Monarch Migration

Last Wednesday, I had recess duty and when I took the kids outside, we saw butterflies everywhere. They were flitting through the air and alighting on tree branches. Hundreds, if not thousands flew across our playground in the fifteen minutes we were outside. Orange and black creatures swooped around me as I ducked and danced to avoid them. The fourth grades giddily tried to catch the amazing little travelers, usually with no luck. On a more prosaic note, my windshield hasn't been the same all week!

Yes, we were right in the middle of the great Monarch migration from Mexico back up to the northern states and Canada for the summer. The butterflies and the old folks have the right idea!

Walking!!

Stirling started walking today!!! At first he just moved a foot to steady himself as he reached for a toy. A little later, he was cruising the furniture in the living room, and let go of the play pen to take two steps to the chair. Then he left the couch to walk to me. And when RJ got home from work, Stirling took off! RJ and I were having Stirling walk back and forth between us. I don't know who was more excited- Stirling or us! What a neat thing to watch my little baby learn and grow right before my eyes! I am so lucky! (I am going to try to upload a video clip of Stirling walking, but so far haven't had much luck...)

Nothing Much...

Well, Stirling had his first run-in with the cat today. RJ told me that Stirling cornered Ralph and got excited and a little grabby. Ralph didn't enjoy that, so now Stirling has a scratch on his head. It isn't bad at all and I am sure it is just the first of many cat-inflicted injuries to come.
RJ kept Stirling at home today. I had a big performance review and wanted to get to work earlier than normal. I think my review went ok.... they haven't given us any feedback yet. It is such a weird way to evaluate us- they have a checklist of items they are looking for and we have to do all of the items in just 20 minutes. Normally we would never try to accomlish all the things they ask for in a 20 minute lesson, so it just feels so bogus having to put on this dog-and-pony show just for the sake of a review. Oh well. Now it is over and done with- thank goodness.
Spring break is in a few more weeks. I can't wait to have some time off. We aren't going to go anywhere out of town since RJ's schedule has just changed and is a touchy subject right now. But maybe we will go to the county fair and see the animals!!
Let's see.... other updates.... Stirling loves baths, really likes being outside, and has started eating solids like cheese, corn puffed cereal, cracker types things, cut up fruit, etc. He also enjoys pulling all of the pots and pans out of the cupboards, and gazing into the fridge! He doesn't nap well, but sleeps 11 hours a night. RJ and I are suffering from really bad allergies this year, and we are hoping to move in June/July. I think that about does it as far as news from the Woods!

Just Another Day

Well, here it is Sunday again.... boy weekends go quickly. I did take Thursday off to take Stirling to his doctor's appointment since I hadn't been to one since he was just a few months old. We are still with the replacement pediatrician since our first doctor went on maternity leave. The new doctor is nice, but I am hoping our original one decides to reopen her practice soon. Anyway, Stirling is nice and healthy- 80th percentile for weight, and 95th percentile for height. He is starting to stand on his own for a few seconds at a time, and he tries to climb on everything- our new computer desk is a favorite, as is the dishwasher! It was nice to have an extra day to spend with my little boy to watch him go and go! I just don't get enough time with him, or with RJ either. We work so hard to pay for him to be in day care all day.... hmmmm.... And after a day like I had at work on Friday, it just doesn't seem to be work it. Let's just say, ever since the principal went on medical leave, the vice principal has really changed things. Some for the better, but some things have become terribly micro-managed.
Tomorrow is RJ's birthday, which means I better go make a cake- darn it! I had better wrap a few presents too, while I'm at it.