Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Breakfast for Dinner

While Audrey was away for her trip, I had a lot of free time to think about things.  When you are being a Mom 24/7 there isn't a lot of time for self reflection.  But I realized a few things in my free time.  Number 1, I need some hobbies!  Pre-Audrey, I would stay late at work, then hit the 5:45 Step Class at the gym, then come home and have dinner, and then read a good book, all while talking to friends in between all of this.  But then came Audrey.  All of that "stuff" kind of fell by the wayside.  I've picked some of it up here or there.  I still talk to friends, just not as long as I used to, and our conversations are always interrupted by one of out kids, I've been working out again, just not every day like I used to, because you know, I have a kid to care for.  ;)  And I still am an awesome teacher, I've just learned to work more efficiently.  Not so much time for socializing with co--workers anymore.  I have to get my work done, so I can leave work and get my girl.  I am still reading, just not as much.  I am too exhausted after Audrey's bedtime to read anything that requires thinking.  But last week, as I had time to think about things, I realized how much I liked keeping this blog.  I really enjoy writing and expressing my feelings.  So my goal for myself is to update more regularly, maybe even daily.  Even if no one reads it (although I know all of the grandparents do!) it's a creative outlet for me and it lets me document Audrey's life.  

So back to today.  After our trying night last night, we are back on track tonight!  I picked her up and Audrey has been in good spirits ever since.  I was planning on making Quesidillas for dinner tonight, but Audrey randomly mentioned having pancakes for dinner.  Hmmm, we've never done that!  But why not.  So we had pancakes for dinner and she was SO happy.  Oh my goodness.  She kept thanking me over and over for her yummy pancakes and syrup for dinner.  We had such a nice time eating and talking about our day.  (Apparently her day consisted of learning about what month will be next and how to be a Jaguar.)



After dinner Audrey helped me clear the table and she even cleaned it off!  Let's just chalk this day up as SUCCESS. :)


Monday, February 25, 2013

Back To Reality

Isn't she so sweet?  Sitting there looking at all of the "fancy girls" in my People Magazine.  But, not so much.  I knew we'd have a tough transition from a week at Nana and Papa's to our daily life at home.  But she tricked me!  She was SO well behaved yesterday and when I woke her up this morning to go to school she got ready so easily.  I thought I had this.  I mean, if she can get up at 6:30 am and get dressed without complaint after sleeping in all last week, we were good.  NO.  I picked her up from school and the minute we got in the car it was like a switch had been flipped.  She was mad about every little thing.  We got home, she wouldn't put her coat up, then she hit me (Yes, she actually swatted at me) so off to time out she went.  And it wasn't pretty.  Yelling, screaming, trying to tear things off the wall.  But she did her time.  She's now up to 4 minutes in time out due to her last birthday.  ;)  After time out I told her she had to apologize to me.  Again comes the sobbing.  Finally she apologized and we were able to have a nice evening together.  She even helped me clean up the plates from the table.  But it's hard to compete with time at Nana and Papa's.  Time to get back to reality Missy!




Saturday, February 23, 2013

Audrey's Big Adventure

Audrey and I (and James too) all had a BIG adventure this past week.  James is on a 2 week long trip to Australia.  Last month as we were talking about his trip and what it would entail for all of us, his parents volunteered to have Audrey stay with them for a week so they could spend time with her and I wouldn't be on my own for 16.days.straight.  (But who's counting?)  At first we were a little hesitant.  Audrey hasn't been away from either one of us for an extended period of time since we left her with Grammy for 4 days when Amanda and Rick got married.  But the more we talked about it, the more it made sense.  Audrey loves her Nana and Papa, and they had so many fun things planned for her.  Plus, they raised two awesome kids of their own, so I was sure they could manage.  ;)  Trip planned!  

My mom and I drove down to Corsicana last Sunday to meet Nana and Papa at the Collins Street Bakery.  This was a place I have driven by hundreds of times but never actually stopped.  It was SO GOOD.  I was a little nervous at first, but Audrey ran right to her Papa and stayed by him during the entire lunch.  When it was time to go, she just hopped right in their car and said "Bye Mama!'  Really?  No tears for leaving me?  In all seriousness it warmed my heart that she felt comfortable enough with them to leave me.  She was so excited.  

Ready to leave with Nana and Papa:



I was a nervous wreck the way home.  I don't know why, I just felt a sense of worry.  How would she do in the long car ride to Houston?  Would she miss me?  So I called later that night and she was fine.  Of course.  But as I went to bed I worried how she would sleep.  

The next morning I went off to work for a day full of inservice meetings.  I kept my phone with me.  I checked my e-mail and got an e-mail from Suzette that Audrey slept great.  Whew.  Then I got this photo texted to me, with the caption "We took her to the toy store and let her pick out whatever she wanted."


Ha!  I immediately showed my co-workers and my friend said "Have fun when she comes back!"  I knew right then that when she got home it would be difficult to reinforce the rules, but it was worth it to have her be spoiled for a week by her grandparents.

Then they took her to Galveston, this is the first time she saw the ocean!

Digging in the sand with Papa


Nana and Papa also took Audrey to the Houston Children's Museum and she loved it.



And of course they took her to Barnes and Noble.  Our little reader!


So while they were off to the beach, the museum, and Starbucks every morning (Jerry took Audrey there every morning for a donut!), I was at home.  I worked late.  I worked out every morning.  I even reached my goal of running 3 miles today!  I went to Happy Hour with friends last night.  (I haven't been to Friday Happy Hour in years, because I either have Audrey or am getting her to James'), I did my Bible Study.  I read.  But when I found myself so bored on Thursday night that I was scrubbing the bathroom I knew it was time to be with my Auds again!  What did I ever do before her?  Life has been so boring this past week!

But today I got to drive back to Corsicana and pick her up.  :)))  She was SO sweet with me.  We have been smiling since we got home.  Off to have movie night . . .

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Birthday Party Pictures

Audrey had her birthday party at ASI Gymnastics again this year.  It was PERFECT.  The kids had a blast, the wonderful staff there set up everything and even served the kiddos, and there was no clean-up.  Perfect.  :)  

I didn't get a lot of good pictures.  Audrey is in this stage of not wanting her picture taken.  She literally runs away when someone pulls a camera out.  Also, I decided to really enjoy her party with her and not be stuck behind the camera the whole time this year.  So, not a lot of great pictures, but it was a really wonderful party.

The birthday girl, ready to go!

Walking in with Daddy.


Can she be any more excited??!


Jumping around.

Audrey and her sweet friend Madi.

Getting to be the line leader.

Parachute fun!



AND, for the very first time Audrey held on to the rope swing and fell in the pit!!!

This was one of the ASI staff members who was awesome.  The kids loved him!

Cake


Blowing out the candles.  My little precious girl.  She's still shy and doesn't quite like being the center of attention.  

It was a wonderful party and we are so grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate with us!