Lately

January is always the slowest month of the year. It just goes on and on probably because we don't ever have anything going on that month and its dead in the middle of winter. All I want to do is stay in my pjs and robe and slippers and cover myself with a blanket and cuddle on the couch all day. I have no motivation to do anything including household chores that need to be done. All four of us are cooped up in the house all day with limited things to do, so tensions rise and tantrums ensue. I do look forward to when it snows because then I can send the kids outside to play for a while. They love it.

The government shutdown has also put a stop to our family going out and buying things that are not necessities. With no income we can't afford to do anything except buy essential groceries. With the government shutdown Stephen is deemed an essential employee so he has to go to work and isn't allowed any time off for any reason. Not only that but he's been working late hours and traveling lately because of a  big case he's currently working. We don't get to see him very often but an hour or two before bedtime.

We took the kids to the ice castles last weekend. We had a lot of fun, but I felt like it wasn't up to par with last year; there were a lot more slides and crevasses for the kids to explore. Stephen and I ended up taking turns holding Hannah the whole time because she refused to walk....it may had something to do with the fact that her boots were two sizes too big? But she didn't fuss at all, so all was well. We brought a thermos of hot chocolate to have when we got done to warm us up as we got in the car.

Speaking of Hannah, she turns 18 months in two days and starts nursery on Sunday! This girl is not afraid of anything....except playgrounds and strangers she doesn't know. She is always getting into something even if it's on the top shelf of a closet or refrigerator. She loves to eat and eat and eat especially treats. She loves eating vegetables; peas are her favorite. She can say a handful of words really well that is nice and clear and learning new ones every week. She loves to play chase and tease and pretend to eat your toes. She gives kisses and hugs on demand and whenever she feels like it. She has to sleep with a "baby" (anything that resembles a stuffed animal, but her teddy is her favorite to snuggle with). She likes to sit with me on the counter in the mornings and help me put on my make up and do my hair. One of her favorite games is throwing anything and everything in any one of the 7 garbage cans in the house be it pieces to a game, dishes, or toys. I am always having to double check the garbage cans before throwing them outside. She is a good little helper with house hold chores. She like to help do the laundry and unload the dishwasher. She wrestles with her big brothers and likes to roar. She's a great sleeper and likes to sleep on her tummy. We sure do love her and are so glad she is our cute, cute baby as Lucas always says.

 Her first little ponytail!