Finally!

Although Carina's doctor assured us that she would not be toothless when she went off to college, I was really starting to wonder.  Who has ever heard of a baby almost 12 months old and not a single tooth?  This past weekend, her first tooth broke through.  She is more fussy than usual but of course...still smiling.

A Bit of Bragging

Matching outfits with Daisy

I feel that I keep missing or forgetting to tell stories of Samantha.  I’m the first to admit that 2 ½ to 3 was not my favorite stage.  She was testing the limits and learning how to express herself and her emotions.  Over the past 6 months, she has really come out of her shell.  Most people that see her now can’t believe how much more outgoing she is and what a charming personality she has.  Kids at preschool love her and all the other parents are always surprised to hear she was ever shy. 

Now, I know that every parent thinks their kids are brilliant, but since you are reading this blog, you get to hear how Sammy is.  She has an incredible memory and if you watch her while someone is reading to her or teaching her something, she pays such close attention that she literally mouths the words to herself, committing it to memory.  One of the gifts Grammy and Pops gave her for Hanukkah was the book Tiki Tiki Tembo.  This was one of Dave’s favorite books growing up and tells a detailed story of the custom in ancient China for parents to honor their first born with long, elaborate names. 

This is a children’s book, yes.  But, it is 44 pages with difficult words and a very long name.  After hearing the book once, she could recite his name: Tikki Tikki Tembo-no Sa Rembo-chari Bari Ruchi-pip Peri Pembo.  A month later, she truly can say every word along with me while reading the entire book.  Trust me, I couldn’t come close to reading the book word for word from memory and this is one of many books that she does this with.  I’m often amazed at what she soaks in and stores in that head of hers.

As happy I am to share how smart she is, I am most proud of Samantha’s kindness.  When asked what she wanted from Santa this year she chose a special shopping cart she had seen that had a seat for her doll Daisy because as she said “That could be a gift that both she and Daisy could share”.  She is incredibly thoughtful and encouraging, saying things to me like “Oh Mommy, don’t worry, try your best!” when she sees I am frustrated.  She is gentle with Carina and other children, hugging and nurturing them.  My description isn’t doing her justice but she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.  You know when you see a mischievous look in a child’s eyes and you know they are up to something? I’ve never seen it in this kid and she definitely didn’t get that from me.  I give her Daddy all the credit for her kindhearted, thoughtful and compassionate nature.  She brings me such joy.  

Working Moms

I really loved this article on the findings of research done on satisfaction of working mothers.  Not because I want to begin a debate on whether every mother should or should not work but because I think it explained many of the reasons why working has been very beneficial to my mental and emotional happiness. Despite Grandma Carol being very disappointed that I work and that we are letting our mothers raise our children, it works for us! My favorite piece of the article says:
After decades of research on how working mothers affect their children, somebody’s finally gotten around to investigating how it affects the moms. What makes moms less likely to report depression and sleep disorders? Turns out for many, it’s having a job — a concept that certainly demands further research. The study also takes a big step toward validating the ongoing need for flexibility in the American workplace – and at home. Because what this gets at is the awesome power of balance.

What’s right for any family is what makes the members within it as happy and fulfilled as possible. And that’s not a one-size fits all proposition. But the idea that both work and parenting – especially in combination – can contribute to a woman’s mental and physical health is as good an excuse as any for a general moratorium on the whole ridiculous “mommy wars” meme. We don’t have to be in opposite camps, guilt-tripping each other and over-justifying our life choices. We’re complicated beings and the things that satisfy us are diverse. They’re our children and our careers, our earning power and our rocking version of “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Nobody said it was easy. But maybe if you want to have it all, a good place to start is by doing it all.

Especially after starting my new position this year, I am extremely motivated and excited about work.  It has given me a new drive that I believe helps me be a better person and a better mom.  I am proud that I can have a successful career and teach my girls that too.  I feel so incredibly lucky because our girls are with our moms during the days while we both work.  And, I really feel like both of us working is good for our marriage because it truly is a partnership.  We both work, we both clean, we both help with the kids, we both get up at night and we both make money.  Here's to doing it all in 2012!

A New Year

I've really been neglecting this blog. It's not that I don't have things to write about, it is making the time to do it in the midst of everything else going on. I have been doing the obligatory introspection of the year and what I want for 2012.

This past year was a doozie for sure.  My friend Regan kept telling me that 2011 was a year for everyone to shed things that do not serve them.  I'm very good in difficult situations.  I'm a good person to be with you at the hospital or to think quickly and act fast in a crisis.  The down side of how I deal is that it is usually months after things happen that I finally process them.  My main resolution this year is to be kind to myself as I work through the aftermath of 2011.  That and to do a mini triathalon with my mother in law in August!

Of course there is always so much to be thankful for. I know I am biased but I have these two incredible children that impress and surprise me every day.  I have an amazing husband who is so helpful and loving.  Carina is full of life and spunk - she has started taking steps here and there.  Samantha is brilliant and has a genuinely kind heart.  I have future posts in the back of my head to catch you all up coming soon! Happy New Year!  I hope you all have the love, happiness and adventure that I am looking for in 2012!