"ABC, easy as 123..." Jackson 5

Now that I have explained somewhat why I disappeared, perhaps I shall share what I have been up to.

Besides leading the women's Bible Study at church ( a position I was pretty much voluntold to do- the benefits of being a pastor's wife?) , I have also been neck deep in finding as much information as possible on Early childhood education along with Tot School. It is amazing how much is out there.

Hubby and I have decided that we will try homeschooling J and take it from there. With that decision and sharing it with friends and family, I have already been fielded with the ever popular curve ball, "What if she becomes socially awkward?"  To this question, I simply smile and say that she will still have a plethora of opportunities to interact with kids her age and older. Besides, school shouldn't be mainly based on social interaction, it's about learning to learn and maximizing your potential. 

I have started doing Tot School with J as well. I try to be as organized as I can ( in all honesty, being organized is still a new thing for me and I am still learning) and have recently developed a weekly planner to guide me. It includes the following headings : Week of, Age, Art and Craft, Fine and Gross Motor Skills to work on, Literature ( I try to read 4 books a day with her - she is a book lover), Practical Life, Sensory Activity and a Slow and Steady activity. If anyone would like a copy of the template, I can always add it to the blog or email it.

J seems to be enjoying her organized play ( which is essentially what Tot School is) immensely. She is quite apprehensive however, when it comes to the messy play. For example, we decided to do cloud dough one week amd it took her a little while to get used to the idea that she is to get messy and enjoy the mess. However once she understood the concept, she embraced it and went with it. 

J continues to amaze me daily with just how much she is learning about the world around her. Her vocabulary is quite extensive for her age and I have often had people commenting on it. Most assume she is older than her mere 18 months and others are shocked at the fact that she will sign what she wants. (Signing is something I fully agree with especially if your little one is at a pre-talking age, it has helped us immensely). Needless to say, I am very proud of J, (aren't all parents though?) my one time gummy bear and always on the go tot. 

Well that's all for now folks. Back to Bible Study prep. 

"Times have changed and times are strange,here I come but I ain't the same, Mama I'm coming home" Ozzy Osbourne

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls I have returned from my unplanned hiatus.

So much has happened in my life since my last post on January 7th that I will simply do a quick summary.

Firstly, I have stopped my workout regiment ( with good reason). I did not stop out of laziness but out of necessity.

Second, the reason I stopped my intense workouts was due to the fact that hubby and I are expecting our second and last little one. Note I had to emphasize 'second and last' because there will be no "oops babies" around here. 

Third and lastly, I have been sick, yet again with this pregnancy. Still unaware why it's called morning sickness especially when it seems to attack you when you least expect it at any time of the day. Nonetheless, 11 weeks and 0 days to go ( but who's counting). The good news is that I am not as sick as I was with J ( my darling 18 month old who loves life to the fullest) but I am still sick. 

How sick am I you may ask, let's do a quick review:

1. I am still on the maximum dosage of my anti nausea pills and as of last week, Gravol has been added.

2. Instead of throwing up practically everyday, I have graduated to once a week.

3. I am now feeling pains that I did not feel with J. Back aches, hip pains and sore legs. How much more can a 5'2" female handle? Courtesy of my petite frame I FEEL EVERY MOVEMENT C makes and he definitely can throw a punch and a kick. 

4. I am also ridiculously weak and tired. My obgyn had to send me to do some blood tests recently. Checking for iron and thyroid irregularities. Haven't heard anything yet so I am guessing "no news is good news".

 

Well that sums up my quick review. I will try not to disappear for too long next this time. 11 weeks to go but who's counting?