RANDOM SAMPLER

I've been slacking at blogging. Mostly because our "little", convenient camera broke and so it's a pain to use the big camera -- although it does take nicer pictures. Anyway -- here I am. Literally. This is my new haircut for anyone that hasn't seen me yet. It's not quite "new" since it's been almost 4 weeks, but I figured I should show it off. It forces me to "do" my hair everyday now. I've also been pretty good at keeping my New Year's Resolution - to look more "put together" everyday. I realize I don't HAVE TO wear makeup everyday, but I was just feeling like a schlub. I also am on a diet. I have gotten really overweight since I had Sophie. It's my fault. I was eating junk all the time and of course not exercising. So...I wouldn't say I'm "on a diet" - I'm just making healthier choices overall. I still allow myself treats, just in moderation. I was in the habit of snacking big time after the kids went to bed and I've cut that out. I also have a friend that is "running" with me. I'm a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad runner, but I'm hoping with some determination, I'll get better. Anyhow - I've lost 7 lbs so far, but I seem to be at a standstill. I want to lose 13 more to make the total 20. Obviously if you can do math.

Chance and Sophie are both sick today. We were going to switch off so each of us could go to church, but after Chance woke us up at 6am with a fever, I opted not to go. I just can't wait for it to be over. Anyway, Chance was watching a movie (Jurassic Park) on Jeff's Ipod and feel asleep to it -- just like his daddy does.

Back in December, we had a good snow storm and Jeff spent an afternoon making a snowman with Chance.

Sophie graduated to the big girl tub a while ago.

I usually bathe her alone because Chance gets a little too rowdy, but it's fun once in a while. Chance has been super cute with Sophie lately...giving her kisses and loves all the time.

Talk about being late...these are from Christmas. Chance and Sophie inadvertently both got a stuffed elephant for Christmas from different people.

Chance dumping out his stocking. It's nice at this age because he doesn't have the concept of cost. He just knows toys are toys. So...I bought a bunch of cheap $1 toys for him and wrapped them for his stocking. He had so much fun. I even commented the other day to him about daddy getting one of his toys and he corrected me "no mom...Santa got that for me". Oops...I stand corrected.

Our little Christmas tree for our little house. It was only $20 at Walmart and it fit great in our tiny living room. I'd love to have a lush, big, real tree, but for now, with the little kiddos, a fake one is just easier...and cheaper. It's nice now to have Chance "help" me decorate since Jeff hates to and in 8 Christmases together has NEVER helped me do the tree.

These are also from almost 2 months ago, but Sophie pretty much looks the same now. Her hair is a little longer though. Grandma Jay got this cute little dress for her. We were supposed to do real family pics in them, but it hasn't happened yet. OOPS. Sophie is just a doll. Aside from her recent ear infection and cold which kept her awake and cranky at night, she's been great. I feel vain sometimes, but I do love when people stop me to say how cute she is. Although it is a bit awkward. What are you supposed to say back? It's weird taking credit for your cute kid. I mean yes...you did "create" them, but it's not like you had any choice in the matter about what they look like. We just lucked out.

I have thought lately though about how much I want Sophie to accomplish in this life. I mean...who knows what she'll end up looking like as she grows up, but as cute as she is....I want her to be more than that. I realize she's just a baby and that's all there is to say, but I just worry about it I guess.

She is so close to crawling. She has been doing the army crawl the last few days and can get around that way...just waiting for it to turn into a real crawl.