Another Milestone

It’s going to be hard going back to work today. I took a couple extra days off because Ella started Preschool.

Friday, the teachers did a home visit at our house. She was excited to meet them. It was a half hour visit to answer questions about her likes and dislikes and to get to know her.

Tuesday, they had an open house where we could go and tour her classroom with her. She was so excited because other kids in her class were there too. She’d say, “Hi! I’m Ella, what’s your name?” It was hard to get her to leave.

Yesterday was her first real day. She woke up ready to go! Mommy did her hair, we had breakfast and were off. We got there early so we could get some pictures before she started. All she wanted to do was go in her classroom!

I was worried about her being upset when we left, but she walked in and never looked back. She couldn’t wait to get the day started.

There is an indoor track at the school, so Sam and I took the stroller and walked a mile with Andrew. This will be awesome for me because I can walk this everyday before work.

While Ella did great, it was Andrew who didn’t know what to do. He kept saying he wanted to go to Ella’s school to play. He truly missed her being away. I’m sure he will adjust and hopefully come to enjoy his alone time with mom.

When we picked her up from school, a teacher pulled Sam aside to say, “You guys are doing something right.”. Sam asked what she meant by that. I guess there were some kids who were very upset that their parents had left. They cried a bit, and Ella made it a point to go to them and tell them it would be ok and asked if they could play together when they felt better.

As a parent, that is the kind of thing you just love to hear. She is such a good kid and I hope that her loving and caring nature continues as she gets older.

I surprised myself and didn’t cry. The night before, however, I was having a very hard time.

Have a wonderful year, my sweet girl. Daddy and mommy are so proud of you and love you to infinity and beyond!

6 Week Milestone

I just finished week 6 of Weight Watchers and weighed in to see that I hit a milestone.

I was down 4 pounds this week and that takes my total weight loss to 21 pounds!

I have certainly had opportunities to jump off the wagon since I started. It really hasn’t been difficult to make healthy choices. Tonight at work, they brought in all kinds of treats to celebrate a co-worker’s birthday. There was cheese, banana bread, cobbler, and more. I was content to grab some cantaloupe, watermelon, and pineapple to snack on.

21 pounds may not seems like much, but it really is! This week, Andrew turned 9 months old and he weighs 21 pounds! It’s crazy to think about it that way. That’s a pretty substantial amount of weight. The road to my goal is a long one, but I’m going to do what I have to do to be healthy for myself and my family.

I will continue to celebrate each little milestone on my way to the goal. I am so lucky to have the support of my wife and friends as I do this again. I appreciate those who have reached out to support this journey. I will keep pressing toward the mark …

Ah, Yes … No!

We’ve reached another milestone at our house. Let me rephrase that – We’ve reached an unwanted milestone at our house.

As Ella’s vocabulary has expanded, she is speaking in full sentences now. When I come home from work she asks, “Did you have a good night at work, Daddy?” When she is thirsty she will ask, “Can I have a drink, please, Mommy?” When she wants to go outside, she will ask, “Can we go for a walk?” or “Wanna jump on the trampoline?” It’s amazing!

She has also learned a one word sentence, or more accurately, a one word exclamation – “NO!”

This has made life a little more … interesting …at our house.

She has mastered the use of the word.

“Can Daddy change your diaper?” – “NO!”

“Let’s put away the toys so we can read a book before bedtime.” – “NO!”

“Take a bite of your pancakes, please.” – “NO!”

“Do you want your polka dot jammies or your doctor jammies?” – “NO!”

“Would you like (insert whatever food item here) for dinner?” – “NO!”

“Don’t you like when your brother plays with you?” – “NO!”

It’s been a long time since I went through the “No phase.” Ella already has my temper, and Sam’s stubbornness. The next few months are going to be “fun” – and I write that as sarcastically as I can!

Wish us luck ….