A Jorgensen Family Update

Fluffy, the cat is going through some stress lately. I think having another cat here really affected her (we were boarding a cat for a month). She seems to have less patience with Danielle. Danielle loves her so much and gets so excited when she sees her. She never hurts Fluffy...just scares her when she kind of jumps with excitement or has her hands waving around. She gives Fluffy so much love, as does Marisa. Sweet Marisa wanted to hold Fluffy the other day.

Danielle, my sweet Angel, is truly an amazing toddler, full of energy, love, affection, curiosity, and boy oh boy, she's feisty. She has such cute little tantrums. I say they're cute cause she acts like the world is ending...throws her arms up in the air, makes the whole MAD face, and often sits on her cute little behind on the floor. Of course as soon as she starts, I ignore her and typically that's where it ends. 9 out of 10 times they last under 5 seconds. Then there are some days I use a little trick I learnt and as she sits down, she stops and is happy mummy understands her needs. All they want is empathy and to know we understand.

Danielle is taking gymnastics every Tuesday morning. She absolutely loves it. In fact, Marisa often makes a little 'gym' for her in our living room. Yes, we let them (gotta really pick my battles with Danielle). Danielle is very head strong and smart. She communicates so well and lets you know what she wants. She says quite a bit and the odd time has said, "ME". Just great, eh?! I guess having a sister and the other 3 kids around can be hard on her. I mean it has to be...poor thing actually does quite well sharing for her age (like she has a choice?). It's so unfair for her! Welcome to the world AngelGirl. The thing is, I don't worry about this one. She is so strong and tough...she really is absolutely unique and special. Danielle's favourite things are: Mommy, Marisa, Daddy, FLUFFY, books, being outside, drawing, jumping, loves baths and water in general, running, hugging and cuddling. Danielle is very affectionate and loves to give you High Fives. Oh, did I mention that she likes to hit you? But she'll stand up for you too...she's loyal. She gets upset with me if I get mad at Marisa. And WOW, she shares so well with her sister. Did I mention how she loves to follow Marisa around and copy her?

Marisa, my Sunshine is amazing. She is loving school, is in gymnastics as well (although I think she'll go back to ballet), and I gotta get her into Martial Arts. Marisa goes to weekly drawing classes...she really seems to have a special talent so we thought we'd let her explore it. She seems to be quite popular in school with her friends, which is nice...but scary at the same time. Marisa is such an amazing sister. She loves Danielle so much and really looks out for her and defends her, even to us, and she is very affectionate towards her. Damn it, it's 2 to 2...if I have another kid then we'll be outnumbered. She really has close bonds with people and doesn't forget them. She is so considerate, thoughtful, loving, funny, happy and full of life. She loves to read, draw, play outside, pretend play, board games and truly has an amazing imagination.

Mark, is doing well. He's spending a lot of time trying to beat the 'rat race'...you know, the whole working your life away and never truly get ahead. You know what? I believe he'll succeed. Which is great for us! :-) He is still working in computers/I.T. but is tired of it. He has got some other 'projects' he is currently working on, but if I said anymore then he'd kill me.

Me, I'm happy and well. I can't believe I am 37 years old. I feel like I've been going through a mid-life crisis the past couple of years...either that or I've just finally gone crazy. At the same time, I feel like I'm coming out of it. I feel like I'm finally dealing with those 'potatoes' that have been weighing me down (for more on potatoes see http://dal-proud-mom.livejournal.com/). I feel like I am finally committed to my husband the way I should be. I already know that my kids are my entire world. Although, I know that I don't do enough for myself. I am trying to give myself more breaks. It can be hard being at home all day.

I really enjoyed my night out with Marisa's best friend's mom (from preschool) a couple weeks ago. I love this woman. She's moving back home, to a different country. Her husband is already there. They've got 2 kids, Marisa's age and one boy who's almost 2. This is something they've both wanted to do but of course had second thoughts as she wondered if it's the best move now since there are their two kids. Talking to her the other night really helped me realize that everything I'm feeling is so normal. It's amazing how easy it is to give advice and yet taking it yourself can be so difficult.

So I guess it's more of a mom-life crisis. :-)

I know that I need something more than my kids to focus on though, something challenging. Every single thing I do is about THEM. I don't know who ME is anymore. It's time I do something about it! :-)

In life, people come and go. You do the best you can and hope people don't take advantage or hurt you in anyway. But you can't control anyone but yourself and how you choose to deal with what happens is up to you. Well, from now on, remind me that I said this by the way, I promise to not waste anymore time on people who are out for themselves. Any negativity, take it some place else.

From now on, I'm going to really appreciate what I have and also do a bit more for myself (Did I mention I'm going to Vegas in February 2008?). My kids come first and after that my next project is, 'beating the rat race'....and I always get what I want so I will succeed! :-)

"If you don't believe, how can it happen!"

I am truly blessed with my Marisa & Danielle. Danielle can certainly be tiring and gives me a few heart attacks every day as she has no fear of ANYTHING. Actually, lately she's been going through major stranger anxiety and hangs onto my legs for dear life. Oh yeah, and she loves to take things apart....and sometimes these things break (Note to me: no more buying cheap things). I have the most important responsibility in the world. I shape my kids and teach them how to survive in this world. All I want for them is happiness. I am determined not to make the same mistakes my parents made!

"When my kids are happy, smiling and laughing, that is true music to my ears."

I have decided that I am going to write a book, but it'll be about my kids and probably just to my kids. It's funny cause I can't seem to get away from them...maybe I really don't want to. I mean, they're my everything. I don't care what they do in life, as long as they are happy, then I know my job in this world has been a success.

Funny Story. At nights, Marisa wants me to stay and is so touchy and lovey dovey with me...which is rare. She is a very loving child, but will be affectionate on her terms and when SHE wants to. So she tells me she doesn't want me to go. I tell her that one day she's going to yell at me to get out and leave her alone. You should have seen her face...she was horrified. I just told her to wait...and laughed.

I like to have a sense-of-humour with my girls. We laugh and have fun all day....okay, most of the day and most of the time. :-)

That's it for now.


--- Dalia