Another Story Time

This morning we went to another story time.  This time we went to Barnes and Nobles.  I met Michelle and Nikki, and Wendy and Emma.  We chatted for a few minutes before it started.  It is always fun to chat with other moms! It is nice to know we all have stuff in common. 

The story time was fun.  But it is not fun to chase your toddler around during the story.  Thankfully the reader brought some cookies for the end of one story and the cookie at least kept Olivia from roaming the next story.  Also where the story was read there was a stage.  You know what kids like to do...climb all over the stage Olivia and Nikki included.  I was just afraid that Olivia would fall off.  After the story we did some walking around the store and then came home for lunch and nap.

We swam for a bit and played in the sandbox after nap.  We ate dinner and then watched the end of the Braves game! Go Braves!

Olivia on stage during the story time.  You can't really tell but she wore pigtails again today!

Summer Storms and Coloring

It seems that every since my parents left it has been storming every evening or night.  This evening Olivia was up for a storm.  We were outside after her nap playing in the sandbox when it started thundering.  After it would thunder she would say, "Boom!" Well one boom was a little too loud so we went back inside.  Then it really started booming and then raining. There was only one clap of thunder that scared her and she cried for about 30 seconds.  But it was cute hearing her say boom! I kept her occupied with some coloring since she likes to do that.  We also did some shopping this morning and she did a great job.  I am glad that she is such a super shopper!

Coloring time! She loves to take all the crayons out and then put them back in the cup. 

Another long day

It was another long day of sitting for me.  Thank goodness that my job involves getting up and moving around ALL the time.  It was 8 hours of sitting and doing computer stuff.  I really tried to be a good listener but all I really wanted to do was be at home. I guess I am not the only one feeling this way because I saw lots of posts on Facebook and on other blogs about how people are feeling about working and raising children.  It made me feel a bit better that I am not the only one feeling this way.

Brendon took Olivia to Kindermusik and Nikki's dad also took her.  It was a daddy and daughter kind of morning.  We had a little fuss this morning when I was trying to leave but nothing like yesterday.  They went to Kindermusik and stopped at the store for some milk.  Kristy has done a great job babysitting Olivia when Brendon has left for work the past 2 days.  We are so lucky that she likes to babysit Olivia! She also does a great job with her! We can't thank you enough Kristy!!

Olivia and I had a good dinner and we played outside for a bit.  I wish I brought the camera out because she played with her bubble mower for quite a long time.  It was so cute! She pushed it all over the place.  We had a great night together!

Gotta love Elmo butt!

Having it All ?!?

This past weekend I read a good article in the AJC Metro Atlanta Women Balance Work, Life Different Ways (I suggest you read it before you keep reading this post- click on the link).  I had to do some back tracking to read the article by Anne-Marie Slaughter.  But I have to say this weighed heavy on my mind today as I had to go to work for professional development.  I know in 3 weeks I will be going to back to work so I have to get used to what went on this morning anyways. In no way am I whining or complaining but just letting out some of the things I have been thinking about lately.

We made a decision 2 years ago about me working.  Of course Brendon wanted me to work full time but when we looked at everything, we could work out me working part time.  Last year I was able to job share a 4th grade position and this year I will be staying part time but will be job sharing a 1st grade position.

Lots of people asked me about working part time.  I explained to people there are lots of pros and cons.  For example pros- being home every afternoon with your child, cons- half of the paycheck you used to get.  I also feel that some people classify working part time as being lazy....which in no way shape or form is it.  You miss 1/2 a day of work and all that goes with it- meetings and all that goes with being a teacher.  It is hard to find the balance with work and raising a child.  I felt I was on a treadmill that was going really fast this year and I couldn't catch up.

I love teaching...really I do! I can say the first 8 years of teaching I was totally career oriented and focused- got my Master's Degree, taught staff development etc.etc. etc. But as soon as Olivia came along that all changed.  I have been struggling with finding that balance with work and family.  I want to do and be the best at my job but not at the sacrifice of my family.  My priorities have changed and life has just changed in general. 

After reading the paper on Sunday I felt better.  Everyone's definition of having it all is different.  These two quotes from the paper made things a bit more clear,

"Just how women combine work and family varies greatly. Some women decide to leave the workforce to be stay-at-home moms. Others switch to part-time employment.Some seize on the life change as an opportunity to try something new. Some hold on to their job and do their best to make it work."

and

"Meanwhile, Lisa Davis, who is 48, has her own version of “having it all.” It’s not about having everything, it’s about having what you hold most dear, she said.  It’s enjoying the little things, like when she recently went to work early so she could be back at home — and at the pool with her daughter, Maggie, by 4 p.m. It’s about not fretting about too little free time and enjoying a once-a-month scrapbooking session with a good friend. And it’s working hard but keeping a career in its place."

So on to this morning.  I had a professional development class today (and tomorrow too).  I got up and dressed and by that time Olivia was up.  Maybe she sensed that I was leaving but she was just a hot mess.  I second guessed myself as she was crying and crying and then I started crying because I was getting upset about going to work.  I thought about texting Malissa, who I was riding with, and tell her I wasn't going.  I pulled myself together while Brendon tried to manage Olivia's crying.  I thought to myself, if I can't do this now, how on Earth am I going to do this in a few weeks?!? At that moment Malissa pulled in the driveway and I did get into the car.  A little reluctant, but I got in...we talked on the way there about having the same feelings this morning and just how much we love our babies and did not like leaving them.  I felt better knowing she felt the same too.  As the day wore on I felt better but I couldn't wait to get home! Olivia must have missed me because she was her sweet, sweet self tonight!

There really is no right or wrong answer to having it all.  Having it all is defined by your own definition.  For me having it all doesn't mean having materialistic things anymore, for me it is simplicity and doing the best with what we have.  As Olivia helped me pick some tomatoes last night from the garden, I smiled at her and thought...this is what having it all is.  She stood so proud holding the container as I put the tomatoes in...the smile was priceless. I had the same moment tonight as she "helped" me unload the dishwasher and put some clothes in the dryer.  I say the best secret to having it all...is knowing that you already do!

Anniversary Present by Ally Built

This year was our 8th anniversary.  I really try to stick to either the modern or traditional gift list for an anniversary present.  Sometimes I do have to think out of the box though...for example 5th anniversary was wood so we planted a Gem Magnolia Tree.  But for this year it was pottery, bronze, linens or lace.  Not the most exciting.  So I looked and looked and just couldn't find anything meaningful.  I did find a pottery place at the Discover Mills Mall where you could paint your own pottery so that was one idea.  But then we went to the Snellville Farmers Market and we met Allison with her pottery by Ally Built.  I have to say that she is quite talented! We bought some magnets from her at the market for Brendon's home brewing kegs so they could have a nice label for them on the fridge.  I took her card and emailed her about our anniversary.  She emailed me back and gave me some ideas.  So I chose to have her make steins with our anniversary date on them and some magnets with Olivia's Ale written on them.  We emailed back and forth and she came up with some sketches.  I picked a design and she went to work.  I have to say, they came out beautiful.  Brendon was surprised! He loved the magnets and the stein.  Here are some pictures of what she made for us.  I plant to get a picture of Brendon and I with the steins this weekend!

Magnets for Olivia's Ale

Steins

Magnets that we bought from Allison at the Snellville Farmers Market

 But you need to check out her blog Ally Built or her website http://allybuilt.com/

I have to say that we love supporting local businesses.  Allison was great to work with and we were in contact a lot.  Her pottery is beautiful.  So if you are looking for something unique and special here is a great place!

Thank you so much Allison for making this a special anniversary for us!

Story Time

Today we tried story time.  Once a month the book store Books For Less has a musical story time.  We met Michelle and Nikki, and Michelle and Ethan there.  Olivia was still fussy this morning and I wasn't even sure if we were going to make it.  She took a little car nap on the way there.  The story time was fun.  It was very similar to a Kindermusik session that we attend on Thursdays so it was nice to know some of the songs.  There was a story with instruments, songs, and dancing with it.  Olivia had a good time.  She also knows her friend Nikki's name and says it.  How cute is that?  We are also working on Olivia saying her own name.  I know it is a difficult name but I am breaking it down into chunks and she repeats it then I say her whole name and she is REALLY trying to say it.  I will have to catch it on video some day- it is sooo cute!

Olivia was not much of an eater today though.  I guess she just didn't like what was on the menu today.  She did eat a graham cracker before bed with her milk.  She did eat today but just not the greatest.  I am sure she will eat it up tomorrow. 

After story time we came home and played and napped.  Right now I am waiting for a thunderstorm to roll through.... on the weather map it says it is raining here....but I haven't see anything yet.  Some thunder that is it.

Musical Story Time

Olivia and Nikki

Bye, Bye Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa left today. We are all so sad.  Everyone got up early today to pack, Mommy had to go to the dentist, and Daddy and Grandpa had one more project.  I helped Grandma and Grandpa pack their suit case.  Grandma watched me while Grandpa and Daddy did their light switch project.  Mommy had a good check up at the dentist.  We played lots this morning.  I made Grandpa read me a gazillion books and Grandma colored with me.  Then everyone ate lunch and got packed up.  We said lots of goodbyes and shed some tears as they left. And more tears the rest of the day.....just a fussy night.

We are so very happy that they came to visit.  We got to go lots of places and do things that we weren't able to do other times. We are so thankful for all the help with the little projects Daddy always has and the help with daily stuff.  Grandma, I love to play with you....you are so funny! Grandpa it took me a few days to get used to you but now I love to climb in your lap.  I love you a whole lot!

XOXO

Olivia

Mom and Bill-

We can't thank you enough for your visit.  You all were such a wonderful set of extra hands for us.  Thank you for babysitting Olivia so we could have our first date in 15 months! Which was an exciting date I must say.  Mom your desserts were always wonderful and Bill your book of knowledge is always tested- thank you for even calling already to discuss the Port of Buffalo. Bill you are a trooper at getting stung by bees down here...3 summers in a row.  So far you hold the record of getting stung.  It was amazing to see you both playing with Olivia, you kept up with her fast pace of changing activities and reading the same books over and over and over.  We love you so much and are so blessed to have you come and visit.  Thank you for all your help and love!

Love,

Brendon and Melissa

Helping with packing

Playing with the fan

Read more books Grandpa!

This is how I color Grandma!

300 pound diaper

Funny story of the day.  It was another beautiful day today and we were enjoying the pool.  When Olivia woke up from her nap my mom (AKA Grandma) went to get her out of the crib and dress her for the pool.  I explained that she needed 3 layers for the pool- swim diaper (Huggies), swim diaper with snaps, and then the bathing suit bottom.  I guess there was some miscommunication and she heard 3 diapers.  Fast forward to the swimming part.... I took Olivia out of the pool to let her jump in and noticed she was a bit heavy.  When she stood on the side I noticed how bloated her bottom was.  I was like holy cow...what happened?  Well Grandma put a regular diaper, the Huggies swim diaper, the swim diaper that snaps, and the bathing suit bottom.  So the regular diaper was just soaking up all the water and made her have a 300 pound diaper! Grandma said she was well protected if Olivia went to the bathroom!

300 pound diaper

Picture by the funky tree in downtown Loganville

Gwinnett Braves Game

Last night we went to the Gwinnett Braves game again.  It started raining here at the house so we left pretty close to when the game was going to start.  As it was monsooning here at the house it was not doing any form of rain over at the stadium.  We got some good seats in the stands.  As soon as we walked into the stadium Olivia started saying, "Baseball!!" We got to our seats and she stood for a bit and then it was pass the baby time and everyone had a turn with her.  Then we decided to let her walk around.  The stadium is great and has the berm where you can walk.  So we let her walk.  Since it was so hot and her little cheeks were getting red we bought some ice cream to cool her off.  That hit the spot.  We went back to the seats for a bit and then had to walk for a bit.  We left the game at about 9:30 which was good- no traffic and she didn't cry on the way home.  We kept her pretty entertained though.  We came home and took a quick bath and had some milk and off to sleep!

Playing blocks and building tall things with Grandma

Gwinnett Braves game

Grandpa, watch the game!

The only person reading Dr. Seuss at the game

One of our walks

Time to go home...