Let's cut to the chase.  Gertie's going to have sibling, come late May.  I am feeling tired and lacking energy (in part from a lack of psychotropic support).  Everything looks good according to the OB.  I go back again in two weeks for my 15 week check up.  Offspring #2 arrives on June 8th (actual due date), but really will be here by late May.  I invite a csection after Greta's delivery.  No labor for me, thank you.  This pregnancy is definitely different.  My skin is a mess, I'm tired, pissed off most of the time, and definitely heavier in the butt/stomach department this time around.  My friend Mackinzie thinks I'm having a boy. "When you are prego with a boy, you want to kill people."  That about sums it up for me.  I have NO patience and I will cut someone if they piss me off.  Period.  I am very excited for this portion of the pregnancy to go away, though I feel like it might stick around for some time.

We are coming off a week of Beau/Greta action here in FW.  Beau stayed with us for a week while Jennie and Chris finally enjoyed a long overdue vacation in Mexico.  Beau was great!  Greta absolutely adores him and was very sad to see him go.  He accompanied Gertie to Kiki's twice, and seem to very much enjoy himself on someone else's turf.  I thought it was going to be harder, but it actually wasn't that bad.  I forgot that age--climbing on everything, wanting to get into everything.  I'm lucky Greta is responsive to my requests and rules, not that I have ever taken them for granted.

And a final note, while I love Greta more than life itself, I must say I am getting real annoyed with some people's FB posts that always seem to revolve around their children (and exclamation points).  While Greta is the light of my life and the butter to my bread, I try to best choose those moments that are deserving of a highlight reel on FB (face covered in chocolate, great dance sequence, etc.).  For some, it is constant.  So.  Annoying.  (I know your daughter loves princesses, I know your son loves the Colts. )  I guess that I forgot when others have kids, their personality/interests/hobbies/sense of humor go completely out the window (along with their fashion sense).  ----p.s., I am sitting here in my fleece sweatpants, stained with paint, and a striped maternity top that is way too big.  I am also wearing clogs, with no socks.  CLASSY. 

Every time I pick up Greta from Kiki's house (Kirsten, our babysitter), I am very quick to ask the following questions:

1.  Did she poop?
2.  How many timeouts today?
3.  Did she eat okay?
4.  How did she sleep?

Kiki knows the drill, only informing me of the most pertinent of information:  Pooping and Timeouts. 

Lately, Greta's timeouts are related to "duels" with her friend, Katie, often amounting to
a.) sitting on each other
b.) headbutting 
c.) trying to steal/swap/trade snacks and/or sippy cups.

The life of a 2 year old.

The word of the month: BACKPACK.

Prefontaine Greta.

Big week for Greta---her feet grew and she got taller.  She also got her toy room carpet cleaned.  Pretty exciting.  We had a follow up visit to a new neurologist in Fort Wayne, who turned out to be a wonderful lady.  Dr. Khan was very nice and extremely detailed.  We had to bump up Greta's medicine, as she has been experiencing some "break through" epileptic activity--normal after a growth spurt.  She ordered a basic blood test to make sure everything is okay, as well as another sleep deprived EEG, to establish her own baseline for Greta's brain activity.  She is optimistic that the increase of medicine with get Gertie back on track.  Nothing to really worry about.  I am still a sleep nazi---I also watch her like a hawk.  Her symptoms are extremely subtle.  Thankfully, we have the best babysitter in the world, Kirsten, who loves Greta as much as we do.  She is great about reporting any abnormal sleep behaviors that would give us reason to worry.

Greta is continuing her speech therapy and is doing great!  She is talking up a storm, much of the time in Ewok or Unicorn, but regardless, she is talking!  I do believe her time at Kirsten's has helped Greta to instigate more conversations (with herself) and others.

We are looking forward to this weekend.  Greta will be attending her first Princess birthday party.  I would like to dress her up as Wonder Woman, but there is a strict Princess dress code that is enforced.

She was very excited to have a visit from Pepe this week---very busy.  She helped him mow the lawn, move the picnic table, play dollies, and eat french fries.  She is excited to see both Mimi and Pepe at Beau's birthday party next week.  

We are looking forward to a trip back to BH to see Uncle Joey and Auntie Kelly in two weeks.  I've been itching to get Greta to the Detroit Zoo to see the elephants, polar bears, and reptile house.

I'd like to take this time to make a shout out/air high five to all of the lovely folks in our lives who continue to support Greta with prayers and good spirits.  She is doing great and she is clearly nothing short of a miracle----like I said once before, she is a unicorn.

Beau is visiting for the weekend.  Jennie and Chris are in Michigan at a friend's lake house.  Pray for us.  They are both sleeping but I am feeling crazy overwhelmed thinking about tomorrow morning.  I am a wuss.  How do mothers do this with five kids?  Seriously. 

Did I mention it is is HOT as hell outside?  Tres' horrible.

Neglecting the blogging portion of my week is causing some disturbances among the grandparents.  Here are some updates:

Greta is NOT ready to be potty trained.  However, she did wear a swimmy diaper today, for one hour, outside of her pajamas (and a wet diaper).

Greta is officially a 2 year old.  Lots of "no" and throwing things.  While I struggle to NOT laugh, I suppose I have to be the parent, because Biscuit and Beans don't want any part of that.

Greta has a new babysitter, Kirsten, and she loves her.  Kiki has 4 kids, and I'm sure Greta feels right at home at their house.  She shuts the door behind me immediately after she is in the door.

Greta is still obsessed with Bubble Guppies.

Greta still sleeps in her crib.  No big girl bed until she asks for one.

Greta wears size 4 underpants.  I refuse to buy her size 5.  She has a nice fanny.

Oh, I've also pulled the plug on visits to Dr. Jackman, her Riley neurologist.  There is a peds-neuro in town.  She is good and gets down to business.  No more of this "drive 2 hours and not be prepared" shananigans. 

Her speech is going well.  First Steps comes once a week, on Monday, and it usually involves bubbles, playing with her cash register, playing with some trains, and changing her babies' diapers.  Her newer words are "eat," "key," and "ow (outside)." 

She graduated out of her physical therapy this week.  We can go back in a few months to reassess.  She continues the occupational therapy for her fine motor skills once a month.  She has made GREAT strides improving in both these areas. 

Sorry it has taken so long to update G's blog.  Needless to say, slinging sandwiches and cleaning toilets has taken up a great deal of time.  While I am not complaining, blogging and keeping a clean house have fallen to the wayside.  The first pics are from Greta's 2nd Birthday---a truly magical day, celebrating her unicorn powers and the amazingness of our family.  The last two were from our most recent trip to the Fort Wayne Zoo---riding a pony and catching some drops of water from a rainforest waterfall were crossed off our list of things to do.  We recently had some special visitors this past weekend---the Schmidbauer's (Sam and Irene), bringing their newest member, Baby Eliza.  Always a treat, Sam was delightful as ever, talking up a storm and expressing his interest in watermelon and playing outside.  I learned a thing or two from Sam's dad, Eric, discussing Economics and how I am clearly not informed about this subject.  Eliza is a magical unicorn with a very small fanny, soft feet, and birdy hairs.  Irene is pretty much awesome. 

Greta started her First Steps speech therapy this week, hoping to bridge the gap with her speech delay with help of Ms. Jennifer, her speech therapist.  We are working on Greta independently asking for things with small words that she already knows, such as "please."  Putting two word phrases together is also a current job, specifically, "More____" or "Mommy, no."  This is pretty challenging for kids with speech delays, as their little toddler brains can't keep all the motor demands at the same speed.  Talking is the most difficult motor skill to refine----She is definitely improving, and we hope First Steps will help supplement the private services she is receiving at Parkview. 

At her 2 year check up, she measured in the 50% percentile for height and 75% percentile in weight---she is 29 pounds and 33 1/2 inches tall.  Quite the difference from 19" long and 7.3 lbs at birth.

Like most toddlers, she loves playing with water---her kiddy pool, water table, sprinkler, etc.  She also loves playing her babies, pushing her stroller, blowing bubbles, coloring, playing with stickers, and playing with her toy house and toy cash register.  She is very aware of her environment--paying close attention to the noises she hears outside, especially trains, birds, and airplanes.  She started enjoying Bubble Guppies in the morning, the one cartoon she is allowed to watch.  I actually think that has helped a bit with her speech---the dialogue is very easy to follow, and there are phrases that are heard in every episode.  She loves listening to music in the car and dancing (which usually involves stomping one foot and clapping out of rhythm. 

We aren't even close to potty training, though she is very familiar with poop, in all forms, specially, dog poop.  In the yard.  From Beans and Biscuit.

Because of my hectic work schedule, we have a new babysitter, Kiersten, who is fabulous.  She is a mother of four with a crazy house, loaded with toys, dogs, and activities.  She doesn't drink pop, her kids play sports, and she enjoys a glass of wine from time to time.  My kind of lady.

We are fortunate to have the support of Dave's parents, Jim and Joan, during the week.  They are able to pick Greta up from the sitter when I have a cleaning job that runs late, or a dinner shift at the restaurant.  I am thankful for them everyday.  I wish I could give them more, because of all the help and support they've given us since we've been in Fort Wayne.

The lawsuit is moving forward---the attorney filed last week.  We should hear some sort of response within six months.  Hopefully, by next year, we'll have made some progress on a settlement.

Here are some of G's favorites:
Good Night Moon (book)
watermelon
ribs
bubbles
mowing the lawn with her bubble mower
going on bike rides
playing cashier with her cash register/scanner
opening/shutting doors

Greta enjoying a Hawaiian roll.  We could probably finish an entire package in one sitting.  She is also rocking some penguin/unicorn pajamas.  She will be 2 in a week.  NOT. OKAY.

Gertie got a hair cut.  I miss her mullet.  Pictures to come. 

Greta wandered outside this morning (onto the deck, then to the yard), and returned with:
1. Her calculator
2. Her sucky (pacifier)
3. A Beans turd

Happy Tuesday

Gert had a magical visitor this week.  Beau, cousin to the stars. Lots of poopie diapers, lots of spinning on the turntables (playing in the exersaucer), and lots of sweatpants.

"Why yes, Beau, I will look in my magic bag for your missing unicorn."

The bottom line:  Beau is magical.  He is soft.  He smells good.  He smiles a lot. 

After a week and a half on the anti seizure medicine, Greta has MINOR mood changes.  And by minor, I mean she acts like Sybil at least once a day. 

Dave finally witnessed her "assiness" as I call it---and clearly, we aren't talking about a child who is almost 2.  This is clearly not a facet to her personality, but rather, a side effect from the medication.

Greta enjoyed all things Easter this weekend---lots of plastic eggs, Easter books, M&M's, and lots of discussion about rabbits and bunnies.  SO MUCH, that Biscuit killed one last night.  Thankfully, Greta did not see that.

Greta enjoyed some cousin time, with her cousin, Eleanor.  They are a few months apart and they both love dollies, teepees, and M&M's.  Ellie, however, is a much faster runner.  I blame her mother.

Here is a snapshot of Greta's fanny at the conservatory with Grammy.  I love her fanny and squeeze it everyday.  

It is spring break down here, and we are hoping for some special visitors.  We are hoping Jamie, Cole and Ms. Q can come up for some play time and a visit to Science Central.  I am very much excited about some other toddlers destroying Greta's toy room. 

I am sure everyone, especially every parent, gets to a point somewhere in the process of raising a child where you've reached your breaking point---it may be potting training, sleep training, a child experiencing separation anxiety, a child wanting to come home attempting a first sleepover---you get my point.  Welp, today, I think I hit mine. 

After 21 months of "processing" Greta's delivery, I was ready to break necks today.  I surely thought my breaking point would have been assisting nurses glue EEG buttons to her head, or saying "Night, night" to her before he sedated MRI.  Nope. 

Greta's neurologist's office called today to give us the results of her 3 day video EEG (two weeks ago).  While I was never really sure how I felt about the potential outcomes, I was hopeful we'd get some information that would help us explain the "episodes" she'd experienced for the last year.  Selfishly, I didn't want a report that read "normal," knowing that would keep us puzzled and nervous about future episodes.  

The long and short of it (and excuse my lack of medical knowledge/terminology):

Greta's EEG read very abnormal.  There was outstanding evidence that her electrical brain activity is extremely abnormal, especially in the frontal right lobe.  Because of the abnormalities, her brain creates the "perfect storm" environment for two types of seizures:  a less significant event "focalized" in one part that would result in a slight arm/hand twitch.  The second, would basically be induced by the first kind of seizure that would send a message to the rest of the brain to go bananas, causing a Grand Mal seizure.  The nurse emphasized that it wasn't where this even would happen, but when.  Moreover, getting her on medication sooner than later (like today) was the best case scenario at this point.  She also wanted to have us see Dr. Jackman for a follow-up appointment next week.  During her EEG she did not experience any seizures, but it was clear enough that there was significant concerning activity.  While I'm no doctor, I can put 2 and 2 together----

This phone call resulted in what I like to call "Awakening the Sleeping Bear."  The Sleeping Bear is my anger and sadness center that was born when she was born.  For a while after her delivery, the Bear was alive and well.  I cried often, had horrible nightmares, experienced anxiety that would not let me leave the house, and made it impossible for me to get anything done.  Slowly, with the help of Brandy the therapist, and medication, the Bear started to go away.  The Bear would rear its ugly head occassionally, revealing itself when anything related to Greta's birth would come up---the physical therapy appointment, her weekly night terrors (which I now know were seizures, but to be told by another doctor it was reflux.  Give me a fucking break), an MRI, an EEG, drives to Riley, etc.  In 21 months, I got pretty good at styfling the Bear and continuing on my merry way.  Not today.  I lost my mind.  I cried during Greta's PT appointment.  I cried in the car on the way to my girlfriend's house.  I cried to my mom.  I cried to Dave.  I cried to the lawyer attempting to sue the doctor who did this to her.  Finally, after taking Biscuit's prozac mistakenly, taking a walk, bathing Greta, doing the dishes, welcoming a visit with Dave's parents, and now, showering, the Bear is back to sleep. 

I understand parents who have experienced a life-altering event related to a child takes years to process through----and I also realize I need some closure with Greta's birth.  I thought seeing kids at Riley in wheelchairs, hairless in the hallway, or those clearly affected by some other limitation would put my situation in perspective---it hasn't.  While I am thankful every single day I was blessed to get pregnant, experience a great pregnancy, and not mother Greta, I still can't escape my "what if" thoughts----but again, I'm thankful it wasn't or isn't worse.  It still doesn't make things better.  At least not now. 

I have a close girlfriend who has a BEAUTIOUS daughter living with a genetic disorder.  At times, this little bug is right up in it---puking, shaking, and having a fit.  No one knows what her futures holds for her.  And I know her mom is well aware of that.  But like the true mom warrior she is, she musters through it and keeps rolling.  That was the hand she was dealt.  I guess I would find more comfort in knowing that God created Greta with all her challenges--NOT because some doctor got lazy, and selfish, and reckless. 

Again, this must be me putting the Bear to sleep---have all these crazy thoughts and blurbs running through my head in an attempt to just keep moving forward. 

This is Greta last year at Easter.  Please note the "fashion sandal/sheer hosiery" look that she is sporting.  She is also rocking a vintage dress that Jennie and I wore.  Her toned legs?  Yep.  She was doing many-a-lunges to prepare.

While this has nothing to do with my previous post, I'm about ready to get some form of settlement from Greta's delivery.  The medical bills are piling up and I'm just still a tad pissed off enough to throw dog poo at someone.  I've also decided, after months of deep thought, the only way for me to get closure from all of this is a settlement.  Done.  Case closed.  (Literally).  After this past week's EEG, and G beginning yet another form of therapy, it is time.  Time to pay off the bills.  Time to reimburse all of our gas, driving time, late credit card payments, physical therapy fees, meals on the go (from traveling), babysitting fees, and overall TIME devoted to getting back to normal.  All of those in favor say "I."

In another word, Easter is almost here.  Should Gertie get an Easter basket?  Do I tell her about the Easter Bunny?  How do I explain the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Easter Bunny?  Should Beanie dress up like a rabbit?  Should Biscuit dress up like a baby chick?  Again, all questions that are very pressing.

And Greta has something fancy to show you.....

Yep....I'm sure you're singing "Tear the Roof Off the Sucker" looking at these babies.......G picked them out all by her big self and she LERVS them.  Fancy shoes.  Fashion show.  (When I say "fashion show" to her, that means throw out some big dance moves and get excited, OR, turn around the have her butt facing me so I can measure a pair of pants next to her to see if they'll fit.) 

And let's play a little game of catch-up:

Greta is approaching age 2 with gusto and magic.  She is super busy playing with her kitchen, pushing her stroller, bothering the dogs, and eating sausage links in the morning.  She loves being outside and interacting with any child that will give her the time of day, specifically, the neighbor kids and Amanda Dunaway's offspring.  I look forward to warmer weather and having Greta enjoy the yard and driveway for more than 30 minutes. 

We have just returned home after a 3 day stay at Riley in Indianapolis.  G had a 3 day EEG in an effort to get some of her episodes on paper and film.  We are hopeful we'll have some answers to our concerns.  In the meantime, we are going to start her on Keppra, an anti-seizure medicine that will hopefully stop her episodes all together.  She continues physical and occupational to build her strength, coordination, and balance.  She is also starting speech therapy, as she has demonstrated a delay with her talking, rather, speaking English (not Ewok or Unicorn--because she is fluent.  Thankfully, every dog we come across totally understands her.  I do too.)  She had tubes put in her ears last week and it has made a HUGE difference---she can actually hear us, and we know because she is making sounds she's never made before.  Hopefully, with speech she can become more understandable by the end of the summer.

G is getting fitted for new shoes tomorrow.  We will be seeing a pedorthopaedist who will get her into a shoe that will help with her pronation/toe crossing issue.  That is caused by poor muscle tone which the brain controls---she has white matter loss from her delivery, which causes certain muscles not to "flex" when they should----i.e., straightening her legs and flexing her foot muscles.  I am hoping for something amazing that does not have anything to do with princesses.  I hate princesses---they are lazy women who rely too much on men to make their lives happen.  Not okay.

All in all, we still wait patiently for some news about the lawsuit.  I spoke with the attorney last month and he mentioned they were "Striking the Panel."  I guess this means they are picking their dodgeball team in gym class.  I trust him and have faith that we will get some settlement to help with the medical bills.  I am dreading this EEG bill.  Ugh. 

I am thankful Greta is NOT a Riley kid---those kiddos who spend months getting treatments.  It is really so sad.  I have decided that Greta's birthday philanthropy with be collecting new toys and travel size toiletries for the Neuro floor.  I want to help make family stays more enjoyable.  I am also thinking about starting a small non profit that provides "care packages" to families that have to spend extended amounts of time at the hospital---slippers, toiletries, dvd's, books, magazines, gift cards, games, blankets, robes, soft towels, snacks, etc.  Feedback is always welcome on my suggestion. 

Greta's hot dance moves ala' cords and buttons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqVH-4_6MaU

Spring must be in the air.....I've had a few conversations in the last few weeks with my mommy girlfriends about having more kids.  While I'm not the one talking abem is always, "How do you know when it is time for another baby?"  For me, it isn't just about "Oh, Greta's almost 2, so I guess I need to think about this."  I am thinking more about the sacrifice that my body will take on: the lack of sleep, the nausea, the back pain, the breastfeeding and pumping, etc.  I guess I haven't forgotten all about that yet.  When Greta was a few months old, I saw another specialist related to the problems I had after her delivery.  He put a magic number in my head about when I should START thinking about another baby.  2.  Greta had to be at least 2 for me to even consider another pregnancy.  That would give me enough time for my body to heal -- if nerves were going to start working again, 24 months is the most amount of time if that was going to happen.  Big questions......

While I never envisioned myself as an only-child-mother, it is absolutely overwhelming to think about having a second child to care for.  My friend Jamie reminds me that I am still "haunted" by Greta's delivery.  It is too fresh, too real still.  Dave and I were doing our taxes yesterday, and realized we paid $8000 out of pocket for expenses SOLELY related to Greta's delivery----only a year later.  We are still paying off her bill from her birth, still paying off physical therapy from the first year.  We haven't even started paying on her current therapies, which now include occupational, physical and now, speech.  We rescheduled (for the third time) her 3 day EEG at Riley.  After a long discussion, Dave and I opted to cancel it again---it is too much for Greta, too much for me, and too expensive right now.  What if we go through all that, and nothing comes up on the report?  We already know she's had seizures.  We know they happen at random times.  We have no idea what that means for G's future---at this point, everything that could have happened from her delivery HAS happened, and at this point, there aren't anymore surprises.  Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.  My motto.

We go to a shoe fitter on March 15th to have her feet assessed again.  The orthopaedic doctor said it wasn't anything to be concerned about, considering she's made major improvements in the last year.  She does have an arch 'in there,' but her pronation and toes crossing over are all related to the poor muscle tone.  (Muscle tone is controlled by the brain.)  Thankfully, this won't be a big deal and her shoes are under $50. 

A year ago......Feeling nostalgic.  

One year ago........

Please note the diversified appearance of toys----we aren't limited to just dollhouses, but books, post it notes, stacking cups, a Big Wheels, dog toys, and play food. 

And from the looks of our family room, Greta has clearly begun her journey back to her "normal" self, sans The Flu.  Let me explain...

Last week, G started coughing.  Just a little.  Then, slowly, as the week went on, the cough worsened.  WELP, I was in for more than a plain cough.  Flashback to Monday morning when Greta threw up on her shoe, pants, and carpet.  Flash forward a few hours after that (after leaving the doctor), and G is throwing up on herself again, but this time, in her car seat....while I'm driving on I-69.  Oh fabulous.  Let's go ahead and take this a step further.....20 minutes after the car puking, I'm at Grammy Joan's, Greta is shirtless and shoeless ( a direct result of a flash action stripping moment), and throwing up on Grammy.  Yep, that is my life. 

So, the barf squares left after 24 hours, and now we are left with a bad runny nose and a miserable cough.  I've been pushing the fluids and finding myself doing LOTS of fanny pats and back rubs.  She is slowly getting better.  The whining has died down and she is actually interested in eating again.  Oh, I've also gone through several containers of Kleenex and Lysol wipes.  Oh, and I'm not sick.  Yet. 

(From left to right:  Josephine, Sam, Oliver (in foreground), and GFP (dropping it like it is very very warm)

In 72 short hours, we (the Mommies) managed to "get the band back together."  I.E., the Original Four made a quick appearance at Ms. Irene's house for some conversation, snacks, poopie diapers, some beverages, and a few physical altercations.  All in all, it was a success.  Their sweet little faces---they are growing up so fast!  I love them dearly and wish I could see Josephine, Sambo, and Butter Pants more often.  Greta was talking up a storm, a clear indicator that she needs some friends in FW her age.  I am blessed to have a wonderful group of friends that are loving, sensitive, hilarious, and selfless.  A special shout out to Mackinzie Rekers---she always plays hostess to GFP and myself with no complaints.  Let me tell you, we are messy, loud, and we eat a lot of snacks.  It isn't easy to house us, even if it is for 2 nights.  However, I love me some playroom-coffee talk time at the Rekers residence.  Again, I am so blessed. 

A few snapshots when they were smaller (but they are still small, because their fannies are still very squishy).

How  much do I love that fanny?  I want to squeeze her little butt.  So cute.  Definitely good pocket placement. 

Greta helped with some painting today----she wore her overalls, rode her tricycle (pushed it), chased around Biscuit, and didn't step in any paint. 

I don't recommend taking a 19 month old to the ENT in the hopes of finding a cure to Daddy's snoring.  That is all.

Because I was feeling sad about Greta's fading mullet and pork rolls, I decided to include some snapshots from the summer....It is amazing what nine months can do....less porkiness and more sassy.  No mi guesta.  You should also know that Gertie Beth no longer fits in the sink.  No likey.

I would like to make a special shout out to two of my girlfriends who had exciting news this week....My friend, Amy, from high school welcomed a son, Charlie Brian, this week.  After sadly losing her first child, Anna Maria, to stillbirth, she is enjoying the joys of motherhood with a bouncing baby boy.  I couldn't be happier for her.  Erin, a teaching school friend, announced today that she is expecting a baby in May.  This is joyous news after losing her son, Christian, to a kidney condition just hours after he was born.  I do believe in miracles and her pregnancy is a testament to her faith.  Please send happy thoughts/prayers/positive vibes their way.

Christmas has come and gone, and we are finally settling into our new house on Woodchime Court.  In spite of Biscuit's explosive diarrhea, our house being cosmetically challenged, and Dave and I both fighting a cough from the amount of dust, Christmas was great.  We were able to be in Fort Wayne for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Joey and Kelly, as well as Jennie and Chris stayed in their respective hometowns and would come to Michigan to celebrate the Mofo Christmas on the 27th.  It was nice knowing we could sleep in on Christmas morning and enjoy Greta opening up gifts on our time.  While we didn't have snow on Christmas Eve, we were walloped on the 26th with 6 inches.  The dogs were happy, and of course, I was happy.  Nothing goes with Christmas better than snow (and sweat pants).

Greta enjoyed several new treasures from the grandparents including a kitchen, books, clothes, play food, and a new duck that dances to LMFAO.  We were thankful to spend another Christmas together as a healthy family, though Grandma Monforton was always in our hearts---it was definitely different this time around.  We look forward to 2013 with continued health and happiness.