As I type Matt is pacing the halls with Henry strapped to his chest hoping to lull him into a deep sleep. This is how we spend most of our evenings these days... such is life with an (almost) two-month-old child. It doesn't make for a thrilling New Year's Eve, but I'm old anyways. I assume the three-ish people who read my blog are painstakingly aware that I'm kind of a grinch and a nihilist. Consequently, I don't care much for most holidays. That said, I always appreciate the New Year as a sort-of fresh start. I hope to take 2013 a little easier... keep things simple and enjoy. I didn't take many pictures this last year. I'll blame spending the majority of it pregnant. Regardless, here are some of the highlights from 2012...
So let's pretend like it hasn't been a year, and maybe I will just start blogging again? I'm not sure where to pick up, it has been a whirlwind (tornado?) of a year, but I'll start with the obvious-- we've doubled.
First came Duncan...
Duncan initially came to us in June. He got scared by a thunderstorm and ended up at our house because we had a large fire that night. He stayed for a couple nights before we found his owners-- owners who later showed up and asked if we wanted him (you know when the universe gives you a dog...). They called him Jigger. For what I think are some obvious reasons we renamed him Duncan.
Duncan likes eggs, squirrels, bodies of water, and the woods. He dislikes being left out, being left out, and being left out.
So far he has made a fine addition to the family.
Just a few short weeks later, but much longer in the making, came Henry.
Henry was the real surprise of the year/my life, but he's here and ohsocute. Tomorrow he will be seven weeks old, and recently started doing things like smiling and actually looking at the pictures in books (I think he's advanced). He also looks a bit plumper these days...
Henry likes the boob, the bath, cuddling, and his Papa. He dislikes bedtime and sleeping without a warm, breathing body next to him (I'm thinking about just letting him and Duncan sleep together).
Tomorrow is the winter solstice and our first wedding anniversary. We've really accumulated some adult responsibilities in the last year, and despite the challenges that come with adult responsibilities I feel so lucky to have such a sweet little family, and I look forward to the many adventures that lay ahead.
I'll wrap-up my comeback with a video that is sure to guarantee Henry's eventual rebellion against me...
Yesterday I turned 26, which as my brother assured me, "Statistically, makes you more likely to make it to 27," and as my old/older friend Drew explained (from 26), "It is all downhill." Not a particularly climactic birthday, eh?
Nonetheless, I celebrated in style... well at least my favorite kind of style: good food and a long walk.
Matt, turned gourmet chef, made me orange-cinnamon french toast for breakfast, and an amazing pan of dark-chocolate brownies for dessert. Both were delicious!
The best french toast and brownies EVER.
After our morning meal, we braved the elements and went for a very long walk/hike that took us along a raging creek, up into the woods, onto snow and ice, through the rain and wind, and finally to some beer, salad rolls, and red curry!
The raging creek.
Woods and "the view."
The icy road home. Red Curry and beer: not pictured.
We returned wet, tired, and prepared to demolish some brownies and ice cream. As it turns out, I am my father's daughter, and ended my birthday at precisely 10 p.m.. It's good to be old.
I really appreciate all the well wishes I received from friends/family over the last couple days-- thanks! I had a truly lovely birthday, and am very much looking forward to the year ahead (perhaps there will even be some upward slopes along the downhill!).
It is officially 2012, so our household (and all the other lucky government employees who managed to take the bulk of December off) must return to work.
I'm ready for the change, but I've been trying to prepare some convenient foods for quick meals. I'm also trying to trick Matt into eating less donuts. So, this morning I made a big batch of granola, and I believe it will get both of my proverbial birds stoned at once.
The nice thing about granola is that you can pretty much throw whatever you want in it and assume it will turn out OK. I used what we had on hand, but was pretty disappointed to not have some raisins to mix in. Next time.
In a large bowl mix the oats, sunflower seeds, flax meal, and cinnamon together. Then, in a saucepan over low-medium heat combine all the liquids. This step isn't totally necessary, but makes coating 8 cups of oats in honey much easier. When the liquid mixture is quite easy to stir pour it over the dry ingredients and stir together very well. If more liquid is necessary add a little more honey or a small amount of water.
Then, on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper distribute about 1/3 of the mixture. This recipe makes 3 trays worth, but could easily be cut in half. Cook for 27-30 minutes stirring every 7-10 minutes. Allow to cool completely on parchment paper before attempting to move. Enjoy.
