Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

I am told that with a new year is a fresh start...a clean slate...a chance for something better. I suppose that is where everyone gets those insane ideas for new year's resolutions...

Regardless, if you need a fresh start in your life--go for it! There is no better time than right now.

Wishing everyone a blessed 2008, may your family be healthy and your wallets be filled (even if just with pictures of those you love). The best gift is to love and be loved. God Bless!

Santa!

Ho! Ho! Ho! (this is Vivian EVERY time she sees a Santa Claus)

So we took her to see Santa today at Rosedale Center. He was super nice and Vivian loved him. She started out by waving as we walked up to him. Then, "HI!" in her cute little Vivi voice. I wasn't sure how she'd react when I actually put her on Santa's lap, but she seemed to like him! (See picture below) She smiled nicely for the super expensive computer printed picture that parents get sucked into and said, "BYE!" as we were leaving.

What a cutie! She is so much FUN!

Some New Pictures...Enjoy!

Thankful...

I never did getting around to posting new Viv stats, nor did I write a Thanksgiving message...

So, here's the scoop...
Vivian is just a little bit taller (32 3/4 inches) and 24 lbs 5 oz. That puts her in the 90% for height and 70% for weight. She's well into being a toddler now, as more and more of her "baby-ness" goes away with each passing day. Kind of sad for me, but we're enjoying this new stage in her life. She's very much into her baby dolls, little people and animals. Nevermind the dogs and cats, she would much rather mimic sea lions, geese, horses, whales, etc. Crazy girl! She has mastered her peg puzzles and her shape sorter...maybe Santa will have to bring a few more things! :)

As for us,
well...

last year we gave to charity...this year it seems as though we ARE the charity.
We are stressed out, tired of school, in need of our own space, poor (until the danged house sells), and generally taking everything out on each other.

But then, we look at each other with a smile, laugh with our daughter, hug as a family...and we know that we are so blessed. We have each other...and know that because we are strong together, we can get through it all. And that, is truly something to be thankful for.

Keep the true meaning of the holidays in your hearts. Don't get swept up by the commercialization of it all. Take pictures...make memories...love each other...

Need Some Prayers...

...to go out to my Aunt Peggy, her kids, my dad, etc. as my cousin Cherie (who is only 31) passed away this morning. Cause, right now, is not known. If praying is your thing, I know Aunt Peggy could use some right now.

Some Humor as We Start Winter...

Jeff Foxworthy on Minnesota :

If you consider it a sport to get food by drilling through

18 inches of ice and sitting there for days hoping that the food will swim by,

You might live in Minnesota .


If you're proud your state makes the national news 196 nights

each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation,

You might live in Minnesota .


If you don't know the difference between 'borrow' and 'loan',

You might live in Minnesota .



If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through June,

You might live in Minnesota.



If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there,

You might live in Minnesota .



If your dad sleeps in his baseball hat, You might live in Minnesota .



If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time,

You might live in Minnesota .



If you know how to say...Wayzata...Mahtomedi....Cloquet . Edina ...and Shakopee,

You might live in Minnesota .



If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy,

You might live in Minnesota.



You measure distance in hours,

You might live in Minnesota .



You switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again,

You might live in Minnesota .



You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow in a blizzard without flinching,

You might live in Minnesota .



You see people wearing hunting clothes to church,

You might live in Minnesota .



You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked,

You might live in Minnesota .



You think the 2 major food groups are fish, and deer meat,

You might live in Minnesota .



You carry jumper cables in your car, and your girlfriend knows how to use them,

You might live in Minnesota .



There are always 17 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm ,

You might live in Minnesota.



You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit,

You might live in Minnesota .



Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,

You might live in Minnesota .



You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and of course, road construction,

You might live in Minnesota .


If "Down South" to you means Iowa ,

You might live in Minnesota .


You find minus 10 degrees "a little chilly",

You might live in Minnesota .

Quick Pics!

We went to Como Zoo Boo on Sunday when Viv was a Giraffe, then Halloween was Wed. where she was an angel...

Sent from a VERY COOL MOM...

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Our Little Vikings Fan

And She Weans Herself!

Vivian has no attachments to a nuk, blankie, stuffed animal, etc. The only thing that she relies on is a bottle before bed. We only give her a few ounces of milk, and frankly, we're just as attached to that night-time cuddle routine as she is. I love that time--as I'm reminded to relax, slow down and just plain ENJOY her!

Last week, she pushed away her bottle after only 2-3 ounces and rolled over on me, put her head on my shoulder and promptly fell asleep. 3 nights ago, she didn't want any bottle, 2 nights ago we didn't bother giving her one---and that was it. No more bottle at bedtime! What a big girl!

Only thing is...now mom and dad have to realize that our baby is growing up!

Loves Her Babies...

Such a girly-girl! Our Viv is so sweet and gentle. Her most beloved things right now are her baby dolls. She feeds them, rocks them and puts them down for naps and bed (blanket, nuks and all). Sometimes we have to rock them and burp them too! But, when we do, sometimes she crawls in our laps and pushes the baby away...perhaps to remind us that she is, and always will be, our precious baby girl.

A New Look

Like it?

Thanks, Carol...

Carol posted this on her blog and it was precisely what I needed today. Our life feels like it is spiraling out of control and I really feel like I need to anchor myself to all that is truly important...my family. Problem is, bills still need to get paid, jobs still need to be gotten, homes need to be sold, lives need to move forward....
-----------------------------------------------------------
FROM CAROL:

This was forwarded to me today by a pretty cool mom. I thought it was worth sharing. I'm not usually one to be overtly "churchy" or anything - but I like the underlying message in this one. And hey - I know that most of us are not alone in the work of raising our children - I didn't write it :)

FROM COOL MOM:

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:
Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:
"To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake
you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction.

But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Future Concert Pianist!

Fun in the Fall!

Vivian has been enjoying her fall-like days (guess it's not technically fall until tomorrow) riding on the 4-wheeler...in the bobcat...on her swing...this girl is ALL MOVEMENT! Adam is excited to have another rollercoaster partner!

We went to the Apple Orchard today which was fun. By the time we got there, it was pretty much time for Viv's nap, so she was crabby, but enjoyed sitting on the ground chomping on an apple fresh from the tree!

Naptime...

So I was putting Vivian down for a nap yesterday as I religiously do between 12:30 and 1:00pm. She likes to start out sleeping on her tummy, then randomly flails about her crib for the duration of the nap. Anyways, I lay her down on her tummy...she instantly finds the corner of her crib and mashes herself in it, then tucks her knees up so her butt is sticking up (which is funny/cute enough in itself) but then...she wiggles her butt...and wiggles it...until apparantly it is JUST RIGHT. And then she sleeps.

She Found the Toilet Paper!

Vivian has liked flushing the toilet for some time now, but yesterday, she found the toilet paper! And it was all on the floor before we could stop her! IS THERE ANYTHING MORE FUN?!?!?!

New Stats!

Viv update---

She had her 15 mo. checkup on Aug. 7 and here's the news:

She's 32 1/4 inches tall (95th percentile)
weighs 24 lbs. (75th percentile)
head circ. 18 in. (??? percentile)

Everything is good. She had some shots, which she was mad about, but had no reactions to them which is good.

Recently, we went to the MN Zoo with our friends Kathy, Scott and their daughter Grace. A good time was had by all. Make sure you ask Vivian what a sea lion does next time you see her! Or a gorilla...or a whale... our child likes the more exotic animals, apparantly!

We're looking forward to a get-together with friends on Sat. night and a Sunday BBQ with Chad and Lisa on Sun afternoon.

Also, CONGRATULATIONS TO COUSIN BILL AND AMY NOGGLE AS THEY WELCOME BABY BOY BRYCE WILSON TO THE FAMILY! He's absolutely adorable! Can't wait to meet him!

Lake George

Where do you take a crabby, teething toddler???

LAKE GEORGE!

The water is so super shallow and warm this time of year and the sand is GREAT to play in for hours. In addition to that, there is a fun park with swings. It is a lifesaver on these hot summer days.

The update of the week: still have not sold the house, we're still unemployed, and Adam still has a gazillion classes to take...and his shoulder is still messed up. Erg.

But, it's summer. And the sunshine is AWESOME!

It's 3 AM and I Must Be Lonely.

Teeth. Glorious teeth. That's gotta be it. I have a restless child--tylenol and oragel often. It seems as though she is getting a ton of teeth all at once now.

Doesn't help that I have a restless husband who is trying to sleep laying down again with his shoulder in a sling that keeps his arm straight out from his body.

Ok, I guess I will try going back to sleep. For whatever good the 1/2 hour will do me before she's up again.

Nigh-night.

Vivian is super cute!

She is off and running! Ok, so it is more like fast walking...
Bumps and bruises are becoming the norm--usually on her head, poor little noggin. :(

Ooohh...NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!
A third tooth has emerged! Its the upper-middle right one! Yes! It is quite an achievement...almost 15 months old and 3, yep, THREE teeth!

Viv LOVES waving hi/bye to everything...animate or inanimate objects. Its kinda funny. She still blows kisses lots which remains super cute.

I'm looking forward to working on her album this weekend. My M-I-L, S-I-L and I are working on the books Friday and Saturday. Yeee!

Man, Almighty!

So. It has been a long time. And I had high hopes of posting more now that we're in Minnesota and it's summer...yeah, yeah.

But actually, NOW we have internet at home...and we're unpacked. Yippee. So, I will try my darndest to entertain you all a little more often.

It is Sunday night, and I have just come back from "girls' weekend" in Winona. If I didn't realize how incredible my girlfriends are, I know it now! I am so blessed to have such an amazing group of people in my life. God bless you all and thank you for who you are and all that you do! I love you, pandas!

We're here!

I seem to only be posting once a month....this should change now that we're not sick...or packing...

First of all, I should say happy birthday to you, viv! I wrote you a letter for you to read when you get a little older... my oh my, time has flown! You have grown so much this year and daddy and I are just bursting with pride, amazement, joy and LOVE for you! Keep on being the beautiful, intelligent little girl you are! We love you!

We're here in MN, complete with new address and email info. Let me know if you didn't receive it and want it! Viv and I flew here on Sat. Sure beats driving the 26 hours in a car! Adam and his mom should be here tonight...Ron got here with the truck last night---sweet! We've enjoyed staying with Julie and Kreg...Viv has been getting to know her cousins, Audra, Kurtis and Olivia! FUN! I'm sure this summer with be lots of fun as we get reacquainted with the area and with all of our friends and family. We'll even be in driving distance of the Illinois group, so we can jet down for a weekend WAY MORE often!

Hopefully we will see you at Viv's party on June 23rd---more info coming in the mail soon!

Blogworthy...

An ER Story:
(worthy of some House episode, I'm sure)

On Thursday night Adam dislocated his shoulder...again. Only this time, it popped back, instead of forward. 5% of the population dislocate it posterior-ly so you can imagine the "delight" of the orthosurgeons of Central Florida.
Off we went, to Urgent Care. But, they won't touch it--have to go to the ER. Ok. We head on over to the ER where there are, seriously, a hundred people in the waiting room. Great. After about an hour, they take Adam back for x-rays. Result: "You're fine. Must have popped back. Here's some pain medication and a sling." Um. No.
After a sleepless night, Adam is in so much pain he is shaking. SO, I found a walk-in Orthopaedic clinic up in Winter Park. We go there and Dr. Anderson takes new x-rays. A-Ha! There's the correct diagnosis: Posterior Shoulder Dislocation. So, we're off to the ER again (at a different hospital...moms didn't raise dummies).
Adam got sedated and they re-set the shoulder. He comes out of sedation and they take an xray. Poor guy. Shoulder is still out of whack. Unfortunately, they cannot re-sedate him so soon so they try resetting with no pain killers. They tell me, "lie on his legs and hold his hand." One doctor proceeds to pull one way, another pulls in the opposite direction. Whatever mental image you have in your head right now is probably pretty accurate. Stupid, stubborn shoulder.
They just couldn't get it back, so they admitted him to the hospital for the night and said they'd get him into the OR in the morning.
It is now Saturday afternoon. Going on 42 hours...
Adam is now put under general anesthetic and taken into the OR. Thankfully, they were able to re-set the shoulder without cutting him open, which was the next resort.
Now he is in a sling/cast, not able to work for 2 weeks, minimum, and certainly not able to do anything else. Next Wed. he'll be evaluated by the orthopaedic surgeon as to how much longer he'll be laid up, as well as what type of surgery he'll need and when. Yuck. What a mess.

On a happier note,
Congratulations to friends Kelli and Weylan on their SURPRISE--Kelli is pregnant for the 4th TIME! (They currently have a 17 year old, 12 year old and 5 year old---all boys.)

Also, congratulations to cousins Joe and Ann (and big brothers Andrew and Alex) as they welcomed their 3rd son into the family--Aaron. What a blessing!


The house is still for sale. Lookers, but no buyers. Drat. Still moving though.

That's about it for tonight.
Looking forward to receiving some pictures from Preggo Peggo's shower...

We All Need an Easter Sunday Sometimes

-to remind us of new life
-to help us remember that each day is a new day filled with promise
-to reach out and touch the lives of those around us
-to celebrate Jesus and all He does for us each and every day

God Bless you all this Easter Sunday!
Rejoice in the gifts you have been given!
Celebrate the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

More Pics!

Linda and John Noggle came to visit us---so did Great Aunt Joanne and Uncle Jim Rosenbaum!

Playin' with jelly bellies! Good thing I don't put them in my mouth!

Look grandpa! I LOVE watermelon! Will you share some with me this summer?
Daddy and daughter playing in the water at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa---soakin' wet and LOVIN' in!

New Pics!

Look! I am a big girl! Walking! (with help, but who's lookin'?) Adam and Vivi at Central FL Zoo--a little leary of the petting zoo...
Cute lil' chubby girl!

New Stats

We went back to the doctor yesterday for Viv's monthly ear infection medicine. Not cool. But, what can you do? I heard there is a new shot out there now to prevent ear infections, or at least make them less frequent/painful, but babies have to have the shot when they are only a few months old. Bummer. Next kid is gettin' that shot! Hopefully she grows out of these (like most kids do) and not end up like mommy...

Anyways, while we were there...

22.5 lbs.
31 inches long

Yikes!

HOP! HOP! HOP!

The Easter bunny is on his way!

Man, What Does it Take to Blog??

Darn school, they don't let you blog there (which I did during my free time), so I can't seem to blog---EVER.

Here's a quick update.

House: still for sale. 49 days on the market...and counting. But, we're still leaving.

Adam: Doing well. Dredding going out to mow the law in the "summer" heat. Getting anxious about selling the house and moving.

Vivian: Getting bigger by the day--she gets ear infections a lot. Went to meet the Easter bunny this week (we're on Spring Break---yep. Still get Spring Break). She was curious, but not scared. I will post the picture soon (I promise). She babbles constantly and FINALLY (keep your fingers crossed) sleeps through the night. It's been about 8 consecutive days now and we're just hoping it's permanent. Viv is a butt-scooter, not a crawler, but LOVES to walk with our help. She is getting brave by letting go of one of our hands and trying to move---only a matter of time...

We went swimming at a friend's house yesterday...'lil waterbug had fun splashing and watching the other kids. She had a lot more fun outside of her floaty turtle than in...go figure.

Me: Just trying to keep my head above water. Not sure how others do it all and more sometimes. Maybe I just need to get back home.

Today we're running errands (Kohl's Target Old Navy)....pretty exciting.

We did get to see some pre-season baseball which was way fun. Can't wait to see those Cubbies this summer and the Twinkies (although outdoor baseball is WAY MORE FUN!).

Congratulations!

BIG Congratulations to Tricia and Kevin Mathews on the birth of



William David

March 2, 2007, 2:41am

9lbs, 8oz., 21.75" long

Can't wait to meet you Will! You are absolutely beautiful! Welcome to the world!

So Much to Catch Up On!

This month has been swirling by--seems like just yesterday we were in MN for Christmas and now, only 40 days left of school! Yes! Oh, wait...that means that the 1st birthday of the lil' munchkin is fast approaching....1 YEAR! WOW!

Here's her basic update...22 lbs. almost 31 inches...10 months old....doesn't like "people" food, but that could be because she still has no teeth. That's not a bad thing though---the longer it takes for her teeth to come in, the healthier they (cross your fingers here) should be.

Ear infections are a constant problem with her. She's a trooper, but it is still painful. Pew.

Crawling doesn't seem to be her forte, but she seems to want to walk pretty bad. She is good at taking steps (with help, of course) and just got a good pair of Stage 2 Stride Rites...cruisers...

Random picture...

Bathtime funky hairdo.

Scott and Kathy and Little Gracie came to visit in January. I might have mentioned that we had a great time at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures....can't remember.... BUT, Gracie is an absolute doll--she does what I thought little babies were SUPPOSED to do, eat...sleep....poop....occasional gassy smile.... hmm.... wonder how our little kiddo missed the whole sleeping part.

Vivi and Gracie...

Let's see...oh! We're taking plenty of advantage of those free teacher passes to SeaWorld. We went as a family a few weekends ago and then we're going with some friends on Sunday. Vivster likes the penguins, puffins and seals the best. She loved watching the puffins swim around.

More later!

Miscellaneous Update!

Congratulations to our friends Lesley and Cailin as they welcomed baby boy Noah into the world on Feb. 19 @ 11:11 pm. He was actually due to arrive on March 10, but graced us with his 7 lb, 3oz. presence a little early!

Jara, we're so proud that you hopped on the blogger bandwagon.... http://soostfamily.blogspot.com

My friend Alva from high school came to FL to visit (he is in the Marines and is currently on leave from Iraq). We had a fabulous, extravagant dinner and an absolute blast catching up on all the years that have whizzed by (has it really been 13 years already?!?!?!). He stayed with us one night that he was here and enjoyed Vivian and getting to meet Adam. They hit it off well as they immediately launched into deep discussions about the latest/greatest movies.

Our house is officially on the market and our car is officially for sale. For the house, the MLS# is 04749457 if you feel like perusing on realtor.com. Link below might work...

http://www.realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListing.asp?snum=29&locallnk=yes&frm=byzip&mnbed=3&mnbath=2&mnprice=250000&mxprice=275000&js=off&pgnum=3&fid=so&stype=&mnsqft=&mls=xmls&areaid=32824&poe=realtor&zp=32824&sbint=&vtsort=&sorttype=&typ=1&x=38&y=6&sid=08195C2F0DEBC&snumxlid=1075969189&lnksrc=00002

Wow! Where Does Time Go?

I can't seem to find the time. For anything. Period.

I realize this as I go to read my friends' blogs and have to read 6 or 7 entries just to catch up. And then, I realize that I have written in WEEKS...so not cool.

Here it is...the lowdown on the Rosenbaums...

Happy 9 month birthday Viv! Talk about time flying by!

Stats:

weight: 21 lbs.

length: 29 in.

That puts her in the 90th percentile for height and 75th for weight and head circumference. Not bad, baby doll, not bad! (For those of you interested, she is 2 lbs. less than Adam was at her age and the same height). She had 2 shots--for some reason, the shots bothered her longer this time...guess the Dora band-aid doesn't work on 9 month olds... :(

She insists on sleeping on her tummy and is a WILD sleeper. More often than not, I go to get her only to find her completely turned around and squished into some imaginably uncomfortable position in the corner of her crib. She also likes to sleep sideways in her crib...only one problem...she doesn't fit that way...so she kicks up her feet on the side--personal recliner, I guess.

Sleeping through the night is a huge problem--We just can't figure out how to get her to sleep through. She wakes up absolutely screaming for food. She eats 8-10 (!!!) ounces at least twice during the night...still. Doesn't seem to matter how much she eats (or what she eats) before bed. She MUST eat every 3 hours. What the heck?!?! If anyone has suggestions, PLEASE SHARE! Thankfully though, she goes right to sleep afterwards.

Crawling and teeth are not in the vocabulary here....she'd much rather stand and the teeth just don't want to come in. Sure, they bother her and every once in awhile we think we've got one...but nope. No dice. Along with the no teeth thing is the "I won't put anything in my mouth that is not my bottle, my spoon or my nuk." Don't little people put EVERYTHING in their mouths? Don't get me wrong, we're happy that she doesn't put toys and random discoveries of mysterious objects on the floor into her mouth, but come on...try a little cheerio or piece of pancake or somethin'! Weird kid... (but in the best possible way, of course)

All in all, she continues to amaze us every day. Meg said in her blog recently that she has come to accept, even enjoy and embrace motherhood. I'm not sure I'm there yet...but look forward to that time. It'll come... Babies are an incredible adjustment to people's lives...many, many good and wonderful things, but when you loved your independence and penchance for going out and having fun, it is hard to find yourself "trapped" at home worrying constantly about the well-being of someone else. For me, it is hard knowing that many of our friends here still have the freedoms that I often long to have back....but then, I see her or pick her up from daycare and she gives such great smiles and big, cuddle-bug hugs and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

In other, non-Vivian news, the house is officially going on the market this week. Good 'ol Clifford from Keller-Williams Realty has earned the job of selling our home. Lord, please let our home sell quickly so that we don't have to get up and make our bed perfectly every morning. Ugh. So bad at that. Anyways, when the house is on the mls site, we'll post the # so you can check it out....in case any of you feel like moving to the much warmer state of Florida.

BTW-I have to do it one more time...IT IS 74 DEGREES HERE WITH A MILD BREEZE AND PLENTY OF SUNSHINE! (nevermind that we'll be in the frozen tundra next winter)

In closing, here's a recent picture of the little monster with the much bigger one...can't tell they are related, can you?

She's Ticklish!

Being tickled and "zerbert"ed by daddy---always so much fun!
2nd cousin Laura just loves seeing that smile and hearing that giggle!
Cousins! Audra (9), Olivia (5), Kurtis (7) and Vivian (8 months)

Posting Pictures--Finally!

Some new pictures of the poosh! She's just a little ham these days!

Here's our snow bunny---1st snow!

Mom and Viv enjoying the fresh, crisp air (outside Ron and Kay's new home in MN)

I think Vivian likes her new friends...not sure what they think though...(j/k :)

Let's Play Catch!

Catch up, that is! Happy New Year. Even though we're halfway through January. Seems like it was just turning 2006. Not really sure where that year went.

Anyways, some quick updates on the Rosenbaum family:

1. Vivian is just a little ham. She LOVES, I repeat, LOVES people. Especially little kids. The smaller the better. Laughing and shrieking are a way of life for her now which is usually such a joy to hear---except that Adam and I can no longer have a conversation in the same room with her...she likes to join in with an enthusiastic "AAAHHHH!!!! BLLLAAAAHHH!!!! DDAAADDADADADA!" which then puts us into fits of hysterical laughter.

2. News flash! Vivian MAY have just cut her first tooth today...yep...pretty sure of it...

3. Let's see...she loved Christmas. Something about little ones at Christmastime just brings out the magic of the season. She experienced snow and cold for the first time but didn't seem to enjoy that too much. She looked at us like we were crazy everytime we got her dressed in her big fluffy snowsuit or winter coat.

4. We got to see lots of people in MN...Viv got to visit with her friends Lucy, Eddie, Josie, Eve and the new little one (who's home is currently Tricia's tummy). We had a great (albeit short) time visiting. I think we truly all became parents when I looked around the room and ALL of us were happily singing ring-around-the-rosie...over and over...and over.

5. January put mom and dad back in school and Viv back in daycare. It also brought on bouts of the stomach flu this week.

6. We're trying so hard to put our house up for sale. Not an easy feat with the 8 month old.

Anyways, that's about it! I'll post pictures soon!