the piano-playing bookworm

It’s March! Hard to believe. It’s also a couple of weeks into Lent. This year I’m not doing anything in particular – well, Seth suggested that I give up buying magazines on impulse at the grocery store, and so far I have complied. I did not give up chocolate or soda, which is a good thing. (I don’t consume much of either, but the other day I made Mark Bittman’s chocolate mousse for a dinner party and it was divine – enough to make me like chocolate, even. And, well, I’ve been enjoying Diet Dr. Pepper now and then at work.) Actually, what I’ve really tried to give up is anxiety. And so far, I’m not doing too badly. I’ll have to post more about that later (so as not to increase my anxiety over meeting a work deadline!).

Miss Anna is doing well! She has been all about books and music lately. To wit:

(Although one could make the argument that she is more interested in the yellow highlighter than the piano.) We continue to be delighted and amazed by this little girl!

happy valentine's day!

What a week. Last Friday Anna had her 12-month check-up, and was consequently fussy the next day. I thought it was from the shots, but then she got sick in the middle of the night on Sunday. I still thought it was from the shots… but then I came down with it. And then Seth did too. Anna recovered quickly and was blessedly snatched up by our fairy godmother my mom for a night at Nana’s (my dad was on a business trip) while Seth and I grappled miserably with the stomach flu. Think Charlotte and Harry lying on the bathroom floor. Thankfully, it’s all over now and we can turn our attention to enjoying the Winter Olympics!

And happy Valentine’s Day to you all!

more birthday photos

These are especially for Em, who was wondering about cake. (Not surprising since E is something of a cake expert – hers are masterpieces!) Indeed there was cake. I opted for easy cupcakes, but the chocolate cake and chocolate frosting were delicious and showed up nicely in our little blondie’s hair. We think Miss Anna was wondering why we’ve been holding out on her so long…

And one shot from what we hope will be an annual tradition – my parents always took a photo of us on our birthdays (from 1-18) and it’s really fun to look back on the years. Anna is sitting in a chair that belonged to her Grandpa Hartwell when he was little.

happy birthday, anna justine!

How quickly she went from this…

… to this!

Last year at this time:

And this year!

Happy birthday to our sweet, silly daughter. We love you to bits!

back in the saddle

Today is my very first day working in the new decade. I have been thinking a lot about how far we’ve come in the past ten years. Ten years ago I was 22, working here (and not liking it all that much), and dating somebody else (whom some of my readers remember fondly, I’m sure). Fast forward a decade: I’ve gained a husband and a daughter; lost my brother, three grandparents, and a dear friend; am starting my fourth year working as an attorney. And I’ve gained innumerable other things: cherished friendships, a few pounds, and, I like to think, more inner strength and confidence. My thirties have certainly been wonderful so far. It’s funny to think that I thought I should have things all figured out by age 22! I don’t have them figured out now either, but at least I am wise enough now to realize that I’m still learning.

We spent New Year’s in Tempe, Arizona, where Seth cheered Iowa State to victory in the Insight Bowl and I went to IKEA. Funnily enough, we each thought we got the better end of the deal! It was a wonderful little getaway. Though I prefer the four seasons and winters that feel like winter, I have to admit there is something very alluring about palm trees in January! Photos to come…

and some christmas day photos!

This ball is actually a cat toy – ahem.

Poor kitty – we took the tree down, so his safe refuge is now gone.

Many more photos are here. Merry [fifth day of] Christmas!

pretty freaky

I came across this old picture of Seth today. Does it remind you of anyone??

How about now?