Since I've been blogging for nearly a full year now, I won't make this a drawn out post. The beauty of a blog is that it's all right here. I am a person who needs things to be "buttoned up" and tied with a bow...so ending 2009 with one final blog seems fitting.
Mike's 2009 was pretty steady. He cared for lots of patients in the burn unit and also chauffeured many people to the hospital at his paramedic job. After going on several interviews last year, he decided to stay at U of M and really focus on advancing his career. He's taken post on two nursing committees at the U and was also asked to be the unit's web master, a task he is very excited about. He also re-enlisted as a mentor for incoming freshman to the University of Michigan.
In 2010, Mike( the eternal student) plans to more seriously consider going back to school to get his master's of nursing education. He would love to be a nurse educator and some day maybe even shoot for the highest star- dean of a nursing school. He'd also like to get into a work out regimen and get back into running shape. It'll be nice to have a running partner!
My 2009 was enlightening. Having worked in childcare and pediatric health care, I was feeling pretty confident in my knowledge of child rearing. But as someone very wise once said, " It's just not the same unless it's your own." None of my professional training could have prepared me for the joy exudes toddlerdom and that joy is contagious. Raising a toddler slows down the pace of life and you get to exam those things that you before rushed by.Getting to see the world through Mackenzie's eyes is a blessing that I can never explain. Aside from that, I was successful in reaching my weight loss goal of losing 65 lbs. My summer was filled with out door fun- running the trails farther than I'd ever before, bike riding until I was soaked in rain and sweat. I discovered that I really like the challenge of training my body. While I have some pounds yet to shed, I am proud of what I've been able to do over the last year.
2010 will be a busy one for me. I plan on restarting my nursing prereqs and finally conquering math. I also plan on running my first race this April- a 10k! My biggest hope for 2010 is that I can continue to go out of my comfort zone in many different ways and areas of my life. That's where I've learned the most about myself and there isn't much more satisfying than doing something you didn't know you could.
Mackenzie- she's changed so much in '09 that it hardly seems worth it to try to put it into words. Looking back over the pages of this blog, it's easy to see that she's a whole different girl than she was this time last year. She's learned so much and is such a happy little girl- pure sunshine!
This time next year, Mackenzie will have changed all over again-she'll be potty trained and sleeping in her a big girl bed and her knowledge will be far more than it is now. I am really excited to see what this year brings for our little sprite!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas 2009
I have finally rounded up every last scrap of wrapping paper, reorganzied Mackenzie's new toys and am eying the Christmas tree, a plan of attack for deconstructing it already forming in my head. Can you believe Christmas 2009 is over? Just like that! One minute we are floating in a tinsel covered Christmas dream and the next, the brakes are squealing and reality sets in-Christmas 2009 is over and in the books. Days ago I was wondering if time could go any slower, anticipation of Christmas thick in the air. Now, I am trying to find those hours that flew by with out notice...Here are a some of the MANY pictures of our Christmas morning (I'm going to post as many as I can so that those far away can see reactions to gifts, etc) :Having been up so late, Mackenzie didn't wake up until 8:30. Despite the sleep she missed, she was still all smiles :
Here are a few snapshots of Mike on Christmas day
What a great gift for Mike- Beer bread!
I love how expressive Mike is. Here he is opening his new DS game:
And a gift card to NFL.com from my mom. Needless to say, you " done good" mom:
Here are a few pictures of me on Christmas:
Mike got me this really cool running jacket. It reflect light so that I can go running at night. See the difference in the jacket with the flash and with out?
Without flash:
With the flash:
He also got me a new running hat ( maybe he was tired of the stench of my old one?) and a light that attaches to the bill so I can jog at night ( "head lights" are popular the Rose family..hehe)
And a heavy duty true canvas tote ( I've been eying it for years)
A "Sisters' picture frame with an ancient picture of Nikki and Carley learning to drive in my dads truck! I love it!
Mackenzie's holiday highlights:
Mackenzie seemed overwhelmed by all of the presents and actually had to take a few breaks. Once she had some breakfast and a little quiet time, she was back to her old self again.
This is a Sesame Street version of a doll house given to Mackenzie from my parents. She loves it although she has a strange compulsion with making sure Big Bird stays laying down on the bed:
Look what the Hansfords sent ! This pig is one of her favorite. When you touch it's nose it sneezes and says " Excuse me!" So Mackenzie keeps going around saying " Excuse me, pig"
Working on a puzzle:
Here's what Santa brought Mackenzie:
Quite the set up, Mackenzie!
And one flash back from last year:
Christmas Eve
Christmastime is busy for EVERYONE, especially those who are excited to share Christmas traditions and meaning with children! Christmas Eve too so long to get here but when it did, things flew! Here's a glimpse of our day:
Mackenzie and I wrote a note to Santa and made him a batch of cookies:
After nap, it was time to get ready for church. Mackenzie seemed little confused that we were going to church after nap instead of before, but she was excited none the less. When we picked her up from the nursery after the service, she joyously shouted " MERRY CHRISTMAS! TRICK OR TREAT! " to each person we passed!
After church, we went to the Ascher's for their traditional Christmas Eve party. We had so much fun visiting with our church family and reconnecting with those we haven't seen in a while. Mackenzie had so much fun playing with Jennifer and Gretchen and Kim and David had so much for the children to do. Mackenzie especially loved " playing" with the older kids.
As is our tradition, we opened one present each when we got home. The present given is always a new pair of pajamas ( this tradition was also practiced by my family and it's so much fun to pass it down). Mackenzie was also given a few presents by Gretchen and Jennifer and their grandma Sandy and she was allowed to open those.
Another tradition- a family photo in our new jammies:
Here we are last year:
Mackenzie was so wound up from all the festivities, it was nearly ten o'clock before her room fell silent! She sang, talked and played in her crib for almost two hours before finally falling asleep!
Mackenzie and I wrote a note to Santa and made him a batch of cookies:
After nap, it was time to get ready for church. Mackenzie seemed little confused that we were going to church after nap instead of before, but she was excited none the less. When we picked her up from the nursery after the service, she joyously shouted " MERRY CHRISTMAS! TRICK OR TREAT! " to each person we passed!
After church, we went to the Ascher's for their traditional Christmas Eve party. We had so much fun visiting with our church family and reconnecting with those we haven't seen in a while. Mackenzie had so much fun playing with Jennifer and Gretchen and Kim and David had so much for the children to do. Mackenzie especially loved " playing" with the older kids.
As is our tradition, we opened one present each when we got home. The present given is always a new pair of pajamas ( this tradition was also practiced by my family and it's so much fun to pass it down). Mackenzie was also given a few presents by Gretchen and Jennifer and their grandma Sandy and she was allowed to open those.
Another tradition- a family photo in our new jammies:
Here we are last year:
Mackenzie was so wound up from all the festivities, it was nearly ten o'clock before her room fell silent! She sang, talked and played in her crib for almost two hours before finally falling asleep!
Thanks Leif, Marie and Chloe!
Leif, Marie and Chloe sent Mackenzie a lady bug "night light" that casts stars and a moon one the walls of a dark room. This is the perfect gift for Mackenzie who loves lights AND lady bugs!
Thank you so much for thinking of Mackenzie!
Waiting for daddy to open the box:
The best I could do in the dark. Mack was so excited, she couldn't stop moving!
Thank you so much for thinking of Mackenzie!
Waiting for daddy to open the box:
The best I could do in the dark. Mack was so excited, she couldn't stop moving!
Monday, December 21, 2009
This one is for you, Grams!
This video will make my mom proud ( she's been a produce department manager for nearly 20 years). A veggie who knows her veggies:
Presents!
Mackenzie's new favorite word is " presents!" Today, two packages arrived from Colorado. Mackenzie's first words were " Presents!? I pick one?"
Gotta make her work for it!
Grams said it was ok for her to open one. She sent Mack this really cute skirt ( which she promptly put on ( inside out) and wore until it was time for jammies:
Mackenzie in her size 3T Jammies! Aunt Meg picked out some really cute PJ's for Mack in July. At the time, these jammies were the next size she was to wear. Apparently, she skipped the 2T and went right into 3T pajamas. 2T still fits her in most other clothes, though. We were able to exchange the 2's for the 3's with no trouble. Here's Mack modeling her piggy pajamas.
Gotta make her work for it!
Grams said it was ok for her to open one. She sent Mack this really cute skirt ( which she promptly put on ( inside out) and wore until it was time for jammies:
Mackenzie in her size 3T Jammies! Aunt Meg picked out some really cute PJ's for Mack in July. At the time, these jammies were the next size she was to wear. Apparently, she skipped the 2T and went right into 3T pajamas. 2T still fits her in most other clothes, though. We were able to exchange the 2's for the 3's with no trouble. Here's Mack modeling her piggy pajamas.
Welcome Wilsons!
It's become our tradition to have a quaint little Christmas party with Will, Erin, Olivia and now Griffin each Christmas. They are our best friends Christmas just wouldn't be the same if we couldn't celebrate it with them.
The menu:
-Mike's famous Potato Cheddar soup
-Crusty Italian Bread ( Mike didn't think my corny joke about crusty Italians was funny so I'll leave it out)
-Hard cider
- Cheesecake mousse
We all had so much fun and agreed that we need to get EVERYONE together more often ( I sense an impending girls vs guys Sing Star video game war in the future) . We see each other individually at least once a week but it was nice to have the whole gang under one roof. Here are pictures of the event:
I brought out the swing for Griffin and look who reclaimed it!
And just because I know my mom likes flash back pictures, here's Mackenzie the last time she was with in the weight range to use this swing ( July 2008):
Grifffin being his usually noisy self...isn't he just a doll?!
The young ladies table. Olivia is such a sweet little girl. She told Mike how much she enjoyed the soup and thanked him for making it! Erin's got my nomination for " Mom of the year"! :
Present time! Here's Olivia trying out her new ballet slippers. Don't you think they look fabulous with that 80's dress up box outfit? ( It's Olivia's favorite):
Griffin and his Sophie the giraffe:
Mackenzie opening one of her gifts. This thing was opened and being played as soon as I could get it out of the wrapper ( that did take a while):
Probably the most thoughtful gift was this Godchild 2009 Christmas ornament. It melted my heart and means more to me that I can express. Mackenzie will place that ornament on her own tree in her own house someday!
Will, an AWESOME carpenter, with his gift- a book on how to price and sell your own wood crafts. This will come in handy for Will since his products are such high quality and in high demand!
Erin picked out some HEAVENLY flannel pajamas ( that I was wearing about 20 minutes after Wilson's left!) and double chocolate hot cocoa complete with adorable mug:
Erin realizing that she and I got each other the same thing:
Mike's gift from Will was a few really useful woodworking tools. Mike and Will spend lots of time in Will's shop so they will get LOTS of use! I didn't get pictures because someone with small hand and fast feet had escaped with my camera.
And lastly, a gift from Griffin....
The girls watching " The night before Christmas" , a Sesame Street classic:
Mike holding Griffin and praying for a son of his own one day:
"We all fall down!"
After all the wrapping paper was properly wadded into a big trash bag and the toys back in their spots, there was nothing left to do but ...crash...
Will and Erin left at aprox 7:30 and here I am at 7:40
The menu:
-Mike's famous Potato Cheddar soup
-Crusty Italian Bread ( Mike didn't think my corny joke about crusty Italians was funny so I'll leave it out)
-Hard cider
- Cheesecake mousse
We all had so much fun and agreed that we need to get EVERYONE together more often ( I sense an impending girls vs guys Sing Star video game war in the future) . We see each other individually at least once a week but it was nice to have the whole gang under one roof. Here are pictures of the event:
I brought out the swing for Griffin and look who reclaimed it!
And just because I know my mom likes flash back pictures, here's Mackenzie the last time she was with in the weight range to use this swing ( July 2008):
Grifffin being his usually noisy self...isn't he just a doll?!
The young ladies table. Olivia is such a sweet little girl. She told Mike how much she enjoyed the soup and thanked him for making it! Erin's got my nomination for " Mom of the year"! :
Present time! Here's Olivia trying out her new ballet slippers. Don't you think they look fabulous with that 80's dress up box outfit? ( It's Olivia's favorite):
Griffin and his Sophie the giraffe:
Mackenzie opening one of her gifts. This thing was opened and being played as soon as I could get it out of the wrapper ( that did take a while):
Probably the most thoughtful gift was this Godchild 2009 Christmas ornament. It melted my heart and means more to me that I can express. Mackenzie will place that ornament on her own tree in her own house someday!
Will, an AWESOME carpenter, with his gift- a book on how to price and sell your own wood crafts. This will come in handy for Will since his products are such high quality and in high demand!
Erin picked out some HEAVENLY flannel pajamas ( that I was wearing about 20 minutes after Wilson's left!) and double chocolate hot cocoa complete with adorable mug:
Erin realizing that she and I got each other the same thing:
Mike's gift from Will was a few really useful woodworking tools. Mike and Will spend lots of time in Will's shop so they will get LOTS of use! I didn't get pictures because someone with small hand and fast feet had escaped with my camera.And lastly, a gift from Griffin....
The girls watching " The night before Christmas" , a Sesame Street classic:
Mike holding Griffin and praying for a son of his own one day:
"We all fall down!"
After all the wrapping paper was properly wadded into a big trash bag and the toys back in their spots, there was nothing left to do but ...crash...
Will and Erin left at aprox 7:30 and here I am at 7:40
Merry Christmas, Aunt Meg!
Aunt Meg jets off to California each Christmas, anxious to gather hugs and kiss from those she's missed so much, Leif, Marie and of course, Chloe ( who will be enjoying her first Christmas this year!) We get together a few days before Christmas every year to celebrate with her before she leaves. We went to a small restaurant called The Cozy Cafe which was, in fact, cozy! We all had a great time and , once we waddled with our full bellies out to the car, headed back to Aunt Megs for gift opening and warm apple cider. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the very special morning we spent together:
Mackenzie has gotten significantly better at opening presents!
Mack checkin' out what everyone else got:
Aunt Meg showing Mackenzie her nutcracker collection:
After gifts, we walked up a few blocks to check out a food co-op that carried gluten free food. Mackenzie got to practice "stomp! stomp! stomping! "in the now!
Mackenzie has gotten significantly better at opening presents!
Mack checkin' out what everyone else got:
Aunt Meg showing Mackenzie her nutcracker collection:
After gifts, we walked up a few blocks to check out a food co-op that carried gluten free food. Mackenzie got to practice "stomp! stomp! stomping! "in the now!
Mail!
I think one of the best parts of Christmas is receiving Christmas cards . They waken the Christmas spirit in you and you realize that someone stopped , even if for just a second, and thought of you! Such a thing happened for Mackenzie when Jennifer and Gretchen, friends from church, sent a special Christmas card. This photo was snapped right as Mike opened the card and it began to sing " Santa Claus is coming to town!". Thank you Jennifer and Gretchen! Your thoughtfulness means a lot to us!
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