Erica has really been into coloring lately. We have to limit her to a couple sheets of paper per day, otherwise we would be responsible for half the rain forest depletion. I usually end of recycling most of them, but have saved a few gems. We also decided to start sending some of these masterpieces to other people. Who knows, maybe they will be worth something someday. (: She usually spends her time drawing princesses, rainbows, flowers, etc. However, the other day, she decided to make one for a boy at her preschool. We were very excited about this drawing:


Maybe there is hope that we won't be obsessed with princesses forever?

Got It - Sadie Laughing

On the Good Ship Lollipop

Here is her second dance. This time she is in the front, second from the left.

"A" You're Adorable

Erica had her dance recital a few weeks ago. She got to perform 2 numbers. This is the first dance. She is in the back on the far right.

Work and the Ramifications

If you happen to read Facebook, you may have seen this picture of me trying to work a few weeks ago. I've started a solo law practice specializing in estate planning. I work part-time from home (about 10 hours a week). Some days are more successful than others. I am open to any suggestions on how to balance the mother-work roles. I enjoy both and I am still trying to figure it all out. I'm grateful to a very supportive spouse who is making this possible. He gets stuck with dishes and house cleaning a lot more than he used to.


Maybe this is what happens when mom goes to work...

Sadie becomes a daddy's girl.



My kids may be seen with baggie clips as accessories to their clothing.


Erica has to teach Sadie how to walk.



We get great visitors, like Aunt Alice and RP. Okay, that really has nothing to do with my work, but we are glad she came to visit.


Erica gets a little more frustrated with mom not spending every waking moment taking care of her.


I have to come up with things to keep the kids occupied, like swimming in March...and yes, Sadie is eating a rock in this picture.

Snow Day

The day after Sadie's birthday, we got a snow day. It only snowed once this winter and it melted away within an hour...and that is why I LOVE Arizona.


Snow angels. The kids usually learn how to do sand angels instead.


Is that Troy's dad wearing shorts? Yes, yes it is.


Oma and Opa


The front of our house


I love pictures of snow on cactus


A tribute to Calvin and Hobbes


Jumpin' on the trampoline


Family Photo.

Sadie Turns One

I can't believe it's almost been a month since her birthday. With family visiting, working and just plain laziness, I have failed to get around to the blogging. So, here is a little bit about our baby.


Nicknames: Sader(s), Baber(s), Sadie-Baby, Sader-Bader

Words: "Dah" - Dog and "uh-oh". That's it!! (Sometimes she says, "mama", but I don't think it is for me.)

Signs: bird, dog, more, all done, milk, eat/food, bye

Making Cake #1


Eating Cake #1 - Think she liked it?


Food Likes: breads, bananas, CHOCOLATE, formula, water, Cheerios, Kix, avocado, cheese, yogurt, ice cream...rocks, leaves and dog food.

Food Dislikes: baby food, apple juice, milk

Teeth: Only 2 on the bottom

Cake #2



Physical: Walking all over - getting fast, climbs on stuff, takes things out of cupboards

As of today*, these are her stats:
Head 45 cm - 42%
Height 28.3 in - 17%
Weight 19 lb 4 oz - 16%

*Her 1 year appointment was originally scheduled last month, but we canceled, thinking we were going to go snowboarding instead.

Health: Lots of earaches and colds these last few months. Seems pretty good otherwise.

Ice Cream is a success


Personality: Super sweet, mellow and quiet (unless it is 6am and she is trying to wake her sister up). Every now and then she comes over for a hug or to be held for a little bit and then she is on her way. She loves to explore and seems to have little if any separation anxiety. I consider this a huge blessing.

Sleeping: On a good night she goes down between 7 and 8pm and wakes up between 5 and 6am. We don't always have good nights. She does take 2 good naps during the day.

Present Opening. Any suggestions on how to help the older kid understand that the toys are NOT for them?


Things she likes to do: swinging, NOT movies, walks, being outside, swimming, looking at animal books, putting things in her mouth, exploring, going to new places

She also has the cutest little laugh, but we are yet to get it on film. We'll keep trying.

Oma and Opa Visit

In February, we were lucky enough to have Troy's parents come visit. We had a great time with them and miss them a lot. Here are some of the adventures we went on:

"A Safari?"


"A Pony Ride". It was initially just for Erica, but she got scared after a few minutes, so we gave Sadie a try. She loved it. Erica did better at pulling the pony.





"Sabino Canyon" - A beautiful tram ride up the canyon and a nice walk down. There were little ponds of water to stop and play in for breaks.






"Pima Air & Space Museum" - I've been wanting to go here for 4 years and finally made it. Thanks to Oma for watching the girls so we could go. I have a dream of flying in a fighter jet someday (just as a passenger). I think this is the closest I will get.


And, of course, "Beauty School".