superfluous photos and thoughts

happy...

...to sad in an instant.

on my mind:

• The babes are 2 months old. I can hardly believe it.
• Not identical {obviously} as once thought by drs and ultrasound techs.
• Kids are having fun getting them to smile.
• Weight check: Hank - 10 lbs 4 oz. George - 9 lbs 11 oz - both plumping up nicely.
• They are really very good babies, but they toggle back and forth between happy and sad effortlessly.
• Last week we were so excited when they slept 8 and 9 hours, 2 nights in a row. They were just teasing though. Sleeping IS getting better everyday {she says with hope}.
• I am LOVING playing with my new camera. I have much to learn.
• {Regarding lost photos} Do you know how much data recovery costs? You don't want to know. I don't want to know either. Except I DO know and I am sick. How do you NOT pay to get your life in photos back? 6 years worth.
• Finally got a new vacuum with Christmas money from parents. Hoover bagged Windtunnel. Love it! It got super reviews from Consumer Reports. Better than the Dyson. Sorry Dyson fans. I'm sure it's a good vacuum too. Thanks for all your advice {a year ago}. My mom and sister think I'm crazy for spending one ounce of energy/thought on buying a new vacuum. Probably Mark too, but he supports me anyway.
• Thinking about a trip to St. Kitts in a year or so?
• My crossed-over leg is asleep with George on it. It's either that, or type with one hand, which is what I usually do, and it is so very slow.

decisions and a new rug

Thank you all for your most poignant thoughts on vacuums. I am impressed with the devotion given to a cleaning device. And I say that without sarcasm. Mark has even been reading your comments, which says a lot. We haven't decided at all, but I can assure you I will inform you of our decision. Thanks for guiding us through the world of vacuums.

We just purchased this rug (thanks mom for helping roll it out and arrange furniture), on sale from PB. Just more motivation to get a new vacuum.

suction please

I wish my vacuum sucked. It doesn't. (and yet it does.)

Pine needles need serious sucking power. I discovered at Christmas that our 10 year old Hoover just doesn't cut it anymore. So we decided we should invest in a new vacuum. Knowing how long it takes me to make a decision on big purchases, I have decided to enlist your help, if you are so willing. (Please.) What kind of vacuum do you use? Do you love it? Is the Dyson as good as it looks? Is a bagless easy to clean out? What about the Oreck? How much should I pay for a decent vacuum?

Important factors:

1. not too heavy
2. easy to maneuver (for me and the kids)
3. strong suction
4. ease of using attachments
5. bag or bagless?

I have a specific childhood memory of going with my parents to a large Fred Meyer-ey type store. We (mom and dad and 4 kids) walked in, pushed a few vacuums around, and walked out with a very nice upright model. Kind of easy, as I recall. It seems so much harder now. HELP.