Checking up on a few blogs...

I was checking on NieNie's blog - which I do now and again. I found her pictures beautiful and fascinating. Her oldest daughter looks so much like her. That's just one of the amazing things about having children - seeing yourself in them. Sometimes I think Anna looks like Bryan, and sometimes I think she looks like me. Most of the time she acts like Bryan. Some of the time she acts like me. Either way, she's a part of us. Kids are pretty amazing.

I was also loving NieNie's back to school dinner with crowns they made. I love their family theme, " To Learn with Joy." It's like my school theme, "Learn, have fun, and make friends." Anna's still a little young and we've already been in school for 4 weeks, but maybe next year she'll be ready to make a crown with the things she loves. NieNie always does cute and crafty things even though none of it can be easy for her. I try to remember her when I get boring or crabby or not-fun. It's much more fun to play with Anna since I'm back to work. Maybe that makes no sense to you, maybe it makes all the sense in the world. I'm more than only mommy. But when I'm mommy, I want to be a good one and a fun one and an engaged one.

Today I'm thankful for:

1. OSU football has started again
2. Rice Krispy Treats
3. funny kids at school
4. a good group of kids at school
5. Anna's laugh and sense of humor
6. Anna's singing - twinkle twinkle, row row your boat, I caught a baby bumble bee, wheels on the bus, and itsy bitsy spider
7. Anna's counting - just one and two, I guess she'll go on when she's ready
8. Anna's ABCs - out of order and barley understandable, but still super cute

Present in the Moment

Cabin fever was setting in big time after staying inside during a snowy Monday and Tuesday. Anna and I finally got out of the house today.

Anna's been running a low grade fever (99-100) consistently for the past few weeks. I didn't think it was a big deal bc she's getting all 4 eye teeth in right now. But yesterday, she had green snot all day. Then this morning, her temp was 100.5, so I decided to take her to the doctor. Sure enough...ear infection. She's taking amoxicilin for the next 10 days. It makes me wonder if I had been working if I would have been as concerned, if I would have taken her to the doctor??? She probably would have been ok. My mom told me a lot of ear infections can clear up on their own, but still. I like working, I need to work, I want to work, but moments like these make me wonder if I spend enough time paying attention to things when she can't tell me herself. It's not guilt that I feel, but maybe just a moment to reinforce that I need be sure to give her my attention when we're together at the end of the day and on the weekends. You know, be present in the moment.

Speaking of being present in the moment...I'm just going to accept that we are extending our school year. It is what it is - extra days with my baby, time to relax, time to watch the Today Show and learn about the Olympians. It's inconvenient, yes, but not the end of the world.

One more thing - Favorite Olympian: Seth Wescott - gold medal snowboard cross. He seems really down to earth, and not cocky at all.

Today I am thankful for:
1. getting out and about today
2. a healthy dinner - my simple version of stir fry with lots of veggies
3. getting some work done at school today while Anna was at day care (after the dr. appt.)