Christmas has come and gone

Well, another Christmas is in the books again. It seems that they go quicker and quicker every year. It's always a busy time though, full of preparations and family gatherings. We had multiple extended family gatherings on Jeff's side the weekend before Christmas, and then the traditional van Baal Christmas Eve party. Although Christmas day was a little different this year with my mom being sick, we still had a wonderful day. Andy was home from California, and it's always so nice to see him and catch up a bit. Ben, Andy, and I went out for dinner one night last week and had the chance to catch up on a lot of life's stories. The older we get the more I appreciate our relationship, and being able to discuss different things together.

I always feel a mix of relief and sadness when Christmas is done. Sometimes all of the planning and preparation, parties and gatherhings, get a little stressful, but it's important that I remember it's a special time of year. Christmas also signals the end of a year, and the beginning of a new one. This year was extra fun celebrating with Caleb, as he got to really enjoy and Christmas opening gifts. He got SO many great new toys, and I had to go out and get new storage tubs this morning to put some of the old away and make room for the new. It's so much fun to see him light up and enjoy his new toys. I know there will be many more fun Christmas' ahead!

Thank you to all of you for everything you did for us for Christmas. We truely appreciate every gift, and simply your presence alone was enough. As we approach 2011, I'm going to reflect on what this past year brought, and give thanks for health, happiness, family, and friends.

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year long."

A Mother's intuition

For any of you who aren't aware, Jeff and I have been a little concerned over the past month or two about Caleb's speech development. Most 18 month olds should have a decent vocabulary of simple words. I know it does no good to compare, and not every child develops at the same rate. I'm well aware of this fact, and for that reason I keep telling myself that everything is fine. He understands what we say most of the time, and can point and compare many things. He just won't say any clear words; a lot of babbling goes on around here! My mommy intuition (and being a worrier) tells me I need to dig a little deeper and step up my game, despite what Caleb's pediatrician says.

This morning Caleb woke up with rosy, red cheeks and a fever. He hasn't been eating much the past few days, so I instantly thought he had another ear infection. He has had 3 ear infections since early October, and we never really know when he has one until they are bad enough to cause fevers or loss of appetite. All of these ear infections, combined with slow speech development, lead me to think the two are related. I've researched alot about ear infections and fluid in the ear that leads to hearing loss. Essentially, the child hears like they are underwater, thus different frequencies of language aren't picked up. This problem can be resolved by a quick surgical procedure of inserting ear tubes in to the canals of the ear. This relieves the fluid buildup, and prevents frequent ear infections as well as improving hearing. I am no doctor, but I'm going to trust my maternal instincts and get this ball rolling. I've scheduled an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor in January, as well as an evaulation with a speech therapist.

Maybe I'm going over board, but I just can't help myself. Any moms knows that when your child hurts, you hurt. He can't tell me what he needs, so I'm going to make those decisions for him. I want the very best for Caleb, and will do whatever I feel is necessary. Tell me that I'm over-reacting, but I just have a feeling that my Mommy intuition will play out correctly in the next few months

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice; once for herself, and once for her child."

I am Dutch

Well, the title of this entry is just the plain and simple truth. I am Dutch in all ways possible I'm afraid. Well, at least as far as finances are concerned. I suppose I'm not so bad that I won't splurge now and then, but I find as the holidays roll around I really realize how Dutch I am. First, let me just ask, is that statement even real? If you are 'Dutch' does that mean you are a cheapskate? Well, I really am of Dutch heritage, but, I must admit, I'm also sort of a cheapskate. One of the signs of this disorder is that I have buyers remorse. Sometimes after a purchase is made, I think to myself, "Oh, I could have found this for a better deal." Or, "I better just return this, I don't really need it."

Today I finished my Christmas shopping. Although I enjoy getting gifts for others, I also find myself feeling a slight level of panic. I don't really know why either. It's not like we are so poor that we can't pay our heating or lighting bills. In fact, we are very blessed. I think I just have this programming in my brain that subtracts each purchase automatically.

Jeff often tells me that I can't take money to the grave. This is a very true statement. In some ways, I wish I was more easy-going about financial decisions. I'm not really sure what exactly I'm saving for. Ok, that's a lie....but it's not something that I desperately need. Maybe I just like knowing that I have a little extra change to fall back. Stability, if you will. I will justify my 'Dutchness' by saying that living on one income is difficult. So, you might say, 'go out and work then!'. True, I could, but I'd rather be Dutch and pinch my pennies, than miss out on watching my baby grow.

As Christmas swiftly approaches, I hope to remind myself that I have all I need. Maybe as a New Year's resolution I will try to be less Dutch. Or not.

"You're not much if you're not Dutch."

Winter has arrived

When the first snow of the year arrives, I consider it to be the beginning of the long, cold, snowy winter season. I like the snow, especially around the holidays, and I even like it through January and February. After that, it gets a little old, but anyone who lives in MI needs to be prepared to spend a quarter of the year in these conditions. I get slightly annoyed when I hear people complain over and over about winter. Yes, it is cold, and the nasty weather gets old fast, but we live here. Just deal with it. The only exception I allow is the complaint about being stuck inside so much. This I totally agree with! The winter has only just begun and I don't know how I'll make it through in our tiny house, with a bored toddler!

Last week we woke up to our yard covered in a light dusting of snow, and I promptly brought Caleb outside to see it for himself. Hey, he better get used to it early on, right? It's kind of interesting just how much children just love the snow. It must have to do with that whole 'seeing the world through a child's eyes'. I already know there will be winters ahead where I must brave the cold, and go outside to sled and make snow angels with Caleb.

One of my favortie parts of winter is seeing the land covered in a blanket of white. It's almost refreshing to see everything sparkling and pure. Well, until the snow plow and salt trucks come though, and make everything in to a brown slush. But we can just imagine that never happens, right? :)

So, let's try to enjoy this winter weather. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.....unfortunately, we just entered the tunnel.

"I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these let you savor a bad mood."