Back at it

Today was my first day back to school! Declan is staying with my mom until the Cullinans feel better and it is a healthy house. He did well, of course, being at Pop and Cyn Cyn's house and I too survived. He is sleeping and all I want to do is wake him up because I missed him so much! It was great to be back at work today. They welcomed me back with a breakfast and gifts. I am so lucky to work with the people I do!

Jason left for North Carolina for a month, so Declan and I are on our own. I miss Jason a lot but know it is just as hard for him to leave us here. Unfortunately there aren't any construction jobs right now in Georgia, so he has to go where the work is. I am so proud of him! We can make it through this for sure!

Hope to take more pictures to post once things settle down!!!

Maternity Leave Over....

Great Aunt Susan and Declan

Aunt Staci and Declan

COUSINS!

Kara and Declan

What a proud Aunt :-)

I am back to work on Tuesday after 6 weeks off with Declan. Am I ready? Believe it or not I actually am. I probably could have used one more week, but the stay at home mom thing is definitely not for me. I admire ALL of you that do it.

"How are you ready to go back and not worried?" "How can you be ready to leave your little boy?" These are the questions I have been getting the past couple of weeks. Well...my sister has graciously volunteered to keep Declan during the week while I am at work. Staci has twin boys that are in kindergarten and a 2 year old little girl and will be taking care of our little man on top of that. I cannot even begin to tell you how lucky we are and how grateful we are that Staci will be caring for Declan. I have no worries what so ever and know what excellent care he will be in with her. That makes this transition thing back to work very easy and stress-free knowing he will be with my sister. Words cannot express the relief it is knowing that he will be staying with her and in her hands. She has raised 3 amazing kids (w/ Peter's help of course) and I am glad Declan will get to bond with his aunt and cousins on a daily basis. He is one lucky little boy!



My Aunt Susan has also volunteered to take Declan a day suring the week or if Staci needs a break. It is nice to have the family we do!!! I really don't think we can get any luckier!!!



Don't get me wrong...I am going to miss Declan and have so enjoyed bonding with him and our time together the past six weeks. I am so in love with him it is unbelievable! I have also enjoyed our playdates and time with visitors and family. I will also cherish the time I had with my mom during these weeks off. It was so fun!

I am excited to get back to work and see my students and teach my kids with autism which I am still extremely passionate about. My students were my babies and still are even after I have had my own. Teaching and autism is still a BIG part of my life still. I am also excited to get back and see my co-workers/friends and have some adult interaction...ha ha!!!

I hope to update the blog as much as I can, but I am sure I will slack off a bit. Jason has also bid a job in NC and will be leaving in a couple of weeks for a month, so me and Baby D will be on our own. I will keep you updated on that though!

Lindsay and Nick

One of my best friends, Linds, found out that she is having another BOY! Charlie is going to be a big brother! We are so happy for Nick, Lindsay, and Charlie! They are such a wonderful family and this baby boy is going to be very lucky! Lindsay has been such a great friend to me for 14 years!!! She is always there when I need her. Love you guys!

Declan is 1 month old!!!

Declan is one month old! Jason and I took him to the pediatrician today. He got another perfect report and so did his parents! We have a very healthy, happy, and easy baby and could not be luckier! We thank God for our little boy everyday. He is definitely our world!

Declan's Stats

9 lbs. and 10 oz.

22 1/2 inches

He is eating, sleeping, and growing just like he should be. We have our moments...but overall he is a really good baby! I am enjoying every minute with him until I go back to work in a week! Now let's see if I can put him in his crib...ha ha!

Family and Friends

World's Best granparents! Making dinner and entertaining their children and grandchildren :-)

The boys and cigar time!

Aunt Staci and Declan

Uncle Chris and Declan. I caught them chatting :-)

Declan on gameday with Dad! Notice his socks :-)

Declan is so lucky to be loved by so many people! We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend with family and friends! We are so excited that football season and fall is here! Declan had his first gameday with us. He had a big time watching the games with his dad. Jason's mom, brother and Lauren also joined us for the game. I cooked a big meal and it was fun to have them over to spend time with Declan. We are hoping his first word is not a cuss word though after Georgia's performance. Ha ha!

For my Auburn friends...let me explain...We put him in Georgia gear...

1. Because Auburn was not on TV

2. He does not fit into his Auburn onesie yet

3. Aunt KK gave him the onesie and

4. I am a really good wife

My parents had us over for drinks and dinner and time with the family. It was Declan's first visit to his Pop and Cyn Cyn's house. Staci, Peter, KR, Owen and Gavin came too. My grandmama also came over for the party. It was the first time we were ALL together since Declan was born. All I can say is that I have the BEST family in the entire world. I am so glad we are such a close family! Let's just say my parents spoil their grandkids rotten! They are definitely the luckiest grandchildren in the world.

We also went to Jason's grandmother's house with the entire family! Minnie cooked a wonderful meal and everyone got to love on Declan! Jason and I were discussing how neat it was that Declan got to see both of his great grandmothers over a weekend.

We then went to Kendra and Bryan's for a cookout. Times sure have changed, but for the better. Kendra and I have both been so busy having newborns we had not even gotten to catch up with each other. It was also nice for Bryan and Jason to have some "man time" too, ha ha! It was such a nice evening with best friends. Of course Rylan and Declan slept the night away and were perfect.