Good Day Sunshine

Jude is just so amazing right now. I love him more and more as each day passes. No longer just "the baby", he has opinions and thoughts, and now, the words to let us in on it all.

"Help" has been the most powerful word in his vocabulary. It gets results every time. He says "back" to the dogs when they get in his space and "mom" (finally...) when he needs a hug.

Oh, my heart breaks when I think of the fact that he is merely on loan and will eventually go on adventures without me.

Iron Mike

Mike trying to relax after a day of Robert Bly bonding in a kayak with his pal Spencer.

READ!

Jude and his Uncle Michael

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving was surprisingly laid back this year. Maybe that's the difference a year makes when you have a baby. Much easier to travel with a 18 month old than a 6 month old.

Jude is like a parrot. We have to be careful about the swearing now. I'm sure his daycare teacher, Miss Heather, would not appreciate being told to "Fuck off". He mastered the word "crazy" on his first try, which is not surprising in our family. It has joined "tattoo" in his latest repertoire.

Mom really put out the spread. She definitely outdid herself and still managed to have a good time. I, the one without much of a sweet-tooth, had 4 desserts! Frangelico cake, bread pudding with brandy sauce, French silk pie, and a chocolate cookie. I'm totally grossing myself out as I type this!

Michael (my younger brother) is in town from Chicago this weekend. He looks healthy and handsome. He seems more relaxed than I've seen him in years. Maybe he took up Wellbutrin and didn't tell anyone. I noticed he's not smoking, which is terrific. Now if he could only kick the Playboy bunny/crazy chick habit...

The hubby, Mike, went kayaking on Saturday, which seems a bit nuts, given that it is November. He was instructed by our friend Spencer to wear "low-impact" shoes in the inflatable boat. We wouldn't want the kayak to pop, thus depriving Mensa of two of its most illustrious members! Low-impact apparently means brightly colored "Crocs", a trend Mike and I have managed to avoid. It is much more difficult than it sounds until you realize we live in a college town and are constantly reminded of how tragically un-hip we are by sheer virtue of being over 30.

It sounds like a great time was had and that it wasn't cold at all. Mike now has kayak fever, but I think I'll wait 'til Spring to pursue this hobby with him.

As for me, my new 50mm lens has changed my life. How on Earth did I live before this purchase? It is simply dreamy. I sprung for the f1.4. Selling your horse can buy a lot of good gear, I've discovered. My friend Chris once said that owning a horse is like owning a boat. Boats, however, don't need and crave companionship.

In case you didn't know, I sold Kalen to the woman who was leasing him while I was pregnant. She loves him and he loves her. I have a lot of peace about the whole transaction. No more guilt about not having time for a such a wonderful creature.

So I guess what I'm thankful for this year is a movement toward peace in the lives of me and my family members. I'm going to be the change I want to see in the world, and the world really needs some PEACE, LOVE and UNDERSTANDING right now.

Child Pose