Boy, I am pathetic. I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I've updated this site, let alone even visited it myself! I'm too busy now with Facebook and reading other people's blogs when I'm at the computer!

Life these days is good. We all just got over another round of a cold, this time it wasn't so torturous. My sister hasn't had it so easy--one whole month and a double ear infection later, she & the boys are now healthy!
We visited family in California late January. Had a lovely time, and experienced fabulous weather. Sydney traveled well, and in all, it was a relaxing week away from home. Steve came home to a busy work schedule, and Sydney and I returned to our busy social schedule. Our time is filled running errands, enjoying playdates, visiting indoor playparks, and playing in the yard or at the playground when the weather holds. Sydney just hit her 18 month milestone, and the doctor declared her a tall, skinny girl. With bad skin and frizzy hair (this is my caveat!). Sydney has a super bumpy 'chicken skin' on both legs, and a little bit on her cheeks & ears. Hopefully she grows out of it. Not that it hinders her cuteness abilities in anyway.

Picture above features a nice shot of Nana/Granny Linda & Sydney, enjoying sunny skies in Cali.

Blue Skies

We are having a great week here at the Forster residence. Steve interviewed for, and was offered, the job of Fire Marshal for TVFR on Monday. It's been a job he knew would be opening up in the future, it just kind of happened a little more quickly than we anticipated. He is excited, I think, but also views the increased responsibilities with a slight bit of trepidation. His motto has always been work hard, play harder.

But, we think it was a good move, and certainly we are fortunate that his work has been steady & without alot of ups and downs due to economics.

We've also hit on a dry & sunny patch in the weather! Love the blue skies and 50 degree weather. Nice to not need gloves when we take a walk. Sydney loves to get outside, so we have been walking and playing in the backyard as much as possible. Her movement skills (or whatever you'd call them) are increasing--she spins in a circle, pseudo-jumps (it's like a glorified squat), and climb nearly everything, often using her face for leverage (weird, I know). We frequent indoor climbing gyms/playgrounds for kids, so she's getting quite comfortable with abilities. Another first...Sydney will be staying the night @ her Oma & Opa's this weekend. Her first solo venture! Hopefully it goes well, as I know Lane will not be a happy camper if his sleep is disrupted :)

We are headed to CA on the 22nd, as we had cancelled our original Christmas trip down south. We're looking forward to seeing family, and getting a break from the regular routine.

Snow Days

We've had record snowfall here in Portland (at least a foot of snow, and in the 20's), and it is getting old fast! I am so ready to get out of the house and go do something...anything....

I did attempt a little snowboarding on our street. It didn't last long...Sydney doesn't particularly enjoy the snow/cold weather, so Steve (my snowboarding instructor) was forced indoors, and I got tired of falling on my keister.

We are headed to CA on Wednesday, and hopefully the airport will be cleared up and we can leave as scheduled!

Rabbi Pinky

Sydney pulled out this hat from her closet that I've been meaning to pack away. It's a few sizes too small for her, but she loves it. Here she is in her grocery cart with her beanie on. I think she looks like a Jewish boy with it on. Oh, and also included in this image, a classic "Pinky perturbed" face.

Baby KK

Kelan is getting big, too. He is one of the most jovial smiley babies I've ever seen. If you catch his eye across the room, you get rewarded with a smile and some fluttering of those long lashes.

I took these pictures yesterday, after dolling up his hair with a bit of product. It doesn't lie down on its own, so I thought we might as well pump up the volume! :)

Getting So Big!

Sydney is now nearly 17 months old...I never thought I'd think of my child's age in terms of months, but I guess you just sort of do that when each month brings about a new development.
Here are a few recent pictures--one featuring Sydney's dearly beloved baby & stroller.

Let it Snow!

This weekend, the forecasters actually got it right...and we did get snow! A fair amount of it too, accompanied by blustery winds & frigid temps which makes it more pleasant to enjoy the snow from behind a window.

We did get Sydney bundled up in a snowsuit that should actually fit her next year (yes, I'm slightly behind in getting her outfitted for cold weather!) and outside to 'experience' her first real snowfall. She didn't find it that thrilling...However, by this evening, she was referring to snow as 'no'. You might find it surprising, but this really the first time she's ever said 'no'. And I'm hoping she doesn't figure out just yet that 'no' actually translates to something other than lovely white snow. I know my luck won't hold for long!