Friday Night

What happened to my Friday nights?
Eric was out last night (Friday) and I was actually looking forward to doing something fun with the kids. All day I planned the evening in my mind. I thought we could call a friend or go somewhere fun. By about 4:00 I decided on the staying home plan. I would make a great dinner and then we could go out for ice cream! By 6:00 I had the frozen chicken nuggets cooking in the oven while I made jelly toast for myself. The kids were bathed and in their p.j.'s by 7:00. I entertained them with the ice cream that was (thank god) in the freezer until I put Claire to bed at 7:45 and Zac to bed at 8:00. I think the last time I looked at the clock it said 8:17.
What happened to my Friday nights?

Woman in Training

I am so ahead of the game that I already purchased my kids Halloween costumes. Don't be that impressed. It hasn't worked in my favor since I haven't been able to get the costumes off my kids since. Claire especially. The poor girl has endured the spiderman costume until now. Now Cinderella has come alive in my home! Claire does everything in that dress (and the princess heels). She even took a nap in it. I am ok with all of this because I feel that it is my duty as a mother to teach Claire that a woman can do anything she wants even while wearing a ball gown and heels!

Firsts

Last week we experienced a lot of firsts in this family. Zac started Kindergarten (year 1 of 2) at Vista where I teach. The night before I teasingly said to him that he wasn't going to be my baby anymore. He climbed in my lap, hugged me and said that he would always be my baby. Loved it! (Claire says that she is not my baby and not my big girl. She is just Claire!) I did well dropping him off until I turned to walk away and my friend and coworker asked how it went. That is when I cried. It is just so amazing how quickly time flies! He has enjoyed every minute of Kindergarten so far. I can't believe how quickly and easily he gets dressed in the morning because he is so excited. Now the big adjustment is for Eric and especially me. Now we have to do homework with Zac and ensure we are setting good study habits. And I have to deal with having Zac with me ALWAYS! He is now with me at work which used to be my time away to have adult interaction. NO more! Zac is in the office with me, in the classroom before and after school, sitting in staff meetings, and even the bathroom with me. Yes, I'm a bit suffocated. I'm sure I'll adjust!
Zac also had his first soccer game. He had fun although I still don't think he has a clue as to what he is doing. He just chases the ball and kicks it! And he only kicked it the wrong direction a couple of times!
For me it was the first soccer game I ever actually watched, cheered for, and enjoyed! Yea me!
Claire is taking all of this change with only a minimal amount of tantrums. She isn't quite sure where Zac is going and after spending most of her time at home this summer, she is EXHAUSTED after a full day at preschool. She is a trooper though. She manages to sit through Zac's soccer and Tae Kwon Doe practices 3 times a week with ease. Girls are so patient!
Baby number three is making her/his presence known by continuing to make me feel cruddy while trying to manage all of these life experiences. Good times! Don't worry, I'm thankful!!

Baby #3!

So I feel that I can officially announce my pregnancy to the blogger audience. I dragged my extremely tired, nauseous, and now overweight self to the doctor this morning for the first ultrasound to confirm that very important heart beat. After a few excruciating seconds of that fun machine (*too early for the external ultrasound) the little "it" appeared! And yes, there is only one. I think I was really hoping for two so I could get some validation to my extreme weight gain. Oh well! I am happy for 1 healthy somebody!! Official due date is April 14th. I'm sure that he/she will be excited to share a birthday month with mom, aunt Lisa, and two of her cousins! We will all be broke!

Swimming Lessons

Zac finished his first of two sessions of swimming lessons today. I thought some of you would be interested to see the unique way the Claremont Club celebrates this occasion. So fun! You may be able to here Claire in the background who was extremely unhappy that she didn't get to join in! Next year Claire!!

Two funny but not-so-cute Things

Yesterday - Zac is playing intently with his toys and I hear him say: Stupid!
Me: What did you say?
Zac: Nothing! I said Stew!
Eric: You know Maria. Like the soup!
Me: Oh yeah.

Today - Again Zac is playing, running in the back yard and he says: Shut up!
Me: What did you say?
Zac: I didn't say shut up, I said shutta!
Me: Eric can you translate that one?
Eric: Shout out!?
Zac: Not shout out, shuttu!
Eric: Ok, so I can't translate that one. I don't know what a shutta is.

Eric and I are trying very hard to fix this but it is sooo hard not to laugh.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to all of you! Or as Zac would say, "Happy July 21st!" ??? (This date also seems to be his new birthday as well.) We are walking with the church in Claremont's annual parade today. Sweet 2 year old Claire thinks we are riding in a fire truck. Hopefully she'll be satisfied being pulled in a wagon.

Hope your day is filled with fun, food, and fireworks!