The Ausenhus Family: December 2011

Merry Christmas, friends and family! During this time of year, I always find myself reflecting on Christmases from the past, and the events of the last year. Today was no exception. As I reread my Christmas post from last year, out of curiousity and the fogginess of my memory, I remembered how much has happened and how much the kids have changed in the last twelve months. I've recently been reminded by someone that, "The days are long, but the years are short." If I have any resolution in 2012, I think it will be to remember that and to better appreciate every moment.

In thinking about last Christmas, Abby was only two months old, and in fact, a year ago this weekend, was hospitalized with a high fever. Of course, I remember it vividly. I also remember that last Christmas, Abby was not the happiest baby. I think I (or whomever had a turn with her) spent most of last Christmas in a separate room with her, trying to comfort a crying, colicky baby. Oh, what a difference a year makes! Abby's first few months of life are a stark contrast to the spunky, smiley, playful, cuddly, and happy fourteen month old we all know now! In the past year, we've watched her roll over, crawl, sit up, and walk. Currently, she is talking in her own language, and knows exactly what she is telling us, but we have yet to figure it out. We've found that Abby is a girl who knows what she wants, and will go after it, whether it is a snack she just pulls out herself, or incessent pointing for something she sees, or simply some cuddles. Since starting to walk just before she turned one, she is after Ben all the time. She loves her big brother, while also finding him hysterical most of the time. A few other things she enjoys at the moment are taking her shoes and socks off during every car ride, being chased (this results in the cutest squealing!), and tickling us (she does this with a funny sound with her tongue, which we can only assume is her version of saying, "Tickle, tickle!").

Ben has grown up so much in the past year! Over the summer, he started to get interested in baseball and wanted to play all the time. Brant and I both spent a lot of time pitching him the ball and chasing after it while he hit "home runs". He also loved the water over the summer. On a trip to Oma's and Opa's over July 4th, Ben shocked us by strapping on a life jacket and leaping off the dock over and over into the lake with the big boys. That was not our typical reserved and cautious Ben. He did the same on our summer vacation to The Lake of the Ozarks, and also loved the pool we set up in our yard. Ben started preschool in August and seems to enjoy it. He also started going to Sunday School at church this fall. We are excited for him as he shares the things that he has been learning in both places (on the occasions he decides to share!). Currently, some of Ben's favorite things are dinosaurs, movie nights with mom and dad, art projects and science experiments, and helping Daddy with any sort of project. Some of my favorite things about Ben at the moment are that he is writing his name and Abby's name, doing more drawing, and "reading" to himself during his rest/nap time. I can't get enough of listening to him retell the stories we read together - and most of the time, with gusto!!

Brant is still working for Bader Rutter and Associates, which is in Milwaukee. I am still an Instructional Coach for Ankeny Schools, and am serving two elementary buildings this year. I think we would both strongly agree that we continue to enjoy the work we do and people with whom we work. However, nothing compares to the days at home that we spend as a family of four!

I know I say it every year, but the Christmas season also causes me to reflect more frequently on those who are not with us during the holidays. We miss my mom and dad every day and I think so often of the joy they would have radiated with their two grandchildren. It still doesn't seem fair that Ben and Abby will never truly know what wonderful people that they were. However, I also know that Mom and Dad would never want us to forget the true reason of this season - and that they are at peace together, enjoying this Christmas with more love and joy than any of us can imagine.

In conclusion, here is a wrap up of the past year...

This budding sibling relationship has been a joy to watch! Abby thinks the world of Ben and Ben is very conscious of including her and making sure she is okay. Let's hope that continues!