Wondering where it all went--

In the past few weeks, Ethan has gone from inchworming around to crawling to pulling himself up one everything and scooting around. He hates to be fed and insists on feeding himself. He had pizza and fruit for lunch; last night for dinner, he ate bites of chicken, sweet potatoes and peas. He's been a bit grumpy lately but I think that's mostly due to teething. He's not a baby anymore; he's almost a toddler. Again, let me reiterate that it happens too fast.

I'm also wondering where the year went. We did get the addition finished, but we never cleaned up the backyard. We never built the bookshelves or finished the painting touch-ups. We haven't decorated the new bedrooms with any artwork at all. And now we need to have the washer fixed, take care of the Subaru and move our stuff out of storage (speaking of storage, we never put a shed in the backyard). And then there's my own personal list-- I haven't lost the rest of the baby weight; I haven't completed the paperwork for my recertification; I haven't done the application to transfer my master's from a focus in Liberal Studies to Children's Lit. I need another good month or two in 2008 to get it all done (and a few thousand dollars).

I'm wondering where my old life went. I am thankful for such a happy and healthy baby boy, but some of my relationships and friendships have changed so dramatically. I guess I should have expected as much, but I was hopeful it wouldn't be that way. There are some people that can't, or don't want, to deal with the way I've had to make plans. Usually, I need notice to schedule a sitter and I was only getting at-the-moment invites. Now, from some friends, I don't get invitations at all. I've learned that friendships can take much more effort after a baby. I have also found that they can be that much more rewarding.

So here's a toast to 2008, in case I don't make it back to blog before it's gone. And here's another toast to all of the goodness 2009 will bring-- first birthdays, 29th birthdays (4th and 39th birthdays, too!), to working on bettering myself and to supporting those I love in their endeavors.

Cupcakery

So I'm sort of up-and-running! Well, at least in the sense that there's a blogspot now for PBandK Cupcakery:
www.pbandkcupcakery.blogspot.com

I'm baking tomorrow for my little bro's 15th bday and maybe for a friend's bridal shower this spring. One of my coworkers who used to do wedding cakes and catering back in the day is joining up with me and she'll be doing wedding/event cakes and teaching me the ropes. We also have connections with a floral designer and a photographer, so we could sort of be a one-stop shop! Please pass the word on!

Six Work Days Left

Only six days until our winter break and I'm hoping to make it. I'm teaching the Phantom Tollbooth right now, which I love, and I'm using google.docs in a way that I hope is interesting and effective for my students, but it doesn't matter, really. Everyone is all keyed up and just counting down the days until we're out. December has flown by. But who I am kidding? This whole year has flown by.
If only the next two weeks will follow suit, I'll be work free for two weeks and ready to enjoy Christmas here with my family and a trip to Kansas to see J's family!

Dough (or batter, as the case may be).

We are hard up in this economic crunch and so, I am looking to make some more dough. I've always wanted to have my own bakery/cafe-ish and with the help of a friend who used to own her own catering business, I'm attempting to do some small scale baking. I need to get my name out and do some baking-- anyone need cupcakes for an upcoming party or birthday? My buttercream is delish!

In boyz updates, Ethan is officially crawling. For real, hands and knees crawling (like he wasn't fast enough). He's also pulling himself up to standing and you can see the idea of letting go pass across his face. Oh, and did I mention that he's signed and said "Dada," and is regularly signing "milk" when he wants to nurse? Good grief. It's all come at once and it doesn't show any signs of stopping.

Jason has his first gig in months this Friday. He's a little nervous but I think excited too to be getting back in limelight.

We're close to our trip to Kansas, just three weeks. Halsey cannot wait to fly on an airplane. Jason can't wait to spend uninteruppted days with his family. It really is flatter than a pancake out there, but I adore his family and it will be nice to spend some time with them and let them get to know Ethan.

Hit me up if you need some cupcakes. :)