Tuesday, August 26, 2008

School Boys

Minor and I have both had our "first" days with kiddos at our elementary schools. So, it's official- summer is over! I've been a bit in denial about this fact, even though we've been back for staff development for a few weeks now.

All in all, everything has been going very well for us. We continue to perfect our morning and evening routines with Sawyer. Our only real challenges is getting dinner on the table by six and finding time to exercise. (I still have a few more pounds to lose from pregnancy.) We're still working on systems that will make these things happen.

Sawyer has been doing so well at his school. He's excited to see Ms. Ruth in the morning when I drop him off and all smiles when I pick him up. I really feel blessed that we've found such a great school for him.

A favorite part of our new evening routine has been family play time before dinner. I just love these moments with Sawyer and Minor. Here are a few shots from yesterday's play session with my boys. Sawyer's such a "play baby" and just loves to be silly! I wonder where this came from?!


That's just silly, daddy!


I'll get you this time, daddy!


I got you!

During our play time this week, Sawyer has begun wanting to stand up more and more. He really would rather stand up at times, holding on to something, than play with toys on the floor. He can't quite pull himself up from a sitting position to standing, but he's been working on it. This week he's taken to standing by the couch, with only one hand. He's so impressed with himself when he does this! Minor and I have placed bets to when this standing up skill will lead to walking.

Speaking of my hubby, where are those weekly posts?! Perhaps, he's been a bit preoccupied scheming ways to purchase an iPhone!



“The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.” -Bennett Cerf

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Six Month Stats



We visited our pediatrician last Friday for Sawyer's six month check-up. He weighed in at 20 lbs 7 oz and measured 27 inches long!

He already has two teeth on the bottom and has been cutting four teeth on the top during the past two weeks.

Then, last Saturday we had our six month photo session with Mary Barnett. Check out all the great pics on her website under the client section. Our password is sawyer6. It's always a challenge to order only a few prints from each session.



“Photography, alone of the arts, seems perfected to serve the desire humans have for a moment - this very moment - to stay.”- Sam Abell

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Mr. Independent

Eating solids has been going really well for Sawyer. He's moving on to stage two foods, as well as finger foods (as recommended by our pediatrician at our six month well check this week). At the moment he's a veggie kiddo and not so crazy about the fruits. In fact, given banana in any form (pureed, small pieces, or mixed in something), he gags and makes me think I just may have to put my CPR/First-Aid training to use.



He asserts his independence at dinner by wanting to feed himself. He actually will throw a bit of a fit (where did he learn this?) if the spoon is not in his hand.



Before dinner time, we usually enjoy some play time on the floor. Sabine is never too far away if we're with Sawyer. She's always checking in to make sure everyone is okay. Sawyer really loves to watch her and pull on her ears. He's not so sure about her wet kisses. Through it all, Sabine has been patient with him and done a pretty good job adjusting to life with the newest family member!



Sawyer continues to show us he has opinions about how we do things or what he can or can't do. I think we better read up on that "discipline" chapter, since I don't think this is a phase with Sawyer. We may just have a stubborn, independent, and opinionated child. Where did these traits come from?!

“The four cornerstones of character on which the structure of this nation was built are: Initiative, Imagination, Individuality and Independence.”
-Edward Vernon Rickenbacker

Saturday, August 9, 2008

The Good Shepherd

Psalm 23, verse 1 says: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Looking up Shepherd in the dictionary, I found two definitions:
1. (noun) a person who protects, guides, or watches over a person or group of people and 2. (verb) to watch over carefully

Reading over the definitions gave me another perspective of the word Shepherd in Psalm 23. Three weeks ago a new journey began, that I'm not even quite sure where it will end, but I know that the Lord, my Shepherd, is watching over me and our family during this journey.

After returning from our family road trip, I was called in for interviews at a few schools in the Round Rock ISD to serve as an assistant principal. I wasn't quite sure if this was where I needed or should be for the coming school year, but I knew there would be no part-time positions at Cactus Ranch or any other elementary school. Staying home is not an option at this time, as the cost of benefits for a family with Austin ISD (Minor's employer) would put us "in the hole" each month.

So, when I was offered a position at Canyon Creek Elementary, I accepted. One of the greatest gifts from this opportunity is that the school is only a short five minute drive from our home! This left us in a bit of a scramble to find quality childcare for Sawyer on this part of town, as we had a place for him near Cactus Ranch. But, wouldn't you know that Good Shepherd Lutheran ECC (Early Childhood Center) (another short ten minute drive from our home!) had an opening in their nursery for the coming school year.

It seemed to me that the Lord was guiding us through His plan and all we had to do was listen to His voice.

The first two weeks of the new position allowed me to move out of my classroom at Cactus Ranch and to set up my office at Canyon Creek, as well as attend a few district leadership meetings. Minor didn't have to return to his school until last Monday, so Sawyer enjoyed some "daddy daycare" while I began to transition to my new position.

Then, this past Monday was Minor's first day back, so Sawyer went to Good Shepherd ECC for the first time. It was a tough morning for me, as were the next couple of mornings. However, Sawyer's been doing great: taking his naps, drinking his typical eight oz. at a feeding, and enjoying his three new playmates.

I have begun to feel more at peace about being away from Sawyer and know that for this moment in our lives, this is what is best for our family. (There are still difficult moments for me...moments of guilt, moments of wondering, and moments of questioning.) Through it all though, I know the Lord is watching over us and guiding us through this next journey.

Our journey with Sawyer continues to bring joy and happiness to our lives! Here's two pics of our little "comet"! (Canyon Creek's mascot is the comet...isn't that interseting?!)



Sawyer's always happy...unless he's hungry, then you better get that bottle and fast!



He loves to sit up and grab for his toys to put them in his mouth, especially since he's cutting all four of his top teeth this week!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Bubbles & Daddy

One of my favorite times of the day is preparing for bedtime with Sawyer. I love the quiet moments that often come as we unwind from the day together. We sing songs, read books, and say our prayers.

The other night Minor decided to get in on the bath time action. Sawyer's "just right" for our deep kitchen sink, which has made bath time much more enjoyable for all!


What do you think of my new do, mama?


Quick, daddy, she's coming!
I imagine I will only be seeing more of this expression!


We're in the clear. Now, what's next?

Speaking of that daddy...where are his posts?! I remember a time when we talked about posting at least once each week! Hopefully, we'll hear some stories from him, soon.

Rub-a-dub-dub, toys in the tub
far more than the eye can see!
sinkers and floaters, duckies, wee boaters
what fun our baby can be!