a sort of toddler nirvana

Maren and her kids came down to S.V. on Monday and we went out to Peter Piper Pizza to celebrate Travis' first birthday. Here they are entranced in Sponge Bob on the big screen up ahead. Afterward, we let them "play toys" with all the flashing machinery. They loved it! And so did we, because they're still too young to grasp the you-need-tokens-to-really-play-toys concept.

Penelope has been asking for "more Morgan," ever since their visit...

A motorcycle ride

Marti snuggles with Travis

This picture, stolen from Jamie's blog, was taken at Kristen's baby shower (a lovely affair). Jamie and I are about two weeks apart in due dates. And I can feel myself entering the pregnancy puffy phase--where wearing things like rings or socks leave a mark in my skin and it takes me a good three minutes to get up from a chair. The point being, this may be the last picture I allow of my face on here for another two months. Good times!

couldn't decide which to post

...so I decided on all of them.



This is undoubtedly Penelope's favorite Christmas present. She loves to "wing." In fact, if it weren't for handy bribes like treats and watching Pooh Bear, she'd be in this thing all day!

With approximately two months to go until the next one arrives, I've been thinking about how much I'm going to miss Peeps' and my alone time. I have no doubt the new dynamic will be just as great in its own way, but I've so enjoyed her witticisms lately--and by lately, I mean these last twenty two months.

This pregnancy has gone by pretty quickly. But as easy as it's been, I'm excited to have some sort of range of motion back. I'm also getting excited for the actual labor. I think because this time I'll know more of what to expect. Also I've been reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (add this one to the previous list of fantastic helps), which has given me all sorts of new ideas and info for the upcoming birth.

they say it's her birthday...

...it's Barack Obama's presidential birthday too. Seeing as today is the only inauguration I've actually had interest in watching, I just want to say that I'm excited about the new president. Plus, what a historic day for the country! We may not line up in all our views but I'm giving him my respect up front and we'll take it from there. The presidential office has been devoid of such a thing for too long, anyway.

But enough politics: it's Lindsay's birthday! And I want to wish her a happy one--filled with thoughtfulness and fun, which is what she always fills everyone else with. Love you sis!

shrew etiquette

Once as a teenager, I went to pick up my sister from a friend's house. You know how once you can drive, suddenly you're doing all your parents' unpleasant errands? Well, I considered this to be one of them. It was late at night. I resentfully honked my horn for her to come out. Then honked like three more times until she did. Just as she emerged, the neighbor across the way came over to thank me for waking up his sleeping baby. Oopsie! I really was so embarrassed. But also thought the guy was a jerk (what else is there for an embarrassed teenager in the wrong to think??).

Only now I find myself needing to be that guy. Our new neighbors across the way are constantly home and constantly blaring music from their cars during Peeps' nap time. It drives me crazy. The thing is, they're really nice. I feel like we have a good neighborly rapport built up, which keeps me from going over and asking them to turn it down. Because I feel like any way I say it, I'm going to end up as the shrew (or if their music is any indication, the *%$# shrew) next door...any suggestions?

this just in...

I just got these images from Lexi. Peeps and Canyon went around holding hands in the graveyard where we went to see my grandparents' headstone.

A few nights ago, Penelope woke up crying in the night. I went in to see what the trouble was and she had reached out to her toy box and was trying to bring a Little People ferris wheel through the crib bars, saying "want it that!" The next night, she woke up again. This time sitting up but with her eyes closed, she kept signing and repeating, "more bread."

I obviously gave in to both requests.

Anyway, welcome 2009! Dave and I ushered it in playing games with his parents and eating way more clam dip and pumpkin squares than was good for us. But nothing inspires me like a new year! I've written down some goals, the most exciting of which is a reading list, helped along by some suggestions from Candy. Otherwise, I want to have a baby, run a half marathon afterward, organize my files, write more, and blog less.

Happy New Year!