Happy Due Date Baby Boy!!

Well, I'm not surprised I made it to my due date...but deep down, I had hoped I'd be holding a sweet little one right now instead of waddling around with a bowling ball (albeit precious) in my tummy.

An adorable student asked me today when the baby would come. I explained that the baby was supposed to come today, or around today, but babies don't always come on time.  Another sweet student said she thought the baby would come in 3 days. A horrible child **note sarcasm** then stated she didn't think the baby would come for 100 more days! Oh my...just the thought of it made me squirm!

 Here are a few snapshots of the past week:

Attempting to walk baby boy out!

The look of fear...that's a big bump! 

I've been very blessed with a smooth pregnancy. This past week, though, I've definitely hit the "uncomfortable" phase. Is is hard to bend, my feet are swollen, my back hurts and driving? I can hardly get in the driver's seat!  However, I'm trying to love every minute, because, I know I'll miss baby boy's kicks and movements being with me constantly. Being pregnant has been such a blessing, and a longing I had for so long...and back then I promised I would NEVER complain about anything related to being pregnant! So, as much as I want baby boy out to hold and cuddle, I want to treasure this incredible miracle and blessing of having him grow and develop inside me!!

Getting Schooled

I finally get to work with my kiddos! YEA!! Probably the only real downside of my Reading Specialist job is the fact that at the beginning of the school year, I have SO MUCH TESTING to do to determine my caseload. When it is finally all done, we have to hash out schedules and paperwork, and eventually I get to work with my sweet students. Today was that day! I'm always so refreshed when I get to enjoy a day of teaching versus all the other [boring] stuff.

Trying to explain to 5-9 year old students about my pregnancy and when the baby is going to arrive is always entertaining, and usually makes me a bit nervous. You just never know what they will ask! Here are some comments that schooled me today!

"You're having a baby. I can tell by looking at you." -1st grade boy
"You havin' a baby? A girl baby? No? you havin' a boy baby? Oh." -2nd grade girl
"You know what the biggest surprise is, right? It's when you think you are having a boy but then you have a girl!" -2nd grade girl
"You could have this baby any minute, like right NOW." -2nd grade boy
"How do they know it is a boy?" [I gave a explanation including how doctors have a special machine, like an x-ray to look inside my tummy and see if it is a boy or a girl.] "No, HOW do they know it is a BOY or a GIRL?" [I go through my explanation again.] NO, like do the girls have long hair and the boys have short hair?? How can they TELL if it is a boy or a girl?" [Um...."They just can," I respond.] -1st grade girl

I also had multiple kids tell me their moms were also having babies...some of which I was a bit skeptical on, but we'll see! Kids are so fun! I'm so glad to be working with them, and a little sad that I'll miss them while I'm on my maternity leave.

Summer's End

The last day of summer. It came WAY too soon this year. With the snow day make up days tacked onto the end of the year, and the ever earlier start of the school year, summer was shorter than ever. It didn't help that I tutored an insane amount this summer...I really only had one free day each week for summer activities!!

Therefore, the last day of summer? I had to SOAK. IT. UP.

I did a little poolside reading of What to Expect the First Year while feeling huge in the maternity swimsuit my cousin let me borrow. But I didn't care, I had to enjoy the last time in about 15 years I'll probably sit at a pool and just enjoy quietly reading a book. And I had to learn what in the world to do with the baby once he comes out!! I feel a bit like Rachel from Friends at her baby shower.

I took a nice dog walk with Maggie. The poor thing, I learned at the vet that she's gained a few pounds and I'm sure it is MY fault. Since my feet starting swelling like watermelons two weeks ago, our walks have gone from daily to almost non-existent. She's getting really good at bringing the tennis ball directly to my outdoor lounge chair, though,...which I think is an important skill for her to learn!

I made some finishing touches on baby boy's nursery {more details and pictures coming soon}! Here's a little teaser:

I'm getting super excited for bringing the Read Right Run Marathon to my school! It is such an awesome program and I have so many ideas for making our monthly meetings fun. I really want to build up the positive reading climate in my building.

And now, back to school! Which is another time of year I love, but I will still miss the long, lovely, lazy days of summer!

Big Decisions

There are so many big decisions as motherhood is on the horizon. The nursery wall color, which glider to purchase, disposable diapers vs cloth, and the enormous question: to work or not to work? This question has been on my mind (a bit far back there) for years. Growing up, I responded to the "What do you want to be when you grow up?" question alternatively with "a teacher" and "a mom", and by mom, I meant a stay at home mom. It was what I knew, and what I respected, and what I wanted. And then, I grew up, and I started my career. I taught long hours, I built up my resume, I completed my masters degree...all so I could be a better, more well established, and more successful teacher, and career woman. I started to scoff a bit at those stay at home moms, while internally battling with my future decision. What would I do, now, knowing and doing what I do now? What would my co-workers think of me? What would my stay at home friends think of me? What do I want and how do I feel about this momentous decision?

And here we are. At the crossroads, and a necessary decision needed. Through God's great plan, and some maneuvering and begging on my part, and the delicate and momentary good mood of the Human Resources department, I am undertaking neither path. I won't work or stay at home full time, and so it is funny to realize the decision I vacillated between for so long isn't even what I am choosing.

But God's plan--although sometimes hard to understand and definitely difficult to wait upon--is good. I am embarking on a new journey, one as a part time teacher and part time stay at home mom. I am thrilled, and sad, and excited, and scared. We realized I do in fact need to work, and so the full time stay at home option wasn't in fact an option at all. But, I couldn't bring myself to abandon that long term dream. And so we are here. I am feeling very good about the change, but it is hard to know what the future will be like, so naturally I have fears at well. Will I like it? Can I handle it? Will I miss my baby? Will I miss my job? I know I'll cry the first day back and be stressed about breastfeeding at work, but I know I'll enjoy adult interaction and the feeling of doing something to benefit others.

This article encouraged my spirit today and made me feel as though I am making the best decision for our family. I'm so thankful for this part time opportunity.

What If the Best Years of Your Life...Just Aren't?

Summer Reading List

One of my favorite things about summer is enjoying reading a good book by the pool...or better yet, the beach! I love soaking up the sun while checking out a new read.  Unfortunately, it seems there is never enough time in the summer to read, and now I keep thinking, this is my LAST free summer for reading with baby arriving this fall. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled about baby Ganz, but I'm just being realistic. The days of lounging by the pool without interruptions are probably near long gone! :)

So, here's my incredibly long list, and is probably beyond my ability to actually get done [what with tutoring and prepping for baby]:

For EDUCATION:
Reading in the Wild: The Book Whisperer's Keys to Cultivating Lifelong Reading Habits

For FUN:
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire
Mockingjay

For BABY:
Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method
The Happiest Baby on the Block
On Becoming Babywise
What to Expect the First Year

Announcing our news

We've waited so long for this moment and it is so surreal that we finally got to announce and experience the joy of saying "We're having a baby!" I'm so overwhelmed with thankfulness, just even in writing and remembering the fun of announcing our news.

I wanted to make it special for each group of people we told, and of course, I couldn't be satisfied with doing the same thing for everyone!

Those we could we told in person [surprising with balloons, ultrasound pics, and gifts!], others in phone calls [screaming with excitement]. 

For our extended family we sent this out in an email:

And for my students and co-workers, I created and did this Reading Strategies Review (I mean, I AM a reading teacher, after all!)

We were overwhelmed with love and support and other's joy for us. God is so good, and we are loved by so many!

Blank Pages

Yesterday was the first day of school! Here's to a new school year, and a new year (To me, this is the new  year more than in January, because my birthday is coming soon and I'll be starting another year of life)! Being a book lover, I connected with this quote. Since I'm starting a new journey as a reading teacher, and saying goodbye to the experience of being a classroom teacher, I feel like I'm writing a whole new book.

I hope it is a good one!

Graduation Party Ideas

Tom graduated Medical School, so clearly we needed to celebrate BIG TIME! I also finished my Masters degree this past year, so we opted for a double graduation party. I really wanted to enjoy the opportunity to be creative and make it special. I love being crafty, but often lack the time. So...I was ultra-prepared. The party was earlier in June, but I started crafting in February, so I wasn't stressed at the last minute, well, at least with the stuff that could be done in advance! :)

Here are a few ways I included both a Medical School Graduation theme and a Reading Specialist Masters degree [say that five times!] theme into one {fabulous} party:

Welcome to the Party!

Wreath with graduation pictures

                                 [yarn wrapped wreath + cardstock + pictures + scrapbooking letters]

Mantel filled with Graduation Memories and Banner

Pinterest-inspired quotes and inspirational sayings banner

Pencil and alphabet vase 

 [2 boxes of pencils + actual teacher alphabet desk strips + washed out veggie can + lots of hot glue]

A dressed up card box

                                             [I had an "extra" mailbox. I may be a *bit* of a hoarder.]

Special drink coozies for the grads

                                     [Dollar bin at Jo Ann Fabric + scrapbooking letters]

Scrub shirt cookies for dessert

Large and small versions

     [Recipe for the cookie found here: Authentic Suburban Gourmet; Recipe for the icing found here: AllRecipes; "Gourmet Writer" edible marker bought at Hobby Lobby; cookie cutters found locally]

Alphabet and school supply cupcakes

My amazing mom made this great teacher themed table runner...

and tablecloth for the drink table!

And you can't leave without a party favor!

A prescription from the Dr.!

[purchased empty pill bottles + Avery labels from Wal-Mart + a color printer + a little creativity

 + lots of different "prescription-y fonts]

We had a wonderful turn out and a fabulous time celebrating with friends and family. It was a treat to have everyone who supported us through the past years in one place to celebrate. I'm so glad I did all the detail work ahead of time, because cleaning our house and setting up was enough work the week of! And, making those cookies!! [Seriously, it took 2 days, or the equivalent of watching 5 seasons of the Office.]

Already Reminiscing

Yes. I'm back to reminisce about my students whom I miss. Already. You would too if you knew how cute and smart and sweet and kind and creative they are!!

We made this video during the last of school together. It's a "brain break" or, I heard recently, a "Brain Booster", which really is a more accurate description. Each day we take a few minutes as we transition from Language Arts to Math to move--get energy out, wake up a bit, get our minds going--and then quickly settle back down into our work. It works like a charm! I had a very energetic group this year, and they truly benefited from our brain breaks. In fact, if we skipped it on accident, we all felt it! Plus, it promotes being active and healthy! Bonus!

They each had an opportunity to choreograph their own dance move. Then, we learned everyone's move and performed. It was the best day! 

Enjoy!

Out with the old, In with the new!

As you saw from my previous post, something new is coming my way! A new job! It was definitely not expected, as I actually turned down this same job a few months ago. But, timing is everything, and this time, when I received a phone call encouraging me to apply, the timing was right. I received that call on a Wednesday evening and thought and prayed about it all night. Thursday I applied for the job, Friday I interviewed, and on Monday I accepted a call from Human Resources. So, what will I be doing?!

Next year I will be a Reading Intervention teacher, which means I'll teach reading to those students who are struggling (think: lowest 20%) in grades K-5. I'll actually be working at two schools, which means traveling mid day each day to another school. That's the reason I initially wasn't interested in the job, but I think traveling between two schools, although stressful at times, will be nice. New perspectives, new ideas, new people...and I'll see the outside world each day! The sun?! What's that!?

Knowing that I left the classroom (maybe forever!) a few weeks ago made for a emotional roller coaster, much less leaving my most amazing teammate and friend Danielle, AND knowing I'm *kind of* leaving my school, since I'll only be there part-time. Whew, it is a miracle I made it through the end of the year. That also explains my blogging disappearance. Packing up 6 years of classroom teaching + report cards + emotional goodbyes + the regular end of year stress = a very overwhelmed and exhausted teacher.

So, I leave you with another thought I'm hanging onto as I begin this new journey.

I'm excited as a think about what the fall will bring. I'm not sure when it will set in that I'm not going back to the classroom, or my "regular" job, we'll see. In the meantime, I'm not stressing about the next school year, I'm just soaking up summer.

Change

Just when we thought there wouldn't be change in our lives, it manages to creep in. Surprising, sudden, and sweet, yet overwhelming, alarming and exciting. So, I focus on this truth:

It's hard for good things to end, and I'm not good at endings. It's been a long time since I've had a new beginning, so I'm not sure how I handle them. We'll see. More to come.

Surprise! Fred Bird is in the house!

This past week was the fabulous 1st Grade Show...entitled "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." The students were adorable, the music sounded lovely, but what stole the show...Fred Bird's surprise arrival! I was lucky enough to be an honorary Team Fred Bird Girl, which is a lot tougher than it looks. I mean, the high level of energy, the t shirt launcher, keeping up with Fred Bird! He is a PARTY! And, well, there certainly was a party at school that day!

Here is a brief video as my debut as Team Fred Bird:

And a few more highlights:

Go Cards!

The Best of 2012

I'm been reminiscing about the past year. I realize most people do this for New Year's, but this is the end of my "reign" of Teacher of the Year for 2012. This past week we voted for the TOY 2013, and my fabulous coworker Lori will now hold the title. But, that means, I had to return by banner, give up my premiere parking spot, and I can no longer use it to get my way! ;)

Being nominated and winning Teacher of the Year was the highlight of my 2012, and quite frankly, one of only a few good things I can see when I look back over the past year. It was certainly the best! So, here is the moment of the year, the best of 2012:

 Teacher of the Year Video

And, here's to hoping 2013 will be even better!

Summer Depression

Summer is almost over. And by almost, I mean, officially after this week. In the 4 weeks that I actually had a summer, I have worked at school/on school stuff and/or tutored for at least 12 of those days. So, really, "summer" has been over for some time.

I'm trying to live it up this week by:
-finishing painting all the trim in the house
-read Pride and Prejudice (I'm about 1/4 of the way through)
-do all the laundry
-go to the pool to get somewhat of a summer tan
-clean the house top to bottom
-finish setting up my classroom
-watch the Olympics (highlight of my week for sure!)
-organize the basement
-play with Mag-ster

Wish me luck! :)

Introducing our Family

I thought I would provide a little background on the Ganz Family. There are 3 Ganz' who live here in Nantucket and we have a pretty simple life. Here are some descriptions of us (in no particular order):

Tom: husband, Bio Ethics Graduate Certificate holder, fisherman, Medical Student, cook, future OB-GYN, self taught handy-man, uncle, puppy dad, P90X exerciser, outdoorsman, dedicated study-er, son, hard worker, hunter, closet FRIENDS watcher, brother, reader, friend

Becoming a Doctor!

Natalie: wife, First Grade Teacher, overly enthusiastic reader, analytical movie watcher, aunt, crafter, stays-at-work-too-long worker, summer lover, daughter, runner, Reading Specialist Masters degree holder, obsessive FRIENDS watcher, outdoors enjoyer, puppy mom, tutor, sister, friend

Sporting my Teacher of the Year gear!

Maggie: dog, puppy daughter, ball getter, swimmer, walker, bone chewer, cuddler, pathetic look giver, howler, player, cold weather lover

Swimming and relaxing in the heat!

We're glad to meet you!