My big resolution for 2012 (and hopefully all years following) is to keep a journal of things that happen with the Dreikosen family. I initially said I was going to handwrite my journal because it had more meaning if it was handwritten. That is great in theory -- and I DO prefer a handwritten journal, card or even note over a typed one -- however; I feel that I would not be successful if I limited my journaling to only handwritten entries.
I decided to start this blog for my children. While I love to scrapbook and write notes in their baby books, the truth of the matter is, scrapbooking ends up being a big chore that feels like a lot more work than fun. I love, love, love the finished product. I love to rub my fingers over the raised decorative sayings and pictures and I like seeing my random handwriting covering the pages -- but it all goes back to the fact that I would be less successful at keeping up with my intentions if it isn't convenient. So, a blog it is.
While my children are what prompted me to start blogging, I know this blog will be used for my own ramblings as well. I used to journal (yes, the old handwritten type) all the time when I was younger. I think it really helped me to get my feelings out. I even named my journal. Her name was Bekki. I thought I was so creative in changing the spelling of her name from the traditional "Becky". What a rebel rouser I was!
I don't think I am going to start out my blog by actively recruiting people I don't know to read my blog. Truth is I don't have a very compelling story to share. I wasn't born into a terrible situation, I had a fairly normal childhood and I don't have any major issues right now that make my stories that "interesting" to the common reader. I am not complaining about not fitting into an unwanted situation to make for a good story -- just stating the facts. I am a full-time stay-at-home mother who watches two boys, ages 3 and 15 months. In the next month we'll add our neighbor girl Madelyn to the mix a couple days a week. While there are great stories to be shared and moments to be recorded, I don't know that my blog would prove worthwhile to the masses. If you have stumbled upon the site and enjoy reading it and can take a little something from each post I am happy. If you are family (and God knows there are plenty of you!) I hope you can feel even more connected to our family via this blog.... that is when you find this blog...
My first small story for the day revolves around Treyton's 15 month appointment. He weighed in at 22 lbs 11 oz and was 30.5 inches long. His head circumference is 47.7 cm. This puts him in the 23rd, 29th and 65th percentiles respectively. It is so hard to believe he is this big! He outweighed Travis by 1 1/2 pounds at this age, but is still a healthy weight. He was running around the waiting room saying "touchdown" (the boys wore their Rodgers Packer jerseys) and spent most of his free time dumping out and picking up crayons. He had to get three shots, and wasn't impressed with that; however, he cheered right up when he got a sticker. The wonder of a sticker.
I called the Marathon County Foster Care coordinator to request some information. I have always had this desire to help people. I cannot help but WANT to help people. It might sound like I am boasting, but I feel I am one of the most generous people I know. I have thought about fostering for a LONG time now. It started in 2005 when we ran into a Foster Care coordinator in Decatur, AL. She was explaining situations to me and recommended we look into fostering. Craig has always talked me out of becoming a foster parent by reiterating how difficult it would be for me to place a child back into a situation that is less than ideal. While I do understand where he is coming from, this is a feeling I just can't shake. I guess you could say my heart is sometimes much bigger than my brain. Not saying Craig doesn't have a heart -- he is one of the most loving, caring and dedicated husbands and fathers I know.... but he is the very rational one with the strong head on his shoulders. I am the big hearted one with a good head on my shoulders, but my heart is much more persistent. SO, I requested information. It doesn't mean I'm taking the training and becoming a foster parent (I do need Craig on my side to make this work anyways) -- but I am hoping the additional requested information will further confirm or deny my feelings towards becoming a foster parent.
Sometimes being a stay-at-home mom is super challenging. Okay -- more than sometimes.... a lot of the time.... One of my biggest challenges is the lack of adult social interaction. It isn't that I always need someone to "talk" to, but rather I need a way in which to express my feelings and just get things off my chest. Travis, my three-year-old, is now getting too big to talk to the way I would before. I used to babble to him about anything and he would nod and agree with me when I wanted him to. He would also disagree if that was my desired response. Now he has entered the wonderful stage of questioning pretty much everything I say. Yes -- the "why" stage. I admit there are times I avoid talking with him to avoid answering the questions that will inevitably come up. Mom of the year.
I hope that in the days and weeks to come I am able to better figure out how to navigate my way through this site and how to be a better blogger. I would like to add pictures, videos and capture moments on here that will be available to my children in the future. I would like my husband to be able to read this as well and be proud of us and what we've created. I am so very glad I have started this.
Found it. :)
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