No Longer Dreaming of Pyramids:(

As of this weekend, due to the massive civil unrest, the chances of us going to Egypt are completely diminished. I was looking forward to this for numerous reasons-the souqs (markets), Mt. Sinai, the Suez Canal, simply going to Africa, but honestly, I was completely head over heels in love with the idea of visiting the pyramids. That has long been a dream of mine, and I hope to make it one day.

However, of course, I would rather be safe, so we should soon find out if we are continuing with the Israel portion of the trip. We were supposed to have a meeting today, but I just learned that KCC is closed due to a water main break, so I may not find out anything until tomorrow. Chris, the head instructor for this trip, mentioned trying to add on more days in Israel or even adding another country, such as Jordan, so we can visit Petra.

Fun With Balloons

Give the kid a couple of balloons, and he can entertain himself for at least 15 minutes. If you can't tell, he's saying, "Kick", over and over.

The Boys' Classes

I don't have any pictures, but Max is doing a level class at Gymboree, which is basically a gym class. It's a cool set-up; it's sort of an obstacle course for kids, which is altered each week, and the obstacles and activities are altered for each level of kid. Max really loves the open gym though-so far, he's not a big fan of structure!

Alex continues to play soccer, and his indoor play will end at the end of February. He will pick up the outdoor league again in April. He is improving, becoming more aggressive with the ball and practicing his footwork. It's just fun to watch him play!

My Baby is Almost 2!

How did this happen? Okay, he's 21 months, but it's just a few short months away.

In my mind,when a child turns 2, they officially move into the realm of being a toddler. Max will begin potty training, move up to a new room with preschool activities at daycare, and continue to increase his level of independence. He's still a mama's boy, and I truly hope that phase lasts for the next, oh say, 16 years:), but I know changes will come.

It always gives me hope every time one of my male college students, usually around 18 or 19, writes about how influential his parents, and usually its the mother, were and still are in their lives. Typically, they are very open about their feeling and tell me how close they are to their mom, sharing nearly all parts of their lives with her. I hope that's Max and me some day!

Part-time Work?

Well, that's what I am aiming to do this semester, but it never works out quite like that. This semester, I am working 3 1/2 days a week, a nice reduction, for the sole purpose of more time with Max. However, with my job, there is always work to do at home, and I answer student emails 7 days a week. I am also teaching an online class, and I am always really diligent with those.

So, my 3 1/2 days turns into some night and weekend hours, but I am perfectly okay with that as it allows me flexibility for a weekly playgroups, library story time, open play at Gymboree, and other activities that I was struggling to find the time for. I hope to be able to keep a similar schedule for the next couple of years while Max, and any future kids:), are young. I just hope my checking account can keep up!

It's 8 a.m., and Max is still sleeping!!!

And it's my turn! Max, who still usually wakes at at 5:30 every morning, has a way of sleeping in for Charly. I swear Charly sneaks into his room and slips him something because it only happens for him. Yesterday, when Max didn't wake up until 7:30-on a Saturday-I was happy for Charly but sure he would not do the same for me. Well, I must have sufficiently wore him out:)

I keep checking on him to make sure he's still sleeping, all while taking advantage of the time, getting various things done around the house. Shoot, I am even able to drink my coffee while it's hot. It's a miracle!

Our Christmas Break So Far...

Today, Alex taught Max how to say, "Cool":)

So far, we have eaten a LOT of our holiday candy and cookies, hung out with friends, played with new toys and books, and of course, I have been busy chasing Max around. We took a trip to the library to see the Aerial Angels who do an annual Christmas show in the rotunda area every year:

I took Max to Gymboree for a sample art class, and Alex ended up doing as much as Max; here's a photo I found online:

Later today, thanks to a Christmas gift from grandparents, we are going to Bounceland. I'm even a bit excited about this one!