All better…

We’ve also successfully replaced the shelf and so far it’s still in tact complete with hanging clothes and all!  We plan to add another bracket which we have to pick up at the store tomorrow as today was spent celebrating my Uncle Chris’s 50th birthday and the completion of his Master’s degree.  I also spent some time with the nearly-weds, my cousin Greg and his fiance Jodie to finalize which song I will be singing in their wedding in a few weeks.  We wrapped up the evening by having pizza with my folks while they ran Calder so ragged that he was asleep about 5 minutes after we got on the road! 

With my baby asleep I settled in for some quality computer time, hoping to learn a little more, and learn I did!  While it’s but a small victory I have to say that in the past two days I have managed to successfully add buttons to my blog which has been a bit of a frustration of mine for a while!  And tonight I downloaded a trial version of Snagit and created a custom header.  I’m not sure that I adore it just yet, but for my first try I thought it wasn’t too bad.  Hopefully I’ll be able to try again soon and create one that isn’t so pixelated.  Any tips and suggestions from more experienced bloggers is greatly appreciated.

I’d also like to create little “flags” (if that’s the proper term) for the titles to my various sections (Calendar, Categories, etc.) like I’ve seen on other blogs.  I think I might know how to create those now using this program, but I’m not sure I know exactly how to plug them into WordPress, so again, any helpful hints you can toss my way are appreciated!

Coming Home

I feel like it’s been so long since I’ve written that I should probably introduce myself again.  I’ve had millions of possible posts half-written in the insanity that is my mind, and yet somewhere between thinking so eloquently, reflectively and sometimes philosophically and getting it to flow through me and spring forth as actual words has been quite a challenge as of late.

Admittedly, I have been in what I’ll call a “funk” for the past couple of weeks.  Spending my entire day with students who may or may not give a rip that I spent 4 hours categorizing my bookshelves to make them more user-friendly or fighting with the copier for 45 minutes on a Sunday night doesn’t provide the most rewarding experiences.  Add that to the fact that I I’ve entered a new age bracket, which wasn’t really a spectacular celebration, and I’m hyper-emotional being nearly 6 months pregnant, and I hope you’ll understand my absence.  Instead of seeing the glass half-full I’ve been much more inclined to find it completely empty, and trying to “fill it” with empty words and posed pictures seemed trite.

So, on those happy notes, I’m am at least pleased to report that lately, things are looking up.  I’ve had a few days where I’ve seen small successes with students and felt validated in the methods I’m using in class.  I’ve had engaging conversations with new friends, colleagues, and family.  I’ve been bombarded by baby kicks and rolls and happily enjoying Calder as we spent last week combining work, play and rest on our much-needed spring break.

In some ways, my most and least favorite part of a trip is that familiar trip that ends at our front door.  That moment between turning off the car and opening the door is filled with relief that we’re safely back home, and a almost-tangible twinge of regret that our time away has come to an end.  Walking in and looking around, things look oddly different and yet startingly the same.  Even here, as I type, I’m surprised by the changes that have taken place in my absence…yet it feels good to be back among the writing.

So the few of you who are out there reading, please know that I’m back.  Slowly, but surely I’ll find that groove once again and happily share the ups (and downs) with those who are interested enough to stop by.

Happy Birthday!

March 2008 180

Dear Calder,

I have a few different drafts of this letter already saved on my computer, yet I find myself needing and wanting to write directly to you tonight.  I can hardly believe that it’s already been an entire year since you came into our lives and completely turned our worlds upside down. 

You have grown into such an amazing little boy already and I’m sure that this is merely the beginning of an amazing journey.  I keep thinking that we’ve arrived at my “favorite” stage with you, yet you continue to surprise me and each milestone brings another feeling of joy and excitement.  I’ll never forget the perfection of those first few weeks – crazy as they were.  “The Cocoon” I called it, loving how the world around us stopped and all that mattered was right here in our home.  It was the perfect combination of energy and relaxation, restlessness and peace – it was a living contradiction. 

You are quickly teaching me that each new phase will bring a different kind of joy and worry into my overflowing heart.  As you explore and discover your world, I’m awed by your focus and attention to small details.  I cannot wait to share countless memories with you, and I learn by your side how to be the best Mommy I can be.

The way you splash in the bathtub, cough when I tap your button nose, and play shy by snuggling in close, are just a few things I adore.  Your newest tricks – standing by yourself, melting down when you don’t get your way, and trying to climb the stairs – have caught me somewhat by surprise, and made me realize just how steep the parenting learning curve can be!

Thank you for all the ways you have made us a family.  You make me so very proud.  Happy First Birthday, Calder-Man!

Love,

Mama

P.S. I’ll post more pictures from your birthday party very soon, sweetie! 🙂

Saturday Surprise

So I’m really kicking myself for not writing something yesterday because it was LEAP DAY!  I suppose that my ridiculously early bedtime is partly to blame, but still.  And I’m also trying to figure out how to “start” giving birthday wishes via my blog when I’ve already missed a few this year.  I think I’ll make March my official start date!  I’ll also give the disclaimer that this is not meant to be a comprehensive birthday blog and should I forget unwittingly miss any one of my friends and/or family members, you can be sure there was a very good explanation as to why!

While this isn’t exactly a “birthday” wish, I still think it can be loosely linked to the same category.  G. and I are thrilled to announce that we’ll be adding another little one to our family in August!  That’s right, Calder’s going to be a big brother!  We recently shared the news with our family and captured a shot of their genuine surprise!

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Now that the word is out (we still need to tell our students this week and friends at church) you can be expecting posts of pregnancy progress! 

Have a great weekend!