Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Teachers

Are amazing.
I am lucky to be surrounded by several nurturing, resourceful, and loving teachers in my life!

Over the weekend, we celebrated G-Mommy's birthday. G-Mommy teaches high school and after sitting in on one of her classes, I could not believe how hard she works and what sorts of mess she puts up with on a daily basis. She does such a great job keeping her cool and teaching her students.

Yesterday was a happy anniversary for Auntie Snags and Bo.

Auntie Snags teaches college and I love our creative lesson-planning/academic strategizing phone conversations. She comes up with the most interesting curriculum and suggestions for my tutoring sessions. (I wish I could sit in your class, but it is doubtful we'd make it through without giggling). 

We are flying up to Vermont (I gave up on driving) next week to visit!

Here are the lovely bride and groom EIGHT years ago and less two little baby girls:


Now that Van is in school two days a week, I decided to stop over-nesting and do something productive with my mornings "off."  I volunteered yesterday in my friend Mary Rob's first grade class room. Within 20 seconds, it was clear she had complete control of all seventeen students. She simultaneously managed to discipline 2 kids, reward 4, and continue on with the lesson plans. My jaw dropped. I could definitely learn a strategy or two from her about efficiently managing multiple children. On top of her classroom organization, her children love her. Its obvious they respect and admire her teaching talents!

Good teachers come at all ages and for all grade levels. Here is a big shout out to you all...your job is most definitely one of the most challenging careers out there!!

We find out the gender of baby #2 in exactly 1 week. I am so excited!!

Here is our first meeting with baby Sam Deans:



Lastly, here are some breakfast tidings from Van this morning.

Have a great week!


Monday, September 12, 2011

"Mama's Pooch"

After 16 weeks of little appetite, I have finally (hopefully) settled into this pregnancy.

Today at lunch, Van caught me off guard.  His new favorite fruit is a peach ("pooch") but today, decided to shout (as I walked by eating a plum) "MAMA'S POOCH!!" 

Tough on the ego, but I convinced myself he was referring to the plum.


Evans and I enjoyed a beautiful weekend in the Asheville/Weaverville area (thanks to G-Parents) and Jenna and Harrison's nuptials! It was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to.







Its official!!

Friday, September 9, 2011

A Little Man of Many Words

"You have a mighty talkative little fella on your hands...He was telling us all sorts of things today!"
-Van's school teacher


Evans and I guestimated approximately 100 words in Van's current vocabulary.  He's moved beyond the "bite- light- night- kite" sounds and integrating more surprising phrases.

Some of our favorites are:


"Daddy's clock"

(Translation: Daddy's watch...this phrase rarely comes out correctly though. I'll let you use your imagination to determine what it may sound like)


"Llama llama mama mama jama"

(Translation:  Llama Llama Red Pajama, his favorite book at the moment)


"Mama's house"

(Each time we pull into the driveway)


"Daddys car keys beep beep"


"I hear it! You hear it!?"

(In reference to hearing an airplane, helicopter, or train outside)


"Mama, Choo-Choo TV Peese...Ank you Mama"
(Translation: Mom, can I watch Thomas the Train DVDs? Thanks!)

(Our evening picnic-courtesy of the rose garden, mac-n-cheese, spinach salad, and apples)





Monday, September 5, 2011

I don't think its possible...

To cram this much happiness into one weekend. Van's first day of school, hearing our baby's heartbeat, new babies born, old friends visiting, AUNTIE SNAGS AND ZEPHYR, a Tarheel win! There is no room for words in this post! Enjoy!!

First Day of School! (Cell phone and lunch box included).
 




Auntie Snags and Baby Emma Zeph!
 
Overdue Pedis!









LOVE!

The Coronas!

Handsome baby boy crew! (+Sam Deans!!)

GO HEELS!