Things that are cool: Crayons and Pink Playdough. Ice-cold milk with chocolate cookies. Sushi. Rain, then sunshine. Making a new friend. Long naps and purring cats. Ethan's smile.

me, but with not much to say. Other than Judie's now 13 lbs. So this is a picture of a proud mumma.

Dad.

Ethan with beloved Puppy, whom he may love even more than me.

Tomorrow is Jude's 2 month appointment, with vaccinations. I can't believe its been 2 months already. Apart from his fierce cradle cap, he's so beautiful and healthy and plump I'm also giddy about showing him off at the doctor's tomorrow. My sweet boy.

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I'd have to call a tie on the cuteness game! My lovies.

the terrible two

i should crop this picture and stuff, but I'm too busy. Busy with the scallywags you see here. You're lucky enough I share a snapshot of what is typically my day. Except Ethan's more typically weilding a deadly black plastic spatula or a fistfull of HotWheels cars, or Jude's squirming from gas. But what you can't see, and is typical, is that its after 6:00 pm and just out of frame is my first glass of wine. But in truth, its only partially why I'm smiling. The other 2 reasons are in my arms.

a face like this often makes up for the devil inside. Which is how all of us girls get into deep, deep trouble from time to time. Girl babies, beware!

my god I'm exhausted today and its not even noon. The house is a mess with toys, the roof is leaking (in new spots, too) and Ethan's on fire. And its not just his diaper rash (ba dum bum).

The sun has finally come out after DAYS of bleary rain, and I'd take the boys out for a much needed walk and fresh air but its 30 minutes till Ethan's nap time and man, naps are SACRED I tell you and I'd much rather have an hour or 2 to myself (or myself and Jude) than an hour of sunshine and air. If I'm lucky it will still be nice when E awakens and we'll go out then. If not, then at least I had a bit of peace. Kinda.

I know - how exciting my life is - the throws of despair over messy houses, the extacy of getting a shower or a 30 minute nap. The desperation of time outs that seem not to work, to the silent jubilation of getting Ethan to follow direction just this once. To successful baby burping without having to change my shirt and spot-clean the couch.

As I write this, Ethan is falling asleep at his high chair - success!

better put him to bed.

This little winter outerwear outfit was from my brother and his sweetie - so cute on Jude! It is now to small. All of a sudden, all of Jude's 3-month clothes are too small! Such a big boy - growing in leaps and bounds. Today's he's 7 weeks old. And the little smiles are starting too :)

The Monkey.

So this is Papa! Wow!

Jude got weighed at the pediatrician's today - 11 lbs 4 oz! With this fast weight gain, his days in hospital are seeming like distant memory, even though it was a mere 3 weeks ago. I'm so proud of our chunky monkey! The whole family's doing great. And I've resumed my love affair with Lindeman's Chardonnay. Life can't get much better.

Happy New Year!