Back in the Saddle Again

I’ve been really bad about blogging lately.  I was on a roll with Effie Elf’s blog (http://effie-elf.blogspot.com/) over the holidays, and then I just stopped.  I’ll start a post, and then I get distracted or perturbed with where it’s going, and it’s over.  I suppose this comes from how I feel when I read blogs.  I’m inspired by the super moms and take on the world bloggers and turned off by others that use their blog as a forum for whining or making excuses.  I would catch myself complaining, and poof, my thoughts were gone with a swift click of the mouse. 

I was also starting to wonder if anyone was reading this besides my mother and mother in-law (not that I don’t appreciate my biggest fans =)).  I know they’re always looking for new photos of the girls, but since they’re both on Facebook now, I’ve fallen off the photo blogging wagon.  Tonight I received a sweet message from a childhood friend asking me where I’ve been, and it brought me a bit of delight knowing that I do have followers.  Thank you, Jen (http://www.tysonandjen.blogspot.com)! =)

The last few months have not been the easiest for our family.  As most of you know, Chloe had ear tubes put in both ears on November 1^st.  It has been a huge blessing, but now that she can hear, she becomes increasingly discouraged with her speech delay (caused by her period of hearing loss).  We’ve been to the speech therapist once, but since it was so close to her second birthday, the delay was not seen as bad enough for therapy.  Now that she’s three, we have another appointment scheduled later on this month to re-visit the issue.  I hope the trouble is transparent during her appointment.  I really want her to be all caught up by the time she enters kindergarten, and I strongly believe this is possible. 

On a more positive note, Chloe is starting to flourish as her own person; a person who’s starting to resemble me, inside and out.  Although, we can butt heads, both literally and figuratively, I love the little person she’s become.  I love watching her care for her baby dolls, cuddled up with a stack of books, socializing with other children, and creating masterpieces.  She’s decided she wants to be a doctor, and I realize she will have many opportunities to change her mind, but I know of other doctors and nurses who decided on that path due to multiple visits to good doctors and nurses as a child.  Her future is bright, and I’m blessed to be a part of her journey. 

One week after Chloe’s ear tube surgery, it became clear that Calista had developed a nasty ear infection.  After three rounds of antibiotics, and no relief, we were referred to an ENT surgeon.  I’ll save you the details, and leave you with her ear tube surgery date, March 9^th.  As much as I’m dreading the fasting and anesthesia; I’m happy that she will find relief, without experiencing the speech delay that’s been burdensome for her sister. 

Besides the ear problems, Calista’s thriving.  She takes after Reuben, both in appearance and personality.  She’s quite bashful when we’re around others, and I enjoy my time at home with her, watching her learn and blossom.  It’s sweet to watch Chloe interact with her as well.  They have their aggressive sister moments, but I treasure the moments of love.  It makes me feel very blessed to have helped create this relationship. 

As for me, I feel like I’m learning who I am as an adult.  As many of you know, the newspaper I was writing for published its last issue in June.  It left me a bit discouraged at first, as I loved having writing as a mommyhood escape.  I love being a mother more than anything in this world, but it was nice to know I was using my education and skills; plus, it was gratifying to bring in money, even a small amount, each month. 

In a way it worked out for the best, as I would soon find out I would be parenting alone once again.  By this I mean physically parenting alone.  Being a military spouse has its challenges, but they are minimal compared to what many single parents have to endure. 

Our situation doesn’t leave me with much free time, but as soon as I get a minute, I can usually be found with my nose in a book or watching a documentary or foreign film.  I find myself inspired to write from time to time, and I try to write out notes and outlines that I can pursue when we’re a family again, and I can have a bit of free time with my laptop. 

If anybody is still reading, I’ll leave you with a teaser.  Lately, I’ve been trying to conjure up as many creative juices as possible, and I promise to both blog and pin what’s been keeping me inspired in Mommyland. 

Lastly, bellow is the girls’ Valentine’s Day photo.  It’s my girls in all of their precious glory =)