It's Been Awhile.

Kallie is growing like a weed, laughing often, rolling over, nursing like a champ, teething, and sitting up quite well on her own. I miss her terribly during the day, but am so blessed to have My Babe and GiGi with her during the week. I can't say that I would rather work, but I will say when I get home I am much more focused on her and am able to let the dishes, laundry, emails, and cooking wait much longer than usual...and that is a great feeling.

Trying to find balance between school and home has been challenging this first week back. It's hard when your job really begins at 3:00pm as there is no way you can do a thing while the children are there and still teach effectively. I've been staying a lot later than I should, and must get better at that.

I'm finding it difficult to swallow that my favorite baby activities are only offered during the day so I am unable to attend, but I have decided that a monthly day off to attend such things just might be the cure I need.

For now, I'm just happy for this three day weekend - and a beautiful 4 month old.

The Swing Is Loved Around Here.

Daddy Dates.

She LOVES her daddy. And she is going to be one adventurous little girl that will never doubt how much he LOVES her.

A Rare Moment.

We had a busy day from a swim party this morning to Kallie's first Round Rock Express game with friends. You are witnessing the 5 seconds that she sat and watched the game without crying. I do believe the spectators around us were quite thrilled.

The Joy of Discovery and Germs.

Within the last few days Kallie has discovered that her hands have a purpose and has been reaching for things and, of course, placing them in her mouth. I've been better than I thought I would be, but that doesn't mean we don't need to pray that her germaphobic mother can turn the other way when big gobs of dirt enter her mouth on a regular basis.

I admit it. I'm a germaphobic weirdo and have big issues that my crazy pills don't really seem to help. Sometimes I open my own refrigerator or door handles with my shirt. I will hardly ever open my classroom door with my bare hands. I will never, unless I am desperate, use one of my kindergartner's pencils or scissors. And I wash my hands at least 40 times per day. But, sometimes I can be okay with germs. I can follow the 5 second rule with most things -especially if it involves food because I love to eat people and will sacrifice my sanity for food. My germ phobia can be quite sporadic at times and also quite intense at times. And it's all because I am terrified of the stomach flu. Really terrified. Disturbingly enough, I think about it all the time and dream regularly about it. I would love to be rid of this phobia so pass along some advice because my germ phobia sure didn't help me out during our trip to Wimberley.

But on the other hand, it's so neat to see her discover new things. To see the wheels turning in her head as she uses her hands to manipulate the world around her. I pray that I can let her be messy. And I pray that I can be messy with her. Germs and all.

Home For Good.

School is about to be in full force, so our traveling days are over for awhile. We had another great trip spending time with family, enjoying the museum, and relaxing. Today Kallie enjoyed her new swing with GiGi and spent lots of time gazing at the trees. Next week marks my last week home before the daily grind begins and I'm not even close to ready for it.









And, do you really need reassurance?

Challenge #2.

The first challenge is going very well, so I thought just maybe...

Ever Come Face To Face With A Train?

Stomach Flu, You're A Jerk Face.

Oh, there's nothing like a lot of barf to make life interesting while on vacation.

My Babe's parents graciously rented this AMAZING home, 7 Star Ranch, in Wimberley for a few days for us to be together as a family. All summer long I've been looking forward to meeting my new baby niece, spending time with the grandparents, relaxing by the river, and working on making this pale skin semi-tan without becoming fried chicken.

Unfortunately, the stomach flu had different ideas for a fun vacation. My Babe, Kallie, my mom, my sis-in-law, and I all had the pleasure of spending lots of time lovin' on the toilet and sleeping in the bed. We're finally on the mend, but a little bummed about missing out on some of the fun. However, we did get to enjoy the river and pool a little bit prior to the sick festivities, and certainly had fun just being together. In sickness and in health.


Snuggling with Kallie's cousin.


I need me one of these here swangs.


Float you cheap thing.


There's nothing like a grandpa.


One good looking daddy and one good looking baby girl.


Ready at a moment's notice: Lifeguard Grandma C & Lifeguard GiGi