Here we are in the new year, 2009! I started this blog just a year ago to keep our family and friends updated on our growing family. I love that people see this blog in Nebraska (hi Sarah and Sean!) and make comments from Detroit. To everyone in between, we are grateful for your presence in our lives. 2008 was a wonderful year, full of growing and learning for the three of us. (To see all the growing and learning, check out my earlier posts!)
So, what does 2009 bring? Well, so far just snow! In all honesty, I'm not sure what this year will bring, but there's a lot of hope for things to come, seeing as the economy can't get much worse, the crisis that prevail in many parts of the country rage on and things like AIDS, cancer and poverty are all very real. We surely hope for a better tomorrow.
More personally, Todd continue to love teaching and is continuing with his master's program. I know he is wonderful at what he does and am grateful he continues to do it. I am still an RN in the Trauma Care/Burn Unit. I work with some fun friends and good doctors. I am not completely confident that this will be my forever job, but am content in my position now.
I also take comfort in knowing we as a family make it through anything in the One who makes us who we are. I know this because every time I look into my daughter's face, I see what must be the face of God, His love poured out to us. I am grateful for 2008 and looking forward to 2009. Happy New Year everyone!
The weather has finally been cooperating with wiggles! We love to be outside. Madeline likes to gather sticks, pine cones, nuts, grass...whatever she can get her little hands on. We walk around the block, saying hi to all the neighborhood dogs, taking a rest on the neighbors steps. She keeps calling the sand at the playground the beach. It's a fun time for us! Mom likes to be outside too, but wishes Madeline would sit in her stroller so she could get some exercise!
Well, here in Michigan winter can be a little boring! So, Madeline and I took matters into our own hands and signed up for swimming lessons at the YMCA, just two blocks from our house! We invited our friends Jen and Emma to join us and it's been a party! We sing lots of fun songs, learn to paddle, kick and blow bubbles. Madeline loves being in the water and has really enjoyed the time out of the house! The last class in each session allows a visitor to come in the pool, so Todd was able to swim with her too. She is in love with her swimming instructor, Mr. Mike, and needs to swim with him for a little bit each class. She also tries to hug and kiss Emma most of the class, but I try and keep her on focus! Mr. Mike says she is doing so well that next class she can try a cube (flotation device). We'll see :) 
My Grandma VandenBosch passed away on Sunday, February 2nd. We will miss her so much, but, as my Aunt Shirley so rightly said, "is in the place she longed to be." My grandma loved babies, so this picture of her and Madeline is so cute! My grandma was also the happiest, most content person. I never once heard her complain. She also loved everyone and I want my daughter to love like her when she's older. As grandma would say, she is now "safe in the arms of Jesus." XOXO. Grandma's Obituary.
Here we are in the new year, 2009! I started this blog just a year ago to keep our family and friends updated on our growing family. I love that people see this blog in Nebraska (hi Sarah and Sean!) and make comments from Detroit. To everyone in between, we are grateful for your presence in our lives. 2008 was a wonderful year, full of growing and learning for the three of us. (To see all the growing and learning, check out my earlier posts!)
