The Dusha's: 12/01/2011

Merry Christmas my blogger friends! I love this time of year. I love the chaos of trying to be "everywhere", but mostly of the cheer everyone has. Everything about this time of year is FUN! I love that my kids are really into Christmas and my favorite part of this year was Teague's first Christmas program at preschool. He did so well, sang his little heart out and was a total little goofball (can't say his goofing off in class comes from Dad...just ask my parents about Parent/Teacher conferences sometime).

It's just a blessing this time of year. We are fortunate to celebrate Jesus' birthday with so much happiness, cheer, and being blessed with health, good jobs, warm homes, and love.

I hope today brings you all as much warm fuzzies as what I feel today being with family.

Singing at his program, in English and Spanish - it's important to stay politically correct.

Love my little Santa.

Teague with his two teachers.

The best family picture of the 28 we took.

At least they're both looking.

I love this one because it describes our "adult life" perfectly - there is no such thing with kids - see Lola there??

(I've been holding this as a "draft" for 3 days hoping to find my camera. So far no luck, so didn't get to post all the pictures I want. It's my own fault, I let the kids take pictures while we were decorating the tree 2 weeks ago and now I can't find it, along with the photos on the memory card for the past year. I'm not sick about this at all! Ugh)

Whew, I know you all have been anxiously awaiting an update from me, right?! Probably pretty typical for most, but this time of year is hectic with a lot going on, but it was (still is) my goal to update the blog once a week....I don't even know if there is anyone out there still reading? I know a lot of people like to use FB to keep everyone updated, I guess I still like to use the blog as my way of journaling like it's their baby books! =) Besides I would hate for the entire news feed to crash with all the cute pictures of my kids! So I hope some of you are still out there!

Lola is recovering really well from her surgery. I was surprised, however, how long it really did take her to start feeling 100%. Even now she still seems to have some after effects. I was sure, so SURE, that she had an ear infection (even though the ENT office assured me that with tubes, if she had an infection the fluid would drain out), but she was just constantly digging her little finger into her ear (like she always did when she had an infection). ENT initially told me that was normal because when the scabs start to come off from the adenoid removal that it can feel like residual pain into the ear. So that was one week post-op and by week two post-op she was still having the same symptoms (which include - most importantly for me, lack of sleep!) so I brought her into the clinic to be "assured" all was well as I had heard that some kids' tubes will fall out right after surgery. Well I was assured her tubes looked great but that even 2 weeks later that she still had swollen lymph nodes in the neck area from the adenoids. So we left with nothing but a prescription for butt cream for the massive diarrhea virus she also had at the time. I know, gross, you didn't really care - but is diarrhea really that gross to talk about when it's a baby (at least she's a baby to me)?! Other things about Lola:
- She uses an outside voice everywhere. The only time she doesn't is in the morning. But you have to know Lola to understand what her muffled loud voice sounds like. I say this with all the love in the world, it's annoying.
- We are constantly amused by her antics. Some that should not be laughed at, but amused nonetheless. I have been thoroughly blessed with two kids who ARE NOT stingy with their smiles and laughs. She, however, laughs at everything. Even when we punish her - not an appropriate time to laugh.
- She has no fear. Not even of Santa. She is a Tom Boy through and through. She will be our athlete, no doubt. I am even questioning the prospect of her starting dance next year as I think she would enjoy and benefit more from an activity that had more rough movement - like Tae Kwon Do. I fear, honestly, her ability to follow the directions of a dance instructor!
- She does not enjoy clothing. Even with it being so cold out. Luckily getting and keeping primary clothing on has been going well, but she does not enjoy wearing a jacket, shoes, mittens or a hat. Most parents with exceptionally wonderful kids have their own opinions on my parenting skills I am sure, but very often for the 10 steps into daycare I will not sweat, wrestle and hold her down to put these items on when she will just sit on the ground and take them all off immediately. One day she will be too cold. Best parenting technique ever, I am convinced. She will, however, wear her moon boots - and only those. So don't be surprised to see her in an adorably cute outfit with pink moon boots on. Totally normal.

Teague is doing awesome in Tae Kwon Do! Next week he will be testing out of level one for his white belt! How cute is that?! He loves going, he's a bit uncoordinated and stiff - but he loves it and it's an activity that gets some extra winter energy out! Other things about Teague:
-He's doing great in preschool. The teacher feels even though he would be young that he would do well in kindergarten next year. We are hoping if all works out that he will make it off the waiting list to go to Montessori next year and wait another year for the big K.
-He is WAY into Christmas and the meaning of it this year. He talks about Jesus being born and sleeping in a manger ("just like a crib, but smaller - right mommy?") Of course I won't lie, he is just like any other kid and excited about the presents. He insists that Santa should bring him a Wii this year. I cannot even believe it - last year he would have been happy with a $1 dinosaur from Santa. Wow, age 3-4 can get expensive!
- He enjoys dressing up as Spiderman EVERY night (thanks Carson Bergquist!). I don't even think I have had a chance to wash the costume yet!
- He ~~never~~ always teases Lola. CONSTANTLY. There are times I just plead with him after school to just not go near her as she screams like she just broke her leg whenever he comes near her ("MAAAAAAA-MMY, Teaguie hit"..."MAAAAAAA-MMY, Teaguie push"....."NOOOOOO TEAGUIE, Leave me alone!", etc. etc.). I think he truly wants to play with her but then realizes she is a true diva and therefore it is fun to make her scream. Same old song and dance at most homes that have girls and boys, I am sure...TOTALLY SURE I cannot be alone on this!

We've had a lot of fun outings lately:
- We went to the Holday Parade of lights in Morris with Nana.
- Lola and I joined Nana and some other rellies for a Christmas tea.
- Thanksgiving brunch with Gramma and Beepa in STC (and Beepa is doing GREAT with chemo)!
- Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's beautiful home in Paynesville
- Me Black (Thursday) Friday shopping at Walmart (first time ever) and getting EVERYTHING I had on my list. YES!
- Black Friday (late afternoon after the crazies went home) in Willmar with Krista, Sky, Lola and I
- We went to the Melrose Mini-Dazzle Parade
- Saturday movies in Sauk Centre
- Water park outings in Monticello
- Visiting Santa Land at Macy's in DT Minneapolis with Nana
- Visiting American Girl Doll Store and Nickelodeon Park with Nana
- BBall has started - first game is tonight. GOOOO DUTCHMEN!
- And most exciting: (No, I am NOT pregnant)....we got a King Bed! That's exciting stuff.