See those tiny little buds?

I'm sure it doesn't mean much to you, but after months of seemingly endless (and painful) teething, the boy finally cut some teeth. Living up to my ambitions (go big or go home), four cut through in about a week.

It's about time - we've been running out of things to feed the child, simultaneously facing the challenge of the end of nursing and him not liking whole milk. Never a dull moment, right? Just keep swimming, just keep swimming . . .

I'm loving that we haven't seen the ice, snow, and general cold that we've been warned about -- even before moving here. My almost native Vegas blood (from kindergarten through HS) just doesn't handle cold well, not to mention circulation issues (even diagnosed). Anyhow, Friday we were out in the beautiful afternoon just playing in our circle. The only reason Coop has gloves on is because it was too cold for uncovered crawling. The rest of us were dressed even lighter.

that in my other life - the one where I was the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the national non-profit gig I used to work for (and before I became the stay at home mom that I am now) - I met three of the four top contenders for the GOP ticket. Romney and Santorum a few times each, and Gingrich once. They are all great orators and all of those events were fun to attend.

I'm such a far world away from that one now . . .   : )

Yesterday Guy had a party, and I'm positive it'll be the easiest one I'll ever host. His guests kept him busy for a good chunk of time. They all shared food, games, and even used the bathroom at the same time (washing hands and everything). After lunch, they all took a nap in his room with him--in his bed, on the love sac, and on the floor. They were fantastic guests that are welcome anytime.*

Thanks for coming Busytown Mystery characters, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie.

Today one friend got stuck in the toilet while on a bathroom break. Guy hurried to let them out.

*for the next couple of years anyhow--until he's old enough that it gets weird.


Yea for his imagination and the new realm he entered yesterday. His spontaneous "party" was the first time he's played make believe.

... unfortunately, Cooper wasn't on the same page.

Maybe next year, since I finally took the tree down today. Which would be the reason why Guy cried/whined for almost 45 minutes straight.  "I don't want you to take down my tree."

 Same as last year, it's "what should have gone out."

One day I'll actually get a Christmas card in the mail, I promise. Until then, I've settled on taking a Christmas photo right before I'm ready to take the tree down.

We had a busier than planned holiday season (but that happens to everyone, right?), and enjoyed everything - especially teaching Guy about the true meaning of Christmas and why we really celebrate it.

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas season and are already enjoying the new year.

Until yesterday about 4 pm, all my talk of wanting to start establishing some family traditions for our little family had been just that - talk. Around 4 pm I went to the store with barely a game plan, but I came out a winner. Walking around, I decided that we needed to have a lot of our favorite things for a dinner party. Simple was the only option since it was the last hour. I bought strawberries and watermelon (great out of season treats) to start the ball rolling.

Knowing what we had at home and what could easily be supplemented, things just went from there. Our "menu" was summer sausage, cheese slices, Ritz, watermelon, bananas, strawberries, and apples with a caramel dipping sauce, cool ranch Doritos, whole pickles, sliced crusty baguette bread that I topped with diced tomatoes, a little garlic, and Balsamic vinegar. Donuts and Grasshopper cookies for dessert.
Cooper went to bed after dinner, and I got a new 28 piece puzzle for the rest of us to do together (as Guy gets older the difficulty will increase) as the after-dinner activity.

Then we got Guy ready for bed and I set the timer for a New Year's countdown. Guy's new year was at about 7:45.

First he was afraid.

 Party essentials: silly hats, confetti poppers, and horn blowers.
It was a fun night and I'm glad I did it. I'm also glad I didn't a) go overboard b)stress at all. I even bought Chex to make Muddy Buddies, but it didn't happen. Maybe we'll do those for FHE soon, now.

Rob and I are pretty good at looking ahead, but I feel like we need to be better about living today. It was a great way to bring in the new year, especially since I've been trying to be more of a fun mom.