Teach Me How to Mommy

My husband and I don't usually have the same vacations off, but this year he had extra time that he needed to take and my break was so wonderfully long that we decided to make it a family adventure . Right and then both of the kids got sick so we have spent a lot of time at home - a lot of time.  So far so good  ok, but these are just a few things that I have heard this week: 1.  After baking homemade banana bread with a toddler: Jerry: "Is it supposed to look like that ?" 2. Jerry: "Do you have any better ideas?" Me:  Yes about a hundred, but I know better than to say anything out loud. 3.  While working out: Jerry:  "You're looking real good, really fit.  (me:  "Really?).  Yea, like up top there's almost nothing there".  (me:  Yes Jerry, I am officially done breast-feeding). 4. Jerry: "Mommy will definitely get us better juice next time, right Mommy?  This juice is not good, huh hunny.  Yuck, mommy will have...

Just wanted to take a minute to admire stay-at-home mom s.  I have the kids for 2 solid weeks and I couldn't wait.  I have them every vacation and summer and every minute I can get, but it has been awhile since I have had them for this many consecutive days without having to go to work.  Even though my job is hard - 150+ teens and the baggage that comes along with that - there are also built-in breaks throughout the day.  I have a set 45 minute lunch and a plan period.  I spend both of these in almost complete silence.  It's not that I want to be anti-social it's that those precious moments are the only time that I get to stop talking and listening to others.  "Me-time".  Not to mention there are some days when the kids are so good - no drama, no whining, just honest-to-God "need-to-learn" behavior. Those days make it all worth it - the gentle reminder of why it's "ok" to work while my kids are elsewhere. You don't get quiet-time when...

My THREE kids. Our Christmas was nothing short of magical, as I hope yours was too.  After five family visits, a trailer full of presents, way too many cookies, wrapping paper, boxes, chocolate and more, we are so fulfilled - spilling over really.  Add in one sick child (as we are starting to learn is the "new normal") and another holiday is in the books. Jerry and I spent much of the last two days organizing gifts.  We put together some, hid others for those January-February blues and tried to purge some old toys.  Even thought it's hard for us both we chose this weekend to be a "chill" weekend.  No big plans for us, just relaxing, playing, watching movies (or you know like 5-10 minutes of a movie) and recharging for the week.  The kids are currently in the midst of a 3 hour nap - a post Christmas miracle. I tried to remind myself numerous times that the magic that is Christmas won't last like this forever.  Eventually the kids won't believe i...

One year ago today my family was hit by a drunk (or high) driver while we were on our way to Christmas Eve festivities.  Lucy was still one and we had a newborn.  It was as traumatizing as one can imagine, but it did not actually result in any injuries or damage.  I reflected on this on my "old" blog and won't take too much time to detail the specifics today.  We were rear-ended not far from our home and even though we got out of the car and talked to the obviously inebriated driver, he ended up fleeing the scene and getting into a much larger accident just half a mile down the road. It was amazing that no one got seriously hurt that night.  It was also a blessing that police were readily available and he was caught and apprehended before he could cause more damage. Since that day I have thought about that night a lot.  It comes in waves.  When I am at the intersection near our house early in the morning I often think about the jolt our car felt. ...

It's been a crazy week at our house.  The week before Christmas always gets me.  Every year I tell myself that I should have started shopping in July!, and around Thanksgiving I know that I should have definitely already started... and this year... I didn't start shopping until last week! How is that even possible.  How did I let to much time pass without buying fun things for my friends and family.  I felt like last week, when I spent NO time with my little boy and the majority of the time stressing about work, and presents that I was the true embodiment of a Mommy under stress.  I KNOW I was not at my finest in the classroom or at home.  I was in a "Holidaze". On top off the regular stress of the holiday season, this has been a hard year with the loss of my Grandfather and more recently, Brian's Nana . There has been more than one time where I picked up the phone to call my Grandpa to get his opinion on something........ only to stop myself a split ...

I have not been following this story for too long, but a short time ago I was perusing people.com and a woman named Joey Fleek came up.  I had never heard of her before, but her picture and a headline that had something to do with being terminally ill reeled me in.  If interested in a little back story visit here . This week this entry goes beyond "crush" into pure admiration and awe.  Fleek has a young daughter (22 months old) and what seems to be a huge, supportive family and husband.  She's also a country singer and famous.   Unfortunately, Fleek also has terminal cervical cancer.   Through my meager research it looks like she is at the end of a painful battle and that she has come to terms with it.  Her husband posts blogs, images and videos of the family having dance parties, doing crafts and snuggling.  Even though she is dying, they all seem determined to make it the most fun months possible. Every picture I see of Joey is a hu...

Another week in the books.  Shout out to all who made it through.  Whether you spent the week working, playing with the kids, shopping, baking or doing it all we all deserve a couple days to recharge for the wonderful week of Christmas ahead of us.  I know most of us are packing in a bunch of things this weekend (for me it's Santa visit #3 and a party of ALL ADULTS), but however you are spending it - enjoy it I closed off a pretty good work week this week.  Feels good when you teach and students seem to be engaged and getting something out of it.  I still really love teaching. I drew this picture on the board the other day in order to discuss the importance of setting in a novel. I was so proud that the kids suggested I take a selfie with it . Ahh pull my arm  I was easy to convince.  I asked them to come up with some hashtags so I could go "viral".  I am always saying this to them, but I don't even know what it means.  These are just so...

There are so many wonderful things to do with kids around this time of year.  Here in New England there are light displays, breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner/grocery store/touch-a-truck with Santa, Christmas festivals, fairs, ice skating - the list goes on and on and on.  With the weather completely cooperating it has been so nice to fit so many wonderful Christmas miracles in for my kids. For the most part I think it is just Christmas joy spreading to all.  Yet, lately I have found myself getting swept up in the competition of it all. Are my kids seeing Santa enough (I feel like four times is enough, but is it?).  We went to Hubbard Park to see the lights, but if we don't get to Hartford are we still good?  Like 10 people have told me to go to Lake Compounce to see the lights and festival, but what if we don't make it?  I am avoiding the mall on purpose, but is that depriving them of that "holiday chaos" experience? The constant posts on Facebook and in...

December 14th is a day a lot of us remember, especially if you live in Connecticut. I remember I was six months pregnant and teaching when another teacher told me there had been a school shooting - in CT.  I think I remember being shocked and worried, but I wouldn't say it fully captured my attention until I looked it up and realized it was at an elementary school. The weekend that followed was full of tears, a near obsession with media coverage and quick donations to a variety of charities.  I was, of course pregnant so already on the verge of emotional breakdowns, but I think many of us were moved to tears after listening to the stories that surfaced from the event:  teachers and administrators covering students, the quick locking of doors, hiding, telling students stories to calm them down, running down the street.  I put myself in the parent's shoes as they waited to hear news of their kids.  Unimaginable.  Brave.  Unnecessary.  Beyond wor...

Just wanted to send a real genuine thank you to all our guest-posters this week.  Selfishly it was so wonderful to hear so many great things about our kids (we literally can't get enough).  Yet, more importantly it was so nice to hear a different perspective on the art of selfless love. Sara, Laura, Erin, Jill, and Kristina - you mean the world to us and so many. By popular demand we will soon be exploring the male perspective on mom and child-rearing issues.  Yes, we too think that this may be potentially ground-breaking.  It also may be ridiculous, but we are giving it a try anyways. Thanks for all the love, support, new "fans" and kind words in the hallways, via text and on facebook.  We do this because we love to, but it's nice to have people along for the ride. THANK YOUUUUUUUUUU!

Fauntie Stina Introduction:  Kristina was my first "niece".  She arrive from Greece wide eyed, tanned, and perfect.  I took her to soccer practices, we had picnics in the backyard, snow days on the couch, and she provided the most EPIC entertainment at my bachelorette party!  But, as fun as that all was, I was not HALF the Fauntie that she is to Colin.  I feel lucky every second of the day that he has Fauntie Stina in his life.  A funny, silly, happy, and perfect Fauntie.  :o)     -Amy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fauntie By Kristina 'Stina' Soultatos While uncontrollably laughing about nonsense and stuffing our faces with Chinese food, Amy came up with the brilliant idea of having me (her amazing cousin) and Sara write a blog about how awesome it is being Colin’s aunties.  Sleeping soundly during a nap time walk on my first Aunti...

Auntie Colleen Introduction:  You know me as half of "teachmehow2mommy" but did you know that I am 31 and I still call all of my aunts "Auntie _____"?  There's Auntie Beth, Auntie Denise and the list goes on.  I love this term of endearment which is why it is truly an honor to be someone's "Auntie".  Quinny is my only a niece - good thing she is just enough to fill my heart. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This week I talked about all the amazing aunts in my life.  I learned (and am still learning) from the best. A little over a year ago I became an aunt for the first time.  Quinny may have been born in another country, but I did feel a connection with her - instantaneously.  She is my sister's baby - an extension of her and therefore an extension of me.  We share blood, genes, biology...but we all know it's more than that. I feel like being an aunt is much like h...

Auntie Laura Introduction:  We know Laura from her amazing guest post, but one thing you might not know is that she......  was first Auntie to Lucy.  Right before she was about to head back to Japan to finish out her last year abroad with her husband, I gave birth to Lucy.  She held her niece, made the connection and then hopped aboard an international flight.  Lucy always knew how to make an entrance.  I think that quick embrace must have done something - Amy always calls it "imprinting" because Lucy always talks about Auntie Wawa, even though she had been oceans away for months on end.  We are glad you are back Auntie. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Auntie Wawa By Laura Siligato Being an Aunt is the best job I have after being a mom.  I love my niece and nephew with all my heart.  They are so sweet and funny and adorable.  I love the sound of Lucy saying "aun...

Auntie Erin Introduction: Auntie Erin took the second night of a long weekend when Mommy and Daddy had to leave Colin for the first time overnight  She not only jumped at the chance, she did so with open arms... and all while she KNEW full well that Colin was a less than perfect sleeper!  Talk about Auntie dedication. :)   We love our Auntie Erin <3 -Amy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Moo and a Cheers! by: Erin Hayes Bubbles makes me a very happy Colin! Just like Amy and Colleen I am a teacher. My special needs students ask many questions throughout the day, but my favorite one is “How is baby Colin?” They have a genuine interest in the new things he is doing. They really enjoy looking at all of his pictures on one of the cabinets in the classroom. One student in particular likes to give me a Colin quiz every few days. “Is he walking?” “Is he saying Dada yet?” “...

Auntie Sara Introduction:  Let's just say this... I remember very little of the hours after Colin was born, I remember a lot of commotion, and the feeling that there had been a shift in my soul.. but one thing I remember being very clear was that I was in a hospital room surrounded by my family and I remember seeing my sister, and introducing her to Colin.   She had become an Auntie, and I was sooooooooooooo jealous!  :o)    -Amy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ My Little DupDup By Sara Fabrizio Is there anything more perfect than this moment?!   When I found out my sister and brother-in-law were  going to have a baby, I knew it was going to be amazing, and I knew I would love this baby more than anything.  How cool!! I’m going to be an aunt! It was a crazy thought and I was, to put it mildly, VERY excited.  After what seemed like an eternity, the day...

This pretty much sums up what it's like to be an aunt: flying high in the sky without a care in the world.  Two kids holding tightly to you and looking into your eyes with amazement.  "Auntie is the best." We often recognize super famous women and then realize that we don't have to go too much further than our own circle of family and friends.  Amy and I both come from a family full of truly amazing women. Although they are not our moms (we love you moms), aunts have proven to be very pivotal in our lives.   After giving birth and making our own sisters (and cousins and friends) aunts, we realized the true magnitude an aunt can have on a person. Without my aunts I wouldn't be able to: dance with no inhibitions fully understand where I come from see my potential see what a badass, strong woman is capable of in this world drink and gossip in an extremely appropriate manner have the relationships I do with my cousins learn the true worth of drinking...

Welcome to Auntie Week! This week we are dedicating all of our posts to Aunties!  We love our Auntie’s the most, Most, MOST.   Aunties are special creatures sent to earth to spoil their nieces and nephews with extra love and treats.  Auntie’s kiss boo boos and teach you about Disney World. Auntie’s house is where you have your first sleepover, and eat pancakes as soon as you wake up.  Auntie’s sneak you the extra cookie, and Auntie’s teach you how to navigate Westfarms Mall like the boss lady that you know you are (or was that just my Auntie?)… Auntie’s only have one name, like Cher, Madonna, & Adele.  Auntie’s are your AuntieMommy.  :o) I myself am not an actual Auntie, but I like to consider myself a “fauntie”.  This is a term used lovingly in our family and literally just means “fake auntie”.  It was a silly way to describe the bond between Colin and his much older cousins, and it just sort of stuck.  It can also relate to non...