinks). I also recommend the Grand Taverne restaurant for a fancy dinner. It was the BEST food I've had. Amazing menu, amazing drinks, just fantastic.

We did take the laptop and webcam, and each evening spent 15 minutes or so talking to the little man - and that was sweet. Except for the one time when he wanted me to c'mere....that made me a little sad.

PS - Special thanks to Ashley, who gave me the encouragement to go through with this - and you're right, it really is the planning to be gone that's the hardest!

Pictures are - Our B& B - nice sized rooms, and excellent location - up the "hill" from Main street, and me in a silly pose at one of the pubs in town:

Reflections.....

For those of you who may not know, my sister-in-law, Allie gave birth to her son, Elliott, on June 12th (picture follows!). He is cute as can be, and Allie did an amazing job during labor! The newest addition is home, and, aside from jaundice, is doing quite well in his new home.

As we all anxiously waited for Elliot's arrival, I began to travel back in time and think about how I was feeling, and what I was thinking in the moments leading up to Billy's birth. I also began to think of all the things I wished someone had told me to be prepared for. I was good, and I waited until I was asked for advice before dispensing it (at least, I'm pretty sure I did). As I answer her questions, I keep thinking about how tough the first few weeks were, and I make sure to remember her and my two other friends who all had babies last week in my prayers (three babies, one week!). Being a mommy is wonderful and amazing - but it isn't easy, and it is an emotional roller coaster, especially at first. For me, last week really has made me reflect on those first weeks. Man - it is weird to look back.

I remember I was on the edge of a nervous breakdown for what seemed like forever, and even had a couple, thankfully with people there to help me through. I remember thinking "what is wrong with me??" as I couldn't seem to get the hang of nursing. I also snapped at Eric for every little thing, and he didn't deserve it. I think the problem was that I tried to be supermom - which is probably why I was constantly on the edge of tears for 3 weeks. As I thought of these things I realized the biggest problem was that I didn't ask for help. I just assumed I was supposed to do it all and tried to. OOPS. Thankfully, I had wonderful people come and help me who could tell that I couldn't do it all - and wouldn't take no for an answer.

I also remember being scared about everything to do with Billy. Terrified he was breathing too fast, not eating enough, sleeping too much, crying too much, not pooping enough, that I or someone else would somehow drop him, that his cry sounded too hoarse....the list goes on and on. Oh, if I'd only known then about the knots on his head from diving out of his crib, or falling out of the chair he was STANDING in - I am pretty sure I would've worried less about that stuff (and worried more about what would happen as he learned how to walk, climb, open doors, you know, the really scary things).

I am so thankful that I have such wonderful friends and family who were there to help me through and answer the questions when I FINALLY started asking them. I am also thankful that Eric asked me (about a zillion times) if I was okay and what he could do - because he knew I wasn't okay, and he knew that I wasn't going to ask for help (don't know why, just the way I'm built I guess).

I also realized something as I held little Elliott - babies are such a precious miracle and all that worrying, stress, and agonizing gets in the way of just enjoying them as newborns. Because, as I have very quickly learned, they seem to fast forward through each wonderful little stage and move on to the next one before you can blink - and if you worry too much you'll miss something amazing!

Now - some pictures - one of Elliott and a couple of Billy.....

Newest addition to the family - Elliott Arthur England - 7 lbs, 12 oz, 21 inches long!

Billy in his big boy bed - we got it the same day he took a nose dive out of the crib.

My little man enjoying a bounce house...he thought it was AWESOME.

Helping mommy do breakfast dishes....water is fun!

Life is a Whirlwind!!!

Everything is crazy right now! The school year is winding up, Billy is growing faster than I thought possible, and I think we've got something every weekend between now and forever! But, all that said, it has been a wonderful couple of weeks! I have a better post I want to write, but for now, I just want to post a fun collage of the things Billy's been up to (thanks to Aunt Shelly for the cute "faux hawk"):

Such a Wonderful Mother's Day

It was a great one, my second Mother's Day. Actually, Eric and I were thinking back earlier, and I honestly don't remember a lot about the first one. I guess a three month old will do that to you. Today was fantastic. I woke up to my little man bringing me a sweet Mother and Child charm for my charm bracelet and a beautiful card featuring, who else, but him! Then my amazing hubby made me delicioso banana praline pecan waffles...oh my goodness. He then turned on the most amazing video he put together. It started with our first sonogram of Billy and ended with recent footage. I know he worked hard, and it is perfect - and of course, it made me cry.





We met up with Eric's mom to give her a gift from us and her special gift from Billy. She was very happy!!! Later, we made our way out to Uncle Jeffery and Aunt Shelly's house where they hosted us with fantastic barbeque. I got to spend some quality time with my mom, who, as I am sure all my new mommy friends would agree, is waaaaaaaayyyyyyy more appreciated now that I am a mommy, too. I liked, too, getting to see my brother and his wife and their sweet baby girl. They are such a cute little family - and I kept making Marley giggle - which was nice! I also got to watch Billy be fascinated by his baby cousin, Marley. It was so adoreable how he kept saying her name - He was over exaggerating his tongue from the r to the l, it was really funny. After a couple of hours, we headed home with an exhausted Billy in tow (he crashed minutes into the drive home) - and I just kept thinking how wonderful it all was.





About an hour after we got home, my mom called and invited me over to help enjoy her gift from me and my sister - a china tea service for four. We had our little impromptu tea party, and it was soo much fun. I love being a daughter, and I love being a mom. Two of the best jobs in the world, in my opinion (another of the best jobs is being a wife...but that's for another post). So yay - happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there - you deserve it!!

PS - oh yeah, and as for Billy updates - as healthy as can be (thankfully) and growing like a weed. Only one thing we've got to worry about, and even though it's a biggie, we're going to be okay - just will have to be diligent. We found out on Easter he's most likely allergic to peanuts. He had a Reese's Egg and broke out in hives within 15 minutes. Let me tell you, that was a scary mommy moment. Not as scary as him passing out in my arms at 3 months (reflux related), but pretty darn scary. So, for now, no peanut anything for him. I now find myself reading every label for the peanut warning - there are a LOT of things out there processed with peanuts!!! Oh - and just FYI - Chick Fil A fries in peanut oil (so only grilled if we're headed there, and no waffle fries!). We also always have benadryl on hand just in case. We did find a substitute for peanut butter - it's called sunbutter and it is made from sunflower seeds. Actually pretty tasty, but not the same taste or consistency - way more drippy and gooey...oh well, Billy likes it!

Things always work out according to His plans...

There has been a lot going on in my family lately. Like everyone experiences there have been ups and downs - they've just been a little more roller-coaster than usual recently. Some of you know that my dad has been running his own dry cleaning business for the last nine years. Sadly, he had to close the doors about a month ago. My dad is not one who quits, or fails - and he took the closing of his business very personally. He has been looking for a job since he knew he would be closing the store, but it is, as I am sure you all know, a tough market to be looking for a job. Wonderfully, he has been offered a position managing a retail store, and will be starting May 1st. Of course, it is in Temple, and who knows what that means for my mom and dad in the long run - but I would guess some kind of move is in their future (which means we'll be traveling to the Waco area a lot). I am so happy for him. This is an amazing thing that is happening, and it is true that when one door closes another opens. I can't wait to see what is in store for my parents, but I believe it is something wonderful.

I am a lot like my dad. I take my career very seriously, and I constantly give 110% to my students. Someday, I want to be a school principal, and eventually help make public education better for students and a more respected profession for educators. Because Billy is older now, I thought that this year would be the perfect time to start moving in that direction, so when my district posted the listing to apply to the Assistant Principal pool, I threw my name in the hat. I got an interview, and I stressed over it for the week before it happened because I knew it would be a panel interview and the whole process would take about 2 hours. The day came, and I really felt good. Of course, I knew there were a ton of people applying and only 4 upcoming elementary positions, but I was hopeful. Friday, I got my letter. It basically said "Thanks - but we just don't have enough openings to add you to the assistant principal pool this year." Needless to say, I was crushed, but I was at school (it was 7:40 and the bell was about to ring) so I sucked it up, told my principal and a couple of my team members and rolled up my sleeves to wrap up the last week before TAKS. I couldn't figure out what I could have done wrong, and I thought about it all day. I even cried about it when I got home and finally sat still for a minute, but I realized something. I truly don't think it was anything I said in the interview, I think that it just wasn't my time. I do believe that my future is in administration, but right now just isn't the time. Now that I've had over a day to think about it, I am feeling a little better. I realize that now I get to spend my entire summer with my sweet baby boy instead of cutting it short for training if I were to get an assistant position. And, my hubby and I may go on a cruise this summer - alone - and that excites me (and worries me at the same time, but that's for another post). It does still sting quite a bit - but that's my pride, and I really need to work on that anyway - so I'm probably getting a little lesson in humility from all of this.

All that said - I guess what's left is that I need to remember that God is in control, not me, and everything that happens in life happens in His time and according to His plans, not my own. It was a great experience for me, and now I can work on growing more as a teacher and a leader - so that when it is time for me to move into an administrator role I will be better prepared.

Woah. My Little Ladies' Man.

Billy is a talker. We're not sure where he gets it from (wink wink), but man can the kid talk. I read the other day that more talkative 14 month old kiddos say about 20 words. I counted. He says at least 32, and learns new ones every day. Of course, that all goes out the window when (a) the video camera is on or (b) there is anyone but me or his daddy in the room. All that said, one of the cutest words he says is "woah" - Joey from Blossom style.

This morning, the 7:55 bell rang at school and it was business-as-usual. Then, my classroom phone rang. It was Eric. He called to tell me a very funny story. Today, the sitter was keeping the daughter of a friend along with her other kiddos. The girl was about four and had on all pink and her hair was in pigtails. Billy tried to swan dive down to her when Eric walked in. When he got down, he ran over to the little girl, put his hand on her knee and said, "Woah."

I have laughed all day long thinking about this (and telling anyone and everyone who would listen). My little toddler is already on his way to wooing the ladies. Of course, I'm not surprised, I mean, look at how adoreable he is!

Chasing a Toddler....

I love the Dallas Arboretum. And to think, I only first went there a few years ago. It is amazingly beautiful, and today was a glorious day to go! I packed up a picnic for Billy and myself, tossed some necessities in the diaper bag, and we headed out. There were a billion other people with the same idea, but it was so worth the trip. We enjoyed our picnic in the shade of Pecan trees, visited with other mommies doing the same thing, and then we were off to explore. First, we went to the petting zoo they had set up, and Billy was fascinated with the chickens. He also got to pet a goat, and he made a really funny face when it made the Baaa noise! Then, we watched other kids play in the frog fountain (I wasn't ready to have slippery, wet Billy running around) and ran around in all of the playhouses. It was nice just to let him run - and see what he would go to - and that he didn't try to put anything in his mouth. It was also cute to see him call the squirrels he saw "meows", which is his word for cat. We had fun, and I discovered that it really isn't that hard to take him out to something like that solo - it's only tough trying to get pictures!!!