Getaway

Jason and I enjoyed a one night getaway while Lytle and Darwin held down the fort. The highlight was dinner at Amada. This has now become my favorite restaurant. The ambiance, staff and food are exceptional. I can't wait until my next visit.
It felt wonderful to be free of any major responsibilities, ie: the girls, for a day. I'm already planning our next getaway and hope that somehow it involves the hot sun and a white sandy beach.

8 hours

Sweet Olivia has slept for 8 hours the last two nights! I'm secretly wishing that she's starting a new habit, but as I write this post, I'm holding her in my arms because she's woken up the last two times I've put her down. I knew it was too good to be true.

Picasso

Isabella was sick last week so we couldn't go to Gymboree which is our daily routine. We also couldn't go outside because of the cold and rainy weather so I decided to break out the finger paint. At first she didn't quite know what to do and insisted that I wash her fingers off as soon as she dipped them into the paint. Although, it didn't take her long to realize it was okay to get messy.

Little miss

Little Miss Isabella sat on the linoleum floor enjoying the magic of cornstarch and water
Along came a spider who sat down beside her and scared Litte Miss Isabella away

12 lbs

A lady in church whispered to Jason that once a baby reaches 12lbs that things just magically fall into place. Hmmm....maybe she's right.

Red Rock

I love this picture of Lytle in Moab. I can't wait to see her this Thursday.

Optimism

Little Olivia has had a hard time getting comfortable the last several days. She hasn't been happy unless she's in motion which usually means that I'm holding her and bouncing, she's in the bjorn and I'm bouncing, in the swing or I'm bouncing her on the exercise ball which always seems to do the trick. It's getting a bit tiring, but by the look on her face when she got a nice warm bath tonight....I'm hoping this next week will be filled with less crying and more smiling. Fingers crossed.

The romance.....not

Gone are the days of two dozen roses, a huge box of chocolates, sexy lingerie and an expensive dinner. Actually, that was never really our style. Although, this year was definitely a contrast to how we've celebrated this extremely romantic and non-commercialized holiday. The day started with a trip to the gym while Jason watched the kids, a church meeting, an exhausting trip to Costco with the kids (we'll never go on a Saturday again)a nap, and a nice dinner at home. Thank you Barefoot Contessa. Oh, and let's not forget the sugar cookies that Isabella and I made but never found time to decorate (my attempt at getting into the spirit of the holiday). Perhaps next year will be just as romantic...I can only hope.

Stay at home mom...

The girls are great and I really love staying at home with them. I thought I might get a bit stir crazy, but they keep me super busy and we are having the greatest time together! Isabella is a lot of fun and with each passing day her personality just grows. It's so fun to watch. She has a great sense of humor and is always looking to have a good time. Olivia is growing quickly and just taking it all in. She loves to be held and cuddled. I'm not in a hurry to get back to work (returning in 7 weeks) but instead, savoring every moment with these girls.

I'm in love with...

BOB. We met the other night at REI and I knew I had to have him. He's lightweight but still strong and can handle the rough roads with ease. He'll be a great addition to the family.

Goals for 2009

Now that the girls and I have fallen into a routine and I'm getting at least 5 hours of sleep a night, I've had the chance to think about my goals for the new year. I know it's already February, but I feel I have a good excuse for not creating this list sooner. I love lists and I'm more inclined to finish the task I've set out to accomplish if I write it down first. Here are the winners for 2009:


Learn how to take photos with my camera in manual mode (photo above was taken in a semi-manual mode)

Learn how to can and can a lot of great sauces, jams, etc using the freshest ingredients from the local farmers markets

Plant an herb garden

Brush up on my Spanish grammar (not using my Spanish in Jersey as often as I did in Texas)

Take the CCRN exam.


I'm sure I will add more as the year goes on but this is a good start. I'm excited for 2009. There are a lot of exciting things happening in our lives and I'm looking forward to embracing and enjoying every moment.

Sisters

Olivia at 6 weeks

Isabella at 8 weeks

My mother-in-law sent this outfit for Isabella, it's super cute with lots of ruffles and pretty pastel colors. Anyway, I dressed Olivia in it today and found a photo of Isabella at about the same age. Hmmm....wonder if they are sisters?

6 weeks

Hard to believe that Olivia is 6 weeks old today. She is still such an easy baby and just loves being held. Isabella is always incredibly sweet to her. Although, I know she's just waiting for me to leave so that she can have her way with her and pick her up and squeeze her just like she does her own dolls.

Snow

I'm glad someone is enjoying the cold and snowy weather.