Eight

Eight months have gone by fast! Caleb is a loud, happy little man. He LOVES to eat, and strips of toast are his favorite snack. So far he has eaten every food I've given him, except bananas. Go figure. 

No crawling yet, which I am thankful for. Hannah was 7 1/2 months when she started crawling, and we're in no rush to push Caleb into it, although he's close. He will go from sitting to all fours, and then down to his tummy and scoot backwards. After a few minutes he gets frustrated and I sit him back up and the whole process starts again. 

No teeth yet either, the drool factory is in full operation. He practically bathes himself.

More Family Time

We had more family visit over the new year, Hannah and Caleb's Mimi, Papa and Aunt Megan. It's always fun to have so much family in town, and sad when they leave.

Caleb having fun with Aunt Megan

Papa having a tea party with Hannah and her new tea set

Hannah playing on Mimi's iPad

Reading with Mimi

New Year's Eve pizza dinner

Sisters

New Year, new thoughts

I have been inspired by my friend Amy to create a list of goals this year. The hardest part so far is figuring out how to make them attainable, instead of just abstract. I've been thinking it over, and here they are:
1. Take and pass the California Supplemental Exam for my architecture license. This is the VERY LAST test I have to take to obtain my license, and I'd like to have it done by Caleb's first birthday.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables daily. This is one of those very general statements that needs some specifics. I'm going to make it a point to keep more fruits and veggies in the house that I like to eat (and that the rest of the family will eat), so when I get that snack urge I have something that I like on hand that is also healthy. This is not a problem during strawberry season, but is more of a challenge the rest of the year.

3. Waste less. In particular, waste less food. In America, we waste up to 40% of our food in a year. That's just ridiculous. We could make a big dent in world hunger with all that waste. I want to make a point of being a good steward of everything I purchase, which in turn is being a good steward with our finances.
3.5 This goes along with the food waste item above, but on a much larger scale. I saw a news segment a while back about different food bank type programs that collect food that grocery stores are going to toss out and redistribute it to those who can't afford it. I want to look into whether or not there is something like that in our area, and if not see if one can be started.
4. Run a 5k. As I mentioned last time I ran a 5k, I am not a runner. But, having a goal of finishing a race and getting a better time gets me motivated to exercise. Not to mention it's one of the more less expensive forms of exercise.
5. Pray for my kids more. Again, another vague statement. But if I set a time of day or activity to it, then I think it will be more attainable. Something like praying for them when I brush my teeth in the morning or am washing the dishes.

Now, there are no guarantees these are going to happen, but I sure want to try. And #1 is a must, this license thing has been hanging over my head for way too long.