Update

It's been awhile since I wrote...hmmm, where to start. I know we have been busy, but with what? We have been trying to enjoy the weekends while we have them together. Ian officially went down to one nap a day a couple of weeks ago and took his first official step on the 14th! Nap thing is going okay. I learned he was only taking one nap a day at daycare so I figured it was time to suck it up and let him have some fun;) It is a welcomed change. It gives us the mornings to relax, run errands and such. Casey has kept himself busy with home improvement projects. I am ever amazed by his handyman abilities! Most recently, we updated a bit of the outside of our home. Something simple, but packs a big punch - or at least it does in our case. We feel like we went from being "1900 Lincoln St" to "We are 1900 LINCOLN STREET!" But we love it. It fits us. Casey did an awesome job - even the landscape contractor gave him props. Next up - replace that hideous door.

The 15th was our 6th "date-a-versary". Corny, but should be recognized. It is, after all, where it all began. Plus, it gets me off the hook for Valentine's Day. Maggie was kind enough to come over and "hang" with Ian while he slept and we enjoyed a nice dinner at Sugarbeet (www.sugarbeetrestaurant.com). My in-laws enjoyed a nice dinner there in January and bought us a gift card. It was very nice. I would definitely recommend it if you are in town!

The biggest task at hand these days is the basement remodel. We have spent many hours putting together a design idea, changing said design idea, going back to original idea, etc. Okay - it hasn't been that bad. But it has been challenging since our paths rarely cross M-F during business hours. It is almost a PT job. We have quotes back from 3 contractors and are heading to the bank on Friday so they can tell us what we really can and cannot do. We are so excited though! It is going to create approximately 450 sq. ft. of extra living space. I am geared up to design a new space for us, as well as, a play area for Ian and future jedis. Confession: I have also been obsessing (slightly) over a new couch for downstairs. The furniture we have was purchased when Casey and I moved into our first place together. It is cozy and I like it, but I just want something different. Ian and I had a conversation about it - we are on the same page - now we just need to convince Daddy.

Not much else to say. We are a busy little family. Work, laugh, play. That's how we try to do it anyway. On deck - we are going snowboarding on Saturday. Finally! We have lived in CO for over 2 years and have yet to go. The first season we didn't have health insurance. Casey wasn't too happy about that decision, but he obliged. Last season I was pregnant and figured I should hold off on the Backside 180. Stay tuned!

It's My Party

...and I'll cry if I want to. Check out this little video of Ian with his first birthday cake. His Grandma Jane worked so hard making it just right for him, but he wasn't feelin' it. He is still the cutest thing I have ever seen though. Later he realized sugar was his friend and dove right into the cupcake. Maybe he just likes chocolate better - that's my boy!

Birthday Madness

Good stuff in the Andrews household these days. I hit the big 33 (as Casey so lovingly refers to it, "my middle early 30's") and Ian turned 1. We had a house full of family and it was wonderful. I am not sure where to start - please forgive me as I ramble on...

Work has been intense. I told myself last November that it would be crazy, but that I would survive and by February all would be better. Wrong. It has consumed me at this point - long hours at the office, only to bring more work home and try to catch up after putting Ian to bed. Ugh. It will end soon. It has to. Needless to say, I was very much looking forward to the days I took off from work to enjoy my birthday and Ian's.

I spent my birthday alone. For the most part. But that is exactly what I wanted. My original plan was to hit the spa, but I never found time to make an appointment. Odd how that works. Anyway, I enjoyed a day to myself doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, however I wanted. I woke up to Ian and Casey bringing me a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a gift card to Target tucked in the card. Score! Casey told me that my "real" birthday gift was arriving on Friday. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!

I relaxed until it was time to pick up Ian. His Grandpa Conkright and GE arrived that day, so they came over in the evening to hang out. It was nice to visit with them. We really wanted Ian to show off his mad skills in the cruising/walking department, but he wasn't havin' it. He must have known he would have plenty of time to show off later.

Thursday was spent trying to get the house cleaned and running final errands for Ian's party on Saturday. Casey's parents arrived Thursday afternoon, while Mom & Bob followed later that evening. It was so great to have everyone here to celebrate with us! On Friday, Ian woke up to his corny parents singing "Happy Birthday" to him. He must have liked it, evidenced by his boppin' up and down with all smiles. It was too cute. Then it was time for me to leave the house so my birthday present could arrive. I wasted a couple of hours and Casey called to tell me I could come home, but I wasn't allowed in the garage or lower level of the house. The sound of power tools haunted me, but soon enough I would learn my surprise. Casey, with the help of all the important guys in my life, built me a fabulous countertop/shelving unit in my craft room. It is amazing! I would have included a picture, but I haven't had the time this week to organize. I will post one later - once I have the chance to pick up a bit - let's say, 6 months or so? Ha!

That night we all went out to dinner. It was good stuff and Ian loved entertaining us all. If he only knew we were all there just for him! He is such a ham. I do hope that stays with him throughout life. We returned to the house so Ian could open a few presents before bedtime. He seemed more interested in opening them this time around.

Saturday was busy, but I put my delegating hat on and went to work - supervising all my little worker bees. Mom finished the cupcakes, Dad & Gina cleaned house, Casey and the others finished the craft room - everyone pitched in wherever they could to make it a great party. I was in the kitchen most of the time. I made salsa and Vanilla Cake Batter ice cream. Heavenly indeed! Everyone was asking for the recipes, so here you be. Enjoy!

Black Bean Salsa

Black Beans (2 cans, rinsed)

Corn (10 oz. frozen)

Avocado (2)

Jalapeno (1)

Fresh Tomatoes, diced (3 medium)

Cilantro (1 bunch)

Red Onion (1 large)

Green Onion (1 bunch)

Adobo Seasoning (Penzey's, but any Mexican spice combo will work)

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Vinegar (few splashes)

Combine all ingredients, adding avocado last. Stir, let sit overnight for best results.

Vanilla Cake Batter Ice Cream

(compliments of Midwest Living - can I get an Amen?)

2 C. Half and Half, light cream or whole milk

1 pkg. white cake mix

1/2 C. sugar

2 C. whipping cream

1 T. vanilla

Combine half and half, cake mix and sugar. Gently heat and stir until mixture just bubbles. Pour into large bowl and whisk briskly. Cover and cool for 1 hour. Stir in whipping cream and vanilla. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Pour into ice cream maker and follow instructions for your specific model. Prepare for absolute goodness!!

Ian's party started at 1 PM. We had a houseful of friends and family. Ian was napping when everyone arrived so he woke up to a party in progress. Again, no idea he was the guest of honor:) We let him warm up to everyone and then broke out the cake. Not the reaction I was hoping for, but that is okay. There is always next year! Ugh - I have been trying for some time to get the video loaded and it just isn't working for me tonight. Maybe I will try again tomorrow...

We spent the remainder of our weekend relaxing with family. Ian enjoyed his new toys. Thanks to everyone that joined us that day and helped make it extra special. I plan on collecting all the good photos from everyone and making him a book about his first birthday. With my snazzy new craft space, I should have no excuses. Right?

Ian went to the dr. on Monday for his one year check-up. All is good per the dr. Although I think he would like Ian to gain a couple more pounds. We think he is fine - he has the rest of his life to overeat and pack on the pounds. He weighs 18 lb. 9 oz. and is 28.5 inches long. A growing boy! The downer of the day - shots. There had been a shortage of vaccines the last time he was at the dr. so he was unable to get a couple then. He had to play catch up with this visit. The dr. told us he needed 8 shots between now and 18 months. We decided it was better to do 4 with this visit since he is only going to grow more cogniscent of them. We were right - as soon as the nurses walked in he started to cry. He knew what was up. Broke my little heart. But a little Motrin and he was back in the game a couple of hours later. No sweat.

Casey met us at the dr's office and informed me that he had injured his back. He could barely move. He returned to work and tried to keep working, but the injury was too bad. He saw a dr. on Monday who prescribed meds and sent him home to rest. He was out of commission all last week, but is feeling better now and was able to return to work today. Whew. I am just glad he is okay and it was just a severely sprained muscle. It is amazing what we take for granted. I think it was hard on him to be off from work. He hasn't worked for a couple of weeks and I could tell he was starting to get stir crazy.

That is about it for the Andrews clan. It has been pretty chaotic, so our goal was relaxation this past weekend. Ran a few errands, but mainly focused on lounging around. We enjoyed a Super Bowl party at Maggie, Amy & Sara's yesterday. I will never turn down a chance to eat yummy football food! I put a few of my favorite pictures from January in an album for y'all to enjoy. Happy February!

January 2009