My interview for student teaching went great! The department head was impressed by my resume, and had a ton of good things to say about the application I put together.
I also found out that I can student teach in the city I am living in. I didn't think I would get to because H. works for the district, and I've also worked for the district. Turns out that I just have to go to a school where I haven't worked.
So yay! I'm excited!
Oh and I also found out that next semester I will only have school 2 days a week (meaning only 200 miles a week, opposed to the 500 I'm driving this semester), and one day a week at the elementary school where I am student teaching. That's gonna save a TON of money on gas... looks like Disney World may be a possibility next summer!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Send a few good lucks?
I have a meeting with the head of the student teacher placement today. I'm incredibly nervous (although the secretary said it wasn't a big deal) because this is the woman who will decide (after a 30 minute meeting) whether or not I am capable of continuing in education.
I had to put together a HUGE (40 something page, but some were copies) document of my work, a resume, and why I want to be a teacher. She has reviewed the document last week, and today I am meeting with her to decide 1) whether or not I can student teacher, and 2) if so, where I will be going.
This may not be as big of a deal as I'm making it seem, but still, today's meeting will determine what I'm doing for at least the next year (1 semester of observations in the school/one semester of student teaching). So maybe if you could send some luck this way (luck that I get into the school I requested, the one that is close to home) I'd really appreciate it!
I had to put together a HUGE (40 something page, but some were copies) document of my work, a resume, and why I want to be a teacher. She has reviewed the document last week, and today I am meeting with her to decide 1) whether or not I can student teacher, and 2) if so, where I will be going.
This may not be as big of a deal as I'm making it seem, but still, today's meeting will determine what I'm doing for at least the next year (1 semester of observations in the school/one semester of student teaching). So maybe if you could send some luck this way (luck that I get into the school I requested, the one that is close to home) I'd really appreciate it!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Ups and Downs
Ups and Downs of parenting a toddler
Up: Crawling/Walking/Running Down: Trying to escape every 3.5 seconds of the day
Up: Sleeping in a big girl bed Down: Realizing she is no longer stuck in her crib
Up: Learning to color/draw Down: Crayon/Marker lines on the table
Up: Being potty trained! Down: icky public restrooms
Up: Talking Down: Talking (especially NO!!)
Up: Increasing independence Down: DO IT BY SELF!! (but only when running late to an appointment)
Even with all of the "downs", I wouldn't ask for anything different!
Up: Crawling/Walking/Running Down: Trying to escape every 3.5 seconds of the day
Up: Sleeping in a big girl bed Down: Realizing she is no longer stuck in her crib
Up: Learning to color/draw Down: Crayon/Marker lines on the table
Up: Being potty trained! Down: icky public restrooms
Up: Talking Down: Talking (especially NO!!)
Up: Increasing independence Down: DO IT BY SELF!! (but only when running late to an appointment)
Even with all of the "downs", I wouldn't ask for anything different!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Will it ever go away?
K. has been doing GREAT since she was released from the hospital. Well, had been doing great - She ended up having to go back to the doctor today because her symptoms came back. She coughed all night long, keeping us all awake. When I dropped her off at my MIL's house today she immediately got on the floor to play with her Lego's (relax, they are the HUGE baby safe ones!), but by the time H. came to see her at lunch she was breathing heavy and very listless.
She went into the doctor at 1:00 and was given THREE more medications to take (adding to the two we are doing right now!!). She has to go back Thursday for a follow up, to see if the meds. are working. Did I mention FIVE medicines during the day? FIVE?! I know some people do much more, but it is a new routine that I'm having to get used to. Two of the five are breathing treatments given through a nebulizer, so that takes time to sit and finish. Oh, and it has to be EVERY 6 hours, including through the night. I almost feel like night time feedings are back!
Don't get me wrong: I'm not complaining about doing this to make her feel better. I will gladly do anything within my power to help her and make her well again. I'm just a little overwhelmed right now. I was terrified she would have to go back into the hospital, but luckily we are trying to treat it at home for now. The doctor is thinking asthma (aggravated by the end of the pneumonia), but says he can't diagnose asthma until she has shown symptoms for at least 6 months.
Oh, and you know you love your kid when you break down crying in front of half of your math concepts class. H. called and told me that K. was not doing well right before I went to class. Since my university is about an hour away from our house, we both decided I should just stay there, finish the class, and then come home. He agreed to call me if she had to go back to the hospital. I reluctantly went into class, and told my teacher that if I got the phone call, I would have to leave. She was very understanding, but at the same time she made me feel guilty. She asked what I was doing there, and told me to go home. A few people asked about what was going on, but I was already starting to tear up by then.
I do feel a little stupid, especially since it was not as big of a deal as I thought (Kim thinks: OMG, she is going to be hospitalized, OMG she can't breathe, OMG why am I so selfish, I came to school instead of staying with my baby, OMG OMG what happens if she doesn't get better) Maybe I did overreact but she is my baby, my only baby, and I was worried.
She still has a pretty deep cough, but she is breathing much easier.
She went into the doctor at 1:00 and was given THREE more medications to take (adding to the two we are doing right now!!). She has to go back Thursday for a follow up, to see if the meds. are working. Did I mention FIVE medicines during the day? FIVE?! I know some people do much more, but it is a new routine that I'm having to get used to. Two of the five are breathing treatments given through a nebulizer, so that takes time to sit and finish. Oh, and it has to be EVERY 6 hours, including through the night. I almost feel like night time feedings are back!
Don't get me wrong: I'm not complaining about doing this to make her feel better. I will gladly do anything within my power to help her and make her well again. I'm just a little overwhelmed right now. I was terrified she would have to go back into the hospital, but luckily we are trying to treat it at home for now. The doctor is thinking asthma (aggravated by the end of the pneumonia), but says he can't diagnose asthma until she has shown symptoms for at least 6 months.
Oh, and you know you love your kid when you break down crying in front of half of your math concepts class. H. called and told me that K. was not doing well right before I went to class. Since my university is about an hour away from our house, we both decided I should just stay there, finish the class, and then come home. He agreed to call me if she had to go back to the hospital. I reluctantly went into class, and told my teacher that if I got the phone call, I would have to leave. She was very understanding, but at the same time she made me feel guilty. She asked what I was doing there, and told me to go home. A few people asked about what was going on, but I was already starting to tear up by then.
I do feel a little stupid, especially since it was not as big of a deal as I thought (Kim thinks: OMG, she is going to be hospitalized, OMG she can't breathe, OMG why am I so selfish, I came to school instead of staying with my baby, OMG OMG what happens if she doesn't get better) Maybe I did overreact but she is my baby, my only baby, and I was worried.
She still has a pretty deep cough, but she is breathing much easier.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
I will remember
This is a few days late because we were at the hospital, but I want to share my story.
I was in tenth grade, barely old enough to understand the impact on our country, on our world. I was early to my first class and was sitting around, probably gossiping with friends. A boy walked in and turned on the TV, which was a normal morning routine for our geography class.
We started class with the news coverage. Our teacher became so upset he couldn't conduct class. He had a brother working in the World Trade Center. All I can remember from those first moments was what he silently wrote on the board. It was the first time I had seen the name Osama Bin Laden. It has since become a name I will never forget. My classmates and I spent the day watching news coverage. Although we were still young, we knew the major personal impact this would have on our lives.
I grew up near Ft. Hood, Texas. My childhood house was literally 2 blocks away from post. That was the day the post closed, and traffic to post was backed up all the way through town. Friday's football game was accompanied by soldiers carrying firearms. Very close friends and family members were sent overseas. My high school graduation had soldiers posted outside of the building, as well as at every entrance/exit. We had a direct satellite connection to Iraq so the soldiers who had children graduating could see their child walk across the stage. They were able to talk to their kids after the ceremony. General Chiarelli even made a speech to the graduating class. He had a son who graduated with me.
I have a friend who's dad and brother both went overseas in the Army. Her brother flew home the same day as her dad flew out. I know a few people who have lost spouses, friends, and children.
I tend to think of this as a day K. will learn about in history class. She will be able to read, learn, and hear the stories related, but it will never have the same impact as it did to our class, to me.
I was in tenth grade, barely old enough to understand the impact on our country, on our world. I was early to my first class and was sitting around, probably gossiping with friends. A boy walked in and turned on the TV, which was a normal morning routine for our geography class.
We started class with the news coverage. Our teacher became so upset he couldn't conduct class. He had a brother working in the World Trade Center. All I can remember from those first moments was what he silently wrote on the board. It was the first time I had seen the name Osama Bin Laden. It has since become a name I will never forget. My classmates and I spent the day watching news coverage. Although we were still young, we knew the major personal impact this would have on our lives.
I grew up near Ft. Hood, Texas. My childhood house was literally 2 blocks away from post. That was the day the post closed, and traffic to post was backed up all the way through town. Friday's football game was accompanied by soldiers carrying firearms. Very close friends and family members were sent overseas. My high school graduation had soldiers posted outside of the building, as well as at every entrance/exit. We had a direct satellite connection to Iraq so the soldiers who had children graduating could see their child walk across the stage. They were able to talk to their kids after the ceremony. General Chiarelli even made a speech to the graduating class. He had a son who graduated with me.
I have a friend who's dad and brother both went overseas in the Army. Her brother flew home the same day as her dad flew out. I know a few people who have lost spouses, friends, and children.
I tend to think of this as a day K. will learn about in history class. She will be able to read, learn, and hear the stories related, but it will never have the same impact as it did to our class, to me.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Update
K. is doing MUCH, much better. We are home now, but she is on strict treatment with antibiotics, steroids, and breathing treatments.
Last night was extremely long. She had to sleep under an oxygen tent (a clear plastic box, basically) in order to keep her stats up. Every time she woke up she was terrified, so we pulled her out and comforted her. Her oxygen stats would drop at least 5-10% every time she was out of the box. She had a continuous oxygen monitor on her toe, and was hooked to the machine all night. Every time it dropped below 90 the VERY LOUD alarm would sound.
Her doctor came in this morning while K. was up and playing. He listened to her lungs, and cleared her to go home. I am still concerned that she will not breathe as well as she could tonight, but I am extremely glad to be home. My poor baby is now weary of anyone who is in scrubs, and has bruises at any point she has a visible vein. The nurses ended up putting 3 different IV's in (blown vein, IV falling out, etc.) and poked her many, many more times. She still did great, all things considered. I am very proud of how brave she was.
Last night was extremely long. She had to sleep under an oxygen tent (a clear plastic box, basically) in order to keep her stats up. Every time she woke up she was terrified, so we pulled her out and comforted her. Her oxygen stats would drop at least 5-10% every time she was out of the box. She had a continuous oxygen monitor on her toe, and was hooked to the machine all night. Every time it dropped below 90 the VERY LOUD alarm would sound.
Her doctor came in this morning while K. was up and playing. He listened to her lungs, and cleared her to go home. I am still concerned that she will not breathe as well as she could tonight, but I am extremely glad to be home. My poor baby is now weary of anyone who is in scrubs, and has bruises at any point she has a visible vein. The nurses ended up putting 3 different IV's in (blown vein, IV falling out, etc.) and poked her many, many more times. She still did great, all things considered. I am very proud of how brave she was.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Prayers
H. and I had to take K. to the ER yesterday afternoon. She had what seemed to be a cold for a few days. Wednesday she developed a cough. By Thursday she was having a hard time breathing. Her entire stomach was moving in and out with every breath.
She was diagnosed with pneumonia in the left lung. She is having breathing treatments several times a day, along with IV steroids. The doctor admitted her to the hospital from the ER.
She showed a ton of improvement last night, even getting up and playing. She is staying in a super cute room with all kinds of fish and Elmo on the walls, so she was loving that.
The pneumonia seems to be clearing up (tons of coughing, lots of mucus), but the doctors are very concerned with her oxygen levels. From what was explained to me, oxygen levels at her age need to be between 93 and 97%. When she was admitted hers were at 84%. She quickly rose to 95% by the time she went to bed, but overnight they dropped back into the 80's. She was again at 95% when she woke up.
They are concerned that it may do damage to her while she is asleep. We would greatly appreciate anyone who could send a prayer our way.
She was diagnosed with pneumonia in the left lung. She is having breathing treatments several times a day, along with IV steroids. The doctor admitted her to the hospital from the ER.
She showed a ton of improvement last night, even getting up and playing. She is staying in a super cute room with all kinds of fish and Elmo on the walls, so she was loving that.
The pneumonia seems to be clearing up (tons of coughing, lots of mucus), but the doctors are very concerned with her oxygen levels. From what was explained to me, oxygen levels at her age need to be between 93 and 97%. When she was admitted hers were at 84%. She quickly rose to 95% by the time she went to bed, but overnight they dropped back into the 80's. She was again at 95% when she woke up.
They are concerned that it may do damage to her while she is asleep. We would greatly appreciate anyone who could send a prayer our way.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Ike
We have had several plans cancelled this weekend. H. and I were going to leave K. with her grandma and head up to Southlake to go to The Melting Pot with a group of friends. We decided to reschedule after two people couldn't make it.
We were going to go to Six Flags in Arlington with a very close friend and her mom, but her mom broke her toe and decided against walking. I don't blame her - I would too! I even mentioned the zoo, just to get out of the house.
But, while we were being indecisive, our plans were made for us by someone (or someTHING) named Ike.
So, I guess this is a weekend full of movies, games, and computer time (and maybe some catching up on school work!). I'm just hoping that we are far enough north to escape the hurricane portion. A little rain won't hurt, but I'm not too sure I can handle a full blown hurricane.
We were going to go to Six Flags in Arlington with a very close friend and her mom, but her mom broke her toe and decided against walking. I don't blame her - I would too! I even mentioned the zoo, just to get out of the house.
But, while we were being indecisive, our plans were made for us by someone (or someTHING) named Ike.
So, I guess this is a weekend full of movies, games, and computer time (and maybe some catching up on school work!). I'm just hoping that we are far enough north to escape the hurricane portion. A little rain won't hurt, but I'm not too sure I can handle a full blown hurricane.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Damn you, Mario!
We bought a Wii about a year ago (used, with a few games included), and I never really got into it. H. surprised me with Wii Fit right after it came out, but I haven't really played it much.
We have multiple game systems (about 6!!), and I rarely play any of them.
And yet, I fell in love with Mario Cart on Wii. We've played it on the 64, but I didn't really get into it. See, I've always been one of those people who turn the controller when I am racing, thinking that it will help me move around the corner a little faster, or even stay on the track. With the new Mario Cart, you HAVE to turn the controller, just like a steering wheel of a car! In fact, if you buy the game as opposed to renting it, the wheel is packaged with the game.
So what is the problem? The fact that I stayed up till 2:00 am last night, forgot to do my reading for my class today, and I am already looking forward to playing again tonight!
Maybe I'll actually get some work done after the game goes back on Thursday!
We have multiple game systems (about 6!!), and I rarely play any of them.
And yet, I fell in love with Mario Cart on Wii. We've played it on the 64, but I didn't really get into it. See, I've always been one of those people who turn the controller when I am racing, thinking that it will help me move around the corner a little faster, or even stay on the track. With the new Mario Cart, you HAVE to turn the controller, just like a steering wheel of a car! In fact, if you buy the game as opposed to renting it, the wheel is packaged with the game.
So what is the problem? The fact that I stayed up till 2:00 am last night, forgot to do my reading for my class today, and I am already looking forward to playing again tonight!
Maybe I'll actually get some work done after the game goes back on Thursday!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Please Welcome...
Adrian Alexander! Born September 5.
9 lbs 13.8 oz. (yes, only 2.2 ounces shy of 10 lbs!!)
20 inches.
My SIL and baby are both doing great. There is even talk of them going home this afternoon!
Pics as soon as I get my camera back!
9 lbs 13.8 oz. (yes, only 2.2 ounces shy of 10 lbs!!)
20 inches.
My SIL and baby are both doing great. There is even talk of them going home this afternoon!
Pics as soon as I get my camera back!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
umm, hi.
I've been so busy that I've neglected the blog world! Sorry, so much to tell! I'll save time and list:
1. School started last week. My first professor started class by saying, "This is going to be a tough semester. Some of you won't make it." What positive energy!! *rolls eyes* So far everything has been going okay. K. and I are both adjusting to the change.
2. My job (the same as last year), was supposedly not going to be around this year. The department that ran the program was dissolved, so we planned on me not working this year. I got a phone call at 8:30 pm the night before school started telling me the program was a go. I decided not to do it full time (mostly because of a lack of time), but I am still working as a substitute.
3. Still no baby. Almost 2 weeks past due date. Still waiting.
4. I asked H. if we could put up Christmas lights last night. I was only partly kidding.
5. The most exciting news?? K. is potty training!! After her week long stomach virus, she started crying every time she peed or pooped in her pull ups. It took me a day, but I realized she started crying BEFORE she actually went. This led to 2 days of her sitting on the potty, crying, while I was trying to comfort her. Now, a week later, she has only had 3 accidents that I can remember. I'm so proud of her, and extremely glad I didn't listen to any advice on potty training. My theory was that it would be like everything else she has learned - on her own terms.
Oh, and the cutest thing happened yesterday. K. has an aunt, C, who is in the 3rd grade (yes its a big age gap between her and my husband!). C has been raised as an only child because her brother and sister are so much older and already out of the house. She was not used to sharing and having someone else play with her toys, so when K. was old enough to get into things there were quite a few battles ending with her smacking K.'s hand and telling her no. She was disciplined, but the adults always told her that she was going to be in trouble when K. got old enough to fight back (because she is tough!! lol). Yesterday C. took one of K.'s shoes without asking and got right in K.'s face asking questions. K. reached out and told her to "MOVE!" She accidentally (or maybe on purpose, I couldn't tell) hit her in the face. I know she learned to do that because we tell the dogs to move when they get in our faces.
C. did run off crying, because her feelings were hurt. Her mom went to talk to her, and try to make her realize that K. is a person and not a baby doll that she can only play with when she wants and be mean when she doesn't.
1. School started last week. My first professor started class by saying, "This is going to be a tough semester. Some of you won't make it." What positive energy!! *rolls eyes* So far everything has been going okay. K. and I are both adjusting to the change.
2. My job (the same as last year), was supposedly not going to be around this year. The department that ran the program was dissolved, so we planned on me not working this year. I got a phone call at 8:30 pm the night before school started telling me the program was a go. I decided not to do it full time (mostly because of a lack of time), but I am still working as a substitute.
3. Still no baby. Almost 2 weeks past due date. Still waiting.
4. I asked H. if we could put up Christmas lights last night. I was only partly kidding.
5. The most exciting news?? K. is potty training!! After her week long stomach virus, she started crying every time she peed or pooped in her pull ups. It took me a day, but I realized she started crying BEFORE she actually went. This led to 2 days of her sitting on the potty, crying, while I was trying to comfort her. Now, a week later, she has only had 3 accidents that I can remember. I'm so proud of her, and extremely glad I didn't listen to any advice on potty training. My theory was that it would be like everything else she has learned - on her own terms.
Oh, and the cutest thing happened yesterday. K. has an aunt, C, who is in the 3rd grade (yes its a big age gap between her and my husband!). C has been raised as an only child because her brother and sister are so much older and already out of the house. She was not used to sharing and having someone else play with her toys, so when K. was old enough to get into things there were quite a few battles ending with her smacking K.'s hand and telling her no. She was disciplined, but the adults always told her that she was going to be in trouble when K. got old enough to fight back (because she is tough!! lol). Yesterday C. took one of K.'s shoes without asking and got right in K.'s face asking questions. K. reached out and told her to "MOVE!" She accidentally (or maybe on purpose, I couldn't tell) hit her in the face. I know she learned to do that because we tell the dogs to move when they get in our faces.
C. did run off crying, because her feelings were hurt. Her mom went to talk to her, and try to make her realize that K. is a person and not a baby doll that she can only play with when she wants and be mean when she doesn't.
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