Random Thoughts...

Hayden can completely put himself to sleep, and usually, it's with very minimal, if any, fussing. This is WONDERFUL. He may not, however, stay asleep all night, but it's improving.

Today we went to Mobile for our nephew Devin's birthday party. On our way home, we passed another birthday party taking place...at CHECKER'S. No lie.

I am joining a gym soon. I'm tired of feeling ugly and still being stuck in my maternity pants. Boo for hating what you see in the mirror.

I have a fantastic husband. It's the little things I observe in other couples somedays that make me extra thankful I married David. I've always known he was perfect for me, but there are just those moments that make me even more aware how special he truly is.

My house is a disaster. I can't stand it, but it's not getting thoroughly cleaned until we're off for Thanksgiving; guess I can wait another week to deep clean.

My Sunday School class and I are planning to do Christmas for one of my students. I can't really share his circumstances, but I can't stand it. I can't stand students not having what they need, especially a decent, warm meal. If Christmas came and went and there wasn't a gift under any tree for me, I would survive and be completely okay. I have everything I need, but I can't say the same for a good number of my students.

We have an adorable son; his laugh is infectious. He can sit up for minutes now; he can't go from lying down to sitting up just yet, but he sure does try!

I want to go see a movie; I can't remember the last time David and I went to see a movie.

I also think we're putting up our Christmas decorations this week; we would have done it tonight, but we got home later than hoped for. David asks about every other day when we're putting everything up. What a change from times past!

I told you this was filled with random thoughts. Sometimes I just need to put them down somewhere.

I want to bake. But then I'll eat it. That's a no-win.

Good-bye.

6 Month Stats

Quick stats update:

Weight: 24 1/4 lbs.

Height: 30.5 in.

Both in the 95th percentile and still completely in proportion. YES!

Hayden's right on target with motor and sensory skills, rolling over, holding head up, etc. Dr. Bristol was very pleased.

He did great with his shots; new nurse gave them and she was a little slower, so he really felt them. Got cool blue camoflauge bandaids again and a new mini rubber ducky at the end, which dried his tears instantly. That was pretty funny. Forget mom comforting him; the duck did it!

I Forget

With all the worrying and stressing I do about finances, I tend to forget how blessed my little family is. I'm sure that sounds so cliche, but true, nonetheless.

Today I heard about the homelife of a student and I honestly, truly teared up. My son goes to bed every night with a full belly. Even if I don't want what is in my pantry, I have food. I'm not even close to doing without. But I have students who are--daily. School is their only escape, and for many, the only place they get to eat. Awful.

It's not just food they deal with either: drugs, abuse, etc. I know it happens, but I see more cases of this type of thing than last year. It breaks my heart. Why do people reproduce if they're not going to properly care for their children? Guess that's an age-old question, and one that's not likely to change anytime soon. Oh, it breaks my heart. If I had $15 bucks in my pocket and nothing else, and both Hayden and I needed food, I'd go hungry in a heartbeat. No question. He's more important. Always will be.

I want the safest environment possible for me, David, and Hayden (and whatever future children we have). Whatever it takes to accomplish that I'll do. I wish more parents were willing to do the same.

On a positive note, for all the bad this post has been about, I do have those few parents who go above and beyond, so sorry to be uber-negative. It's just trend to focus on the bad more than the good. I need to do something to reward those classes/students who deserve to be rewarded. Those students don't get praised often enough.

I am...

EXHAUSTED. There's no other word. Between workshops, trainings, a baby who won't sleep through the night, teaching, church activities, a funeral, and just life, I'm tired. And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I can't get ahead in anything; shoot, I haven't done stuff (paperwork) that needed to be done 2 months ago! There is so much I want to do and update around my house, but I either don't have the energy or the time to get it completed. Hayden has started throwing little temper tantrums, testing his boundaries. Do you know how much fun it is to discipline a 6 month old and then have him ignore you? He knows what's going on, I'll give him that. Smart little booger.

Okay, well, I still have stuff to do before our babysitter arrives and I leave for work and more meetings. I rather enjoy today's meetings, though. Only 3 weeks until Thanksgiving break; teachers haven't had a break (for us, anyway) since Labor Day. We're very much in need of one!

Saturday for a Six Month Old

What better way to spend a lazy Saturday than with a big ole bottle of juice wearing my Bama gear and relaxing in my rocker watching football? Happy 6 month birthday to me!

Half a Year

Our "baby" is 6 months old today! We're finally starting to get some sleep (last night was an exception, however), and he can roll almost completely roll over, hold his own bottle, and scoot. Two teeth are in and more on their way. He's wearing 9-12 month clothing easily, and he loves to yell at the dog. Hayden can't stand to be lying down now that he knows what it's like to sit/stand up. He's quite close to crawling, just hasn't figured out the mechanics yet. We are going to have one very busy and vocal toddler down the road!

Recent pictures coming soon! We still need to find a local pumpkin patch for some fall shots.

Not A Baby Anymore

Our almost 6 month old resembles a little man, not a baby anymore! We even purchased him a convertible carseat today. How can he be half a year old!?