Twelth Night

Its 12th Night and I'm reflecting on 2014 and this holiday season. This past year went by so quickly. I have so little free time it is amazing. One child is a big commitment, but two children and two dissertations is beyond what I could have ever imagined.

We have accomplished so much this year, but it feels like so little and at 31 years old I wonder if I will ever have a time in my life that is even close to this busy again (I hope and pray it slows down a little). The number of jobs I am applying for, and Greg has applied for perplexes me. We are both constantly on call, stopping only for two hours or so for sleep right now.

 Sorry this is so short, but I'm so out of energy. Trying to make it to the next step.

It has been a long time coming.. preparing for the next step

It was a big week. This week Margery turned nine months old, we said goodbye to two families that are leaving Columbia, Greg sold his 1967 Mustang, defended his dissertation and we are about to put hour home on the market and move back to the East Coast. A lot developing here in Mid-Missouri.

The girls are growing up so quickly, and I'm blinking and missing things. Evangeline is becoming such a little lady--and terror--but I guess that is part of being three. Margery is growing, but is still a lot smaller than Evangeline was at her age.  I'm posting some photos from our recent adventures.

Tons of Trucks

Girls in a Fire Truck.

Dr. Greg with his dissertation committee.

Margery, is nine months old.

First photo of Dr. Greg!

Christmas in Columbia

We went to Texas for Christmas this year, but before we left we celebrated in Columbia. Evangeline's school participated in Living Windows in downtown Columbia, and St. Nicholas visited her school. 

 Her Christmas has been full of Christmas crafts and carols with friends at school, church and around town. I even made it to two Christmas celebrations, which just so happened to be held on the same night. Reminded me of the multiparty days of Washington, DC.

Cookies with Mom at Panera Bread.

Miss Margery in her bear suit.

Sweet girl.

 We loved dressing our baby girl up for Christmas as a reindeer and in "My First Christmas" garb.

Our little Reindeer.

Dancing.

Margery seemed to like St. Nicholas better than Evangeline did. Margery is enamored with the Christmas Tree and finds whatever time she can to hang out under it.
We made Christmas cookies to give away to teachers and Yoga teachers (as well as snack on).

Baking cookies.

My little baker.

Trip to Kansas City with Aunt Edge.

We had a little time to celebrate with Edge before leaving for Texas and took a trip to Kansas City. Edge treated us to dinner and cheesecake.

Hanging with Aunt Edge.

Lunch with Friends at Cafe Berlin.

Margery loves to put her feet together.

Our gift from Evangeline that she made in school.

Margery watching the Christmas Tree.

Margery is Four Months Old, and More Adventures

Hard to believe this little pistol is four months old. She is so busy taking the world in. Her favorite things this month are staring at the Christmas Tree, making raspberries with her lips and smiling at her big sister. Here's some recent photos of Margery and her big sister.

Sweet little angel has a great firm grip. Just keep your hair out of the way.

Evangeline loves being a big sister more and more each day.

Celebrating with school friends at a birthday party this week.

Snack at Sunday School.

Margery, Evangeline and Cousin Charlie.

My crazy but unique family.

Mommy and her girls.

Our little turkey and her daddy.

Lifting herself up. Getting so strong.

Blowing Raspberries.

Margery and Mommy.

Fun with daddy.

Our little Elf. Happy Advent!

So cute!

At her appointment Margery was 25 inches long and weighed 15.5 lbs. She's growing strong and looking cute :)

A Little Bit of Summer in the Autumn

In November Margery and I went on a trip to Los Angeles to see my friend Samantha and my Cousin Rachel and her family. It was a great break after taking my comprehensive exams in September and having a baby.

We had a great time. Here are some photos from our trip. Margery is a great little traveler.  Looking forward to more adventures with this little miss.

Samantha and I

Margery and I at the Grove.

California produce at The Farmer's Market near the Grove.

Little Miss Margery.

Visiting the Tar Pits Museum with cousin Owen.

Hanging out with Cousin Owen

Excellent breakfast in LA with my Cousin and her daughter.

An awesomely large pancake with ricotta cheese in it, and maple syrup of course.

Sweet little brunch date.

 We had breakfast and brunch a lot, because that is my favorite meal. Rachel took me to brunch at BLD-Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and Samantha and Blake took me to Duke's in Malibu. I also had breakfast in Sherman Oaks at a great little place called Crave, and enjoyed the plethora of coffee and smoothie joints while visiting.

Margery and Owen really enjoyed each other. He is so great with babies.

Cousin Rachel and her kiddos.

Playing in the Noodles at the LACMA.

Cousin sandwich with Emma and Owen.

Margery and her second Cates cousins.

It was so great that all our friends had carseats!

Brunch with Ms. Samantha.

Margery in line with Mr. Blake.

At the Getty Villa

Leaving LA on a Jet Plane. 

 

 

Margery in her stroller. She is getting so big.