We survived!

Somehow we survived Ava's first week of kindergarten. It has not been too easy getting out the door by 7:40 (we used to wake up at this time) but we have all managed to be successful! Only once did she forget her glasses but she told me not to worry - she would be okay. Well thank you Ava for the reminder!

So far Ava seems to be having a great time. She did say she has seen quite a few beatles flying around at recess which put her in a slight panic but she also keeps telling me that they plan to have a dance party at school one day - she just doesn't know which day yet. And maybe I should actually believe her - after all, she was the one telling me she was in a class with first graders and I thought she was completely mistaken (she is in a class with first graders).

Ava basically towers over all of the other children. As she lines up in the morning with her teacher, I have no trouble spotting her above all the other kids. She's also gone to the treasure chest once (she was thrilled) and even got to do some math work on a computer at school - although she did say there were not enough computers for everyone so those kids had to use ipads.

When I was in kindergarten, I think this was my first time ever using scissors and all we did was spread some chunky paste around a piece of paper and glue things on. I remember one time a child threw up and I was grossed out. But that was basically it - you used paste, some ate it, and you went home. It is crazy that times have changed quite a bit. My daughter thinks it's completely normal that ipads are part of your school day. Who would've thought?!

So, so far so good with the school thing. There is some homework every night so that totally stinks - Ava's handling that better than I am. But she's doing great.

And when they finally have their dance party, I will let you all know!

-Emily

I Hope I Don't Get Huge

So yes, I am pregnant! Finally! And I must say, I am looking forward to being pregnant this time because there are so many things I wish I would have done while I was pregnant the first time.

Starting with:

1) When people just reach out and randomly touch my belly, I am sooo looking forward to reaching out and grabbing them in return! Why did I never do this while I was pregnant with Ava?! I just sort of stood there at Costco while the random lady came over to me and started to violate me. I will definately be reaching out to return the favor!

2) A person once trying to be wise told me, "Now I'm not saying starve yourself, but just eat enough for the baby." We all know they really meant to basically starve myself and looking back I laugh at how funny some people are and the crazy things they say. Now don't get me wrong - I don't want to be a huge elephant but I am starting off this pregnancy heavier than what I was with Ava so part of me is freaking out that I will look quite scary walking down the street. But what are you gonna do, what are you gonna do? (you really have to say it twice for the effect). So I'm planning on eating but not stuffing myself.

3) Our house and hospital room may be closed off to others. Yes, I get some people may be offended when they come to see us and we have a sign up or something saying sorry-we-are-resting - we will let you know when we are ready for visitors. But I remember crying when I had Ava and we had had people coming to visit us all darn day and the thing I wanted the most was for people to LEAVE. I wanted time with just Ava and Tony. I remember just wanting the room to ourselves so that I could try and breastfeed without a room full of spectators. I was in pain everywhere - I had an incision across my abdomen, my nipples were bleeding, I hadn't showered yet, I still had a catheter in - EVERYONE GET OUT!!! is what I wanted to say. But I think I just tried to smile and please everyone. But no, not this time - sorry. I want to just enjoy the peace and newness of our new addition and help Ava transition well too without being overloaded and overwhelmed.

So maybe I feel more bold this time around being pregnant since it's familiar to me. I feel in more of a protective mode maybe. What I do know for sure is that Ava, Tony, and I are so excited about adding another child to our family. And I can't wait to see Ava in her role as Big Sister. She is so loving already and has such a kind heart. I can't wait to see how everything unfolds for us as this is something we have been praying about for a long time. I love sitting back, peacefully watching how everything in His time works out so much better than when it's on my time. And this is now the right time :)

-Emily