Happy Holidays!

Wishing all of my cyber friends a very Merry Christmas.

Love,
Ashley

Ear Tubes?

Little Sister is sick again! Over the past two years, she has had many colds and upper respiratory illnesses, especially ear infections. Now, one of the doctor's in her pediatrician's office has recommended ear tubes. I want to talk with her primary pediatrician first to see what is involved, and if this procedure is needed. If you have any advice on the subject, please let me know. Thanks!

Ashley

Since moving to the Midwest

Having been raised in the Eastern states of New York and Pennslvania, I thought I knew what cold weather was like, but now I know better. Over the last year, I have made the following observations about Chicagoland in the winter months:

1) Winter starts early and ends late.

2) It takes a blizzard for businesses and schools to close early.

3) There is no such thing as a delayed school day.

4) We are currently experiencing a deep freeze.

5) 40 degree days feel like Heaven.

6) Now, I know why Illinois is the land of Starbucks. Hot drinks warm the soul!

Big Sister is a winner!

Since my oldest daughter loves to draw, we decided to have her enter a book poster contest. Before she started, I asked her to pick out one of her favorite books, and use that as her main theme. She choose Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. On Friday, she was presented with a certificate for creating the most original poster in her grade. She was thrilled as you can imagine. One of her classmates who also entered the contest was jealous and angry, and told Big Sister that her poster was ugly. The teacher overheard and gave the little girl a time out. Then, she had to apologize.

Uncles are nice!

My brother-in-law is one of the most caring people I know. He is an excellent husband to my sister, a loving father to my nieces, and a wonderful uncle to my children. He's a big kid at heart, and all of the kids adore him. Sometimes, he lets them climb on his back which always invokes big smiles, laughter, and 100% participation as the photos show.

The Nutcracker

Last weekend, as an early Christmas gift, I took my six-year-old daughter to see The Nutcracker. Like me, she was mesmerized by the engaging music, beautiful costumes, and stunning dance performances. The performance was given by the North Shore Dance Company, and held at a nearby high school. We arrived a few minutes late, literally moments before the show started which turned out to be a blessing in disguise because instead of the seats we were assigned, way in the back, they let us sit in the box row, near the stages where we could see every move clearly. It was nothing short of magical. I can't wait until Little Sister is old enough to join us. Then, we will go and relieve the magic once again.

Bedtime Fun

When I was little, my sister and I shared a beautiful room together.It had deep purple carpeting, pink, flowered wallpaper, and white canopy beds. Many happy memories were spent in our bedroom, talking, giggling, and cuddling. Now, I get to see the joy of my own two girls, happily sharing a room of their own.