my big girl.

Yesterday morning, Ethnie rode the bus to preschool for the first time. Lucky for her, the bus stops right on our corner. We waited together for the bus and I could tell she was nervous. When the bus arrived, we both climbed on the bus and Ethnie stopped at the top of the steps. It was pretty loud in there so she got overwhelmed and looked up at me and said, "I don't know what to do." She then began to cry. I helped her to her seat and told her she only had to ride for four minutes. I had to hold back tears too! I felt bad that she was scared. I also told her how brave I thought she was and how proud I was of her. So, I had to leave her on the bus crying and thought about her the entire time she was at school. When I went to pick her up in the afternoon, she was all smiles and told me she liked riding the bus. Now she will ride the bus in the morning. I must say, it a luxury for a mother.

Michelle

yep. it's here.

This morning we woke up to a winter wonderland. Ethnie was thrilled. She wanted to go outside and play at 8:30 a.m., but I made her wait until 10:00. She got all bundled up and tried to shovel the walk and made snow angels. She said, "Mommy, this is my favorite day!" She lasted about 30 minutes then wanted to come in. The wind was pretty cold.

taz.

On Saturday, we picked up our first foster dog! He is a young chihuahua, named Taz. He was dropped off at the midwest animal rescue shelter and fit our needs, so we got the call. Getting a foster dog is a pretty painless process. All you have to do is fill out an application and have your home inspected. The shelter provides everything you need to care for the dog. Taz will be staying with us until someone wants to adopt him. That means he is AVAILABLE! Let us know if you are interested.

Taz is an extremely sweet, gentle dog. He is not hyper and loves being pet and sitting in your lap. He does not bark, even when you put him in his kennel. So far, he has only had a few accidents because he was nervous being here. Ethnie is in heaven with him! She is a great helper and is loving Taz to death. She will be pretty sad when he has to go, but we can always foster another one. So far, things are going great with him.

complete GMAT. check!

This morning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Matt took the GMAT. This is an exam he has to pass to complete grad school. He was very nervous last night and this morning, but now it's done! Of course, we're waiting on pins and needles for the results, but that won't be for awhile. So, out of sight, out of mind for now! Matt is a smart guy and we know he will do great. Now, he can just focus on his classes and doesn't have to do anymore double-duty studying. He was pretty fried after the exam so he just relaxed the rest of the day.

grateful to be a mom.

This past week I have been pondering what being a mom means to me. I am so grateful to be a mother to my two amazing children. I am so grateful to be able to bear children and, especially, to be able to stay home and raise them. With Emmett being so young, I feel very relieved to be able to take care of him at home. I felt a large weight lifted off my shoulders when I decided not to go back to work. I know for a fact this is what I am suppose to do at this time and it feels so right!
I am grateful to have a beautiful daughter like Ethnie. She is so smart and animated. She has so many interesting things to say and is very comfortable with her feelings. I know raising a girl has its challenges, but I feel honored to take on any challenge she has for me. She and I have a blast together; she's my little girlfriend!
I am also grateful to have the opportunity to raise a son. I have a feeling that I have no idea what I'm in for! I look at other little boys I know and - yikes! - they are constantly on the move and have no fear! I am used to cautious little Ethnie, so when Emmett walks right off the end of the dock instead of stopping to look at the water, I'd better have a life jacket in hand! So far, he has been the sweetest, cuddliest little man I could ask for.
I love my children. They bring so much joy to Matt and I. I feel so lucky to be their mother.

Michelle

happy birthday great grandpa marv

Matt's grandfather, Marv, had a birthday last week so all of his family and some of his extended family got together to celebrate. We made sure to get a picture of him with our kids! His grandmother passed in the spring so we make sure we make regular visits to great grandpa's house.

emmett turns 4 months.

At the end of October, Emmett turned 4 months old! At his well visit check up, he measured 25 inches long and weighs 17 pounds. He is still in the 90th percentile! He is our big boy and we couldn't be happier to have him. He brings so much joy to our lives. He is starting to reach for objects and is trying to roll over. Go Emmett!

halloween 2010.