Ringing in 2012

January 7, 2012 babyjohnson

Christmas was a whirlwind of excitement. On our little Christmas on the 23rd, Henry, Leon and I were hanging out in our bedroom waiting for Clara to get up. Pretty soon we heard her heavy footsteps stop in front of the tree, and then we heard her running toward our room. She was carrying a great big Rapunzel coloring book with a big smile on her face, exclaiming “Look what Santa brought me!” Lake City was a fast trip but lots of fun packed in. We attended 4 Christmases back home and I think by the last one, we were ready to relax and move on. Clara enjoyed opening her gifts, but surprisingly she’s not the type of kid that rips open presents and screams when she sees what she gets. She loves all her new clothes and toys, especially the Disney Princess CD (she plays the Rapunzel song over and over on “Repeat” until we can’t take it anymore).

Clara stayed in Lake City for the 5 days after we returned back to Des Moines. We enjoyed our alone time with Henry and were shocked to find that he’s much more vocal without big sister to stare at! We had our ceilings scraped, retextured, and painted while she was gone. Leon installed new tracklights in the back hallway and a new box light in the kitchen. It looks pretty awesome. I’m so lucky to have a handy hubby. My parents brought Clara back for New Year’s Eve and spent the night so I could enjoy a few hours out on the town. I spent part of the time at Cara’s neighbor’s annual party playing Skit Skat. The other part I spent at Baru at the end of Leon’s shift so we could ring in the New Year together. Henry woke up with 2 new top front teeth. Clara had been begging to take a bath with Henry (I think she wants a playmate), so on the 1st I put them in together. You would have thought it was Christmas all over again. Henry squealed the entire time, smiling and watching big sis. Clara “washed” him “because he’s (s)tinky!” It was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

Along with wonderful Christmas gifts came double eye infections for both kids. Not sure where they picked it up from, but it was so bad that Clara had to miss preschool this week. Henry got it a day later. And this morning I believe I woke up with the start of it. Trying to get eye drops in both kids’ eyes 4x a day is a challenge.

Leon and I have been talking a lot about our job opportunities for next year. If the management position at Baru 66 is still available, he is planning on taking it while giving me the chance to stay home. We’ve carefully considered every angle, and although we’re crazy in some ways (giving up family insurance, taking a possible paycut, him working more hours, me going stir crazy being at home with 2 children) we feel it’s the right thing to do at this point. Leon has finally landed an opportunity to pursue his passion in food with a reputable owner of the top fine-restaurant in the area, and my dream of trying out the stay-at-home mom thing is becoming a reality. I’m excited and terrified at the same time!

Entry Filed under: Mom

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