Santa......And a few other things

 The picture says it all!! This is a great "classic" picture that we will have to pull out as the years go by :)
After some loves and a little snack of mandrin oranges.....He was happy and running around the mall!!

Like most little boys, Gage has found that the bathroom is a fun place to play!

 Gage came down with a little cold and had to have an inhaler......Everytime he saw me get it out he would hit the floor as fast as he could so that I couldn't get to his mouth,

 He would wait for about 30 seconds and then peek up to see if I was still standing there :)

 His cold got better just in time for him and daddy to make Christmas Eve pizzas and for us to go see the Christmas lights on Candy Cane Lane

Of course the chef must taste while cooking to ensure a great pizza :)

He's feeling good and he knew that he would!

As you can see Gage is back to his silly, fun, charismatic self!!

Talking to Nonna on the phone

I have no words for this caption!! :)

Changes

On December 5th, 2011 I started a new job working as a Foster Care Placement Liaison for St.Aemilian-Lakeside, in conjunction with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. It was a tough decision to make and lots of prayers and thoughts went into taking the job. I am working full time now, which I don't love, heck, I don't even like working part time! I wish that I could stay at home with my precious little baby but at the time it is not possible for reasons beyond my control. I worked for 3 1/2 years as a Child and Family Service Specialist for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Due to some internal changes I found that it was not an environment that I wanted to continue working at. I am hoping and planning that by taking on full time work, I will be able to quit working sooner. Gage is watched by two phenomenal ladies in our ward. On Mondays and Thursday he will go to Maralee's and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Friday's he will go to Sarah's. This change is going to be difficult --- figuring out a routine and a new job with increased responsibilities. I am nervous and scared; both for leaving Gage full time and for my new position, however, I feel at peace with my decision and know that it is the right place for me to be at this time. For those who know me, you know I hate change. But I have had a very good spiritual experience through this process and have been able to feel Heavenly Father guide me. I'm so grateful for the gospel and that it provides me with guidance and support during difficult times. Thank you to my family and friends for all the listening ears and advice. You are invaluable to me and I sincerely appreciate your support and kindness!

Rob and Gage have both gone through the rounds of the flu, pink eye, a sinus infection, a virus, and....Gage's first ear infection. It has been a rough couple of weeks for us as Rob and Gage try to get better and I begin a new job. The week I start a new job and luck would have it that Gage and Rob both get sick! Gage had to be taken to the doctor three times in one week!! Rob only went once......but he should have gone sooner then he did, he just isn't the "doctor type" he says. After two different antibiotics, two different eye medications, and two daily medicated breathing treatments (a total of four treatments a day with two different meds) Gage is on the mend. Rob was on the mend after one antibiotic and one eye medication. Our health care expenses...not so on the mend!

 Gage going to the doctor for the 1st time

Gage going to the doctor for the 3rd time--Yes, by now we have two teddies that have to go everywhere with us!!

Rob "sweating out" his virus. Grossest thing ever!!