Here is what has been going on in the Benisch Family since January 2009. (For a recap of 2008, scroll down and read Doug’s Christmas letter.)

Amy – After nearly two years at home, I returned to full-time work outside the home on February 2nd. It was a true blessing from God that I was able to find a great job in this economy. I am enjoying it very much! While, there are a few wrinkles to work out, the family has adjusted quite well to mom being back at work. I had discovered that being a stay-at-home mom was not a very good fit for me, and I was finding myself more and more unhappy in that role.
I can’t say that being back at work has made me a better mom, but it certainly has made me a happier mom. I can’t help but believe that in the long run that will be the best I can offer my kids.
Family time has become much more important to us now that we are both working full-time outside of the home. Besides having dinner as a family every night, our evenings are dedicated to TV-free family play time. Both of the kids really seem to enjoy this special time with mom & dad.
Now that I have “officially” recovered from Mia’s birth, I have returned to belly dancing classes once a week. This is a great opportunity for some exercise and “me” time. My dear friend Joy has joined me in class this session. It is great to have someone to laugh with, when you can’t fathom how the teacher expects you to move your body the same way she just did!! I would also like to find time to squeeze in a yoga class. But, I haven’t found one that works with my schedule yet. I may just have to become disciplined enough to do yoga at home. I am still pursuing my MBA. To better accommodate my work and family, I have switched to an on-line program. I will be switching my emphasis from marketing to health care administration.

Charlie - Charlie goes to a wonderful Montessori school. The transition from three half-days to three full-days and one half-day has been pretty smooth. Charlie loves school and is excited to go. (On most days) In fact, one day last week when I went into to wake him up he said “Let’s hurry mom, so I can get to school and play with my friend Isabelle.” I am so grateful that Charlie has such great and caring teachers. Charlie has also been working on his ice skating, so he can be a hockey goalie when he grows up. Doug and Charlie were going skating one a week for practice.
He is quite the goofy little boy, making us laugh often. He also has an obsession with farting and has been known to pray to God about farts. His prayer last night went something like this “Dear God, please don’t give me any scary dreams, but if you give me scary dreams I will fart on you.” I guess Doug and I need to work on a little theology with him.
He is a great big brother, smothering Mia with hugs and kisses. He always includes her in everything we do, and takes care of her. He has been known to clean her face, hold her, play with her and in general helps us out when we need him to.
Charlie also is a typical almost 4 year-old, and he can be extremely trying at times. It is amazing how much (or how little) patience you have. But over all he truly is one of the greatest joys in my life!!!

Doug - Doug is still enjoying work; he was hoping to move to four – 10’s when Mia was born, so the kids would only be in daycare 3 days a week. At least for the foreseeable future, Doug will have to continue to work five days a week. However, he does get off early on Thursday, so the kids are only in daycare 3 ½ days a week.
Since I have returned to work, Doug has taken over making dinner during the week. He quickly discovered that trying to cook with an almost 4 year old and a 3 months old is more difficult than cooking with just one child under two.  But, Doug is a trooper, and a really good cook, so he is making the best of it!!! I expect us to use the crock-pot more in the up coming weeks!
Doug is still playing hockey, and loves it!! It gives him some much needed “me” time. The kids and I don’t often get to watch him play since most of his games start after bedtime for the kiddos. But, he has an early game today, so after nap, I will load the kids up and go watch him play. Charlie LOVES watching his daddy play hockey.

Mia – Sweet Mia is growing bigger everyday. She still is a petite little girl, only 8 lbs at her last doctors’ visit, but she is already full of spunk. In addition to loving her brother’s hugs and kisses, she is also tough enough to handle it when he gets a little rough. She is babbling up a storm, rolling over, sleeping through the night and she loves to lie on the floor and move her arms & legs a million miles an hour. She is much more active than Charlie, less likely to cuddle and definitely a better sleeper. Mia is also a thumb sucker, and I am not sure how I feel about that.
Mia has transitioned well to daycare and has quickly become one of the teachers’ favorites. I get a detailed report everyday of how she spent her day. It is nice to see that she gets cuddled and held several times a day.
Her hair still sticks up all over, we are constantly being stopped by strangers who are amazed by her hair.

Well, I think that is all for now – my goal is to update the blog weekly with the adventures of the Benisch clan.