10 Years Already?!

The one and only picture of the night-hope others got more! (34 1/2 weeks)

 See, there I go again-another post title with a question mark at the end. I can't hardly believe it's been 10 years since nervously walking across that stage at the Erwin Center, accepting that diploma, and tossing my cap in the air. Time has literally flown by, and I was excited to get that first Facebook notice about our impending high school reunion.

Some people would give anything to go back to their college days-freedom from mom & dad, living-it-up in the sorority house, and classes 2 days a week. But for me? High school was where it was at. Those were definitely my glory days. I can still smell the scent of the Westlake Commons-stained after years of senior pranks. The scratchy polyester of my cheerleading uniform is forever engrained in my memory, and just thinking about the roaring crowds at the sporting events makes my heart pump. Despite the awkward teenage insecurities, I was on top of the world, and alongside my lifelong friends, we were pretty much invincible. Nevertheless, don't confuse my WHS affinity for a yearning to go back. I wouldn't change my life at the moment for anything. However, as a native Austinite, life as a "Westlake High-Schooler" was what we all looked forward to growing up-and it didn't disappoint.

It's funny the fantasies I always had about what my 10 year reunion would be like: months of dieting and exercise, mixed with nervous anticipation and anxiety, culminating in a day of prepping and pampering (possibly a few cocktails) with my girlfriends, and finally, entering into a "streamered" and "disco-balled" gym, DJ in the background. The reality? I have pretty much been doing the complete opposite of dieting and prepping for our reunion for the passed 8 months, and yesterday was spent chasing after my toddler, taking him to get his haircut, and deciding on an outfit 10 minutes before Mimi came over the babysit. I have to say, it was perfect.

Stuart and I arrived at Abel's on the Lake greeted by close to 100 of my former friends and classmates (not including their spouses). Yes, there were a couple of awkward should-we-shake-hands-or-hug-or-even-acknowledge-each-other moments, but aside from that, it was 3 hours of catching up and a LOT of belly rubbing. The funny part was, everyone looked the same-aside from a few pregnant bellies. I thoroughly enjoyed sipping on my Shirley Temples, seeing some of my oldest and best friends, especially my cheerleading girls: Tracy, Mel, Lindsey, Kristyn :), watching the boys go crazy over the UT vs. OSU game on the big screen (Joey & Robbie-I'm talking to you), and just getting the chance to get out of the house with my sweet husband (he was a trooper). In the end, numb toes and all (heels are my nemesis), I was so glad we went, and I look forward to rekindling friendships, striking up new ones, and "prepping" for our 20 year reunion!

34 Weeks and Counting....

As I -gasp- near the end of my second (and highly likely) my last pregnancy, I can't help but be excited and anxious to meet my sweet baby girl. Not to mention, two of my good friends and co-workers just delivered their baby girls within this last week! I'm at that point of pregnancy where it practically takes a fork-lift to roll over in bed, I'm popping Tums like it's an addiction, and my walk has transformed into a full-blown waddle. Did I mention I chase after 45, 9 and 10 year-olds all day in addition to my 2 year old?? So, to say I'm "sad" to be nearing the end of this pregnancy has not yet entered my vocabulary. Check back with me, though.

At my appointment last week, Kennedy's heart-rate was in the 150's as it has been practically my entire pregnancy, and my belly is measuring almost to-the-centimeter of what it "should" be. Only doctor's order? Make sure I am gaining my pound-a-week from here on out...not a problem! There are currently 3 types of ice cream in our freezer-Peaches & Cream, Cookies & Cream, and Dulce de Leche. Yummy.

I look forward to my appointment next week where we finally get to see Kennedy again to officially determine how she is measuring and if she's still breech.

This past weekend our family attended my cousin's wedding in Kyle at a beautiful ranch, and Stuart got some precious pictures of both Preston & Kennedy. Enjoy!

We finally captured a belly kiss on camera-my favorite!

This little guy cleans up nice, and his expressions are priceless!

 

Preston's 2nd Birthday Party?

Welcome to my party!

You've probably noticed that a lot of my post titles end in a question mark. Needless to say, it's because I can't quite believe how quickly time is passing. It seems like just yesterday we were having Preston's first birthday party-and to think he'll be a big brother in just about 6 weeks, it's hard to wrap my mind around it all. (Not to mention it's almost been a month since his party, and I'm just now getting around to posting about it!)

Hop on in, the water feels great!

This year, we opted to have his party at our place so people had the option of coming inside. Last year, we were at Lakeway City Park, and it reached 109 degrees-not okay! Especially for the 2 of us who are (were-sweet Lorelei Schelfhout was born yesterday) pregnant this year.  In my mind, having the party at our house would also simplify things-ha. On about the 20th page of pendant cut-outs Stuart so poignantly asked me, "So, all of these personalized decorations are for Preston to enjoy, right? Not just so your friends will be impressed?" Ummmmm. What can I say, Etsy has gotten the best of me.

We had the front yard set up with plenty of water activities: water table, a massive beach ball that sprayed streams of water, and of course the pool. Inside, the kids had their pick of anything of Preston's to play with. It was basically an over-sized play date, and the kids and parents alike enjoyed themselves!

Celebrating with all of his best buddies!

As far as the grub went, we took a cue from a friend's party and served brunch: breakfast tacos, fruit salad, mimosas, and clearly goldfish and pirate booty. What toddler party can go without those staples? My dear friend at school made the precious cupcakes again, and she once again outdid herself. They tasted as good as they looked!

LOVED his first set of Lincoln Logs-well, he loved filling the bucket up, just to empty it back out again!

It took us 2 full days to open up all of his presents-he didn't know where to begin!

 In the end, we had one happy, spoiled boy, who felt the love from friends and family. Unfortunately, he was a little under-the-weather, so after a breathing treatment, he conked out! Now....to start planning for the next birthday on our calendar!

Tuckered out!

Back to School!?

Yup, August 27, 2012: it was a great day!

Well, let's just suffice to say that it's been an eventful and exhausting 2 weeks. Like any good parent, I had my share of both relief and anxiety with the thought of sending my baby back to school and returning to work myself. I would be lying if I didn't say there was a mini-breakdown the weekend before we were scheduled to return, with the typical, "But these are the last few weeks Preston will be an only child, and I will have only a few precious hours with him in the evenings..." coupled with the realization that at this point in my pregnancy with Preston, I had an entire summer off to put my feet up and be pampered by my sweet husband until his much anticipated arrival. The anxiety was amplified when I arrived in my classroom for the first time after a summer of construction, only to realize many of my things were missing or broken. Oh, and did I mention that my principal was rushed to the ER because he was moving MY broken desk from my room which proceeded to fall over and slice his finger open (his middle finger)? Nice. Good start, Brooke.

However, much of that anxiety was quickly abated when arriving for our first work day. Preston was thrilled to be back at school and waved goodbye to Stuart and I with a huge smile on his face. I was so glad to see my friends and co-workers and have some true, adult conversations without a toddler or two interrupting, along with the excitement and energy that comes with a new school year, a fresh start.

Fast forward 3 hours later- Preston's teacher rushes into my classroom with a nervous look on her face, pulling blood-soaked latex gloves off of her hands. You can imagine the thoughts that went through my head-the thoughts that would go through any parents' head at that point. Turns out, Preston, my fearless Preston, was playing on the playground, tripped, and went teeth-first into the sand box frame. As I rushed into his classroom he ran into my arms, wailing, bleeding, clinging for dear life. It's hard to even write about it. Worst part about it is, we know already from experience, this was not the first or last time we will have these types of accidents.

Our school nurse was kind enough to set us up with an emergency dental appointment (Preston did not have a dentist at this point), and they were able to see us right away. After a very difficult check-up and x-rays, PHEW!, no permanent damage. Although if you saw his lips and gums you may think otherwise. His front teeth were a little loose but would tighten up eventually, and as his gums receded, we noticed his teeth weren't quite as jammed as we thought. It took a few days for the wounds to heal, and it was very difficult for him to eat, but he is such a trooper-much more so than I.

Fast forward 1 week later-the first day of school for everyone! It was an especially exciting day around our household because Preston turned 2! I absolutely cannot believe it. His wounds were almost healed, he had become fluent in words such as "birthday cake" and "party, " and I was so thrilled to welcome my new kiddos to room 307.

Yes, it was an exciting and exhausting 2 weeks, but all in all, we're glad to be back! Stay tuned for my next post on Preston's birthday party: didn't we just have one of these???

At this point, I'd like to send up some special thoughts to my sweet grandfather, Papa, who passed away on Wednesday. He was 95 years old and sharp-as-a-tack, and as the only grandfather I knew, he will always be dear to my heart. I love you, Papa, we'll keep a close watch on Nana for you-although I'm sure you're already doing that. ;-)

Watch out, Summer Olympics 2028

I've mentioned this before to many of my friends, but the second after feeling Preston moving in my belly for the first time, I was baffled by the phrase, "Have you felt the baby kick?" I'll tell you why. It's because your baby does far more than just kick inside of your tummy-and you can feel every jolt, every punch, every somersault, and every back flip just as much as the next.

From weeks 18 to say 25, it's definitely an incredible feeling. But after that, it's what you can see that is truly amazing (and sometimes bizarre!) Kennedy has proven to be quite the mover and the shaker-even more than her brother was (should I be nervous?) Check out this video I captured of her flipping away at approximately 30 weeks.

You know what I can't wait to witness? My students' eyes when they catch the first glimpse of this while I'm sitting there reading them "The Lightning Thief" or "City of Ember." Boy, will they be freaked out! Hehe