Remember what I predicted?

about walking first versus talking first?

First Steps from Kari on Vimeo.

So, today we were packing to go to visit Howie's other grandparents, the ones on the farm. I'm anticipating a big week for him, meeting new family he's never met. I'm also anticipating a week with no internet.

But in other news, it's spring break! And it certainly didn't come a week too soon! Time is counting down on my AP students' time, and on mine. Four weeks, essentially, and I'm free--free--free!!!! I mean, yeah, I still need to show up to work and all, but the stress is off. I don't need to show up at 6:30 anymore, I can show up at 7:00. You wouldn't think that's a huge difference, but trust me. It makes a huuuuge difference in terms of resentment. Not that I don't love my job, because... okay, well, I at least still LIKE it most days.

Now please excuse me, because I'm going to go watch that video again. Those last ten seconds, where Howie sees me, really sees me, and finds me worth the extra effort of walking to? Make me all gushy inside. Today, a friend's two-year-old, who's met me, like, twice, pointed at me and said, "She's someone's mama." That's right, kiddo, I am. I'm other things too--teacher, wife, Joan-Jett-karaokeing-fool--but I'm Howie's mama, and that's better than I'd ever imaginined.

New skills

Things are busy here. Gone are the days where you can just plop the little man in a bouncy chair and gurgle at him.

They say that babies either walk or talk first... and I know where Howie's placed his money.

Stairs from Kari Hay on Vimeo.

It involves a lot of following him around like his personal valet.

Coming back

This past week. I tell you. How did your week go? That bad?

Here's how to tell if your week was as bad as my week.

Wednesday, I was standing in front of my class of 32 sophomores when I felt something on my foot. I looked down.

It was my skirt. Around my ankles. NOT, as it were, around my waist, where--I'm told--skirts normally reside, in the everyday working of things.

Did you find out that your lower half of your clothing was NOT covering your privates? While standing in front of a room of teenagers?

No?

Then YOUR week was not as bad as it could have been.