Sweet Card from Peanut

I received this at work today :) I have a precious daughter and a thoughtful husband!

My first few days back to school and away from Maddy

I have been back to teaching for two days now - I think there are only about 52 days left til summer! The hardest part was leaving her for the first time. The night before when I did our little night time routine and put her to bed, I came out of the nursery just sobbing! I did not expect to feel quite so sad! I never thought I could love a little person so much! The next morning was a little tough too, but I was surprised how well it actually has gone at school. Fortunately, I was so busy during the day, that I did miss her as much during the "thick of the day". And I am getting to leave right at 3:30p.m. So I am getting home right around 4:30p.m. 

As far as getting into teaching the kids again, I was nervous that I would feel like a sub and would have to really work to get the kids to fall back into line(and the way I like the line :) But they actually wowed  me and jumped right back into things. We have enjoyed catching up on things together. But of course, I have had to show them right away that it cannot be all fun and games- I let them know pretty quickly that I mean business! So far, so good. I am so thankful to the Lord for the smooth transition! I am sure that there will definitely be days that I am ready to pull my hair out, but I hopefully, the thrill of Summer almost being here will outweigh those times! Thank you so much to all of those who have been thinking of me and praying for me in this transition. You are such a blessing!

Tim has been taking care of Maddy for us as he is home working on Church work and schoolwork. 

He has been doing a fabulous job! I have loved seeing them together - so sweet! I am glad that they get this father daughter time together. He loves her as crazy much as I do - and he has enjoyed these special moments with her. I am so thankful for his love, care, and concern for our family. He is such a sweet husband. 

As you can see - he has found his own way of doing things :) This is how I found them when I arrived home after work one day!

Pals Already!

Oh and I almost forgot! I came into Maddy's crib the other day to pick her up - and she had ROLLED OVER!! She hasn't done it since, but I was so excited that she did it for the first time - I can't wait to actually see her do it at some point :) She is growing up soo fast!

Life Goes On...

I can hardly believe it, but my maternity leave is just about up. I head back to teaching on March 16th! I have LOVED being at home with my sweet baby girl and I can't quite imagine being away from her from 6:30am - 5pm every day!  But I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to have 12 weeks home with her. I value each moment. Fortunately there are only 11 weeks left until summer! And Spring break is just 4 weeks after I go back :)  I am also very thankful that Tim will be able to stay home with Maddy while he works on his MDiv thesis. I know this time will be a special time for him to spend with her. I would appreciate your prayers as I do my best to balance teaching 20 fourth graders at school and a husband and daughter at home.  I am thankful that the Lord will "never leave me nor forsake me" - He is so good!

Here are a few recent pics of Maddy. Hope you enjoy :)

Her cute little feet

She has gotten so much better at holding her head up and keeping her legs stiff when I hold her

Her leopard print outfit :)

We have found that no matter where we are in the living room, if the tv is on, she will crane her neck just to see it. Tim had her resting on his lap looking up at him (originally) in this one - what a stinker :)