More phrases learned at school...

Soooo.... Last night I put Christian in the tub, because he was filthy, as all five year old boys get. So about fifteen minutes into his bath he says, super loud I might add, "Oh SNAPS!" He even snapped his fingers to emphasize his point. I asked him where he learned that and he said his friend at school says that. So now, he is using his new expressions, hot dog, and oh snaps, regularly. I'm glad he's talking better, and not swearing! Of all the things he could pick up at school, oh snaps is not bad!

Hot Dog

So, me and Christian were in the car on the way home last night and he discovered some combos that I had put in the back seat for him to snack on. When he saw them he said "Well, hot dog!" As an expression... Seriously, who besides your grampa says that! He told me his teacher at school says it, it cracked me up. He may never say it again, because I laughed so hard!

How I got a kid...

I have many people ask me how Christian came to be such a big part of my life and so I thought I'd just share part of the story.

When my sister was pregnant she was pretty sure she wasn't in a position to be able to raise a baby. Her and my parents asked me if I'd like to raise him. I wasn't sure it was something I could handle. I said no at the time, but that I would be a very involved auntie. So, for the next year and a half, that's what I did. I lived with a friend of mine and just lived my life. Christian spent a lot of time with me, several days a week and usually two weekends a month. I loved it.

I got to a place in my life where I didn't have a job, I didn't know what was going to happen. I know now that it was God getting me to move back in with my family and take much more of a part in Christian's life. I also got a job, that I still have after I moved back in. I love being a bigger part of Christian's life now, but it was definately a transition. I had to take time to get to the place where I didn't just consider myself his Aunt, but moved up to a mother figure. He still calls me Tia, for auntie but sometimes calls me mom too. If he ever got to the place where he wanted to just call me one or the other that would be fine with me.

Another part of my journey was dealing with the negativity from others. Right from the time Jessica got pregnant people have been rude and condescending. It's hard for me sometimes to ignore the gossip and bad stuff that goes around about people I love. I think I may have been hurt more by it than she was!

I love that my family let me take this role in his life. I love getting him on the bus in the morning, shopping for clothes for him, caring for his needs, and all the little day to day stuff. I will never take for granted this gift that God gave me. I dont' care anymore if everyone understands. He is my child, I love him just like any parent loves their child. I'd like to say I love him more, but I'm sure every parent feels that way.

Anyways, that's it in a nutshell. There is obviously more details, but that's all I think most people need to know. Just that I love him, he's mine, and that's how I hope it always stays.

My Job

So, I've been thinking about how lucky I am that I get to do a job that I LOVE! It's the best job. I play all day. I even get to clean a little when I'm lucky! I love that I get fun times like when the boys learn something new. Or when the baby smiles when he recognizes me. I like that I have the freedom to be home for my little boy in the evenings. I like that Christian has a  wonderful grandma who will stay with him till I get home. I like that I get built in friends for Christian with my job. I like that if I'm having an off day and feeling bad about myself, I can take the boys for a walk and teach them something and see them learn. I could do without the crabby crying days but I know that even those are teaching them something!

Jumping on the bandwagon

Not sure how often I'll do this, but thought I'd start one up anyways. I need a creative outlet! This is me taking Christian golfing! He loved it. I wasn't sure how well he would do controlling the ball. Those of you that know him know that at times he can be "spirited" :) But he did so good, he loved it! We even did the driving range afterwards because he had such a good time!