I shouldn't put this anywhere public--but I think this picture is just hilarious. I wonder what Josh is doing. He is so funny sometimes--the picture doesn't show how red his face was.

He eats so much but that also shows up later in a major way.

Jumping Fun!

We went to a birthday party today--I was at first a little disappointed that Mikayla was taking a while to warm up and she just wanted to be with me. But, I went with it--got a good work out at the same time (It was at a jump place) She eventually went to play with her friends and I got to talk with other adults. But, I went back and one of her younger friends wanted some help and I started playing with them and we all had a good time. I think in the end, many of the adults spent at least some time on the slides or bounce houses. I think the best time was when I was in the bounce house with Mik and four of her friends and I was playing 'it' with them. Giggles were abundant-and some of them were mine, not just the little ones. Who says bounce parties are just for kids?

School Reports

Josh: Josh had fun dancing with the music today! He's got rythm!!

Mikayla: Mikayla worked very hard to put our Disney Princess Puzzle together. She also did a fantastic job cutting shapes to make a boat.

She also came up with a beautiful paper showing her writing her name and numbers. Yeah!

Josh school report

From School: Josh had fun reading books with his monkey. He never lets go of it!

Mikayla School Report

From school today: Mikayla has been doing a great job practicing writing.


It seems like she has turned a corner over the Christmas break.

Josh school report

Today from daycare: Josh had fun looking through the ABC book today. He was able to identify the pictures of a cat, dog, bird, and piggy. Way to go Josh!

My Little Dancer!

And, no, it's not Mikayla. It's Josh!! He really loves to bop to the beat. In church Mikayla and the Vandebergs were dancing to the last song and he stepped a few steps in front of our pew and was totally dancing--the only thing that wasn't moving was his feet. It was hilarious! It's too bad I didn't have my video camera. He might enjoy dancing more than her.

My Girl!

I took Mikayla to get tested at the Early Childhood School in Barrington. She may need help with some of her letter recognition and may be slightly delayed with her speech (not that she can't talk--she still does that a mile a minute--she has some challenges with some of her sounds) But, she went in and it seemed like she was charming everyone around her. She makes me so proud! I'm not sure how the evaluation went yet but I think they thought she was charming. She was having one of those days that she was just batting her eyes and was doing what she needed to do and hiding her stubborn side. It was just a day I was proud to say she was my kid.

Cranky Pants

Where did our sweet baby go? He is in a moody spot and I'm not sure if it's because he is not feeling well or is this the new Josh? He seems to be hungry and if he doesn't want what you give him he throws it at you. Them he throws himself on the floor to have a tantrum. Or should I say gently places himself on the floor and has a fit. It's sort of funny but I'm sure it will get old. I understand he's frustrated but it would be nice to have our easygoing baby back

Mikayla School Report

Mikayla spelled Mom and Dad today

Cute as A Bug

OK, I know I said I wasn't going to be as negative, and there is probably going to be some negativity in here-but, hey, last month was rough and I'm hoping things are just going to get better. Josh has been sick for the last month. (has it been a whole month? Yes, it started on Thanksgiving and it is now 2009) He has had two ear infections and a constant dripping from his nose (I'm hardly even thinking it is gross anymore) in addition to a weird puking incident. SO, although he is still our mild-mannered macho man, he has been extremely clingy. As in, let's go visit our relatives but I will have nothing to do with anyone but mama.

This has been bittersweet. On one hand I have devoured my hunk of burning love attached to me. But, on the other hand, I can't get ANYTHING done holding my baby. I think he's doing better--hopefully the second round of antibiotics has finally kicked this thing.

We may have turned a corner today. Maybe for a few reasons: Mommy took Mikayla to a play so he had some one-on-one time with daddy this morning. Then, when mommy came back, her back was out and she couldn't carry Josh around. And, daddy had some bonding time and cut Josh's hair (grrr!) Or, maybe it was Josh decided he was sick of all the mommy time and needed some male bonding. Whatever it is, he has been daddy's boy all day. Although I missed him, it was nice to have a little break.

Later: Josh woke up and was warm again. I held him until he fell asleep.

New Year's Resolutions/ Goals/Prayers

More time with kids
Save Money--New Job Priorities
More Organized House
More time with Husband
Not Be as Negative