Day 64: Change of Plans

The kid and I were supposed to head back to Aspen this weekend but with Nico's ears being so sore, we weren't so sure the drive would be very comfortable. But, yesterday afternoon, Chris got a call saying he needed to attend a planning meeting here in Denver on Saturday. Decision made!

I spent another 2 hours at the doctor's office this afternoon and by the time we left I was SO thankful that I didn't have a 4 hour trek across the Rockies to make. Instead, Nico and I picked Sofia up from school and arrived home to find Chris waiting for us. It was a fantastic way to begin the weekend. And for this, I am thankful!

Day 63: Flexibility and "Funda"

Today I am thankful for a job that has some flexibility. Nico had another rough night and I was a bit worried when I left for work this morning. When I got a message from Kait confirming my suspicions that there may be another ear infection on the horizon, I made yet another call to his pediatrician. The only time they had left would require me to leave an hour before the final bell. Thankfully, I do not have to worry about substitutes or how to keep 30 children occupied and learning in my absence. Instead, I have a two trusted co-workers that help me take a deep breath and then take over. During a time of year that can be increasingly crazy with each passing day, I feel truly lucky to have such a strong team to work with. Linda (a.k.a. Fun-da) and Kristen are simply amazing.

Nico did end up having an ear infection and had to get two really nasty shots of antibiotic. BUT, I was able to make it to his appointment on time and without worry about what was going on back at the office. That peace of mind was absolutely priceless.

Co-workers AND Friends! Me, Linda & Kristen in Las Vegas 2009.

Day 62: Cup O' Joe

Sometimes it's the simplest things that can get your day off on the right foot. This morning as I dropped Sofia off at our neighbors house for school, I was greeted with a coffee in a to-go mug. It was such a delightful treat and was just what I needed after a long night awake with Nico.

Great coffee and thoughtful friends...for this, I am thankful!

Day 61: The Other Side of the Table

I have been going to parent-teacher conferences for years now...as a teacher. Today, was my first experience in a conference as the parent. I went in feeling anxious and completely unsure of what Sofia's teacher was going to say about her progress this year in preschool. I was also feeling like if there was some kind of milestone that she had not reached, that it was my fault because of a lack of parenting skills. Of course I hoped to hear wonderful things about her social, emotional, and cognitive development, but I just didn't know what I was going to be walking in to.

What resulted was the most wonderful 35 minutes I've had in a while learning about my daughter from a completely new perspective. It was so fun seeing what she's like as a student and a blossoming young girl. I was pleased to hear that things we have worked so hard on (manners, kindness, helpfulness) were things that she carried over into the classroom and even modeled for younger children. She also excelled across the social, emotional, cognitive triad; demonstrating mastery on multiple levels. It was cool.

Today, as I sat as a parent during a conference about my own child, I gained a new appreciation for a multitude of aspects surrounding parenthood, the teacher-parent relationship, and how my child is growing even without my standing by her side each and every minute of the day. I am thankful for all I have learned today as it will forever change the conversations I have with parents of my own students.

Day 60: My Little Blue Dress

Every woman has that one outfit that makes her feel good despite her mood. A few years ago, my sis gave me a little blue dress that has become a staple in my wardrobe. I take that back. It's not just a staple, it's the dress. It's the kind of dress that, on mornings like today when I could barely drag myself out of bed, can make me feel like a million bucks without even trying. It's soft, cotton, a-line, and fits just right in all the right places. Thrown together with my favorite pair of tall brown boots and I was set! I didn't have to think or change my outfit three times before leaving the house. I am so thankful to have something as simple as a little dress that can help to make me feel good and allow for a smooth start to the day. I love you, Little Blue Dress.

Day 59: Dino Bones

Today I took the kids to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with a friend and her two kids. The big adventure was going to see all the dinosaur bones. If you remember, Sofia is completely fascinated by bones so she was beside herself when we walked into the museum only to be greeted by a T-Rex skeleton. It was a really fun day and I think a little learning took place too! I am so thankful that I was able to spend some time doing something a little different with the kids on my last day of spring break.

P.S.

Nico started crawling! Check it out! It's only been a few days and he's already zooming around the house. I may have my work cut out for me!!

Day 58: How We Roll

Today I am thankful for the reminder that it is important to choose one's battles...especially when it comes to battling with a 4-year-old.

With a laundry list of things to accomplish today, I was eager to get out the door to get our grocery shopping done. Sofia had been playing dress-up: Princess Handy Manny on a Rainy Day. Her tool belt consisted of a belt that she connected her Handy Manny saw and her ice cream lip balm key chain. When I asked that she remove her dress-up items so we could leave, she insisted that she needed to bring everything she had on to the store with us. Oi. Just as I started to create a plan of attack to get her into a "normal" outfit, I realized that her using her imagination while we shopped was more normal than anything else!

So I let her wear her outfit to the store. She was happy, I was able to continue forward with my day and no harm was done. She even got several comments on how fabulous her outfit was while we shopped! Ahh, to be 4 again!

Sofia, in all her glory as Princess Handy Manny on a Rainy Day!

Day 57: Different Eyes

It's funny what can go unnoticed in our own lives that stick out like a sore thumb to others looking in. Such a moment took place today when I got an email from my friend, Christie (see below). It was a great reminder that I have an incredible daughter who is very quickly developing a personality all her own, but will always contain a piece of me -- whether she likes it or not! :) I love my little Sofia. I love all that she is and all that she will become. For this moment and the millions to come, I am thankful!

From Christie:
I loved these two pictures from facebook.  Like mother, like daughter! :D  Miss you mom-a-roo!

Day 56: Wine and Sushi for One

I've gotten into a little routine after the long drive back from Aspen with the kids. Just before they go to bed, I place an order with one of my favorite restaurants, Spicy Thai. I order a sushi roll and pot stickers to be delivered just after the kids go to bed. With my glass of wine and delicious delivery, I savor those quiet moments to myself at the end of a long, long day. Good food, good wine, and a few moments to myself...for this, I am thankful.