Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!! I wish that I could say that we did something super exciting last night but we couldn't find a babysitter so Jim and I stayed home with the kids. I was in bed shortly after 10:30 and Jim soon followed. He has to work this week so he has an excuse to go to bed before midnight. My excuse was that I was tired and the kids keep me busy while Jim is at work. Anyway, today I made pork roast with potatoes and sauerkraut in the crock pot along with a black-eyed pea salad...all for good luck into the New Year. The recipes were all new so I was a little worried that they wouldn't turn out but they actually tasted great! Jim really liked the meal so that is all that really matters. The kids and I spent the first day of the New Year playing with all of their new toys (I will post pictures and catch you up on Christmas as soon as I get the pictures downloaded), cooking, doing laundry, and vacuuming. Ah, what fun. On the plus side though, James had two good naps. That always helps out a bunch. Jim had a busy day at work today. I wouldn't think going to the ER would be a fun thing to do on New Years Day but I guess some emergencies can't wait...and of course as always, some are not emergencies at all but they still help us pay the bills.

The kids are doing new things all the time. James started to crawl backwards and army crawl forwards today. He likes his new freedom. He can also get his belly off the floor and he sticks his little butt out when he does this so that is really adorable. He is trying to say the "B" and "M" sounds and I think any day they will come on out. He loves saying "da". James tried avocado today...he did not like it. Maybe tomorrow he will. Sophia as always surprises me everyday with what she knows. Today I went to get her out of bed in the morning and she said "Daddy work. Mommy home." How observant. She continues to count well - sometimes making it all the way to 14, sometimes stopping at 9. She has also mastered finding and naming 8 colors and continues to work hard on her new puzzles (thanks Aunt Carol). She also loves to bake and helped me make a red velvet cake yesterday. The mixer doesn't bother her but the vacuum cleaner scared her - funny girl! I am already starting to think about what to do for her birthday in Feb. - she will be turning 2!!!! Maybe we will just do things as a family and not have a party...or maybe we will have a party. I don't know. I think Jim as to work that week so that may make all the difference. It is hard for me to think of something for her to do as far as parties go because all the children that she plays with and knows are all older. If anyone has any cute ideas for a 2 year old, let me know.