Back to Blonde

Once upon a time, I had very blonde hair.

25th birthday - June 2008

5 year anniversary photos - August 2008

My hair is naturally a dark blonde, but I would get highlights to make it brighter.

When I was pregnant with Leland, I started to get low lights with my highlights to go slowly go darker. I liked it darker. It was something a little different and I felt like it matched my skin tone better, so I stuck with it for a while.

Leland's newborn photos - January 2012

Fall photos - 2012

Sometimes I would do more highlights than low lights and my hair would be a little lighter, but not SUPER blonde like in the past.

13 weeks pregnant with Alden - April 2013

Around 34 weeks pregnant with Alden. I got my hair highlighted just before pics were taken - September 2013.
This is probably my favorite style of my hair ever. Pregnancy did amazing things for my hair!

Alden's first birthday - October 2014

The last few years, I have enjoyed having my hair slightly darker. It was a nice change from years of super blonde and it was easy to maintain. But lately I've been missing my lighter hair, so this weekend, my sweet friend Magi (who is a hair stylist) highlighted my hair. Our boys played together while she brought me back to blonde. And I'm really happy with how it turned out.

It's still not as light as it was pre-Leland, but definitely lighter than the last few years. Yay for being blonde again!

I wish my teacher knew

About a week ago, I read an article online about a teacher who asked her students to finish this statement: "I wish my teacher knew..." The comments the teacher got were incredibly sad, like "The reason my book log is never signed is because my mom is never home." Or things like not having enough food, or having a parent that has been deported. It was depressing to read, but definitely important things for a teacher to know.

Before I even read the article, I knew this was something I needed to do in my classroom. I am pretty in tune with what's going on with my students. I know that their physical needs are met - they all have enough food in their lunchboxes every day (we eat lunch in the classroom, so I know what they're eating). They all have clothes that fit (or close enough to fitting - uniforms make that a little tough sometimes because you don't want to go out and buy new stuff with only 8 weeks left of school). They all have at least one pair of shoes. They have what they need, and it's nice to know that.

But it can be hard to tell if their emotional needs are being met. Are they lonely? Are they too shy to say something that I need to know about? Do they feel safe? Do they feel loved?

So the next day, I handed each student a strip of paper with the phrase "I wish my teacher knew" on it. I gave them examples of things I might have wanted my teachers to know when I was in school: spelling was too easy for me; middle school math was too hard; a group of girls picked on me in 4th grade and I hated coming to school for fear of what would happen each day; my 5th grade teacher was the reason I started to like school again (he was the very best teacher I have ever had and is my inspiration every day for my own teaching); I want to run track but my parents can't take me to practice every day; etc.

I told them they didn't have to write their names on their papers unless they wanted to. Some did, some didn't. The answers I got were mostly what I expected, but some were really eye opening for me. They made me think, and they made me see things from their perspective. A couple made me smile, and one just made me laugh. Below are just a few.

I wish my teacher knew...

• that (student's name) is mean to the boys.
• that my grandma and grandpa are divorced and I wish you would pray for them. (I'm on it, my dear, sweet one.)
• that I'm not trying to bully people. (I'm pretty sure I know who wrote this one. This student and I have been having some chats about making sure we're considerate of others' feelings because we can sometimes unintentionally hurt them.)
• how much I love you. It is true!
• that math is too easy for me.
• that (student's name) keeps bossing me around.
• how the door that goes outside is locked on the outside but not on the inside. (This is the one that made me laugh. He wants me to know how it works so I can explain it to him.)
• that I love her very very much.
• that you're both AWESOME! (written to Mrs. Nowak and Mrs. Holfels)
• that math is fun.

I learned SO MUCH from doing this with my students. I fully plan to do it again, and recommend all of my teacher friends try it just once. Maybe I'll make it a weekly thing. Or maybe next year I'll make a jar for students to put these notes in anytime they want.

Stupid Skin

A few years ago, when I was pregnant with Leland, this red bump appeared on my bottom lip. I posted about it here, but the short version is that I went to my dermatologist and he won't do anything about it until I am done with pregnancy and nursing.

Fast forward to about a month ago, when a red bump appeared below my eye.

I thought it was a zit at first, because it had a little white spot in the middle, but it didn't go away after a week, and I couldn't pop it. 

I called my dermatologist, but they couldn't see me for two weeks, so I went to my doctor, or actually a PA at my doctor's office because my doctor was on vacation. She said it was a stye and gave me a prescription for an antibiotic cream. After a week, it was still there, and actually seemed bigger.

I went back to the PA and she said it's probably a milia, which is a keratin deposit under the skin's surface. She couldn't treat it and suggested I come back to see my doctor. I decided to see my dermatologist instead.

According to my dermatologist, it is most likely an oil deposit, but he didn't want to remove it because it would leave a scar. He referred me to another dermatologist who specializes in the area around the eye. He will probably (hopefully!!!) remove it at that point. My dermatologist said that it's highly unlikely that it's anything serious, but if they remove it, they will do a biopsy just in case.I can't get in to see the new dermatologist for a few weeks, so I guess I just have to deal with it until then.

The point here is that I'm so stinking tired of dumb skin issues on my face!

More fun than I thought it would be

Before Leland started preschool, I was dreading packing his lunches. I know how much I hate packing my own lunches, so doubling the lunch-packing didn't sound like fun. But, to my surprise, I am actually enjoying packing his lunch.

Ham & cheese sandwich, cheese chunks, pretzels, blueberries, banana, applesauce pouch, and some m&m's.

Perhaps part of the reason I am enjoying it so much is because Leland is so excited about it every day. He is obsessed with his lunch box and always talks about eating lunch and snack at school. Also, I try to pack something special each day that he will be excited about. Not necessarily a sweet treat, but something that he doesn't usually get at home, like applesauce pouches, fruits snacks, or a Nutri-Grain Bar. A couple of times, I have sent him with m&m's in an Easter egg - a pink one because pink is his favorite color. And last week, I made his favorite muffins and sent them a couple of days. It's fun for me to load up his lunch box and think about how much he will enjoy it. Like his mama, food can really make his day.

Grilled ham and cheese sandwich, strawberries, banana, oranges, goldfish crackers, and fruit snacks.

For the main portion of his lunch, I have also sent chicken nuggets, leftover stuffed shells, and leftover wet burritos. He almost always comes home with an empty lunch box.

I tend to send him with a lot of fruit because that's his favorite, and it's a nice healthy snack, so I can feel good about sending it. I do feel guilty about not sending veggies every day, but I think peas are about the only veggie he would eat at school (he's getting pickier about veggies as he gets older; he eats them at home, but not without some coaxing).

Hot dogs, oranges, yogurt, peas, crackers, and raisins.

Sometimes I ask him what he wants in his lunch and he will pick a few things. Or I ask if he wants leftovers or a sandwich. He would probably be thrilled with PBJ (or "peanut jellies" as he calls it), but since he has a friend with a nut allergy, I don't want to send peanut butter. Technically, we're allowed to, but if Leland doesn't wash his hands well and then plays with her later, it could be dangerous.

So packing his lunch (and two snacks) each day isn't so bad yet. I'm having fun with it, and I like trying to think of new and different things so that he doesn't have the same things all week long. Good thing since I'll be doing it for several years to come!

18 months

Dear Alden,

Sweet boy, you are 18 months old! Time has just been flying by, no matter how much I dig my heels. You are growing up so fast and I can't believe how big you're getting.

Speaking of getting big, you currently wear 18-24 month clothes, but are probably ready for straight 24 month because sometimes your shirts turn into belly shirts. You don't go for your 18 month well check for a few weeks, so I don't have an exact weight or height on you, but my guess is around 25 pounds. I have no guess on inches. (I'm terrible at that, maybe I should ask your daddy.

You eat pretty well most of the time, but the last few weeks you've been wanting mostly fruit. You nurse once before bed, and once in the morning. You take a bottle of almond milk at daycare, but other than that, you pretty much only drink water.

About a month ago, we made a sudden breakthrough with your sleep. One night, completely randomly, you slept all night. ALL NIGHT LONG! You had never done it before, and I was pretty sure it was just a fluke. You had a bit of a cold, so I figured it had tired you out. But you did it again the next night. And the next, and every night since. It has been a whole month of you sleeping all night. I knew it would happen eventually, but I figured it would happen gradually. Instead, you went from three hour stretches to sleeping 11-12 hours, literally overnight. It has been amazing.

You are still a mama's boy. You love to snuggle me (and put your hand down my shirt), and you get really angry when I'm making dinner or unable to hold you for whatever reason. You have no trouble letting us know when you're upset and can throw a decent tantrum. Lately, when this happens, you throw yourself on the floor, all dramatic-like. Or if you're facing me, you sometimes walk backwards to get away and then fall on your bottom. You are a silly little creature.

I love the bond we share. Even though it can be hard when you're dead set on snuggling and I'm busy with something, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Your favorite toys are cars, trucks, and tractors, and anything your brother is playing with. You love to climb everything and scare us half to death. You love to play outside, and it's finally getting warm enough to do that! You love, love, love to dance. When you hear music, you start bopping up and down, and then hold out your hands for Leland to dance with you. It's seriously the cutest.

You're not into TV shows much, but you like to watch the movies Cars, Planes, Monsters Inc/University, and Horton Hears a Who. That's about the only way I can make dinner without you yelling at me.

Last week, you started a new daycare because Julie is unable to do daycare right now. You now go to Dawn, and it's going well. It's not the same as Julie and it is taking some adjusting, but you seem happy and are transitioning well. I was worried that you would have a hard time with this change, especially since Leland isn't there with you (he started preschool), but you're doing just fine.

You don't have many words quite yet. Don't get me wrong, you talk ALL the time, but it's pretty nonsensical so far. Lots and lots of babbling - probably complete sentences - but I can't understand a word of it. You sometimes say nigh-nigh (night-night), mama, dada, and boo (as in peek-a-boo), but that's about it. Sometimes you attempt to repeat what I say, but not all the time.

You love to laugh, and in doing so, you make others laugh. You are quite the little comedian, bringing so much joy to our lives and to everyone around you. We love you so much, sweet littlest, and are so thankful to have you in our lives.

As much I hate how fast these years are flying by, I love watching you grow up. It is the greatest joy in my life to be your mom (and your brother's). I love you to the moon and back, baby boy. You bring sunshine to my life.

Love, Mama

Could it be?

Could spring actually be here?! I think it has finally arrived!

This past weekend was gloriously sunny, and Sunday got up to 70 degrees! I had to work that day, so I missed out on some sunshine, but since I got out at 2:00, I decided to take the boys to the park after their nap.

Oh, it was amazing! Super busy since everyone else had the same thoughts as I did, but it was amazing nonetheless. I am so thankful to see some sunshine and warmer temps. After this frigid winter, I needed it!

We played on the playground and walked the path around the park.

He wants to hold my hand all the time lately. I'm not complaining.

He also wanted to hold Alden's hand, but Alden just wanted to run free.

Now I am greedy for more. More sunshine. More warm weather. More weekend. More park days. I can't wait to spend the summer with these two yahoos.

We are going to have a blast!

One Crazy Week

As you know from my post a few days ago, Leland started preschool this week. The first day went really well. He was excited to go and seemed to have a fun day. Since then, things have been a little rough. Not terrible, but not easy.

Leland seems to have fun at school. When I peek in on him (usually at least twice a day...I can't help it), he is usually giggling and having fun. But in the mornings, he doesn't want to go. We get to his classroom and he starts crying that he wants to leave. It breaks my heart, because although he would sometimes cry when I dropped him off at daycare, it was only right as I was leaving. Now he cries immediately upon walking in. But, like I said, he seems to have fun during the day, and he doesn't want to leave at the end of the day.

The other day, I peeked in on him while he was having snack. He was laughing and being silly with his friend, Sal. Upon looking a little more closely, I noticed that he was eating a doughnut. Apparently, Sal gave Leland one of his doughnuts, which is a bit of a no-no, because they're not supposed to share food (which is a policy in my classroom as well). When one of their teachers talked to them about not sharing food, Leland very innocently said, "But I like doughnuts." Oh, the little cuties.

So, drop offs have been rough, but I like that I can spy on him a few times a day and just see how he's doing.

Alden started his new daycare on Tuesday. We talked to and visited a number of daycares, but none of them seemed like the right fit, or else they didn't have a full time opening. Then my co-worker shared her daycare provider's information. We met with her and it went great so Alden started the next day.

He has been doing well. A few tears when I drop him off, but he calms down quickly. He does the same thing at the church nursery, and just needs some cuddling to feel better. I'm glad that he's adjusting well.

This daycare is a little bit out of the way. Not terrible, but not as close to school as Julie, so my commute has increased by about 10 minutes. That's been a little tough for me. In the mornings, I feel so rushed to get out of the house and to work on time, and in the evenings, I feel anxious to just get home and hug my babies. My days have felt extra long this week (Contrary to most public school teachers who work about 7.5-8 hour days, GTA teachers work 9 hour days. Then add the commute and we're away from home over 10 hours every day.)

Funny thing, I was so nervous about Alden's transition and I had no concerns about Leland. But after this week, I'm the opposite: worried about Leland and confident that Alden is just fine. I'm thankful today is Friday, and I can spend some much needed time with my babies this weekend. My heart needs it and I'm pretty sure theirs do too.

Leland Goes to Preschool

On Monday, April 6, 2015, Leland started preschool.

To say he was excited is a major understatement. The boy could not wait to go to preschool. And once he saw his new backpack and lunchbox, he was just ecstatic.

This is actually day 2's lunch: hot dogs, oranges, yogurt, peas, goldfish crackers, and raisins.

He walked right into his classroom and was ready to play.

I checked on him twice during the day. I totally would have checked more, but I didn't have any other breaks in the day. Thankfully, my friend, Courtney, checked on him too. When I saw him, he was kind of wandering around the room during circle time, but I sort of expected that. Courtney said when she saw him, he was talking a mile a minute, so excited to eat his "lunch" (snack). Who would've thought a packed lunch could be so exciting?

He had an accident during nap, but I was seriously thrilled that he napped. I was worried that he wouldn't because he's used to sleeping in a room by himself.

He made this hat on his first day!

When I picked him up at the end of the day, he was all smiles and still wanted to play. I must say, if we can't have Julie right now, I'm glad Leland gets to be at school with me. And I'm glad he loves it so much.

Easter 2015

To start our Easter festivities, I took the boys to see the Easter Bunny last week. Alden was fine seeing him and giving him a high five, but sitting with him? Not a chance.

Leland did sit with him and the photo turned out cute. Unfortunately, all I have is this picture of a picture so it's not great quality. Thankfully the actual picture is nice so I can put it in his scrapbook.

Once we got home, Alden was more cooperative for pictures.

Then on Saturday, we attended the Easter egg hunt at our church. Leland started out by trying to open each egg as he collected them. Eventually I convinced him that we would open them later and he collected more. Alden grabbed one or two and was content to just sit. But a little girl came over and started filling his basket for him, and then he got into it more.

It was cold and Alden was not up for pictures.

Then, Easter morning, the boys dug into their baskets first thing. Excuse Leland - he prefers to go around pants-less as often as possible.

Excited to finally have Mayday!

"Blade Ranger underwear!!!"

Loves his Paw Patrol cars.

He's so into books lately.

And after church, the boys hunted for eggs in the backyard. Thankfully it was much warmer (and sunnier) than the day before. They both enjoyed being in our mostly snow-free yard again.

It was a busy, fun-filled few days. Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!