... Daniel sat and played by himself for at least 30 minutes. This is a victory in my book and I'm entirely grateful about it. I don't expect it to happen again :) 

... I received two packages (of things that I ordered). A huge treat. Especially because they contained the organic, raw cacao powder that I ordered. I'm psyched. 

... is a weird work day for the carpenter. Well a weird work month actually. He was in by 8:30 am and home by 1 pm and will head back to work around 6 pm until who knows. This is what happens when you get a job doing renovations at a restaurant. It will be an interesting month. I'm proud of him for landing the gig! 

... the dogs decided that Daniel's toy basket is their personal toy basket. Oy vey. Now what do I do? 

... I made homemade hot chocolate with the above mentioned cacao and almond milk, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. It was ok. I definitely need to tweak the recipe a bit. 

... Daniel's naps have been funky. Well, this isn't a today thing--it's been going on for about a week now. I'm not sure what is going on. As long as he continues to sleep at night though, I'm not going to worry about it! 

Delightful.

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. 

It's that time of year again. My favorite time of the year.

The weather turns cold and blustery. Winds whip, precipitation-of all sorts-happens, and it generally becomes beautifully gross outside. 

I love it. 

I think this year is going to be extra special and I will probably remember it forever. I'm already cherishing it. This is the first year that I will have a baby to share this extra-special time of the year with. I'm excited. I can't wait to teach Daniel how hibernate during these next few months. I hope he grows up to love this time of the year as much as I do. 

This is the time for some serious rejuvenation to happen. While the world hides away for awhile, we will be doing the same in a figurative sense. It is the time for deep contemplation--challenging the body, mind, and soul. It's time for rest. It's time for a bit of a break. To me, winter is an opportunity. I look at it as a blessing to take a break from the hustle and bustle of spring, summer, and fall. Only winter can bring about this type of peace and quiet that we all need. 

I'm hoping that there is a lot of snuggles, reading, tea-drinking, blankets, movies, playing, baking, and crocheting to be had. I'm going to try to make a point of enjoying winter with a baby--there are so many fun opportunities to be had during this time in our lives. This is all so new and exciting and I'm ready to jump right in. 

I think I will make it a point to stay at home as often as possible. Not only because going out with a baby and doing errands in the snow sounds horrible, but because it just seems right to do so. Winter is for being home. Spring, summer, and fall are for being out and about.

I'm sure there will be many adventures out into the winter wonderland, but whenever possible, I want to full embrace the comfort and nest-y feel that seems to envelope our home during these next few months. I'm telling you people. It is magical. 

Now to find a cozy fireplace...

The Day After/Before

It's the day after Thanksgiving. 

We have so much to be thankful for. 

I will always remember our time spent with unofficial family (love you all!). I will remember delicious food, a rambunctious dog, and a lazy morning spent with my husband. 

But it's the day after Thanksgiving, where chaos ensues in the stores, 

and everything goes back to normal at home. 

Leftovers are to be had--which are, sometimes, even better the second time around. 

I am enjoying my morning view. 

With one lonely light on and a warm cup of coffee, 

I am reflecting on all I have to be thankful for and thinking ahead to preparations for Christmas.

I am also excitedly anticipating the storm that is brewing. 

Our town is under a lake effect snow advisory. 

Heck yes. 

This morning is the calm before the storm. 

Figuratively (Christmas chaos) and literally (lake effect).

Either way, I'm going to grab more coffee, 

a good book (hello Inheritance series, it's so nice to finally meet you), 

and enjoy the fact that my husband is sleeping in. 

I'm enjoying this bit of calm. Are you?