Resolution update – Month 1

Not a bad start to the year! I was quite diligent in my reading and managed to stay on track for the month, knocking four books out and already in the middle of two more (two six hour plan rides sans toddler certainly helped!). I haven't entirely kicked the ol' Greys-Anatomy-reruns-on-the-iPad-in-bed habit, but increased reading has definitely improved the quality of my evenings.

 

Me Before You 

This book really snares you with an engaging beginning, and even though you kind of know where it's headed all along BAM it hits you like a ton of bricks when they finally spell it out. Tough topics. Makes you think, I guess, but super depressing. UGH and I just saw last that there's a movie version coming out soon and it looks really good but DO NOT BE DUPED! This is a Stepmom situation all over again.

The Bell Jar

I had started this several years back, because Dave had a copy and I had a goal once upon a time to read all the books already in the house before purchasing any new ones (spoiler alert: didn't happen). It's skinny and seemed like an easy read and I desperately needed something to get my mind off of the depressing prior choice, so I picked it back up. Oy. Forgot what it was about (second spoiler alert: a not-so-subtle continuation of the downward spiral). If I didn't like Holden, I couldn't stand Esther. Pleased with my resolution commitment thus far, but not so much with my novel choices. 

Bringing Up Bebe 

First "self help" book of the year. I actually got this one before Graham was born (thanks Planinacs!) along with a few other parenting books, but it pertains more to toddlers / small children than infants, so I set it aside for G's first year. Lots of interesting tidbits in this one, from teaching patience to self-reliance to well-rounded eating habits. Encouraged us to give Graham salmon and stinky cheese to try and he LOVED it!

The Wizard of Oz

Dave's grandpa likes to send books to G (and us) all the time. He has sent several full sets as well, ranging from Agatha Christie to Sherlock Holmes to a lovely 12 volume boxed set of all the original Wizard of Oz tales. Though I love the movie, I've never actually read any of the Oz books, so I was very excited to start delving into this anthology. The old, familiar characters provide comfort while there are plenty of new creatures to get to know.

First Blizzard of 2016

And this is how we spent it! With our toes in the powder soft sand at Siesta Key Beach.

 

Too cold for toes in the water, though. :(

 

 

Happy Blizzard!

 

 

G is for (Great) Grandparents

Spent this past weekend in Sarasota visiting Dave's mom and grandparents - four generations under one roof! Graham loved playing peekaboo with the sliding pocket door, sharing snacks with Great Grandpa. He even managed not to break any of the eight hundred delicate pictures frames on low, easily-accessible tables. Well done, kiddo!

 

And of course lots of fun with Nonna as well!

She certainly spoiled us - we ate like kings! Guess who likes steak and sautéed mushrooms??

 

 

Thanks for a fun visit, Ambrosios!
 

14 Months Old

Can you believe it?!?

Nipomo In Review

What a visit!

First time decorating a tree. 

Celebrated DaBo's birthday (and sugar tolerance, ironically) with a behemoth pie.

Lots of cuddles with Auntie Leigh Leigh and an adventurous hike to Avila in a torrential rainstorm.

I swear, ten minutes after this photo was taken it was DUMPING rain as we sprinted for the car.

Ornithology with DaBo:  taunting  inviting a bluejay to eat a peanut off of his head. 

(The bird declined.)

Lovely walks around Nipomo.
G slept right through most of them, thoroughly enjoying the frisches luft.

Several epic light saber battles, until the weapons were curiously destroyed. 

(Tiny teeth marks are our only clue.)

Visits with old friends and quite a bit of sand in the shoes. 

The start of German lessons....

And a whole new set of family members!! Congrats to Leaf and Daniel!

SteBo's taking over the world....

Thank you for a lovely visit, everyone. The weather was delightful, G loved meeting new folks and roaming around the farm. It was terrific to see you all and we are already itching to book a return trip.

Happy Anniversary, Dog

Two years! What a crazy whirlwind. 

Thank you for this nifty little family. Thank you for taking care of us.



I love you so. You're my dog, dog. 

G is for "Geez It's Cold!"

New York has suddenly decided it's winter and HOLY MOLY IS IT COLD.

G and I barreled into NYC just in time for our nifty little family to celebrate the new year together. We all slept until 10am (baby still on California time = amazing), ate lots of bagels, bundled up for a few brief trips to the park, but mostly stayed cuddled inside our cozy apartment all weekend long, drinking tea and recovering from a crazy night of travel.

Happy New Year, friends!