Well; It's January 13th already. Happy New Year everyone. The holidays were crazy. I can't believe we're halfway through January. Olive will be 8 months old on the 21st!

Olive has been up to new stuff lately; She now sits up on her own. She's mastered rolling over, but can't quite sit up from lying down yet. I think she's going to be one of those walk before you crawl types; She doesn't show any interest in crawling yet really, but she always wants to stand up, and can stand for several minutes without any problems. I don't think it has occurred to her yet to take a step forward. She's making some more noises, "Ma Ma Ma" mostly. That is sort of the universal distress call for when she's scared or tired or frustrated with something. It isn't directed at "me" per se, its more like "I need help!" I have been thinking about trying some basic sign language and seeing if that works; some of the Moms swear by it. It's "food" and "more" that are apparently the most effective, go figure. She's on mostly formula at this point, she still gets a little breastmilk every day, but for various reasons, (work, daycare, stress, hormones) we are gradually weaning her off of it. I had originally planned on trying to make it to one year, but my job intervened. I think if I were home with her it would be easier, but it was kind of the beginning of the end when she started daycare. I am still feeling a little guilty, but I am trying not to beat myself up about it too much. The "natural" parenting gurus would be horrified, but it just wasn't working for me anymore. And if I've learned anything throughout this process, it's that you just gotta go with what works.

We went to Ithaca after Christmas to visit my family; My aunts were all fighting over Olive. I am posting the picture of Bean being held by Carol with Mary and my mom in the background. My uncle Andy, who is a great photographer, got some great shots of the family and I want tomake sure he gets due credit for the great photos! I love the picture of her standing with that grin on her face. She sooo looks like she's up to something, doesn't she? She looks like her father there. It was great to see everyone, some of my relatives had never met her, so it was fun. Grandma got her all kinds of new toys to play with.

Speaking of new toys, grandma also got Mommy a new sewing machine which I am so excited about. I took a sewing machine basics class last weekend and I may take some sewing classes this spring. I'm mostly into making quilts and toys for her, but I wouldn't mind learnign how to sew from a pattern. We'll see. I have also been feeling the creative pull of sculpture and painting again, and I'd like to pursue it if I can. I have a few ideas rolling around in my head. I just have to make time for that stuff. It's just so important. I truly believe that creativity is what keeps you young.

I have another busy week coming up, I will be in Annapolis. Work was slow there for awhile but seems to be picking up again. It's definitely exhausting. Just when you think, "Oh it's the weekend and I can sleep in." Wrong. I woke up this morning at 7:30 to a big gummy grin in my face. Very cute. Very early, but very cute. It's harder to get little things done around the house, like posting blogs and photos, let alone laundry and dishes. But in general, I think we are adapting pretty well.

Anyway, I am trying to post a little more frequently, so we'll see how my resolution holds up.