Shadows

I came into our dining room today to find my little man playing with his shadow on the wall.

Sigh.

My heart melted.

And then I scampered over to grab my camera to capture the moment for daddy.

xoxo

So proud

My little man is so proud of himself since he was able to climb on the couch by himself. 

Love him!

xoxo

I promise I'll write a real post soon!

The things people say...

Acquaintance: E is such a cutie!

Me: Thanks!

Acquaintance: I think he looks just like his daddy.

Me: Really? You don't think he looks like me?

Acquaintance: Nope.

Bahawhahaha!

Shocker!

xoxo

Classic.

There are so many times during each and every day that I just revel in the moments I have with little E. This is one of those moments that just charms my heart... Does it get any better?

xoxo

Kisses & Food Sharing

This just makes my heart melt. I love these two guys.

xoxo

Snow Apparel

Not being a native to the land of snow and ice, I have learned a lot over the last year about cold weather gear. This year, finding snow apparel for E was kind of like a treasure hunt. Besides hunting down a Hanna Andersson snowsuit on ebay, my favorite purchase was these boots from Stonz...

How cute is that little alligator? :)

Right now Little E wears these over his regular shoes and socks. The water-resistant material keeps his feet dry and the fleece lining give his feet a little extra warmth besides his regular shoes. I love this because he can wear his flexible Stride-Rite shoes underneath which makes it much easier for him to walk compared to other more clunky boots. Essentially the two toggle straps around the ankle and at the top of the bootie keep them on. This makes it easy for me to slip them on and cinch them before E can wiggle away. heehee.

Although I originally purchased an XXS set of fluffy gloves from Costco, I'm so in love with the booties from Stonz that I'm going to buy these Mittz.

I haven't decided if I'm going to buy the baby version without a thumb or not. We'll see...but I think the wide opening is going to make it a breeze to put them on (crossing fingers).

What kind of fun winter stuff have you found?

xoxo

My personal puffball.

xoxo

One Resolution Down

I'm very proud to say that we are only three days into the New Year, and I have already checked off my first New Year's resolution! Whoot! Go me!

If you remember, I've had some mixed experiences with the MOPS group that I joined this past fall. Much of the turmoil I have felt in joining the group has come from my increasing sensitivity regarding fertile women's incessant and unknowingly obnoxious comments. In conjunction with this, my smaller (assigned) group felt just a little flat in chemistry. After sticking it out through the first semester, I decided last month that I should quit. It seems like I felt more miserable more often than happy after each meeting. Who wants to do that? Ehh, not me!

xoxo

Roses

For me, New Year's Day was pretty much synonymous with the craziness that surrounds the Rose Parade. Crowds of campers lining the street throwing tomatoes and tortillas at the cars dragging Colorado Blvd on New Year's Eve. The floats lining up in the twilight of the morning. The bands and horses lining up. Fun!

Growing up, I was always serving as a volunteer selling everything--programs, souvenirs, film, food--whatever was up on the agenda that year. Doing that kind of thing always gives you a totally different perspective from the beautiful magic you see on television! One of my first memories of the parade is helping with the hot chocolate on a cold morning before I got to escape in the wee hours of the morning to wander down Colorado Ave to see the floats as they lined up. Another first memory was during the float production in 1982 when I saw them working on this float: 

:D At six, I was pretty impressed with Kermit and Miss Piggy. I'm pretty sure they let me get my hands on some flowers or seeds. I just remember the bustling atmosphere in the warehouse filled with floats--AWESOME! 

So today when we woke up, I flipped on the parade. E instantly stopped in his tracks and stared at the band that was playing. He lovvved the parade! I can't wait to take him one day. :D

xoxo

January 1

Waking up on the first of January is just a wonderful feeling. I always feel refreshed like there is something new and different about me that wasn't present the night before. It's like walking out of the salon after a new haircut feeling sassy and cute. Like the endless amounts of white snow that decorate my world up here in Alaska, the potential within this year of life lays shining out in front of me.

One of the most amazing reflections for me personally is looking back at where I was over the past few January 1sts...

2008 - Stationed at Ft Polk, Louisiana...one dog...TTC naturally in those innocent days

After Christmas visit to Nachitoches, LA

 2009 - Still in Louisiana...two dogs, husband deployed...TTC via IUIs with injectables

Dog #2 my sweet Pepper 

Pepper & Sweetpea having fun while mommy is gone!

2010 - Moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri...one dog...TTC status paused after two dismal IVFs and waiting for DE-IVF cycle at the end of January.

2011 - Stationed in Alaska...one dog, one adorable, love-of-my life 3-month old son...hammered by mastitis & still getting back in shape after massive pregnancy bed rest

2012 - Still living in Alaska...one dog, one 15 month old son (gulp)...given up on TTC myself

I feel incredibly lucky to have my husband, son, family and friends. It's a good life. Bring on the New Year!!!

xoxo