#204 of 365~Celebrating 10 Years

This year marks my 10th at Brownell Talbot School-An independent private college preparatory school that is building on 150 years of academic excellence. "Brownell-Talbot serves children from preschool through grade 12 with a rich and focused learning experience. Students get individualized attention from an extraordinary team of teachers. Through academics, activities, and the arts, students learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity."

My "certificate of appreciation" and sharing 10 years with these lovely ladies-LS Principal and College Councilor

At Brownell, I have had the privilege to meet so many wonderful families and come alongside them as we create  one-of-a-kind learning opportunities for their students.  BT has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally through assisting, coaching, teaching, and service learning.  I have made several friends and acquired several more mentors.  My assistants/co-teachers are two amazing woman who bless my life everyday with their laughter, stories, and commitment to children.  This community is truly one of a kind and I am blessed to be apart of it.

Preschool "Dream Team"

I was overwhelmed by the kind words spoken about me from parents and colleagues this last week during our Faculty/Staff appreciation chapel. "Kassie is amazing.  She helped develop a love for learning in my child.  She also fostered a heart for service within my child, I will be forever grateful."

~ A Parent

"Kassandra is the first face many families see as they begin their time at Brownell-Talbot.  She introduces students and parents to BT, our family/community, and the wondrous opportunities of education.  Kassandra does a wonderful job of creating a nurturing and exciting environment for our littlest Raiders and is a key part of the foundation of Early Childhood. Kassandra has a huge heart for the community.  She genuinely cares about her colleagues and lends a helping hand whenever a need arises. One of the special things about Kassandra is the way she views the value and potential of each child.  She has often said that Preschool is a magical age because no one has said “no” to the children’s dreams yet.  She has inspired many students, mine included, to be whatever they wanted, no matter how ambitious or seemingly silly the idea."~ A Teacher/Parent

#203 of 365~21 Weeks and Gender Reveal!!!

How are we feeling?

21 weeks and I still feel really good but BIG. A little heartburn here and there if I don't take my meds on time, but overall feeling good.  Baby's growing and right on track, doc said everything looks "perfect."  Did get a comment on how big the kid's feet are...if anyone knows, THAT comes from mama's side...

What's up with the bump?

The bump is growing right along with our little lovie.  This belly popp'n out has really made this pregnancy a reality.  So many people come up to me and say, "Wow!  You finally look pregnant!" I consider this a blessing because I'm really trying to not put on a lot of weight and to "finally look pregnant" at 21 weeks, is fine by me!  Still not feeling a ton of movement, but still surprised every time I do feel something.

What crazy thing did you recently learn?

We recently learned that our little blip is a GIRL!!!!  We were totally shocked as EVERYONE has said and "felt" and estimated that it was going to be a boy.  In fact, we pretty much were thinking it was going to be a boy as well, so it took a minute for the news to sink in.  Nick had to work after the appointment so we had them conceal the results in an envelope and headed to our favorite hang-out for dinner-Zio's Pizza.  (we used to go there when we were dating and tend to make it our weekly stop)  Nick gave the waitress the envelope and asked her to have the cooks put the peperoni's in the shape of a B or a G to represent the sex.  The entire wait staff and cooks came out to watch our reactions-it was hysterical!  (see pictures below)

Subject I'm not ready to think about?

Glitter and tutu's. Feathers and fairies.  Emotional break downs and boy crazy antics. Nick spoiling her.  My brother's spoiling her. Her adopted "Grandpa's" spoiling her. Anything that has to do with raising a girl.  This is going to be a stretch for the both of us, but we are already praying that this little spitfire will be the perfect balance of strength and tenderness.

Big Daddy's Take: 
Kassie used to compete with our Maddie girl for a spot on the couch. When she passed away Kassie thought those days were over. Guess what babe, there back! Anywhere from competing with front door greetings when I get home from work or prime seating on the couch, I have a feeling our baby girl is going to give you a run for your money.

Speaking of money, I already have realized that I am going to incur some extra expenses now that it is a girl. Anywhere from her cell phone bill to wedding day I am sure she is going to bleed me dry. I am sure it will all be voluntary on my part though. I wonder if there is actually an expense differential in raising a girl vs boy....

Anyway, I look forward to having a mini Kassie running around. I just hope she dodges the eighties shaved mullet that her mother was so fond of as a youngster.

#202 of 365~KC Getaway/Valentines Day

With an entire Saturday laid out before us, we took to visiting the Hallmark Visitor Center and World War 1 Museum.  The Hallmark Center was a small little museum showing how the creative card empire was created.  I remember it being so much bigger as a child and was pleasantly surprised to see that little had changed.  Nick was fascinated with the bow making machine-as well as every other old lady in attendance.  We tried to visit the Kaleidoscope Center-a place for kids to create with Hallmark left-overs-but were told we couldn't go in since we "didn't have children."  They didn't count the one I was carrying and I was shocked to find ourselves once again discriminated in the world due to our lack of having walking children.

 As we approached the World War 1 Museum, we were overwhelmed by it's size and had no idea the tribute that lay before us.  "Steeped in history, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial is America’s only museum dedicated to sharing the stories of the Great War through the eyes of those who lived it."  As you entered the museum, you walked on a see through bridge, over a field of poppies.  Each poppy represented 100 deaths with 1,000 poppies on display. 

 It was a somber 3 hour experience as we walked and read about the first world war.  They hold an impressive display of artifacts and personal stories.  We left highly educated and somber. 

 To brighten things up, we decided to check out Cafe Gratitude-a cafe we have heard so much about from our "vegan guru's"-and it did not disappoint!  The atmosphere was lively and lovely for late afternoon.  With a passion for providing Vegans and Vegetarians and regular meat-eaters farm-fresh food, Cafe Gratitude proved to be an amazing experience.  With each dish labeled  as an attribute, it was fun to figure out what to order! 

 The Cafe Gratitude Welcome and the "I Am Effervescent" juice drink made of tantalizing flavors. Housemade ginger ale with lemon juice, ginger juice, and agave, topped with sparkling water.  It  provided a refreshing option to soda

 We split the "I Am Present" appetizer-their version of bruschetta.  Toasted buttery ciabatta with creamy cashew mozzarella topped with thick tomato's, drizzled with olive oil and tangy vinaigrette, and fresh basil.  It was amazingly good!  For my main course, I chose the "I Am Dazzling" dish.  A Cesar salad with avocado and topped with Brazilian nut parmesan and capers.

 Nick went along with the whole luncheon and found himself pleasantly surprised by the how much he enjoyed his meal-the "I Am Dynamic."  Herb-cornmeal crusted eggplant over a bed of spaghetti squash noodles cooked in alfredo sauce and topped with marinara and Brazil nut parmesan. We had a wonderful time together and decide to get an ice cream treat that can only be found in KC-Sheridan's.

 After a nap, we celebrated my dad's 50th birthday in our own way and went out for dinner.
It was a great way to spend Valentine's/Lover's Day.

#201 of 365~KC Getaway Day 1

Valentines day started off with a special celebration in my classroom.  As always, the students and their families blessed us teachers with chocolates, flowers, teddy bears, and the such.  It was a wonderful way to kick off my four-day weekend.

Nick and I packed our bags for a weekend getaway to Overland Park in Kansas.  We took our time getting down there and stopped at this fun little restaurant in Mound City called "White Rose."  The decor was a mix of cowboy motif with African safari.  Stuffed grizzlies and lions watched over us as we feasted on giant burgers-Nick's was topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, and cheese.  It was such a fun place and the staff was super friendly.  In fact, they told us about a wildlife refuge filled with eagles and migrating birds and of course, we took the time to drive through.

Nice drive, Eagles watching over us, and thousands of birds creating a symphony of sound.

As we finally made our way to Overland, we made it a point to make plans to do certain things, relax, and eat.  So, for our first meal, KC BBQ it was!  There was so much in one meal that we ended up sharing and STILL had left overs.  It was a great start to the weekend.

#200 of 365~20 Weeks and the Babe Flipped

For awhile now I was starting to worry because I had yet to feel our babe move.  Others who are pregnant right along with me-which are quite a few-have been asking and chatting about their kiddos belly moves, but I had yet to feel anything.  My doc said that most first time pregnancies don't feel any movement until the 17-25 week mark.  Well, we are 20 1/2 weeks and I was reading right before bed when I felt this flip in my lower abdomen.  I whispered, "Is that you?" but unfortunately, the kid didn't answer.  Nick places his hand on my belly every night talking to the babe, praying over it, willing it to move. It's like watching a heart monitor with blips on the screen and feeling the blip.  Unbelievable and gut wrenching to someone who never thought they would experience that feeling.

Today, during my classroom Valentines Day party, our kid decided to be in total active mode-it may have been the love in the air or the Mountain Dew I drank!  I just sat there trying not to freak out at the life rolling around inside me.  I mean, there is a human being in my belly!  It's amazing and I'm still totally blown away at this miracle growing inside me, this miracle we've been given, this miracle we get to meet in a couple months, this miracle whose going to change our life, this miracle whose going to influence the world. This promised child who everyone has prayed for.