The reason, in case you’re wondering about why I’m not writing much, is two-fold. Things have been a little hectic lately Chez Nous, what with Amelia teething and approaching the Walking Milestone and thus not sleeping well. Then we’ve been busy with other things that do not merit airing on the interwebs, per se.

The other side of the reason is that in the few moments I have to myself, lately, I’ve wanted to just do whatever I wanted… rather than to update the blog, which can feel very much like a duty at times. (I said “duty.”)

Of the many things – almost every thing – in my life that has changed since Amelia came into my life, lately I am missing my volition the most. I don’t begrudge Amelia her place in the center of my universe (well, 98% of the time I don’t), but I really, really miss being able to just read or cook or chill or watch a DVD without having to coordinate with Tom and “manage.” As parents, Tom and I have to work in offices but are very committed to spending all the time with Amelia that we can, which leaves us both feeling like we have Not One Moment To Ourselves. This is not news to any parent reading this, I’m sure – I don’t mean to whine, really. It’s just I never thought I would struggle so with my lack of freedom.

Anyhoo, this causes me to rebel against the blog on occasion when I feel particularly suffocated with duty. If it makes you feel any better, the Wine Scamp doesn’t even get excuse posts anymore.

Photos for you, as a palliative. Ciao.

At Hoyt Arboretum, practicing Amelia's over-the-shoulder look