I AM A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER!!!!!!!

I interviewed on Thursday, May 29. I found out Friday, May 30. I signed papers on Wednesday, June 4. I had training and prepped my room Thursday and Friday, June 5 and 6. IT IS REAL. I AM A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER. And it feels soooo good and right. There was a reason I didn't get any of the other jobs I interviewed for. This is where I belong. In room 20 at Bonneville Elementary School, Ogden School District. Taking over for Mrs. HUDSON. in KINDERGARTEN. Pictures are a bit out of order, but here they are!

 Bonneville Elementary in Ogden

 Beautiful mountains in the background

 my lovely room, standing at doorway.

 Front of room, by doorway.

Trash pile after one day of cleaning and sorting.

 storage cupboards and kids tables

intervention room between my room and the other new kindergarten teacher- an aid takes students in here for one-on-one and small group assistance. Also houses our coat hangers and bathrooms and a door outside.

 materials for science, arts and other non-core subjects

 level reading books and puzzle centers

 My desk and books from home

 my desk with my fancy globe and glasses that will be for birthday recognition

 bulletin board stuff and posters

just a touch of me in the hallway since it still says Mrs. Hudson

character words for "we are Builders" theme and school-wide recognition program

Math manipulatives and materials

blocks and dramatic play center (probably)

whisper phones and hand-held white boards

the potties

phonics, letters and words materials and curriculum

my projector (and dirty ceiling!)

my coat hooks

old tv

center time activities and supplies

Reading Street reading curriculum

WHERE TO EVEN START?!?

so much to go through, so much to prepare for, so much to do!!!

my interwrite board

Breastfeeding

I love my body. I love that it was able to create two beautiful little beings. I love that it continues to provide nourishment after. I love nursing my babies. Hudson drank breastmilk for 15 months, whether it was from a tube, a bottle or the boob. He is a healthy boy and is rarely ever sick. I remember him getting sick sometime after his first birthday and only being sick for a day and I am certain it was because he was still drinking breastmilk, and I am certain that it is one of the reasons that he rarely gets sick now. With Hudson, I used bottles a lot because I wasn't as comfortable nursing in public. With Bentley, I rarely carry a bottle. She uses them while I am at work, but if I am with her, we just nurse. I am not at all ashamed to nurse in public. I have never been snubbed, or if I have been, I didn't notice and certainly did not care. I am doing what is best for my baby. I don't cover because it's difficult and separates my child from the world. When I am feeding, I love looking at my baby, and she at me. We exchange some of the sweetest smiles during this time. It's nice to have that special time together, where the rest of the world doesn't even matter. We were connected for 9 months, it's nice to have a few minutes of that kind of connection still. It's also nice that I have to take the time to feed her- it gives me a break from all the other stuff I might otherwise feel obligated to do, such as cleaning and cooking, which will get done eventually anyways. And I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I abuse it sometimes, using it as an excuse to not do something- "Royce, you have to help Hudson, I'm feeding the baby..." (eh, so what if she isn't exactly eating at the moment and is dosing off...) But, there are a few minor setbacks. Like my wardrobe. It is soooo limited! Boobs must be accessible at all times. I am having the hardest time finding dresses that fit the bill. I can't exactly shove baby up my dress every time she's hungry! And at work, I don't want to be sitting nearly naked in the room while I'm pumping. I am wearing the same handful of shirts over and over and over because they are easy to nurse in. But they are also long sleeves, and we are coming in to spring time and warmer weather, so they won't be comfortable much longer. Oh well, in the end, if my kids look good and are happy and healthy, I am happy. And the benefits we get from my breastfeeding is exponentially more important than what I wear.