School boy

So a whole month ago, my boy started school.  I was SO excited for him!  I knew that it was going to only help him.  J was going to interact with peers, learn so many new things, read books, play with new toys, work on walking, etc FOUR DAYS A WEEK.  I couldn't wait to see him progress.  I was grinning from ear to ear.

Dad, on the other hand, was terrified.  Were they going to take care of him?  What if the bus driver forgot him?  What if kids teased him?  Dad was in tears on the first day (and second).  I think he's coming around now though.

I had to take him out to select his own backpack.  I wanted the Wiggles, but I couldn't find one for him.  Huskers?  Batman?  SpongeBob?  Nope.  He wanted Spiderman.  Once he saw that one, that was it.  End of story.

August 23.  The day of reckoning.  For the kid who usually sleeps until 1030, getting up at 630 was a rude awakening.  Literally.  The boy was tired.

Daddy got him on the bus.  Please don't mind Dad's completely awful swim trunks that doubled at shorts that day.

All in all, it was a success.  J had a good time.  He's learning so many new words.  He's becoming more independent with walking.  He wants to go to school - the one day we couldn't do due to appointments, he kept looking at his backpack and asking for the "buff."  That's bus for you non-fluent types.  We keep in touch with his teachers through newsletters, a notebook, email, texting, etc.  Yeah, I'm one of "those" moms.  My boy is growing up.  And this mommy just couldn't be prouder.

Teeth!

Mmmmmm, finger-lickin' good.

So I FINALLY got the shot.  Her first tooth poked through back in April, and you'd think I could get a picture of it before now.  However, no such luck.  But now, after months of pictures, I see teeth!  She actually has 7 total now.  I know you can't see them all, but still - WE HAVE PROOF OF TEETH!

Maryn's baptism

Yeah, it was 2 weeks ago.  I know, 20 lashes. 

It was small and sweet.  Attended by us, my parents, my sisters, brother-in-law, and my niece.  I thought one of the Deacons was going to do the baptism, as I didn't care.  As long as it got done, I was happy.  As we walked in, I see Father Dan waiting for us.  That was a nice surprise.  We all stood around, instead of sitting, standing, rah-rah-rahing.  Again, nice.  Father Dan was very gentle with her.  And it was refreshing to see someone treat her like a person instead of just a cute little thing.  He talked to her through the entire ceremony, always warning her what was going to come next.  "Ok Maryn, I'm going to put this oil on your head now.  Nice and gentle." 

Afterwards, we posed for a few pictures.  Of course, all the good ones are on a few other cameras.  But M looked so cute in her dress (a cheap dress at that!  I found it for less than $10 at Old Navy!).

And for only the second time in her life, we were able to get a real FAMILY photo.  The beautiful church was in the background, and despite J sleeping through it all, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.  Sorry for the poor quality.  But this was so special for me.  A family.

We headed back home to eat yummies made by Nana.  I can't tell you how thankful I am for my mom, and for her loving to cook/bake!  Ignore the messy stove.  I'd rather spend time with my kids instead of cleaning!  Dreamscicle cupcakes.  Because she's a dream come true.