Return from Sabbatical

Ok, so I didn't take an official "sabbatical" or anything like that; it just sounds better than coming back and saying AGAIN "hi. i'm back. oops." So I'm calling my preceding leave of absence a "sabbatical."  I didn't at all intend to stop blogging for a while - in fact, I was planning fun things to do the end of February when our family was smitten down with the flu. In fact, it felt like it lasted about 2 weeks; nothing new or interesting was happening, we were just trying to survive the massive congestion, the fevers and the wracking coughs. And - since we're all aware of the principle of inertia - when you stop blogging for two weeks, it takes a tremendous amount of energy and inspiration to begin again. Well, at least for me in does. Not much of an excuse, but there it is.

So, anyways.... there actually has been quite a line-up of interesting events that occurred here in the Wardell household while I was away. Aria's vocabulary has increased exponentially. She can pretty clearly communicate exactly what she wants now, as long as it's a food item, Elmo or a bath. And since those are the kinds of things that she asks for most frequently, we all have a pretty good grasp on her current "needs." She's also learned to express a desire to go outside to walk, to go to bed, to read a book and to "go!" It's been great actually being able to have mini conversations with her, and I really love this new phase of her communicative, adventurous little personality.

We have also been in the process of buying a home, which is beyond exciting for me. We are simply waiting on final paperwork approval, and we will be closing on our brand new condo. It really is perfect for us and had a perfect price tag. It also has that necessary third bedroom, which brings me to the last big thing that's been going on in our lives which is....

That Aria is going to be a big sister! :) We're all very excited about this addition to our little family, coming in October. Pretty much all of the male relatives (which really is the majority in our families) are hoping for a little boy addition, but I think we'll all be happy no matter what :)
Next month, I would like to do a polling contest of my readers both here on the blog and on Facebook for what you think we'll be having. I haven't decided a prize yet, but I'm sure it'll be wonderful :) I'll also be hosting a contest to see who can come up with the best solution to the blog name once the baby is born, since Aria will have to start sharing the attention, but that will be later in the year.

If any of you out there are still reading, I thank you. I know I'm probably the most inconsistent blogger on the planet, but hopefully things will start picking up around here again. After all, it is almost time to start potty training.... 

Aria's Facebook announcement about the coming baby :)