Writer's Strike Over

Well, maybe not for the networks, but it has become apparent to me that no one is missing my blogging enough to start paying me money to do it. So maybe if I return, so will the network writers. Now that the last Grey's Anatomy has aired, what am I going to do with myself?? I have purposefully not watched the last two new episodes in effort to drag it out and give everyone time to get their act together, so don't tell me what's going on! I'm just going to pretend that we are on a little break and the world will be right again soon.

So of course a lot has happened since I last blogged. Christmas was wonderful despite the croup that seems to invade our home every Christmas. Once again Ansley was stricken with that horrible barky cough that sneaks up in the middle of the night...yes, Christmas Eve. 3 AM to be exact. Santa had already visited, visions of sugar plums were dancing in my head, and then I was awakened by a horrible noise that could have been mistaken for reindeer grunting on the roof top, but no. It was Ansley. After 30 minutes of trying everything from hanging her head out the window (30 degrees outside..brrr...) and a steamy shower, I looked at Christian with tired eyes and said, "I bet the peds ER is dead and we could get in & out with a quick breathing treatment and a dose of steroids". I mean, it's Christmas day and it's going to be a long one...maybe this will get her through the day. So off I went at around 3:45. We were home by 5:30 and got a little nap in before it was time to get up and check out what Santa had left.

That little illness circled through the family for the next 2 weeks. And now for a whole week we have been illness free and back in school. (yes, I know I just jinxed us!) It is always nice to get back to normal and start a new year. A couple of my goals....to feed the family better (good so far)and of course exercise (so far so good). 2008 is going to be good..I can feel it!

A 2008 kid update so far...

Gabe is sooo 5 years old...excuse me...5 & 3/4! Constant power ranger moves, sound effects galore (some good, some bad), and forever talking. LOUD. He has really matured though and is growing "into his skin" a bit more. I see lots of confidence blooming and ENERGY LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN! Which I make a big deal about considering when he was 2 & 3 and most of his peers were running amok and wreaking havoc, Gabe was just happy to lay around and hold his "other-bear" or sit in my lap and cuddle. Even to the point that our then pediatrician ran a battery of tests on him to find out if there was an underlying cause. Well let me tell you he is normal now & making up for lost time!

He also had an "awesome report card" (to quote his teacher) with all S's. Except for shoe-tying which Gabe quickly placed blame on his slacker parents saying, "if y'all would just teach me to tie my shoes, I would have had all S's". Okay, guilty. I love Velcro. He does have a pair of Sunday shoes that lace and that too shall be a goal of 2008.

An unscripted example of Gabe "being 5".

Ansley continues to be our biggest source of entertainment. Wild with laughter (and sometimes seriously dramatic tears), singing, dancing, dressing up in all kinds of get-up, and letting one-liners fly out of her mouth. Like when her Daddy was telling her for the 2nd time to be sure and potty before bed and she looked up and said in the sweetest little questioning voice, "Are you my conscience?"

A big accomplishment...Lambie is now staying in the bed all day! A huge deal considering he was her left hand appendage for 3 1/2 years. But best of all, no thumb sucking during the day!!! Yay!!! Hopefully this will put an end to some of those nasty colds she tends to pick up. She is as strong-willed as ever with a definite opinion about everything...especially clothing! She needs to be a guest on the show "What Not To Wear". With a closet full of precious boutique clothing, her outfit of choice is usually a tattered, tired, hand-me-down, spaghetti strap floral dress that has certainly seen better days. If it peaks 60 outside, Ansley puts on that dress! Why haven't I tossed it out or packed it away?? I don't know!! Ever since Christmas she hardly leaves the house without her new "bride veil" on. I must admit it is pretty cute and draws her lots of attention. She gets asked a lot if she is getting married to which I have gotten her to reply a time or two, "just looking for eligible bachelors". There are many other fashion concoctions that we battle with daily. Shall this too pass? I'm having my doubts...

On a delightful note, her curls are in full bloom and getting tighter each year. Not a day goes by that she doesn't hear at least half a dozen compliments. And that is no exaggeration! She loves them too for now, but I'm certain that before we know it, she will be asking for a flat iron.

Amelia, oh sweet little baby Amelia. Just when I think I can't be any more smitten I find myself even more deeply obsessed! She may be the sweetest one yet with her need for snuggles and open mouth kisses on request. She has found the joy of standing and being able to reach new things, loves eating whatever the family is eating for dinner, and is still working on new babbles. I stare at her in amazement wishing I could freeze the moment and come back to it over & over in the future. I know these moments are so brief and will be lost in time. I hope this post helps me to remember the way her cheeks feel cool & squishy when I kiss them. The way her hair feels beneath my chin and smells like the pure essence of baby. The way her eyes smile. The precious way she bobs up and down to music, excitement, or just because we do it first and she copies just to make us happy.

I suppose that's enough for now. And since my blogger's strike has ended, I'll be back soon!