Today is the first day of school for all of Austin and that included Gabe. Today is Gabe's first day in room 2. I have been strangely nervous about this....more so than when I dropped him off for the very first time to be cared for by someone other than Brad and me. I think what is causing the nerves is moving on from Miss Kesha and Miss Maria. Gabe really thrived in their care. I am so grateful to those ladies. They also helped me thrive as Gabe's mother. Maternity leave was a wonderful time, but it was also very difficult and sort of lonely. It was nice to get some professionals on my team! Room 1 is a special place for me.
We started the day at full steam and were looking forward to the adventures that lay ahead. On the way to Room 2 we stopped by room 1 to say hello. Everything was fine until I got a hug from Miss Maria. I got kind of sad again. We moved on though and were greeted by a very cheerful Miss Susan and Miss Kimberly. One of the ladies scooped Gabe up and gave him lots of love while the other showed me the ropes. I felt instantly better. Of course it was going to be ok. I knew it all along. It is just that Miss Maria and Miss Kesha know Gabe and they have a little pattern that they have fallen into together. I just reminded myself that I will give the new teachers all of the Gabe tips I can and the rest will just be a matter of getting to know each other. No sweat.
So, I went to work and realized I forgot something at the school. When I walked in to Gabe's new room, there was Miss Maria putting Gabe into his crib for his 8:30 nap. She knew he would be tired and didn't think his new teachers would know to put him down so she paid him a quick visit to make sure he got what he needed. I went back to work with no worries at all.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Movin' on up!
Gabe is graduating!...from room 1 (0-5 months) that is! Gabe got his walking papers yesterday and will begin his first day of school in room 2 (5-9 months) on Monday, August 23rd. This is happy and sad news.
The happy news: Gabe is currently seven months old in the 0-5 months room at school. That makes him the oldest baby in that class and the only one that can sit up. As much as I love those other babies...especially Gabe's buddy, Jack, it will be good for Gabe to be with the older babies in room 2 who can not only sit up on their own, but are beginning to crawl. Gabe made his first effort to crawl the other day. I bet once he sees how it is done by those older babies he will develop that skill in no time.
Also, it will be fun to see the babies (and mommies) that were in the class when Gabe first started school...especially Emma and Jazmin who are just a few days older than Gabe. Over the course of the last few months the oldest/most advanced of those babies got moved up and a new baby would take their place. I was always sad to see them go, but it was fun to meet the new baby and mommy. Anyway, since Gabe is the youngest of our original crew (Eli, Mac, Nathan, Maren, Isaac, the twins, Emma, and Jazmin) he is the last to get moved up. All of the classes at the school are full so that means there had to be a bump in each class to make room for Gabe in room 2. We had to wait a little while until that was possible. So, Gabe's reign as the upperclassman of room 1 is coming to an end and he will be the freshman of room 2!
Now for the sad news: Gabe is so comfortable and well cared for in room 1. I trust Miss Kesha and Miss Maria completely. Brad and I go to work every day with a light heart knowing that Gabe is ok. Gabe is more than ok actually, I think he really enjoys being there. The saddest part of the transition is that Gabe has formed a special bond with Miss Maria. Miss Maria will always have a place in my heart for the special love and attention she has shown Gabe. Let's not get too wishy-washy though, we will only be down the hall and will visit often. Sniff, sniff...
We will also miss the friends that will remain in room 1 until their time comes to rejoin Gabe in room 2. Fortunately, Gabe's best friend, Jack, also lives in our neighborhood so we will have a chance to see him regularly! In fact, we will see Jack and his parents for some fun on Saturday night.
As for the new teachers, I have not had a chance to get to know them yet, and with all new things comes some trepidation. However, these ladies seem wonderful and the babies in that room are as happy as can be. That is a good sign! I'm sure Gabe will find some love in that room as well. Who couldn't love that baby?!
So, that is that. Movin' on up! Watch out room 2...here we come!
The happy news: Gabe is currently seven months old in the 0-5 months room at school. That makes him the oldest baby in that class and the only one that can sit up. As much as I love those other babies...especially Gabe's buddy, Jack, it will be good for Gabe to be with the older babies in room 2 who can not only sit up on their own, but are beginning to crawl. Gabe made his first effort to crawl the other day. I bet once he sees how it is done by those older babies he will develop that skill in no time.
Also, it will be fun to see the babies (and mommies) that were in the class when Gabe first started school...especially Emma and Jazmin who are just a few days older than Gabe. Over the course of the last few months the oldest/most advanced of those babies got moved up and a new baby would take their place. I was always sad to see them go, but it was fun to meet the new baby and mommy. Anyway, since Gabe is the youngest of our original crew (Eli, Mac, Nathan, Maren, Isaac, the twins, Emma, and Jazmin) he is the last to get moved up. All of the classes at the school are full so that means there had to be a bump in each class to make room for Gabe in room 2. We had to wait a little while until that was possible. So, Gabe's reign as the upperclassman of room 1 is coming to an end and he will be the freshman of room 2!
Now for the sad news: Gabe is so comfortable and well cared for in room 1. I trust Miss Kesha and Miss Maria completely. Brad and I go to work every day with a light heart knowing that Gabe is ok. Gabe is more than ok actually, I think he really enjoys being there. The saddest part of the transition is that Gabe has formed a special bond with Miss Maria. Miss Maria will always have a place in my heart for the special love and attention she has shown Gabe. Let's not get too wishy-washy though, we will only be down the hall and will visit often. Sniff, sniff...
We will also miss the friends that will remain in room 1 until their time comes to rejoin Gabe in room 2. Fortunately, Gabe's best friend, Jack, also lives in our neighborhood so we will have a chance to see him regularly! In fact, we will see Jack and his parents for some fun on Saturday night.
As for the new teachers, I have not had a chance to get to know them yet, and with all new things comes some trepidation. However, these ladies seem wonderful and the babies in that room are as happy as can be. That is a good sign! I'm sure Gabe will find some love in that room as well. Who couldn't love that baby?!
So, that is that. Movin' on up! Watch out room 2...here we come!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Gabe's first accolade
As previously mentioned, Gabe and I took the Shrimp swim class at the YMCA...I guess it is just called "The Y" now. Anyway, it is an introduction to water and swimming for babies six months old and up. It was a lot of fun. We sang songs and worked on floating on backs and tummies, and staying horizontal in the water while kicking. The class also was geared toward early water safety by trying to ingrain basic safety tips such as waiting for an adult before jumping in the water, finding the edge of the pool, and bouncing on the bottom of the pool. We also tried to blow bubbles in the water. Gabe thought the bubble blowing was funny. He would imitate me by taking a breath and sticking his face in the water, but he never actually blew bubbles with me. That meant that he would get water in his mouth which he would prompty spit out. Not bad! However, I hope that instinct doesn't translate to when I am actually trying to get him to drink water, but we will see. At least he was not afraid to stick his face in the water.
Anyway, at the end of the four day course Gabe received a certificate for participating. It is kind of funny, but I was/am pretty excited about this!
This was an all around good class and was a lot of fun. His friend and daycare classmate, Emma, was in the class also which made it extra fun! There are no pictures which is unfortunate because both babies looked darling in their swimwear.
Anyway, at the end of the four day course Gabe received a certificate for participating. It is kind of funny, but I was/am pretty excited about this!
This was an all around good class and was a lot of fun. His friend and daycare classmate, Emma, was in the class also which made it extra fun! There are no pictures which is unfortunate because both babies looked darling in their swimwear.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Seven months!
Gabe, you turned seven months old yesterday and so much has happened!
Let's start with the latest and most exciting news...you have two teeth coming in! You have been making this repetitive moaning sound for the last week and a half...it is borderline obscene! Anyway, we finally realized it was your teeth and started giving you oralgel to help with the discomfort. Poor kid, you have needed a few doses of baby tylenol also. Your best friend has become a frozen teething ring. You also like it when your dad rubs your gums vigorously...and I mean vigorously! Your whole body shakes while he does it, but you seem to find comfort in it. Whatever works, right? Aside from some moaning you have weathered this like a champ. Your two little nubs were discovered on Friday. You can't really see them yet...partly because you have become so squirmy (more on that later) that it is almost impossible to get a good look, but you can feel them. They are both in the front, one on the top and one on the bottom. The top one is farthest along. I am very excited about your teeth, but will miss your gummy smile.
**Update...I got a better look in your mouth at our lunch visit and I think you actually have two more teeth coming in! You can't feel anything yet, but it looks like little blisters on your gums. Ouch!! If that is the case, you will have two teeth coming in right next to each other on the bottom and two teeth coming in right next to each other on the top. Very exciting!
On the squirmyness front...your dad and I have decided to stop changing you on top of your dresser. You twist and turn and push off of the wall. We are so afraid you will squirm your way right off of the changing pad and onto the floor. It is a long way down so we are on to Plan B which is to put the changing pad on the floor. This is much safer because you couldn't get any closer to the ground, but I must say it is kind of a hassle. Totally worth avoiding a horrible accident, but still kind of a hassle. The changing pad has staps and also came with some screws to secure the pad to the wall or the dresser, but I don't know if that system would be a match for this level of squiryness. You are hella squirmy! Anyway, we will get used to the new set up. Again, totally worth avoiding an accident.
As for eating, now that you are seven months old you will need to have two meals of solid food a day. That means that one of those meals will have to happen at school. I talked to Miss Maria and we will begin tomorrow. I am going to have to step up my baby food making!
You are one lovable kid! You have started to reach for us when we pick you up. It makes me smile every time. And you have the best laugh. You are ticklish under your chin and on your chest. We try not to tickle you too much since you are pretty defenseless, but just a few seconds can't hurt, right? You are laughing so it can't be that bad. You also laugh really hard when bounced on my knee to the tune of Bonanza. What gets the best results, though, is when I take your socks off of you before we get in the car to go home from school. It is so hot outside I thought I would let those little toes breath. I whip your socks off and wave them around...you laugh soooo hard!
Gabe, you are such a sweet, loving boy and you get cuter by the day. You love to play and cuddle with us. I've never seen a more content baby (or daddy) then when you are in your daddy's lap after a long day of playing. Speaking of playing...your favorite toys are your music table, your Gymboree wiffle balls, daddy's glasses, and mommy's necklaces...especially the one with the big beads. You have a one track mind when I am wearing that necklace. You grab it in your little fist and shake it like crazy. It is a bit of a strain on my neck, but it makes me laugh. However, I don't think I will be laughing when that necklace finally breaks so I guess I shouldn't encourage that behavior. As for the glasses, you can whip the glasses off of your daddy's face in nothing flat. They go straight into your mouth (Nice work with the hand/eye coordination!) Again, there probably won't be much laughter when those finally break.
You are also a champion sleeper. I hope I did not just jinx us, but I would like to thank you for mastering this skill so easily. That is not the case for a lot of babies, so thank you!
We love you so much, Gabe. We couldn't be happier!
Let's start with the latest and most exciting news...you have two teeth coming in! You have been making this repetitive moaning sound for the last week and a half...it is borderline obscene! Anyway, we finally realized it was your teeth and started giving you oralgel to help with the discomfort. Poor kid, you have needed a few doses of baby tylenol also. Your best friend has become a frozen teething ring. You also like it when your dad rubs your gums vigorously...and I mean vigorously! Your whole body shakes while he does it, but you seem to find comfort in it. Whatever works, right? Aside from some moaning you have weathered this like a champ. Your two little nubs were discovered on Friday. You can't really see them yet...partly because you have become so squirmy (more on that later) that it is almost impossible to get a good look, but you can feel them. They are both in the front, one on the top and one on the bottom. The top one is farthest along. I am very excited about your teeth, but will miss your gummy smile.
**Update...I got a better look in your mouth at our lunch visit and I think you actually have two more teeth coming in! You can't feel anything yet, but it looks like little blisters on your gums. Ouch!! If that is the case, you will have two teeth coming in right next to each other on the bottom and two teeth coming in right next to each other on the top. Very exciting!
On the squirmyness front...your dad and I have decided to stop changing you on top of your dresser. You twist and turn and push off of the wall. We are so afraid you will squirm your way right off of the changing pad and onto the floor. It is a long way down so we are on to Plan B which is to put the changing pad on the floor. This is much safer because you couldn't get any closer to the ground, but I must say it is kind of a hassle. Totally worth avoiding a horrible accident, but still kind of a hassle. The changing pad has staps and also came with some screws to secure the pad to the wall or the dresser, but I don't know if that system would be a match for this level of squiryness. You are hella squirmy! Anyway, we will get used to the new set up. Again, totally worth avoiding an accident.
As for eating, now that you are seven months old you will need to have two meals of solid food a day. That means that one of those meals will have to happen at school. I talked to Miss Maria and we will begin tomorrow. I am going to have to step up my baby food making!
You are one lovable kid! You have started to reach for us when we pick you up. It makes me smile every time. And you have the best laugh. You are ticklish under your chin and on your chest. We try not to tickle you too much since you are pretty defenseless, but just a few seconds can't hurt, right? You are laughing so it can't be that bad. You also laugh really hard when bounced on my knee to the tune of Bonanza. What gets the best results, though, is when I take your socks off of you before we get in the car to go home from school. It is so hot outside I thought I would let those little toes breath. I whip your socks off and wave them around...you laugh soooo hard!
Gabe, you are such a sweet, loving boy and you get cuter by the day. You love to play and cuddle with us. I've never seen a more content baby (or daddy) then when you are in your daddy's lap after a long day of playing. Speaking of playing...your favorite toys are your music table, your Gymboree wiffle balls, daddy's glasses, and mommy's necklaces...especially the one with the big beads. You have a one track mind when I am wearing that necklace. You grab it in your little fist and shake it like crazy. It is a bit of a strain on my neck, but it makes me laugh. However, I don't think I will be laughing when that necklace finally breaks so I guess I shouldn't encourage that behavior. As for the glasses, you can whip the glasses off of your daddy's face in nothing flat. They go straight into your mouth (Nice work with the hand/eye coordination!) Again, there probably won't be much laughter when those finally break.
You are also a champion sleeper. I hope I did not just jinx us, but I would like to thank you for mastering this skill so easily. That is not the case for a lot of babies, so thank you!
We love you so much, Gabe. We couldn't be happier!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Play date for mommies
It has been fun hanging out with the other mommies at school so we have decided to take this show on the road. A group of the mommies made plans to get together at Jocelyn's and Eli's for a playdate for the babies. As we have come to realize, however, the babies really dictate the schedule so when it came time for the actual event there were several conflicts that widdled the party down to Jocelyn and Eli, Marci and Mac, and Gabe and me. We were sorry to miss out on the company of the others because we sure had a good time! We learned that the babies are still a little bit too small to play with each other so it was really a playdate for mommies. Let's just call it what it is! We had some wine, yummy casserole ala Jocelyn, and some laughs as we shared stories and enjoyed watching the funny babies.
Here are the boys.
Gabe and I came over after his Shrimp swim class at the YMCA. He and Emma, a fellow Rosewood Oaks student, are in this class together. Pictures to follow...I haven't figured out how to keep Gabe afloat and capture photos at the same time. Anyway, Gabe was donning his after-swim-leisure-wear.
Gabe was so awestruck by these big boys and all that they can do! Mac is a proficient crawler and Eli is on his way.
Off to the races!
Here is Mac in action again. Note: You can't tell from this photo, but Mac had a definite path...straight to my glass of wine. Watch out, Marci, this kid likes to party!
Gabe was also awestruck by Marci. I think he has found a friend! Here is a picture of Eli and check out Gabe and his new friend in the background. He loves the ladies!
Thank you Jocelyn and Eli for having us over! It was lots of fun!
Here are the boys.
Gabe and I came over after his Shrimp swim class at the YMCA. He and Emma, a fellow Rosewood Oaks student, are in this class together. Pictures to follow...I haven't figured out how to keep Gabe afloat and capture photos at the same time. Anyway, Gabe was donning his after-swim-leisure-wear.
Gabe was so awestruck by these big boys and all that they can do! Mac is a proficient crawler and Eli is on his way.
Off to the races!
Here is Mac in action again. Note: You can't tell from this photo, but Mac had a definite path...straight to my glass of wine. Watch out, Marci, this kid likes to party!
Gabe was also awestruck by Marci. I think he has found a friend! Here is a picture of Eli and check out Gabe and his new friend in the background. He loves the ladies!
Thank you Jocelyn and Eli for having us over! It was lots of fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
