My husband=super daddy!

Matt has never ceased to amaze me in the way the he fathers Ethan. Matt has the awesome opportunity to be with Ethan day in and day out at home. Matt's job allows him to work from home, and we are so thankful for that. His job does not require him to be at a computer or anything nonstop, so he is able to play with Ethan. Matt will send me text messages and pictures of him and Ethan, and it just melts my heart to see him so excited to be home with his boy. He does not make me jealous one bit; I could not think of anyone else that I would want to have watching Ethan and taking my spot during the day. I tell Matt all the time that not many dads can say that they are so involved with their children, and it is so true. Matt has not once complained. Sure, he loves the moment I walk in the door and of course the weekends, but he also looks forward to hearing that sweet laugh all throughout the house.

The first 2 weeks I was back at work Matt's mom came over to help with Ethan. Her goal was to help Ethan transition without mommy at home, but I was not one bit worried since Matt was there. Matt has a system with Ethan. They cook and eat breakfast together, play outside, watch cartoons, play guitar and sometimes PS3, eat lunch, Ethan naps, and then just play until mommy comes home! When Nana was here, Ethan was not napping until 3pm or even later. I supppose the little guy was too excited and busy playing to wind down for a nap! Now Matt has E on such a routine that Ethan will not cry at all when Matt has to leave him in the play area while Matt goes to take a customer call. Matt will leave him in there lying on the floor watching his GPS shows, and before long, Ethan is sound asleep. I call to talk to Matt throughout the day, and he is always happy and doing great! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and father to Ethan!

I could not fathom taking Ethan to day care or anything right now, for many reasons. We are saving so much money, and I have such a peace of mind knowing that Ethan is in his father's care each day. I love my sweet little family and the way that God has provided for us.

Noise Shoes

Everyone has his or her funny childhood story that the entire family knows about and brings up whenever the chance is there. For me, it is noise shoes. When I was a few years old, I told Aunt Delia (Deda) that I wanted noise shoes. Uncertain of what that meant, she took me shoe shopping. Yes, whatever I wanted, Aunt Deda Bug got for me! Even if my mom said no! She claims that we went to several malls in the Atlanta area, and it took quite a while for me to be satisfied. I would try on shoes, and then have to walk around to see if they made enough noise for me. If the shoe store had carpet, that was not a good thing at all for my 3 year old mind and ears. I would then have to walk out in the mall to hear the clickity-clack noise of the hard sole of the shoe on the floor. Apparently, I thoroughly enjoyed the noise that the shoes made. Of course, not many little people shoes are made like my mom's and aunt's shoes, so I was frustrated. Aunt Deda Bug ended up spending more money that the average toddler shoe just to make me happy. I just wanted to be a grown little lady already!

Well here I am 25 years later. The other night Ethan discovered shoes in his closet that he has not worn yet. Some of them are still a little big, plus, they are fall shoes--not summer shoes. He grabbed a pair, threw it at me, and sat down. Little guy wanted his new shoes on. Keep in mind that the only shoes he has worn since he has started walking have been soft-soled shoes. It's quite difficult to toddle around with heavy clunkers on your feet when you are so small!

I put the shoes on E; he started walking around the house clomping his feet with each step, realizing that he was the one making the noise on the floor. Simple cause and effect lesson at 14 months. He was smiling, enjoying every second. He is just like me when I was little. Noise shoes were awesome! Guess I need to get him big boy shoes that he can wear now.

First days of school

I am back at it! 2 weeks down with students and only about 34 more! :) The first few weeks are always so exhausting, stressful, and just crazy. My students seem pretty decent this year, although there are so many boys that are seeking for so much attention with their immature actions. There seems to be a massive amount of boys this year. Seriously, in all of my classes, the male students outnumber the females by a longshot! In one class, I have 18 boys and 10 girls! I am constantly reminded of what kind of 13/14 year old I will be raising in the future, and I am already praying that Ethan will not be like some of these boys I teach!

I love my job! Not everyone can say that these days. I feel so blessed to be working in a positive environment, making a difference in lives, watching teenagers grow with knowledge, doing what I love! I say I love it, but I hate leaving the house in the morenings, even though lazy E is normally still asleep, and I love coming home to my boys! I get the best of both worlds!

There is always something to do, whether it be at home or at school. I do not stress about anything, and it all gets done eventually. I leave my evenings open to just hang at home with Matt and Ethan. We will have dinner, play outside, go to the park, and just be lazy. On the weekends is when I will do laundry, go to the grocery store, clean more than just a little tidying, etc.

Ethan and Matt have both gotten pretty sick. I do not know how the sickness has bypassed me! I say that, but my nose is a bit stuffy and my throat hurts. I hope I do not get any worse. Matt and E both went to the doctor yesterday; Ethan had fluid in both ears (almost ear infections), and Matt has a pretty bad cold that they tested for strep. Taking care of 2 sick boys is no fun!