Some belated "shout-outs"...

First of all, thanks so much to all of you who responded to the last blog post about my going-back-to-work anxiety. It was definitely helpful to read! You gals were right... once I get to work, I'm really too busy to get upset. That being said, I do miss Adam. A LOT. I call 2-3x a day and look at his photo/talk about him. A LOT. He definitely misses me, too... runs up and hugs me when I get home (so sweet) and has been very clingy last night and all day today (not so sweet, but certainly understandable). Since Grandma (which he finally says -- yay!) is watching him until Labor Day, I know he's in the best possible hands so I don't worry about him at all. It's such a nice feeling (Thanks, Mom!) to know he's being taken such good care of and showered with love, hugs, kisses and attention (My Mom is THE BEST). I also really like my new school. The staff is small so I'm getting to know everyone... one of the advantages of working at an elementary school. Since it's a brand new school, all my materials and supplies are new (including a brand new computer, printer, etc.) which is really nice, as well. I am truly excited about my new job. Still nervous about Adam starting Montessori, of course, but one thing at a time.

The month of August has seriously flown by. As a result, I haven't had the opportunity to mention some recent fun adventures:

** Last month, we met Cousin Claire at the Baltimore Zoo! We had such a good time hanging out with Claire (and, of course, Cousins Paul & Jenn). It's shocking how big the kids have gotten. We've had play dates for over a year now, since the kids were 2 & 3 months. It's so great having the kids so close in age and living relatively close to one another. I love our playdates!

Unfortunately, I didn't realize I had my camera with me until we left the zoo and arrived at the restaurant (go figure). Fortunately, Jenn took some awesome zoo pics but I haven't been able to download them to my desktop (I did order the prints, though. Thanks, Jenn, for sending)! Anyway, here are some photos of the kids at the Belvedere Hotel/Owl Bar (?) where we ate, in Baltimore. It's actually where Paul & Jenn got married, almost 4 years ago. It was really cool to go back... they had such a beautiful wedding. Wow, have times changed since then, though! Anyhoo, here is a pic of the kids from last month. We are looking forward to getting together again over Labor Day Sunday.
Adam and Claire are checking each other out... to see who's the cooler cousin. Steven was the impartial, non-smiling judge. You can see who Jenn is voting for! :)

** A few weeks ago, my very best friend (forever!) from childhood, Ellen, moved back to the area from Seattle. Yahoo! I'm sooo glad she's back! We had a wonderful visit with her and she was finally able to meet Adam (about time, girl!). Anyway, Adam loved her, of course... and the adorable teddy bear she bought him (thanks, E!). Here are a couple pics of Adam & Ellen:




Have a great weekend, everyone!