September 2018

September was a month full of adjustments. I think it took both kids at least 4 or 5 weeks to really get used to our new schedule. Lydia had to get used to Jacob being gone all day, and I was surprised at how much she missed him. I guess its not as fun to fight with yourself! :) Jacob had to get used to getting up early and being at school all day. He had a fair amount of tantrums and meltdowns (something he'd pretty much outgrown) in the afternoons and evenings. I'm sure it was a combination of being physically exhausted and emotionally exhausted from having to hold himself together at school all day. Even though he struggled at home, he has done really well at school and seems to really love going. He loves his teachers, new friends, and says his favorite parts of the day are lunch, recess, and morning work.

Lydia has also done really well at school, but its been a battle each morning before she goes. The night before and the morning of school days have been full of tears and pleas to stay home. But we haven't had any tears at school, and her teachers can't say enough good things about her. She's always happy when I pick her up and says she had a fun time. Its just taking her a little while to get used to being away from me. She is definitely Mommy's girl!

September has also been a month of back to school sicknesses! We've had stomach bugs, fevers, coughs, and runny noses. Maybe we'll build some immunity before the cold and flu season hits.

Aside from struggling to get used to school and struggling to get well, we've managed to have lots of fun, too! We decided a low-key Labor Day Weekend sounded perfect, and it was. We grilled out, went on a hike, and made s'mores. Papa stopped by to see us, too!

 

We look forward to the Mountain State Fair every September and this year did not disappoint. The kids had so much fun seeing all the animals, playing on tractors, and riding a few rides. 

 

The most exciting news of the month was the arrival of our new baby cousin, Violet Grace Guier! She was born on September 9th and we already love her so much! I was able to go to Charlotte the day she was born and see her. She is beautiful, and Wade is such a proud big brother!

We've had lots of warm weather, and our garden is still blooming with flowers and veggies!

However, I was not happy to see this disgusting "tobacco worm" on my tomato plant. Ugh!!!

The spiders are getting ready for fall!

With both kids in school one morning, I made and froze some yummy breakfast burritos for Thomas and Ryan. We haven't been able to visit yet due to illnesses, but hopefully the kids will get to meet their new cousin soon!

We love having family game nights! Guess Who is our current game of choice!

Jacob participated in his school's Boosterthon this month to raise money for new chrome books, and had a blast! He asked for pledges per lap from family and friends and then ran his hardest during the race. 

Towards the end of the month Daddy had a continuing education course that was out of town, so the kids and I had a weekend together. We went to breakfast at Scramble, a new restaurant near our neighborhood, and to Family Fun Night at Fletcher Park.

Lydia wasn't completely sold on the fireworks, but there were no tears!

September was a tiring, but fun month. I'm glad to have everyone a little more settled and am very much looking forward to lots of fall fun in the weeks ahead!

Back to School!

We have a kindergartener!!! 

When Jacob was three months old, I remember waking up to nurse him early in the morning on what was the first day of school for many of my friends and their children. It was the first time since I was in kindergarten that I wasn't going back to school as a student or a teacher. I remember looking at my tiny baby boy and thinking it would be an eternity before he started school. But somehow here we are! Now I'm seeing friends sending their children off to college and again thinking that it will be forever before we're there. Why is it that time can feel so long when you're in a moment and so fleeting when you're looking back? I felt many emotions as Jacob's first day approached, but mostly pride that we met this milestone and excitement for all that's ahead!

Jacob and Mrs. Tillery, his new teacher.

Jacob was all smiles when I picked him up after his first day! He said he loved school and couldn't wait to go back! His favorite parts were morning work, lunch, and recess.

We also have a Pre-Schooler!!! Lydia's first day was Tuesday. Jacob had the day off, because Kindergarten stagger starts. She loved having him join in on her big day.

He helped her find her cubby and left her with a big hug and kiss. She was such a big girl and had no tears at drop-off! When we picked her up, she said she loved school and loved her teachers. I was so proud of my big girl!

Jacob and I took advantage of our morning together by getting breakfast and going to Hands On. I loved soaking in every last minute with my boy before sending him back to school the next day.

On Wednesday morning the PTO hosted a Welcome Breakfast after drop-off for all the kindergarten parents, as well as any parents new to the school. I provided the flower arrangements with zinnias from our gardens.

Daddy was able to take the morning off to go with us to drop off Jacob and to attend the breakfast. Jacob loved showing Daddy his classroom and teachers.

Thursday morning was the first day both kids went to school and I think the first weekday morning in five and a half years that I've been alone! Jacob wasn't quite ready to walk in by himself, so I told him I would walk behind him and let him practice finding his way to classroom. He was so proud walking down the hallway and doing great until he tripped and wiped out just in front of his classroom. I felt so bad for him! :( His knee and his pride were slightly bruised, but he pulled himself together and continued in alone. I know it sounds silly, but I worried about him the rest of the day. When I picked him up he was totally fine and didn't even mention his fall that morning.

On Friday morning we decided Jacob was ready to walk in alone! I think this was the hardest morning for me. I've never just dropped him off somewhere and hoped for the best, but he did great! He was so proud of himself! It was a big week with big emotions, and this was the first time I shed a few tears over all the changes. I just felt so proud, worried, and excited at the same time. I watched him until he made it to the door. The rest was up to him. It was a little sad to know our days at home together are over, but so exciting to see him growing and becoming more independent.