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. ;-)