2009

Happy (belated) Christmas and New Years. 2009 crept up on us and here we are already at Serbian Christmas...my goodness!!
The holidays were extra special this year with our latest addition. We got to visit friends down in Springfield, welcome a new friend, baby Caden Frederick, and spend extra time with the people we love. This included the chance to spend time with all of our family over the course of the month which really made the magic of the season seem to stretch through the entirety of December. Chris and I are constantly reminded how blessed we are to have such loving and supportive family members who not only love us, but are crazy about our kid too!
Josh's first Christmas was full of memories. We took Joshua to his first candle light Christmas service (which made him so relaxed he slept through the entire thing). Christmas day he was showered with new baby ornaments, books, cloths, and some 'big boy' toys. We tried to really soak up this Christmas as I am sure by this time next year we will be chasing him 'round the Christmas tree. Speaking of trees, Joshua even had his own baby tree this year set up in our living room. Standing about three feet high it was decorated with Mommy's crystal ornaments and Joshua's baby blue glass ornaments. We also added his ornaments from others including his 'baby's 1st Christmas' teddy bear and snow globe...so precious!!!
Chris is busy with work, looking forward to warmer nights and April when he has a chance (and I do intentionally use the word chance as being the rookie we both understand his 'luck' is partial to the mood of his superiors) to possibly switch to the day shift. He has been enjoying his waking hours playing his new video games online with friends from Springfield and of course, playing super Daddy. Chris and change a dirty diaper in under 1 minute now...he's my hero! He has been a huge help to me and there is nothing more special than watching him play with, cuddle with, kiss on, and adore his baby boy.
As for me....I got a job!!! I accepted a part time position (17-20 hours) with Parents As Teachers, a Missouri program for parents of children ages birth-4 to help support them in educating and screening their children prior to kindergarten. It is a completely government funded program that allows teachers who are also parents, to have the flexibility to continue to 'play mom' while still continue teaching. I am SO excited to start and really hope that the position will enable me to spend more time with Joshua (than I otherwise would as a full time teacher). With the acceptance of this job comes the transition for Joshua into daycare mode. Hopefully this job will mean only 3 days a week with a sitter...but, for this coming week, Joshua will be going the full week so I can attend the training institute. The good news is that we have been preparing. Joshua takes regular day time naps, can play on the floor by himself (entertaining our self has been an issue), and is used to not being held all day. He is up to size 2 diapers, is eating every 4-5 hours (about 6 oz. a sitting), and can ALMOST roll over. He is very independent, active, and lovable...sounds like an add for a new puppy.
For now, that's our news. Hope this posting finds you well!