So Much to Say, So Little Time

See this sweet face?


Vocabulary has been exploding from that little mouth. While Gavin has been saying words for a long time now, in just the last week his speech has taken off. We've been hearing, "please" "fly" "read book" "outside" "Ma sit" "duck" and "bubbles" just to name the few new words I can remember.

We ended up having a fun and full weekend. We didn't get to see all of our family but I'm still going to consider myself busy enough to not get out the Fall decorations yet. You know, it takes a considerable amount of time to keep up with this little fellow.

It's Here!

As of 10 p.m. last night, Fall has officially graced us. Well, it was the night before last if you are reading this Friday morning. I am however, waiting for it to bring on some cool weather, but I'm willing to give it a little reprieve since it's my absolute favorite time of the year. Yep, it beats out even the Christmas season. I know, I know, Bah Humbug!

Last year, I basically spilled my heart out about why I think Fall is so grand in this post. I've surprised myself that I haven't pulled the Fall decorations out of the garage yet, but I think that will happen before the weekend is over. And if not, that's okay too because we have a fun-filled weekend packed with both immediate and extended families. Of course, we'll see the parents, the grandparents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and nephews but I'm looking forward to some relaxing time with the aunts/uncles and cousins as well.

And with Fall comes my father-in-law's birthday. Happy Birthday Joe! Hope you had a lovely day.

Thankful Three

1. I am thankful for evening rain showers.
2. Baking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with my hunny.
3. The sound of a very energetic two-year-old saying "uh-oh" over and over.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

There is a series of classic childrens' books by Laura Numeroff that all start with "If you Give..." with our favorite being, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."

Well, I'm glad to know that something we have been reading to Gavin has been sinking in. Today he decided it was Mr. Priscilla Mouse's (don't ask) turn to sit at the table for a meal.

And I think he found out if you give a mouse a cookie or a waffle, he/she will want a full meal.

"Hmm.... I wonder what will happen if I give a Mama a waffle....." She will take my picture!

It's also nice to know that Gavin is teaching Priscilla mouse how to use his/her manners.

There's another book by Ms. Numeroff called, "If You Give a Pig a Pancake...." Gavin tried that one too the other day when he fed his grandparents' dog half of his breakfast waffle. I won't ruin the ending of what happens in Ms. Numeroff's book, but in the Gavin version, if you give a dog a waffle, she will smile and beg for more.

Home Away From Home

As promised, here are pictures of where I spend the majority of my time. Yes, it's a bright and cheery place although maybe on the too busy side. I went with a polka dot theme this year which incorporated the Very Hungry Caterpillar and decorations from Gavin's first birthday. I love being able to reuse things.






All that is missing are 18 pint sized children running around!

What a Teacher Looks Like

The other day, someone asked me what I do and I replied that I was a kindergarten teacher. The response I received was one that I have heard more than once- "You look like a teacher."

Now let me pause to say, "What in the world does that mean?" I looked down to survey my wardrobe. No denim jumper. Check. No apples or school houses appliqued to my outfit. Check.

Do these people realize that I had a career in the corporate world that latest longer than the four years I have been a teacher? Would the suits and high heels give away the fact that I wasn't a teacher then or did I still have that teacherish quality when I had meetings in the board room?

Some days I begin to believe I am a teacher but others I wonder if I am playing a part. Being the student that I am, did I just study and learn how to be a teacher through books and observation or is it really in me? Time may only tell.

Check back tomorrow to see pictures of where I now conduct my meetings. The scenery is a little different from the board room.

Happy Grandparent's Day

D. and I are blessed to each still have a set of grandparents that we lovingly adore. And Gavin gets to not only have them in his life but our parents as his grandparents.

Happy Grandparents' Day to:

Poppy and Nee

Me Me and Grandaddy

Thanks for all of the hugs, snacks, play time and trips in my car/wagon.
~Love, Gavin

Laboring Day

Our photography downloading capacity had been severely hampered, but things seem to be back up and running now with the exception that my camera card ate some of my pictures. To say that this Labor Day weekend was a much needed reprieve from laboring is an understatement. Sunday was the first day in about three or four weeks that D was home with us for a full day. My right hand man who I count on for so much has been working looonnggg hours. Since he had to be back to work on Monday (yep- a national holiday), we took Sunday to soak in all of our time together.

Because of the Mother's Day finger painting debacle of 2009, we haven't made, I mean given, Gavin the chance to finger paint until this weekend. Remember this picture?

Well, it pretty much scared us from attempts for more than a year. He's had plenty of other art experiences though. However, we decided it was time to role up the sleeves and try it again. This time, to our delight, he thoroughly enjoyed finger painting and we never once had to tell him not to put his fingers in his mouth.

After enjoying painting in the outdoors (baking in the sun), it was time to hit the pool. We most certainly cooled off in the low 80 degree water temps. Gavin didn't seem to mind and was his usually little fishy self.

Nothing like a cool treat poolside, but suddenly our two year old looks thirty. Don't worry- it's a fudge pop, not dirt this time.
The other exciting news of this weekend is that Gavin has upgraded from a high chair to a booster seat. He literally danced around when I was setting it up. I think he feels so big. He's decided, on his own, that it's his duty to make sure each one of us has a napkin at dinner.

Here's to a short work week!