2019Q&A, New Year, New Decade

This isn't just the start of a new year, it's the start of a new decade. Matt looked at me the other day and listed off all the things we've accomplished in the past decade.

• Started dating
• Got engaged
• Planned a wedding
• Got married
• Bought 3 houses
• Moved 5 times (give or take) including 3 of those moves being over 100 miles
• Had 3 kids
• Traveled to 5 countries and 27 states
• Had 7 jobs between the two of us (5+2)

It's not a small list and my life has completely changed. Some days I'm not sure if I recognize myself 

2009

2019 

(I don't really have pics of just me!)

I even look back on my 2018 questions.

How's work going? Where are we working?

Really well - I'm in a great spot. I love what I'm doing and the work I'm pouring myself into at the ND State Chamber. It was hard to leave state government but it's been a good move for me. Matt has been with the city for over 5 years now and has fallen in the routine and may be looking for more challenges but the time and experience is giving him time to seek his accreditation. I was so proud of him for getting his paper published among his peers this year, something he's been working on for over 2 years. 

What is Eleanor into?

I was surprised when she asked Santa for Polly Pocket this year as it wasn't on my radar. But was excited to get it. She loves art, coloring, painting, projects, paper. She's still into Peppa but I see that fading a bit as she is interested in dolls and barbies.

What is Grady saying?

His vocab is coming along.. he makes me laugh. There was a lot of "gosh dangit" all summer but now it's "Oh my Gawd/Gosh" He's pretty easy going but if you push him too far gets crabby. His new thing now is "no" and then when you get after him he'll "raspberry" at you. Talk about boiling my blood. 

What is the new baby's name?

Ainsley Ruth. Or as she's been called Angry Roof or Ainsey. Matt and I were set on Ainsley ever since we selected Eleanor's name. 

How do the siblings get along?

Although they hate when Ainsey gets in their stuff, they get along so well. Grady loves to say Hi and Bye to her and Eleanor loves her and coos about her so much. We have to get after her for picking her up and over mothering her but it's like they knew from the beginning that they belong together.

How has the family changed?

Someone is always crying. Someone is always tired. We are all very loved. We work on identifing feelings - frustrated, happy, mad, sad, appreciation - some days are easy and we all get along and then the next thing you know Eleanor bops Grady on the head with a book, Grady pulls Eleanor's hair and throws his tractor at her. There is nothing consistent about this circus.

What are we celebrating?

Matt's success with his paper and working on the next step of the process. Eleanor's artwork and singing, Grady driving cars, throwing/kicking balls, Ainsley's clapping. Clean plates, made beds (E is an amazing bed maker - she does have 15 layers or so she piles up but they look dang nice), and nice hugs.

What are we sorrowing on?

I miss Janice - I think of her almost every day, especially during the holidays. We are seeing our grandparents age and it makes us worried for our parents. But all in all - we are very lucky. We may have a bit of sorrow when it comes to paying for daycare but we understand it's part of the game right now in life.

Where have we been?

Matt traveled to Nashville for work and he and I went with Wes and Kristi for an adult weekend but that's really as far as we traveled this year. Right now it's hard to travel - maybe next year will be better? 

What does 3 kids actually look like?

A total schitshow. It's wonderful but a total mess. 

Is Matt going for his masters?

Kinda - the accreditation is similar BUT it's not formal classes - right now is not a good time for us to pursue that.

What hobby is Matt driving Amanda crazy with?

Hunting - so much hunting shows and hunting books and hunting gear. Ugh. I think I preferred the golf craze. 

Is Amanda actually sleeping through the night? 

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA. no. 

SO here's my 2019 questions for 2020.

Is Amanda actually sleeping through the night? What trips have we taken/where have we gone? What is Eleanor doing? What is Grady doing? Is Ainsley talking yet and what is she saying? Are we in Bismarck? What are we celebrating? Is Grady potty trained - I'd celebrate that! What is Eleanor drawing? Have we painted some walls at the house? What are sorrowing on? When were we most busy? What advice do I have for the coming year? What do I wish we would have done differently?

And for the end of the decade - 

where are you? what are you doing? are you happy? what are the kids doing - they will be 13, 12, and 9)? What is Matt doing that is driving Amanda crazy? Where have we traveled?

Here are the first pictures of the kids in 2019.

For our house to yours... enjoy the next 366 days (yes, it's a leap year) as the days may be long but the years are so short. 

Christmas trees, Santa sacks, Stockings, presents,

We are in that space between Christmas and New Years where who knows what day it is, what meal it is and if you can sleep in or not.

Matt spent Monday with the kids - all of them, himself. I had to work and we didn't have daycare. He finished his prep for Christmas and discovered that Ainsley can master stairs - especially the deep stairs all by herself. Afterward, he took them to the Heritage Center. Their favorite part was the GIANT Rudolph in the entry! They also went to the Capitol and looked at the giant Christmas tree in the legislative lobby. From there they went up to the 18th floor and looked out.

Christmas Eve was Tuesday morning, we opened presents up as a family. We are working to start our own traditions as a family and it's fun to see them partake in them. Matt did the stockings and they loved picking through them. Candy Kanes brought a huge smile! Ha! E got a playfort from us along with a book, a unicorn sequence outfit, a game, and a bedside organizer. G got his own desk, a big machines book, a hess truck, a car toy, and his own vest. Ainsy got the standard first year gift - a crocheted set of play food, hers was a tea set.

After lunch, we headed to Lansford for Christmas. We had a great supper of apps, dips, and lobster tails - which my children gobbled up as quick as we did! They helped Grandma and Grandpa decorate their Christmas tree and then got into Christmas jammies and prepared for Santa's arrival.

Both E and G were so excited about Santa the next day.


We spent the morning opening presents and sorting through all the gifts. Ains couldn't hang that well with the early morning and by 10 decided that she was done.. had 2 ounces of her bottle, grabbed her pacifier, slipped it in her mouth, and rolled over to sleep.


We had breakfast, played, packed, and just after a late lunch of pizza, headed home. The vehicle was plum full between all the amazing gifts (including Matt's blackstone) and food. We didn't even hit 83 and all three were asleep. The olders slept all the way to
Bismarck but Ainsley got hungry and upset before Washburn.

We spent the next couple days sorting and organizing and trying out Christmas toys. Just in time for our final Christmas at the farm. It was a bit more hectic this year with three littles and keeping everyone moving in the same direction. Each became a bit more patient when they opened up their Christmas toy to play with. G's was a potatoe head but he was most excited about Grandma's spatula. E got a doctor cart (with doctor coat) - which was a nice compromise from the doctor office that she actually wanted. Ainsy got a play tissue box - which honestly was a hit between all three kids! 

We had prime rib and king crab for lunch and all ate until we were miserable. I shared my raspberry Belgian beer with my parents who had varied reactions.

It was a wonderful Christmas season and I'm so very lucky and my kids are so very lucky to have so many people love them. 

EER burst into bedroom: MOMMA! DAD! SANTA CAME!
ALR: Are you sure?
EER: Yes, he filled out Santa sacks with toys, let me turn on the light,
ALR and MJR: Don't turn on the light!
EER: he ate the cookies, he gave the carrot to the reindeer, he didn't even eat all the cookie and Ainsley didn't get any toys but he filled ours ... (chatter continues)
MJR: Do I tell her that it's not wake up time?
EER: COME SEE!!

GRR handing out presents: Hea-by!
GRR hands out another present: Hea by
MJR: Grady, not all of them are heavy!
GRR: Yes, hea-by

2019 Wish List

Family
Disney+ (Subscription Service)
Portal - for TV
Ring Doorbell - Matt has link
Large sandbox that can be covered
Bismarck Aquatic Center Memberships

Ainsley
(Amazon list)
Baby Wipes
See and Say Farm spinner*
Rice rusks, baby food, puffs
240 volt garage heater
carpet (stairs or living room)

Grady
(*Amazon list)
Dance Class (Toddler Gross Movements)
Skyzone
Duplos*
Lunch Box*
T-Ball Set*
Mr. Potato Heads*
Outdoor Web Swing*
Osmo - Genius Starter Kit*
Kids Snow Shovel
Plastic mug (for hot chocolate)

Eleanor
(Amazon list)
Swimming Lessons (for the spring)
Dance Class (Preschool Movements)
Tennis Lessons
Skyzone
Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks*
Duplos*
Boogie Board Jot LCD Writing Tablet*
Osmo - Genius Starter Kit* (on Grady's Amazon list)
Kid Snow Shovel
Workbooks for practicing letters and writing
Age appropriate art kits
Plastic mug (for hot chocolate)
Chest for pretend clothes wardrobe

Amanda
Jewelry Box or Jewelry Box (dark brown)
Makeup Brush Cleaner set
Eyelash curler
Set of 10-12 wooden bowls (salad) - link provides example
Slippers - size 9
Rothy's - size 9, Pointed Cloud Grey Birdseye or Flax Birdseye or Grey Glen Plaid, Dandelion Triple Stitch, or Spotted
Cowl Neck Sweater - XL, green or z-green
Haus Lab liquid eyeshadow, holiday set or aphrodite
Hobby Lobby gift cards for frames/glass


Matt
Menards cards for lawn next year
Large Bath Sheet Towel
Subscription to Field&Stream or Golf Digest
FitBit
Foam Golf Balls
Lyfx light bulbs (2) - outdoor
Pioneer Woman Cook Book
Blackstone

Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

So here's the Holiday Rundown....

Ainsley: This little bird was born at the end of February in the middle of a below 0 cold spell. Although it took nine months to double her birthday and she's still the size of a paper weight. Over the past couple months, she'll yell and babble and crawl and she never loses sight of her siblings. In fact, in her usual spot - the high chair, she's usually got her neck craned around and all you see is nose and eyes. Her sibling dote on her and are her best cheerleaders that is, until she starts pawing at their stuff.

Grady: My little boy isn't so little. In fact, it's hard to believe that he was my smallest baby as he's sure to catch up to his sister in size, he's pretty already caught her in weight. He's a gentle soul that has a temper when pushed too far but he listens or does whatever he thinks his sisters want. Over the past year, he's really worked on his words and his sentences really come along. We probably understand 85% of what he says, pretty easily. One of my favorite things is listening to him and Eleanor's little conversations. Sometimes it's a squabble more than a talk but it does make me chuckle. Another of my favorites is his belly laugh - Grady will get to laughing and it takes over a whole room.

Eleanor: Oh, this girl may be too smart for her own good. She's in the preschool room at daycare and her thirst for knowledge and learning blows me away. She knows her letters and knowing her numbers. She sees things and makes conclusions. Her intelligence and tenacity will take her far. She's really grown up over the past year - her hobbies continue to be book reading but she's added other creative outlets such as painting, coloring, markers, cutting, gluing, and anything artsy.

Matt: He ensured the runway project was finished at work - which has lasted three years. He got his mule deer, which was 6 years in the waiting. He was pretty happy that he got the boat out this year and managed to take the kids fishing. He made a trip to Nashville for work and together he and I went to Minneapolis for fun.

Myself: I had a few big changes too, final pregnancy and birth but I also changed jobs midway through the year. I left state government for private sector and it's been a great move. I've enjoyed the change, the pace, the coworkers, and the work.

It's been a blur of a year - one that passes in late nights and early morning but those little smiles do so many things for me. They make me laugh, warm my heart, and make me realize how lucky I am.

I will admit I'm about 9 million thank you notes behind, probably owe people a phone call or two, heavens knows we don't visit enough family or friends, but someday we will catch up - and until we do, thank you for the understanding!

Pinkertons, Light Night, Dagmans, SwallowedtheBows

We really got into the Christmas stuff this weekend. 

The weekend started off with a visit from Pinkerton's. We finally got to meet Henry! He is 5 months younger than Ains but approx 2 or 3 pounds heavier!! So sweet to see Oliver and he still calls me Panda, like he did a couple years ago. It's amazing to watch their kids grow up and ours with them. Eleanor is still infatuated with Oliver and likes to boss him around, just like her brother.

Saturday night was Light Night. I'll be the first to admit, it started out a bit rough. Meals out in public with these children is never easy. No one listens or sits nice or eats nice and it feels like a marathon. At one point, Ains decided to stand up in her seat, Grady was touching everyone with his feet, and Eleanor was picking her nose arguing about wanting her candy cane, which was for the ride. Mama lost her schit. I'll admit it. After a reset, we got our business together and headed out. We did Chmieleski's Christmas Corner, Snowman Lane, the Capitol, and a few stops in-between. E enjoyed last year but G really got into it.

EER sees facecuts with Grinch scene.
EER runs behind puts face in lower available hole.
EER: Who am I?
MJR: You are Cindy Loo.
EER runs around to look at front.
EER runs back around: I want to be the GRINCH!!!
EER crawls up to put face in Grinch slot: I'M GOING TO STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS!!!!

Sunday was the Dagman Family Christmas. I think the kids had a great time. I want them to remember these big parties like I remember them - people everywhere, food everywhere, and crazy clutter. Eleanor's favorite gifts was a tie between barbies and a puppy in a carrier. G liked running around and helping and even ended up napping with Grandma for awhile. Ains napped too but liked hanging out and playing between cousins.

The previous week was full too.. Ains is now standing up in her crib regularly. Both E and G got haircuts. Eleanor got hers just in time for her Christmas program, Candy even put curls in her hair for the occasion. She had a line... "She swallowed the bows to tie up the bell, that jingled and jangled and tickled as well." She's had the line down cold but got a touch of stage fright in front of everyone and ended up giving Ms Heather a big hug instead. She did love seeing Santa... and was so excited when he came, insisted we follow her to see him.


EER whisper into my ear: Mama, I want to hug him.
ALR: Oh, honey, you sure can give him a hug. 


GRR: Oh My GAWD - Look at that one!
2 seconds later, GRR: Oh my, Big Santa.
3 houses later, GRR: Pretty!
MJR: Ohh, look at that one, it has blue lights, Dad likes the blue lights.
EER: I like the rainbow lights.
EER: Grady, you like the rainbow lights too?
GRR: Oh my Gawd! Look!
EER: See, Grady likes the rainbow lights too.

Santa, cookies, Alice

The holidays are setting in… this year it has been so fun to see things through the lens of the kids. Eleanor kinda remembers things from last year but for the most part, everything is brand new. We’ve got our elf on the shelf this year, Elton. I’ll admit people said don’t do it and I didn’t listen. And I’m glad. Our elf is boring, he doesn’t play tricks or get to full of himself but he does move around pretty well. He’s been in the fridge, in cupboards, on the top, hanging in the wreaths, riding the reindeers. He’s been all over and every morning the kids wake up and look for him and laugh and laugh at what he’s doing!

This past weekend made time and went and saw Santa.

Coldspring had an event and we headed out there. It turned out so well! They went and said Hi to Santa – everybody but Ainsy was nervous at first but E made sure that Santa knew that she wanted Polly Pocket. G told Santa that he wanted cookies! G never did get too close. E was in love with the idea that Santa gave her a candy cane. The event had a few other things… a little craft project and then balloon animals. The artist made E a purple cat and G a green pig. E started to literally walk her kitty away and suddenly it popped on the ground. I froze. E’s lip began to quiver, she had the animal for approximately 15 seconds. I began to console her and talk it out when suddenly the artist was over our shoulder finishing up another purple kitty. It made my momma heart burst. He didn’t have to do that, didn’t haftah notice and didn’t have to let her jump the line again. But he did and that was one of the most Christmasy things I’ve seen all season.

 

After Santa, we headed out to the farm, we took the cookies we had made out there to decorate them. I was expecting a mess and a bit of a disaster. It went so well. They had fun, they decorated, they didn’t lick their fingers a million times, and we had a good time. Matt even got in on it a bit. They were so proud of their decorations too!

Sunday we celebrated our first Christmas with Shantelle and Alice. They came to play and exchange gifts. I also had a little cookie activity for the girls to do too. They didn’t do too bad and were happy to make some Christmas treats.

ALR: Eleanor after you go potty, we’ll go.

EER: Mom, I don’t need to, I don’t have any pee in my butt.