Blogger MIA

Well...it's been a whole year since I last posted on this blog. Time really gets away from me! My dearest Joseph has been asking when I was going to post an update. I think he just likes seeing his photo on the internet. But, how can I say no to that guy?

It's been quite some time and there's no way I can catch up, But I can give you a quick recap of 2011. Matt started the year off with a horrible bout of kidney stones that kept him out of work for over a month. He eventually needed surgery to remove them. Once that was done, he headed back to work only to get laid off on his first day back. He was unemployed until September, when he landed a great new job in Healthcare IT. It was a really tough year for us financially, of course, but Matt really stepped up to the plate at home. He cooked, he cleaned, he took the kids to school. It was pretty nice having "Mr. Mom" at home. Just the same, we're so happy that he found his new job!

As for me (Nikol), I've been really busy at work taking on some new responsibilities as far as Residency recruitment. It's been stressful and challenging, but ultimately really interesting and rewarding. I'm still working with Cub Scouts. This year I've been the room parent for Kristin's class. At home, I'm still enjoying my attempts at gardening and keeping chaos at bay.

Joseph completed all his requirements for Cub Scouts and received his Arrow of Light Award before crossing over into Boy Scouts. He's doing great in school, and recently starting learning to play the clarinet. He's actually using the same clarinet that belonged to my mom in high school - which is the same one I learned to play when I was Joey's age!

Kristin is also doing great in school. She really loves to draw, and enjoys making up stories and illustrations to go with them. She's also very excited about helping in the garden. She's planted flowers in the yard and tends to them lovingly. She also loves to help in the kitchen. She will start taking flute lessons in the near future.

Simon has made amazing strides with his speech therapy and preschool program. A year ago, he only had a handful of words he'd say - now he's a veritable chatterbox. He's very bright and imaginative, and has more energy than anyone I know. He's always moving, always into something. He has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh.

Here's a recent photo of the three wee ones (Kristin's crazy eyes crack me up). I'll try to post once a week or so to keep everyone upraised of our adventures. Sorry to have been such a stranger around here! Hope everyone's 2012 is off to a good start!