All She Needs...

Just wanted to share the newest addition to the Ziegler gang. She was the kids' Christmas present, and she seems to be settling in quite comfortably. She's adorable, kind of a nut, and the kids especially love taking her out to pee at three a.m.! So, all she needs now is a name...we're thinking we need a good German name, as she is a daschund puppy. Olga doesn't quite fit, so if you have any other ideas, send them our way, please (go ahead and write a name suggestion in the comment, folks...we need help)!

Baby, Baby!

Wendy, Daryl and baby Jacob came to visit snowy Buffalo this week! We loved seeing our nephew...he's changed so much in the past four months. We were surprised to see how animated he was, and how he recognized his name! We all stayed at the apartment, and had one big slumber party. Jacob found a new friend as well: his cousin Oliver (our kitty). Oliver was terrified at first, having never seen such a mini-person...and Jacob's squeals and kicking legs scared the wits out of Oliver, but I think they ended up buds after all. We loved having Wendy and Daryl over...and it gave us a cause to have some nice wine, play a few games, and explore the blustery city of Buffalo a bit more. Thanks, guys for making the trip! It really meant a lot to us. We LOVED having you...
Other news: James and I are almost finished with our semesters (Hallelujah!), and desperately looking forward to coming home to NJ for Christmas! It's been almost four months since we've been back. We can't wait for the Ziegler Christmas party (who's bringing a stocking for stocking face?) and getting together with the Van Wycks in front of the cozy fireplace...it's such a joy to be with family for the holidays.

Sunday Walk

Last Sunday, before the snow, James and I indulged in a long, brisk walk around our neighborhood. The air was clean and smelled of leaves and fireplaces. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! We spent quite a while exploring our favorite cathedral (I like to pretend we live in a village in the middle ages)...