hello 2013.

After an unintentional extra extra long holiday break from the blog, 

happy one week into 2013!

We spent Christmas in Trinidad.  Yes, we are one of those lucky people who "going home for the holidays" means sunny, warm (or sweltering hot), and beaches.

We hung out at home for 95% of the time.

I got bitten by mosquitos about 40 times (which was not as many as previous times).

I tried to eat my body weight in pasteles.
I also ate way too much ice cream.

We didn't get to see our friends nearly enough times (sorry friends).

But we got to enjoy so much quality time with the family, and Bean thrived on the "liveliness" (4 dogs, cousins, lots of visitors, and lots of family).  2 weeks was hardly long enough.

It's a tough adjustment, coming back to our little family of three... and the cold.

So to overcompensate, please enjoy a copious amount of photographs from our time down south.

holly jolly.

Our big little girl (as confirmed by the paediatrician once again at her 6 month visit), sitting on top of her very big gift, beside out little tree.

More interested in Santa though.

Happy weekend! 

Hope you're done your holiday shopping.  The mall is a scary place right now...

We finished our Christmas shopping in an extremely timely fashion this year. 

(thank you internet)

Since becoming a parent, tragedies involving children have become infinitely more emotional. 

Tonight, I am indescribably thankful as we hug our healthy happy girl extra tightly, and put her 

safely to sleep in her bed.

My thoughts are with the community of Newtown CT.

"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.  We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear"

~Nelson Mandela~