December 2011 - The Grand Finale

What a wonderful December we had! And now we're all geared up and ready for the 2012 adventures to begin.

In December:
Grant started rice cereal. He didn't skip a beat, accepted it with open arms and open mouths. This month he sprouted his first 2 bottom teeth and now has the cutest little chomper grin. He has always been a mega slimer, drooling all the time, so we didn't even recognize when he was actually teething-what a good little guy - didn't fuss at all. He's mister Rollie-pollie man and we won't be too surprised if he starts crawling this next month. He's getting to be more and more interactive which is so fun and rewarding.

We were able to get family pictures taken by one of my old high school friends.  She did an amazing job and I just can't stop looking at them over and over again.  I can't wait to get some framed and put up on the walls.  Too many to choose from. 

Aaron had two weeks off from school during his Christmas break and started his first 3 days off in California with Grant.  I had to work so he figured he would hang out with his family for a couple days so I could just focus on work and sleep.  It was strange having them gone, but I'm glad it all worked out for everyone.  Aaron didn't have to be bored and he got some help with Grant from "Meems".  Aaron took advantage of his Christmas break and spent as much of it relaxing and reading as he could.  I'd say it was a success.

Grandma Meems with Grant and his cousin Van

Christmas was great.  We spent it at my parent's house with the family.  My mom is the most thoughtful person I know and got me some special gifts that I'll always cherish.  Aaron lucked out with a pole sling for spearfishing - hopefully we can have some fun using it in the not too distant future.  Grant lucked out with a TON of much needed books and has quite the library going now.  It's always nice to be together on Christmas morning, to open gifts and then have the traditional Polish breakfast - pierogis are to die for.  It was also very special to go to church together as a family and celebrate the birth of our Savior, to put the holidays in perspective, and commit ourselves to living a more selfless life.

Not enjoying Aunt Squid's gift yet...soon!

We had a great New Years Eve, spent with several couples from dental school.  We had a riot playing minute-to-win-it games and adult-sized jenga.  I must say that Aaron and I blew out the competition.  We're pretty skilled if we do say so ourselves.  Grant was an absolute angel and slept in one of the spare bedrooms of our friend's house. 

Work continues to go well. I had a good chunk of time off due to how the schedule played out. It's always nice to have some days off in a row, but it makes it so hard to go back the first night back. I got a little down, not wanting to work. I want to be like most other moms I know and stay home with my little kiddo, to be able to focus all my attention on him and making my home a great place to live. As it is, my house is rarely clean, our diet is lacking in nutrition, and I'm a grouchy zombie with no patience.  I will hopefully be going part-time soon though so that should make life TONS better.  In the mean time I will continue to enjoy my job, enjoy learning about how to take care of sick kids.  I love all that I'm learning, and the confidence that I'm gaining.  I love that I probably will never have to wonder what's wrong with my kids or whether or not they need any intervention from a doctor or ER visit.  It's a comforting feeling.

So as far as new years resolutions go:
Aaron:  read more books - a wide variety; keep a daily planner with appointments and meetings; become more effecient with dental procedures
Drew:  do at least 1 notable outing/adventure a month; find a better balance between home and work; be happier and more patient and learn to not sweat the small stuff

Grant:  continue to grow strong, healthy, and happy