The Great McBride Stomach Bug of 09

We all survived the above and are really hoping it will be the only one of the year! I'll spare you the details, but needless to say we had a yucky weekend.

Mia is taking the longest to get over the bug, but she's in good spirits and has entered into the "No" phase. It is actually cute right now (remind me of this in a few months please). She answers all of our questions with her own question; "No?", like she's not quite sure.

Us: Amelia, would you like some milk?
Her: No?
Us: Juice?
Her: No?
Us: Water?
Her: No?
Us: How about some Cheerios? Crackers? Yogurt? (She hasn't been eating or drinking as much with the sickness)
Her: No? No? No? Down?
Us: Ok, Ok...
Her: MoMo! MoMo! (Elmo)
Us: Ok, lets go play with Elmo!
Her: No?

Ha!

A Winter's Day

Hi. It is a cold, lazy winter day and I'm watching snow flurries that have no chance of becoming anything substantial. Too bad. It is our first real winter in a few years and a little snow would be nice. This area doesn't typically get snow, so it's no big surprise, but still it would be fun.

We've been busy organizing the house, hanging pictures, and getting into our previously described routines. We got a new camera for Christmas and I haven't had much time to play with it yet, but keep checking because I hope to figure it out soon. It has some neat settings that will be fun to experiment with.

Amelia has been expanding her vocabulary and is saying a few funny things. She will pat us on the back and say "Good Girl" (I think she gets this from watching us with Cali). She likes to try on our shoes and stumble around and she is going to be a mountain climber when she grows up. All day long, up and down the stairs (No help allowed-I'm going to have a heart attack!) and all over the furniture. Time to install a toddler friendly rock-climbing wall!

I hate to leave you with no photos, so of course I'll post one of my recent favorites of our little dare devil. Happy MLK Day, Inauguration Week and return to LOST!!

Look at that mischievous grin! She's up to no good :)

Routine Resolution

I don't really have any New Year's Resolutions. I just want to get back into a routine and feel settled into life here. I started by signing Amelia up for music class, and storytime at the local library, and by joining the gym (for myself). I know joining a gym seems kind of like a resolution, but I've been looking forward to it since October! I can't wait to take regular yoga classes again. You hear all these people (well, mostly Oprah) talk about making time for yourself and putting yourself first (which I find extremely difficult with a small child around...I don't think Oprah understands) but I absolutely plan to spend some time at the gym by myself every week.

Oh, I also want to: read more books, write more letters, cook more, get and stay organized, take piano lessons, teach Amelia Spanish, learn how to take better photos, volunteer, take Cali on more walks, have more date nights, plant a garden, and lose 5 lbs :) Ahhh, New Year's Resolutions!

Holidays Part Two

The trip to PA was short but sweet, although sadly there was NO SNOW! Mia had fun seeing "Baba" (Great Grandma) and her second cousins, great aunt and uncle. We played tons of video games (Wii's Samba de Amigo-how fun!) and went out for our new tradition of a post Christmas Italian meal.

New Year's Day we had the Conley's over for the lucky "white meal". It turned out quite yummy if I do say so myself :)

Happy 2009 everyone!! Best wishes for a peaceful, rewarding and relaxing New Year.

The Annual "Four Generations of Awesome Ladies" Photo (and cousin Katie :) )

Enjoying the New Year's White Meal (and the company)

Happy New Year Baby!!