Sisters

Being a stay-at-home mom isn't all fun and games--in fact, it is by far the most demanding job I've ever had. But in the midst of discouragement, piles of laundry, and the general sense of feeling tied down, there are priceless moments of joy and satisfaction. I feel beyond blessed to have the opportunity to watch our children learn and grow each day. When I first began staying home with Ramona, I heard a friend describe the occupation this way: "The pay is crummy, but the benefits are out of this world."
Ever since being promoted to "stay-at-home-mom of two," I've especially enjoyed observing the relationship of two sisters from the start. Perhaps because I grew up an only child, this experience is all the more unique and wonderful for me.






Thank you, Ramona and Mika, for giving me this job, and for making it all worthwhile.

Chin Up

Dear Mika,
In just your first months of life, you have been absolutely charming. In addition, you have taught me some significant (life) lessons, like the importance of keeping one's chin up in order to avoid suffocation. As your muscles have developed, you demonstrate this skill marvelously during tummy-time. Keep up the good work--and I will try to keep my own chin up, too.

Here are some of my favorite photos of you during months two and three:



You are full of smiles, and giggle a lot, too.

Also, you are quite a bubble-blower.

By the way, you rolled over for the first time on November 4. I am thinking you will be a better athlete than I ever was.



Here you are talking to the elephant toy your sister gave you at the hospital. You love that little thing, and I can tell you love your sister, too.


We love you, Mika-chica. Thanks for all you contribute to the team.

-Mommy

Home for a Holiday

Ever since Forest and I have been together, we've been close enough to our parents to congregate at their homes for holidays. This Thanksgiving was the first one spent at our new Colorado home rather than in Illinois. We were fortunate, however, to have a few family members to travel our way, so our week has been anything but lonely.

My parents drove out and spent a few days with us during their fall break from school. We were able to show them around a few places while they were here (provided they were relatively kid-friendly) like the Cathy Fromme nature trail nearby,
"old town" Fort Collins,
Lake Loveland,


and Devil's Backbone, where we managed to do a partial hike.

We moved a little faster once we coaxed Ramona to ride on Jii's back.

Of course, their main purpose for coming was not to see Colorado, but to see their granddaughters.
I hope the trip was worthwhile for them! We enjoyed their visit.

Dan and Christie live in Boulder, so we convinced them to spend Thanksgiving Day with us.
While we waited for the turkey's completion, there was time to snag some photos of the girls,

one respectable family photo,
time to play with the baby,
and of course time to watch football
and eat some pre-feast snacks.
My favorite snack was pumpkin chocolate chip cookies--the kind you make with the help of a box of cake mix. I think Ramona liked them, too.
The turkey came out later than planned, but also tastier than expected. Not bad for our first attempt at cooking a whole bird. Credit goes to Alton Brown for the recipe, and Forest for following it.

Besides bird, there was also pear-persimmon salad,
Parry's potato rolls,
mashed potatoes + gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, Teresa's cranberry salad (recreated by Dan and Christie),
apple pie,
and Christie's pecan pie.
Obviously, way too much food for our little crowd. But, it definitely felt like Thanksgiving.

Ramona put on the charm and stayed up well past her bedtime that evening. She talked Dan and Christie's ears off and declared them to be her best friends.
Overall it was very enjoyable hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner. The only downside? Between cooking and taking care of two tiny princesses, Forest didn't get his usual Thanksgiving afternoon nap in front of the football game. He had to put it off until 10:30pm during the highlights on Sportscenter. But here is the documentation: he did get his nap. Better late than never.