insta-lately...

I probably sound like a broken record - but it is so crazy busy around here!  Not so much running around but fitting in time to mix, edit and master during nap times and early mornings.  We are having more success with schedules AND I finally got my calendar system down for the year.  

It seems archaic, but I went with the simple binder route, printed my iCalendar and found a super simple 'weekly' insert.  Its huge - but it also fits in ALL the cards, letters, addresses, pre-k paperwork and other nonsense in the folders and between pages.  It works for me.  Much better than trying to keep it all digital or in a conservative, cute little planner.  Function over form this time around.

So, I feel a need for a catch up with instagram.  This is what we've been up to:

the epic cold temps means we have been staying inside... A LOT.  but that doesn't keep us from playing with the snow!

we got hit pretty hard with the colds this year, hanging around for about three weeks or so.  we are knocking out whatever is left and preventing more with super foods and humidifiers. 

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Soren's seahorse.  yesterday he handed this to me and said 'look momma, i drew you a seahorse!'  my response was, in shock 'wow, buddy!  that is an impressively accurate seahorse - I am so impressed.' negative points montessori mom.  but seriously - incredible right?  this is getting framed and going up at work - healthy reminders of what is important and credible.  motherhood is by far the greatest and coolest thing i have EVER done!

Grandpa & the CMC

A couple weeks ago - I received a concise, unexpected text - 'Chels, I want to come into town this weekend - would that be alright?' - it was my Dad!  Now I work a lot, but my Dad - well, works A LOT.  He is incredibly driven and loves what he does.  It's inspiring.  But it does mean that our paths don't cross often.  

I was so psyched and we had an awesome time!  It was a short, sweet visit.  We made sure to take him to Eli's for a BBQ lunch, snagged a Green Dog Cafe breakfast, welcomed him with a fantastic Paleo Polish Soup and of course, visited the Cincinnati Museum Center.

One of our X-mas gifts from Grandpa and Mimi this year were our passes to the Museum Center, quite possibly one of the best places to take kiddos in Cincinnati (next to the Zoo, the CAC and well - ok...there are a lot of great places).  Especially on cold days.

Watching Soren with my Dad, is - incredible.  It's a blast seeing him lead, explain and play - just like he did with us when we were kids.  I know my Dad always enjoyed having kids, but it's so much more obvious how much he loves and cherishes his time with Soren and how much he must have when we were children.  

So many grandparents tell me how incredible it is having grandchildren, but after watching my Dad - I realize just how lucky my brother and I are to have parents that embrace their role and cherish the challenges and joys of parenthood.

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'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014'   

Soren with his drill set adorning both a safety vest and citrus juice mustache.  He's become quite the chatter box these days and it's hard to snap a shot without his mouth in motion *wink.  Love it!  

Here is another just for fun.  Pappa bought Soren his first RC car.  It took a little practice to get the hang of the steering - but he did!  He's instructing me on how it works in this photo.