Back to School

I just realized, I have yet to mention on the blog some relatively big news... and the title of this blog does indicate that i would do so, as it comes, mention, news, that is..... ahem...

I'M GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!

I'm going to the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, in their Masters of Science in Nursing Program.  In 2 and a half years, give or take, I plan to come out as a nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric and mental health nursing.  I will do this part time.  I start in a couple weeks.

The opportunity to go back to school is really exciting.  Its one of the main reasons we moved here from Maui (if we stayed in Hawaii, we would've had to move to Oahu for me to go to school at UH Manoa). Its very exciting and i'm eager to get started.  Adult conversations will be refreshing.  Learning and being a nerd again will be fun.  Going back to school has always been my plan; its now time to actually do it.

The schedule is great.  i'm taking 2 classes and they're on the same day. one is in the morning, one is at night.  there's a large block of time between them, perfect for studying. Campus is an hour and 15 minutes away so i won't come home between classes.

There's just one thing.  One very sweet, cute, beautiful little thing. 

I know some of you reading this might politely, quietly, think i sound a little crazy. a little silly.  School is only one day a week.  It will be great for me, our family. Being taken care of by other people is good for Naia (and her mom).  believe me, i know all the reasons that this is a very good thing to do.  Thats why we're doing it.

it just still hurts my heart a little.

You see, we have it pretty good around here.  We get to play and hang out everyday. Its been very important to our family that Naia gets to have her mom all day every day in these first few years, so we've done that and consider it a privilege that we've been able to. But the first years are, (sniff) starting to come to an end.  So, its time to start weaning off the 24/7 mommy and me time...  and one day a week is the perfect way to do it... I guess its just that the ONE day will be a marathon day.  With commute and incidentals, I'm estimating I'll be gone about 14 hours.  Our record is about 8.  But its time. Gulp.

I hate to sound weepy.  I just like to let you loyal blog buddies know the latest and how I feel about it.  The forecast is bright, optimistic, and sunny, with a 30% chance of tears.

You see, I can never hold her long enough.

Happy Summer!!

The other blog

So i think i've mentioned here that I started a blog for our photography business, BW Gibson Photography.  I'm new to the social media advertising but i'm working on it and learning how to blog for fun AND promotion (for lack of a better word).  Anyway, I don't expect you guys to follow the photo blog but i thought i'd post a link to it every now and then when i think friends and family might like something i've posted there.... anyway, my mom seemed to like this one. maybe you all will too. check it out: its a TRIBUTE TO MY FAVORITE LENS of sorts.
i'll blog again soon with naia's most recent adventures-- theres always so much to catch up on with her. =)

And why not some more?

Two posts in one day? i'm proud of myself.  I'd like to thank the academy... and nap time =).

 

little angel

 

AND, she's an angel who cooks!

 

Taste test before serving =)

 

Storytime at the park with two of her favorite toys-- my phone and my keys

 

And here's storytime at the park (different day) with another favorite thing to play with-- her cousin Austin

 

And here are some of naia and her swimming buddies at swim class, with the teacher Naia LOVES 

Things don't get much cuter than that, in my humble opinion.

We hang out in the yard a lot

Here are a few pictures of the little ham doing just that. (these are a couple weeks old... just "discovered" them now). Enjoy =)