Back to School ... finally

I say "finally" but actually, I'm glad it started when it did.  When all of Carter and Cole's friends went back to school either the week of the 22nd or at latest the 29th, I was really wishing our school followed suit.  But since little Conley held out and made a late appearance, it worked out.  I'm not sure I could have survived being at home with all three of them for 2 full weeks without any school days.  SO, with him arriving in mid-week last week and Brian being home for the long Labor Day weekend, it worked out in the end.

The morning was a busy one to say the least. Not only was it the first day of school for both of them, it was also Conley's (almost) one week check up at the pediatricians.  I groaned at the 6:15 wake up call that Cole gave me.  But again, in the end, I needed the extra time.  I made two lunches, packed two back packs, gave both boys a shower (didn't get one the night before), fed them both, messed with the sprinklers in the back yard (gotta water something every day in this drought), took my own shower, dried my hair and got dressed - WITH make up (well a little) since I wanted to try and get a picture of me with the boys on their first day, took said family pictures, then had to put together the Snap N Go stroller I bought to partner with the Conley's new car seat, got Conley dressed and fed (which for those that don't know or remember, it takes about 40 minutes to nurse a one week old baby), then got everyone in the car and to school on time at 9. 

They were both very excited to go to school.  Cole was touch and go at the Summer Fun Days at school in June; he cried at drop off and again at pick up.  But today he put his lunch box in his cubby and ran right in without so much as looking back at me.  Carter, of course, did the same thing. 

Then Conley and I went up to the pediatrician's office - they were SO backed up.  It's a good thing I really like Dr. Hayes or I would consider switching doctors.  But she's worth the drive AND the wait.  She said he looked good.  His bilirubin levels were high at discharge so thats why she wanted to see him within the week instead of at the standard two weeks.  But he never got jaundice and looked great today, so we avoided the nasty heal stick/blood draw.  He's gained two extra ounces over his birth weight - he is now 8 pounds 7 ounces.  So he's eating well - I should know!  We go back next Wednesday for his two week check up where they also do the PKU testing (rule out several diseases).  I don't look forward to that.

Conley at the dr office waiting in his seat - yes I know he's unbuckled ...

We were at the doctors office so long I didn't have time to eat lunch just me and Conley.  Well, not like I had planned.  I grabbed a salad in the to-go line at Chili's and ate in the parking lot of school while he slept.  I have a feeling I might be doing that more that I think ...

Carter and Cole had a great day at school.  Carter drew this picture of his family - notice what's missing? No, it's not the baby.  It's Cole!  He didn't realize it until he was telling me who every one is.  He was also upset to see that he had forgotten to draw himself some arms.  He plans on finishing the drawing eventually. I'm also a little discouraged to see that I have hair on top of my head AND all around it. Hmmm.

For a special first day of school treat I took them to Baskin Robbins for some ice cream. They pick the craziest concoctions ... Cole's is blue/green/purple sherbet.  Yuck.

The weekend before school started our church had a Back to School Blast with games, rides, etc.  It was 107 degrees outside and it was in a parking lot.  But we all had fun. 

The spinning tea cups.  The boys wanted me to ride with them.  I was still pregnant, so there was no way my  belly was fitting in the seat.  Plus, I probably would have given the poor child brain damage for how fast they were going...

 Hot dogs and face painting. 

Leading up to eventually giving birth, Brian took some time off and spent it with the boys.  They went to Chuck E Cheese, Bunch of Fun, the park, the pool - you name it.  And I walked.  And walked.  And walked some more.  Really hoping I'd go into labor on my own.  One day I could take the 105+ temperatures no more so we went to the mall and walked.  Here are the boys and Brian riding the train while I - you guessed it - walked...



I like this picture, not because it's cute but because of what Cole was doing.  He's sitting on Mom and Dad's couch watching Dora - using binoculars.  They have a 47" flat screen not 15 feet away.  He's such a guy ...