Closing the Door

The last few hours of 2010 are quickly ticking away.  I'm currently tucked in bed with my Little One while she decides if she IS going to sleep, or if she may wake up and want a snack.

Waiting for her to make this decision, I let my mind wander and realize that, last New Years at this time, we were still praying we would have more children in our life.  How neat to know that our prayers were answered with such a perfect gift!

I continue to wander and think of everything that has happened this past year . . . I lost a friend - one of the best people to ever step on this planet.  I am still of the opinion that his prayers helped when I was using fertility treatments.  To go even further, I think he's my little Miz Aise's guardian angel.  We lost family members - one of the oldest and the very youngest. My heart still aches each time I think of my little cousin's passing.  I am comforted in knowing my Great Uncle Earl is there with her.

Miss Mia  . . . . let's see . . . .
~ is going potty without accidents.  I was so worried with how she would do when Miz Aise came and she had to share the spot-light.  We had a few bumps (and still do), but nothing like what I thought.  Yah, we took a step or two back in potty training, when she would tell us it was Aise or Hansy who needed to go potty, but that trend quickly ended.  And yes, she'll still purposely do something forbidden to get our attention, but those are fewer and fewer. She makes up by being so cuddly with her sister and so protective of her. 
~ is getting so vocal.  It's amazing at how many words she now knows as well as how complex her sentences are becoming.  I love that she uses please, thank you, excuse me and I'm sorry.  Yesterday, she complimented a cashier at Lowe's by telling her she was wearing pretty make up.  It doesn't get much cuter than that - and it was so wonderful seeing the smile on that cashiers face.  She couldn't believe Miss Mia was only 2 - and that Miss Mia responded with the correct answer when she asked her her age. 
~ is able to do split jumps just like Miss Picky.  She dances up a storm whenever music comes on.  She has perfected her summersalt, does bridges and kicks. Now, she walks through stores doing cheerleading moves - again, just like Miss Picky.

Miz Aise . . . hmmm . . . her list is a little short . . .
~ is starting to get on a schedule for sleeping and eating.
~ is cooing and smiling.  She also started laughing on Christmas Day.
~ favors Miss Mia - her first smile was for her big Sister.  Her eyes follow Miss Mia everywhere.  She also coos more and gets all excited when hearing her sister's voice.
~ is currently wearing size 0-3 clothing and size 1 diapers while eating approx 4 oz milk at each feeding.  She doesn't like taking a bottle from me, preferring natural feeding, but she does accept it from every one else.  She has also started using the binky this last week instead of comfort nursing (I hate using binkies, but at the same time, I am sooo glad she's started that as she would "nurse" for 1/2 hr or longer and then would start freaking out if I would remove her!)

The Home . . . Hmmmm . . . .
~ We have my sewing room together and I've been using it for projects.  Have orders for 3 quilts.  Made 12 pillowcases for the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge (in Russ' honor).  My friend Christine gave me some adorable material - and those pillowcases will be in Lainey's honor. 
~ Our sunroom was enjoyed throughout the entire year.  It has become one of Miss Mia's favorite rooms and it shows as most of her toys are stashed there.  I do still have to stucco the one wall, but it's complete but for that.
~ Outside, I didn't get much accomplished due to the extremely hot days and pregnancy . . . but we did plant some fruit trees.  I'm also planning to continue planting a garden, even if only to show the girls the enjoyment of watching something grow from seemingly nothing.

And, me . . .
~ My goal last year was to get pregnant.  I did accomplish that!  YAH!
~ The other half of my goal was to continue the weight loss.  I was doing great, getting into size 8s the week I got pregnant.  Now, my goal is to get back on the weight loss train.  I've been working out with the Wii and dancing with Miss Mia.  I can feel it - especially the days after doing a lot of lifting her!  The scale isn't showing a change, but I'm having fun and moving, so that's what counts.

For 2011 . . . .
~ I hope to continue improving myself through learning . . . .
~ I want to focus on becoming a better Mom to my two girls.  I want them to have fun childhoods where they were free to learn and be themselves - as well as to grow up normal, well-adjusted girls.
~ Physically, I want to keep working out and toward my goal weight.  I hope to defy my PCOS and stay med-free.  I will be starting my cinnamon supplements again.

Miz Aise has decided she needs her beauty sleep, so I'm going to tuck her into her cradle and snuggle in my own bed.

Happy New Years!

Pillowcases!

I mailed out the pillowcases today that I made in Russ' memory! We did 12. Miss Mia loved helping put the wrapped pillowcases in the box and was so excited to know they were presents for boys and girls in the hospital.

Please go ahead and make a pillowcase or two for this challenge! Clicking on the link will bring up information for locations in your area as well as free patterns for making pillowcases.

Pillow Fight!

I found some material that was way too fun to pass up.

So, I decided to buy it - and use it in my pillowcase making quest.

Look at these pillowcases! I just wish I would've bought more of the material because they make me smile each time I see them!

Pillowcases!

In honor of Russ, I've committed myself to helping ConKerr Cancer with their 1 Million Pillowcase challenge. The homemade cases will be donated to local charities to give a piece of comfort to someone in need.

The great thing - I've already gotten others to help out! I have friends buying material and cutting the fabric for me to sew. I have others making their own versions of the pillows.

How great is that? My friend says I have a talent for my sewing. I'm glad I do have this "talent" so that I can keep Russ' memory alive by helping others in need.