Due Date 2013

Dear Quinn, 

Happy Due Date Day!  I am always amazed and a little surprised with how much you grow and change between your birthday and your due date!  I am also always a little shocked at how much time there is between mid-May and the end of August. It just reminds me you were born very early, and you were very small and very sick. It also reminds me of your incredible strength and will. You are truly an amazing little girl. You have done some mind blowing things in your three years, and I have no doubt, that you were continue to amaze us for the rest of your life!  

A snapshot of you on your due date 2013:

You are a chatterbox. Your speech has just exploded since spring. You are smart and hilarious!  

You have imaginary friends. They are all characters from your favorite tv shows and movies. They come to our for dinner and parties all the time. 

You are so excited to start preschool next week! 

You are helpful and kind most of the time. You love your family, and especially love playing with Alice. 

You requested broccoli and peppers for your due date dinner, but decided on spaghetti and meatballs. 

You love peanut butter. 

You love to watch movies, especially the Artistocats, Monsters, and the Muppets. 

You love to play kitchen, blocks, read books, play outside, and take baths. 

You love to go to the zoo, swimming, and the playground. 

You wear size 18 months on bottom, and 3T on top. And weigh about 25 pounds. 

You still love all animals, but you especially love Piper Jean. You also love to play rough with Hazel. 

You are scared of dragons and giants. 

You know all your upper and lower case letters, and all the sounds. If we catch you in the right mood, you can sound out three letter words. 

You can spell stop, go, cat, and Quinn. 

You can count to 20, with a few numbers skipped here and there.

You are smart, silly, stubborn, sweet, strong-willed, sassy, and spectacular! 

We love you so much! 

Love, Mom and Dad

Super Saturday

On Saturday morning, I took Q to the library return books/ get new books. Upon arrival I noticed that they were about to start the kids' job fair they do every year. We had so much fun last year, I didn't want to miss it this year. 

And I knew Dalan would want to come too. So, I went to call him. No cell phone.  I had to use the library's phone right next to the information desk. The librarian at the desk heard me leave a message and made a comment about hoping I could get a hold of him. 

I decided to just run back home and get Dalan. Quinn and I head back to the car. No keys. But the car is unlocked. No keys in the car either. Quinn and I head back into the library. I am feeling quite embarrassed that I might have to use the phone at the information desk again. Luckily, I find my keys in a random pocket in my purse. 

We get back in the car. Quinn insists on buckling her chest clip. We head back home. Dalan is ready to go. I discover Quinn never finished buckling up. Bad, bad mom. And I am such a carseat rule follower too. I felt awful. 

Anyway, we made it back to the fair and had a great time. Then we headed up to the zoo since that was our original plan. Later that night we had a nice time visiting with friends at a BBQ. It was a super Saturday!  

Race car driver

Truck driver

Helicopter pilot 

She was terrified of this hippo. She called it a crocodile/dragon. 

Golfer

Farmer

News Anchor (she was so excited to be on tv). 

Cosmetologist 

And then she didn't think she could use her arm with the tattoo. Ha, ha! 

And on to the zoo. 

Quinn wanted us to all ride the merry- go-round. 

Weight Watchers Round 2 (Week 3)

I joined Weight Watchers again three weeks ago. I had gained a little weight over the summer. I love summer treats, and with no set routine it is easy for me to snack and over eat. We were active all summer, but we don't exactly do cardio everyday either. 

So, as I watched the numbers slowly creep up on the scale, I decided it was time for a change. I spent the first couple of weeks of the program working off my summer weight, and at today's weigh in I was one pound lighter than when I left Weight Watchers in the winter. Yahoo!  

Total Weight Loss: -29.6 pounds 

Successes:  portion control, less snacking, being back in a routine of work and home, staying focused. 

Struggles:  being hungry, wanting to eat my stress away, exercise (always). 

Goals:  keep up the good work/ keep things in perspective. 

And the best two photos I have of my weight loss- August, 2012 and August 2013. 

First Day of School 2013-14

Today was my first day of school for the 2013-14 school year.  This year I am at a NEW school and teaching a NEW grade. Lots of big changes, but good changes. I miss parts of my old school (Becca), but I think I really am going to like my new school!  I have 26 students, and so far they are a nice and hard working group. The good news is, unlike my old school, this number will stay relatively stable all year long. My feet and voice hurt, and I am exhausted. But, I am happy and looking forward to the year. 

Dalan has been working crazy long hours, and was dead to the world this morning. So, I took some selfies, attempted to get Q to take my photo, and then got the traditional first day of photo when I got home. 

Past photos for fun

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

2010-2011

2011-2012

2012-2013

And a collage- 

More Summer Fun

We have been keeping busy with activities as my summer break is quickly coming to an end. Here is a glimpse at some of our latest activities. 

More Discovery Gateway. You can't beat their five dollar days. 

Dinner at Ali and McKay's plus some creeper glasses. 

A trip to Liberty Park and Tracy Aviary with Sierra, Odessa, Hazel, Marie, and Zach. 

Another trip to the beach. 

Lots of fun in the yard and the house

And Sunday fun at my parents' house.