It seems I have gotten a bit lazy with pictures and posts. This will explain the hash of mixed up images below. There are holiday pictures, outings, snow days, and snaps from our trip to the beach. I will have to say that Theo is really enjoying a proper winter this year with plenty of snowball fights, sledding, and general icy melee. As you will see, we escaped to Gulf Shores, AL after Christmas. The temperature was in the 60's mostly, but Theo managed to find his way into the water. Near the end of our daily walks he would get closer and closer to the surf and end up knee-deep, taunting the waves and the forces of nature. Predictably, nature knocked him on his butt quite comically more than a few times during these contests. After two weeks of relaxation, games, surf, and sand Theo was ready to come back for a romp in the snow. Funny thing, the weather. We pulled up to 60 degrees in Indiana in January. But no worries, it is in the 20's now. We are just missing that blanket of white that makes the dreary, dark days fun again. That's right, we are waiting for snow and lots of it. Or maybe some sun to brighten the freezing mud around here. Am I missing the warm beach? I think a little bit. So now that you are thoroughly sick of reading about my seasonal disorder (tiny violin playing), I will move onto a quick recap of the what's happened and what may be.
We enjoyed our many family visits aver the holidays, and are thankful for those that travelled from D.C., California, and Lafayette to celebrate with us. I have to put this out there- the teddy bear that Barbara gave Theo (and his cousins) with it's hand-knitted sweater has become the source of post-bedtime conversation. That is, Theo (alone in his room) carries on a 3 to 4 person/creature dialogue in which big bear is dominant. He sleeps with it every night, and it is just too cute. He has also used Christmas money to buy or received as gifts 4 more lego sets (LOTR Shelob, Gandalf and his cart, army guys with hummer, and star wars). He loves these teeny tiny sets, and they are amazingly staying intact through many transitions of building and deconstruction. Hours of entertainment is all I can say. Thanks to all for the thoughtful gifts and hours of gab.
As for what may be, we are currently looking at some Montessori schools for Theo. He is progressing well with his academics at home, but I want to get him into a more structured social environment so he is ready for elementary school when the time comes. If I can get a job at his school then I may keep him there past Kindergarten, as the discount would be worth taking an assistant position versus a lead teacher position in a regular preschool. Plus, I am really interested in getting a Montessori accreditation in the future, so if the stars align...... Theo in school and going back into the workforce will be a huge change, but change is the condition of life. Theo can't be little forever, and frankly I am enjoying this older more thoughtful version of him. I wouldn't mind being in an adult environment as well, of course centered on kids, but with other grown-ups around. What I will miss is waking up at 8 am, having all my housework squared away by lunch, then having time to bake and make homemade dinners by 5 pm. Yeah, change....we will adapt. Who knows what the future will bring. For now, I am hoping it will bring a snowstorm and a good day of sledding!
