Bug

So my sister may be off the hook (see previous post). Hayden may have caught a stomach bug. Let's just suffice it to say that I believe I earned my mom's card tonight and that I've bathed the kiddo again, changed us both, put another load of laundry on, and the high chair has received a shower. Fabulous Sunday evening. But better 5:30 PM than 5:30 AM!

No Chocolate for YOU!

I love my sister, but last night she decided to give my 9 month old a chocolate covered creme puff. It was adorable watching him get completely messy, especially since she had to clean him up! So fast forward to 6 AM Saturday morning:

-Hayden is awake, moving and making noises in the nursery,

-I go retrieve him, cuddle with him in our bed hoping for another hour or two of sleep,

-He starts making these gurgling noises in his throat and chest,

-We both pop up in bed and sit Hayden up,

-Checking him out, the noises somewhat pass but his tummy steadily rumbles,

-Daddy gets up, but Hayden and I stay in bed, talking and playing,

-He rolls over and suddenly white just begins pouring from him,

-He's covered, I'm covered, the clean sheets on our bed are covered (and I discovered later, his bed is covered; my bad),

-I scoop him up, traipse to the nursery for clean clothes, and decide a bath is in order,

-Hayden only wants to be held, so we take the fastest bath on the planet where in his fit at being in the tub at 6:30, he bumps his head leading to further "upset-ness,"

-We're out, dressed (definitely smelling better!), I change, and we try a bottle,

-By 7:30 he's in the crib asleep---until 10:30!

Needless to say, it was quite the adventurous Saturday morning! Daddy went to Senior Bowl in Mobile for the day, so after bedtime tonight, I spent the evening grading tests and watching Miss America. I'm a wild woman!

But I have definitely decided that my son gets NO MORE CHOCOLATE! Oh, and it only happened because I chanced to leave the room! Thank you, Aunt Erin!

Dear Life,

Dear Life,

I am tired, overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. You have made it difficult to enjoy anything except my family right now. I don't know which way to turn at the moment, and I do not like this feeling. I do not care if that is the way you operate; you have made everything seem worse, and I do not know what decisions to make. Thankfully, I have Someone who does know, but even then, I am feeling so dry. So this is just a little note to say with all sarcasm, "thanks."

Sincerely,
Jamie

ps. I do not like this attitude I have, either, so a quick turnaround in the events of late would be nice.

9 Months

Happy 9 months old birthday, little man! 3 months from today we'll be celebrating the big 1. Goodness! You still have NO interest in crawling, but you'll be walking on your own any day. We had always somewhat guessed you might, but now it's here. You giggle and cheese as soon as you see a camera, and you're learning new skills every day. I love talking to and with you and playing the mocking game. You've learned how to fake cough very well, and you don't stop until someone fake coughs back. Bouncing is your favorite acitivity right now, as well as being thrown in the air. Daddy refuses to let you not be a tough man! We'll be going for your 9 month check-up in the next few weeks, and I can't wait to see how much I'm carrying around every day and how long you've gotten! You are quite the little flirt (which Daddy thinks is great, but if you were a girl, it would be a different story!). You, my precious baby boy, have the most adorable and infectious smile. I'm so glad you are Daddy's and mine! We love you, Hayden!

Relaxation Vacation

Okay, so we'll definitely be going back to Sandestin. David and I had a fantastic time, and Hayden did great with my mom and dad. He giggled and lunged for us when we arrived home.

We stayed in the Lasata condos on the Grand Sandestin property. It was rather like a glorified hotel room with a small sink, refrigerator, microwave, and a few other small amenities. We were able to hit a Publix and stock up on some drinks and snacks. But we also did plenty of eating out: Jim 'N Nick's BBQ, Fudpuckers, Hartells, Another Broken Egg Cafe, and Dewey Destins (seafood). Technically, we could have not even have left the property and had all the entertainment, food, and relaxation we needed, but we sure did enjoy hitting the outlets and other malls, too! We also saw "Leap Year" Sunday night. Overall, it was a great weekend, even with the rain and overcast skies. We can't wait to go back and take Hayden. The entire place is very family friendly and safe. We highly recommend a vacation to Destin/Sandestin!

Weekend Getaway

My sweet, sweet husband has surprised me with a weekend away! He spilled the beans earlier this week on where we're going: Sandestin. This will be our first trip without Hayden, and it will be the first time I've been away from him overnight. It's going to be great, though. My parents are watching him, and bless their hearts, they're staying at our house, so Hayden's routine won't be too interrupted. But back to the details of our trip. Oh, wait, I have almost none! I know the location and that we're staying in a condo.

I definitely need a vacation; even my students noticed that I need a break (and that's saying a lot!). I told one class yesterday that my patience level was at a zero and they had better cut it out. Surprisingly, that worked! Yesterday was my Friday since all my regular and backup babysitters are either working or sick today. I took the day off, and Hayden and I are spending it together while I pack and do laundry and get things ready to go. I think it'll be good to have all day with him since I'll be gone 3 days. I think we'll meet my mom for lunch and just enjoy the day together.

Hayden seems to have no interest in crawling, and I find myself continually comparing him to other babies, which I know I can't do. He loves to stand up, and when he doesn't realize it, he balances himself and will lunge forward. I'm afraid we're about to have a walker! He could do it, but he freaks himself out when he realizes he's on his own!

26

Well, world, I am officially 26. And I'm pooped.

But this weekend is the first time David and I will have gotten away just the two of us since Hayden was born. My mom and dad are going to babysit. I know everything will be fine, but Hayden and I have not been apart since April 24. We have such a great routine, so I'm interested in seeing how he does. He's my little trooper and he's very comfortable with my parents, but it still makes me nervous. Remember...I'm a first time mommy, so this is quite the challenge for me! I still don't think I'm going to be able to sleep solidly because baby boy will be on the brain. But oh how I'm looking forward to being taken to a surprise location for a reconnection weekend with the hubby!

I'm only a...

Sometimes I feel so proud when I say that I'm an English teacher.

Other times, it's as if I've simply left out a word: "I'm only an English teacher."

Does that make sense to anyone else but my overworked, anxiety-driven brain?

I've pondered teaching at a higher level, but I really enjoy where I'm at currently. Well, not necessarily the middle school level, but I enjoy the grade-school atmosphere. But that's not a decision that has to be made today; first, the Master's has to be gotten! I realize I have a very important job, and I take it seriously. In my recent lesson planning, I have uncovered some great assignments I'm excited about; let's just hope the students are as well!

I don't know why, but tonight I find myself saying, "I'm only..." One day I'll convince myself I'm enough!