There's the moon asking to stay.

January is like I imagine post-pardum depression must be. Taking down decorations, throwing out the tree, and seeing the Christmas lights slowly disappear from the lane is torture for me and I'd just as well sleep through the entire month so as not to be reminded daily that my favorite season is being packed away. I even dread this time well before Christmas even arrives. I dwell on how sad it will be when it is over - how sick is that? Anyhow, we're back to normal non-holiday life. Life where Caleb heads off to work every morning, Erin and I read books and visit our newest neighbors, and I get reacquainted with my kitchen and daily food preparation. Yep, this month is like the flu...

Erin is working on her second ear infection of the year. I hate the idea of keeping her drugged but I hate the idea of oozing and burst eardrums even more. She's a trooper though and I'm always surprised at how she's able to go about her normal routine despite the chronic pain. Her curiosity is growing by the day, and she is into everything faster than I can chase after her sometimes... And apparently she thinks she's more capable than I do - I find her trying to stand up in the middle of the living room with nothing to steady herself. She gets up on her hands and feets, looking much like an upside-down "V" and then fusses when she realizes she can't go any farther. Hopefully she'll be toddling soon and I won't have to worry about finding her stuck like that.

We had a fun ski trip to West Virginia with Caleb's family last week. It was warmer than normal and even rained one day, but they still got in their fair share of skiing. I only went a couple of times but because I ski so infrequently I'm not talented enough to stay upright on slush and ice. It was just as well, because our cabin was fabulous and I did a lot of resting and reading by the fire. Erin loved exploring the place and had all the attention and affection that a little girl could want. Unfortunately, we forgot the camera so you'll have to check Emily's Xanga for pics...