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.
   

Mother's Day Review

These are a few of the pics from our day at the Arboretum. It was a great day - very beautiful.

I had a lovely Mother's Day with Anna and Bryan yesterday. Anna was a little crabby, but I love her anyway. I think her teeth are bothering her (her top 4 teeth are all coming in). I slept in while Bryan fed Anna breakfast, gave her a bath, put her down for a nap, and made me breakfast! He also did the washing of the laundry, but I'm here looking at the baskets that need to be folded :(.

We have been thinking about buying a nice, digital SLR camera. It's one of those things that has been something we've been wanting for a while. The prices continue to go down, so we are seriously considering it. We borrowed one from a co-worker of Bryan this weekend. It takes nice pictures, if it's on the right setting. It would probably take even better pictures if Anna was interested in having her picture taken! The best thing about the camera is its ability to take pictures in rapid succession so I can get Anna in the moment. With the regular digital camera, I usually miss the moment because it takes to long to take the shot. We got great pics at home and at the Arboretum.

pictures i promised

Here are Anna and Jackson giving hugs and kisses - isn't that so cute. I could hardly breathe I was laughing so hard. Anna eats people's faces a little when she gives kisses. My little sweet pea.

Here's that photo of Jackson I promised. Isn't his little cake face cute???

I love pictures

My cousin got married at the beginning of January. Stephanie loves Christmas and wanted the church to be decorated for Christmas - it turned out really pretty. I was a bridesmaid in the wedding - something that as a married mother I wasn't sure about. It turned out to be a great time. I love my cousins, Stephanie (the bride) and Danielle (the maid-of-honor/sister). We don't get to see each other much any more so it was nice to know that we still have fun together. Danielle and I rocked it out to some oldies in the limo on the way to the reception - she thinks that it's funny that I like oldies. Not everyone can be a Hammer fan, Danielle!

When Bryan and I got married Laura Leppert of Leppert Photography was our photographer - she is so amazing - so amazing. I still get my wedding album out every-so-often to look at our photos. Well, because Steph has such good taste, she also went with Leppert Photography. I just checked out her pics - and of course, they are fabulous. Stephanie looked so beautiful. Her husband is a really good guy; I'm happy for them.

Next step...figure out a good time to have Laura Leppert take pictures of Anna. I'm thinking it will be this summer or fall.