3 Days of Birthday

Back in January, we celebrated Porter's 3rd birthday. Since we had a 3-day weekend over his birthday, we decided we should celebrate for all 3 days. It was fun, but exhausting. We definitely won't do that again.

Saturday: Build-a-Bear and birthday dinner with Gma & Gpa Sudweeks & Aunt Dawnia.
Sunday: Nye family dinner- Gma & Gpa Nye turned it into a mini bday party for Porter, spent the night at Gma & Gpa's
Monday: Birthday breakfast, Childrens' Museum

After three days of celebrating, we were so happy to tear down the streamers and pop all the balloons. Three days is a long time. But we certainly love our sweet little 3-year-old.

Crocodiles and Elevators

Porter is so fun to hold a conversation with. The other day, I took him to the library. He kept pointing and begging to go to the crocodile. I was so confused. I kept asking him, "What crocodile?" Finally, as we passed by the elevator, he pointed and said "There's the crocodile." I said, "Oh, you mean the elevator?" He said, "Oh yeah, the alligator."

That boy makes me laugh!

Why I Teach

If your husband drops off 2 boxes of microwave popcorn . . .

that you had promised the kids for their book clubs that day . . .

and you happened to forget to buy the night before . . .

and you're out of the classroom for an assembly when he comes . . .

and he leaves you a subtle note on the board . . .

. . . the first-graders blush and giggle like crazy!

It's pretty fun.

More Photos of Lucy

I know I've mentioned that I think Lucy's the most beautiful thing on this earth.

Well, here's my proof:

you can see her two bottom teeth!

Why I Teach: Valentine's Edition

At the beginning of February, I had my first-graders write nice things about their elbow-buddies (the kids they sit next to in class). These make me smile every day when I see them on our classroom door, so I thought I'd share some of them:

 (I love that about her too!)

(a very admirable quality in first grade!) 

How could I not love teaching first grade when I see things like this?!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Restaurants from my iPhone

 Dinner at Iggy's:
(visiting Aunt Dawnia)

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel:

Dinner at Red Robin:
(had to get a pic of Porter with his 2 favorite things: Mickey & BYU)

Breakfast at El Azteca:
(we tried horchada french toast . . . interesting)

Breakfast at some crepe place:
(love this picture!)

These were all taken in the past couple weeks . . . and that's not even half of the restaurants we've been to. I think we have a problem. But eating out is SO much more convenient. And pretty yummy too!

Resemblance?

Porter looks just like Brian.

Lucy looks like Porter.

I have to admit, I was feeling a little left out . . . until last week when I sent Brian this photo of Lucy in a text message one morning. 

He said that in this photo she looks just like me! I'm finally in the loop!

Why I Teach

A couple weeks ago, we had the 100th day of school. Each child was sent home with a sheet of paper and the assignment to find a way to represent 100. They got very creative! Some built the number 100 out of 100 Legos, some measured 100 inches of ribbon, and some kissed the paper with lipstick for 100 kisses. Like I said, creative!

But my favorite, by far, was this one:

   50 "I love Mrs. Nye"s

+ 50 balls

  100

He definitely got extra credit . . . or he would have, if there was such a thing as extra credit in first grade!

Miss Lucy, 7.5 months

I'm a terrible blogger. I'm finally okay admitting it. Someday, when I spend more than 2 waking hours at home, maybe I'll get a little better.

In the meantime, I do realize that Lucy is not getting the monthly documentation that Porter got. And I know it's not a contest, but I do feel a little sad that these stages with her are flying by so quickly. I want to freeze time so I can just enjoy her a little more. And this is the best way I can do that. So here's a glimpse of our beautiful Lucy-girl at 7.5 months:

Sleep
Lucy started sleeping through the night at around 5-6 weeks old. However, for the past couple of months, she broke out of that habit and started waking up for multiple nightly feedings. It was killing me! And while I knew I needed to do something about it, I just didn't have the energy to try. Finally, about 2 weeks ago, I made up my mind to get her back on schedule and after 2 rough nights, she started sleeping through the night again. Hallelujah!

Food
We held off starting Lucy on baby food until about a month ago. But she's doing great with it! Each night before bed, we feed her one of the meat baby foods. They stink SO bad! But Lucy likes them, which is really all that matters.

Temperament
Lucy is a very easy-going baby! She's good to play on her own if you sit her near some good toys. She is usually very happy and gives the biggest smiles for anyone who will give her attention.

Porter's Sister
Lucy adores Porter . . . and Porter adores Lucy. My favorite parts of the day are the moments when they interact. If Porter is playing around Lucy, she watches him intently. When he plays with her she is full of smiles and squeals. Porter and I have given Lucy a "voice." Whenever one of us asks Lucy a question, the other will answer for her in a small, high-pitched voice. For example:
Me: Lucy, are you sleepy?
Porter: (high-pitched voice) Yes!
Today, as we were driving in the car, Brian & I were talking in the front. From the backseat, I could hear Porter talking with Lucy, supplying both sides of the conversation. I love that they have such a strong relationship even while she's so young!

Wardrobe
We are loving dressing up a little girl. Brian has surprised me with how much he loves dressing her up too. If she's wearing anything neon and trendy, Brian chose it. If she's wearing pretty, frilly, classic baby styles, I chose it. We have very different styles for her. But whatever the outfit, we always think she is the most beautiful baby!

Size
Being born at 10 lb, 3 oz, we thought Lucy would grow just like Porter and be forever larger than anyone her age. But we were shocked at the last doctor appointment when her weight fell down to the 75th percentile. I think it was the only time we've experienced a number that wasn't off the charts. That said, we still think she looks bigger and bigger each day.

Cutie-Pie
She has her two bottom teeth. We think they're adorable! She also loves to have her tongue hanging out. Also adorable (and funny)! We can't get enough of her big, blue eyes or her long eyelashes or her dainty little toes. She is a perfect, beautiful little girl!