I love the Holiday Weekend

Another long weekend with my husband. I love having extra time with Chris and Gabby. Today we went to a parade. Her first. She was pretty happy until one of the floats came by squirting water. Not cool.
Tomorrow on tap a visit to the Madison Zoo and wrapping up Sunday a visit to A&W for some yummy food.
Of course peppered with our infamous family naps. The three of us hit the couch and nap.
It's very nice.
Why can't summer be longer?

What do I say?!

Ugh. So as most of you know my parents do not live nearby. That means someone is always traveling to see the other person. This year it has been me and my little one. Three times since Christmas. So Chris and I thought it might be nice to invite Grandma to come visit and we would fly her out.
I guessed incorrectly, I think.
I was discussing this topic with my Mom and she asked me how much vacation time I get and if I had any left. I answered her and she asked why didn't I just come see her. To which I said I am teaching a Spanish class until the fall and no one else can teach it, also I have my Preschool classes. She said and I may be misquoting a little because I am ornery about it "I don't know what the big deal is, you are just a glorified babysitter..."
I know that is the perception many people have in regards to my job and I have learned to shrug it off. Usually. But my own Mom?!
Now I am at a loss, do I say anything? Do I ignore it? Do I eat a pint of ice cream?
These are all things I need to remember so when Gabby is older- I think about what I say and how I say it, so as not to hurt her feelings.
We'll see how that goes too.... :)

She's a Toddler!

My little one is One!

No longer a baby but a toddler. In my mind she will always be a baby but according to all the books Toddler.

She is afraid of monkeys (ironic since that is her nickname), she is a little bit of a neat freak, and loves Cheerios. And I am crazy about her.

We survived the first year, can't wait for the next one!

Back from KC

Gabby and I just got back from a week in KC with my parents. You don't realize you need a vacation sometimes until you are on it. You also don't realize you have stress until you are away from it. I think I have been fooling myself about a couple of things and being away kind of brought them to the surface.
Just means I need to do some retooling to try and make things right and lessen the stress.
I know my folks are only an hour away by plane but it doesn't seem close enough. Especially when I see Gabby with her Grandparents.
She changed a lot in a week.
I have the best baby ever people. Seriously!
For once in my life I actually look like I went on vacation too.
Wish I was still on it.

End of the Year Craziness...

My school year is winding down and the craziness has begun. Trying to organize field trips, graduations, order yearbooks, clean rooms, and get things off the walls and back to parents.
Luckily I have made sure to take a week for myself before the Summer session starts.
I am off to KC with my little one. I am really hoping she is walking before said trip because it will break Chris's heart if she takes her first step at her Grandparent's house.
Last trip she had a bunch of firsts without her Dad present.
Have been trying to make more time for myself. However, I feel like the more I do that the more I slack in other places. Like cleaning the house.
My house is not clean people.
It's shameful, and I am some one's Mom! :)

Retail Therapy

Beth is was in town this weekend and we got to literally spend the whole Saturday together. It was so awesome. I love Gabby but it was nice to spend some time with someone who can respond to me when I talk. I was laughing so hard I seriously thought I was going to wet myself a few times yesterday!
It's hard having such a great friend so far away but I think it speaks to our friendship that even though we aren't in the same state we do have such a great time together. We both are going through growing pains in regards to certain things and it felt good to have someone to commiserate with. It's hard being a grown up! :)
She got to spend some time with my favorite under 4 foot person and we had a yummy lunch together. Bonus we got to visit with one of our good friends as well.
Maybe someday when we are all in our twilight years we will all be in the same place.

Spring Craziness

Spring is here and I am really happy to be able to open up the house. Unfortunately being a home owner during the Spring means having to do Spring yard work. Which for us can be a hassle. We have 3 full grown tress and no amount of raking gets all the leaves let alone the branches. I did branch patrol on our front yard today and will be hitting the leaves tomorrow.
Our inside is suffering as well. I enjoy cleaning but it's the getting started that is tough. Wish we had a maid! And a butler, nanny, and a lawn guy.
Oh well, I guess that's me. :)