I'm Back

Today Daniel informed me that I need to be updating our blog more often. He says he likes to read the things that I post. Funny - because ha has already lived it. But, I guess he likes seeing it from my viewpoint. 

We have been busy as usual the past few weeks. Somehow, even with me being off work for summer vacation I still feel like there is never enough time. We have been visiting the pool a lot lately. The first couple of times were awful. Audra-Grace was so excited and wound up because it was so new to her. She did not want us holding on to her - not understanding that if we let go she was going straight to the bottom. That sent us on a search for a flotation device that would allow for her to be in the pool on her own (of course with us right beside her). First we tried a bathing suit with a build in life jacket - that kept her on top of the water but did not keep her head from going under. Next we tried a actual life jacket that has a big piece that goes around the head. That is the safety feature. It immediatly flips her on her back. This would be nice if we were on a boat and I needed it for safety only.... but we want her to be able to move around in the water and learn to kick her legs and move her arms. Not to mention --- several of our friends were over for a family swim night and they all laughed at her in it and said they could not bear to see her continue to wear it all summer. They said she looked like she had just come out of some sort of neck surgery and was wearing this to keep her head from moving. Finally we have found the perfect solution. Daniel found this thing called a swim trainer at Walgreens and it has worked out great but we have to pair it with floaties. She is now able to move around on her own and is learning to motor around the pool. It is so fun to play with her in the water. We are trying to take her several nights a week after dinner to keep her used to the water. The more we go the better she does.

Thank goodness for this solution. I am already an overprotective mom but I am especially anxiety driven around water. I was a lifeguard, swim instructor, and pool manager for years. Water was always a part of my life. I grew up loving to swim, spending hours the the pool perfecting all of my strokes. And then grew up to make a job of it. After becoming a lifeguard I was never able to go to a pool and not be in full out lifeguard mode. This is terrible at times - I wish I could just relax. And then about 6 years ago one of those things you never forget happened. I was at work managing Beechaven pool and I heard a scream I will never forget. I look up and see a women holding a little boy. I knew from the sound of the scream what was happening. I ran over and took the little boy in my arms and started CPR. Thankfully he was OK. However it has totally changed my feelings of the water. I am now a nervous wreck around water when young children are involved. This being even worse with my own child. Needless to say I will be very glad when she is older and swimming like a fish and I dont have to worry so much. 

Well, that was long ---- sorry. 

I will try to do better about updating the blog. I promise to add more pictures soon. The worst thing about my iphone is that I now use it to take all my pictures and they never make it to the computer.  I will dig the camera back out of the bottom of my purse and take a few shots to put up. :)

Far Too Long

OK, I have been neglecting my post lately. I will try to do better. I think this has to do with the fact that I got an Iphone. Now I don't even hardly touch my computer. 

Things have been  great here. Staying busy. The past two week I have been out of school. I LOVE summer vacation. However, it has not slowed things down. For some reason I over commit myself all the time so I have had meetings almost everyday for all of the various committees and organizations I am involved in. One thing I am enjoying is all of the lunch dates that come along with this. I am now seeing what the rest of the world does on their lunch break while us teachers are stuck in school. I think I am going to pack my schedule full of lunch dates this summer so I can make up for all of the time I loose during the school year.

Daniel has transitioned into his new job very nicely. For those of you that don't know. His is a consultant for the City of Clarksville. He will be helping out with the marina project and the rails to trails project, among others. Architecture is his passion but this is the next best thing. He really truly loves this community and wants to see great things for it -- so this is a perfect match. We have been so blessed and have learned that things always work out, no matter how bad they seem. I am very proud of him and feel so lucky everyday to be his wife.

Now on to Audra-Grace.  I love that child, she is getting her own little personality and becoming a little girl. Gone are the days of my baby. That makes me sad and teary just to type it. But it is so true. When I look at her now I do not see that same colicky tiny baby that I brought home from the hospital. It seems like overnight she grew into this cute little girl. As much as it is hard to see her grow up so fast it is also pretty amazing. She is a stubborn little thing. I have no idea where she could get that from. (wink wink). Her new favorite word is NO and although I hate hearing her say it --- it is so cute. She has this little southern drawl on it. I love being her mommy for all of the sweetness and even the moments when she is showing her "abby" side.

Lots to do over the next few days. Flying High is this Saturday and we are looking forward to it. I will share pictures later. Also, Sunday is Daniel's birthday so we will have lots of fun for him. And my little brother and my mom will be here this weekend. Fun Stuff!