I haven't forgot you...

We've had several busy weeks, so here's the gist:
1. I made it through the last week of school. I'm not going to lie, it was trying at times; the kids were so excited and chatty. I am so much more organized this year - I already have my January calendar up for when we get back!

2. I had the week before Christmas off, so I sent Anna to daycare, baked a butt-load of cookies that I gave as gifts to her teachers and gifts for Christmas activities, shopped for last-minute gifts, wrapped presents, and cleaned the house.

3. We started our tradition last year - Christmas Eve is spent at home: Bryan , Anna, and me. Bryan makes a post roast in the crock pot and we hang out and relax. We wake up on Christmas morning to see what Santa has brought us. This year Anna got a Crayola table, a ball pit with tunnels, and some other fun toys. Then we finish getting ready and head to my dad's for Christmas brunch, which is so delicious. We also give gifts and all that fun stuff. Then we go to my mom's for more food and family. This year we had a great time, got some really great gifts, and ate some delicious food. PS: I love you double butter, but like always, we will meet again next Christmas.

4. We drove to New Riegel on the 26th and had Christmas with B's extended family. Then on the 27th we had Christmas with B's immediate family. Santa also came to visit. Anna had the same reaction as when he visited daycare: crying and kicking and screaming when she was put on Santa's lap. Maybe next year Santa. We had a great time in New Riegel seeing family and catching up. I also learned I'll be an aunt for the 2nd time in 2010 - Jami's pregnant with her 3rd baby - so exciting!

5. We finally came home with a car loaded full of goodies on the 30th. I've been working on getting things put away, doing laundry, and just hanging out with B and Anna. Anna seems to like her new toys - our basement is a complete mess with toys everywhere, and that is the way it should be! We are spending the New Year in our PJs, relaxing, playing video games, reading, watching movies - whatever sounds fun. Will we make it to 12? Doubtful, but we'll see.

It works for us.

Daycare is not for every child or every family, but it works for Anna and our family. She's learned so many things while she's been there that I don't know if she would have learned them if I was a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM). I guess I would have found books about what 1 year olds are supposed to do and learn, and I would have figured it out. (I'm very much attuned to six year olds I guess.) I love my baby and enjoy my time with her, but the SAHM thing is not for me. Anna is very active, like never sits still, ever. She's very curious, and she loves to be around other people. Daycare provides her with so many opportunities to be around big and little people and learn new things. Sure, we work with her on reading, talking, naming animals, completing puzzles, counting, using manners, being kind and gentle, and other fun things with toys, but they've taught her things that some of my first graders don't do!

Here are some of my favorite things she's learned since starting at her new daycare in August:

• she can show you that she's 1 if you ask how old she is
• covers her mouth when she coughs
• wipes her face when she's done eating
• cleans her area after eating
• does the motions to songs, and even says a few words here and there
• says 'shhhh'
• sits in a group and listens to stories and songs

I'm thankful for good teachers that love her and care about her and help her become a good little person.

Now I Get It.

I always wondered why people put those giant blow-up Christmas decorations in their yard. I mean, some of them are cute and fun to look at - once, but everyday for a month? Really? Not my thing I guess...until now.
Anna is enthralled by Christmas lights and decorations. Like all good girls, the tackier the better. I actually find myself thinking, oh, she would love to have a big blow-up Santa thing in our yard. Probably one with Rudolph and some type of movement.
How things change when you look through the eyes of your baby.

Hmmmm- changes need to be made.

I got my blood work results from my endocrinologist (diabetes doctor) today - not good :(. My hemoglobin A1C was 7.3 ... in translation: my blood sugar average for the past 3 months is not where it needs to be (around 6.0). Plus my pants are getting tight - ugh.

Maintaining good blood sugars now reduces my risk for heart disease, future pregnancy complications, blindness, amputation, and so on. Maintaining any resemblance of health that I can is important to me. I've done really well in the past. I've seen 7.3 before, but it was a long time ago, like 6 or 7 years, I think. When I was pregnant with Anna, I was super controlled because I knew I had to be; I tested my sugar 8-10 times each day. With work, Anna, and life, I let some things go I guess. B keeps getting on me about exercising, but it's hard when I can't go to a gym, sorry not going to happen. I like taking walks, but it's dark out now when Anna goes to bed, and I'm not too interested in walking in the dark especially when it's cold. We don't get home until 4:30-5:00. I have dinner to make, lunches to prepare, baby to bathe, and let's not forget sitting on the couch and reading(you know, down time).

I know, I know, excuses excuses. I HATE to exercise! I know I need to exercise and gain some control over my eating. Maybe videos???? Maybe Wii Fit???

What will get my big butt off the couch???? I'll be following up - soon, once I figure out what I'm going to do. It's in writing now, I have to do it - boo hoo hoo, poor me.

Pre-New-Year's-resolution: H A1C down to 6.3 or less.