2009

I saw this over at Bird on the Street and decided to do one too.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?

Blogged. I know that doesn't sound like much but it's outside of my comfort zone.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?

I didn’t really make any resolutions. I’m really not into that kind of thing. I did decide to do something about my weight and joined Weight Watchers at the end of January. I now weigh 38 lbs less than I did last year so that’s a very good thing. As for next year…let’s just try to stay at this weight. I don’t care if I lose anymore…I just don’t want to gain any.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No. But I can think of 4 new babies on the way for 2010.

4. Did someone close to you die?

No. Thank God. 3 deaths in 2008 was enough to last me a lifetime.

5. What countries did you visit?

Bermuda. It was great to go back for a visit and reconnect with old friends. As well as attend my uncle’s wedding.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009?

A more organized house.

7. What dates from 2009 will be etched in your memory and why?

There’s only one that really stands out. January 26th – the day I joined Weight Watchers.

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

Losing weight.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Nothing huge. I’m just disappointed that my house is as unorganized as it is and that I continue to put off things that I don’t want to do.

10. Did you suffer illness of injury?

No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A food scale.

12. Who's behavior merited celebration?

Goodness. This is a hard one. How about I just celebrate Ben and how hard he works every single day.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I can’t think of anything for this one. I’m not a big newswatcher and there’s no on in my real life that this would apply to…thankfully.

14. Where did most of your money go?

My new kitchen. It was expensive but I love it.

15. What did you get really, really excited about?

My life really isn’t that exciting (hey…I’m blogging at 10pm on New Year’s Eve) but there were 2 things that excited me all year long. First was Ben. He’s exciting (and frustrating and funny and loving and stubborn and…) and I just love to watch him do new things. Watching him use his walker is exciting every single time. Second was losing weight. It really was exciting. And not just because I was getting skinnier but because I really felt like I was figuring out how to do this thing for life. I still feel excited about it. Plus…I got to wear a “little black dress” for the first time ever. Now that’s exciting.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

I'd have to say “People are Crazy” by Billy Currington.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you skinnier or fatter? richer or poorer? happier or sadder?

As I said previously…skinnier.
Definitely happier. Definitely.
Richer…probably.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

This is a hard one. The only thing I can think of is connecting with friends, whether new or old. We’ve been back in Canada for about 20 months now. I feel like I’m losing touch with my old friends but not doing a great job of making new ones. Hmm…need to work on this in 2010.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Worrying. About Ben mostly. I need to stop.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

We had our usual family Christmas Eve event (my Dad’s family has been getting together for Christmas Eve for over 30 years now). My parents and sister came to our house for Christmas Day. We had brunch and then an easy Christmas dinner. Real Christmas Dinner at my mom’s with my parents, sister, brother and his family, and grandmother followed on Boxing Day. Overall…a fantastic Christmas.

21. Did you fall in love with 2009?

No. I think it was a transition year for me. 2008 was bad. Really bad. 2009 was about getting over that and taking care of myself. 2010 should be interesting.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

The Big Bang Theory and American Idol. Sorry, that’s two but I can’t leave AI off the list.

23. What was the best book you read?

My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Piccoult. I think it was the only book I actually finished this year. Luckily, it was a good one.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Gillian Welch.

26. What did you want and get?

My new kitchen.

27. What did you want and not get?

A reliable babysitter besides our nanny and my mom.

28. What was your favorite film of 2009?

I saw just 2 movies in theatre this year. The new Harry Potter and the new Star Trek. Harry Potter movies always disappoint me (since I love the books so much) and this one was no different. So Star Trek (which I thought was really good by the way).

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

I don’t think we really did anything for my birthday. That’s a bit sad actually. I was 34.

30. What one thing would have improved your year immeasurably?

Turning off the TV and spending more quality time with my husband.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2009?

Jeans, jeans and more jeans. Oh…and one little black dress.

32. What kept you sane?

Blogs. By other parents of special needs children. Otherwise, I would feel totally alone in the universe.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

None. I’m just not that into politics.

34. Who did you miss?

My grandmother. She died last year at Christmas.

35. Who was the best new person you met?

My new neighbour Amie. I don’t know her all that well yet, but hope to in 2010.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

That everyone has their lot in life. If they don’t have it yet, it’s coming. I’m not alone here. I’m not the only one with a non-perfect life. My friend Kelly…well, her Mom did almost 9 years ago. She has no Mom and her nieces have no grandmother. Another friend Tasha…well, her son was just diagnosed with leukemia. He’s got 3 years of treatments to look forward to. And it goes on. I’m learning to be grateful for what I have.

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“One kid’s crying, One kid’s screamin’” – It wasn’t always this bad…it just felt like it some days.

An admission...and some questions...

OK. I’m going to be honest. I’m having a bit of a hard time over here. I have 2 two-year olds (one with CP) and life is hard…and exhausting. I admit it. I’m struggling. So, instead of just feeling sorry for myself, I’m reaching out for help. From you. I have some questions and I’m hoping you can give me some answers or suggestions on how to make life easier.

Is anyone else’s CP kid having a hard time with sleep? I read a post here about E’s sleeping problems and it got me thinking about Ben. He used to be a champion sleeper…but now, not so much. He still sleeps through the night most nights of the week, but there are usually one or two where he wakes in the middle of the night crying. Sometimes a quick visit from Mommy or Daddy will comfort him but usually it doesn’t and he’ll cry on and off for a few hours. I think he’s uncomfortable and since he can easily reposition himself, he has trouble going back to sleep. But I’m not sure. Anyone out there with any similar experiences / stories?

Anyone else out there completely physically exhausted? I’m just looking for some company on this one…you know…the whole “misery loves company” thing. Ben is getting so heavy…he’s about 27 lbs now. And he’s so hard to hold…he doesn’t “hold on” the way a typically-developing child does. And he constantly wants us to walk him around holding onto his hands (instead of using his walker or crawling) and it’s just so hard on my body. That, combined with the lack of sleep mentioned above, has got me completely worn out.

What does the future hold? I know that no one can really answer this question. But I’m having a bit of a hard time (see 1 and 2 above) and need a bit of hope to hold on to right now. Ben is 27 months old. He’s been diagnosed with spastic diplegia. He can use his walker (just started this). He crawls on all fours, can get in and out of w-sit, and can pull to stand and cruise (with someone spotting due to balance issues). He’s classified as a Level 2 on the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Anyone out there with an older child that had a similar diagnosis / similar skills at this age that can shed any light on what the future may hold for him?

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make life easier? Anyone come across a great idea or product that is impacting your child or your quality of life? I just know that you other moms out there have great ideas or have come across some great products that are making your lives easier. Please share them with me! I’m having a hard time right now and need all the help I can get. In particular, what are you using to transport your child (besides a stroller)? Maybe you’ve come across something that has been a great motivational tool for your child?

That’s all I can think of for now. I’m sure there are a thousand more questions out there but for now, this is enough.

Christmas Photo Shoot

Last Sunday afternoon, we had our Christmas photo session. My sister's friend (who is just getting started in photography) came to our house to do them. I've been begging her for ages to come and take photos of my boys since she takes such AMAZING photos of her kids.

The session itself went fairly well. Beforehand I had put together some props in the hopes of keeping the boys entertained and in one place. I bought some shatterproof Christmas bulbs, some big candy canes, and wrapped up some big boxes. It worked very well.

And here are some of the fantastic shots that we got (sorry there's so many but there are so many great ones to choose from)!

The whole family

Daniel (L) Ben (R)

Daniel (R) kissing Ben (L)

Ben (L) Daniel (R)

Silly Daniel

Serious Ben

Happy Ben

Daniel

i heart faces - Sweet Dreams

This week's them over at i heart faces is "Sweet Dreams". This is a photo I got of Daniel last November. I went into their room at the end of their nap to wake them (I do this to keep them on schedule) and neither woke up, even after I turned on the light. So off I ran for the camera. I got photos of Ben sleeping too, but he's on his side so you can't see his face as well.

I just love the redness of his cheek!