The Month of Love

It's February and some of you may know that it happens to be my favorite month of the year. Partly because it includes my birthday, my little sisters birthday, and Valentine's Day. But mostly it's a way that I have discovered to make a freezing, dreary month (weather wise) something to celebrate...thus forgetting about the cold, and dreary world. Brilliant! if I say so myself. I haven't been as good at celebrating each day this year (dressing in pink, making heart shaped everything, eating lots of raspberries, and chocolate covered whatevers), but hey, I'm about to have a little chiddler (as the BFG would say) and we've had lots going on. OH excuses excuses. We have had some good times though, so let me tell ya about them.
I got to celebrate my birthday for a whole week! Went to lunch, breakfast, and got ice cream for free twice. My lovely friends made me breakfast, and Jacob made a true blue "Richard Parkinson (my dad) Sunday dinner" the Baby back ribs even had homemade bbq sauce, and there were mushrooms sauteed in butter and lemon. There was also hot sourdough from the oven, and grilled asparagus. Oh and don't forget the Better than you know what cake: a tradition my mom had for me. I did make heart and lip shaped Lion House Rolls. I made pink cupcakes for activity days, and today we made valentines at a friends house. I bought sweethearts (which are definitely not as good as they used to be) and valentine's snickers... okay so maybe I have indulged a little...Isn't February worth it though! It's such a great month (really Cat, you don't still hate it do you?) Besides celebrating February here are some other things.

Luci got tubes in her ears. The nurses told us that she would probably be inconsolable when she woke up from the anesthesia. Of course when we went back to try and console her she was simply talking in full sentences to the nurse.

Yes, I got emotional. It's not fun seeing you pride and joy go limp while looking you in the eyes with huge tears. "Save me mommy"

Nana made Luci an adorable Tinkerbell tutu which she loves!

We've had tons of snow! I'm so glad Jacob likes playing in it with Luci.

We've spent lots of time at Grandma and Grandpa's house because of Jacob's externship at the Supreme Court. (Making Playdough with Parker and Grandma)

Dry and Clean

This is what we are doing today...

While it does this outside...

Most schools are closed today because of the snow, of course Jacob is lucky enough to get out a whopping 30 minutes early. Come on law school, you're not really that hard core are you? Speaking of Law School, ya-hoo for Jacob who came home with a few pretty awesome grades yesterday. I'm so proud. There are still more to come...
I'm so proud of my Luci too. She is doing a great job potty training so far :) Feel free to call and congratulate her, she loves the praise and sure it helps reinforce the training. Along with the chocolate, fruit snacks, pretzels, and Cheetos... Fun stuff!

My Hard Working Man

The break has been heavenly so far. I think I've had much more of a break than Jacob though. He's so good to me. He wakes up with Luci, makes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, shovels the snow, and he's done about 4 major projects around our house in only one week. We've eaten way too much sugar, been sledding, Christmas shopping, played with friends, and relaxed. Luci has been up to some pretty funny stuff this week too. She's mastered her colors, still begs to do letters 24/7, insists on putting on her own pants which takes forever!, builds towers with everything, talks about Christmas, Santa, and presents constantly, colors in her coloring book on the floor while standing on one leg...here are some pictures. And please check the video bar for some hilarious videos. Merry Christmas!

Dean Ears

I should have many many good pictures for you because Luci and I just got back from a great to trip to the homeland. But, I forgot my camera folks. For the first time ever. Okay that was a lie. I am so bummed because there were so many great opportunities for pics. Snuggling with Nana and Pop-pop, cooking with Grandma Goosey, flower girl shots, and giving kisses to aunts and uncles. She sure loves her family. She decided she loves her grandma's more than me on the trip actually. Every morning I would go to get her out of bed and she would shake her head and say either,
"Grandma, or Nana" why in the world would she want her Mamma? Now all she wants is her daddy since we've been home. That's okay though. I get most of the love anyway :) Anyway, I've been dealing with a much different Luci than usual. A sick one. She has mostly been sleeping, even on the airplane, an unconceived notion in the past. I have been the benefactor of many a snuggle, also a rare treat with Luci. Grandma dean got some lovin' too while we stayed with them for one night before heading back home. It turns out Luci has had an ear infection for about a month and a half. Another Dean headed for tubes in her ears. Sorry princess.

Nope, we didn't...

have Luci for dinner. But Jacob did put her in a frying pan on the stove. Luci loves it when Jacob comes home. She says hi dad...in her baby talk of course, and then bounces her head, a little bit spasmodically, and then pats his cheeks and chest. She loves to shake her head "no" and when she tries to nod "yes" she puts her whole body into it and it looks a little awkward. What entertainment though! Life is going smoothly, Jacob got offered a job for the summer... phew! I've been doing yoga like it's my job. Can I tell you how much I love yoga. Almost as much as I love Luci's naps these days! She naps twice a day for at least an hour and a half, and sleeps from 630-7. Thank you doctor Marc Weissbluth. If your child needs more sleep, read his book, |Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby|.
I can't wait for it to be warmer so we can explore the Zoo with our new pass some more. I can't wait for it to be warmer so I can go on walks with my husband at night. I can't wait for it to be warmer so I can start my first garden. I can't wait for it to be warmer so I can put Luci in her first swim suit and take her to the pool. I can't wait for it to be warmer...period! But since I must, I guess I'll go clean the ceiling fan, organize my laundry room, bake some bread, dance with luci in the kitchen, and await the return of my wonderful Jacob.

Gorgeous

What's Luci looking at out the window? (Her new favorite thing to do, thanks to Grandma Dean!)

It's called freezing rain and about a foot of snow! The city is at a level 2 weather emergency and everything is shut down. We've had two snow days in a row. YEAH! Look how gorgeous the frozen branches are. Of course you can appreciate it as long as you're not driving.




And this is how gorgeous Luci is. Thanks Nana for the outfit.all