I love being a teacher!

Last Friday, I went to my old school's 8th grade dance. I taught 7th graders last year, so I knew most of the 8th graders this year. It was a BlAsT!

I was nervous to go...would I remember any of them? Would they remember me? Would the other teachers wonder why I showed up? I worried for no reason, as it turned out to be a great time!

Some of my students from last year even had me in their professional photograph! I begged them not to have me, but they pleaded. :) Then, my friend and I joined the dance party as the students chanted "Go Krieger!"

After about a million hugs, a million "how's your baby, what's his name?" conversations, and a few snapped pictures, the night was quickly over. It was great to see my first students I ever taught. It was awesome having conversations with old co-workers. It was great to spend time with a few of my great friends I've made from teaching there. It was even better to know that those students had definitely not forgotten about me! Even if it meant giving up one of my last Friday nights before grad. school starts, and putting my big man to bed, it was worth it! I love teaching :)

{The adorable girl to the left was a trouble maker from k-6th grade. I somehow convinced her to become the best student she can be! Now, she hangs with a good group of girls, and is still doing very well in school -- no fights at all!}

My First Mohawk!

I always thought I'd want a little man with a mohawk -- a fake one anyway. Well, Jack's hair is growing in like crazy, and it's now long enough where I can pull off the most adorable baby mohawk. After Jack's bath the night before, I combed his hair into a pretend mohawk. When he woke up, it was still there! So, I gelled it and sent him stylin' to daycare! I think I like this little dude =)

{Mohawk round two -- this is what it looks like not gelled}

Dear Jack,

I love you.

It's been awhile since I've written you a little letter. Maybe it's because I'm so busy keeping up with you! Each day you are growing and changing into a little person; our little Jack. It's been so fun watching you learn new things. Everything starting from you being able to grip my one finger, to now picking up and exploring the world around you is absolutely adorable.

Now that you're almost six months old {gasp!}, I'm left to wonder what we did before you? I can't even imagine waking up without your chubby cheeks smiling away in your crib in the morning. I can't remember what it was like to not have bottles all over my house. I can't remember not spending all of my free time with you.

The other night, your dad and I watched "old" videos we snagged of you when you were a baby. It's funny, I was annoyed at the time at your dad for catching random, non-meaningful moments. Now, those moments are forever captured...and I'm so grateful. You look so tiny. Your little voice is so frail. We were so unsure of what we were doing. And yet, here we are, almost halfway to your first birthday already! I can't wait to enjoy the next six moths -- and more.

Thank you for helping me figure out this life a little more than before. Thank you for all of the drool, and for changing my focus to being less selfish. Thank you for spitting up just as much on daddy's shoulder as you do mine, and for giving me a perfect reason to go shopping. I love your giggle, I love your serious face, and I love that you're picky at who you smile at. You soak in this little life already; staring and pondering each new room we explore together -- every inch of it.

Your daddy and I are so proud of you already. We read to you, parade you around, and are trying our best to give you the best life you can have. I hope you appreciate your kiddie library. I hope you laugh as you look back on your life as a little -- through blog posts, thousands of pictures, and silly home videos of your every move. I hope you grow up to be caring, respectful, and patient...just like your dad.

Jack, there's something about you snuggling up on my chest when you're sleepy or working on those baby teeth that are sure to be arriving soon. There is truly no explanation about the way I feel about you, Jack. I love being a mom. I love being your mom.

I love you to the moon and back. I will love you forever and always.

Mom

My First Farmer's Market!

On Saturday, we ventured out as a family to our first Farmer's Market downtown Des Moines. It was the first weekend, so it was crazy busy. Jack absolutely loved it! We have always loved the Valley Junction farmer's market. We love having the chance to buy local, strolling the great outdoors, and best yet: parading our little man for the whole world to see.

Hawkeye hat and all, Jack strapped in for a fun ride on Court Ave. He chilled, fell asleep, and enjoyed sitting like a big boy in his stroller without his carset! Baby steps :)

Something I just realized...

The older we get, the more people complain.

For as long as I can remember, I've been bothered by people who complain {especially people who complain about things that can't be changed}. It is just not my style. I like talking about what people do during free time on the weekends, how their kiddos and pets are doing, and chit-chats about friends, boys, purses, and shopping.

This past year has been one full of changes, and I've realized SO many things.

1. I love my life. I've made this life -- I truly believe you can do whatever you set your mind to.

2. Money will never buy me happiness. I don't know why I am blessed to have this character trait, but it really doesn't make me happy. Things that do make me happy: Eric, Jack, Maggie, friends, family, chocolate, and kids.

3. It does not matter what car you drive, how big your house is, or what name brand clothes you wear. The "new" feeling always wears off, and you're left with what truly matters --- friends and family.

4. The grass really is greener on the other side --- of town :)

5. Eric is one amazing daddy. We make such a great team. We spend just the right amount of time with Jack -- to the point where sometimes we argue who gets to hang out with him. We take turns with baths, feedings, poopy diapers and more! I truly believe we can love him more, because we never feel overwhelmed.

6. I picked the right profession. I never glance at the clock and think "oh man, seven more hours". I look at the clock and think "seventh hour is next...here we go"!

Here's to staying positive -- no matter how old I get! My students tell me that I'm always in a good mood, my friends know that if they call I probably will be excited about some new adventure {rather than complaining about some defeat}, and I am a genuinely happy person.

Starting Him Out Young!

I have to admit, I'm excited to become a "soccer mom" someday. It makes me thankful for having a little boy! So, we're starting Jackson out on sports early.

For starters, he begins his morning with a daily dose of Sportscenter. He's to the point where if Eric puts anything on but that, he'll fuss until it's changed...no joke. SCARY!

Now, we're teaching him all about the ins and outs of basketball. Next sport: football!

All the small things...

Things I love:

1. Eric. Enough said. He makes my life meaningful, exciting, and easy.

2. My new flip-of-a-switch fireplace -- where I can open the windows during the day, and snuggle by the fire at night.

3. Friday. I wear jeans and t-shirts to work, usually have a little more fun with my 8th graders, and I look forward to the weekend with my little family.

4. Tiny little baby pajamas that make Jack look like a big boy.

4. The "fizzzzzz" sound I hear when I'm cracking open a new pop. It's always the best in the afternoon after a long morning of teaching.

5. Blake Shelton's "Who are you when I'm not looking" song...especially the line about sinking your nose in a bubble bath. That's my reality at about 10 o'clock pm each night. Ahhhh....bubbles await.

6. Genuine friends. The ones who know you inside and out. The ones who can tell you just like it is with no fluff. The friends that have slowly over the years become my family.

7. Text messaging. There are only a small select few that I like to talk on the phone to...otherwise its texting all the way. The only downfall? I like to have the last word.

8. Waukee. It already feels like home.

9. Cetaphil face wash. You've solved my sensitive skin dilemma.

10. Pampers, Gerber, and our little bunny swing.

11. 8th graders. They say the darndest things! They are so much like those sour patch kids commercials...sour, then sweet.

12. Perfect Glass, Perfect Granite, and Perfect Stainless cleaners from Bed, Bath and Beyond. ...too much black granite...

13. Babies 'r' us.

13. Friendly neighbors who wave and go out of their way to say hi.

14. Kum 'n' Go's $.59 fountain pops.

15. Jackson Charles Krieger.

Thankful...

Not often do I feel stressed, overworked, or maxed-out. I don't easily exhaust or complain about anything...

Tonight, however, I'm definitely overwhelmed. As I sit here covered in transcripts, FAFSA info {which takes me WAY back to good ol' Fin Aid Office at UNI!}, and a detailed grad. school application --- an old song played on my Pandora.

Rascal Flatts - When the Sand Runs Out:

"I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on
And learn how to face my fears
Love with all of my heart, make my mark
I wanna leave something here"

Finally it all made sense. I've always wanted to be a principal. Yes, I'm busy. Yes, I'm a mommy now. Yes, I'm going to start grad school and say goodbye to any kind of life for the next two years...

The next song to play?

Brad Paisley - She's Everything

She's the giver I wish I could be
And the stealer of the covers
She's a picture in my wallet
and my unborn children's mother
She's the hand that I'm holding
When I'm on my knees and praying
She's the answer to my prayer
And she's the song that I'm playing

This song was my song according to Eric a LONG time ago. I love that it says 'unborn children's mother'...he always loved that song for me. And, it's all coming true. Just then I'm reminded of the amazing and supportive husband and daddy who's willing to help pitch in for these next few years as I begin a new journey...

Thanks, Pandora, for the pick-me-up just when I needed it. Thanks, Jack, for sharing your momma with grad. school. Thanks, Eric for everything. Today I am thankful.

Wish me luck...

Happy 5 Months, Big Man!

I know I always say this -- but I can't believe Jack's already 5 months old. We're so close to half a year already...time is just flying. I don't know what it is, but this age has got to be the best. We get his little quirks and squirms, he's full of smiles and babbles, and he's doing something new everyday! I so look forward to waking up, picking him up from daycare, and weekends!

Milestones: Rolling, talking, walking with help, and we're onto more food!

Weight: 14 pounds -- he's thinning out! He's at about the 70th percentile for height and 30th percentile for weight.

Diaper size: Still size 2 {we have a couple boxes of them yet}. However, the last couple of nights we've found him covered in pee...so we may have to jump up to the threes, baby!

Clothes size: His winter wardrobe is all 3-6 month stuff, so if it's cold, that's what he's wearing. All of his summer gear is 6-12 months and 12-18 months. The 6-12 month stuff will probably fit through June I'm guessing? He's VERY long. It's crazy how fast he grows through clothes! I've slowly realized this and have been spending much less on baby gear. I have so many boxes of little boy clothes packed away in the basement. Before now, he would wear a new outfit once, maybe twice! So, now I'm buying about ten essential outfits for each size...and it's working out well. He always has clean clothes, but he actually wears an outfit more than once.

Sleep: He's still a trooper. Right now, he puts himself to bed around 8 (fusses until we feed him like mad!) and wakes up around 6:30 --- sometimes later. I'm so thankful for my little sleeper! He's also still into naps. He takes a good hour our so nap in the am, a three hour nap in the afternoon, and sometimes a little "Jack nap" after dinner. There was a week in there where he had RSV and couldn't breathe well...one night he was up every hour.

Favorite activities/things:

Eating: Jack's really getting the hang of this whole food/eating thing. He drools while he watches us get his food ready, and then opens wide when we make it over to his highchair! His favorite? Applesauce with a splash of cinnamon! He devours it like he's never eaten before (another thing he gets from his daddy!) The best part? If you remember, I craved apples like none other when I was pregnant! I never eat apples, drink apple juice, or anything like that now. But when I was pregnant I couldn't get enough. TOO FUNNY!

I also bought some apple juice -- now that he can sit up, he's ready for juice! I haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure he'll love it.

Nicknames: BOOGS {He got this one because he's always full of boogers. Eric claims he's going to grow up thinking his name is boogs, since it's what I call him most of the time}! Baby Jack, big man, stinky man, and many more! His nicknames all deal with poo and boogers....great.

Talking: Babbles all the time. He says "wh" and "guh" and "duh" for now...I'm trying to get him to say "muh", but each time I'm unsuccessful. He's also quite the giggler...too cute.

New adventures: RSV! Ahhh! Jack has now had pink eye and RSV. Last week we spent a lot of time with a nebulizer, albuterol, and one sick baby! He's feeling much better now. We're hoping that the sicknesses will end this summer when he's at home with me.

Here are just a few pictures of the many times with Jackson Charles:

{Jumperoo -- he's just big enough to reach the ground}

{His newest thing: sticking his tongue out?}

{He always tries to help me feed him...}

{Trying to get the camera!}

Jack's Newest Feat...

It's been almost a month now since Jack can 'sit up'. He's really just learning how to master this skill. It's adorable to see what poses he ends up in, and where he lands when he falls!

It's been a nice little milestone for Jack, as he gets really bored with just laying underneath something or on his tummy. This whole sitting up thing has opened a whole new world of reading and actually playing with some of his musical and colorful toys.


For now, Jack sits up for about ten minutes or so. Then, he's falling like the London Bridge! Once he falls he rolls and rolls until he gets where he wants. It's so adorable to watch him attempt to be mobile. I have a feeling it won't be too much longer and he'll be in to everything...


I just love his face here. He starts sinking...and sinking...

And he ends up on his back {long enough for Maggie to give him a few kisses}!

Then he's off to rolling 'round and sticking everything he can find in his mouth! I just love this picture. Don't you see the determination in his eyes?

Soon I'll be writing about scoots, crawls, and walking! Jack will be 5 months old in just a few days. I already love looking back at old pictures from his delivery day and his first weeks as our little man. We were {and still are} so proud of our little guy. Love you, big man!