Las Vegas Philharmonic

While Jack's parents were in town, my friend got us all tickets to the Las Vegas Philharmonic to see the holiday performance of "The Snowman." It was a 90 minute performance and I was not sure how Shelby would do, but naturally, she exceeded expectations and was just wonderful. I think the boxed seats and snacks helped. I think a great time was had by all. Added bonus - Santa sighting!

Santa in the Pod

This weekend our neighborhood hosted a "Merry Morning" with Santa. It started at 8am and since we wake with the roosters around here, I thought I would take Shelby down the street to check it out. It was ok....certainly underwhelming, but again - I am grateful. Shelby was the first in line to meet Santa and she raced down the red carpet upon his arrival. There were some (super sugary!) breakfast snacks, face painting and more. We did not stick around too long - it was cold out and we were anxious to get on with our day. As you can see though, Shelby thought it was top notch!

Love this photo!

The Great Wall of Henderson

Check it off the list....another (giant!) project done! Jack recently completed a stone wall in our living room. For the last six years we had a rich, red wall in our living room. Ever since we put the dark wood floors in however, we were both over the dark, saturated look. In true Jack fashion, he took the challenge head-on and the results are amazing. I think we'll give the living room redesign a little space for now, but our plan is to change the look of that room pretty significantly. The hope is for it to mirror the feel and personality of the dining room. Check it out...

Before:

During:

Ta-Da!

 

Big Wheels Keep On Turning

Shelby has recently gotten the hang of riding a bike a pushing the pedals. She has been determined for several weeks. Now we just need to get her a bike that actually fits her. I think I got this little one for her 2nd birthday. Way to go Shelby!

Giving Thanks!

We had a simple, yet lovely Thanksgiving this year. Typically Thanksgiving is the BIG holiday that we enjoy hosting, but with the baby coming so soon, we decided to simplify. Just five of us; Me, Jack, Shelby and Shelby's parents.  One turkey instead of thee and we actually picked up part of the meal from a friend's restaurant. We made the turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans and pecan pie.....and bought/picked up the rest. In Schenk tradition, Jack's parents purchased a Honey Baked Ham to add to the meal. Man, those things are good!! We ended up with some great leftovers for mini Thanksgiving feasts and then turkey for a couple of turkey pot pies and ham for some DELICIOUS ham bone soup!

We all have a lot to be grateful for this and every year! Shelby made a cute turkey card at school. When asked what she was grateful for she said: toys, house, mom, dad, lunchbox, sister, grandma and friends. Good lookin' list to me. :)

A New Start

Today we are starting Shelby at a new school - Lighthouse Academy. I think I have more anxiety about it than anyone else.....even though in my heart, I feel like it will be a good place for her (and our #2)! I didn't have any huge issues with her former school (like I did when I left her first school), but I also was not 100% at peace with it. After Jack switched from 24 Hour Fitness to Lifetime Fitness, the school was no longer in a logical location. A major reason why we picked Childtime was due to its proximity to Jack's job. The new school is less than a mile away from Lifetime.  There were also a few "mommy voices" speaking to me about Shelby's school....I felt that she was on pace to outgrow the program. I noticed that an increasing  percentage of the children (mostly boys!) were not very well behaved and/or came from families that did not share our same values. And finally, turnover had increased in recent months. For more than a year, there was nearly zero turnover, but since the summer months, I have observed more and more.

So with that - we found the Lighthouse Academy. In addition to its location, it seems well organized, more structured, attracts families a bit more like ours and the ratios are great. In the baby room, for example, there are six babies and three teachers. In a typical Las Vegas/Henderson baby room, you'd find a 4 babies: 1 teacher ratio. I don't think it was a coincidence that all the babies in that one room were happy and either being played with or being held.  Additionally, Jack and I have a lot of "must haves" that we don't necessarily find at all child care facilities....limited holidays, good pick up/drop off schedule and DANCE CLASS! One thing I felt awful abut was pulling Shelby from her weekly at-school dance class, but this school has it too for the same price. Thank goodness. One thing they don't have is a food program, so I will be packing lunches, but it's a trade off I am willing to make. Shelby is not a very picky eater anyway, so I think she'll be fine.

As for Shelby. she is most excited about her new lunch box, thermos and backpack. She has asked a series of adorable questions like "Will there be an office?"  "Will there be a food cart?" "Do they have swings?" so I can tell she is processing it on a deeper level. I am not sure who will have a longer first day today - me or Shelby? She will know one little girl in her class, Mila, from her soccer team. Mila is normally only there on Thursday and Friday, but with the holiday this week, she is going on Monday and Tuesday. Jack took her last week to take a look and we have talked about it for 10 days or so. Wish us all luck. On with the adventure. My hope is that by the time I have to put a tiny baby in there, all the kinks will have been worked out and Shelby will take  pride in the fact that "sissy" is coming to here school.

Wish us luck!

 My "Sprinkle"

 Let's be honest....it was a baby shower. I have the most wonderful, generous, creative and talented friends who celebrated "Baby Rosa" and me with a lovely shower. My friends Kristi, Jennifer and Nicole hosted it and we had about 20 girls there. It was fun and the food was fantastic. Every single gift that I received was sensible and needed. Since Shelby was a spring baby, I don't/didn't have too many cozy winter clothes, but I think I am set for the first few months. There are really only a few random things that I will still need....most pertain to nursing and pumping. What a wonderful day!

xoxoxox