Imagine this!

One thing that I have really loved about motherhood is watching the mind of a child develop day after day. Kyler's imagination is really coming along. He enjoys pretending all the time! Deb has a dress-up bin at her house, and in there is a pair of cat ears. One day, when I went to pick him up, he had those on crawling around on his hands and knees, meowing like a cat. He has done this quite often, but more recently he has pretended to be a dog (crawling around on his hands and knees and panting like a dog) and an elephant (crawling around on his hands and feet trumpeting like an elephant). He really gets a kick out of it and appreciates when we play along! Not only does Kyler like to pretend to be animals, but he has also pretended to feed himself and then even share with mommy and daddy. Sleeping is another one of his make-believe favorites. He has pretended to sleep just about everywhere around the house including the kitchen floor, the bath tub, the couch and even in the closet! My oh my, a child's mind is amazing and it is so fun to watch!

"I just want to bang on the drum all day!"

Even though Kyler is in love with playing outside, he has found a nice indoor hobby. The other day we were watching Sesame Street (my how it has changed since I was young...Elmo actually gets e-mail now!), and Elmo did a whole segment on drums. Kyler was infatuated - he couldn't take his eyes off the T.V. So while he was finishing up the show, I realized that our oatmeal container was nearly empty, so I got busy making it into a drum. We covered it with construction paper and printed off some pictures of different kinds of drums to paste onto it. Then we found a pair of bamboo chopsticks that double quite nicely as drumsticks.


This homemade drum is one of Kyler's favorite toys - and it was absolutely free (the best things in life usually are free)! This morning Kyler was playing it and then he brought the drumsticks over to me and said, "Ma ma!" He wanted me to have a turn - what good manners my son has (thanks mostly to Deb)!

Sweet, sweet Springtime...oh how we long for you!

The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer! Oh, how we long for spring to come. Kyler has just gotten a taste of it and he is absolutely in love! Whenever it is time to come in he throws a fit!
Riding bikes with Lanie!

Loving Life!

It all kind of started with a dream (or should I say nightmare) that I had. I lucidly dreamt that I was a homeless, unemployed, single mother searching for a place for my baby and I to live while finding refuge in the college dormitory. I woke up feeling extremely thankful for all the things that I do have. Therefore, over the last couple of weeks (since the dream) I have really had a feeling of contentedness. I am really enjoying every aspect of my life. I am married to one of the most hard-working and caring individuals I know. I have a happy, healthy son that really loves his mommy and daddy. We have a nice house with decent amenities. My job has really taken a turn with a new purpose and added assistance. And I feel proud of all the jobs that I do all day everyday. I am truly loving and appreciating my life!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Making Papa Proud!

Two weeks ago I took Kyler into the doctor for a delayed 18 month check up. He hated every moment of it, but we were able to get all of his measurements, shots and check over done. Kyler has always been in the 95th percentile for height, but this time he measured in at 35 1/2 inches which was completely off the chart! Not only is he extremely tall, but he absolutely LOVES sports! Anytime he sees a ball, basketball hoop, football or any other sport on TV, even when we drive by the golf course on the way to Deb's, Kyler shouts out "ba-ball"! He loves to shoot hoops, as well as throw, kick and hike any type of ball! He is definitely 100% BOY!

Like mother, like son!

Just the other night I was relaxing on the couch, and Kyler came toddling around from behind me. As I realized what he was into, I instantaneously belted out a laugh. I was laughing so loudly that I startled him. From the look on his face, I could tell that he thought he was in trouble. But really I was laughing because I had realized that I had done the same exact thing as a child!

Two of a kind - the crazy "Bucket head" kind!(My...has photography advanced or what?!)

18 months, 2010, and Routines

Well, a lot has happened since I last blogged!

Here it is in a nutshell:

On December 26th Kyler turned 18 months...could he really be that old already? Time surely does fly when you're having fun. I have been truly enjoying every moment of motherhood! Kyler is doing many things from singing songs, reading books, saying words and animal sounds to throwing all different types of balls, catching, and racing around the house! He is into EVERYTHING! His comprehension and connections still astound me. Following one step directions is a piece of cake for him - which I can't say the same for some of my third graders.

2010...Wow is it really 2010 already? I think as we get older the time seems to speed up. I can remember when I was in 4th grade (1989), and my teacher made us all shirts that said "Class of 1999". 1999 seemed so far off then, not to mention 2010! Each year seems to pass even more quickly than before. I can only hope that 2010 is a great year for all!

Shortly after the new year, Josh and I headed back to school and Kyler to day care. Even though we had a full two-weeks off we all fell right back into our routines. Kyler still LOVES going to Debbie's! Josh is continuing with teaching, his master's program, and basketball stats. And I got right back to teaching third graders. Although this semester looks a little bit different for me. I am hosting my very first student-teacher. After much convincing by my principal, I decided that this was something I could handle. Now when I go to work, I feel like I have a new purpose for being there. Not only am I responsible for my 21 students, but now I am responsible for a budding young teacher that will eventually influence many other lives. It is a good challenge for me.

Favs from Winter