Sir, Reporting High Levels of Sass!

Life Lately

Yesterday was my first day back working at the Preschool. I absolutely love teaching preschool music - it's really the only reason I'm still working there. My piano business has been flourishing and it's really my main income now. But, I continue to work at the Preschool because (1) I love teaching music, (2) I love teaching preschoolers, and (3) I really love working with all the ladies there. It truly is an amazing Preschool program - and I'm not just saying that. Even if I didn't work there, I would want my kids to go there! Lydia totally loved the program and loves seeing all the teachers.

After not teaching music since the end of April, I forgot how repetitive it can be. There are nine classes (with about 10 kids in each class), and I teach each class for 20 minutes. I do basically the same lesson each time (sometimes changing it up a bit for the younger ones and then again for the older ones). Yesterday, I probably sang the same song about 90 times. Yeah...that gets kind of old. But, the kids had fun and really enjoyed my lesson.

I'm always a little bit nervous/anxious when it comes to the first few weeks of preschool. Some of the kids aren't even three yet (they have to be three by December), or have never been in a school situation before. They don't know what I mean by "sit on a dot" or "keep your hands to yourself" or "please don't run around the classroom". But, overall, this year's group of kids are starting off amazing and I'm looking forward to the rest of the school year!

Lydia has now been dropped off twice at the front of the school and walked into the cafeteria by herself. I suggested that on Wednesdays (when I have to work and Gideon has to go to BSF) I will drop her off at the front, but all the other days I can walk her in. Well, it must have gone so well yesterday that she wanted to do it again today! It's definitely very bittersweet. And I get home a lot faster!

This morning we had a bit of a struggle over shoes. Lydia wanted to try something different - not just her usual pink dressy shoes. She first put on cute pink sandals. Then decided to wear her silver sparkly shoes. While in the car (almost to school), she decided she didn't want those shoes. Oh well. Too bad. I almost thought about dropping her off, getting her pink shoes, and bringing them to the school. But decided against it. She has learned her lesson. (Although I remember having my mom bring me a change of socks once....hmm)

Gideon has not been napping well...but at least he still sleeps most of the night. Last night he slept from about 7:30 to 6:30 (with a little wake up at 5:55). I've been having to put him down for naps in his bouncer (but he will only sleep about 40 minutes) or in the K'tan during piano lessons (once again, for only about 40 minutes). I just now forced him to sleep in his crib. He has to cry in order to go to sleep, which is sad. He won't just let me rock him to sleep or pat him to sleep. He will just roll over, smile, and start talking. It can be frustrating. Which is why I learned to just leave him. When he's ready to finally go to sleep, he will. And he did. Hopefully he will sleep until a little after 2:00 and will be in a good mood (and ready for a nap - in the K'tan) for piano lessons.

I'm Positive That You'll Get Lost in There!

Friday - Life Lately

Life lately has definitely been different these past two weeks! I think we are finally getting into the groove of Kindergarten, piano lessons, preschool, grad school, work, baby, 5-year old, two adults, and a dog. Wow! There's a lot that goes on in this house every day and I'm trying to keep up with it. As mentioned in my last post, I still need to figure out a good cleaning system for us. Part of the reason I need to clean a little bit everyday (versus all at once) is because Gideon doesn't like to be put down for too long. I either have to hold him, entertain him, or run errands with him (he likes running errands). I'm actually looking forward to the crawling/exploring stage when he can entertain himself for a bit.

When I sit back and take a break, I realize how nice it is to have Lydia in school when I have a 3-month old at home. Gideon is a really easy-going baby, but, at the same time, he's demanding of my attention. And I like giving him attention. He's my new constant companion. I miss having Lydia at home as my companion, but I also enjoy just having to worry about one child versus two. Plus, when I'm out and about, I can keep Gideon contained in my wrap or a stroller. He doesn't constantly ask if he can buy something, or go running off and hiding in the clothes while shopping. It's nice.

Next week I start back at the Preschool and I am excited (and nervous)! We had Meet the Teacher this past Wednesday and it was pretty hectic in one room - lots and lots of criers. The start of the school year is always difficult. We get kiddos who have never been in a school environment before. They don't know how to sit on dots, or sit still, or follow directions. But, it's amazing how in just a few weeks they have mastered this preschool thing!

I started piano lessons this week and it has been going pretty well so far. I start at 4:00 in the afternoon. I have Gideon with me in the front room. Tuesday he sat in his bouncer pretty much the whole time (got fussy right when Brian came home). Thursday he slept in his wrap most of the time and then Brian came home when he was getting fussy. Today is the big test. I go to a family's house and teach five of their kids...with Gideon in tow.

I gave my students a sweet snack for their first day back...and a reminder to always, always practice! I have 22 students this semester and it will be busy, but fun! I have a good group of kiddos this year.

We have to do bedtime a little bit differently on Mondays. Brian has his grad school class on Mondays and doesn't get home until around 9:00. The kiddos are in bed by 7:30. We met Brian for dinner at Chick-fil-a and then headed home for baths, a quick show, and then bedtime. I let Lydia stay in Gideon's room until he fell asleep. Then I brought her to her room and put her to bed. Usually, Brian and I put the kids to bed in Gideon's room (I nurse him while I sing) and then he takes Lydia to her room while I finish up with Gideon. But, Mondays will have to be different. 

Except for this Monday! It's Labor Day Weekend which means NO SCHOOL!

This girl and her outfits. We pick out her clothes for the school week on Sunday evening. She recently decided that she likes wearing shorts. I wondered if this would happen. I don't think Lydia has worn a pair of shorts for over a year now. And suddenly she likes them. And it's all because girls in her class wear shorts. In Preschool, most of the girls wore dresses (just like Lydia). She still likes her dresses and skirts, but is now more open to cute little shorts. I got a ton of free hand-me-down shorts last year and they can finally fit her (kind of...I have to tighten them a whole lot)! And she'll wear them! Easy outfits each morning!

In this picture, I let Lydia wear whatever she wanted and then she picked out Gideon's outfit too. Daddy approved of the stripes and plaid....