Mr. Potatohead as an Analogy

I'm not sure if I should admit this...people (aka Grandparents) may stop their gift giving...but I bought Alyse the very first toy I've ever bought her: Potatoheads!!! Before this point, all of the toys she has had been given to her as gifts. We have a nice little collection going on in her play corner of our apartment! She has been obsessed with her friend's Mr. Potatohead for awhile now, basically throwing a tantrum when we had to "share" it (even though it wasn't Alyse's toy to begin with!) or say good-bye to it. She can just sit for hours, well ok minutes, and put the little ears or nose or arms in and out of different holes. So, I broke down and got her Mr. P and then Mrs. P (because she needed to have the girl one!) and she just loves them! I'm not sure if it was just by accident or because Alyse is a genius and was using Mr. P as an analogy for how off I was feeling, but she created an anatomically messed up potatohead just as I was experiencing awful food poisoning symptoms :)


Yep, I couldn't have shown you better myself how I felt!

Besides dealing with some sickness (Alyse is actually really sick herself right now with a respiratory thing!

She fell asleep on Brandon today for almost 3 hours!), we made it through all of Brandon's traveling still smiling and having fun.

He was gone some of every week/weekend for over a month! Now, he's diving back into school (remember how he still has classes even though his focus has been on getting an internship?) and waiting to hear from these three companies he interviewed with. This week is the big week, though, so I will update you!!!

Alyse and I are still spending lots of time with our friends here, in playgroup, at music class, and just for afternoon get-togethers.

I've been working on a few crafty projects. I know, I know, those who know me are probably very surprised I said I was doing something crafty, but it's true. I guess that's what a Chicago winter, albeit a very mild one, can do to a person. I obtained a free bookcase from a friend

and then painted it yellow for Alyse's room (picture to come).
I also asked a friend who is really good at sewing to help me make some new pillowcases to spice up our living room decor. It's in process, and my friend is doing most of the sewing, but I am learning a lot.

Brandon and I are still plugging away in our Fitness Challenge (week #4 of 10 coming up) and feeling healthier for sure. We're drinking lots of water, not eating sweets more than once a day, taking vitamins, eating lots of produce, exercising, and not eating after 8pm. A lot of family and a few close friends are doing it with us too...let me know if you want the info so you can start the challenge...if you're up to it, that is :)