Hello 2009

It's nearly the New Year and so I have decided to jot down my resolution. I'm usually pretty bad at sticking to new years resolutions, but I figure it's because the ones I choose are boring and meaningless and wouldn't benefit me, even if I did stick to them. To combat this, I have thought a lot about the things that are important to me all year, every year and how I can better myself because of them this year.

This year, I am going to start building a platform for my career. 2009 is going to be a big year for me and my writing - I'm going to really make it happen. It's important to me and I know it will benefit my family immensely. I want to be a role model for my Son. Somebody that he may aspire to be like when he's older. I want to be able to save for his education and help him along his chosen career path. I want to be a wife that my husband can be proud of. Somebody that he can come home to and hang out with and so that we can wind down together of an evening. I want to feel like I'm accomplishing my goals, like I'm fulfilling my dreams.

What's fantastic about this resolution is that it's ongoing. It starts in 4 hours and continues on through years of writing to come. Bring on 2009, I'm ready to get started!

See Mommy, I told you so.

The expression on my son's face was priceless. He's been ready to move for weeks but yesterday he walked for the very first time. I should add that he was gripping my hands for dear life, but he did it none the less. I feel very proud, a little overwhelmed and a whole lot of love for him and his new found ability.

While I was praising him and clapping at his new talent, he looked at me as if to say 'I told you so'. 'I told you I was ready'.

Yes Little Dude, I completely agree. You really were.

Christmas Cheer

I belong to a Mom's group in my local town and I love it. I thoroughly recommend it for all Moms who are looking for a support network. I've made some great friends and experienced some things that I never would have considered doing on my own. I've also learned a lot about life in America and the cultural differences between parenting here and back in the UK. (I have to say, I did avoid the Trunk or Treat at Halloween, as I fear the idea of kids and candy in the same sentence!) My confidence grows every time I meet these incredible people and I feel so privileged to know them.

Somebody from the group set up a 'secret Santa' exchange on-line and each week we receive a small gift from our 'Santa Mom'. I however, have two Mutts that have a bad chewing habit (they are still puppies and training is in progress) and when I looked out of my living room window yesterday to check on them while they were in the yard, I caught one of them chewing on a shiny red ribbon. I was so upset.

Luckily, it turned out OK, I received my gift in the mail today, but I can't shake the feeling of disappointment I had when I thought the dogs had destroyed my gift. Why? Because I am so grateful that somebody has put their time, love and thought into helping me feel more at home at Christmas time. So whoever that Mom is, I just want to say thank you. I feel like it's Christmas eve and I'm waiting for Santa to come all over again. It's been a long time since I've felt that way! You've truly made my Christmas and I appreciate you. Happy Holidays!

Are We Nearly There Yet?

Nearly. Very Nearly. I can see the determination in his eyes, his wanting to gain his independence. My son is learning to crawl. We have the Superman-doing-the-front-crawl position down pat, but the ability to propel himself forwards isn't quite there. He's very much like his father though, determined and stubborn. So I'm guessing it'll be any day now. Better start moving my china up to higher ground. . .

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I love the cheesy Christmas music, wrapping presents, writing Christmas cards and decorating the tree. I love the food that comes with Christmas and I really wish I'd never discovered that Santa didn't exist. But this year's mammoth wrapping session didn't quite go according to plan. I surrounded myself in presents which I'd put into neat piles so I knew who they were for. I'd gathered my materials ready for use. 'Rocking Around The Christmas Tree' was blaring from the stereo and I had a cup of tea at the ready to help me keep my energy levels up. Lovely. I also had little one, rolling all over the floor trying to help. Paper was getting ripped, presents were getting drooled on, dogs were chewing on little one's stocking fillers. Not so lovely.

Isn't it funny how as little people (and puppies) grow and develop, so do our traditions. I can't wait for him to be old enough to understand the holidays, but at the same time, I can't bear the thought that he's growing up too quickly.

Life lesson #2: Take life as it comes.

If I think of the future, I'm missing the now. If I think of him crawling, I'm frantically moving things out of his way. It's just the way it goes.

Coconut Custard Pie

My son had his first ever bout of mischief today. My husband and I went out for dinner at our local diner (I ate waaaay to much pie) and little one decided he wanted what we were having. As he reached desperately for the Cola I thought to myself, 'I should probably start baby-proofing the house over the next couple of weeks and, Sugar + caffeine do not equal bed time!' I could play defence in any hockey team, given the measures I took to avoid a spillage.

As our meals neared the table, little one's eyes lit up. Uh oh, here we go. it's time to defend our dinner! Luckily, he lost interest and decided that sleep was what he wanted, but I couldn't help but wonder, was I like this when I was his age? Did I commando crawl across the table to learn about the joys of coconut custard pie? I'm pretty sure I did. I'm also pretty sure that once little one finally gets within reach of my dessert, he's gonna love it! Until then however, make mine Al a mode. . .

My New Venture

Today is officially my first ever experience with blogging and I'm a little nervous. It's true, I'm a blog virgin. But I'm ready to take the leap, so here I go!



In the last year, I've moved countries, got married, had a baby, started my career and have managed to come out the other side unscathed - so why am I so worried about my new venture? It's always a little scary to journey into something new, but given that I've been using a computer for most of my life, you'd think this wouldn't phase me so much. This is the woman who had to learn to drive on the other side of the road whilst taking her car out for a test drive (poor car salesman), Who gave birth and enjoyed it (yes, I know that's a little strange) and who had to learn to speak 'American' in order to read a menu (It's true, we speak the same language, just with different words). I guess there's some truth in the phrase 'practise makes perfect'. Maybe that's why I'm feeling a little anxious; I want to be sure I'm doing this right.



Life lesson #1: You won't know until you give it a try!



I hope that you enjoy my blog and follow me on my new adventure - not only into cyber space, but as a writer, a wife and a mom.