Fall quarter comes to a close

We're running short on words-- Christmas is coming up, and we're hustling to get our house in order. Soren's been a champ, though he's getting the pre-teething blues. We're back to interrupted sleep.

We've had a pretty good Fall, all in all. We definitely don't feel ready for Winter, a season which feels long, cold, and lonely in Cincinnati. The trees look skeletal, the cold keeps us pent up inside, and the short days and lack of fresh produce take a definite toll on our moods.

But it's also a time for bundling up, bonding, long talks, hot cups of tea, warm glasses of wine, and introspection. We're still enjoying each others' company, and our new family is a lot of fun. At least, we enjoy ourselves.

We have two more quarters to finish off strong. I'm starting the daunting and disheartening task of applying for jobs, and Lisa is imagining life after school. She's been in school, almost without respite, since she has been in Kindergarten. Talk about a trooper (or glutton for punishment, depending on your point of view).

We're looking forward to the coast, the mountains, the pine trees, friends, and family. And as you can see, Soren is grateful to our friend Nykole for his new monkey! Lisa has always called him "Silly Monkey," so it was a funny surprise to have this monkey emerge from the mail.















My grandparents have a picture of my grandpa getting his first bath in a sink. I think of him everytime we give Soren a bath.



















This is the "I'm CUTE!" Kodak entry.




















Makes me think of a deadly Sumo Wrestler.