Christmas Break Flashback

These are some pictures I found from when we went to my parents' house for Christmas. I don't remember taking any of them . . .

Potty Training

This picture pretty much sums it up. All efforts have been somewhat successful, but ultimately resulting in chaos and craziness.

Many of you know I tried doing a big potty party with Audrey. If I'd have known how ineffective it was going to be, I would NOT have put so much effort into it. I will admit that it did lay the groundwork pretty well, and it introduced the idea effectively. But as far as actually getting it done in a few days, let alone a day?! No way. It's been a few months now and we're still up and down with it. I've tried so many things. It's still not terrible. She stays dry at night and always goes with no problem in the morning. But after that, she's just not interested. I think my tactic now is to just give it a little more time, stop worrying about it, and let her try again when she's really ready. We'll keep up the morning potty break, of course, but hopefully she'll get more interested soon. She'll be turning 3 in a couple of weeks, and we'll be having lots going on soon, so maybe this delay is all for the better. We can really try again when we get to my parents' house (more about that later).

Little Stinker and Littler Stinker

Our Newest Addition

Yes, I took a picture of it. Having a new, "grown-up" vacuum cleaner is a big moment in a person's life. I can't express how this vacuum cleaner has changed my life. Angels sing every time I rev this thing up. Me and Audrey do too actually . . . In fact, I think the sound of a nice roaring vacuum cleaner makes everyone want to sing. Add to that the fact that my floor hasn't been this clean in three years and there will definitely be jubilant singing.

King of the Rock

Sometimes I walk into my room after Audrey's been in there to find some terrible mess, among which something valuable has been ruined or defaced. But sometimes she leaves little presents and surprises. And I don't mean a Barbie's head under the sheets. But nice stuff. Stuff that really exhibits her creativity and skill.

It's stuff like this that really makes my day.

What a proud little mountain goat. He stands atop that Vicks like a king. And Audrey is his goddess. Out of all the animals she could have picked, she picked him. How delightfully appropriate. :)

The Three Amigos

"Tinker Bell," "Monkey Bum," and "Conrad the Comrad" just kickin' it.

They were looking for bunnies.

Which totally classifies as "kickin' it" in my book.

VonTana

A couple of our friends from D.C., Von and Tana, came to visit us (like a million years ago) for the weekend, just cuz. It was an awesome way to break up the monotony of a dull month. It a couple of days we showed them all the stuff we could think of . . . and we still ended up sitting around doing nothing for a lot of the time. :)

Taughannock Falls (Yes, I had to look up how to spell it.)

" Far above Cayuga's waters" . . . lies a pretty campus, a shrine to the noble pursuit of knowledge. What they don't sing about (in the Cornell fight song, where the lyric above comes from) is the not-so-pretty part of town with all the fast food joints that lies below those waters . . . Still, I think we're going to miss Ithaca a lot when we go. From the Salvation Army to the clock tower, I think we'll miss it.

Buttermilk Falls (I didn't have to look this one up.) That looks like a snowy hill, but it's not. It's water.

Ithaca Falls (Right?)

Loverboy and me in front of Taughannock Falls. I think this makes the 4th picture we have of us in front of these falls. I should make a little collage or something.

Don't worry.

To keep Von occupied and out of mischief, we gave him a camera.

Von and Tana in front of Ithaca Falls. Picturesque, isn't it? We also played games and ate good food. It was a blast. :)

Computer problems and other excuses

Uh, I think it's offically been my longest stretch without posting anything significant. And although I owe no one an explanation, it would make me feel much better to give one.

My computer has finally returned to me . . . and it's like a new machine. Not only did the cosmetic stuff get fixed (one of the hinges was completely broken off . . . a laptop hinge . . . everyone knows what that is, right?), but it got wiped clean and everything re-installed. We're starting over fresh. It's been great. The only problem I have with all of this was that it cost me some money and I've been without my laptop off and on for several weeks now. I guess I just fell out of my blogging habit . . . or addiction, whatever you want to call it.

Other excuses? Vacation. Projects. My children. Other stuff.

That's all. I've repented, and I'm ready to make amends.

April Fools!

Gotcha.

We are not expecting.

Some of you may have been thinking, "I suspected that this might be an April fools joke, but this is a serious topic--I don't think I should assume that you are kidding about it." You're absolutely right, and you were very gracious to send me your congratulations despite the danger of being publicly tricked.

I did try to put some subtle hints in the post, to tip off wary readers: referencing the first of the month, the winkysmile, the video, and the fact that it was posted on April first.

well...until next year [bring cape in front of face, laugh maniacally, jump off something] you've been had by [pause] THE APRIL FOOLER!

(Sorry about the name, I used all my creativity yesterday).

SURPRISE!!!

We just found out that miniature-personage #3 will be joining our family around Halloween! This would explain all these mood swings I've been having lately. What great news to start the new month with! ;)

Here's a link to a very clear ultrasound of our SON!