The official end

Well, it's official. I turned in my keys and my badge today, filled out some exit paperwork, and just like that, I'm no longer an employee of the Lufkin Independent School District. And I'll admit to you, it was a bittersweet moment. As I told Linda, I'm thrilled to be home with my babyson, but really heartbroken to be leaving the incredible people that I worked with, especially now that some of them have a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to me... Don't get me wrong, I know that if I had just gotten my act together, I could have let them know I was leaving right when I started maternity leave. It truly sucks when your own hard-headedness causes problems for others, but I have to trust that God is going to fix everything for them, too. I know that's what I've been praying.

So now I'm left with a little bit of regret over how I left, and a lot of excitement over what's to come. I take with me a plethora of memories that I'll look back on with fondness. I'll miss morning coffee, hallway chats, and mid-class venting sessions. I'll miss my 25-minute lunches and my after school planning sessions. I'll miss the endless stories and fits of laughter over the precious (and not-so-precious) students I've claimed as my own for the last 4 years. I was surrounded by a group of people who walked with me through some of the toughest moments of my life, and I hope they'll walk with me through this new adventure. Yes, Lufkin High School has been good to me, and despite my sudden departure, I'd like to think I was good to it.

So here's to Lufkin High School and some of my favorite people in the world. I'll always have a hug and a smile waiting for you.

Mini-Me

Here's my mini-me, and he's darn cute, if I may say so myself. Any questions on why I did what I did?

Take them up with the little guy.

Take a leap

Oh. My. Word.
I woke up unemployed today, and I'm sure you can't imagine why.
Yesterday I quit my job. Seriously. Let me give you a moment to let that sink in...

Nate and I had always talked about how awesome it would be if I could stay home with Milo after he was born, and had even discussed the possibility of my not returning to work next school year. Nate had even mentioned before that he didn't think I should go back at all after he was born, and every time, I told him that I needed to at least finish out the school year.  And then Nate got really serious this week and told me, "Kate, you need to quit."

Now here's something you have to know about me. I've never kept it a secret that I pray about everything, and that I will do whatever I think God is asking me to. I guess I knew in my heart that staying home and raising his precious creation was what He had in mind, but normal, sane, rational people don't just quit their jobs. So I did something that I do best...

I fought him on it. I fought so hard to go back to work, even though nothing in me wanted to, simply because I felt obligated. I'm the kind of person who hates to let anyone down, and I knew that by not going back, I would be leaving people in a bind. I stayed up most of the night Tuesday thinking, praying, whatever else... And I knew what I had to do. It was the weirdest thing. I went to bed Tuesday night ready to go to work on Thursday, but by Wednesday morning my mind was made up. And if you've never heard from God, this is the only way I can explain it. You know that feeling in your gut that you can't get away from? When you know something is the right thing to do and you have to follow that instinct, even if no one else gets it? Well, that's it. That's what I couldn't get away from. That's what Nate had already felt and known beyond a shadow of a doubt. Why am I always the hard-headed one who understands last?

So I did one of the hardest, scariest things I've ever done. I quit my job. And then I spent most of the day bawling my eyes out. I couldn't even believe that I had made Nate the sole supporter of our family. It doesn't seem fair, but he's thrilled. I let some very special people down because I couldn't just listen to God and do what was in my heart (but thought was impossible) a while ago. I gave up a career that was safe and secure.

But today I woke up, looked at Milo, and knew that I had done the right thing. In the end, that's all that matters.

Here's to great big flying leaps of faith.

Gratuitous photos

By the way, Nate finally captured the smile I've been working so hard to get on camera.

It was like every time I tried to get a picture, he would stop smiling, and as soon as I'd put my phone or camera down, he'd beam. I'm thoroughly convinced that my 8-week old child likes to tease me. But tell me your heart isn't melting right now. 

And check out these big eyes. Isn't he the most beautiful child?

Road Trip

Nate, Milo, and I took a trip to Ft. Worth this weekend to see Nate's mom and grandma. What an amazing time we had there. Milo loves his Nannie and Nonnie, as evidenced by the fact that he talked to and smiled at them any time he was awake. He was loved and cuddled and spoiled, and that's exactly the way I like it.

Let me say this much, though. My poor little babyson does not love to travel. You know how a lot of babies go to sleep when you take them somewhere in the car? Not so with our precious Milo. I'm fairly certain he hates his carseat, and any time I tried to sit in the back next to him and console him, he cried and held his arms out to me like, "Why won't you get me out, Mommy?" Do 8-week old babies even really do that, or was I just imagining? There is nothing more heart-wrenching than listening to your baby cry, in the backseat all by himself, and not being able to do anything for him because you just stopped 10 minutes before to console him. And look. He even looked upset while he was sleeping (but still so ridiculously cute).

But I've realized something very important. I can't hold him every second. I can't always fix what's wrong the moment he starts to cry. In fact, I'm about to go back to work on Wednesday, so I can't even be near him every minute. OUCH. That's the part of being a mommy that genuinely hurts, really deep down. The part that makes you grit your teeth and furrow your eyebrows and squeeze him a little tighter while you have the chance.

And it's the part of you that says we are not going on another road trip any time soon because it's so darn good to be home.

The Shred

Jillian Michaels just 30-Day Shredded my behind.

6-weeks of doctor(and Nate)-mandated inactivity mixed with one week of  just plain laziness have made my once-athletic self soft, because I huffed and puffed through a 20-minute level 1 workout. Boy do I have a long way to go!

Milo is working on a predictable morning routine (and by the way, he slept through the night last night!), but until that's all set, it means no morning runs for me. Apparently Jillian and I will have a morning date each day until I get this big ol' bootie back down to size and can fit back into all of my favorite jeans and work clothes. So here I sit, chugging water like I've been stranded in the desert for days, and too tired to haul myself into the shower (I may be acting just a tiny bit dramatic.).

Anyway, thank you Diva E for recommending the DVD. Some day we'll run a marathon together!

Shamrock Shakes

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a beautiful announcement to make.
Shamrock Shakes have come to Texas. Hallelujah!
I grew up on these pastel green treasures, and when I moved to Texas I was shocked to find that the McDonalds in Lufkin didn't sell them. How on earth was I to savor and celebrate St. Patrick's Day like a good little (semi)Irish girl should, especially now that I couldn't pop in to Chicago and appreciate the green river and the scent of corned beef and cabbage every March 17? I'm telling you, no one knows how to celebrate St. Patty like the northern states, and I miss all the green hoopla.
But now they're here. Shamrock Shakes are here and I'm ready to enjoy them. It's like Texas has decided that an Irish holiday is just as credible as any other, and I'm so proud to say we've advanced at least a lightyear with this opening of the mind.
So let the celebration begin!

A really great day

We all enjoyed our first Valentine's day, especially my Little Man. And I got spoiled by Nate, who bought me the Kindle I've had my eye on for over a year. He loves to buy me gifts, and I love to let him! And sweet Milo finally got to wear the onesie that his Uncle Chad and Aunt Tree bought him last year right after we found out that I was pregnant. They didn't even know for sure whether he'd be a boy or girl, but they got the most precious outfit anyway, and it fit him perfectly. Don't ask me why he's giving me the crazy eye in this picture. Most days I really wonder what he's thinking...

Milo and I also went for his first ever walk in the stroller. He made it about two minutes before he fell fast asleep, but I'm positive he enjoyed it until then. And I enjoyed looking at the cutest little face in the world while he slept. All in all, it was a lovely walk around the block.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Be my Valentine.

I used to be more cynical than I am now. Every year I would write a scathing ode to Valentine's Day and send it out to my friends and family. I wore black on V-day, just to prove that I was way too cool for all the cheesiness that goes along with the holiday. I essentially went out of my way to rain on everyone's parade. And then I grew up a little and realized that sometimes people just want an excuse to spoil the ones they love a little bit extra for a day.

Yes, the holiday is ridiculously over-commercialized. Yes, I went to Walmart last night for dinner supplies and was trapped in a sea of heart-shaped balloons and panicked last-minute Valentine shoppers. I personally would have rather starved than wait in those crazy lines, but I had to think about Ann and Nate, too. So I braved the crowd and bought my ground beef and seasoned fries. If THAT doesn't say "I love you," I don't know what does. I'm telling them to consider it their Valentine gift.

But in all of that, I still look forward to finding a little something to give to Nate. I couldn't wait for him to wake up this morning so I could tell him how much I loved him, and I even gave him an extra round of snooze so he had plenty of rest. And I was excited beyond belief to pick up my six-week old baby and tell him that he was Mommy and Daddy's special Valentine, and that we loved him more than anyone else in the whole world. Grab yourself a cracker now because I am all cheese here. I am madly in love and delightfully happy, and that's worth more than anything anyone could ever give me.

On top of all of this, we have a Milo Milestone. Last night Nate put him in one of our favorite newborn sleepers, and it was too small. TOO SMALL! He finally outgrew a piece of newborn clothing! We didn't realize it until Nate had crammed him all the way in it, and poor Milo just laid on the changing table and scowled at us, like, "Really? I can't move at all, and you're just going to stand there and giggle at me?" Tell me again why I didn't think to take a picture of that! The rest of his newborn stuff still fits, but now I have an excuse to start phasing in 0-3 month clothing, which we have quite a bit of. Can't wait!

Anyway, all of this to say, Happy Valentine's Day, whether you're a cynic or a romantic, or somewhere in between. Hope you get exactly what you want from this day.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a Valentine to snuggle.

Cuddle up, baby.

Your daily dose of adorable

What can I say? This boy loves his tongue!

Sarah's News

Okay, Sarah gave me the okay to spill the beans.

She and Bryan are expecting baby #3.  WHAT?  I'd just like to go on the record as saying that Nate and I knew it, before she ever even announced it.  And boy do we love to be right.

So CONGRATULATIONS, Sar!  You are a much braver woman than I.

A little update

In case you're wondering, YES, I did forget about you. I've been otherwise occupied with so many things...

 A family night, for example, where I found out that Sarah had some very interesting news...

 Or just chilling with this adorable, precious boy. He quite frequently has his mouth open, for one reason or another, which means he takes after his mommy quite a bit...

 And I'm a little late in updating this, but Milo had his first bath in the whale tub quite a while ago. He wore his bathrobe a little more recently, only because I forgot that we had it. 

 Then, of course, I've been hanging out with my two favorite men. Look how proud Nate is!

And in case you missed the birth announcement, here is the sweetest picture of the most fantastic baby in the world.

So yeah, I've been a little busy. I'm sure you understand.

Oh be careful little ears

Oh be careful little ears what you hear...

In case you've heard enough about my little man (which couldn't be possible), let's take a little trip to my sister Sarah's house and peek in at dinner time in the Williams' home.  Picture Sarah and Bryan sitting down to eat with their two sweet girls, Lily, 3 1/2, and Kaylee, 7 months.

I imagine Sarah serving the food, asking Bryan about his day, while Kaylee sits there beaming as she always does, and Lily waits patiently for her plate.  As she waits, she tries out a new phrase.  Lily, precious precious Lily, precious precocious Lily, looks at Sarah and calmly says, "Son of a b****."

Now, I wasn't there, but I assume Sarah's reaction was much more tame than mine would have been. I can picture her saying, "Excuse me, young lady, what did you say?"

To which this innocent little angel would reply, "Son of a b****, Mommy."

Now I know for a fact what Sarah said at this point.  "Lilia Grace Ann Geiger, that is a naughty word and we do not say that!"

And here's where it gets interesting, because Lily responds, "But Mommy, Uncle Mikey says that all the time!"

Uncle Mikey happened to be at my house when he got the text telling him what happened.  And he swears up and down that he would never say such a word in front of Lily.  Tough call.  All I have to say is...

Oh be careful little ears what you hear...

The Chat

I caught the sweetest moment last night - Nate and Milo having a bit of a chat. It looks like they're both participating, but really, Milo was doing most of the talking.

Evenings at our house are such a treat. Nate is home from work, there's home-cooked food, and the three of us just hang out, Nate and I doting on Milo. This is exactly how life is supposed to be.