Hi Everyone!
We are just a few days from Christmas. Our family is so excited! The house is decorated, the tree is up, cookies are made, gifts purchased, menu planned and spirits are brighter as we prepare for 2012. Just like previous years, this one flew by so fast it makes my head spin. I do believe it goes even faster when you have children.
I have taken some time to reflect on 2011 and I am ready to move full speed ahead into 2012! This year was good, but I just know next year will be even better.
My Braelyn continues to grow into a beautiful little girl. Her personality shines and she is a true blessing to our family. We can't imagine what we ever did without her! She makes us laugh and smile constantly with her new words and laughter. She is talking more and more every day! She sings, dances and recites lines from her favorite shows and books. She is a very smart little cookie! Yesterday was her first day without a single ba-ba...yep, we finally weaned her. I know, I know...she is almost 20 months. Her brother gave up the bottle cold turkey the day after his first birthday. This is why I stress, all children are different. Braelyn was much more emotionally attached. She is doing WONDERFULLY without a ba-ba and she hasn't taken a pacifier since she was about 3 months old, so this is a huge accomplishment! I'm so proud of her! She has her good friend Banks (her blanket) to get her through the difficult times...and Mama, Dada and Brother, of course. I just need to figure out how to get her to drink more milk. She does not like milk in her sippy cup, only water. She is not a fan of juice. She does eat her share of mozzarella, so that does help with calcium, etc. On that note, she continues to be a perfect, non-fussy little eater. She loves her green beans and most all other vegetables! She loves spending her days with Mama. I thank God every day that I do not have to bring her to daycare and that I get to work through my own home and take care of her. We have so much fun! We will continue to read, dance and sing. This little girl is going places!!!
Speaking of going places, so is her brother! He is the other source of my bursting pride. My pre-teen Dylan is so helpful around the house and with his sister. He has a super funny personality and is an Honor Roll Student in 7th Grade! He is doing extremely well in school and even takes an advanced math class. He is so smart and I just know he'll be super successful in whatever he does. I swear, he keeps getting taller and skinnier every day! We have to do official measurements, but I am pretty sure that he is as tall as me, if not taller (if I have my heels off...). Dylan also plays the trombone and we have his holiday concert tonight. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of the Dylan and his bandmates. They're already so talented! He continues to learn to play the drums too. He received a very cool drumset for his birthday in September.
I have been very blessed in the kid department. My son and daughter bring me so much joy and I am so fortunate to have them!!!
I can't forget to mention the other 'kid'...
Chris is also doing very well. He continues to work long hours in both his Chamber of Commerce position and as a Senior Chief in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He has had an accident-ridden year, however. He slipped in his Koi Pond late this summer/early fall and really did a number on his back. Just Saturday, he fell down the stairs and cracked two ribs! Poor guy! I think his New Year's Resolution is to be much more cautious in the coming year/years.
We did some updates to our home this year. We were forced to because of hail damage, but we did get a new roof, new siding and a few new windows. Our house looks so much newer! Next on our agenda is to put laminate flooring in our living/family room and do some painting in a few rooms. If we can just keep Chris accident free and pain free, we hope to accomplish these items before Spring.
New Year's Resolutions? Hmm...haven't really thought about that one. I feel fit/trim, but maybe need to get on a stricter exercise regime. I am getting older, y'all...
Otherwise, I strive to enjoy each and every day and count my blessings for the wonderful people in my life. I hope the same for each and every one of you that read this blog.
From our family to yours, Have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Dylan, Chris, Braelyn and Jaime
