The blog really isn't dead, just mostly dead. But, at least I don't think the blog's status has changed yet on Ceri's blog. I'll try to post a little more often. No promises, though!

Life is crazy busy around here, but today I'm catching a break since I'm trying to rest and get well. We were all supposed to go to the farm this weekend, but since I don't want to give anyone else my miserable cold and sore throat, Brian and the girls left this morning without me. I'm sad to be missing out, but I haven't had this much peace and quiet in a really long time. Well, since Nora was born. If they stay the night tonight, it will be the first time I've been separated from Ms. Nora longer than being at work. I think she'll be fine, especially with all the family to love on her. I'll be fine, too, I think.

Especially this past quarter, I have been catching every single bug the girls or Brian bring home...multiple colds, strep throat, and a stomach flu. Not fun! I've been disappointed in my immune system lately! One would think that I would have a fairly decent immune system. We eat pretty well...mostly vegan these days, I exercise a couple times a week, and Brian has found some really wonderful vitamins that I've been pretty regular about taking. My main downfall is that I don't get enough rest. When I feel well, I push myself pretty hard. And, especially lately feeling well has been limited, so when I do feel well there are a lot of things to catch up on. Something's gotta give I guess when you work full time, keep up with 2 small children who freely share their germs, attempt to keep your household in working order, and help your husband with his business when you can.

Only two weeks left in the quarter and then a whole month off! Last year I didn't teach Spring quarter since Nora was born right before it started. This year I'm finding it to be the most difficult quarter to get through, mostly because I know vacation is on the other side. It's going to be a good time to relax and regroup. My parents are coming to visit, but other than that I'm taking it easy.

This past week a friend from college was in town and stayed with us. It's been fun to catch up, all except for that she caught a cold from us or another friend with small children. Sorry, Julie! Today she left to pick her husband up at the airport and travel to where she grew up in Western Nebraska. But, she'll be back later on in the week so we can meet her husband. The girls love having someone new to play with. Speaking of friends coming to visit, Ceri came to see us awhile back, too, when she had some research to do for her dissertation. And, Ceri's aunt and uncle will be in town this week, so we are making plans to see them, too. Lincoln is a nice place to be in for getting to see a variety of friends as they travel through. If you are passing through, stop by and see us!

Before I finish up here are some updates about the girls. Nora turned 1 in March. Her first year flew by. She's a pretty easy going girl. She certainly loves her food and can eat almost as much as Clara. She loves feeding herself and can make quite a mess. I'm pretty sure olive is among her first words...along with mama, da for dad, ball, and book. She knows some sign language and I've been trying to teach her some more because she yells when she's hungry or thirsty and you don't give her something right away. The other main thing that she does not like is when I leave in the morning. She is a good sleeper, except for when she is teething. She has been slow to get her teeth...the 2nd top tooth is just arriving...so I think maybe she experiences more pain. Her latest accomplishment is walking, though she is tall and lanky and she's still perfecting it. It's so cute to watch her toddling around.

As for Clara, she talks from the moment she wakes up until she goes to sleep and she has an endless stream of questions. She is becoming more creative in her play. The latest thing she came up with was using a cleaning bucket as a car seat for her monkey. We've switched to a basket with a ribbon tied on for a handle. She puts that in her stroller and takes monkey for a ride. Then she puts monkey in his car seat on her bed with her at night.She also has recently pulled out every baby blanket we own to make pillows and beds all over the floor of her room for her stuffed animals. Another one of her favorites is using her mailbox that is half the size of her as a violin. She uses a pink spatula with the scraper pulled off as her bow. She can do so many things now, too. She can make her own toast and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And, she can peel cucumbers. She can get her own drink of water and pour milk in a cup (if the milk carton is not too full). She loves to help cook (that's only backfired once so far) and wants to take her turn doing just about everything. Though, she is not that keen on picking up her toys and if you ask her to do several things she's likely to ask, "Why do I have to do everything for you?"

Anyways, that's a long overdue update. I haven't forgotten about the 1001 Day Project. I've accomplished some of them items on the list, so I'll have to post about that soon. And, maybe next time some pictures, too.