merry christmas to all

(an iphone photo of an actual photo isn't the best quality but you get the idea.)

stieg larsson

so, i mentioned in a much earlier post that i had started reading the first novel in stieg larsson's trilogy.  well, i'm closing in on the final novel and, if anyone is looking for a great read, look no further.

yes, each one is nearly 600 pages, but don't let that discourage you.  the writing is perfection all in all and i promise you won't be able to put it down.  as soon as you get about 100 pages into the first novel, i guarantee you'll be in line at the bookstore buying the next two novels.

alberto burri

love, love, love alberto burri's cretto bianco series.  have for quite a while.  off the charts.  just thought i'd share it with you in case you hadn't seen his work before.

one week...

...until christmas eve.  i can't believe it...and neither can holden.  if he could talk, i think he'd say something along the lines of, "what!  what's that you say?  wait, what IS christmas, who IS jesus, and why does a bearded man come down the chimney?"

you know that's got to be confusing.

little update

well, after having been stuck in chi town due to snowy weather (i know...poor, poor me), i finally got home to see my little family.  despite the fact that our flight left chicago at 6am, i was so, so ready to get home (maybe not "6am flight" ready but ready nonetheless).  the weekend trip was so much fun and a good time was certainly had by all.  the snow was so beautiful and the windy city just wouldn't be the same without some nippy temperatures and white flurries.

in other news, holden got tubes in his ears this morning.  we had to report to the surgery center at 6am (another early morning this week).  he pulled through like a champ and even posed for some photos in his newest chicago purchase: a north face vest.  i hope this means no more ear infections for this little guy.  and so, it's with this precious image that i leave you.  you'd never know he had surgery this morning, would you?

off to chi town

the highs may be in the twenties while we're there but i cannot wait.  bring on the frigid temperatures in the windy city.  it just wouldn't be right any other way.

the holidays are rapidly approaching...

...so while i certainly have lots of christmas shopping to do, i decided that it can wait until after i finish decorating the new casa for the holidays.  here's a small, small sampling.  i think it encompasses our new family lifestyle...everything with a hint of baby gear thrown in for good measure (and functionality).

six month photos

holden had his six month photos taken a couple weeks back and they turned out adorable...as expected.  here are just a few of the lovely shots.

do note the little red remnant of his first battle scar.  the other day, while i was busy cleaning our old home to show on the market, i had holden playing pleasantly on a thick, plush blanket to pad for his unpredictable back and side spills while sitting up.  i didn't think he might actually fall forward.  so, of course, he fell to the only unpadded place in front of him and scratched his little cheek on one of the blocks he was playing with.  just goes to show you that you can only prepare for what you believe the possible outcomes may be and, then, the number of possible outcomes increases by one.  that's sort of how it always seems to go in parenthood thus far.  i'm sure it won't be the only shiner he gets in his life.  (click to enlarge)

we've landed!

things are still in boxes and nothing is how it will end up being but we're settled enough for now.  there's lots to report but i'll leave you with this handsome looker in his big boy high chair.  i actually had to convert it from the infant setup to the new setup for our little eater.  also, do note the lovely little blue sweater that i actually knit myself.  while it's adorable and i'd love holden's wardrobe to consist of lots of precious little sweaters such as this, i doubt i'll have time (at least not for a while) to add any more.  so, revel in this one because it may be the only one he'll ever have.