We're Gonna Soak Up the Sun

It's 67 degrees...and sunny...and it's February! What a beautifully rare day, on the most rarest of days in the year! Ethan and I would be silly to waste this gorgeous weather indoors. We plan to head to Clay Terrace, an outdoor mall, to meet up with my mom, walk around, and do a little shopping. 

Here we are trying out our ERGO wrap...again. He loved it, which is great, since we're walking a 1K with it next weekend to support my school! Let's hope for beautiful weather next Saturday!

Giggly Guy

Someone loves when Mommy blows raspberries on his belly!

Sunday Morning Breakfast...2/26

I'm cheating today. We really were in Cincinnati and had a wonderful brunch with Kevin's family at his parents' house. Since I didn't want to look like a fool by taking pictures of all the yummy dishes {and since Kevin and I made a repeat of last Sunday's breakfast}. 

I did make breakfast two other times this week, though! I decided to count one of them as our Sunday Morning Breakfast. It's super-duper easy and yummy all at the same time. This recipe came from the latest Weight Watchers Magazine. 

To make this, just layer 3/4 cups canned peaches (use the kind not in heavy syrup) and about 1/2 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt. Top with two tablespoons of granola. It's simple to make and yummy to eat!

Happy 4-Month Birthday, Ethan!

I'm beginning to realize that time really does fly when you're having fun. This month has truly been enjoyable, watching {and listening to} Ethan develop and grow. Sometimes I look at him and think, how is he SO big already??? 

Stats: Yesterday, we went to the doctor for our four-month check-up. Ethan "Stretch" Pinsky is 26.75 inches long!!! He's in the 95th percentile on height. I think he has a bright future as a basketball player...maybe for the Hoosiers? He weighed 14 pounds, 8 ounces (50th percentile) and his head circumference was 40 centimeters.

Likes: Ethan has become quite the talker. He loves making noises, and even has "conversations" with others. It's absolutely adorable, and he gets a big kick out of it. He still enjoys grabbing things, and now he's actually holding and shaking things, like rattles and dolls. He loves his little giraffe blankie, GiGi. He still enjoys his play gym, but now he likes to grab all the different toys hanging on it. Although we still swaddle Ethan, we've been leaving his legs out, since he still loves to kick them and move himself around.

Dislikes: Ethan still dreads Tummy Time. His doctor told me to lay him on his tummy for 2-3 minutes at a time {or until he starts screaming} several times a day. I know I just have to bite the bullet and do it.

Tricks: Ethan can now blow raspberries. Very cute. He thinks it's hilarious, and will even try to imitate you if you blow raspberries at him. Another trick is sucking on his hands and fingers. He can bring his hands together, and put them in his mouth. Delicious! We've also gotten a few big laughs out of him, which we hope to hear more of in the coming months. Ethan also likes to "pretend walk", while we support him, and he is starting to put a lot of weight on his legs. A lesser loved trick, is pinching. Ouch! Ethan can now sleep up to 10 hours at night...which is our favorite trick!

Mom: We've successfully weaned from breastfeeding. Ethan is enjoying his formula, and has transitioned beautifully. I've found it to be a lot less stressful to go out, because I'm no longer concerned about where or when to feed him. We've been trying to go on outings once a day, which is good for both of us. I recently took Ethan to meet my class, and it was wonderful. I've been thinking about whether or not I actually want to go back to work, but being around the kids made me feel like I need to go back to teaching in August. I'm still seeing a therapist once a week, and am taking my medication. Two nights ago, I actually slept through the night!!

We are trying to enjoy every moment with our little man, because we know he won't be little for very long. At the same time, we can't wait to see him hit all of his new developmental milestones!

Jealous Puppy

Somebody thought he'd get more attention if he took over Ethan's spot. He was ousted shortly thereafter. Nice try, Tobi!

Confession

I love looking into my baby's big, bright eyes. I love listening to him "talk". I love pinching his chubby baby thighs. I love feeling him nuzzle his face against my neck when he is tired. I love hearing his infectious giggles. I love watching him grab for his favorite toys {and hang on to them!}. I love the touch of his tiny hand on mine as I feed him.

But I have a confession.

I love naptime. I find myself relishing the quiet {even though I have the television on most of the time}. I've read about some moms, and I have some friends who may or may not admit to this, who actually miss their babies while they are napping...and wake them up!!

Not me.

I know that in most cases, Ethan will sleep for about an hour. Sometimes, I catch myself praying hoping that he will give me an extra five minutes. It usually doesn't happen. Once in a while, he'll nap for three hours, and sure, I do wonder when my little man will grace me with his presence. But I don't miss him. 

Is that wrong?

Sunday Morning Breakfast...2/19

Since I'm getting back into the swing of things, I've resumed much of the cooking responsibility in the home. I love trying new recipes. In fact, there are only a handful of recipes that we keep in rotation. Most of what we cook is new to us. 

I thought I'd start a new Sunday Morning Breakfast tradition. I can't promise that it'll always be fabulous {or that it will always be homemade...since I'm trying to convince Kevin to take me out for breakfast soon so I can have my beloved Eggs Benedict, which I haven't had since before I was pregnant!} I promise that I will try to post what we have for breakfast each Sunday morning.

I just got a new cookbook last week which I am loving. It's a healthy slow cooker book. I don't need to go into how much I adore my slow cooker. I make something in it at least once a week. If it involves minimal prep work and one-pot cooking, it's for me! This cookbook happens to have a whole section on breakfast, so expect to see a lot of morning crockpot recipes.

This morning, we enjoyed Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Risotto. Think apple pie filling meets rice pudding...delish!! We chose to top ours with sliced almonds, golden raisins, and a dollop of fat-free Cool Whip. Other ideas: low-fat granola, dried cranberries, Fiber One cereal, or sliced bananas. If you'd like the recipe, let me know!

On Flirting

There is a right way to flirt, and a wrong way to flirt. I witnessed two incidences of flirting today.

All Wrong!

Ethan and I went to lunch today with "Auntie Debbie". I got up to get some coffee. A pretty good looking gentleman was also filling up his cup. Here's how our conversation went.

Man: Don't tell me you are the one that had that baby over there.

Me: Yeah. That's my baby.

Man: Wow! Where did all of your weight go?

Me: Umm...it left with the baby.

Man: Well, he is one lucky guy...and I'm referring to your husband!

Me: Thanks. I'll remind him of that tonight.

Man: My wife had twins 20 months ago, and she still doesn't look like you.

Me: Well, twins are a whole other story! 

Man: Did you have him naturally?

Me: Yep. {At this point, I was appalled that he felt it appropriate to ask me this...as if the rest of the conversation were somehow more appropriate!}

Man: Wow. You just have all the right qualities, don't you?

Me: I try.

At this point, I walked away. I didn't know that having a child naturally {and I assume he meant sans c-section} was a quality, but OK. At first I couldn't figure out if he was complimenting me, ragging on his wife {who, after having this conversation, I feel sorry for}, or flirting. I chalked it up to this guy being an awful flirt. Strike out!! 

Note: Mentioning your wife, and mother of your twins, is NOT a recommended flirting tactic!

 All Right!

After lunch, Ethan and I had some clothing to exchange. At Francesca's Collections {heaven}, while checking out, the woman behind me was "oohing" and "aahing" over Ethan. Here's how that conversation went.

Woman: You are so adorable!

Ethan: {big gummy smile}

Woman: Are you smiling at me??

Ethan: {smile with giggle}

Woman: Oh my gosh! He just giggled at me! You're such a flirt!

Ethan: {cooing noises}

Woman: What a sweetie! He's such a wonderful shopping buddy! You're so lucky!

Now that's how it's done!! Always keep 'em wanting more. Maybe the guy from the restaurant should take some notes from Ethan!

Teaching:Motherhood

Plan B

This is another similarity between teaching and motherhood. You should always try to have a Plan B {and C and D and...oh, you get the idea}. With each plan, you hope for the best, but know that in all actuality, kids are unpredictable, and things may not work out.

Sometimes, I try to predict the day's schedule. This never works. Ethan, without fail, naps for longer than I expect, stays awake for shorter times than I expect, doesn't eat as much as I predicted, etc. Thus, I always have to have another plan waiting in the wings, just in case.

As a teacher, I plan my week out, expecting things to go the way I see them going. Sometimes they do. Most of the time, they don't. Sometimes we have special convocations pop up at the last minute. Sometimes the kids need more lessons to nail a concept. Sometimes I slapped an unrealistic timeline on a project, and need to extend deadlines. Sometimes the kids pick things up more quickly and we need to move on. Regardless of the reason, the plans I make at the beginning of the week look totally different than the plans I end up with at the end of the week.

So, in this respect, motherhood and teaching are quite similar. You should {always} have a Plan B.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This little cupid (pictured with his Valentine's gift from Momma and Pops) went to my school to deliver treats to my students. The kids welcomed me with hugs and swooned over my little sweetheart. 

Later, I got a special delivery from my three Valentines.

Thanks to "Auntie Debbie", who will be babysitting Ethan, Kevin and I will go out for our annual Valentine's Day dinner. This year will be a little different than last year or the year before, but it will be just as special!

Happy Valentine's Day to our friends, family, and readers in blog-world! Hope you get to spend it with the ones you love!

Valentine's Cake Pops

Tomorrow, Ethan and I will visit my class during their Valentine's Day Party. This will be the first time I see these wonderful kiddos since Ethan's impromptu arrival. More importantly, it's the first time they will meet Ethan in person! 

We couldn't very well show up at a party empty-handed, so we decided to make some delicious cake pops. Ethan took a very loooooooooonnnnnnnggggg nap, which allowed me to get these tasty treats together. 

Date Night!

Tonight, I went out to dinner with not one, but TWO, very handsome men. 

I am one lucky gal!

Teaching:Motherhood

Schedule vs. Routine

As a teacher, I thrive on schedules. I live and breathe schedules. Without my schedule, I would be lost...as would my students. I know, roughly, how my day will play out: SSR.Prep Time.Math.Language Arts.Reading.Lunch.Recess.Social Studies/Science.Read Aloud.Dismissal. Granted, there may be a few unexpected events sprinkled in throughout the day, but generally, I know what I'm in for. 

Then I became a mom.

I learned the difference between a schedule and a routine.

A schedule is predictable. It is based on the clock. A routine is not predictable. It is a set of events that happens in the same order, but not necessarily at the same times. {Our routine is eat-play-sleep.}

I'm in charge of the schedule at school. I choose what to do during each block. I decide when each block begins and ends. As much as I pretend I am, I'm NOT in charge of the routine. I go by Ethan's needs. 

A schedule allows you to know what is going to happen and when. A routine allows you to know what is going to happen. That's all.

A schedule requires you to stick to deadlines. A routine requires you to be flexible. This is something at which I am constantly trying to get better. 

I'm not going to lie. I miss my schedule. However, learning to go with the flow and live by a routine is a new experience...one which I'm sure I will draw upon as a teacher. It's teaching me flexibility, spontaneity, and to stop and listen to others' needs.  

{Almost} Put Together

I feel like I got SO much accomplished today! Ethan and I took a trip to Michael's, where I picked up some frames for the professional pictures we had taken when Ethan was five days old (I know...it's about time). By the way, if you're in the market for frames, they are having a great deal - buy one, get one free! I also got some items to make Valentine's cake pops for my class. I promise to post pictures of those when I make them next week.

Later, Ethan was kind enough to take a really long nap, which gave me a chance to write some thank-you cards, frame the pictures, and even write personalized Valentine's Day cards to each of my students. 

My mom came over and I made dinner for the two of us - yummy Thai Ravioli...and it's a Weight Watchers recipe, too! 

It wasn't until after all of this that I realized...my sweater had been on backwards ALL DAY! Oops...I guess I wasn't as put together as I thought I was! 

One Small Step for Mommy-kind

That's what I'm calling it. One of things that has been giving me anxiety is a solo grocery shopping trip with Ethan. Today, I decided that I was ready to attempt it. I chose to go during one of his naps at a time of day I thought only other moms and babies would be out. 

I kept telling myself, What's the worst that can happen?? He'll cry/fuss, I'll try to calm him, and if it doesn't work, we'll leave and try again another time.

Well, he was excellent. He woke up after I parked, but after 5-6 minutes being pushed around in the cart, he went back to sleep. We might have to make this a weekly outing. The store was fully stocked and practically empty, making my trip quick and efficient! I guess there are some perks to being a Stay-at-Home-Mom and Housewife! 

Teaching:Motherhood

Inhaling Meals

Like all of my best ideas, I got this one while taking a shower last night. I thought I'd do a few blogs comparing my role as teacher to my role as mother. Because I'm a dork, I thought I'd title the posts Teaching:Motherhood...you know, as in "Teaching is to Motherhood"...like an analogy. Sometimes, analogies compare two related things, and at other times, they compare two unrelated things. I think that while there are many similarities between teaching and mothering, there are also some differences.

So, my first one is about inhaling meals. As a teacher, you get 30 minutes to eat. It's not REALLY 30 minutes, though. You walk the kids to the cafeteria...5 minutes. Find an open restroom and use it...5 minutes. Check mailbox and drop things off in the classroom...5 minutes. This leaves you about 15 minutes to heat your food, eat, and clean up. Oh, and talk to your teammates about important odds and ends. It really is a talent to inhale your lunch in that amount of time. 

As a mom, I've found this skill to come in handy. I like to call nap time and pretty much any time Ethan is entertaining himself without me, borrowed time. This is because you never know how long it's going to last. Sometimes, I have to inhale my breakfast/lunch/dinner in 5-10 minutes, because you never know how long you'll have before baby needs you. 

There you have it. The first analogy between teaching and motherhood.

Happy Groundhog Day!!

A New Favorite

Thanks to a blog I read called, Dear Baby, I am now obsessed with a store called Francesca's Collections. Melissa, the blogger, has a very cute and quirky sense of style. Some things she wears I simply could not pull off, yet they work for her. Other things she wears remind me that I need to take more of a risk with my wardrobe. I ordered a couple of things (which were a little out of my fashion box) off of Francesca's website, just to see if I liked them...and I did! Imagine my excitement when I found that there are THREE stores within 15 minutes of our house! I would literally wear every.single.thing in this shop.

Today I visited one of their locations and spent entirely too much money on these lovely finds. I can't wait to wear them! Here is one of the items I bought.