To Work or Not To Work

Well, I finally had to make a decision on what to do about going back to work. I absolutely love teaching kids. I knew that was my calling a long time ago, and I have loved it. I have touched (not physically although I was tempted many times) alot of kids throughout my 10 years. I have made them my priority. However, now it's time to make Luke my priority. I just couldn't leave him for that long each day. So I made the decision (with lots of help from family and friends) to not go back. Teaching will always be there when I return, but this time with Luke will not. He will grow up, and I just don't want to miss all the little things. I want to be able to look back when he's older and tell him the stories of his childhood. I know in my heart of hearts that I am doing the right thing. I am going to miss my friends at work, but hey I can always visit. Besides, could you resist this smile! Luke was excited when I told him.

Roly Poly Lukie

Luke is now on the move! No, he can't crawl yet, but he loves to roll. We were sitting in the living room watching TV when Luke decided that he no longer wanted to lie on his stomach so he slowly flipped over. It's funny to watch him. He really takes his time, and sometimes decides that lying on his side is good for a little while. Then when he's tired of his side he flops on his back. Then he goes back to playing with his toys. So far he can only turn over from his stomach to his back. He isn't to worried about flopping onto his stomach. I did get the whole process recorded, but I tried to edit it a little so you got to the actual rolling part.

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

We had our first trip to the pumpkin patch this year. It was fun. Going there always gets me ready for Halloween. We made this years trip a family affair. Brown and Boog were in from Detroit, so the whole Ross family went for a photo opt. Carson is more at the right age to enjoy the pumpkin patch atmosphere, but we all had a good time. We even went out for some Steak-n-Shake afterwards for lunch! It's something that we'll have to do each year because Luke will enjoy it more in the years to come. I already read him the story of the Great Pumpkin (and we watched the cartoon). They are my absolute favorite, and I'll have to make sure that Luke hears the story every year!

Just Monkeying Around

Luke has been a real help to me outside. NOT! He does enjoy the outdoors. He laughs during his daily stroller ride around the neighborhood, and he talks to me while I push him around the yard, but god forbid you stop moving. He doesn't enjoy that at all. He actually turns into a child that I've never met before (similar to Gremlins when you feed them after midnight). These past couple of days we've been trying to get the load of mulch spread around the house. What should have taken me a day has now taken me 4 (and still counting). Otis just plays while I work, but I loved the way he posed for this picture.

First Parties and the Art of Conversation

So many things have happened since my last post. Luke of course has changed so much. He's really starting to interact more with everyone. He's fascinated in Otis (our Great Dane). He follows him all over the room, and he's constantly talking to him. I feel sorry for Otis when Luke's able to get around on his own. Luke also got to go to his very first birthday party. His cousin Carson turned 1 last Tuesday, but we partied on Sunday for him. It was fun to watch him tear up his presents. He didn't seem to care about the presents just the wrapping paper! Luke enjoyed all the company. He is a real people person I think. He has also tackled the art of conversation. He has become a real chatterbox recently. His Grandma Ross thinks we might have another Boog on our hands. I don't mind though, I really enjoy our time. The two of us really chat it up during the day. I tried to record it so everyone could hear him. This is my best attempt at it, but he was more interested in listening to me I think.

Luke vs. the Doc

Well, today was the dreaded day of vaccination shots for Luke. I was lucky that Greg was off so he could come with us. My plan was to let Greg hold him that way Luke could blame the pain on Greg and not me (I know that's bad), but I would much rather him be mad at Greg than me. Everything was great. He weighed in at 13 pounds 11 oz. and was 23.3 inches long. He seemed to be meeting the check list of things that he suppose to be doing at this age. Then came the time for shots! Greg held on to him, and they ended up sticking him in both legs. I felt sorry for the little guy (no lidocaine and those needles were big). I had to chuckle when Greg looked at the doc and wanted to know the needle size, and then suggested a smaller less painful size (It's great having a husband that deals with this kind of stuff daily). I quickly had to explain that Greg was an Anesthesiologist and not a drug dealer. The doc was looking suspicous when he started talking needle sizes. Luke didn't seem to mind though. He let out one little cry, and then I gave him a bottle. He was laughing after that. What can I say my kid loves to eat!

He didn't seem to be very mad at Greg either.

The Tradition Lives On!

Yes, it's true what they say about Cub fans, we don't die we multiply. I am now passing that love on to my son. My dad had me at or watching Cubs games at a very young age. It's a special connection that the two of us share, and now we're going to let Luke in on it too. The Cubs played the Cardinals this weekend in St. Louis, but I didn't take him. Don't worry he'll be there when he can offically cheer with me, and sing take me out to the ballgame!