We managed to have a decent New Year’s Eve celebration at home despite our foiled plans.  It was probably better for me to be at home where I could take care of this stupid cold that keeps lingering.  The beginning of the night was a little annoying because one of our neighbors stole our parking space.  We were lucky and were able to steal another spot behind our building; we left a very direct note to the owner of the offending car to let them know we will have them towed if they park there again.  The car was gone a few hours later luckily.  Just another continuation of the same drama that unfolds daily with our neighbors (sigh).  On a positive note, we had the crock pot macaroni and broccoli bake all to ourselves, and munched on other goodies while re-watching our favorite episodes of The Wire.  Holden got to enjoy avocado for the first time and big surprise, it was a hit!  I was half expecting him to hate it out of overexposure to it in utero; avocado was one of the “must have” foods for me during the second and third trimesters.  Some days I would eat 2 avocados for lunch while peering into the microscope (looking back on it, I must have looked like a crazy person, but I digress).  The most unexpected part of New Year’s Eve was the fact that I actually made it to midnight without succumbing to sleep.  Rob and I enjoyed a glass of champagne and watched the midnight fireworks out our living room window.  Not a bad way to usher in the new year.

Although yesterday had a few bumps, New Year’s Day was perfect.  We spent it with our friends Scott and Sue and their little girl, Ella.  We indulged in chili and cornbread…yum!  And the babies got to play together.  Holden and Ella are actually the same size; both are pretty big for six months!  It was relaxing and wonderful to spend a lazy New Year’s Day with good pals and I hope that it signifies the types of interactions we will continue to have throughout 2009.  Comfort, laughter, and warmth are all welcome entities right now as the past few months have been challenging for me on a personal level with the job search, etc.  I remain hopeful that if anything, we have friendships and community to help buoy our spirits through the tougher moments.  

On an unrelated note,  Holden’s toothless grin will soon be a thing of the past.  His first tooth started poking through on New Year’s Day.  Another reminder that our little guy is becoming less little with each passing day:

Holden and Ella hanging out together (everything goes in the mouth):

Avocado nom:

Foot nom:

First bath of 2009:

All clean!