Today…

Outside my window: it’s basically pitch black as I’m writing this Sunday night. I know I normally “daybook” on Mondays, but it’s going to be a busy week and I thought I’d write this tonight instead. MM has story time at the library tomorrow morning which should be fun. January has been really slow up to now but I’ve got lots of activities planned during the week for awhile which should make the months a bit less blah.

This weekend : was a lot like last weekend. Errands were run on Saturday and today Dan took MM to the pool again while BB and I roamed the mall having our “girl time” together. MM made great progress at the pool today and actually swam a lap in the pool with no assistance from daddy (wearing a life vest) for the first time! I am so proud of him and hopeful that he’ll turn out to be quite the swimmer like his father.

We also: got the kids each one new toy today at Barnes and Noble. My grandmother sent some money for Christmas and I decided today that I wanted to get the kids each one really nice toy that I wouldn’t normally spend the money on – in an effort to create a quality over quantity play experience for the kids – we’re slowly getting there. I got MM a dump truck by Green Toys that I’ve had my eye on for a really long time. It’s $25 but made from recycled products and I have to say, removing the truck from the box was such an awesome moment – literally just open the box and take the truck out. No stupid plastic wires to cut or cardboard to remove – nothing. Easy. I wish all toys were like that. We got BB a Lamaze Doll toy that attaches to strollers, car seats, etc. with a link hook – she is absolutely smitten with it, which is even better.

Of course sometimes I wonder why we buy the kids toys when they are just as happy with the boxes they come in.

I am reading: Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery on my kindle right now and I’m really close to finishing it. I’ll probably finish before bed tonight in fact, according to the Kindle I’m 94% done.

You should check out these links:

• This doll suitcase at Hart + Sew is so adorable. I’d really like to make this for BB for her birthday this summer.
• I love Small Notebook’s idea of having a perpetual giveaway box (i.e. donation box) – definitely planning to implement this for future donations.
• This recipe for Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika at The Pioneer Woman looks so delicious – mouth watering good!
• And for dessert, how about these Giant Double Chocolate Cookies at Annie’s Eats?
• Dryer bumming you out? Check out these 5 tips for living life without a dryer at Ohdeedoh.
• Have you seen these Literary Legos (via Bookilicious)? I kind of want to get an assortment and get my bookish kid-at-heart geek on.

One last picture to share before I go: BB is a big Berenstain Bears fan (like the rest of the family) and loves to toddle around the apartment with a good book whenever the opportunity arises.