My friends Abigail & Andrea gave me these vinyl letters for my birthday. I put them in my foyer and I LOVE THEM!!! Thanks, girls!
Monday, March 08, 2010
I heart my birthday present
My friends Abigail & Andrea gave me these vinyl letters for my birthday. I put them in my foyer and I LOVE THEM!!! Thanks, girls!
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Our Saturdays these Days
Brit, Ellie and I stay behind the fence during practice...it has been hard on Brit though because he wants to be out there so bad. Derek makes sure that Brit has his own "practice" though. He will start soccer in the fall, we just felt like one kid, one sport, one season at a time was what will work best for us for now. Next year they can be on the same baseball team so that will work out great.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
I've got EVERYTHING
Sometimes I take for granted that my blog readers know what's going on in my life. I mean, if I post a few pics and get a few wall postings on Facebook and then just slam a picture of my daughter in a hospital room and call it "waiting for my ultrasound", one might think that I am the one waiting for the ultrasound or they may realize it is Ellie who is waiting but without an explanation...what will people think? So, my apologies for slapping a pic of my sweet girl. I'll give you the Cliff Notes version of the past week.
Derek had been out of town since Valentine's Day. He went to Boston for some corporate training and was due home on my birthday, Friday, February 26. I was careful not to blog or post about his absence just in case some serial stalker person were to read my blog or look at my Wall...just saying you can never be too careful.
Anyway, I'd like to say that we were managing pretty well while he was gone. Thanks to a few helpful friends and family to help me get kids from here to there, we were doing pretty good on our own. A week into my stint as a single mom (this past Monday) Ellie began running a fever. It was 100.7 then Tylenol took it down to the 98's when I put her to bed. I heard her fussing in her bassinet which is still in my room around 1 AM. I reached for her in her crib and she was blazing hot. Her cry was more like a whimper. I ran to her nursery and took her temp. When the thermometer reached 104 I began to freak...at 104.8 I thought I might pass out.
I dropped the thermometer and ran to get a dose of Tylenol. Then I reached for the phonebook to call the hospital but the listed number was WRONG. Dialed 411 and my mouth was so dry and I was so paralyzed by fear that it took me FOREVER to get the words "Habersham County Medical Center" out of my mouth. All I kept telling myself was that I was all that my little girl had right then and I had to do what I had to do to get her to the hospital. When I finally got in touch with a nurse at the hospital, she said to come right away.
I called my aunt and uncle and told them to meet me in the ER then I put Ellie in her carrier without even putting her diaper back on and then ran and literally dragged the boys out of bed. I kept telling them to run to the car because Ellie was very very sick. Looking back on that moment, I could cry. I was so scared, my three month old is blazing hot and whimpering a cry that I've never heard, and my little boys are being so brave after getting abruptly woken in the middle of the night. I did the only thing I could do- I prayed. I begged God for her life, then thanked him for the three months I had with her and acknowledged that she isn't really mine at all, but His. If he chose to take her now, then there was nothing I could do about it. I know that sounds so melodramatic, but I really thought she might not make it.
Once we were all in the car, we began what felt like one of the longest rides of my life. I kept telling the boys to talk to Ellie to make sure she was awake. How horrible for them to have to see their mother so gripped by fear.
We arrived at the ER and I ran in with Ellie, hoping the boys were following me. When I got to the waiting room, there was NO ONE THERE!!! Then a nurse came through the double doors pushing a patient in a wheel chair, not caring that I had a very sick infant in my arms. Finally, when Ellie started to make vomiting/choking sounds, I busted through the double doors yelling that my baby was choking and the nurse grabbed Ellie from me. I know. I know. I know that I looked like a freaky, insane and unstable mother, but I was SCARED TO DEATH.
Once the nurses started looking at her I remembered that the boys were in the waiting room. Another nurse went to get them for me and then it wasn't until I heard her say "get her some booties" did I realize not only was I not wearing any shoes, I didn't have socks on either! I didn't care.
When the boys and I were in the room, looking at Ellie, I looked over at Tate and he has these huge alligator tears running down his cheeks and says "she is the sickest baby ever". That's when I was glad they hadn't seen the freak out behind the double doors. I knew that I had to stay calm for my boys and reassure them that Ellie was going to be OK even though I really wasn't sure if she was.
Well, thank the Lord that our good friend Josh was the Dr. on call that night. He handled everything (and me) beautifully. They got the fever to go down, and after several tests including a cathatarization, they determined that she had a UTI. She was given a dose of rocepherin and a prescription for antibiotics. Ellie and I finally headed home around 4:30. (My aunt and Uncle had taken the boys home as soon as I was sure that Ellie was going to be OK)
What followed was around the clock Tylenol doses trying to bring down a 103 fever and finally an appointment with her pediatrician Wednesday. Because her fever had still not subsided, her pediatrician told me she needed to admit her. I had been anticipating this after speaking with one of my friends who had been through a similar experience with her daughter that involved a UTI. Our suspicion was Kidney reflux.
So I called Derek and told him to get a flight home and then I called my mom and asked her to meet me at Scottish Rite. After three days, IV antibiotics and several tests, Ellie is just fine. No Kidney reflux, no mysterious disease. It looks like an infection that just got out of hand.
SO many people prayed us through this one and I will be forever grateful. If you have a healthy child...you have EVERYTHING. Even in the scariest moments, I knew that God was in control and that He is my Creator and the Author of the story that is my life. He has a purpose for everything He sends our way.
Here are a few photos from our brief hospital stay...my brave little girl who never cried until the IV tape was taken off.
Derek had been out of town since Valentine's Day. He went to Boston for some corporate training and was due home on my birthday, Friday, February 26. I was careful not to blog or post about his absence just in case some serial stalker person were to read my blog or look at my Wall...just saying you can never be too careful.
Anyway, I'd like to say that we were managing pretty well while he was gone. Thanks to a few helpful friends and family to help me get kids from here to there, we were doing pretty good on our own. A week into my stint as a single mom (this past Monday) Ellie began running a fever. It was 100.7 then Tylenol took it down to the 98's when I put her to bed. I heard her fussing in her bassinet which is still in my room around 1 AM. I reached for her in her crib and she was blazing hot. Her cry was more like a whimper. I ran to her nursery and took her temp. When the thermometer reached 104 I began to freak...at 104.8 I thought I might pass out.
I dropped the thermometer and ran to get a dose of Tylenol. Then I reached for the phonebook to call the hospital but the listed number was WRONG. Dialed 411 and my mouth was so dry and I was so paralyzed by fear that it took me FOREVER to get the words "Habersham County Medical Center" out of my mouth. All I kept telling myself was that I was all that my little girl had right then and I had to do what I had to do to get her to the hospital. When I finally got in touch with a nurse at the hospital, she said to come right away.
I called my aunt and uncle and told them to meet me in the ER then I put Ellie in her carrier without even putting her diaper back on and then ran and literally dragged the boys out of bed. I kept telling them to run to the car because Ellie was very very sick. Looking back on that moment, I could cry. I was so scared, my three month old is blazing hot and whimpering a cry that I've never heard, and my little boys are being so brave after getting abruptly woken in the middle of the night. I did the only thing I could do- I prayed. I begged God for her life, then thanked him for the three months I had with her and acknowledged that she isn't really mine at all, but His. If he chose to take her now, then there was nothing I could do about it. I know that sounds so melodramatic, but I really thought she might not make it.
Once we were all in the car, we began what felt like one of the longest rides of my life. I kept telling the boys to talk to Ellie to make sure she was awake. How horrible for them to have to see their mother so gripped by fear.
We arrived at the ER and I ran in with Ellie, hoping the boys were following me. When I got to the waiting room, there was NO ONE THERE!!! Then a nurse came through the double doors pushing a patient in a wheel chair, not caring that I had a very sick infant in my arms. Finally, when Ellie started to make vomiting/choking sounds, I busted through the double doors yelling that my baby was choking and the nurse grabbed Ellie from me. I know. I know. I know that I looked like a freaky, insane and unstable mother, but I was SCARED TO DEATH.
Once the nurses started looking at her I remembered that the boys were in the waiting room. Another nurse went to get them for me and then it wasn't until I heard her say "get her some booties" did I realize not only was I not wearing any shoes, I didn't have socks on either! I didn't care.
When the boys and I were in the room, looking at Ellie, I looked over at Tate and he has these huge alligator tears running down his cheeks and says "she is the sickest baby ever". That's when I was glad they hadn't seen the freak out behind the double doors. I knew that I had to stay calm for my boys and reassure them that Ellie was going to be OK even though I really wasn't sure if she was.
Well, thank the Lord that our good friend Josh was the Dr. on call that night. He handled everything (and me) beautifully. They got the fever to go down, and after several tests including a cathatarization, they determined that she had a UTI. She was given a dose of rocepherin and a prescription for antibiotics. Ellie and I finally headed home around 4:30. (My aunt and Uncle had taken the boys home as soon as I was sure that Ellie was going to be OK)
What followed was around the clock Tylenol doses trying to bring down a 103 fever and finally an appointment with her pediatrician Wednesday. Because her fever had still not subsided, her pediatrician told me she needed to admit her. I had been anticipating this after speaking with one of my friends who had been through a similar experience with her daughter that involved a UTI. Our suspicion was Kidney reflux.
So I called Derek and told him to get a flight home and then I called my mom and asked her to meet me at Scottish Rite. After three days, IV antibiotics and several tests, Ellie is just fine. No Kidney reflux, no mysterious disease. It looks like an infection that just got out of hand.
SO many people prayed us through this one and I will be forever grateful. If you have a healthy child...you have EVERYTHING. Even in the scariest moments, I knew that God was in control and that He is my Creator and the Author of the story that is my life. He has a purpose for everything He sends our way.
Here are a few photos from our brief hospital stay...my brave little girl who never cried until the IV tape was taken off.
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| From 2010-02-25 |
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| From 2010_02_25 |
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Soul-stirring
Do you ever get the feeling that there is something stirring in your soul? Like God is trying to tell you to make a change or do something, but you have no idea what it is? I have that feeling and I can't shake it. Praying for clarity and to be open to His will in all that I do....
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Workin' Woman
So I am in my 4th week of being officially "back to work". What does that look like for me? Well, to be honest it is THE MOST ideal situation, working for THE MOST incredible COMPANY!
My schedule:
In the office on Mondays & Tuesdays from 8:30-2:30 while one of my very best friends comes to my house wand watches Ellie and Britton. All of my other work is done from home.
Warning- Girlfriend talk ahead!
I am adamant about breastfeeding and keeping my milk supply up, so being away from Ellie for such a short period of time, I only have to pump once while I am away. I hook my little "milk machine" (as the boys call it) up to an outlet in the back seat of my van and 5 minutes later I am walking back into the office with 6 ounces of "mother's finest". Something about hooking up to the car makes the pump go crazy...instead of the wooo.......wooooo.....woooo it does at home, it is more like woowoowoowoowoo.
Anyhoo...
On "office days" when Derek is not here, I leave the house at 7:45, drop Tate off at school and then work until 2:30. When I get off, I go pick up Tate and am home by 3:00.
On "work from home days", Tate is in school of course and Britton attends The Little School from 8am - 12 pm. So Ellie and I pick Brit up at noon and then head back out again later in the afternoon to get Tate. As much as I hate getting Ellie out in the cold...she is with me all day Wed-Sun and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
The first few weeks were a bit rough. It is difficult to balance work/family/housekeeping duties, etc. but we are finally hitting a stride and settling into our new routine. I absolutely LOVE the work I am doing and need it as my creative outlet. I work for the most phenomenal women- Christians, and just plain old good-hearted friends. I am so very thankful to GOD for this opportunity to get out of the house, contribute to my family financially and to truly have a sense of "having it all". Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would have such an opportunity in a little ol' mountain town.
My schedule:
In the office on Mondays & Tuesdays from 8:30-2:30 while one of my very best friends comes to my house wand watches Ellie and Britton. All of my other work is done from home.
Warning- Girlfriend talk ahead!
I am adamant about breastfeeding and keeping my milk supply up, so being away from Ellie for such a short period of time, I only have to pump once while I am away. I hook my little "milk machine" (as the boys call it) up to an outlet in the back seat of my van and 5 minutes later I am walking back into the office with 6 ounces of "mother's finest". Something about hooking up to the car makes the pump go crazy...instead of the wooo.......wooooo.....woooo it does at home, it is more like woowoowoowoowoo.
Anyhoo...
On "office days" when Derek is not here, I leave the house at 7:45, drop Tate off at school and then work until 2:30. When I get off, I go pick up Tate and am home by 3:00.
On "work from home days", Tate is in school of course and Britton attends The Little School from 8am - 12 pm. So Ellie and I pick Brit up at noon and then head back out again later in the afternoon to get Tate. As much as I hate getting Ellie out in the cold...she is with me all day Wed-Sun and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
The first few weeks were a bit rough. It is difficult to balance work/family/housekeeping duties, etc. but we are finally hitting a stride and settling into our new routine. I absolutely LOVE the work I am doing and need it as my creative outlet. I work for the most phenomenal women- Christians, and just plain old good-hearted friends. I am so very thankful to GOD for this opportunity to get out of the house, contribute to my family financially and to truly have a sense of "having it all". Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would have such an opportunity in a little ol' mountain town.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Saturday, January 02, 2010
New Addition
OK, so a bonus room being finished is not technically a new addition, but it will feel like it once it is finished. Derek and I have spent the majority of 2010 working on the house. I have been cleaning, throwing out toys and trying to organize the papers of our life. Derek has been working vigilantly on finishing the bonus room. We intend to make it into a playroom for the kids which will hopefully mean keeping the "hunks of plastic junk" confined to one room in the house. I am blown away by how much he has been able to accomplish...and all on his own! So far he has done the wiring, insulation and sheet rock. Can't wait to see how this will turn out!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
All I want for Christmas is for nothing to change...
So I think my heart may explode into a million pieces at any moment. This little girl...this little family of five...this safe, warm house...this over abundance of blessings...my heart is filled to the brim with joy, love, peace and humility. Thank you, Jesus.
The newest member of our family was born on November 21 at 1:06 pm after seven minutes of pushing...will she always be this easy? My heart grew 10 times its size the day Ellison Joyce was born. Is it my age that makes me appreciate every little hair on her body, her tiny toes and her sweet grunting? Is it that she is a girl...born to be protected by her daddy and I? Is it that our family has a sense of completeness with this new bundle of joy? Whatever it is, I'll take it and I will treasure these moments of bliss forever.
6 lbs, 13 oz, 19 inches long and the sweetest little girl angel I've ever met...I wish that time could be frozen and that she wouldn't get a minute bigger. That her my finger would fit in the palm of her hand as she nurses, that her coos and grunts would be the soundtrack of my life. That her small eyes and tiny mouth would greet me every morning from here on after.
Oh, but they grow. And she is is the daughter of our Lord, lent to me for what will seem like a flash of time. I will be forever grateful to be the mother of a little girl and two precious boys. Not sure if Ellie will be the last, but I will treat each moment as if she is...treasuring, capturing and holding them close to my heart.
All four of us are head over heels in love with this little girl....
The newest member of our family was born on November 21 at 1:06 pm after seven minutes of pushing...will she always be this easy? My heart grew 10 times its size the day Ellison Joyce was born. Is it my age that makes me appreciate every little hair on her body, her tiny toes and her sweet grunting? Is it that she is a girl...born to be protected by her daddy and I? Is it that our family has a sense of completeness with this new bundle of joy? Whatever it is, I'll take it and I will treasure these moments of bliss forever.
6 lbs, 13 oz, 19 inches long and the sweetest little girl angel I've ever met...I wish that time could be frozen and that she wouldn't get a minute bigger. That her my finger would fit in the palm of her hand as she nurses, that her coos and grunts would be the soundtrack of my life. That her small eyes and tiny mouth would greet me every morning from here on after.
Oh, but they grow. And she is is the daughter of our Lord, lent to me for what will seem like a flash of time. I will be forever grateful to be the mother of a little girl and two precious boys. Not sure if Ellie will be the last, but I will treat each moment as if she is...treasuring, capturing and holding them close to my heart.
All four of us are head over heels in love with this little girl....
Friday, October 23, 2009
Bedrest- Day 1
I guess today will be considered my first full day of bedrest since the days before have been filled with Dr.'s appointments (yesterday we spent 6 hours at the hospital). I am now on Brethine every 4 hours instead of every six and can get out of the bed for 10 minutes of every hour. The Brethine makes me very shaky, HOT and thirsty- I guess it could be worse though.
My family is totally bailing me out with the kids, meals...everything and I am so very grateful. I've gotten all my bills paid today and was able to watch Good Morning America. Not sure what the rest of the day will hold, hopefully some visits from friends!
Thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes, I really appreciate everything. We are hoping to make it two more weeks before this little girl arrives.
Love to all of you!
Merideth
My family is totally bailing me out with the kids, meals...everything and I am so very grateful. I've gotten all my bills paid today and was able to watch Good Morning America. Not sure what the rest of the day will hold, hopefully some visits from friends!
Thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes, I really appreciate everything. We are hoping to make it two more weeks before this little girl arrives.
Love to all of you!
Merideth
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hang in there, baby girl.
There's no better time to blog than when you are on bed rest, am I right?
So, maybe I overdid it yesterday at the photo shoot, or maybe this little girl would have tried to make her way into the world today, regardless- I just don't know.
I am 34 1/2 weeks along and I started having very painful contractions (like the ones you can barely breathe through) today and then they were followed by some mild ones...about 8 minutes apart. I kept calling them cramps at first because for this body, preterm contractions just don't happen unless they are Braxton Hicks.
Anyway, Derek drove me to the doctor around 1:30 and I got hooked up to the monitor. After three contractions they checked me and I was 70% effaced and 2 cm dilated- the Dr. could feel her head. So, they gave me a prednisone shot to help strengthen her lungs and prescribed a medication meant to stop contractions and also put me on bed rest for the next two weeks. Not an ideal situation considering we still haven't moved into our house and I have not a stitch of little girl newborn clothing since my shower is not until this Saturday. However, things could be much, much worse- I have friends who are or have been on bed rest for MONTHS and who have delivered babies months early. All that matters is that the baby seems to be doing well- we just want her to cook a little longer.
I go into tomorrow at 8:30 am for another shot and then back to the Dr. on Friday for a check. The good news is that the contractions are more like 30 minutes apart instead of eight, so maybe the meds are working. If they don't stop though and get closer together than the Dr. told us to go to the hospital. Keeping a positive outlook though that we won't be making any trips to Gainesville any time soon.
Please pray for Derek as he works, handles the boys and manages the completion & closing of our house. He says he is "game" for it all, but I know these next few weeks will be tough on him.
I'll keep everyone posted and if anyone is in the HAB and wants to pay me a visit- come on by!!
So, maybe I overdid it yesterday at the photo shoot, or maybe this little girl would have tried to make her way into the world today, regardless- I just don't know.
I am 34 1/2 weeks along and I started having very painful contractions (like the ones you can barely breathe through) today and then they were followed by some mild ones...about 8 minutes apart. I kept calling them cramps at first because for this body, preterm contractions just don't happen unless they are Braxton Hicks.
Anyway, Derek drove me to the doctor around 1:30 and I got hooked up to the monitor. After three contractions they checked me and I was 70% effaced and 2 cm dilated- the Dr. could feel her head. So, they gave me a prednisone shot to help strengthen her lungs and prescribed a medication meant to stop contractions and also put me on bed rest for the next two weeks. Not an ideal situation considering we still haven't moved into our house and I have not a stitch of little girl newborn clothing since my shower is not until this Saturday. However, things could be much, much worse- I have friends who are or have been on bed rest for MONTHS and who have delivered babies months early. All that matters is that the baby seems to be doing well- we just want her to cook a little longer.
I go into tomorrow at 8:30 am for another shot and then back to the Dr. on Friday for a check. The good news is that the contractions are more like 30 minutes apart instead of eight, so maybe the meds are working. If they don't stop though and get closer together than the Dr. told us to go to the hospital. Keeping a positive outlook though that we won't be making any trips to Gainesville any time soon.
Please pray for Derek as he works, handles the boys and manages the completion & closing of our house. He says he is "game" for it all, but I know these next few weeks will be tough on him.
I'll keep everyone posted and if anyone is in the HAB and wants to pay me a visit- come on by!!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Derek & Tate's Karaoke Debut
Every night we take probably a little more time than we should putting our boys to bed. I have a special song that I sing to them and Derek has one too. This is "Daddy's" song, as sung by Derek & Tate at Harry A's in St. George, October 2009. Also happens to be the Karaoke debut of Derek and Tate.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
28 Weeks and counting
I am 28 weeks along as of Monday. I am already feeling her float up to my ribs where she likes to hang out all day long. Everything looks good- she is growing just as she should.
I've been a bit stressed latley, especially after learning that our house probably will not be done until mid to late October. I was hoping to be all settled in by now so we could have time to enjoy our new surroundings and concentrate on the boys. Truthfully, when this whole house journey began, I thought we'd be moving in by June...guess not.
The cabinets go in on Monday & Tuesday; granite and floors to follow. I know we don't have much longer, but the last few weeks seem like the longest.
The boys have been restless latley- most afternoons have been spent at various building materials places- flooring store, granite place, appliance store, cabinet makers, etc. I feel bad about dragginf them all around town, but I really do not have a choice.
We found out that Derek may have some sort of genetic disorder that has caused the sickness he has had over the past two years. Waiting to hear back from the insurance company as to whether or not they will cover the geneitc testing. We will do it either way though- we are willing to do whatever is necessary to get some answers. The good news is that it doesn't look like it is anything earth-shattering; just something that he will have to learn to live with, as he has pretty much done already.
Work has been so very busy. Struggling to keep the the "part time" in my job description. I have my dream job though and work for wonderful people- am thankful, so thankful that I have the option and chance to be employed right now.
I haven't been very dilligent about blogging latley- I feel guilty posting anything unless I have pictures, but half the time I cannot find the cord that attaches to my camera, so I just don't bother blogging.
Love reading up on my blogging friends- I am enjoying all the happiness that pours onto my computer screen and all the smiling faces of your beautiful children.
Blessings to all...hope to post a picture of the house (painted) soon!!
I've been a bit stressed latley, especially after learning that our house probably will not be done until mid to late October. I was hoping to be all settled in by now so we could have time to enjoy our new surroundings and concentrate on the boys. Truthfully, when this whole house journey began, I thought we'd be moving in by June...guess not.
The cabinets go in on Monday & Tuesday; granite and floors to follow. I know we don't have much longer, but the last few weeks seem like the longest.
The boys have been restless latley- most afternoons have been spent at various building materials places- flooring store, granite place, appliance store, cabinet makers, etc. I feel bad about dragginf them all around town, but I really do not have a choice.
We found out that Derek may have some sort of genetic disorder that has caused the sickness he has had over the past two years. Waiting to hear back from the insurance company as to whether or not they will cover the geneitc testing. We will do it either way though- we are willing to do whatever is necessary to get some answers. The good news is that it doesn't look like it is anything earth-shattering; just something that he will have to learn to live with, as he has pretty much done already.
Work has been so very busy. Struggling to keep the the "part time" in my job description. I have my dream job though and work for wonderful people- am thankful, so thankful that I have the option and chance to be employed right now.
I haven't been very dilligent about blogging latley- I feel guilty posting anything unless I have pictures, but half the time I cannot find the cord that attaches to my camera, so I just don't bother blogging.
Love reading up on my blogging friends- I am enjoying all the happiness that pours onto my computer screen and all the smiling faces of your beautiful children.
Blessings to all...hope to post a picture of the house (painted) soon!!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Link to New House Photos
New photos of the house posted to FB:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=119205&id=736045128&ref=mf
...I hope this works.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=119205&id=736045128&ref=mf
...I hope this works.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
First Day of School
Tate started "Big School" at Clarkesville Elementary on Friday, August 7th. We had open house the day before where we saw his classroom and met his teachers. Tate was excited about it until we walked into the classroom. He clammed up and had the worst grimace on his face. I wasn't prepared for that because he had been talking all summer about being so excited about starting Kindergarten. We took the tour, met his sweet teacher, Mrs. Herrin and her Para Pro. Towards the end of the visit (after a dose of sugar cookies and lemonade from the cafeteria) he began to loosen up and I believe, actually enjoyed himself.
I, on the other hand, cried when we pulled into the driveway of the school, choked back tears during open house and cried...well, more like sobbed all the way home. I kept saying to Derek "I just keep thinking about the day we brought him home from the hospital!"
To be honest, I shocked myself with my reaction to Tate starting school. So many of my other Kindergarten mama friends have been dreading this day for a long time, but I felt mostly happy about it because I knew that Tate was ready and that he would do great. The flood of emotions surrounding this day and this past week have truly caught me off guard.
The morning of the first day, we wanted to make it really special, so Derek got up extra early and made pancakes with whipped cream and cherries on top. The pancakes were a hit and we truly had an enchanted morning without fuss that I will remember for a very long time.
When we got to school, Derek, Britton and I walked Tate in. Before we got to the door Tate said "Let's go ahead and hug now" (before we got too close to the door) and he also decided that he did not want to hold our hands anymore. We were shocked that this little 5 year old who we still sing to sleep at night was trying to be so big...and was acting like he didn't need us anymore! Needless to say, we obliged and let him lead the way to his First Day.
He was a lot happier than the day before when we got to his classroom. He saw a few of his friends and after putting away his backpack and snack, went right to his name on the carpet to take a seat. No tears, seemingly no anxiety- he was where he needed to be and quite comfortable with it.
We left the school with a little less tears than the day before- but still a nagging in our hearts. My sweet friends Nancy & Sarah threw a brunch for all of our Kindergarten-mommy-friends. Looking forward to this brunch is partly what got me through the morning- knowing that I would soon be among women that knew exactly what I was going through- even without saying a word. This brunch was a Godsend, girls.
So, here we are 6 days of Kindergarten later and I am pretty sure that I am over the mourning period. Isn't that what we all want? For our kids to be strong and healthy and emotionally stable enough to be secure and happy when they are away from us? Letting go hurts, but the way it happened this past week...I wouldn't have it any other way.
Then there is little Britton. He started a brand new preschool this week- The Little School. He is there 8-2 on the 4 days of the week that I work. His teacher, Mrs. Desi is precious and I know he is loved and cared for during the day. His first day went great when I dropped him off. Mrs. Desi said that he was quiet during lunch so she asked him what was wrong and he said "I just need someone to hold me."!! Can you believe that? When she told me, I almost lost it...my baby...still needing someone to hold him, and that someone wasn't me...yes, I was flooded with guilt.
The next day he clung to me for about 15 minutes before I could get out of the door. Each day after that has gotten better and better and Mrs. Desi says he is coming out of his shell and making friends. I am so glad. It is Britton that I worry the most about- he is reserved and sometimes it is hard to tell what he is thinking. 
He is a teacher's dream though and seems to reserve his worst behavior just for me.
He is a teacher's dream though and seems to reserve his worst behavior just for me.Being so close to moving into our house...our situation with the hours I put in at work is temporary I hope. I pray for a solution after the baby is born that works for my family and works for Initials, Inc. I am in prayer that it will all work out.
Gosh, I love my boys. All three of them...Derek has been recovering from surgery that he had Wednesday and is not doing as well as I had hoped. We've had a very emotional past three weeks- 2 surgeries, babies starting school, many, many decisions made about the house, sleepless nights, etc. I hope the rest of August isn't so emotionally exhausting.
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