News Roundup

Yet another novel for your enjoyment. I'm thinking I may have to re-think this Ten-for-Tuesday post. Nobody want to read such a long post. Plus, it took me three days to write it. Probably time to switch things up some.

Mothers of the world rejoice! School is in session! How about some first day pics?

1. Michael's first day of 2nd grade. He was super excited. He has 2 teachers who split the school day. So far, he likes them both! He made a lot of progress over the summer with his reading skills, and he was one of the few kids in his class to pass his first math quiz, so he's off to a good start. This year his teachers will pay him fake money any time they catch him doing something good. Then he can spend the money at the classroom store. He is very excited about the money! Nothing like a good incentive for good behavior! He is definitely going to have more homework this year, and that will take a little getting used to, but he's a pretty responsible kid, so I think he'll do just fine.

I left the kids a back-to school present to open when they woke up. Just a notebook and new markers. I'm a sucker for school supplies! The kids loved having a package to open up with breakfast! I'm sure Michael will expect this to become a new "tradition."

2. Ty had a couple of first days. Last week I took him in for an orientation meeting which was supposed to last 30 minutes. Ha! More like and hour and 20. . . but who's counting? Certainly not the dumb mom who brought her baby and 3 year old along. Anyway. . .

We got to meet Ty's new teacher and the other kids in his class. Blake was excited to come along, and he even wore his backpack. I didn't realize it at the time, but he must have thought he was going to school too. At on point Ty's teacher called the kids to come sit on the rug for circle time. Blake went and sat quietly with the other kids while she called roll. Then, when she was done, he raised his hand to get her attention.

Blake: You didn't call my name.

Teacher (looking confusedly at her roll): What is your name?

Ty: His name is Blake. He's my little brother.

Blake: I am not little!

He totally thought he belonged in school with all of the other kids. He was not happy when the kindergarteners got to go outside to check out the playground and he had to stay with mom.

So Ty didn't get to go to school the rest of the week other than to come in for testing. Monday was the real first day!

Ty actually got new shoes for his first day! As usual, I'm a bit behind the game. The boys didn't get much in the way of back-to-school clothes. I should have at least gotten them each a new t-shirt. Maybe next year!

Ty was much more excited than he looks in this picture! And, by the look on Blake's face I should have realized that he also thought it was his first day. When the kids lined up to go inside with their teachers Blake darted right in line. I caught him just before he hit the doors. He screamed. Loudly. Poor kid! Preschool can't start soon enough!

Back-to-school mommy madness. I have to say, there are two kinds of moms when it comes to dropping their kids off for the first day of school. Those with tears of sadness, and those with tears of joy. Can you guess which camp I'm in?! I love my kids. Really and truly. But, we're all going to be so happy to have some routine back in our lives.

3. If you look closely at the pictures of Ty you might notice that he's no longer wearing his sling! Wahoo! We just had it x-rayed and everything has healed nicely. He is so excited to be able to ride bikes and jump on the trampoline again!

4. Hopefully this little one gets the memo about this whole routine business. He was so upset when I woke him from his nap to drive Ty to school the first couple of days. It pretty much ruined the rest of the day. He could not settle back down for a good nap. Hopefully he figures out quickly that he's go two good blocks of time when he should sleep---before and after we drive to kindergarten. Otherwise he's not going to be a happy baby.

He's nearing the 4-month mark. The perfect time to sleep train and ditch the binky---according to my pediatrician. For the past week or so I've been trying to put him down drowsy but awake, and he's doing a pretty good job. I've also been trying to get him to suck on his fingers instead of his binky. He's having none of that. I didn't think he was all that attached to his binky, but in the last week he's started to hold his lips out---just asking for the thing. Maybe I should have ditched it two weeks ago? Any great tips? Should I just go cold turkey?

5. Blake has been totally cracking me up lately. He's decided that he prefers to wear his clothes backwards. On a not-so-funny note, he's also decided that using the toilet is too much of a bother.

6. So the other night we were eating dinner, and Blake started complaining about his nose. He said he had food in his nose and he couldn't get it out. So I look, and sure enough there is something small up there, and I couldn't get it out either. So I went and got the tweezers and carefully pulled the food out. Except I had to keep pulling and pulling. I got a little it out, but it broke. leaving some behind. Then Blake sneezed, and an entire piece of pasta came shooting out of his nose. I almost threw up. I started having flashback of the packing coming out when I had my nose surgery.

I cannot believe he shoved that entire piece of pasta up his nose! What was he thinking?!

7. The other night I nearly lit my face on fire. I'm pretty sure that would have made me throw up too! I guess I've got to be more careful with my cooking spray when I'm cooking on a gas stove? One time I actually caught my shirt on fire while cooking. But, I was pregnant at the time, and I always kind of forget that you have to give yourself more clearance!

8. Baby's finally big enough for the Bumbo! He's not a huge fan, but it's so nice to be able to put him down once in awhile!

9. About two months ago I took an trip to IKEA. I broke down and bought dressers. Dressers! It has changed my life friends! We got two of these babies. The first two in the house. The kids can actually reach their clothes. Ahh! Why did I wait so long?

Ty also got a bookcase for his room. No more books in plastic bins. Hooray! Those little canvas tote boxes are great for stashing the flimsy paperback books that always ends up smeared all over the floor. Plus, they are good for storing Ty's many small "treasures."

Now if I could only get some nightstands for my bedroom. . .

10. A couple of weeks ago I threw a bridal shower for my sister Dana. Despite the fact that I had a lot of help from my mom and Giannina, this party stressed me out! I usually like to entertain, and I usually try to get the house ready early enough ahead of time that I'm not freaking out at the last minute, but I was nearly impossible to do that with baby in tow. Plus, by the end of this busy summer, my house was just a little bit trashed! I had a friend who repeatedly told me that with each kid you just have to let your standards and expectations slide. She was totally right. Problem is that I don't have much more I can give up at this point!

I was a bit frazzled by the time the guests arrived, and I totally bungled the game up, but I think everyone had a good time. And the food was great. We went a bit overboard with the spread, but we had great leftovers!

My favorite thing were these beautiful little cookies Giannina made. I could eat the whole plate!

I made these fun pom poms for decoration, and they turned out so cute! I've been wanting to make them forever. They are so happy and cheerful I can't bring myself to take them down!

And of course, Dana had a ball opening her gifts!