new

A new year. And as it happens, plans changed and we ended up going eastward and spending time with family for the holidays after all. We booked the tickets one afternoon and left the next day. No one can ever say we're not spontaneous! It was nice. Nice to get away and just be adults instead of parents for a bit. Nice to know that Ben was well cared for by people who love him. It was not nice being sick or dealing with ridiculously long flights, but those memories are fading and the good ones are sticking around.

Ben is really picking up language now, which is very fun to witness. Right now he can say grandma, cookie, all done, and of course NO! - he can also make the sounds for monkey, snake and cow. He has also JUST started saying mama. Finally! I was starting to think he was never going to say it, and now every time he does it's like a little symphony for my ears.

The last two days naps have been a bear; today consisted of an hour and half of crying, plus one cry-till-you-puke episode, until he finally gave in three hours after nap time should have been. I hope this is a one off. An adjustment to being back home. Because I can deal with a lot but, hours of crying is a no go.

Zach and I are going somewhere in February, and probably early February at that. Of course, in typical us fashion I have no idea where or when. Still, the prospect of warm sand and melting tropical drinks entice me greatly.

Here's to a great new year. 2013. It's a good thing those Mayans were wrong.