We Got a House! December 18, 2007

A goal that Doug and myself have been working on for a long time has finally been achieved.  Last Monday (the day before my birthday)  we found out that we got the house we’ve been wanting.  What a birthday present!  We’re not buying, but renting, but right now it makes no difference to us.  After living with my father in law for the past 3 months, we were all ready for a place of our own.

We moved in over the weekend, which actually proved to be quite easy, seeing that 80% of our belongings were in storage.  No internet yet, and probably not until after Christmas, but as soon as we get it I’ll definitely be blogging and posting pics more.

Not only did we move over the weekend, but we also added a new member to our family.  We adopted a puppy from the SPCA of Southwest Michigan.  His name is Shadow (originally he was Rasputin, but we changed it to something a little easier to say…he’s adjusted well to it) and he’s around 4-5 months old.  He’s a shepard/husky mix.  He’s so cute!  I wish I could put pictures of him up now!  He’s all black, with a pretty blue grey on his underside and his legs.  He loves the kids and is very good with them.  Aaron is in love.  He’s always wanted a dog and we haven’t been able to have one until now.

The only downside to our move is that we’re behind in our preparations for the holiday.  We’re almost done shopping (the kids are done…just a couple of miscellaneous things to get yet), but we don’t have a tree up.  Our artificial one was ruined after a tree fell on the shed at our other house and it got wet and rusted.  So, here it is, 1 week before the big day, and we don’t have a tree up!  We’ll have one up by the weekend…what’s Christmas without a tree? 

Another thing I’ve neglected to do this year is Christmas cards.  Not that I didn’t want to…  It’s been crazy busy and I just don’t have the time this year.  I’m thinking of sending out a general letter (with a pic of the kids for far away people) so I can touch base with everyone.  I’ll probably do that after the first of the year. 

That’s really it for now.  If I don’t get to blog again before Christmas I want to wish all my family and friends a safe and happy holiday season!  Much love to you all!

It’s My Birthday! December 11, 2007

Happy Birthday to me! 

Something Exciting! December 7, 2007

I got a note from Taylor’s school telling us that the past couple of days Taylor has been saying “thank you” at snack time.  I’m not sure if I can express in words how exciting this is.  In the past 2 months, she has learned 7 new words (and 2, 2-word combos). 

She has come so far in such a short time and I am hopeful that by this time next year she’ll be talking up a storm just like Emma.

Doug and I are so proud of her and the progress she’s making.  2 years ago when she was first diagnosed with autism I never thought she would make so much progress so fast.  She’s shown us that’s she a fighter.  I have no doubt that she’ll grow up and do great things. 

Conversation with Emma December 6, 2007

This conversation between me and Emma occured yesterday afternoon.

Me: “Emma, let’s not jump on the bed anymore.”

Emma: “Mommy, I good jumper!”

Me: “Yes, I know, but it’s time for your nap now, Peanut.” 

Emma: “Mommy, I jumping peanut!” (Then she sits down and is quiet for a minute)  “Mommy, I stinky peanut”

That she was.

It amazes me how perceptive she is for being so young.  Not to mention funny.

Happy Birthday, Babies! December 3, 2007

Since I never did a birthday post for Emma, I decided to add it to my birthday post for Aaron…

Emma turned 2 back in September.  We had a family party for her at a local park. She really had a great time.  Of course I took a gazillion pictures.  Unfortunately, I can’t post them now, but I’ll try to soon.

It’s hard to believe she’s 2 already.  She’s grown up so much in the last year. It seems like she went from a baby to a little girl overnight. 

 You light up my life, Emma-girl!  I love you!

Aaron had his 9th birthday yesterday.  We had another bowling party for him (for those who don’t know he had a bowling party last year, too).  But it’s what he wanted to do and he had a great time, so that’s really all that matters. 

He got severly spoiled, as usual.  But I am glad that he did, because usually us December babies get gypped because our birthdays are so close to Christmas.  :( 

Aaron, you are my oldest.  Even though you are nine now, you will always be my baby.  I love the way you challenge me to look at things differently and to think outside the box.  I love you!  Happy Birthday!