Good Bye 2008

Well, we kinda felloff the blogosphere at the end of 2008, but with good reason.  A huge project consumed my life for the better of 8 weeks through October and November and for the last three weeks we’ve rotated through a puking spell that has left all of us completely exhausted.  Such is life now, but we’re determined to rebound and embrace 2009 with better health and more comedy than ever before.

December has brought so many changes to our lives, including using the potties like BIG girls and shedding our addiction to the highchairs.  The transition to toddler beds will happen in the next few months, and who knows what else is in store.  We talk a mile a minute.  Play silly games.  And comfort each other when we are not feeling so good.  It’s really a sweet time.

This stomach virus has consumed most of our December and while it’s been tough on our little bodies, the girls have been so sweet to each other.  They will rub each other’s backs and help get water and blankets for the other.  Of course, if you’re not the one who is sick, it sometimes makes you feel left out so you concoct ideas about “fake vomiting” and start screaming from your bed “I GROW UP, TOO! [supposed to be “throw up”] I GROW UP, TOO!”; followed by pathetic attempts at throw-up sounds.  The first night that Tess got sick it was about 2:00a.m. and Chad and I rushed in their room to help her, and it scared Nora, understandably.  She wanted to get out of her crib so we let her out and while we were stumbling around still half-sleep trying to clean up the child and the room in the dark Nora helped out by flipping on the light switch and announced cheerfully, “TIME TO GET UP EVERYBODY!”.  Uh, no.  I thought Chad was going to tackle her.

Tessa does not like to be sick.  It is so sad to see a baby so limp and zoned out.  Nora seems to push through it a little better and so we have a hard time telling when Nora is really feeling sick or just doesn’t want to be left out of the fun (hence the “car cleaning incident of ’08”).  But Tess will let you know when her tummy hurts and when she’s not feeling well.  They have been so good at communicating, it has really changed our life to be able to understand their needs.  Of course, such verbalization comes with clear opinions and a fiery independence.  “ME do it!”, they’ll say.  Ok, ok, if you want to cook your own eggs–then have at it.  Nora has demanded that SHE drive the car somedays.  Uhhh, no.  But they are great helpers.  In fact, they refuse to sit down at the table until every piece of silverware, every napkin, cup and plate is ready and in place.  They have little stepstools now so they can see the action and help us get out meals ready.  It’s been really fun to have them as my little sous chefs. 

2008.  Crazy.  So different than I had imagined.  Tough in new ways and rewarding in so many more.  We are blessed.  I can’t wait for 2009.  I think it’ll be lots of fun.