What the..? Where has the summer gone?

Sidney is nearly 10 months old. She is such a sweet little girl! I can't figure out how we ended up with two very happy babies. We figure that since we have so dang fortunate that we'd better stop at two and not press our luck. Sid is busy exploring her world. She isn't crawling quite yet, but can scoot herself backwards on her tummy. She is a lover of all things eatable, usually eating more than her big sister (who is a ridiculously finicky eater these days) . She has 7.5 teeth. Every time I look in her mouth a new one seems to be erupting. She doesn't seem to be bothered with them.


Alli is now 3 years old. She is a dancing, singing, Barbie-loving little girl who amazes me everyday with some random statement or question about the world around us. She has moved up the to pre-school room at daycare and is learning so much. She is an amazing big sister, always willing to help out or entertain Sidney (and nobody can get Sidney laughing like Alli can). As every 3 year old does, she has mastered fit-throwing, yelling "NO" and recently started firing back with "FINE" and stomps off. Where on earth did she learn something like that? Must be her father. More often than not though, she is kind hearted and listens well.


Dan is now a 2nd year resident. Supposedly that means he takes less call and doesn't have to get to work quite as early. I'm not convinced that is the case yet. I did look at our calendar for the last academic year and counted up 67 days of call requiring sleeping at the hospital (or in Dan's case, spending the night in the ER reducing ankle fractures) and 37 weekends ruined by a call day. We all hope this year is easier. He is busy giving thought to life beyond residency. Job vs fellowship is the current topic around here. He is phenomenal at what he does and will succeed regardless of the path he chooses. I know that he is looking forward to settling into a job and being able to do some of the things he enjoys like golfing, hunting and fishing.

I never imagined that my life would ever be as busy as it is right now. And I'm getting the sense that as the girls grow up it will only get busier. Outside of my paid job as a PA and my unpaid job of CEO/COO/CFO of our household, I run a few times a week. I joined up with a running group which meets on Saturday mornings. I have a couple of Fall races planned although I can't say I am really training for them. Outside of running, my extracurricular activities have become pretty minimal. I planted two cherry tomato plants in my garden (if you can call it that) this year. Despite my neglect, they produced enough to keep me happy. We joined a CSA this year. CSA is community supported agriculture program. Basically it is subscription to a local farm. Once a week (June thru Nov) I pick up a share of organic produce grown locally. I love the concept and especially love all the fresh fruit and veggies. Some weeks I get pretty overwhelmed with the produce, trying to figure out what to do with it all. Especially with things like beets and fennel bulbs. Anyone have any wonderful beet recipes? It has forced me to become more creative in the kitchen and I've really come enjoy cooking from scratch.

That's what going on with us in Pittsburgh. I'll post pics soon.

What is up with us? So nice of you to ask.

It is Spring in Pittsburgh and we are so happy about that. Being able to get outside without layers of clothing has been quite a treat! The girls are growing like weeds. Sidney is 5+ months and Alli will be 3 later this month. Can't believe it myself! Sidney sprouted some teeth last month and is trying really hard to roll over. She has discovered her voice and likes to "talk" at the top of her lungs. She is very easy going and sweet, just like Alli was as a baby. We are so fortunate to have two easy kids.

Alli is a busy body, as all almost-3 year olds are. She is finally potty trained and we are very happy to only be buying diapers for one kid now. She is very excited about her upcoming birthday and asks when it is everyday. She is a singer, a dancer and is all girl. If she could be a princess, life would be perfect for her.

Dan is busy with work as usual. He has nearly completed his first year of residency, which means he will no longer be low man on the todem pole. Hopefully his hours will be better this upcoming academic year, but I suspect not. He has managed to squeeze in a few rounds of golf here and there. He enjoyed a "golfing marathon" with his Dad last month. We enjoyed having Dave visit Pittsburgh and he acquired a new admirer. Alli just loved having her Grandpa here and bonded with him immediately. I think Alli and her cousin Maddie, who is also very fond of Grandpa Dave, are going to fight for his attention when we visit Wyoming in June!

Yes, we are making our first trip back out West since we became 'Burghers' one year ago. I can't believe we have been here that long already. We will be in Colorado/Wyoming during the first week of June. We hope to do some fishing, golfing and lots of visiting.

I am crazy busy at work and maintaining order (if you can really call it that) in our home. Somewhere in there I found a little time to run and prepare for the Pittsburgh Marathon. Don't get too impressed, I ran on a relay team and was only responsible for 8 of the 26 miles. It was a fun event and I hope to do some more races this year.

That is the quick and dirty on us. I'll post more pics soon!

Just a bunch of pictures.

Yummy! Don't you just want to nibble?

Alli thought Sidney needed some toys to play with!

I admit it! I have a number of Boppy pillows. I am too lazy to lug one up and down the stairs. Anyway, we found another use for them!

Tummy time disgusts Sidney.

Big Bad Wolf

What they look like these days

The Mom effect on my womanhood.

Ahhhh. Forget diamonds. Forget pearls. I finally got my hands on my dream stroller.

Life is BUSY!

What else can I say? I hardly have time to keep up with the laundry, let alone keep up on our blog or deal with unwanted body hair. However, I solomly swear to you-family, friends and internet, to post recent pictures of our beautiful children and pluck my eyebrows.