Celebrating the Every Day

Parenting is living in the past present and future simultaneously. I cannot look at one of my children without seeing them as a baby, they way they are now and also thinking about who they grow to be. So moments, especially milestone moments are etched in my brain as my feelings run deep. Ultimately, this incredible honor of mothering is temporary and permanent. These children are only borrowed, not mine to keep, yet forever first in my heart. They are doing exactly what they are designed to do; grow and love and live independent of me.

Ty scored a much needed win at school this week as he was able to take Max, his robot to class as part of their robotics unit. He wrote a presentation so he would cover several of Max's skills quickly. Watching him prepare for his show and tell highlighted his angst toward school. Friday was the first time in six weeks he didn't cry about going. I know a lot of kids fail to enjoy school but his feelings haven't changed in five years despite being well liked. His emotions have created some challenging moments, to say the least.

Lauren and Taylor had to rehome one of their dogs. After a few years of on-going investment into training and behaviorists, the littermate syndrome became too much for them to navigate safely around Austin. The process was gutwretching for them. However, after a few months of actively seeking the right placement, they drove all night Thursday night to our house so they would be here Friday to allow Cheech's new owner to meet him and take him home. Our animal loving kids are heartbroken. So we spent what little time we had together loving on them and feeding them well. Despite the reason they got to spend two days with us and the thirty-six hours they spent driving to make it happen, we loved seeing them.

Austin had an ear infection upon arrival so we squeezed in a quick appointment and pharmacy run immediately after I got home from school on Friday. No sooner than Greg returned home from work than Erin called with a broken down vehicle again. Unfortunately she too is discovering how much fun "adulting" is usually. But once we had everyone here for dinner, the laughter and chaos were exactly what we all needed. Our tribe is loud and hilarious.

Austin says, "bye you!" when leaving or hanging up the phone. It's his version of,  "bye, I love you". It's adorable and now we all say it.

September

Ty's archery club resumed last week and he enjoyed being back even though he didn't shoot as well as expected.

Kate was teasing Ty and calling him by his middle name, David. She then said it would be strange if people called her by her middle name and he questioned, "Bug?" We have always called her Kate Bug, not realizing he didn't know it is a nickname.

Kate was my travel buddy this weekend for an overnight trip to Dayton to take Ethan's Senior photos. As usual, Chris and Kristin spoiled us with amazing food. Kate is by far my easiest kid to take along on any adventure or outing and I am glad we had the time together.

We made a stop by the cemetery before heading home. Ryan has been heavy on my heart lately so it was important for me to have a few quiet moments to gather my thoughts. Because he is buried in an infant only area of the cemetery, we always discover new toys hidden among tree branches or displayed upon the bench that designates a memorial location. This time someone left an Army man collection and for whatever reason, it made me smile.

As of Saturday morning,  Erin is finally fully moved into her condo. Ada joined her Saturday as well. So once we returned from Dayton, we purged the attic and made donations of the things we haven't used in years. It felt good to eliminate the clutter and deeply clean the house after weeks of living in transition.  However, since I was already in the attic and in cleaning mode, the fall decor made it's way into the house. Makenna has complaints. I have failed to care.

The girls are both taking college classes around two jobs. Makenna is pursuing elementary education and Erin is furthering her degree in health care. One of them is in a math class at the moment. Bet you can't guess which one. 

Life as we know it

Makenna packed for her sister every day this week, anxious to reclaim her room. Sister was a little brutal about the process but given Erin's insane schedule, the jump start was required.

Ty and I took Kate's bible study time for a needed haircut Monday. The boy is only making it three weeks between cuts because his hair is so heavy and thick. He is picture day ready for next week. We had enough time to play in a park afterward and perform the floss for the surveillance video at Walgreens too. Smile.

Tuesday Erin woke to both a flat tire and a dead car battery. On Thursday, night she broke down on the way home. Adulting is fun. And expensive.

Unrelated photo of our adorable grandson saying "cheese". This baby is pure joy.

Ty decided to drop cross country this year after only a few weeks of practice due to ongoing breathing issues, dizziness and nausea. We had an appointment scheduled to discuss testing his lung capacity with his pediatrician on Wednesday and we are glad that appointment was in place when he spiked a fever and the all too familiar strep blisters arrived Tuesday night. So on my second week at work, I had a sick kid I couldn't send to a friend's house. This time Greg was able to work from home and then Makenna's  boyfriend, Noah covered the second day but if my kids could stay healthy, that would be great. This episode of strep marks the fourth in eighteen months but he doesn't snore and his tonsils aren't large so we aren't visiting an ear nose and throat specialist yet.

I recall and wish I'd photographed it in the moment but Makenna loved the manatee exhibit in the Columbus Zoo when she was a preschooler. She used to sit forward in her stroller with her hands under her chin as she quietly observed the gentle giants in the tank before her. After several quiet minutes, she would comment, "they like salad, just like me." This memory returned Wednesday evening after my son looked the doctor in the eye and declared he wasn't eating vegetables even if they helped keep him from getting strep throat. I silently willed the doctor to look away so I could play whack-a-mole on his head.

Friday on my way to lunch, Ty's teacher locked eyes with me and started laughing. I hesitated and then asked about the morning. She assured me Ty was doing well and had filled her in on all his adventures from his sick days. I commented we'd had a tough morning because he was pretty sure he wasn't going to school and I was certain he was. She laughed, "oh I know, I have heard all about it". At that moment, I put  my hand up and declared it was not necessary for her to share what he had to say because I just didn't want to know. After school I received an email from his other teacher that simply stated she loves him and his stories amuse her. Again, I don't want to know. Ignorance is bliss.

Saturday morning the girls and I slipped away to our favorite consignment shop and I scored some vintage Eastland penny loafers in perfect condition for twelve dollars. I haven't decided if they need pennies in the toe box like they did when I was a kid. But the purchase was a fun trip down memory lane and I will be wearing them soon. Fall was in the air today.

After a church picnic Saturday afternoon, Greg smoked the pork belly he's been curing for a week and then we ended the gorgeous day with s'mores as a family.

It should be noted as I completed my second full week of work, I adore my Kindergarten class. Those little stinkers amuse me, exhaust me and have stolen my heart.

Dust

When explaining my life this week to a close friend, I casually mentioned the microwave cart and office chair hanging out in my living room and she understood. I am the woman who can't live with a tabletop Christmas tree in my living room for more than two weeks because it feels like clutter. I have been cleaning around items that have no purpose in my living room for several days because Erin is still in renovation mode with her condo and is therefore also in transition as she ever so slowly moves out. I am waiting on literal dust to settle.

My first full week of work was well, full. I love my kindergarten friends and the job itself. Navigating the grownups I work with will take more time but I have discovered some pretty sweet ladies in the lounge at lunch. Given how long most have been working together, making deeper connections will take some time and I need to trust the process to work out organically. 

On Wednesday I had my first taste of mom guilt as I sent Kate to a friend's house for the day due to an asthmatic flare. I am grateful to have someone willing to love on my kids in my place when needed. I just wasn't expecting to need her my fourth day. 

Ty fell apart this week as the stress of a new school year piled up. Learning fourth grade expectations and teacher's personalities on top of the work load made for a couple long tearful nights. Kate also woke anxious and unable to sleep one night which led to a pretty tearful morning. This year, it took longer than usual for it to fully manifest but we survived and once the new routine is fully ironed out, the figurative dust will settle too. 

Makenna has enrolled in classes at Ivy Tech to earn a lot of her basic credits before diving into IUS. She is looking most forward to her introduction to teaching class. She thinks elementary education will be her career path after taking a year to decide. She too is adjusting to a new job with unique personalities and expectations.  We Baughmans don't love change and take time to adjust. Plans to move out are on hold so she can afford to get an education. She is looking forward to unloading a roommate who is bringing more and more items for her condo into their shared room. It looks like an episode of hoarders up there.

My parents arrived to further assist Erin's flooring installation as I was leaving town for the Women of Joy conference in Indy. I agreed to this trip months before I knew I would be working and Erin would be needing our help. I considered backing out more times than I can count because leaving this mess felt like I was neglecting my family. However, Greg stood firm and insisted I go as planned despite me having to drive separately from my group to accommodate my work schedule. The stress melted away once I was settled into my seat which made all the chaos worthwhile. And guess what? Despite my absence, life went on at home.

And while my parents and Greg worked at the condo, my friend took Kate and Ty to the lake for the day. She is my hero and the kids adore her. But this shot? Priceless.

Sunday the team wrapped up the flooring installation and the plumbing work that needed finished in the bathroom. Trim work is on hold until after the move because everyone is tired. A few items are in their new home, including a microwave cart. All God's people said, "Amen."

Hot Potato

These past two weeks felt like I was anchored in a snow globe someone handed to a group of four year old children for an aggressive game of hot potato.

On Monday I passed a test that says I am smarter than a fifth grader. At one point I was fairly certain I would be opening the juice boxes in elementary lunch rather than assisting the teachers because geometry was involved. Prior to and immediately after the test, I was on the phone with our insurance company navigating the total loss claim on Makenna's car. I was her personal uber for work Monday and Tuesday as well.

Tuesday, while running errands my parents called to let me know they had decided they were heading over to help lay Erin's new flooring in her condo. Makenna and I already had an appointment with the car dealership to start the process of replacing her car. Many, and I do mean many tears were shed as Makenna dealt with the loss of the car she loved. The poor salesman was not sure what to make of the kid who didn't want a new car. I pushed her to drive a few different models and thank God, she found something she loved.  And then the financing process began. It involved someone who got off work at 5pm, so despite preapproval that started that morning and pulling Greg into phone calls from work, the representative went home leaving the loan unfinished within minutes of it being completed. I needed reminded I was a Christian at that moment. And then we started over with the dealership. Six hours after we arrived, I left to meet the kids who had been home alone until my parents showed up and start dinner and Greg took over the process, fresh from work.

On Wednesday my parents and I continued the prep work on Erin's concrete foundation so we could lay laminate flooring. It took awhile to start the actual cutting and laying because the foundation was in rough shape. We were finally in a groove when we stopped for lunch at 2:30 and lost power. As it turns out, my very intelligent daughter failed to have the utilities switched over to her name so our time was up. Power was to be restored on Friday, the day my parents needed to be home for other commitments and I started my new job. So Saturday is on radar for a full day of flooring installation. All of us will be excited to see the end of this project.

Thursday my parents and I dealt with a plumbing issue and then celebrated my mom's birthday with cheesecake before sending them back home that evening. They didn't accomplish near what they hoped but we are grateful for the start and hope it's smooth sailing from here.

I walked into the bathroom Thursday morning and noted Erin applying mascara and immediately asked about her day. "My hair is dirty so I thought mascara would be a distraction."  Alrighty then.  She is adulting.

At the end of her second week assisting in the special needs preschool,  Makenna declared she will be pursuing elementary education rather than early education. Preschool may not be her calling even if she is falling in love with a few of her small friends.

On Friday I was reminded how difficult the middle school years are for everyone involved. A new girl was at the bus stop and Kate felt incredibly self conscious about saying hello despite me pointing out how challenging it is the be the new kid. I reminded her of my three new schools in seventh grade story and how brutally lonely it was. Watching her wrestle with how to do the right thing and still look relaxed was painful. Yes, I pushed her out of her comfort zone and was at first irritated with her. She should know to be kind and welcoming because she feels lonely herself so often and yet after reflecting, I recalled how difficult it is for her to stand out. We will have more conversations but in the end, she said hello and started talking with her and helped get her to her first station of the day.

Also on Friday, I started my new job as an instructional assistant in Ty's school. Our paths won't cross but he has asked me to not tell anyone we are related just the same. I assume he has forgotten all my volunteer hours working with his peers because as it turns out, the kids know who I am.

Ty's teachers sent photos this week of our kiddo enjoying school despite his assertion he hates it. I love his teaching team this year and hearing how much he talks to them assures me he is comfortable too.

Greg and I met for dinner tonight because we haven't spoken in complete sentences in days and needed the connection. It was the perfect ending to a very full week and decent way to kick off an equally packed weekend ahead.

Launching Fresh Starts

This week we sent Kate into the eighth grade and Ty to the fourth. Both are in the top grades of their respective schools and feeling fairly confident about their status in their worlds. Next year when they start as the youngest kids on campus again, they may feel a little less settled so we will take the familiarity this year with gratitude.

I interviewed with two schools this week and accepted the slightly lower position with Ty's elementary school so I can be on the same calendar as my kids. When I ended up with three babies Monday afternoon because I could make it work to help friends, I knew without question I had to clock in somewhere in order to actually retire from childcare in my home. So I will be an aide to a few teachers throughout the day starting next week.

Erin wrapped up her semester of chemistry and biology and maintained her 4.0. She also had surgery and closed on her condo this week. Thursday we visited the DMV for an hour so she is officially a citizen of Kentucky now. Sister has been quite productive lately.

Makenna started a new job Monday working as an intervention aide with special needs kiddos in the public preschool program in our district. She loves it and her young friends already. But Monday afternoon she wrecked her car. As distraught as she feels about the accident and damage to her car, she was not injured. We are still navigating the claims process and awaiting a decision about repairs vs a total loss. She is praying for a repair approval and we are praying for the safest option. Vehicle sharing is colorful at the moment and aren't sure how long to expect it to last but like everything else in life, we are making it work.

Kate and I were given tickets to see Peter and Starcatcher Thursday evening as a last minute surprise. Despite being a school night, we decided to enjoy the outing. We laughed until we cried and it was a perfect way to relieve some stress as we neared the end of a long week. Dessert during intermission was a delight and recieving a photo of my grandson in that moment was just as sweet. That little tush reminds me of the Coppertone ads. He is so stinking cute!

Layla turned six years old this week and is still mostly puppy. The comparison to Brutus who was an old man for a very long time is amusing now as the memories make us laugh and smile more than feel sad. He was an awesome dog and Layla could never be like him but she wasn't meant to be. Her sweet spirit and happy energy is usually appreciated around here. And our belief she is likely not a purebred boxer gives us hope she will remain an active member of the family for many more years.

Erin reported she waited outside a dark but closed bathroom door for awhile trying to decide if someone was using it and finally knocked. Ty's voice answered he was in there and when he finally emerged? Night vision goggles were on his head.

The cutest, least effective door man wore a cape to help his sister.

Friday after dinner Kate, Makenna, Erin and I started painting the condo. I have learned my daughters have not inherited my organization skills. It was a mess but in the end, the color and brightness were exactly what Erin wanted. On Saturday we ripped out the carpet, padding and tack strips. It was all hands on deck for a few hours but progress was made. There is still more work to be done before she is able to move in and she is anxious to get settled but in the end, it will be her style and a beautiful home.