Ending my 2009 watching the "30 Rock" high school reunion episode

What a treat!
Thank you 2009! Thanks for all that you have taught me!

Loving the Loathing

Evan and I laughed cliches away when people would tell us that our life would change once we had children.

"What an adventure!" we'd exclaim. "So blessed to be a part of the universe in this way!" This romantic notion living outloud through the tiny cells dividing inside me... Months later I'm stretch marked and struggling to find enough energy to shower much less shave my legs. Thankfully it's winter.

Miller's up for the second time tonight and it isn't even eleven yet. I'm anticipating another long night and another equally painful morning.

I realized this week his sweet milky breath smells a little like elmer's glue. I think of brightly colored construction paper and valentine's every time I kiss his cheeks. Or every last ten seconds as he continues to yell at me.

He stops complaining and plays piano on the laptop. I forget to be annoyed that I'm missing the end of the not so funny movie I've been attempting to watch for the last four hours.

Evan's at a concert with his brother. I'm contemplating how to ask my doctor for a prescription for cocaine. Miller just blew snot on my sweater. Again.

"Tomorrow will be better." I repeat in my head.

I feel warm rhythmic breaths creep across my neck. His consonant raspberry babble has ceased.

"No," I remind myself. "Today. Today is best."

Christmas 2009 (part us): Our first Christmas morning together as a family

Just us three... and a dog... and some cinnamon rolls...

Sadly, this is the only picture I have of myself during the holidays. Not sadly, it's a picture of me opening my Lisa Leonard necklace.

Also, Evan gave me this original papercut drawing I've been drooling over for about a year. Isn't it dreamy??

Does anyone else find Shel Silverstein's author photo slightly creepy?

Christmas 2009 (part 4): What a crackup!

Christmas 2009 (part 3): Wishing Fresno wasn't 3 hours away

Christmas 2009 (part 2): Everyone loves holding Miller

Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of the rest of my northern california family snuggling up with our little guy. If you are not pictured, be prepared for a camera and a baby in your face the next time we get together.

Christmas 2009: road trippin', catching up with family and friends, and only 1 carseat meltdown (part 1)

Gifting

So proud of these!

I made felt name books for some of my friends' little ones for Christmas this year. See one here. Hopefully soon I'll finish creating my etsy shop and sell these to some other book loving tykes.

This cute guy...

Is now a pro at sitting up, eating solid foods, rolling over, babbling, reaching for toys, hair, or jewelry and using his charming smile to melt every heart he meets.

What he isn't doing so well is sleeping longer than 3 hours at a time. Anyone have any tips to share? Our upstairs neighbors and the bags under our eyes would surely appreciate it.

What a week!

Candy, gifts and loads of hugs. Stories and photos to come soon. Enjoy your rest as we catch up on ours.

Holiday 2009

Our ridiculously talented friend Erin took awesome pregnancy shots for us back in May, so it was only natural that we utilize her talents yet again for this year's holiday cards. She's pretty much our permanent family photographer from now on.

Here are some of the best pictures not being used this year: