Family Update

I feel like time melts through my fingertips and evaporates immediately, but then each day feels so long! Living in this paradox makes keeping track of correspondences, appointments, laundry, and all other details of life very difficult. However, at the moment Thomas is out buying new Tupperware; he has been yearning for a matching set for years now, and I have a moment to update our little blog here.

First of all, Santa Barbara is a totally ideal place to raise a child; they love the outdoors. It's been tough when it rains to find activities for Brody to do that don't include spending money, so if you have any ideas please send them our way! Money is tight and Thomas is working hard to keep it coming in, but it seems to still disappear each month leaving him a little more stressed than I'd like. A reasonable amount of stress keeps him motivated, but then it just distracts him.

Brody is working on talking, jumping off the bed and bossing his parents around when is not busy harassing the kitty. I'm taking two sewing classes and getting more time baby-free, which is really good for me as well as Brody.

New favorite word:
flamingo

Well, Thomas just pulled in the driveway and I've got to go take care of Brody and let him have the computer back.
Love to all!

Lilah and Baaaboooo

A little video of Brody's Christmas

Merrily, Merrily, We welcome the New Year!

We spent New Years eve quietly for the most part. Celebrated with Brody and his toddler friends at 6:40 with balloons and a count down. Very silly and fun. Thomas and I barely made it to midnight, but as the new year came in we shared a kiss goodnight and tucked ourselves in bed for the night. It was very precious.

On a more reflective note:
2009 has come to an end! It was a beautiful year, full of growth and change. Brody has come into his own as a little kid and left the world of little babies behind. He's talking and walking...bossing us about and asserting his independence. It's such a joy to watch and an honor to be his shepherd and guide as he grows.

New Words/phrases:
Go Out
coffee shop
train
broom
book
all done
Here ya go
thank you
snack
bite
cookie
cracker
owl
duck
wa wa (water)(a favorite)
boat
truck (we worked long and hard to get Brody to say truck and not call everything that moves a car...now everything is truck...)
wheel
baby
Leo
Emma
Baba (grandpa Ben)
DanceDance
Neigh (horse noise)
arf arf
dog
caw caw (parrot noise)
gorilla
Up, down, in, out
airplane
bonk
ouch
choo-choo
doll
keys
shoes
socks
kick it
and probably more I'm not understanding yet. Brody's language is blossoming daily!

We look forward to sharing 2010 with all of our loved ones!

Happy Thanksgiving

Brody and his friends made hand-print turkeys today for a little toddler thanksgiving party. Brody hates to get dirty, so he was not so grateful for this project -- but the cards turned out so cute! Sorry Brody! He got over it quickly after we washed and dried his hands.

For Thanksgiving this year we will feast at Grandpa and Grandma's house (Grandpa Frank and Grandma Debbie that is -- Brody is blessed to have so many grandparents, but we still need to figure out names to differentiate!). Frank is cooking a beautiful turkey and we caught a glimpse of some amazing pies -- it will be delicious! We can't wait.
We are so grateful for the wonderful abundance of love we have in our lives. Brody is so blessed to be loved by so many and so are we. Thank you.

A Trip to the Zoo

New Mexico!

Brody and I just returned from a trip to Ocate, New Mexico. We had such an amazing visit with the land and old friends. Here are some photos:


More Pictures