I am feasting on a pile of new books, and I couldn't be more excited.
Over the past several weeks, I'd been experiencing a reading drought. The latest Consumer Reports was devoured in a day, as was any clothing catalog or newspaper in sight. My Real Simple subscription ran out a month ago, and I can't bring myself to pre-read chapters of What to Expect the First Year.
Thankfully some new books have come my way. The first was a gift from Sarah: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The second, a gift from Jessica: Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food by Jessica Seinfeld. While both books were on my radar, neither were likely to end up in my living room by my own accord. I am, however, looking forward to reading each of these. Judging by the covers alone, they look like fun, insightful reads.
The third book just came in from the library today. It's called There's a Business in Every Woman by Ann Holmes. I am hopeful that this book provides some insight and affirmation on a new development in our household (I hope to share more on my new venture in the future).
Needless to say, I've suddenly found myself entertained! And it couldn't have come at a better time. I'm pretty sure last week was my breaking point with this fabulous season we call winter. At least now I can cuddle up with a few good books to get me through.
feast or famine
eat, more, done
Morgan is a sponge these days, absorbing everything that Scott and I show her, and it's simply amazing.
It was never our intention to teach Morgan sign language. One day we just realized that our consistent actions resonated with her. We would say "up" and hold out our hands, and she in turn would raise up her arms. So simple, but so powerful. It was then that Scott dug out First Signs, one of the many baby books Morgan had received as a gift.
We started with "eat" and wow, did she pick that one up fast! For months Morgan told us she wanted to eat at all hours of the day, sometimes just 30 minutes after we'd finished. I truly believe that her intention was to communicate with her newfound knowledge, and for her, the sign for "eat" could have meant "pick me up" or "I want a new toy". Now she only signs when she's hungry.
"More" is another favorite, as is "all done". She competently signs those to us every day! And knowing that Morgan is learning by our actions, Scott and I continue to use signs when we speak to her, using them for "bye-bye", "go", "baby" and "drink".
She is a smart one, that Morgan. Smarter then we sometimes give her credit for. She grabs our hands to pray before we eat, waves to Scott as soon as he puts on his coat and gives kisses so freely it makes me nervous. We are two very proud parents. Now if she would only show an interest in crawling!
back in action
Friday at 10:30 am:
ring..... ring..... ring.....
"Hi there, how's it going?"
"I'm coming home sick."
And so our weekend began, but not without Scott first taking a trip to the doctor's office. With some antibiotics and cough syrup, he started the fight against his upper respiratory infection. And so far his ladies are still healthy.
This evening Scott is nearly back to his old self, snacking on pop and peanuts, rewarding himself for a job well done... the dead ringer that he's feeling well... our taxes are filed.
run ragged
For the past three weeks, Scott's boss has been out on medical leave. Jump for joy? Not quite. This absence has really been a double-edged sword. While it creates an entirely different atmospshere at the branch [read: more pleasant workplace], her absence has been very difficult on one person in particular.
To date Scott has accumulated 24 hours of overtime, which is most likely the result of having to handle every customer issue, regardless if the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the five. Covering evening appointments and working every Saturday morning hasn't helped either. Days have gone by where he hasn't eaten any lunch, and his body has finally said "I've had enough." Scott is in survival mode now, trying to ward off sickness with what little strength is left.
Yesterday he was armed with homemade soup. Today, it's medicine. But I have a feeling it's not enough. Thanks goodness it's Friday? Maybe. But it just doesn't have the same sweet sound when you know work is calling you back on Saturday morning. And still two more weeks to go.
safety first
I've gone back and forth, trying to decide if I should post this video. I've watched it countless times, and thought it would be worth sharing. I don't have a newfound passion for this topic, nor is it my intention to guilt anyone into doing this. The video just really made an impact on me, and for that reason alone, I wanted to others to see it. And yes, Morgan will be rear-facing well beyond her first birthday.
until next year
Tonight I gladly bid farewell to our Christmas tree. Typically I like to wait until Epiphany is celebrated, and though we're just hours away, I'm glad to get that dying spruce out of our living room!
Why the sudden urge to purge this year? Maybe it's because I've been home all day, every day, to enjoy the tree before Christmas even arrived. Or perhaps I've started feeling claustrophobic with the new addition of toys as part of our decor. Most likely, my obsession for all things neat and tidy kicked into overdrive - I'm not sure I could handle another brittle needle dropping to the floor.
Hauling the tree to the curb was a great feeling, as was vacuuming up the remnants off our carpeting. The Christmas season is officially over, at least at our house. And I'm more than okay with that.
out of commission
We have a bad hard drive. And little did we know what kind of withdrawls we'd have by being without our computer! Thankfully, Scott's brother is around to bail us out once again. What a guy. Until then, though, we'll be without our modern technology. I suppose if I get desperate I can hit the library for a quick fix. But chances are, we'll suffer the week without our computer. Ugh.
oh, christmas tree
Once again this year, we cut down our own Christmas tree. Last Sunday afternoon was the only hole in our schedule so we made the best of it in the rain. Our friends from church, Anne, Scott and 18-month old Thomas, even came along. Despite the lousy weather, we had a fun time hunting for the perfect tree and snapped some great photos along the way.
Morgan and Thomas playing before we left
Thomas and Morgan on the wagon
Our Blue Spruce
Happy family
All decked out
bite your tongue
When I was a junior or senior in high school and playing Varsity girls basketball, I found myself in a situation that took complete hold of my emotions. While I don't recall the score or outcome of the game that night, I do remember the other coach, a grown man, insulting my teammate and tearing her down. I overheard him telling his own girls that our point guard was worthless and slow because of her weight. Nice.
I was so infuriated by this person's actions that I proceeded to march over to the opponent's bench after the game and give the coach a piece of my mind, telling him that I didn't appreciate those horrible comments about my teammate. He was hurtful, so hurtful, and I wanted him to know that his words would have repercussions with me!
Seconds later, my own coach arrived to my verbal confrontation and that's where it ended. But even today, I am finding myself in a similar situation. Someone I love has just been hurt immensely, and I'd like to say a thing or two. But unfortunately it's not my place. Instead I'll have to look on as an outsider, and grab some gauze for my bleeding tongue.
home again
Resort wildlife
think of us on thursday
On Thursday morning, Scott and I will leave behind Morgan as we take our first ever overnight trip without her. Not only are we leaving her home, but we're getting on a plane to Florida and staying for three days. Without Morgan. Did I mention that she's not coming along?
This mini-vacation is something we're both looking forward to, mostly because Scott earned this trip through work and it is FREE. He will have to attend a couple work-related meetings (read: sit through over-the-top sales rallies with uber-enthusiastic personnel), but otherwise, we have fun activities planned, time by the pool and a waterfront room.
As much as I know this getaway is good for us, I am terrified. It's one thing to go out to dinner and leave Morgan with a sitter for three hours. It's another to take a plane ride and be gone for three days.
What a test this will be.
momentary blindness?
Morgan was playing in the living room, and then the school bus drove by and the sound grabbed her attention. It didn't distract her enough, though, to keep her from finding her toys, as you will see. It's almost like Morgan lost her sense of sight for a moment.
