Vote for Bo!

Carey entered their little guy, Hudson, into this photo contest, and I felt compelled to enter Bo as well -- despite the fact that there are, oh, about a million children already entered!

Please go vote for Bo to be on the next Parents Magazine cover!

Vacation

Well, we are planning a vacation. We have no idea what we are going to do but Mike is taking off from next Thursday through the following Wednesday. I'm less concerned about where we are going and more concerned about traveling with Bo. We've taken him on all kinds of road trips, but always stayed in people's homes. This will be our first hotel stay.

I'm looking for tips on how to travel with a 6 month old. What will we need? What should I expect?

I don't think we will be able to use homemade food -- even in a cooler it won't stay frozen for 7 days. So I guess I'll have to venture out and buy some organic baby food.

All suggestions, help, tips, and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Wordless Wednesday: My Men

More Wordless Wednesday here.

How can I give this up?

There are moments in my life when I know that I have made the right decisions in my life thus far...

Today, I received a hand delivered gift and card from the parents of one of my students.

Jamie-
Wow! Where do we start?
Thanks for the great role model that you have been for and to (insert name here). (and teacher, too, of course!)
You have gone far beyond teacher/student - somehow, you have managed to be a great friend as well. You have encouraged and advised, empathized, chastised, shared, taught, and also supported her and been a great help to us (her parents) in raising (insert name here) and forming her value system and moral compass! We are so blessed to have you in her life! (as is she!)
Thank you so much!
We appreciate you and applaud you!
Signed Her Parents
(Thanks to you, too, Mike! :))

There have been MANY moments during my five years as a high school teacher where I have wanted to throw in the towel. But then there are moments like this. Moments where I know I have made a difference. Moments where I know I was in the right place at the right time.

As this group of young women move on I have many thoughts that fly through my mind -- pride for who they are and all that they will accomplish in their lives, sorrow that they have to grow up. But I also think about where I am in my life -- this crossroads. I've yet to determine where my life is going, where this path is going to lead...

One thought, courses through my mind over and over, "How can I give this up?" Teaching at this high school. Being the yearbook adviser. Loving these girls more than life itself. These have been my dreams for so long.

How can I give this up?

Sunday Show and Tell: No Worries

This is a sticker on the dashboard of my car. It says "No Worries".

I acquired this sticker off of a skinny latte purchased from O-town's world famous, Ophelia's Cup. They use cute little stickers like these to seal the opening when ordering coffee to go. I have several on my computer monitor at school, a few in my bathroom, and this special one on my dashboard. I think I've saved every one I've received...

Why is this one special? Well, mostly because when I received it I took it as a omen. Since July of 2006 I've had a few driving issues -- namely I hate to drive on the highway or interstate and would end up scared to death when I attempted to do so. After some intensive research into the faucets of my brain I've managed to figure out that the fear really has nothing to do with driving and is really a fear of death and a need for support.

In February of 2006, I had a wreck (ice on a bridge -- totally not my fault) and in July of 2006 (same bridge with fresh rain) I had another close call. I originally convinced myself it was my Jeep and traded it for another car. While I do believe there was something wrong with the Jeep it didn't cure my fear... Eventually I reached the point where I just stopped driving outside of town. The consequence of this was that Mike had to drive me to all of my IVF appointments which were all at least an hour and a half away. Needless to say this was both a blessing and a curse...

See, I have this ferocious independent streak. I hate to ask for help. I hate to need anyone for anything. But sometimes, especially when going through an emotionally intense time, one needs to ask for help. Instead of just asking, and saying that I needed Mike to be with me for all of my appointments my brain developed a fear of driving which consequently meant that Mike would be with me for my appointments. (I should also mention that hindsight is 20/20 - I had no idea this is what I was doing at the time...)

I also have a fear of death -- not just of my death but of the death of someone I love. I'm a control freak and a car accident is something that would be totally outside of my control. I absolutely hate that Mike drives to work every day and most of the time I just have to block the whole situation from my mind. (Mike's commute is the number one reason I'm willing to move -- sure it'll be nice to be closer to his family but if he didn't have to drive it would be much more difficult to convince me that moving is a good idea... ) I've had a fear of someone I love dying in a car accident since I was very young -- when I was little and my mom would leave I would become so anxious that I would start throwing up. This limited Mom's mobility significantly. I'm not sure what started this fear but it must have been something when I was little...

Needless to say, it is a lot better than it was but I'm still recovering from my driving phobia. I can now drive places -- I've driven to Vincennes, Effingham, etc. but I still won't drive when it rains. The overall fear is better each time I drive but I can't imagine ever driving "worry-free" like I did before. I drove back and forth to school at Charleston for three years with no problems -- now the thought of doing that sends shivers down my spine -- even though I know why I'm afraid and why the phobia developed.

The "No Worries" sticker stays on my dashboard (it was transferred to the new car when we bought it) and it reminds me, when I begin to feel my anxiety creep up that I'm okay. That most likely I will not be in a wreck. That I'll make it home in one piece at the end of the day. That worrying about it is just going to drive me crazy and I need to get over it!!

Click on over to Mel's blog to see the rest of the Show and Tell participants!

Bo's 6 Month Birthday Party!

Bo playing in his exersaucer on his 6 month birthday!

As you could probably tell from this week's Wordless Wednesday, my mom and I decided that Bo needed a party for his 6 month birthday. It's been a crazy year and we like to take every opportunity we can to celebrate the good things -- Bo is definitely the best thing of all of our good things!

Our party only consisted of Mom, Mike, me, and Bo -- a typical evening at our house -- but we had a special supper (complete with Warner Bros. party hats supplied by my mom) with steaks on the grill, baked potatoes, steamed veggies, and cupcakes...

Mommy made cupcakes but wouldn't let Bo have one!!

Bo had his first taste of blueberries as a special treat for supper that night. After the first few bites he thought it was okay.

Bo had commercial baby food -- Gerber Organic Pear Blueberry. He wasn't so sure about his first taste of blueberries.*

After dinner we opened presents! Aunt Manny brought by a gift that included a Froggie blanket toy and this neat book. Grammie bought Bo the the entire Fisher Price Amazing Animals Train and Mike and I bought him his neat Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Kitchen. He isn't spoiled or anything...

Daddy put together Bo's new kitchen.

Bo was intrigued by his new toy!

It was a successful 6 month birthday party! I still can't believe he's been here for 6 months! Wow!

* Is it sad that I am considering it a "special treat" for Bo to have commercial baby food? I went grocery shopping on Tuesday morning to pick out Bo's treat and I was absolutely APPALLED by what is in some of the baby food. I wanted to purchase a baby food that sounded dessert like -- the two that caught my eye from the 2nd foods choices were Hawaiian Delight and Blueberry Vanilla Custard. Have you ever actually looked at what is in that stuff? The second ingredient in both of them is SUGAR. What six month old needs to be eating sugar?? They also had whey flour and all kinds of other nasty stuff. And the first ingredient in all of them? WATER!! This makes me feel even more confident that I am making the right decision to make my own baby food. Needless to say, I couldn't justify those options so I picked up an organic pear blueberry - ingredients: water, organic pears, organic wild blueberries. ahh... :)

"She Works Hard For The Money..."

If you know me, or if you've read here awhile, you know that I worked until the week before Bo was due.

I'll be the first to admit that working during pregnancy is difficult. There were many days when I just felt awful (I didn't fully realize how awful until after Bo was born and I began to feel normal again...) The hallway leading to the girl's bathroom, which I frequented about a million times a day, seemed 400 miles long. My feet were swollen. I felt like a cow. Most days I just wanted to take a nap. And dealing with high school kids when you feel awful and your hormones are shot isn't always peachy. But somehow, I made it to work every day with the thought in the back of my mind that I'd have 6 weeks off once the baby arrived. Little did I realize that when Bo arrived the real work would just be beginning...

Needless to say, I was pleased as punch when I received a copy of Marjorie Greenfield's The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book to review.


Many pregnancy books on the market today seem to be targeted to SAHWs (Stay at Home Wives) and don't always take into consideration that sometimes taking a nap in the middle of the day or eating every hour aren't really options for all of us.

This is definitely a book I wish I would have had during my pregnancy and I would highly recommend it to any mom-to-be who is working. It has real world advice about how to tell your boss, how to plan for maternity leave, and how to deal with the discomforts of pregnancy while still maintaining your workload.

The most interesting part of the book for me at this stage of the game is the section about returning to work as I'm still struggling to figure out exactly how I intend to balance my career and family. The book discusses the emotions associated with returning to the workforce, pumping, daycare options, post-partum birth control (of course I had to laugh at that section!), and even an entire chapter devoted to finding that balance that I am currently struggling to achieve.

Dr. Greenfield has started her own blog to answer questions which will be a good resource for many moms-to-be as well.

I think Donna Summers' song should be the theme for any working woman. And we all need an 80's flashback now and then...

Wordless Wednesday: 6 months!

More Wordless Wednesday here.

Happy 6 Month Birthday, Baby Bo!

Dear Bubber Bo,

Today you are 6 months old! It is so difficult for me to believe that it was 6 months ago that you came into this world. In many ways it feels like yesterday and yet at the same time, it is hard for me to remember how I filled my days before your arrival. Only 6 months ago I didn't know what your cute little face would look like -- now I can't imagine my life without it.

It is so amazing how much you have changed and grown in the last six months. There is no doubt that you know your daddy, Grammie, and me. The smiles and giggles you give us light up our lives.

You are becoming more and more of a little man every day. You are very interested in the world around you and love to be the center of attention. Everything goes directly into your mouth and many of your toys are aging due to so much drool! All of that drool is a result of two teeth that are peeking through!

You stopped eating during the night at the 5 month mark and you sleep a consistent 11-12 hours each night. Sometimes I have to go in and give you a little love and a paci fix but for the most part, you're sleeping well on your own.


We had your 6 month doctor's appointment yesterday and you weighed in at 17 lb. 9 oz. What a big boy!! All of your clothes are at least 9 month size now. You're a very good eater and love all of the creations that I concoct for you. The doctor said we can start meat whenever we are ready -- chicken and salmon purees, here we come!!

You love to play! You are becoming more and more interested in your toys each day and love to go to Grammie's and play with all of the fun toys she has there. You still love Tony but I think the Jumperoo is your absolute favorite. You are so adorable with that big grin on your face jumping up and down!

Today you sat in the cart at Wal-Mart for the first time and as I am typing this you are practicing sitting up between my legs. You do pretty well but I still feel better when I am right beside you.

You are growing up and reaching all of your milestones. Most importantly though, I find that I love you more and more each day. While I can't believe your newborn days are gone, I can't say that I'm sad. I love seeing your personality develop and watching you become a little man.

When Daddy and I were first together he would often look at me and say "how did I get so lucky?" I always thought he was being silly but now I understand. Each day I think to myself, "how did I get so lucky?" I really feel like I've been given a wonderful gift - that gift is you!

Happy 6 Month Birthday, Little Man. I feel so blessed that you are in our lives.

Love always,
Mommy

Twitter

I decided to join the Twitter bandwagon. Feel free to hop on. If you follow me, I'll follow you!

Twitter will update on the blog too -- it is underneath the BlogHer Ads on the right hand sidebar. If you're wondering what I'm up to, just scroll down -- I hope to keep it updated from my phone.

Here is a YouTube video that explains what Twitter is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o

...trying to staple Jell-O to a tree.

While I was working on my training stuff (I'm done Tuesday!! Yay! Then on to a mentorship!!) I was responding to a discussion thread and this is what came out:

Working with high school students is like trying to staple Jell-O to a tree.

Personally, I thought it was quite poetic.

Posts to Remember Part #2

Continued from Part #1...

From Raspberry Chip:
1. Crawling Baby and Dogs. I saved this because it discusses dog fur and possible solutions. I found it interesting because I'm constantly trying to manage the cat hair at our house.

From Serenity Now:
2. Well, it's happened. Excellent post that reflects on having a baby after infertility and sometimes having that feeling of "Why did we want this so much?".

3. The obligatory post about poo. Because I can relate. And it made me laugh!

From Snickollet:
4. HALT. Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired -- the four top triggers for drinking -- and for cranky children!

From Stop, Drop, and Blog:
5. Constantly Doubting Myself: The Truth in My Motherhood. Discusses how motherhood isn't always a "bucket of rainbows."

From Welcome to the Cysterhood:
6. Will You Be My Friend? Exactly how I feel about friendship. I love how she discusses how infertility changes friendships. Hell, it changes everything.
7. The Five Stages of Mourning. Another well-written post from Spanglish that deals with many of the feelings that infertility was nice enough to bless us with. I also love that it wasn't long after this that Zoey was conceived. :)

From Embryo Motel:
8. And this is the way I see it, Michele Johnson of Wamego, KS. A post about a Starbucks cup that hit an infertile the wrong way.
9. Discuss amongst yourselves. One of the best questions, with the most thought provoking answers, ever written in the infertile blogosphere.

From Cheek: (originally the Naked Ovary -- one of the first blogs I latched on to!)
10. INFRTL 4-EVAH? Pregnant and still infertile? Yeppurs. I get it.

Wordless Wednesday: Alaska

More Wordless Wednesday here.

Just FYI - this was taken with a point and shoot camera and not edited at all. It really is that beautiful.

Bo's First Haircut

On Friday morning, we finally took our little guy for his first haircut. It was long overdue!

Bo and Daddy watching ESPN as Barber Mark finds his comb. Look at how long Bo's hair is!!

Bo says, "I dunno what's going on, but Daddy's holding me, so it must be okay!"

Bo looking at Daddy during his haircut.

I just love the little foot sticking out from under the cape in this one.

Snip, Snip!

Bo and Daddy enjoyed watching ESPN during the haircut. I love how cute they both look. It's obvious there was some pretty important sports news on!

Bo was amazing throughout the entire haircut. He didn't cry at all and was very patient. I think he looks pretty handsome with his new do!

Bo flying this morning!

As you can see, we are still battling "paci rash". A friend's mom made me some salve to put on it and I've been doing that several times a day and it has helped. One side is looking a lot better but it still isn't clearing up completely. Poor guy!

I think a lot of the problem is his face is always wet from drool. The bottom left tooth is through and he just can't help but drool everywhere. He always has his hands in his mouth.

I can't seem to get a picture of the tooth -- this is as close as I was able to get this morning!

Oh well, one day he will finish teething and then he will have a clear face and a cute haircut! At least until the teenage acne hits! :)

Mother's Day

I feel like I should write a long, rambly post about how wonderful it is to be a mom. Instead, I think I'll let a picture speak for me this year.

My sunshine.

My heart goes out to those of you who are still waiting. Do whatever it takes -- whether that is 5 IVF cycles or taking out loans for adoption -- do it. No matter how hard it is or how much money it costs, it is worth it.

Homemade Baby Food: Part Deux

Is that beets or did my baby turn into a vampire?

Despite the smile, Bo isn't a big fan of beets!

Recently, Leslie left a comment asking about how the frozen avocado turned out and if it had a brown layer. To answer her question, no, my avocado did not have a brown layer but it was mixed with breastmilk. I am not sure if that makes any difference or not? I pureed it in the Cuisinart, added breastmilk and froze it in "Bo pellets" immediately. It's one of Bo's favorite foods!

Currently, Bo is eating quite the variety of foods. He still has cereal for one meal a day (usually with a fruit) and he is eating a large variety of fruits and vegetables for the other meal. So far I have made: avocado, carrots, sweet potato, pears, peaches, beets, squash, peas, green beans, broccoli, papaya, mango, and banana. (Suggestions for new foods are always appreciated!)

This weekend I hope to make two new foods - plums and apricots. Unfortunately, we will have to make a produce run first. Wal-Mart doesn't exactly have a wide variety of organic fresh produce!!

Overall, making and freezing the food is quite easy. It takes a little time but I usually do it while I am making dinner so it isn't like I am cooking at a different time -- I am in the kitchen anyway. I usually make about 30-35 servings of an ingredient at a time and that lasts quite awhile!

The beets were the most difficult to make because they had to be boiled for two hours and then there was red juice everywhere! Ugh! They smelled kinda weird too!

Bo is not a big fan of broccoli, green beans, or beets. I thought maybe it was a problem with the homemade green beans (they aren't totally smooth) and invested in some organic green bean babyfood but he wouldn't eat that either. So far the green beans is the only pre-made babyfood he has tried and he didn't like it -- but I think he just doesn't like green beans yet. Go figure! I've also given him jarred organic applesauce. Everything else, I've made at home.

To get him use to foods like green beans I've been mixing them with other foods that he really likes. For example I may give him 2 pellets of sweet potato and mix it with 1 pellet of green beans. This method must mask the green beans enough because he will eat it -- no problem. I hope to slowly cut down the amount of the sweet potato so that one day he will eat just the plain green beans!

Many people commented on the last post I wrote about this topic that they didn't make their own food because it required too much time. Honestly, if you cook anyway, I think you would only have to add about 30 minutes a week to make your own babyfood. And with the $$ saved, it is well worth it to me. I know it's not for everyone, but I'm enjoying making it for Bo.

All of the hours spent researching high chairs paid off. Our high chair with a red cushion has worked out perfectly. It looks nice and works well. In my opinion, it was well worth it! I'm excited to see how well it transitions as he continues to grow. I guess I can say that I'm spending the money I'm saving on the babyfood on the chair but I've been so happy with it!!

Even better, Reagan likes it too...

Wordless Wednesday: Flying

More Wordless Wednesday here.

Senior Awards *Updated*

My Senior Yearbook Girls Becky, Claire, Jordan, Malory, Rachel, Aimee, and Brittani pose for a picture at the Springfield Mall last summer during Yearbook Camp.

Three years ago, Mandy and I became co-advisers of the yearbook. It has changed and developed so much in the last three years. We've won numerous awards. We've produced truly phenomenal books. Most importantly though, we've formed relationships with these girls that have surpassed even my greatest aspirations as a teacher.

This group of seniors was our sophomore J-1 class when we began officially advising the yearbook. Mandy and I stood in front of the class to introduce ourselves - silly, giddy, and very naive about our new undertaking.

They've been around through so much that has happened in our lives and in theirs -- and somehow managed to put up with us this entire time...

Tonight is senior awards. This will be the third year that I have given an award in Grandpa's name. It took some convincing but I encouraged Grandpa to start the award. This will be the first year it will be a memorial award... the G.F. Bo.land.er Memorial Journalism Award...

I can't even begin to tell you the number of times I've been awake in the middle of the night thinking about this day. This is it -- this really is the beginning of the end. They are really going to graduate and move on with their lives. And while I'm excited for them I'm just so sad for myself...

These girls have been my life for the last three years. There have been days when I would not have made it out of bed in the morning if I hadn't known that they were at school. When I FINALLY got pregnant my first concern (besides a healthy baby) was making sure that I would be at school with them to finish this year's book.

I know that there will never be another group of girls like this. I don't see myself forming the same bond that I have with this group even if I do continue teaching at the high school. And even more so, I'm scared that I may never have the opportunity again. In reality, this may very well be my last yearbook...

Updated to add:

The girls all took home numerous awards last night. I was thrilled for them. I sounded like a fool and didn't say half of the stuff I should have said, but they received their awards anyway. :) My voice broke a few times but I managed not to cry -- thank God for small miracles.

Revived

Bo has discovered the cats. In this picture, Maddie decided to have some playtime with Bo. Thus far, they are great with Bo and Bo loves to feel their soft fur!

In the morning, I bring Bo to bed with me for his breakfast. Usually the cats curl up with us. The last several days we've spent a few extra minutes in bed learning how to pet the cats. They haven't been complaining. This morning, Lincoln was purring and Maddie was flicking her tail. Bo was intrigued by both of them. I hope he loves his fur siblings!! (And yes, they were intentionally named after presidents... my MA is in Poli Sci and I was originally a history teacher. As Mandy said in the comments where this question was asked -- I'm a nerd!)

This weekend was our first weekend at home in several weeks. While life didn't change, and we still managed to keep busy, just the simple act of being home has an amazing power over my mental outlook. Ahh....

Sure, I still have a to-do list a mile long and all of the normal every day chores didn't go away... But the fact that on Saturday I was able to stay in my pajamas all day (I can't even remember the last time I did that...) and I haven't actually cooked anything (except babyfood) since Prom night... Well, it revives me. :) (Yes, a family can survive two days without turning on the stove. I actually like Mike's famous PBJ with potato chips! Not to mention we had a ton of leftovers from Prom!!)

Knock-on-wood, Bo has been sleeping through the night the last several nights. Last night, I went in about 3 and put his paci back in but we've had several days with 12 hour nights (7:30-7 or 7:30). This also revives me!! I think he has radar and senses when I just can't handle lack of sleep anymore and then he decides to give me a reprieve... at least for a little while!

It's going to be a busy week, but for the first time in awhile -- I feel ready!

Posts to Remember Part #1

Besides spring cleaning my house to rid it of clutter I'm also spring cleaning in the blogosphere.

I have a bad habit of clicking "keep new" on multiple posts in my bloglines account so that I can refer back to them later. Unfortunately, later rarely comes... Therefore, I'm going through all of the posts and only saving the ones that really mean something to me. To give you some idea -- I have 49 posts just from Mel at Stirrup Queen and Sperm Palace Jesters to weed through... this is going to take me awhile!

I plan to post the links in chunks of 10 -- hopefully that will make it seem more managable for me and you might actually have the opportunity to click and read a few of them as well. Enjoy!

******
From Apron Strings:
1. At Least I Gained Clarity. Christina's take on what she gained from infertility.
2. i before e except for me. We share the same philosophy of grammar and blogging. :)

From Chasing Blue Sky:
3. Sick. And tired. A rant from Sky Girl about how hard it is to be a mom that I can totally relate to.

From Everyday Stranger:
4. For My Love... Because it is beautifully done and one day I want to make one of these for Mike.

From Life in the Soupbowl:
5. Maybe if you just took a vacation..... This is a must read for any friend or family member of an infertile.
6. Yearning to be knocked up. Carrie laments about starting to try for a sibling for Keifer.
7. Vacation, all I ever wanted.... Carrie and CJ take their first vacation after baby. I saved this post because it looks like such a fun place to go!
8. Reflecting on Movies of 2007. I loved the list. At some point I'd love to watch a lot of these...
9. Books, books, books: we love books. An extensive list of children's books that I refer to often when selecting books for Bo.

From Plan B:
10. Baby Algebra 101: Lesson 1. Just an adorable post by Tara about little Charlie. So creative that I had to save it!

Watch for more "posts to remember" in the near future!!

It's raining, on Prom Night...

Patrick, Rachel, Claire, and Joel

Last night, I had the pleasure of hosting two of my yearbook editors and their dates for a Prom night feast. I prepared a 5 course meal and while it was a lot of work, it was also a lot of fun!

Our Prom dinner began around 5:30 when the girls, their dates, their parents, and a few siblings showed up to take pictures at our house. It was crazy, but fun! (FYI: We locked the cats in the basement for the evening...)

I ordered flowers and worked all afternoon to assure that the table, the setting and the food would be just right! Mandy made the menus and the place cards! This year's Prom theme was "A Night in the Bayou" (don't ask, it's Southern Illinois...) and we played on the theme with a frog hidden in the flowers and alligator eyes on the menu and place cards.

I had hors d-oeuvres out as a starter. I made a cheese tray and a veggie plate. It wasn't too fancy but they just picked at it anyway. :) Leftovers are my friend!

Then we began the "real food".

First course: Shrimp cocktail with Mike's special homemade cocktail sauce!

Second course: Chilled Strawberry Soup (Rachel commented that it tasted like a smoothie in a bowl! I'm not sure if that is good or bad...)

Third course: Salad and rolls (generously provided by the girls' Moms)

Fourth course: Fillet (girls), Chicken Cordon Bleu (boys), garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus with cream sauce

Fifth course: Chocolate cheesecake and Lemon-raspberry souffles (No pictures of the souffles -- I was upstairs putting Bo to bed when they were served!) :(

Needless to say, I was exhausted and they were stuffed by the time the meal was over!

All I could think of all night (besides how beautiful the girls looked!) was how much fun (and stressful!) it would be to be a chef on Top Chef!!

Rachel laughing.

Btw: that's sparkling grape juice. I'm not crazy enough to give my students wine!

Claire and Joel.

Rachel, me, Mandy, and Claire.

It's hard standing next to girls that could be supermodels! Especially when you've been cooking in a hot kitchen all day! haha!

My Best Friend

Recently, Mandy wrote a blog post:

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
My Best Friend
Current mood: nostalgic

Jamie recently was assigned to write a bio of herself. To my
pleasure and amusement, this is part of what she wrote.....

"To my students, I'm affectionately referred to as "McW.eitl." No, I don't supply Chicken McNuggets during each class period, I co-advise the yearbook with my best friend, Miss McKnight. Many people at our school think of us as one person and therefore the name "McW.eitl" was born as a combination of
Miss McKnig.ht's last name and my last name, Wei.tl. Since we will be colleagues, and you have no idea who Miss McK.night is, you can just call me Jamie. ;)

Miss McKn.ight and I met during my junior year of high school as members of the yearbook staff. My senior year, we were co-editors-in-chief and we made the decision to return to our Alma
Matter to teach. Amazingly, we did just that and we now teach next door to each other."

And the woman tells the truth. From the day I met her in yearbook (she was affectionately called "Princess." The
more things change... ;) through our editor years, Spieth Sister days, college, and colleagues we have become more than best friends. We fight like sisters, laugh like middle schoolers and cry like soap stars.

But even though we get along, sometimes even I wonder how. I'm a slob and she is OCD. I sing like a bird and she squawks like duck. I am a thriving bachelorette and she is super mom/wife. But when it really comes down to it, I am peanut butter and she is jelly.

When she wanted to get married, I was scared. I didn't want to
lose my best friend. I did my fair share of pouting and feeling sorry for myself. But it turned out he was an alright guy after all (and a darn good cook) so everything turned out ok.

When she wanted to have a baby, I was scared. I didn't want to lose my best friend. My behavior followed suit.

But it turned out that Bo was the most amazing baby boy I have met to date. And everything turned out ok.

And now, with the uncertainty of life as it is, I am scared. I don't want to lose my best friend. And even though I pout and feel sorry for myself some days, I guess I know that everything will turn out ok. After all, what would I ever do without her?

My comment to her post:

Manny,
Now I'm bawling when I'm suppose to be doing my training stuff.Thanks for that :P

But seriously, think about all we've been through together. And somehow we've weathered it all. We will survive this hail storm too. I promise. I'm tough to get rid of -- you should know that by now.:)

You're right. We are totally different but somehow, with us, it works. You're the only person on earth (well, besides Mike and Mom) that I am willing to let in my house when there are dishes in the sink. I know you're not going to judge me based on that -- you've got too many other things you can hold over my head.:)

When I think about leaving, leaving YOU is the only thing that truly scares me. Sure, I'll miss yearbook and having a reason to own lots of Tiger stuff... There are many people in O.ln.ey I'll be sad to say good-bye to. But when it all comes down to it there are only 4 people in this world that I don't think I could live without and you're the only one on that list that I can't take with me.

How will I survive any job without you next door? Who will deal with me having a nervous breakdown and get someone to cover my class? Who else would take off work to watch Bo when he was only 2 weeks old and there was somewhere else I had to be? No one.No one else has the patience to deal with me -- especially not for this long!

Somehow, someway, this will all turn out okay. We will just add this as another chapter in our book.;)

Love you, lots and lots,
Jamie

Lots more I want to say on this topic.... Stay tuned for "My Best Friend Part Deux".

Happy Prom Day!

Thursday Thirteen

I'm a Thursday Thirteen virgin... but it looks like fun!

Thirteen words that begin describe me, starting with the first letter of my first name...

1. Jaded by too much work!

2. Jovial when hosting a dinner party.

3. Jock wannabe because I always wanted to be an athlete.

4. Jumpy when my anxiety kicks into overdrive.

5. Java-lover who enjoys a good cuppa on occassion.

6. Journalist who knows that in news stories there is no comma before and in a set of three or more.

7. Jealous of my 19-year-old self.

8. Jug is the nickname Grandpa called me.

9. Judgemental because I often forget to put myself in someone else's shoes.

10. Jaunty when I wear a dress and makeup.

11. Jack of all trades with multiple roles I'm trying to balance.

12. Jeweled with pretty baubbles.

13. Juicy with stories of high school drama.