A Reflection

2008

Hmmm, this year was a rollercoaster of a year for sure.

First and foremost, we completed our family in May with the addition of Colt, our 3rd and last son. It's a wierd feeling to feel "complete" as a mother, but I totally do. Jamie and I had talked about Dane being our last baby, but even within hours of delivering him I just knew I wasn't done. It was wierd, usually the LAST thing a woman thinks about just after delivery is NOT giving birth again.

We also were faced with the reality that Colt's kidney issues that were noticed in utero were not going to resolve itself and we have spent many a hour at Children's Hospital of Detroit with him and will likely spend many, many more in the years to come. To refresh your memory, his right kidney did not develop normally and therefore only a small portion (20-25%) of it works at all, and on top of that - the kidney has grade V reflux (the worst there can be) and hydronephrosis. All around, it's almost useless. NOW TO THE GOOD NEWS - We are fortunate that he has not had any complications resulting from all those issues. It is common for children with reflux to get numerous bladder infections and Colt has not had one at all. He actually has been my healthiest baby ever as far as illness/fever/colds go, go figure.

Colt is just over 7 months now and starting to try to crawl. He does this thing that is not quite an army crawl, but it's more like a push one leg up stiff, and then throw his body forward. Whatever works - he is becoming too mobile for my likings. He has started to wave hi and bye and has a killer smile. He has been by far the happiest baby I have had and loves to play on the floor with his toys for long periods of time. Watch out though, when he's done - he's done and he has the cutest, fakest screechy cry when he thinks you might not be picking him up. It can be cute, but only sometimes.

Hunter started school this year. *sniff sniff* It's hard to see him becoming such a big boy. (Almost as hard as it is to drag the other 2 kids to the bus stop 2 times a day, but that's for another not so positive post!) He is actually in young 5's because he just was not ready for kindergarten. It has proved to be a blessing, he is gaining skills he will need for kindergarten next year and his teacher is beyond amazing with him. We are so fortunate to have such a adorable, loving boy.

Dane, oh Dane. 2008 has proved to be a trying year for you, and therefore Jamie and I :) The addition of Colt was difficult for Dane. Oh, he loves Colt to death - but he was super jealous and resorted back to becoming quite dependent (which is crazy b/c he was SUPER independent) and even peeing his pants again. He is starting to get better now. As I noticed with Hunter, three's are much harder than two's and it proved to be true with Dane as well. I never realized life was so hard for kids :) He is amazingly adorable though, and I just love his shaggy hair and his *big lip* kisses that I get all day long.

Jamie has had quite a few changes this year. He has had a few job transitions, with the most recent one being this week. Hopefully he can find happiness and peace inside of a job he truly loves. I can not express in words how awesome of a father he is (he can be a pretty snazzy hubby too if he tries :) He is never too busy for a wrestling match or a quick video game with his boys. He doesn't care if they only play in the snow for 10 minutes - he will certainly take the 20 minutes it takes to get them all bundled up. AND, he often gets up with the kids so that I can sleep in. He rocks, seriously. I love him to death (didn't I pledge that somewhere???) He even went and had the big *V* this year to ensure our family was complete. He was scared to death, but thoughtful enough of a man to know how much easier it is for men to take care of than woman. I only wish everyone could have someone as great as he is. (oh, but he is absent-minded like a mug. Do NOT ask him to tell someone something or bring something home from the store - not-gonna-happen) :)

My mom is starting to feel better again (well, most days anyway) and we are all blessed to have her as a part of our lives. It was scary there for a while and we were all immensly worried about her. I think 2009 is going to bring her even more prosperity and health EVEN if she doesn't think so :)

This year also brought the closing of my dad's plant; a place where he worked many, many years. It was a hard thing to hear for him, but fortunately he is such an amazing worker and so extremely good at what he does, a buddy of his who is working in Kentucky called and offered dad a job the day after he learned of the plant closing. Even though it seemed a world away, it was the only prospect for him. Unfortunately, the economy in our area is so horribly bad, EVERY industry is hurting. So, currently dad is working in Kentucky, coming home when he can and doing the best he can. The funny thing is - I am probably closer to him than I have been in years b/c we talk much more. It's wierd what you take for granted when it is right in front of your face.

AND - since dad has been displaced, Jamie and I are hoping to make the move to Kentucky this year (even if we have to drag mom kicking and screaming!) Jamie has wanted to move south for a looooooong time, and I was dragging my heels because of my parents being here. Well, now they will be there - so Kentucky here we come! Of course a few things need to fall into place - me securing a teaching position, finding reasonable housing and of course trying to sell this "investment" YEAH RIGHT of a house. We know the chance of it selling is so freaking slim, but we have to try.

So, knowing what I know about 2008 - I have a feeling that 2009 is going to bring even more change and challenges for us but we are super excited at the prospects of it.

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OH - I forgot about me! That is something that is easy to do when you are a mom. Anyway, this year was the last year I will ever hold my own newborn in my hands and have to overwhelming feeling of love for a new little man that I have been carrying for so long. I really do feel complete as a family, but those moments are sooooooooo special it's hard to think you will never have another.

I had every intention of losing weight, but actually ended the year at more than I began the year - I suck at exercise committment. I did give up pop for the most part, rarely buying for the house - but that made no difference. The secret to my fatness is lazyness. I know it - I just can't seem to motivate myself to change it. It sucks.

As far as career goes, I like the job I have now, but I want, no need, more. I really want to get back into education and that is never going to happen in Michigan because of the crappy job market in education. That is why the prospect of moving to Kentucky is all the more exciting for me. I love my boys and spending a lot of time with them, but I miss summers off and I think a teacher's schedule is a great schedule for family.


Ok, I think that is all for now - whew! I am seriously sweating after typing all that up. I didn't really think it would take that much to reflect on 2008!

Christmas Pictures

Yeah, about those. I would GLADY upload our Chirstmas pictures to share with you all EXCEPT being the forgetful mother that I am, I did not buy batteries for the games/toys on xmas morning - so immediately after opening presents my camera batteries were transferred to Dane's new domino train thing-a-ma-jig and I can't upload without the batteries. I will get to it sometime soon :)

Ha!

Welcome to 2009

Lint Contest?

Is there some unwritten, unspoken about contest amongst men to see just how full the lint trap on the dryer can become? I swear - everytime I wash clothes after Jamie the lint trap is sooooo full I can barely pull it out of the dryer. His response "I do empty it." Right.

And I know some of you are thinking "I should just be greatful that he does laundry at all" Well, I guaran-damn-tee when I am standing out at the road with my three children in the freezing cold watching my house burn to the ground because the lint trap finally ignited - my first thought will not be "I am so greatful that Jamie helped me with laundry."

Just for Fun

You know those days, where you feel like you are being pissed on all day?

Man, I think that TODAY might be one of those days for me since I have LITERALLY been pissed on 3 times already, and it's only 9:30am!

Piss #1: Colt wet thru his diaper around 6:30am and soaked the sheets and his pajamas. So I had to get up, change him, throw a towel on the spot (you didn't think I was changing sheets before sunrise did you?!?!) and go back to sleep.

Piss #2: Hunter wakes me up to tell me he peed in MY bed at around 8am. And once I am awake I realize he not only got the sheets wet he also got me all wet, yeah. So I have him go change, I get up and change, throw YET another towel down(it's still early!) and try to sleep just a wee bit more.

Piss #3: Colt and I got up around 9 or so and as I was carrying him to the kitchen to make him a bottle, he pees outside of his diaper, down his legs all over my legs.

are.you.serious.

So, I am waiting for Hunter to wake up so I can wash the sheets. I need a shower and Colt and Hunter need baths. I just hope this isn't a glimpse of how bad the day is gonna be.

omg HILARIOUS!

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I'mmmmmmmmmmm Baaaaaaccccccccccccccccccckkkkkkkk

^Said in a creepy sorta way.

Well, the truth is, I haven't went anywhere. Just have been neglecting all two of you (I am doubtful that there are more readers than that!)

With the holidays and illness and bad weather and hormones I have been so overwhelmed and blah lately that I have had no desire to post anything.

Christmas was great, overwhelming but great. We do everything with family during 5 hours on Xmas Eve - both families. It makes it a little stressful and rushed but eh, it's what it is I guess.

Christmas morning was great - boys were sorta excited (well, after they started opening gifts they were stoked) and the baby was in love with the wrapping paper. Can you believe he is already 7 months old! He was trying to crawl yesterday YIKES! Mobility is not something I want anytime soon!

Anyway, I will try to get better about posting and I plan on doing a year in review post sometime today/tommorrow :)

To all our friends and family - we love you and hope you had a great holiday season!

Putting the Star on the Tree

Well, since Hunter is the oldest - he got to put the star on the tree this year.

Dane checking out the situation... coming up with a plan....

Dane also putting the star on the tree! He just had to help out too!

Then the dumb star fell - so we put a Santa on top... We tried.

Sick 'o Shits

That is what our house has been this WHOLE WEEK! I didn't even get a chance to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip down to Kentucky to visit dad before Hunter started puking. He was literally puking within 3 hours of getting home - at least he waited though, huh? Well - that was Sunday night and up to yesterday it was still a mess around here... Dane got the runs too, but no puking and *fingers crossed* Jamie, Colt or I haven't gotten it at all (I probably just jinxed us!)

Anyway - just wanted to update everyone. Here is a cute pic of Dane & Colt from like 5 minutes ago.

I'm A Slacker

I know I should be posting more... and I would like to tell you I have been so busy doing important things -but in all actuality I have just been a lazy piece of shit - sorry.

Well, not really.



So, to get your forgiveness (because I like to act like I really do care) - I am going to show you some pics :)

Hunter & Dane















Daddy & Boys

Hunter & Colt

A sorta decent picture

Me & Hunter