The Last Of January

Bathing Beauties

I Didn't Forget (Photo For The Week)

I love that little grin! This was before one of the good breakfasts we enjoyed this past week.

A Little Bit Spoiled

I could get used to this. The flowers are from my brother. The homemade cinnamon bread is from my friend Darla. The yummy breakfast was prepared by my dear husband. There are some benefits to getting your leg carved open!

Photos Of The Week

It's FRIGID

I had a hard time picking one photo for this week. I think both of these sum up the past few days. Right in front of the fire is the best place to be. It's early to be doing this post, but I'm guessing I won't feel like posting for a while. Also, since it is supposed to be 35 to 45 degrees below 0 the next couple of days I think I can safely say this will continue to be the most popular spot in the house.

Things To Do Before My Surgery

- Catch up on all the laundry
- Sweep & mop the floors
- Get groceries
- Make & freeze waffles for easy breakfasts
- Vacuum the living room (especially around the wood stove)
- Dust the office
- Catch up on bills & paperwork
- Clean both kids' bedrooms
- Get clean sheets on the guest bed since it will be used quite a bit in the next couple of weeks
- Clean the kids' bathroom (including scrubbing out their tub)
- Pack up some toys to give away & organize their playroom
- Did I mention get groceries? We have no food.
- Pack everything I need for an overnight stay
- Pump more milk
- Pack everything Craig might need for the baby while I'm unavailable
- Keep pumping
- Stock up on necessary items from Target
- Clean out the van
- While I'm at it I might as well add take care of the piles on my bedroom floor. The ones I've been walking around since the baby was born. You know, like almost 4 months ago!

I think that about covers it. Think I can get this all done by Thursday morning?

Photo Of The Week

The Fat Baby



This is the best stage. Of course I say that about every stage. I really do enjoy this age though. When they smile and laugh & coo. When you walk by & they laugh or make a loud noise just so you will notice them. When they wave their chubby little arms & kick their feet like crazy just trying to get some sounds out. When they are fascinated by their own hands. When you have to lift up the little rolls of fat to get them clean. When you can't hold them without kissing and squeezing & talking in a really goofy voice.

Some of you out in blog-land are wanting to post every day this year. I was wanting to take a photo every day, but I kinda messed that up already. So, I'm thinking I will try to post a favorite photo once a week instead. A photo that tells a story about what has been happening that week. This week has been kinda lazy & hazy. A week of lying around & loving on the baby. And just so you know she likes it when we squeeze her lips together. She always has huge smiles afterward. I tried to capture that moment, but it didn't work this time. Maybe next week.

Alrighty Then

Preschool employee: What did Santa bring you this Christmas, Ayla?

Ayla: Well, he didn't bring us ketchup.

A beat of surprised silence.

Ayla: Yep, we already have ketchup at our house.

The Last Half Of '08

Eating Whitey's ice cream in July.

Trying to do a photo shoot in August.

Loving on Traleigh in September.

Micah's 1st grade photo shoot in October.

Ayla with Auntie Tonia & Lexie in November.

Baby cereal in December.

Snapshots Of '08

A winter hike in January.

Ayla on the cusp of age four in Feburary.

Our front yard in March.

At the Children's Museum in April.

A warm evening in May.

At Craig's birthday supper in June.

Three And A Half Months