Finally Got a Moment

Holy Moly! Has it been a busy three to four weeks around here.  I feel like I've just stepped off the biggest and baddest roller coaster at Cedar Point. Hank's napping, Matt's out for lattes with his sister and took EJ for me, and I've got the first few moments of peace and quiet that I've had in a long time. So what do I do? I get on the computer to blog.

 First and foremost, thanks for the loads of love heaped on that beautiful girlie of mine. We love her so. She's really blossomed and developed over the last six weeks. More personality, more contentment with new skills which have allowed her to be more apart of the action, more affectionate toward everybody. We find her to be as much of a joy as we do her brother. Lucky parents indeed.

And although she looks adorable in whatever tutu I put her in, I just wanted you to know that we don't let all the princess treatment go to her head. She's a chill babe, not prone to putting on airs, and can hang with the guys when the need arises. Please refer to the picture for journalistic evidence. All I have to say is that you aren't a Parsoneault baby without the prerequisite baby-with-a-beer-bottle shot. I should frame it and put it on the wall,  side by side with my own.

So how was your holiday? Crazy around here. We have had two sets of family in town, including a niece and nephew from England whom we like to lavish with extra attention. Matt passed some very strenuous professional exams this last month, the last section being taken on December 23rd...poor planning in retrospect, but glad it is over.  It's been a good 16 months of studying and I'm looking forward to getting back in a normal routine, although I'm not entirely sure what that means seeing as I only had one kid the last time there was one.

We had a bit of a scare the week before the holidays and almost lost my mom. She had knee surgery in November and developed some very serious pulmonary embolisms which landed her in the hospital for a full week. She didn't make it home for Christmas (sad!), but was released just in time for the huge Parsoneault Family Mexican Tamale Fiesta on the 26th. Seeing as we are mostly French Canadian in ancestry without a drop of Latin blood, we try our best to party everybody under the table with the margaritas to make up for it. Mom, on the other hand, had to make do with her Cumadin cocktail  and a glass of water this time out.

And lastly, there was a trip down to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. Our first time, but definitely not the last. So nice to get away and bare some skin in the middle of winter. The kids had a blast. Currently planning a trip with me and the kids (with help from Mom) during tax season. A much needed getaway this time of year. Highly recommend the GWL brand of resorts for a family getaway, but would say you need to take your own food. There's a lot of room for improvement in that area.

As for the accommodations, the beds were extra bouncy. First Hank and then myself. I see no good reason why a niece and nephew should be in bed at 8:30 AM when there is fun to be had.  Get up sleepy heads! Of course, if they had been in our room, they'd have gotten Hank's own brand of morning wake up call. It's the one that starts squawking  at 6:01 AM and demands a potty break.

So, if you've stayed with me thus far, how about a little project? I ordered personalized pencils from Oriental Trading (LOVE them!) for some kids in my life. I took the sting out of such a practical gift by throwing in some sweets and an admission to Monkey Joe's (bouncy house type place). That's a lot of fun right there in those pint jars. PTI's Tiny Treats Holiday, ribbon, and Limitless Layers help to give it all a personal touch. Very holiday-ish, I realize, and the ship has sailed on that theme for the year. But I can certainly see adapting the idea for birthdays and other occasions. Will be something I'll repeat for sure.

OK. I'm not sure about you, but after the last few weeks, I'm ready for a long winter's nap. YAWN. Looking forward to getting back in a routine and taking it easier here soon. Notice I didn't say "take it easy"...I don't think that is possible, so just shooting for "easier". All you moms know what I mean. Hope the same goes for you.