Dear Preston

Sweet Preston,

When I think about how much I love you, my heart bursts, and my eyes are likely to well up. I can't possibly imagine life without you, and yet, you've only been in our lives for 2 short years. Stuart and I must be the luckiest parents on earth, and I am thankful for you beyond words. I honestly don't know what I did to deserve you. In fact, I know I don't. That is why I want to give you every opportunity to thrive, explore, learn, love, and even make mistakes, that will shape who you are and who you will become.

Your favorite sayings right now are, "Try again," "Preston do it," and "One more time," which illustrate your growing independence. Almost every single day I get a report from your teachers telling me how much you warm their hearts when you exclaim, "Hey Monica! What's goin' on?" Or how impressed they are when you are laying on the changing table pointing out the letters, correctly, and in order, of the "Artist of the Month" displayed on the bulletin board. This month it is, "L-O-I-S,  E-H-L-E-R-T." Or how about when you announce the day of the week before Mr. Shippey even says it on the morning announcements? (Really? you can do that?) I am constantly amazed, and throughout even the "off" days, I can look into your baby blues or glance at your sweet profile and be content.

Lately, you've been much more attentive to my growing belly, your baby sister "Kenneny," and you even want to rub my back when I'm putting you down to sleep. I told your dad that as good as his back rubs are, nothing is as relaxing as your sweet touches on my arm at night or the gentle kisses you give my tummy. You are the best son for us and the best big brother for Kennedy. I can't thank you enough for the joy you have brought into our lives.

As long as I'm living my baby you'll be,

Mommy

Could this be it?!

Hanging in there? Yes, exactly.

I am currently 38 1/2 weeks along, and it's hard to believe that our daughter will be here so soon. Technically, any day now, and the mind games are driving me crazy! Every little cramp (and there have been a lot of them), makes me think, "Early labor sign? Could this be it?" Every trek up the hallway at Barton Creek insights those ever-so-pleasant Braxton Hicks contractions that once again make me think, "Early labor sign? Could this be it?" Or what about the 20 times a day I stand up, and I swear her sweet little body cannot possibly grow any larger inside of mine, or her head reach any lower when I think, "Early labor sign? Could this be it?" It's exhausting! Much to my dismay, however, at my 38 week appointment, doc said I was still the same as I was at 37. Of course, my ever-so-sweet-and-supportive husband is always there to lend me a hand and a shoulder to cry on, assuring me that her health is what's important, and she is definitely one healthy and active little girl.

Laura (Denbar) and I are exactly 1 week apart, her due date the week before mine, and the texts between the 2 of us are frequent. "Anything yet?" "NO!" Ahhh, trying so hard to cherish these last few moments as a family of three, but I constantly find myself thinking, "Could this be it?"

School is keeping me plenty busy, though, and I am so thankful to be able to work amongst friends. My co-workers and classroom parents threw me a baby shower last week that was truly over the top. Everyone was invited: current students, former students, staff, their children, family, you name it. There was an amazing turnout, and I felt overwhelmed with love and support. Yet another one of the many blessings of being a teacher. You have a new batch of kiddos every single year to "fill your bucket"-as we like to say. 

Counting. My. Blessings. 

School Shower-Waterloo Ice House Friday, October 19th

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. ;-)