I Graduated!

Despite my gripes and groans, and some family drama along the way, I participated in my graduate commencement ceremony this morning at the University of La Verne. Eric, the kids, mom, dad, and Oma, all came to the ceremony that, thankfully, turned out to be relatively short. I so enjoyed sharing the experience with my good friend and job-share partner Yvonne. Now we are not only the best teacher team ever, we are the most educated! ;)
Here is my little moment on stage that Eric tried to capture despite Claire wiggling in his lap and Zac crying. And I didn't fall! Yay me!

Big Girl Bed

I now feel a little closer to "ready" for this guy to come join our fabulous family. Eric completed the assembly of Claire's new bed last night at the stroke of 8p.m. in time for her to sleep in it. We have worked tirelessly with the help of both sets of parents to find this bed and figure out how we are going to squeeze these 4 children into 2 tiny rooms. We have Zac all jazzed about sharing with his baby brother and rearranged his room with the crib in it. Claire has been waiting for her white loft bed for quite some time telling everyone who will listen that Sara goes on top and Claire goes on the bottom.
Last night, as I am tucking her in, I asked her if how she likes her new big girl bed.
Claire: Does the purple one come tomorrow?
Oh well. We can't please everyone!

Baby Name

Zac created this tonight. He was excited to show me and dad that he wrote down everyone in our family. So I guess this baby is officially going to be named Luke. Zac sealed the deal!

Changes

Happy New Year!

Last night the first of many new changes that will occur this year happened. Usually our bedtime routine has been the divide and conquer technique. Eric takes care of Zac and Sara, and I take care of Claire. Well last night all was going according to routine until Claire and I got in her room to read books in bed.

Me: Claire pick out your books.

She hides her head in her blanket.

Me: Claire, pick out 2 books or we aren't going to read any!

She looks up and tilts her head coyly to the side and mumbles something.

Me: What?

Claire: I want to read with Daddy.

Me: (speechless)

Claire (loudly in case I didn't hear the first time): I want to read books with DADDY!!

Me(heartbroken): Ok. Let's go.



I guess even Claire is smart enough to know that soon mommy will be quite busy with the new baby. I am so glad she is the one to break the routine rather than me!

Well Christmas has come and gone and we are officially in recovery mode. We finished our fourth, yes FOURTH, celebration today with tired but extremely satisfied kids (and parents)! Eric and I feel so lucky to have such wonderful family that not only take such good care of us but spoil us as well. Although we missed having Mark, Susan, and the kids here this year, it was still a great one. We are so glad they got to be in their house wearing jammies all day long...because that is what you are suppose to do on Christmas. :)

The Musically Gifted...?

This may only humor me because I'm her mother. But a few things come to my attention in this video. First the amazing genetic trait of sticking your tongue out of your mouth while concentrating. Otherwise known as the "Homer Tongue." Second is the outfit. It was my first ballet costume now being appreciated once again. And finally I'm impressed with Claire's musical technique. Again I remind you that I am her mother and extremely biased.

Claire

Things I appreciate about having a little girl:
She immediately says she's sorry if she thinks she's hurt you in any way.
She begins every answer with "because I..."
She sleeps in her favorite dress, shoes, and holding a purse.
She picks out a certain outfit claiming she has to wear it because it is "so cute."
She can sit in my lap at rest for extended periods of time.
We can shop together and get excited about cute outfits and shoes then she tells me how pretty I look.
She will sit and color.
She is so gentle and great at sharing...for a 2 year old.
She loves to hug and kiss and yet she can wrestle and play with Zac.

Now don't get me wrong, I love having a wild, imaginative, inquisitive boy like Zac as mentioned in previous blog entries! But last Sunday while Eric and I sat at church during Zac's choir rehearsal with Claire peacefully in our laps I watched my dear friend who has a boy the same age as Claire chase her son all around the room. I immediately giggle because, first of all, he is so funny. But then I stop smiling and put my hands to my stomach because...oh crap! I get to do that all over again! But I honestly can't wait!