Bobby Strauss – Always observant, Bobby is in Mr. Krauss’ and Mrs. West’s kindergarten class. At school, he likes to play with his friends and at home, he likes to do a variety of things from watching tv to playing Legos to playing with Tim, his brother. Bobby likes pizza and What-a-burger hamburgers. When asked about his favorite color, he simply replied, “Every kind of colors so I’ll just say a rainbow.” “I play sports here, soccer and that’s it.” After school, Bobby sometimes goes to Extended Day or goes swimming or plays soccer or does Yoga. When he grows up, he wants to be a police officer. In Bobby’s eyes the best thing about Greenhill is “My mom works here and I get to spend time with my friends and I have really good friends and my brother goes here. Hey, where are you going to write the rest of what I am saying? You ran out of paper."
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Bobby's Interview in Greenhill's Newsletter
Every week - the head of the Preschool interview students for the newsletter. This week, Bobby was interviewed. Below is his response :)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Ahhh.....Fall
Despite a hectic beginning to the school year (hence my referral to the Child Development Center at Greenhill should be dubbed the Center for Disease Control due to how many times Tim has been sick) - Fall is among us. Cooler temperatures, Rob's birthday, football, pumpkins, State Fair, fall festivals.....love it all. I have again gone overboard preparing for Halloween. Luckily, Greenhill is a wonderful place to love Halloween and Bobby and I (and Tim and Rob somewhat too) are happily taking it all in. I have crossed off at least one Fall activity must - a trip to the State Fair and a corny dog. So fun. Now - we plan a trip to the Arboretum at some point and get ready for Halloween - parade, parties and trick-or-treating. Tim and Bobby will be wearing 2 costumes this year - one for school to match a class theme and the other for trick-or-treating. I will also have a costume for work - I have convinced my co-workers to get into the spirit this year and we are all going in theme...which will be unveiled on Halloween. Until then, it will remain a secret!
Fall continues to be busy at work for me. I have checked off a very successful alumni trip to NYC. I enjoyed making the most out of the trip and made it that much better to come home knowing it met and exceeded expectations. Now on to Homecoming - and getting reunions over with! Once that is over - I sail into the holidays and end of the year - and will be able to really delve into putting some plans into place to change a few things. I am looking forward to that time to reflect, plan and hopefully see the results of hard work. I feel fortunate to have a wonderful team and dedicated alumni around me - it helps to combat the few but loud critics.
The boys continue to bring such great joy. Tim walks better and better each day. I love to watch this stage of walking - or as a friend calls it the Frankenstein stage :) Bobby continues to love Kindergarten and his friends. He is doing great at baseball which has now taken over for his favorite sport.
Until later - or when I have fun photos to post...XO
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Taking a Moment
I have had "blog" on my to do list for well...awhile now. In the hectic pace of the day-to-day, I have neglected the importance of taking a few minutes to reflect and document the precious moments with the family. August hit our home with what felt like a bang. Not a increasing pace into Fall but more like a shotgun start to a sprint. My work went form the snail's pace of summer to busy, busy, busy. Much to do with Fall activities coming up - a trip to NYC, Homecoming weekend and everything in between. Tim started at the Child Development Center and Bobby started Kindergarten. Huge milestones to celebrate and adjust to. I have loved having the boys at school with me. Mornings are hectic getting everyone out the door - with lunches and bags - but I am thankful for the time in car and to see my boys at school every day.
And on this day - I take a pause to breathe, be thankful for my blessings, remember the events that happened 10 years ago and remember that these "time-out" moments to reflect are necessary and to make every attempt to do them more often- and not feel guilty when they do not happen and I choose sleep instead.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Happy Birthday Tim!!!
It is so hard to believe that you are 1 today. I remember so clearly this day a year ago when I was eagerly awaiting to arrival of my precious baby boy. What a wonderful gift this year has been - and many more to come. I love you sweet boy - much more than I will ever be able to express with words. My boys - all three - are the best things I have ever and will ever have.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Never Mind - 2 Front Teeth!
Tim's ears must have been burning....TWO front top teeth have officially broken through!
April - whoosh to May!
Wow - April was here and gone as fast as a snap of fingers. A trip to LA for me, battling a stomach bug and Easter in Louisville. Tim's First Passover - and a quick one it was. Bobby declared it "awesome." :)
Only 4 more days of school left for Bobby - how quickly the year went. I am amazed a little sad that our da Vinci days are coming to an end. It seems like a long time ago but not that long ago that he was going to see Ms Sonja for the first time as my little 2 year old.
Many changes are on the way - a wonderful summer to enjoy and both boys joining me at Greenhill in the Fall. Tim continues to grow - has said Mama and Dada but not much considering he keeps those fingers tightly in his mouth at all times! Plans are beginning for the big first birthday. Maybe those first teeth will make an appearance by then for him to bite into the cake :) Pictures to come!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Why does your clock say 7:03?
Rob and I get up each morning at 6 to get ready for the day before the boys wake up. This morning, Rob was first to get up and I decided to take a few extra minutes to rest. After what seemed like just a few minutes, I heard Bobby calling from upstairs. I go up there and tell him that it is not quite time to get up - and then glance at his clock which reads 7:03. My first thought was on no - I have slept in and we need to get moving! I grab his clothes and head downstairs to start breakfast but he wanted to stop in and say good morning to Rob first. As we head into our room, I notice that OUR clock reads 6:23 - what???? Turns out that Bobby woke up early and then figured out how to change the time on his clock so that it read after 7 - when he could get up. :) I was pretty impressed.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Spring Forward
Spring Break has come and gone - and so have Grandma and Yuyu. It was a great two weeks - zoo, a trip to DC and great times with family. AND Bobby's first lost tooth and Tim standing alone! I have attached a few highlights.
Spring Show
Bobby has the most fabulous teacher - Ms. Andrea. She is the teacher that I wish every child and parent could experience. Loving, funny, warm and innovative - Bobby loves her and has blossomed in her class. Here is a video of part of an impromptu performance the kids did at pick-up time the Thursday before Spring Break.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Crawling!!!
Tim started crawling on February 8th but was very proficient by the following week. These were taken Valentine's day
Saturday, March 5, 2011
How Time Flies....
I realized that it had been OVER A MONTH since I have last blogged! So, so , so much has happened....here is a summary-
Week of January 31 - first full week of work, and 4 ice days :) Well, 2 ice days follow by 2 snow days. We spent the time watching movies, playing games and enjoying the time together. Though we were ready to venture out by Saturday, the time together not having to get up and go anywhere was wonderful. Tim had a bad case of croup which took us to the ER - but it doing OK.
Week of February 7 - Time turned 8 months old on February 8th and another ice day on the 9th for Bobby and I. I had winter break on February 11th. Such a tough schedule I have!
Week of February 14 - Day off for winter break and Valentine's Day!!! I helped Bobby organize his Bakugan cards and small snow globes for his classmates. After dropping off Bobby, Tim and I headed to Photography by Cupcake to get his pictures taken. Tim is not a fan of the camera and has cried through his last two sessions - but I was optimistic this time would be different. Not so much.We did manage to get some good shots though. Soccer resumed Wednesday - the Panthers did well! Tim does PlayWisely Thursday afternoons at the house. Saturday the 19th was Greenhill's Gala - I have never been to a school fundraiser quite like that - amazing. Sundays brings baseball - Lil Sluggers - for Bobby. Dinner with the Hirsh's and Mimi - it had been too long.
Week of February 21- First full week at work for me - with an overnight trip to DC to meet alumni there. Very short and sweet - and I never spent a full day without seeing the boys. Da Vinci gala on Saturday the 26th - and the end of school fundraisers for us this year. Girls lunch for me after baseball on Sunday - loved seeing friends.
Week of February 28 - Second full week of work for me. Bobby got croup this week - yuck! no ER visit but a day at home from school.
Rob continues to do well at work. He got accolades at a board meeting which was exciting. Tim is a crawling machine - he is quick! I had the house baby proofed on the 15th so we were ready for it. Bobby is studying the rainforest and environment at school. He takes the subject VERY seriously - he has lectured me about shaking my hands after washing them, giving he and Tim a bath and exactly how much we recycle. So far, I think Rob and I are passing his scrutiny. I enjoy watching him take these lessons to heart. He loves soccer and baseball an we are enjoying watching him. As for me - I love my job. Greenhill is a very special and unique place and I feel very at home there. The people are incredibly diverse but still maintain a very "family-like" feeling. They foster the feeling of acceptance to be yourself. I especially enjoy being around children each and every day. The classes are always doing special projects the the administration and faculty are invited to participate. This week, the first graders hosted a soul food cafe. :) I was seated and served by the students. They had designed the menus, invitations, placemats - everything - and made all the food. I was really impressed by what they had done to prepare for the day but also that they knew the history behind "soul food" and why it was important to know about it.
I promise to post pictures this weekend - and write again before too long!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Proud Moment
For me - my proudest Mom moments are hearing of things that Bobby does when I am not there. Today was a particularly proud moment. At recess - Bobby played with a classmate that is often left out. According to his teacher - Bobby played so sweetly with this little boy and made sure he was included in the pretend play. There are so many things that I want to teach my boys but being kind to others, having/showing respect for people/animals/things and being honest are my top three. I was so very proud of him today!
From the Mouth of Bobby/So close
On way into the dentist's office today - heard child crying as he was getting into his car across the parking lot. To me - Mommy, why is he crying? My reply- I am not sure - he seems upset though. His reply - yes - definitely nap time for that guy!
By the way - dentist's office was great. Bobby's check-up was A+ and he got to write his name on the A+ board - big time! He cracks me up in his seat - he really loves t0 chat it up which is tough when in the middle of a dental exam.
Tim gets closer and closer to crawling. Poor guy - he gets into position and then somehow scoots himself backwards until he is wedged up against a wall/door/etc and gets frustrated that he is not moving anywhere. We are working on going in the forward direction!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saturday and Change
Rob and I have been actively cleaning out our closet amongst other things in the house. I started with cleaning out the entire upstairs following the holidays and now have moved on to our closet and office. Call it nesting before going back to work but it was things that needed to get done and it has felt so good to get it done. Anyway, the closet is now done and we discovered lots of loose change in some of my old purses. I took it all to Coinstar to trade it in for cash and - with our new found money -treated ourselves to an unexpected fun night out at Magic Time Machine - so much fun!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
First Day of Work
I cannot explain the odd, odd feeling to leave the house in the morning - all dressed and made up -and go to work where I have an actual office waiting for me. I explained to a friend that it felt like I was missing something most of the day - with the boys at home/school and me elsewhere. Especially during pick up time where I had a panicked feeling that I had to dash to da Vinci and realized that I did not have to - I had to keep reminding myself. Luckily, Amanda was wonderful at sending me texts at what was going on at home - mostly Tim sleeping :) They both had a fun day with her. The hardest part of the day is the prep - knowing that I won;t be at home to take care of anything that may have been missed in the morning. So....the night before - clothes are laid out, bottles are put in the fridge and I make sure everything is set to make sure the day goes smoothly while I am away. I absolutely loved my first day and look forward to tomorrow. I anticipate that the transition from stay at home to working Mom will be difficult at times but I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity t work at a place like Greenhill where my beloved boys can join me one day. I felt a great sense of pride as I drive away in the morning that I am doing this with them always in mind. It made coming home that much sweeter.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Amanda from Australia
Our big day arrived - Amanda's first day with us! Amanda arrived at 7:30 and spent the day with us - walking through our day and getting to know Tim and Bobby a little better. Tim took to her very well and Bobby - well - flirted and acted goofy most of the day :) He did draw her a picture at school so I took that as a good sign. Although I face going back to work with a good deal of anxiety about what this transition will be like - having such capable and loving hands taking care of my precious boys makes it so much easier.
Tomorrow is my first day - followed by Bobby's first SoccerTots soccer game with his team - the Panthers. SoccerTots recently contacted us about joining the new SoccerTots mini league to give kids the experience of playing games - but I think in a much more relaxed way. Has he had a practice with the team? No. Has the team had a practice? No. So - tomorrow we get to see 4 and 5 year olds run around playing soccer and not knowing exactly what they are doing - but hopefully having fun. I will be sure to capture this moment in pictures!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
I Disagree - Martin Luther King Day
A common question in our home at the moment is "will I have to take quiet time today?" One day this week I said he did need to because he seemed tired. He looked at me and said "well I disagree - I think we need to talk about this."
Some things Bobby knows about Dr. King - he is a man "full of peace", he created peace and made white boys and girls and black boys and girls like each other like a big family and he was similar to Optimus Prime because he lead good guys and wanted good things to happen.
Happy Belated 7 Months Tim!
January 8th came and went last week and I forgot to acknowledge the special day in the blog. How fast time flies! So Happy first week of being a big 7 month old Tim! You will be crawling any day now..... I love how much you have started babbling - I already hear the future conversations we will have.
Saying Goodbye - Christmas 2010
Pictures of the boys in front of the tree before the big takedown and the final pictures of the "Christmas rocks" - rocks from our front sidewalk - that Bobby had placed on our tree for decoration. Don't worry - I kept them for Christmas 2011!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Happy New Year!
The new year wrapped up a very busy holiday for us with lots of family in town and fun. Starting with Mimo and Bop on the 18th to Uncle Adam leaving January 4th - we had lots of fun, food and presents! Rob and I took New Year's Day to clean out and out away toys in the playroom and I kicked off more household projects to start the new year fresh and organized.
Bobby was excited to get back to school and see his friends. It is very weird to think that this is the last semester of Pre K year! Tim continues to be SO close to crawling - it should be any day. He also started babbling - a lot - last week which is very fun. He has so much to say!
The biggest change is coming - my going back to work. I meet this new adventure with excitement and trepidation. I have not worked full time in 5 years and there were no Bobby and Tim back then so this will be a big transition. I have been preparing as best I can for it - including hiring a wonderful nanny - Amanda from Australia. She will start with us next Tuesday. I will keep you posted on ho things are going once I start back full time on January 31st.
Bobby and Tim went to Greenhill with me last Friday to look around and see my office. It was interesting seeing the school through Bobby's eyes - he kept saying "is ALL of this Greenhill?!?" :)
Many pictures from the holidays - including our charity projects. I, unfortunately, did not take any Meals on Wheels pictures but we did have some great stories!
Cheers to 2011 - may it be a year of happiness, health and more joy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)