First Days of School 2014

I cannot believe this summer has past so quickly. As it finally comes to a close, the beginning of a new school year begins. With the craziness that always comes with the beginning of a year, I did have to steal a few moments with my sweeties as baby girl would be moving to a new big girl room. I cannot believe how BIG she's getting. And look at those shoes! They are just too cute. Here is a picture of baby and Mommy's first day of school for the 2014-2015 school year. I can't imagine what our end of the year picture will look like. May this year be filled with lots of excitement, exploration, and adventure!

So here are some fun pictures of my classroom. Welcome to Super First!

I am excited for another fun year in first grade! I am so passionate about teaching and love my job! But this year, my biggest prayer would be to find balance between mommy, wife, and teacher.... and know that God will continue to guide me daily.

I am thankful for these fabulous Super Heroes! I teach! What's your super power?

Shoe La-La

Shoe La-La... they're everywhere!
{Oh how we love that book! It's one of our Zellner favorites.}

Aubrey began to take her first steps at 9 months, but it wasn't until she was 10 months that she's really taken off. On Monday, she will be moving into the next room as she's grown out of the baby room and moving to a big girl room. She'll be with one year olds and up which means 1 nap, probably more bites (even from her I'm sure), and of course many more boo-boo reports. But I'm happy about the change. I know this will be a wonderful opportunity for her to grow, learn, and explore. I'm a little nervous too, but know this is developmentally the best decision for her. So tonight, we pulled out our big girl shoes and went a walk'n as her new room requires shoes. Oh how she loves to put the shoes in her mouth. Yes I know mom of the year, right?!? But you could absolutely tell she was a bit confused as to why they were on her feet. She awkwardly lifted each foot as a weight had been added. I mean truly her poor shoes were probably so heavy. Live and learn. Next babe we will definitely start shoes a bit earlier if necessary. Anyway, I can't get enough of her sweet smiles in these pictures. My baby is getting so big but we are loving every minute of it.

First Day of School 2014

This past Tuesday was bittersweet my girl. This morning, after an early morning play time and breakfast, I got you ready for school. Today would be your first day back to school for the new school year. I knew that you would have such a fun day with your sweet little friends. You do so well playing with others. I expected you to be a bit of a handful for your teachers as the last time you were at daycare you were merely pulling up and cruising around the furniture. How summer has changed you sweet girl. You are up, down, and every where in between. You walk so much more each day and are becoming more and more sure of your little self. You surely can chug along. This does not mean that you don't fall because you have become pretty good at that too. I was also excited because I knew this would be a quick day. The plan was to drop you off a little later this morning and pick you up after your nap. We had a pool date to attend.

Sadly, after an accident on our first day, I was so thankful to enjoy many baby cuddles. Per my facebook status, "When days are hard, I just remember that I get to come home to this. I love this girl."

So here's to our year ahead. May you continue to explore, make sweet friendships, have as few boo-boo reports as possible (out of my control, I know), laugh, and grow. Know that mommy and daddy love you more than words, and may we always come home to this. Happy first day my lovey!
.....
Also a fun little update. You will be moving rooms on August 25th!

Splash Pad Family Funday

This Saturday, our little family decided to enjoy a Splash Pad Family Funday at Fairview. It was a beautiful 90 degree Saturday, much more tame than the typical triple digit summer we are used to here. After a good morning nap by the babe and a lunch at home, we packed a small bag, brought our swimming and splash pad necessities, and made our way out.

Poor babe was a bit untrusting of the water that splashed up through the small holes in the ground. She would reach her hand out a bit until it hit her and it was all over at that point. She had a strong grip on my hand the whole time.

 {Zellner Family Funday}

After a bit of splashing around in the water, we found a nice spot in the shade to play. Aubrey liked this idea a bit better as she watched the kids play in the water. She found a perfect spot near daddy.

 

I sure do love these sweeties! I am thankful for these sweet little moments as summer comes to a close.

My Sunshine & Beautiful Bow Baby!

 

You are my Sunshine. My only Sunshine. You make me happy...

I absolutely love when Aubrey wakes up from her naps. Well maybe not when they are under thirty minutes... but anytime she takes a good nap... this is what I get. I can't get enough of this sweet smile and two tooth grin. Every time she wakes up, we have a little routine. I pick her up, ask for my morning hugs, turn off the humidifier, and open the blinds to see the day God has made. My favorite part of our routine is when "we sing" You are my Sunshine. She usually rubs her fingers on the blades of the blinds and pulls on the curtains while babbling and I sing. I get my biggest smiles in the morning/naptime. It is definitely something that will melt your mama heart for sure. Well today has been very special. I have had some fun baby play time and some pretty amazing naps (obviously as I'm having time to write this;) Today is my last full day with Aubrey for the summer. It has been such a fun summer. While tomorrow will be difficult as I prepare for school and she spends her days at daycare, I am so thankful for the sweet time we shared this summer with each other and with sweet friends and family. It was so fun to share it with my sunshine!

 

Today was a lot of fun. I will be honest and say that I did totally stage this little photo session. She had gotten into the bows, so I of course had to change into this adorable onesie that reads, So many bows, so little hair! It was too cute. Here are a few pictures from my mid day iphone photo session.

 

 {My girl LOVES her pearls}

{My beautiful bow baby}

During our afternoon play time, I kept hugging our stuffties. I first modeled it, and then would pass the toys to Aubrey. This picture is my absolute favorite! I hugged Penelope (the pup) and then gave it to her. I asked her to give it a hug. Seriously could this be any cuter?!?!

{Auby's hugs}

 

For lunch we had an assortment of food options for Auby girl. Honestly I was running low on several things so I just gave her a little bit of everything. She had pasta, yogurt, fruit, and veggies. Her favorite were the veggies.

For some reason eating peas and carrots dumped onto the table were much more appetizing than the ones on her tray.

It's been a good day for sure. I'm looking forward to our next time of play. I wish you all a wonderful week ahead.

Saying Good-bye to our Furbabe

August 3rd has so many bitter sweet feelings for me. I have tried to write this post for what seems like forever as I knew this day would be coming. It just came quicker than I had expected or even wanted. Even now I know it was the right decision but one that was very heavy hearted for us. After seven amazing years of adventures, Toby, our sweet first furbabe, has found a new forever home. Sadly over the years, he has exhibited territorial issues with Mattie, but it wasn't until he started showing signs toward Auby that it became real. He really does love Aubrey. She was his favorite little friend, especially when it came to meal time. But it was something that we couldn't risk. After a small little incident at home, I knew it was sadly time to say good-bye. Ray had sent information and posts about him, but sadly nothing was available. We weren't just going to send him away to just anyone as it had to be the perfect situation. He was our first baby. How could I just give him to anyone. It wasn't but a few weeks later, maybe a month, that Ray received a call. The gentleman let us know that he and his wife had recently lost their beagle, Molly, due to cancer. I couldn't imagine the heart break of a loss of what is like a family member. After much conversation, Ray couldn't imagine a more perfect home and family. The next day, Toby was introduced to the couple. They were so loving. I couldn't bring myself to go but am so thankful that Ray could. We had Toby for the rest of the week. I enjoyed our daily cuddles. Toby really is my sweet baby. Our home just wouldn't be right for him. That Sunday after church, Ray took him to his new home. I cried for what seemed like forever. It was so hard to say good-bye even though I know he would be exactly where he needed to be. All I could ever ask is for him to find a home where he is loved and is happy. The family was so excited they even brought home another little beagle girl named Belle. As explained to us, the two are getting along great and they are loving him. I still wonder if he misses us, but I know it was the right decision. We love you sweet Toby!

Aubrey & Cassidy Play Date Fun & Photo Sesh

A few weeks ago, Auby and I enjoyed a fun afternoon play date with Hue, my teacher friend, and her sweet daughter, Cassidy. Aubrey and Cassidy are about four months apart in age. I absolutely love seeing these sweet girls together and am so excited to watch them grow up together as well. Hue and I work together in first grade. I am so thankful for our friendship. It was so fun being the two preggo mamas at our school. It kept our team interesting;) I have added a few pictures of our afternoon together for my enjoyment.  So here's to fun baby play times, fun friendships, delicious lunch dates, and good friendly catch up. And... there is nothing sweeter than adorable babies and sweet friendships.

 



ENGAGE Sunday and Back to School Rally 2014

Yesterday, my family and I served at our church's ENGAGE Sunday and Back to School Rally. It was a wonderful opportunity to show God's love for his children. Within our church, we provided a carnival for the children and families, school supplies,  as well as other needed services for the upcoming year. More importantly, we shared the Gospel and how God is working in our lives. For the past few years, my role within the church for these larger scale events is to coordinate our interpreters. I have loved serving in this capacity and absolutely enjoy working with the teachers, volunteers, and church members that work as interpreters. They are so generous of their time. I am truly thankful for their willingness to serve as well as to work alongside of them.

 



{My interpreter Check-in location at the ENGAGE center}

 

This year, I enlisted the help of a few of my ABF members and dear friends. I am so thankful for Erin, Richard, Anna, and my husband. I truly could not have completed this task without them. It was also so fun to see many of our ABF members who would be hosting at the event. Their role as hosts was such an integral job to help build relationships with these wonderful families. I have included a few pictures of our sweet friends and ABF members for your enjoyment.

 {Erin and I with our sweet lady babes}

{Richard & Ray}

{The Goodings, Ogles, Anna, & Katy}

This was truly a night of celebration for our church. I am so thankful for a church that continues to serve both globally as well as locally. It will be so fun to grow these relationships over the years and watch how God continues to move and grow us in our journeys.

Aubrey's Month-iversary Series: 10 Months

Dear Auby, 
Ten months have passed since the day you were born. It amazes me that I am already planning first birthday party ideas. As I say each month, you are so fun sweet girl. I love your laughs, babbles, morning hugs, sloppy kisses, the way you've picked up on pointing at the light in the mornings, the way "we sing" you are my sunshine as we open the blinds each morning, your mini walking feet, and all of the things that make you our Auby. Today has been both so fun and so sad all in the same 24 hour period. On this day, while pictures do NOT show it, you are under the weather. With a fever of 101.5, I am just praying for your new teeth to make their debut. But with all that being said, I've enjoyed our sweet cuddles today even with a side of fussiness and snot. Happy Ten Months sweet little. I hope you enjoy this new month. I can't wait to see what you'll be up to next.

This picture was taken in the early AM. Mommy had to go to a first grade team meet up while daddy ended up working from home and staying with you. I am so thankful that he was able to stay and play but it was just a reminder that our summer days are coming to a close. It makes mommy's heart sad, but I know you'll enjoy being with your baby friends this next school year. And a count down for our next holiday is already in the works. Enjoy all of your sweet updates baby girl. Mommy and Daddy are so proud!

Date: 8/7/2014
Age: Ten Months
Measurements: Our last measurements were taken at 9 months. If our scale was working, I'd check, but for now... I'm still assuming around 18 or 19 pounds.

Clothing: You are still wearing 9 month clothing exclusively. We are so thankful for all of the sweet donations we have been given from friends. It is fun to see you in sweet little outfits that our friends had previously worn. Mommy still loves your cute dresses and bows. A little onesie favorite I have reads, So many bows... and so little hair. It is so true:) Well I also hate to say it, but you have officially found your bows. If I put it on quickly and then give you a toy, it will distract you and I have a chance of the bow staying on. As soon as you realize it, you pull it from your head. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you grow out of this one or your hair will grow so I can go ahead and put those cute little piggies in your hair. In regards to clothing, you prefer spending your days in a diaper or onesie.
Eating:  You are officially off purees. Your daddy and I had so much fun making your food for you sweet girl. Now you eat pretty much what mommy and daddy eat. Your favorites are fruits and veggies as we think you like the color. But other fun foods you are eating this month include turkey dogs, pasta, rice, beans, potatoes- the regular and sweet kind, waffles, yogurt, sliced deli meats, turkey burgers, eggs, turkey bacon (wow lots of turkey in this list), fruits- blueberries and grapes are your current favorites, veggies, and so many more. I love that you really enjoy food... except when you are sick. You love when we feed you from a big spoon and think it is so funny. Mommy still breaks your food up into super small pieces. As a new-ish mama, I still am so worried about you choking. You hoard your food and are a little chipmunk but have made yourself choke a few times... so mama's heart is a little on edge if the pieces are too big. I guess we'll have to live and learn in this department. In addition to food, you are still drinking water from a sippy cup and hold your own bottle. You drink 4 oz in the AM, eat breakfast, take a 6oz bottle before your first nap at 9:30, eat lunch, take a bottle before your second nap around 2:30, snack, dinner around 6, and a bedtime bottle at 8:00. I love when I feed you a bottle. When you are done, you turn your body and wrap your arms around me so I can cuddle you before bed. It is one of my many favorite things that you do! 

 

This month we also had our first Mommy/Daughter lunch date at Jason's Deli. I really enjoyed your sweet company.

Sleeping: I would have to say, you really are a pretty good sleeper. Your naps have been a bit shorter than the beginning of the summer, but you do well and go down pretty easily. You take two naps a day and then go to bed between 7:30 and 8. You are our earlier riser. 6AM is usually your wake up time this summer, but since you've been sick and are waking up every few hours, you have been pushing that to 7AM. I just hope that you start to feel better and go back to being our great sleeper. We are about to start daycare again which means your poor sleep/eating routine will be rocked a bit. I'm hoping the transition won't be too hard on you. You don't always sleep at daycare so I'll be interested in seeing how it goes. We are just thankful that you are so happy and do so well even without a ton of sleep.

New Activities and Random Tidbits:
- You are constantly on the move.
- You took your first steps on 7.20.14 and are walking about 30-40% of the time.
- You turned the light off in your bedroom by yourself on 7.12.14. we do this together every morning so it was so fun to see how proud of yourself you were;)
- first boo boo bite at church on 7.13.14. A little boy bit you and I don't think I've ever seen your daddy sadder:(
- We participated in Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a with our Fantlet friends. You enjoyed your first kids meal.
- You can wave bye-bye and hello on command (this of course if you chose to do so;)
- We visited our Alabama family for a week.
- You had your first plane ride.
- You rub my hand when you eat.
- You like to take the backing off of the remote.
- Learned how to make a clicking sound from Aunt Tassie
- You now have a game where you will share toys with us but then quickly want them back.
- You love to put your hands in our mouth (gross I know)
- We are still working on high fives and pointing. You will raise your hand to the light. We do this every morning.
- Mommy and Daddy cannot wait for your new teeth to make their debut. We believe these two will be on the bottom which goes against the norm. I'm unsure if your top two are working their way in as well? You had your highest fever so far (101.5). I know this isn't that high, but it's the highest one you've had and I'm not a fan.
- You can hold an object in each hand and clap them together.
- You love making noise with objects. While you have so many options of toys, your typical favorites are plastic lids, paper plates, shoes, dog bowls (if we let you) and anything you probably shouldn't have
- We have had lots of baby play dates and even went to our first Tiny Tots and Tunes at the church.
- You can shake your head yes.
- Your "words and sounds" include ba ba (bottle), ma-ma (me), da-da, bubba. You also make lots of sounds. I love that it seems like you want to "talk" to me.
 - Oh how you love technology and things that Mommy and Daddy love. You love our phones, computers, my chapstick, and shoes (gross again)
- We have definitely seen your fussy side. You have learned to fuss when you don't get what you want. It's so funny to see all of your sides as it means you are growing and learning to communicate with us for sure.
- You laugh when we tell you no :(
- You loved feeding Toby your food.
- We said good-bye to our first furbabe, Toby. He found a new forever home:( While this was one of the hardest decisions that Mommy has ever made, we knew it was the best and safest decision for our growing family.

- You can raise your right eye brow. The left is questionable. This is such a Zellner behavior.
- We still love our babytv this month. You enjoy watching all of the fun little shows.
- This month we have enjoyed lots of fun "beach" days with friends. This past trip, you crawled in the water and even walked hand in hand with mommy and daddy on either side. It was one of the best moments of Mommy's month for sure.

Likes: toys in your mouth, lion walker, petting Mattie, our phones, computers, chapstick, drinking water with a straw, eating big girl food, putting your hands behind your head when you sleep, playing with our car keys, hearing your own voice, babytv, yogurt dates,


Dislikes: being sick, ear infections, teething, sitting still, diaper and changing clothes, waiting for food especially a bottle, being held when you want to be put down, nap time when you aren't ready, car carriers- it's hot, saying good-bye to Toby, taking away our keys, Nose-Frieda or anything to do with your nose.

We are so in love sweet baby and love watching you grow! (but please slow down a bit...)

Watch Aubrey grow!

August Activities 2014

{Beach Days with our Fantlet Friends}

...

Summer has come and almost gone. With August as our new month, we wanted to enjoy our last few days of summer fun with family and friends. With beach days, lunch excursions, baby play date fun, and so much more, I dedicate this post to our August Activities 2014.
 

{Mommy/Daughter Lunch Date at Jason's Deli 8.5.14}

 

I had originally planned on a lunch date with several of my teacher friends. Sadly due to work schedules, we were unable. It was fun getting out and enjoying a lunch date on our own. I can't wait to continue these little outings as baby girl gets bigger.



 {Love our afternoon play times and roaring like Lions}

 

 {Creative Play Time Toys} 

 {This is the life!

Dancing at the Zellner Casa}

 {Backseat Patty-cake fun!}

 {A is for Apple- Auby's Arts & Crafts.

I love her little piggies as apple seeds}

Auby Letters: Saying Good-bye SSAHM

Dear sweetest daughter,

I have to say that you make my heart smile more times that I could ever count. You continue to amaze me daily and I could not imagine our lives without our little. I love my job as a mama. It is the greatest and most special job in the entire world. I love having my summers off so that I may stay home with you sweet girl and enjoy a summer as a stay at home mama. We have so much fun together. I love that your little personality continues to grow each day. Your new faces, new sounds, loud screams:), sweet hugs, open mouth kisses, and new play toys continue to make me laugh and love you even more.  





As summer grows to a close, my heart is aching a little bit more each time. I know that I am so lucky as not every mom gets to have this opportunity, which I remind myself constantly. But it still doesn't make leaving you any easier. Will it be hard to say good-bye to you next Tuesday as you go back to daycare and I prepare for school next week? The answer is obvious. I know that you will be so good and enjoy your sweet days with friends. You will find great adventures while crawling/walking around in your new environment. I'm keeping my fingers crossed you are moving up in rooms as you are no longer a little baby. But for this next week, I'm going to enjoy the adorable newness in all of your new exploration... even if that means chasing you down and kindly guiding your hand away from chords, the fireplace, and stray dog hairs. So as I write this while you are sleeping, for today I'm leaving the house an absolute mess and can't wait to see you in an hour when you wake up. So while I'll be saying good-bye to my summer as a SSAHM (Summer Stay At Home Mommy), I will be enjoying all of our sweet time together! Bring on the hugs, the sloppy kisses, and even those loud baby screams. I love you sweet girl!

Jewels of July 2014

These are a few of my Facebook, iphone, and instagram jewels in July. Enjoy! 

Our babe is ready for church

So thankful the hubs could send me sweet pictures such as this one on his daddy daycare/work from home day since I was at teacher training. Love and missed this sweet face!

 Mommy, I said no nap... I'm too busy roaring like a lion.

 Baby Bestities and Fantlet hang out

 Dropping off baby girl for mommy and daddy date night. I sure love this daddy and daughter love!

 Sweet baby and mama play date with Erin and Miss Eva Mae

 

I wonder what sweet jewels we will find for the month of August.