Reconnecting with old friends

So, Larry and I have recently become obsessed with Facebook. I think that is why my blog has suffered. It isn't because less things are making me happy these days. It's because my computer time is being monopolized by Facebook! It's just so fun to see what everyone is up to. I'm addicted to checking statuses. But I miss my blog! I'll have to make some time for it! I wonder if anyone even checks it anymore. Hmmm...

Let the Baby Drive

I'm reading this book called "Let the Baby Drive," by Lu Hanessian. I'm only a few chapters into it, but I'm finding it refreshing. Since Isaac's birth, I have read stacks of parenting books. I've read Babywise, The Baby Whisperer, the Brazelton sleep method, the Furbur method, 12 hours by 12 weeks, Tips for new moms, Bright Baby, Bringing up Baby, The happiest Baby on the Block... and the list goes on. Really. Good grief. But this book is different. One review of it says, "Finally, a parenting book that does not give advice and yet offers such profound insight into what it means to be a child, a mother, a wife, and a thinking woman," I agree. While I'm still trying some of the "methods" I have been reading about, it's nice to be reminded that parenting isn't all about methods. Sometimes it's about those moments when I can't take my eyes off his perfect face. Like right now.

babies in hats!

I love all babies in hats, but of course this is my favorite one!

of course if you like your kids, if you love them from the moment they begin, you yourself begin all over again, in them and with them. [william saroyan]

Life is wonderful

I used to say getting married was the best thing I ever did. Now, it is a tie between getting married and having Isaac. How can we love him so much already? It's a mystery, a wonderful, wonderful mystery...

baby kinnard

Here is a picture of our little baby!! This was taken when I was 23 weeks along. Now, I'm 31 weeks! yikes! Time is going by fast. Can't wait to see this little one in person :)

30 weeks

I took a giant hiatus from my blog. For a while it was because the only thing I wanted to mention was my pregnancy and it was still a secret!! Then, I just got out of the habit. Then, I wanted to post some belly pics and I don't have any downloaded. Excuses, Excuses, but now I'm back. Quick update: I'm 30 weeks along, feeling great, don't know the sex of our little mystery baby, larry painted the nursery a bright, happy turquoise.... all is well.

berries with breakfast

I worked last night and came home oh so tired. I only perked up when I loaded my waffle with blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and real maple syrup. Sometimes it is the little things that matter...

bright slamanders

I took this picture last spring on a weekend camping trip to big south fork. It was so lovely, I wish I could go back tomorrow (too bad I have to work, whaa!). Yesterday, I went on a short afternoon hike with a friend and while we didn't see any salamanders, it was beautiful and fresh. I am definitely geared up for spring...

Flowercide

So we have some flowers in our front bed that are starting to bloom. At first I was sad because this happened last year and when spring came and all the yards were bursting with yellow loveliness, mine were bare because my little flowers had tried to come to early. But, it really is nice to see a bit of color at an otherwise drab time of year. It makes me happy to walk by and see a little burst of yellow. So, even if our daffodils are trying to commit flower suicide, or "flowercide," I

am going to smile and enjoy it as an early gift of spring...

a ride to work

While our roads look nothing like this (and oh, how i wish they did), they are icey this evening. The wonderful part is that Larry drove me to work!! Ahh. For those of you who know us, you will know that this is a true act of love because taking me to work also means picking me up from work at 6am!! Yikes-a-rama! That is true love!!

buying paint

It's a tricky undertaking for those who fear commitment. Larry and I were married eight years before we finally bought a house. We both tried a few careers before we buckled down and settled on one. And after 9 years of very happy marriage we still don't have kids. So, it should come as no surprise to learn that after a year and a half in our new home, we still haven't changed the paint colors. What if we don't like it? Well, last night we bit the bullet and bought some paint. Larry coached us with the idea that if it looks bad, we can just redo it. We have some friends who painted their kitchen seven times before they got it right. That sort of inspired us. It's allowed. And surely, we'll get it right before time number seven!! Wish us luck!!

chocolate covered strawberries

I considered giving up sweets for Lent this year. The reason I didn't was chocolate covered strawberries! They are so romantic and yummy and delightful. Larry brought me one in bed this morning for Valentine's Day. Ahhh.... Thank goodness I hadn't given them up!

Love After Love

The time will come

when, with elation

you will greet yourself arriving

at your own door, in your own mirror

and each will smile at the other's welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.

You will love again the stranger who was yourself.

Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart

to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored

for another, who knows you by heart.

Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,

peel your own image from the mirror.

Sit. Feast on your life.

- Derek Walcott

personialized gifts

Maybe it's because my name is not very common. Maybe it's because they make me feel special. Whatever the reason, I love gifts that either have my name on them or point towards something that is uniquely me. My friend Valerie gave me this ornament with my name on it. It was perfect on so many levels...

the first dusting of snow

this week, we had our first dusting of snow. the deck and tree limbs were covered. it felt so cozy and wintery and fresh. i just love it. it left me wishing for more.

my new RAV 4!!

i love it! it's smooth and pretty. our dogs love it. it feels so safe and fancy. it's our first car with the remote control locks. i'm loving it!!! those of you who know me, know i don't love driving. but the other day i actually thought to myself, "where do i need to go today?" just so i could drive it!!!

secret santas

At work we drew names for Christmas. We are going to give one gift per week to our special person until Christmas. It's so exciting! I just loved looking for something small but special. And, I had no idea I would be so excited to tell them who I am at the end! Some secrets are fun and this is one of them!

shopping

Like most girls, I just love shopping. I especially like it at this time of year. I went in Target the other day and they were playing Christmas music and all the trees and lights were twinkling. Ahhh. I feel cozy and cheerful just thinking about it. I can even get into Internet shopping. Lately, I'm intrigued with this website "etsy." It's where people buy and sell homemade items. Fun! You can buy any number of unique items. I looked for aprons, pottery mugs, Christmas cards etc. It's great fun when you don't have time to search for a parking space at the mall...

late night quizzes

So I'm here at work and am wasting time with brainfall quizzes. I took the quiz "Which Desperate Housewives Character Are You?" and found out that I am Susan. Here was my description:

"You are Susan. You are a klutz and verifiably awkward in social situations, but you are sweet, easy-going, and not afraid to get what you want in creative ways."

Other things I've learned about myself tonight:
1. if i were a sesame street character, i would be Elmo.
2. if i were a disney princess, i would be part Ariel and part Cinderella
3. if i were a car, i would be a volvo station wagon
4. of all the cities in the world, i should live in Paris. Very nice...