Jacob went to his first day of preschool today and it was a surprisingly calm process to leave him there. Whenever I hear about someone's first child going off to preschool, I always picture tears (from child AND parent), and of course some hesitance to leave your first-born in the care of others for a significant amount of time. However, having known some of the ladies there from years ago, I knew that he was in good hands and would be ok. We (Greg, Noah, and I) said our goodbyes and after a few minutes, went to comfort ourselves with a cup of coffee; chocolate milk for Noah :)
Jacob met his teacher last week and that really helped I think; she was a (somewhat) familiar face to him so he trusted her enough to feel comfortable. His class starts their day out in the play yard which was perfect for him because there are swings, playground equipment, bikes to ride, trucks to play with, a play kitchen, etc. However, going inside proved to be tough for him and he had some tears :( The teacher reported back to us that he did great outside playing, but having to go inside was where he had a hard time. I think that will just take some time to get over. It's a lot for a 3 year old to take in- new children, new teacher, mom & dad not there, new surroundings. It's all a process and I think that in a week or two, it will have become routine, and he will enjoy going to school more and more. I think talking about time inside will help too; he's such an active little guy that I'm sure being told to stay inside was something new. He is used to being able to play outside whenever he wants (for the most part) so having to do indoor activities will take a little getting used to. He did mention that he painted a heart for "you, and daddy, and Noah" so I'm looking forward to picking that up on Thursday :)
All in all, it was a success and I can't wait for what new adventures (and friends hopefully!) preschool will bring. It was definitely hard to say good-bye this morning, but I was also very happy to let him go off on this new adventure. I think Thursday will be hard too, but I know soon enough he will be the one saying "bye mom, see you later" and run off to his friends. I love my little dude so much and days like today make me even more proud to be a mommy. It really is a special honor and a true blessing to have the two little loves that I do. They are my world <3
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
"The key to change...is to let go of fear."- Rosanne Cash
It's time for a change. To this blog, to my life, and for my family. 2011 has been alright so far, but I want it to be amazing. No one is saying it will be easy, but I think it's time to stop being afraid of the negative "what-ifs" and focus on the positive ones. I think short term it will be tough, but in a year or 2, things will be a million times better and my family will be in a better spot all around. It's time I spent more time with the boys, get back to planning date nights for just Greg and I, and focus on bettering my physical health.
Here is my bucket list for 2011 (any encouragement you can pass along will be greatly appreciated):
On to some good news! We have settled on a preschool program for Jacob! After months of thinking about it and deciding on one, but then he wasn't potty trained yet (he is now for the most part, wooohooo!), we have finally found a school that we think will be a good fit. It is Monte Vista Presbyterian Preschool in Newbury Park and Jacob will start next Tuesday. We met with the director last week, got all of our questions answered and will meet his teacher this week. We are SO excited and the great thing is, Jacob is excited to start school too. I pray that he will keep that attitude when he's 15 :) The preschool director is very nice, the majority of the teachers have been there at least 5 years (a few have been there for 17!) and the facility is wonderful. I cannot believe my little guy is starting preschool next week, and I can't wait to see him blossom with this new experience. Growing up, I always enjoyed school and I hope my boys both do too. I will post some "first day of preschool" pictures next Tuesday!
I obviously hope to blog more than I have been, and hopefully I'll use this as an outlet when I'm frustrated, to update you on our family with stories and pictures, and also to be accountable for things I say I will do. Happy 2011 everyone! I hope you all have a blessed, wonderful year.
Here is my bucket list for 2011 (any encouragement you can pass along will be greatly appreciated):
- start running regularly (4-6 days/week)
- start yoga regularly (2-3 days/week)
- blog regularly
- eat healthier & get my kids eating healthier
- wake up earlier (like 5:30 instead of 7)
- spend more time at the beach this summer
- start pre-reqs for nursing and apply to a couple of nursing programs by the end of this year
- run a half marathon by December 31st
- pay off our debt
- start having a game night (no TV, just a game or family activity)
- family camping trip
- have a date day for Greg and I where all we do is watch movies & relax
- take the boys to Disneyland
- enjoy life more because I am SO blessed with amazing family & friends
On to some good news! We have settled on a preschool program for Jacob! After months of thinking about it and deciding on one, but then he wasn't potty trained yet (he is now for the most part, wooohooo!), we have finally found a school that we think will be a good fit. It is Monte Vista Presbyterian Preschool in Newbury Park and Jacob will start next Tuesday. We met with the director last week, got all of our questions answered and will meet his teacher this week. We are SO excited and the great thing is, Jacob is excited to start school too. I pray that he will keep that attitude when he's 15 :) The preschool director is very nice, the majority of the teachers have been there at least 5 years (a few have been there for 17!) and the facility is wonderful. I cannot believe my little guy is starting preschool next week, and I can't wait to see him blossom with this new experience. Growing up, I always enjoyed school and I hope my boys both do too. I will post some "first day of preschool" pictures next Tuesday!
I obviously hope to blog more than I have been, and hopefully I'll use this as an outlet when I'm frustrated, to update you on our family with stories and pictures, and also to be accountable for things I say I will do. Happy 2011 everyone! I hope you all have a blessed, wonderful year.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Laughter is the best medicine. And a little dance party doesn't hurt either.
I think it's important to laugh everyday. Like really laugh- a genuine, deep from your belly, laugh. Having children has changed me in countless ways, but one of the simpler differences from pre-motherhood to my life now, is that I know I will laugh everyday, no matter how bad my day was. All it takes is a few minutes with my boys to put a smile on my face. When I get home from work, I am almost always greeted with a hug and a hello, in that order. Then, there are requests to be picked up, swung around, play outside, etc.; all which emit laughter from two happy little boys. Let me tell you, that laughter is contagious.
This morning I was so tired, and thanks to my wonderful husband, I got to sleep in an extra hour. I got up, and Noah slept an hour later than me! For a 1 1/2 year old who went to bed at his normal time, that was awesome! Once the kids were up, Greg went to the store for me and I got them ready to go out for a couple hours with Grandpa Mike. Normally, I am in such a hurry to get them dressed, make sure they brush their teeth, etc. But this time, I didn't do that. Maybe it was the semi-lazy morning we were having, but I think it had more to do with the fact that I realized they were having fun just playing together and being silly. I turned on some music (woohoo for Pandora through the blu-ray player) and Jake started dancing around. Then me, then Noah. Let me tell you, we probably looked so silly and goofy with my dancing (if you can call it that) and their dancing (which really looks like a mix of marching around & running in place), but we had so much fun, and we laughed. And it was perfect. It made all the stress of life and the disappointment about my cancelled dinner party go away. The next time you are bummed out about something, big or small, focus on what you do have in life and what really matters. I can have dinner parties when I'm 50, but guess what, my boys will only be 1 1/2 and 3 for so long.
"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." -Friedrich Nietzsche
This morning I was so tired, and thanks to my wonderful husband, I got to sleep in an extra hour. I got up, and Noah slept an hour later than me! For a 1 1/2 year old who went to bed at his normal time, that was awesome! Once the kids were up, Greg went to the store for me and I got them ready to go out for a couple hours with Grandpa Mike. Normally, I am in such a hurry to get them dressed, make sure they brush their teeth, etc. But this time, I didn't do that. Maybe it was the semi-lazy morning we were having, but I think it had more to do with the fact that I realized they were having fun just playing together and being silly. I turned on some music (woohoo for Pandora through the blu-ray player) and Jake started dancing around. Then me, then Noah. Let me tell you, we probably looked so silly and goofy with my dancing (if you can call it that) and their dancing (which really looks like a mix of marching around & running in place), but we had so much fun, and we laughed. And it was perfect. It made all the stress of life and the disappointment about my cancelled dinner party go away. The next time you are bummed out about something, big or small, focus on what you do have in life and what really matters. I can have dinner parties when I'm 50, but guess what, my boys will only be 1 1/2 and 3 for so long.
"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." -Friedrich Nietzsche
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Noah is not too far behind- we've caught him more than once "surfing" on the ottoman to our rocker or on the footrest in Nana Pat's dining area. The kid shows no fear most of the time. He loves hanging out with Jake and exploring outside. I love that the boys are so close, and of course they have their moments, but what 1 1/2 and 3 year old don't? I love my boys so much and I hope they stay this close forever <3
And again...
If at first you don't succeed, try, and try again. I'm not sure if that's exactly the way the saying goes, but hey- I'm giving it another shot. I've recently begun to change my eating habits and have been trying to get back into that whole exercise & lose weight mentality (does putting on the workout clothes count, even if I get distracted by two toddlers & don't actually get my workout in?). I'm really tired of being big and being unhappy with my physical self. I have about 70 pounds to lose and I'm DETERMINED to succeed this time. Maybe someone will light a fire under my ass butt and I could do it in 4-6 months, but let's be honest, that is highly unlikely. Unless said fire is lit in the next couple of weeks. My goal is basically to have the weight gone by next June. If it's gone by next February, that'd be even better- Noah will be turning 2; and to be at my goal weight when Noah is 2 and Jake is 3 would be amazing! Yes, I realize a lot of women are back to their pre-pregnancy weight within 6 months, but that just hasn't been my experience for a number of reasons. However, like I said, next June is a bit more realistic of a goal. I want to wear a two piece at the beach next summer and get to go buy all those cute sundresses & rompers that I longingly stared at in the shops this summer. I want to go on date night & feel attractive again and just enjoy life a bit more. Greg has always been a supportive husband in all that I do, and this is no exception. From offering to make me a low-carb breakfast before I leave for work, to giving me "the eye" when I gaze lovingly at decadent desserts, he will do what he can to help me succeed. He has some weight to lose as well, so ideally we'll be successful together. Once I really get into a routine, I picture myself running before work- anywhere from 3-5 miles and walking after work with the boys (and maybe even my mom!). And some swimming here & there. Oh yes, and I want to do a half-marathon by the end of 2010 and a full one sometime next year. Sooooo.......if you have some words of encouragement, advice, whatever, feel free to send it my way. I can use all the help I can get to get this journey started. It's really hard and my motivation is there, but something is holding me back and it's very frustrating to not know what it is. Anyway, like I said, I WILL succeed this time so wish me luck!
Onto other business- aka, this blog. I really want to update it daily or at least a few times a week if I can. Not to mention I have countless adorable pictures to post of our boys. Yes, slightly biased, but hey, I'm their mom so I'm allowed :) Speaking of my boys, they are doing so great! They are both on the go all the time, running, jumping, climbing, playing together, it is awesome. Jacob is a little chatterbox, talking about everything from jet planes ("they're too loud, the cargo plane is Jake's favorite") to what kind of snack he wants ("cookie, please?"). Just this morning I got out of the shower and he was standing there eating a cold tortilla. Ummm, "Jake- it's 7:30 in the morning. That's not breakfast." Greg proceeded to inform me, "I gave it to him, he wanted one. He loves those things." Hmmm, ok. Tortillas aren't usually breakfast fare, but whatever, a couple weeks ago he wanted goldfish for breakfast and I gave him the OK. Sometimes it's not worth the battle with a 3-year old. Don't worry grandparents- his usual breakfast consists of a bowl of cereal or scrambled eggs. Jake will be starting preschool in October and he is super excited about it. We don't have the potty-training down yet, but with about 6 weeks left until he starts school, we'll get it done. Noah is 1 1/2 now and he is a little chatterbox too, just in his own baby language still. He knows mom, dad, brother (sort of), Uncle D, Nana, Papa, Gamma, Gampa, and of course.... BASKETBALL. The kid loves basketball. Shooting it, throwing it, holding it, whatever. If there's a basketball around, he wants it. The other day we were sitting on the couch watching an old Lakers playoff game with Jeff and when Noah saw it on, he got the biggest smile on his face. "Basketball, basketball!" followed by much clapping/laughter. Love it.
More new "stuff"- Greg started another new job working part-time for an old schoolmate of mine, delivering fund raising packets to local schools in and around the valley. The construction thing ended a few months back, which totally stunk (loss of income) but was probably for the best given the situation. We are so happy he's found this new job, but we are still scraping by each month. Due to the fact that we would like to live in a house at some point in the not-too-distant future, we have decided to move in with my parents, who graciously offered to let us do so. It will be an adjustment, that's for sure, and Greg will really get to know my family now (lol), given the close living quarters we'll have. However, in the long run, it will be a good decision and will allow us to save some money for a home of our own (which we weren't able to do while renting an apartment). As I've said before, we are beyond blessed with the family we have and are thankful that they can help us when we need it. I hope we can do the same for our kids someday, should they need it.
My goodness that was a lot of information! Let me assure you that all posts will not be that long, this was just playing catch-up with our lives the past few months. And I just covered the basics! We are doing well, enjoying being parents, and looking forward to vacation in a couple weeks! 2010 has been flying by and I cannot wait to see what next year brings. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the hot weather we've finally been having (beach, anyone?), and the calm before the madness that is the holiday season with 2 munchkins. Hope everyone is doing well!
xoxo
Monday, March 29, 2010
Hmmm, let's have one more shot at this
Ok, so I haven't updated in oh, nearly 10 months. I'm not great at the blogging thing, but it was even harder with moving, two toddlers, a full time job, and about a dozen other things going on in life. That's no excuse, right? I'm making a goal for myself to try and update this at least once a week, maybe even more if there's funny stories or news to share :)
Well, to sum things up- 2009 was a busy year. As you know, our little boy Noah was born 2/24 and we had a wonderful first birthday party for him just last month! I cannot believe he is 1 already; seems like the time just vanished. He is growing so much and he and Jake are getting along amazingly well so far. I hope their friendship continues and that they stay close as they grow up. I am still working at CSUCI and we still have our apartment on campus. While we still probably spend more hours in NP than Camarillo, it has been nice and a good experience to be on our own. It's a great little neigborhood and now that the weather has warmed up, hopefully we'll be getting outside more to explore, go on walks, etc.
Good news! Greg had his first day of work at a new job today and we are hoping this is a good fit for him. He is now working for a construction company and their current project is in Redondo Beach, CA. They have projects lined up for a while and even one that is out of state. It will be a change to have him gone for a little time and we're lucky to have family in the area so if the boys & I need some company, they're just up the hill :) Let's see, Jacob is growing like a weed and talking all the time. It's great to hear him say new things and learn on his own. He amazes me with his knowledge. Noah is all about his big brother- whatever Jacob's playing with, Noah wants it; whatever Jacob is eating or drinking, Noah wants it lol. Love my boys <3
Well, that's about it for now. We're both working, the boys are growing and healthy, and we're enjoying life and getting on our feet. We are confident about our future and hope that it pans out the way we're planning. We know we are so blessed to have the family and friends that we do and we hope that we can pass on the love and security we've been blessed with to our own boys. Love you guys and hope everyone is well. God bless
xoxo
Well, to sum things up- 2009 was a busy year. As you know, our little boy Noah was born 2/24 and we had a wonderful first birthday party for him just last month! I cannot believe he is 1 already; seems like the time just vanished. He is growing so much and he and Jake are getting along amazingly well so far. I hope their friendship continues and that they stay close as they grow up. I am still working at CSUCI and we still have our apartment on campus. While we still probably spend more hours in NP than Camarillo, it has been nice and a good experience to be on our own. It's a great little neigborhood and now that the weather has warmed up, hopefully we'll be getting outside more to explore, go on walks, etc.
Good news! Greg had his first day of work at a new job today and we are hoping this is a good fit for him. He is now working for a construction company and their current project is in Redondo Beach, CA. They have projects lined up for a while and even one that is out of state. It will be a change to have him gone for a little time and we're lucky to have family in the area so if the boys & I need some company, they're just up the hill :) Let's see, Jacob is growing like a weed and talking all the time. It's great to hear him say new things and learn on his own. He amazes me with his knowledge. Noah is all about his big brother- whatever Jacob's playing with, Noah wants it; whatever Jacob is eating or drinking, Noah wants it lol. Love my boys <3
Well, that's about it for now. We're both working, the boys are growing and healthy, and we're enjoying life and getting on our feet. We are confident about our future and hope that it pans out the way we're planning. We know we are so blessed to have the family and friends that we do and we hope that we can pass on the love and security we've been blessed with to our own boys. Love you guys and hope everyone is well. God bless
xoxo
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