{ajm}

We are zoo people. We love going to the zoo. Our zoo spoils us in many cool ways. One of them is this AMAZING playground. Today, it was the big hit. We tried to see giraffes and elephants but they were hiding away in the warm somewhere. We tried to go on the carousel. Sadly, it was not operational. I am thankful that this area of the zoo was available for play.

Aunt Jenn met us and helped you swing, "Higher Mommy." And then you found the tire swing.

So much fun!!! You giggle is contagious and we laughed a lot today.

Thanks Aunt Jenn for joining us for some fun in the winter sun!!

Several years ago, I tried to keep a visual journal. The whole 1 photo a day concept. I did not last long. Maybe not even all January. This year, I am more committed to finishing than to actually having a great photo-even a photo from each day of the year. I am already giving myself permission to miss days or take a break now and again. They won't get uploaded every day and in that same spirit, I have delayed posting this a week, to see if I could manage even 7 days in a row before publicly sharing.

Should you want to see my "visual journal" you will find it over in the side bar with a catchy little heading: Photo a day.

New Year's Eve we took her pacifier away. It was excruciating. For both of us. I felt mean and horrible. She was miserable. No nap New Year's Eve. That evening she was so tired, she went to sleep without too much screaming (only about 15 minutes).

Each evening and naptime she asked about it, where did it go? "to a little baby in Texas who needed it."

When can I have it back? "Sorry honey, when that little baby is done, it will go on to another little baby who needs it. It's not coming back." Seriously, could I be more mean?!?!?!

Last night she did GREAT. She didn't ask about it or even need to talk about it before going to sleep. She cried but not much like a total of 4 minutes.

Today-TERRIBLE. An hour into her regular naptime, she is still screaming.

Why oh why did I think this was a good idea?? Braces are looking better and cheaper all the time.

 
Last year I put together an album about our December. It kept me sane, yes really. Last year was hard. We lost my Granddaddy and I spent about 3 weeks in Texas with a one year old. I needed help 🙂 When it was time to decorate this year, I pulled this out and left it in the family room. I LOVED having it around. Mallory loved going through it and lots of family members got to remember and reminisce too. As the 2008 holiday madness approached, I knew I needed this creative outlet again. In fact I had been planning on doing this again and found lots of neat supplies while in California.

As this year's isn't finished yet, my goal this year is January 31. For now, here are some photos of the 2007 holiday album.

we are already dreaming about next year

I will confess that I have already put away all the decorations and am in the midst of cleaning out closets.
January always seems to be when I have closet cleaning on the mind.