Digging Out

We got somewhere around or above 20 inches of snow and we even managed to dig ourselves out. Well, Kerry did all the shoveling (3 rounds yesterday and one this morning) that allowed us to leave the neighborhood. We headed to Jorge and Gina’s house to help them with their very long driveway but they found a plow to do get rid of the snow much quicker. So, an afternoon of shoveling turned into a nice lunch at their house. Hadley was impressed with all their furniture to pull herself up on and Jorge and Gina were impressed with her new skills.

Hadley is not sure what to think of the snow or wind. I don’t think she is impressed with either. When we walk out into the cold she holds her breath and does not seem amused by the temperature or blowing snow. I think she got that from me.

I tried to get a cute picture of her in all her winter gear but all she wants to do is lunge for the camera or crawl away.

This snow is going to stick around for a few days and we may even get more on Christmas Eve. Hope our DC area friends have gotten themselves unburied and our further away friends are staying warm!

The Snowcalypse of 2009

Usually around these parts- they predict snow and nothing happens. So yesterday when the news started predicting 4 than 8 than 16 than 20 inches of snow- we were still a little skeptical. They even predicted it would start by 9pm. They were right this time.

Here was last night at 9:30pm

And, today at 7am.

It is still snowing.

So proud of herself!

Hadley can pull herself up on furniture now. And, she then gets so proud of herself.

She is happy but it scares us a little. Considering she has no fear or concept of gravity- she will pull herself up and then all of a sudden let go. We both are following her around as she tries her new tricks on the furniture.

And, we have a lovely plastic fence that goes around our Christmas tree because the tree is not as stable of a pull-up tool as the ottoman or dining room chair but Hadley has no concept of that either.

Last year, when I was lamenting about the ugliness of baby gear, I did not realize that it only got worse. Well, now we are outfitting our house with plastic gates and baby fences and outlet covers and power strip covers and special cabinet hooks and special locks. Wahoo for more plastic! But it is all in the name of safety (and sanity).

We could have a walker amongst us very, very soon.

It seemed like a good idea

A few months ago, we scheduled to have Hadley’s picture taken by the same woman who did her newborn photos but had to cancel because we needed to go to North Carolina to see Uncle Carlton. Then we rescheduled but we had to cancel again because Hadley got croup and had to go to the ER. We still want to reschedule those photos but it looks like it will be after the holidays. So, we decided to try a local portrait studio since we got a coupon and thought it would be a great present for the grandparents and family. Well, things did not quite work out that way. There were no tears but Miss H was having no part of the professional pictures. The photographer and the studio were so nice but no matter what they did- no smile was to be had.

We actually got some funny outtakes.

Even though she would love to unwrap every present at our house- the thought of touching this one is not pleasant.

But the ribbon sure tastes good.

Here she is planning her escape….

We did get one cute picture but it won’t be available until post-holidays so you will just have to wait to see that one. And, the grandparents will get there copy as a New Year’s gift!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Always interesting to see how people get here

Okay, I already mentioned I am somewhat of a geek but I like seeing how people randomly end up on this blog. The two biggest hits for the random viewers are my post about the Alamo and the post about eye color.  I guess people like Texas and the eye color predictor program.

The third most popular is when I talk about making baby food. However, if people read a little further they might see how that whole project failed.

The top search terms to land on this blog are: violet eyes, Alamo pictures, making baby food, hazel blue eyes and are all babies born with blue eyes. Hopefully these searches are not disappointed!

And, the most hits occurred in March of 2009 when the website was hit 2,710. Hmmm- wonder what happened in March?

Yeah for Friday!

I am not sure how we ended up at almost mid-December but very excited that it is Friday and that Christmas is only two weeks away!

Hadley is feeding herself puffs (if you do not know what a puff is- find out here) and most of them get in her mouth. A few however, she squirrels away for later. Mainly in her sleeve and Kerry loves finding them on the floor.

In other Hadley news, she is pulling herself up onto everything and Kerry and I are getting a workout trying to keep up with her and keep her out of everything.

In Christmas news, Leigh added a cute gift bag to our decorations and new knitted stockings. I forgot to take pictures of the stockings but the bag is even personalized for Miss H.

Hadley is not as fascinated with the tree but the boxes, paper and bows underneath it are her favorite. The packages might stay wrapped until the 25th but I can guarantee on the 25th we will have an eager helper in unwrapping the presents.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Delicious truffles from South Dakota

Yep, I said delicious truffles from South Dakota. Dad and Kathy sent me (Kerry does not like chocolate) a box of the most delicious chocolate truffles from a little store near their house. The Chubby Chipmunk is located in the small town of Deadwood but has quite a following. Even, Rachael Ray wrote about them.

A few weeks ago, Leigh called and asked how I liked my truffles. ‘What?’ I asked. She then went on to tell me that Dad and Kathy had sent her the most delicious box of chocolates she had ever had. Of course, realizing this was the chocolate place we had tried to stop by last year on our trip to South Dakota but they were closed, I called up Dad to see where my chocolates were. His response, ‘I thought since Kerry did not eat chocolate that you were not eating it either.’ Really? Kerry does not eat any sweets or vegetables and that does not stop me from partaking in either. Through his laughter, Dad apologized for not including me in the chocolate delivery and promised to send some my way.

They were definitely worth the wait. Yum! And, if you are out in Deadwood- you should stop by. Even if the store is not open- they have a cool vending machine that will dispense you a truffle anytime of day or night.

Hadley’s Red Balloon

Santa gave Hadley a balloon and it turned into the greatest toy of the day.

Or click here.

Two visits with Santa

Since this is Hadley’s first Christmas, we had to do the obligatory photo with Santa this year and it ended up being two trips to see the guy at the mall. Friday night, Kerry and I took Hadley to see Santa and we were convinced she would not want any part of it. She has started to get ’stranger danger’ lately and we were sure the strange man in the red suit would not be someone she would be warm and friendly around. However, she fooled us both and actually giggled at Santa.

Then, on Saturday- I met Mom in Annapolis and we visited the Santa there. There was a line for the Annapolis Santa but even after waiting Hadley was all smiles about this guy too. She even displayed her recent, “I am number one” pose for this picture.

In othere weekend news, we did get some snow. It is all gone now but it was pretty while it lasted. Since it was the first snow, Kerry built the first blaze in the fireplace. Hadley was fascianted with the whole thing and made several attempts at getting over the blockade.

I am becoming somewhat of a geek

Part of my new job has required me to polish up on my ancient HTML skills. Do you see the snow?