Life is Good!

So here I am in Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, February writing my "monthly" update on life at the Olsons'. It has been an eventful several months as Laney has been growing, Peter has gotten a new job, and I have been adjusting to working full-time.  We are so blessed to have two wonderful women watching Laney during the day.  She loves them! I feel so blessed that the only tears are when I try to take her home. 

Additionally, Peter has the privilege of getting to stay home one day a week to play with Laney and he is loving it (so am I for that matter)! He has one task on those days and that is to plan and shop for the weekly meals (a huge job!). It goes without saying that he's an amazing husband and Laney and I are lucky to have him.

It was a big decision whether or not to go back to work and people often share their opinion about how staying-at-home or working will ruin your child. My teacher perspective definitely helped me through this as I know some of the most amazing young people who came from both working and stay-at-home parent families.  On the flip side, the crazies come from both, too.  :)

I always come back to the same thing.  No two families are the same, no two kids are the same. Every decision should be made and remade frequently and whatever decision you choose be proud of it. That said, I'm using sick days as needed and guilt free.

Here are some updates from the last...oh...6 months:

• Laney started walking at about one year and now it seems like her feet aren't keeping up with how fast she wants to go.
• She's still the same very expressive little gal whose smile are ear to ear and cries are glass shattering.
• She absolutely loves reading and it is how I find time to get ready in the morning. 
• She loves mimicking us and recently starting working to ensure her favorite stuffed Kitty has good hygiene   She uses a wash cloth to wash Kitty, she brushes her "teeth", combs her hair, blows her nose, wipes Kitty's bottom, and absolutely INSISTS that Kitty wears "pretty" hair bows on her ears.  
• Laney is a definite animal lover!  She talks about my parents' dog, Tessa constantly, calling out to her first thing in the morning.  She loves watching the video of her Auntie Gina's two puppies and is constantly pointing out every animal within a 2 mile radius
• She has just started speaking in phrases and has lots to say including many directives for us, "Momma, Daddy, sit here."
• She's a fierce physical trainer.  She'll sit on Peter's back and count as he does push-ups.  When he's done, she exclaims "More...push-ups!"
• She loves to give hugs and kisses, giving them freely to new friends at the park, pictures, and the iPad.
• Peter and I have started working out again and we're hoping to keep it up. So much easier in the nicer weather. Maybe a race will motivate us...
• I recently came to the revelation that we're pretty much a typical Seattle family. We love our fairtrade coffee (Laney recognizes the sound of the grinder at friends' homes), we can talk about the benefits of buying organic for hours, and a favorite place to visit is REI so we can check out the latest "gear" for our outdoor adventures. Life is good!