How will I do it?

Yes, how will I wake up at 5:30 tomorrow????? This is a serious question because for the past two weeks, plus 2 snow days I have been sleeping in until 7:30 or 8:00 (that's sleeping in at our house). I feel so well rested - like I could get a ton of stuff done around the house with all my extra energy (but I won't because I'm usually doing what Anna wants to do).


I've had a great break and Christmas. Our travels were safe despite the snow, and it's always fun to hang out with family. My best Christmas present: Nikon D90 camera. Bryan found it on Craigs List for a really good deal. It's only a few years old and the previous owner hardly ever used it. These are 2 of my favorite pics from Christmas morning:





Anna's favorite gifts are the dress-ups from my Aunt Donna and the Beauty Shop dress-up and play restaurant food set from my dad. She actually loved everything she got, and had a blast just opening the presents, but those are the things we've played with over and over and over again. She did really well during the break considering her routine was all messed up, she had to travel a long distance in the car, and she went to a lot of over-stimulating family parties. Our strategy that works the bestwhen a tantrum or breakdown is coming: take a cool down (like a time out but before the screaming, kicking, hitting, biting start). She goes to her room with her baby and calmly recharges for a few minutes - works like a dream and she really likes it.

I've had a lot of fun hanging with my family, playing with new Christmas gifts, shopping, baking, and having some quality alone time, but it will be good to get back to our routine. I actually miss my kids at school and am looking forward to seeing them tomorrow - just not so early.

Today I'm thankful for:

1. potty training is off to a great start. She was definitely ready. I'm so proud of her.
2. the healthy foods stocked in my fridge.
3. Anna's nap time - I got my report card labels finished.
   

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.

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.