Happy Halloween!

As these holidays roll around, I can't help but think to a year ago and what Zoe was like way back then. It seems like such a long time ago. She's changed so much!


And, yes, blog-readers, there has been a noticeable lack in posts as of late. About to pick up as I catch up.

But first - the Austin Race for the Cure is Sunday. Friends and family have contributed over $600 this year, and I am so thankful to each and every one of you who has donated. A woman has a 12 percent risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, and the majority of women (90 to 95 percent) with breast cancer have no known significant family history or other known risk factors. This cancer really does affect a lot of people. This year Komen Austin is expecting 22,000 racers on race day, most of them raising funds for breast cancer research. 75% of the money raised stays in the Austin area, with 25% going to national efforts. Every dollar really does make a difference, and thank you all so much for helping me support this cause.

Post updates

There are several new posts below! Been a bit behind, but almost caught up. Also, I'll hopefully be putting a link in to the right for our Race for the Cure efforts this year. With everyone's help over the past 5 or so years we've contributed over $2500 to the efforts. Every $5 or $10 really does help. Thank you so much!

Solar Decathlon 2009

The Solar Decathlon is currently going on in Washington D.C. and Rice has a home there this year. One of these days I'd really like to make it out there during the event to see all of the home entries. Check out Inhabitat's Flickr set to view some great photos of all of the houses, as well as their article on Rice University's ZEROW house.

The fashionable woman wears clothes. The clothes don't wear her. - Mary Quant

Adventures at the Dinner Table

Food is a big deal these days in our house. Not necessarily because Zoe likes eating it, but more because we're trying to get her to eat it. Added to that, I'm trying to wean her as well, so we've been adding cow's milk to her diet. However, there seems to have been digestive issues so we have to go a bit more slowly. Though I like the quiet time with Zoe, oftentimes she's really not that peaceful when I'm nursing her - hands moving and slapping and poking, head whipping in another direction from the food source, or some occasional crying (because, honestly kid, the supply is just dwindling already!). These days she will sometimes sit still for a meal or a bottle, and prefers that water, and only water, be served out of her sippy cup. As you can see in the video, she oftentimes needs a toy during a meal. So goes it.

She does eat, even if it's while running through the house or sitting on the floor, and she will drink water, so at least she's getting something. She is just so much happier with a full stomach (much like myself), so we're still exploring ways to make that happen for our sake as well as hers ;)

(notice Lola picking up her own samples of dinner...)