June 24, 2008

pat-a-cake


pat-a-cake
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
So far summer has been relaxed (not necessarily relaxing). The kids are getting along really well; this is mostly due to Abby being an awesome big sister and putting up with a little rug rat following her around. The slower pace is a good change for us after this past school year. Last night Abby told me that I'm nicer when I'm out of school. She's right, I'm sure. We've been together--all 4 of us-- a whole lot, which makes us all happy.

Noah's new antics: *pulling everything out of kitchen drawers (cabinets have been baby proofed at last)
*saying "Abba" "mama" and "da"
*dancing
*pushing his tractor around the house
*nodding yes and giving kisses
*handing us tiny pieces of junk from the floor--leaves, wood chips, thread. You know, the things we track in RIGHT after I vacuum. :)
*freaking out over animals. He LOVES to see squirrels, chickens, and cats. This kid needs a pet just as soon as we move!
*playing pat-a-cake with Abby

That's it for now. I'm getting ready for a ballet class I've just signed up for with my friend Bronwyn. We're both returning after years of not dancing, and boy are we feeling the burn.

June 16, 2008

Fine, upstanding citizens

What a day! This morning, Noah stood on his own! Matthew was holding his hands, let go, and there was Noah in the middle of the living room on his own two feet! What a cool milestone.

Later today, after I learned that I passed the oral exam (thank goodness they tell you right away), my dissertation co-chair said: "Congratulations: you and your son stood on your own for the first time today." What a thought. It was a big day for this little family.

June 13, 2008

lil' Dubya




I took this picture yesterday. I think he looks rather presidential, would you agree?

June 11, 2008

oh my! it's almost test-time (for mommy)!


oh my!
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
I have 5 more days before I take my orals. I'm supposed to be studying right now, but I thought I'd quickly upload a bunch of new pix before settling in to the books again. Quick break for my tired brain. I'm feeling pretty good about things--I mean, there isn't much I can do in 5 days but freewrite, read a bit, and try to think about the written comments I got from my dissertation committee after the written qual exams. I'm scared, but I'm trying to keep thing in perspective and trust that the adrenaline and focus will kick in when I'm in the room with my (brilliant, expert, engaging, and supportive) committee. I look forward to the discussion; I just need to get past the nerves.

After the 16th, I think I will be taking a couple of weeks to recover. We plan to do LOTS of hanging out, coloring, walking, swimming, BBQing. Who knows what! All I know is that I plan to indulge in the non-academicness of just-post quals...

This intense experience has taught me a lot about what I want most in life and what my calling is at the moment. I'm still trying to figure out how it balances out, but I know that I do not have the same desires as Matthew does to do this type of work all day, every week day. Maybe I'll feel differently when the kiddos are older, but it's too much for now. More like 2-3 days per week seems better to me, with a lot more time built in for family. I am miserable when school takes me away from home for too long, and I need to pay attention to that! As soon as the test is over, I'm going to change the schedule up a bit--a luxury of being "ABD" (all but dissertation) and of having a very supportive hubby! : I'll have 3 days per week when I focus hard on my teaching and research; when I leave my office, I will leave the work there. I need to not wear more than one (or two or three) hats all at once. This promises to yield more productive and intentional parenting as well as researching/writing.

OK. Back to work!

first dance class!


first dance class!
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Abby is taking Jazz dance class. Soon she will get to take Ballet as well. Then Fairy Camp, DisneyMania (a singing group). These are all 1-2.5 hour classes (1-2 times per week) through the Davis Arts Center. They will help keep summer interesting for Abby, who has a TON of energy. I can see Abby loving the jazz dance classes...

June 3, 2008

Graduation Day!


Graduation Day!
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Abby graduates from Kindergarten today!! We're super proud of her for being such a sweet kiddo and for working very hard in school this year. She is READY for summer time. I'm so glad that this graduation is into first grade and not out of twelfth!

Great job, Abby. We are so so happy for you :)

June 1, 2008

Some good news

Matthew's Aunt is doing somewhat better. Her lungs are clearing and she was taken out of the rotating bed. She is, however, still sedated and intubated. Please continue to pray for her recovery.

Life and death matters certainly put other things into perspective, but it is worth mentioning that I did pass my written exam. I'll take the oral exam on June 16th. Other than that, I just have to write the dissertation.