My First Mohawk

At 15 months, we all struggle with some difficult questions -- "Is it a plate of pancakes? Is it a hat?" Well, in the end, there's really only one way to find out -- put the syrupy pancake plate on your head! Even after half a box of wet wipes, RooBear still ended up sporting her first real, defined hairstyle -- a mohawk!!!

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes, MamaGerbs -- that is a scab on her nose. And, no, it wasn't my fault! In true, PapaGerb fashion, she tripped over her own feet and face planted on the patio.)

Rebel Rouser

This post is for all those friends and family members who have said time and again "Rylee is Chris through and through!" "You should name her Christine." "That child is all Chris." "She's definately not an Ackinclose!"

It was only a matter of time! Our sweet little angel is causing trouble at school! (Does anyone remember when Rylee's mother called her high school principal a "dictator" and walked out of school?!?!)

Well, yesterday, Innocent Little Roobear shoved another child*. As a result, her teacher grabbed Rylee's arm to get her attention and attempted to explain that "we don't shove our friends." At which point, Rylee used her only weapon (her four teeth) to bite Miss Stephanie on the hand. Well, of course, as you can imagine, this landed our sweet Roobie in time out. Channeling a toddler version of her mother, Roo staged a protest to this injustice by taking off her shoes and throwing them at her teachers. Makes perfect sense to me! Go Roo! I hope she receives the daycare's independant spirit award!!!

I'll post more later to explain how Miss Abby mistakenly thought Rylee was trying to say "Shirt" and "accidently" left out the 'r'. Not so much an accident. Miss Abby has since discovered that Rylee curses in context... Opps! I blame PopPop!

* It should be noted that Chris and I have told Rylee time and again that it is ok to shove "her friends" if they are dumb enough to wear either a Browns Jersey or a Red Sox cap.

The GREAT Gerber Egg Hunt 2010

Another Political Statement

The link below is to an article in this morning's local paper. The teacher who commented at the end was right... this bill is tearing families apart. With all due respect, I've already compromised enough, and I've moved as far East as I'm willing to go. Rylee and I are NOT moving to New Jersey. If the state forces us to move East... we're moving WEST!

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_3employees.7207183mar31,0,3112457.story

Carol, thanks for the Facebook support. Love you!

PA Residents -- Help Oppose NJ State Legislation

PA Residents,

Help Chris and I oppose residency requirements for New Jersey state employees. One of our PA (Bucks County) State Representatives has started a petition to oppose the legislation -- please consider signing it.

As you may know, my husband, Chris, is a teacher in New Jersey. The proposed New Jersey state legislation would force Chris and I to sell our home in Palmer Township and establish residency in the state of New Jersey within the next two and a half years in order for him to keep his job. Not only would a move to New Jersey severly alter our quality of living, but it would force us to leave a community that we love -- a community in which I am actively involved.

If you join Chris and I in the belief that New Jersey should value the quality of their educators over their home address, please click here to sign the petition.

If you are a New Jersey resident, please contact your legislator and ask them to oppose New Jersey State Employee residency requirements. At the very least, ask them to grandfather in current employees as to not force hard-working, loyal NJ state employees, like Chris, to uproot their families.

Rylee's Birthday Photo Shoot

Rylee got beautiful birthday pictures taken! Click on the pic above to access the flickr slideshow.

Random Pics

For those of you suffering from Roo withdraw, I've uploaded some new pics.

Above: Everyday on the way to school, Rylee talks to "Dada" on her phone. Elmo's voice talks back, btw. Obviously, she has picked up a bad habit from Mommy. Does anyone know if Leap Frog makes a Bluetooth?

The pics below are of Roo at school. We leave a camera in her bag, and her teachers do a nice job of taking random pics for us. We heart Miss Stephanie and Miss Abby.

Coaching Girls

Coach Gerber recently discovered the joys of coaching... and raising... girls. While playing catch with his little RooBear, Coach was both delighted and embarrassed to discover that Rylee hugs the ball after each catch. With a huge smile, and a slight chuckle, Daddy exclaimed, "You catch like a girl!"

Happy Birthday Aunt Carly!

Happy Birthday Aunt Carly! We hope this makes you laugh :-)

So Sorry.

I want to apologize to my loyal "Roo Readers." Just because the blog has been neglected doesn't mean Roo has! Rylee has been very busy adjusting to school. This experience has been emotionally draining for the whole fam -- including my Mom -- thanks for listening to all the tears, Ma! I appreciate your daily support -- and also the support of my co-workers and Rylee's fabulous teachers. Roo's center director sent me like a trillion pics messages one day, because I was so emotional at drop off... Thanks, Virginia!

On a separate note, Roo now has her first post-surgery infection. This time it's upper resperatory and doesn't include her ears. It's still gross and there is yet another antibiotic in our fridge, but Dr. Evans says that her ears look "beautiful." I think she gets them from me!

Turn Up the Volume!!!

New School

RooBear had a VERY rough first day of school at her new "big girl" school. She basically screamed for seven hours straight until she finally passed out on her mat. She refused to eat in the morning. Wouldn't take a bottle. Wouldn't play with toys or the other kids. Her teacher said, "Quite honestly. In all my years of teaching, I've never seen anything like it. I've seen kids cry, but not scream for hours on end." Miss Steph said that Roo isn't scared or sad. There are no tears. She's just plain angry and frustrated.

Poor little Roo doesn't understand that Chris and I are just trying to do what's best for her. Miss Steph did say that Roo seemed vaguely interested in some of their activities, like bubble blowing, singing and dancing. She also had no trouble sleeping on her mat, and even sat on her mat for snack time. Such a biggie girl! If only she would sit there quietly and smile... just once!

If this is her resolve at one... just imagine what is in store for Chris and me in the future!!!