my little hobo

We had a great Christmas. Maybe the best yet. Could have something to do with this little one...

There is something about the Santa suit, the messy hair, and the black eye that reminds me of a hobo child. Although the hobo would wear the Santa suit in May, so I suppose we've got that going for us. Even looking a little disheveled, bordering on homeless, we love her more than we ever knew possible.

Thanks, Ella, for making this a Christmas to remember.

just for the record...

{so maybe it's now 2 to 1. watch out next time.}

Snow Day

Purge

I've got all kinds of thoughts running through my head, so it's time for another blogfest.

{warning--I brag twice in this post. if you are opposed to braggarts, stop reading now.}

• Last week I got a ticket. First one ever. 5 miles over = $90. Is it worth contesting? Traffic school? In their defense, I was speeding, but in my defense it was just to get around some cars as I was trying to get over to the left lane. Ryan told me that he doesn't think the law allows for speeding, "if you're just trying to get around someone" but I'm not sure.
• I found a nanny! Lots of calls, lots of interviews, lots of time, lots of stress....and bam...my wonderful, talented, mother of four, friend and neighbor tells me that she would love to watch Ella. Prayers are answered.


• One of my friends from PCHS saw Ella's picture in Naartjie at South Towne. By the time we got there her 15 minutes had passed and the ad had been taken down, but they pulled it out so we could ooh and aah.
• Want to see the hands-down, best, better than best, Santa picture ever? Right here.
• Ella had her 15 month check-up. Leveling off in the growth department. 50% height, 36% weight, 61% head.
• New word: "mess." It will probably be used a lot.
• When I was in 2nd grade I won the Reflections contest for music composition. I am pretty sure I was the only one who entered. For 23 years this has been my only claim to artistic fame. No more. I am a winner. Check this out. Great idea. Love it, Chuds.
• There are very few things that excite me more than finding the perfect present, perfectly wrapped. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, oh, the joy. This year I have 1 for sure, 1 maybe and 1 hopefully.
• After 8 years of trying, I finally made a decent risotto. A few lessons learned: 1. use a nice heavy pot 2. you will need more water than you think 3. you will need more time than you think 4. put your broth in a pyrex measuring cup and pour instead of using a ladle 5. don't give up, it will eventually become creamy and delicious.
• I do not think we will be sending out a Christmas card this year. Not because we don't love you. Because I can't find a good picture. I think we're on the every other year plan. Sorry Grandma.

itshot

Ella's latest phrase is "It's hot" whenever she sees or touches something warm. It sounds more like "ihs ot" slurred together, and is really cute. Of course, she says it all the time, except when I try and catch it on video. During this capture attempt she said it before and after the camera was rolling. Isn't that the way it goes?