High Five Daddy!

As the picture illustrates, we have successfully taught J to "high five" - it's so fun. This past week we've heard a few words too - "blue", "bug", and "moo." But the most exciting news we have to share is that Daddy got a job!!!! High Five!!!! It's amazing that he was offered a job so quickly - we haven't even been on the ground for a month. We were a bit worried considering the state of the economy...especially here in Michigan. But, I knew as he got an interview he'd knock their socks off. Congratulations D!!!

We're walking, we're walking, we're walking...STOP.

Here's a quick video of the monkey showing off his new found skills. At just prior to ten months (lucky us) the little man decided to scrap the crawling...it's for babies. As you can see he is still mastering his form but he's up and moving. These were literally his first few steps. Every day gets a little smoother and faster. It's so much fun watching him wobble around though. It's kind of like watching somebody get up on water skis for the first time - you're always just one second away from the off-balance crash.

Whew...

I think this picture sums up how all three of us are feeling right now - exhausted! But the great news is that we made it. We're here in Ann Arbor getting settled in after much traveling. The monkey and I got here last Monday after a pretty long day. I'm sure most would think I got the easy option - flying vs. driving. But I would challenge that a bit. Maybe if J wasn't mobile, or screaming, and was a little bundle that slept like he used to be...yes...it would have been pretty easy. BUT that was not the case at all. At one point the flight attendent actually offered to re-seat the person sitting next to me because J was screaming so loud. He was banging on the plane, throwing up all over me, trying to grab the man's hair in front of us, throwing his toys at the lady behind us and just being loud. He didn't want to sit, play, eat or sleep. Just scream. We had a layover in Chicago and they didn't bring the stroller up for 25 minutes - that was fun. I had a roller carry-on, the breast pump, a backpack, the car seat, and oh yeah...an 18lb squirmy baby. Good thing he's so cute!!! In all honestly, it could have been waaaaaaay worse, but it was a pretty long day. D and my Dad had a pretty good drive...no drama to report - just a long drive through Nevada, the beautiful Salt Flats in Utah, a LoooooooooG drive through Wyoming and Nebraska, then the final leg through the Midwest to Michigan. A HUGE thank you goes out to Drew, Mike and my Dad for helping us move out of the apartment in CA and another HUGE thank you to Steve and my Dad, Mom, Linz and Jason for helping us move into the condo in MI. We really couldn't have done it without you guys.
So we are getting back into a schedule of sorts here. The first week the monkey had a little jet lag but it wasn't bad. He just stayed up an hour or so later than the usual 8pm bedtime - and took a few really long naps. Other than that he's been doing great. We've been walking/exploring every morning and trying not to get bogged down by the huge task of unpacking. We've had a great time this first week here and are anxious to get out and explore some more.
The big news is...the monkey is walking!!!!!!!!!! He took a few little steps yesterday but we thought it was just luck. Today though there was no mistaking. He took 8 or 9 steps in a row in the middle of the room chasing after a balloon from Trader Joes. I took some video and hope to get it online in the next couple of days - still need to unpack the cables.
Sending love and hugs to all...D, H and J

On the move...

Hi! We are busy packing and enjoying our last few days in good ol California. We are in that bittersweet stage...our hearts are aching as we say goodbye to so many wonderful parts of our life here, but we are also excited to get the move behind us and explore Ann Arbor. We leave on Monday - I am flying with the monkey, and D is driving the semi with my Dad. Our internet access is going away today though so this will be the last post until next week. Send us all your good moving prayers and keep in touch via phone. Hugs from all of us!

Laughs

The monkey's favorite bedtime story is 1,2,3 Count with Elmo and Me. Ernie and Elmo are throughout the book introducing various animals - the favorite in our house being the Six Golden Lions. J loves those lions. When we pulled the Ernie and Elmo stuffed toys out of storage he recognized them immediately and absolutely loves them. Here's a great video - lots of J's signature addictive laugh. He's so much fun!!

Names

Really? Nimrod?

Me and my two front teeth

Greetings - Here's the adorable J, showing off his cute teeth! Man those puppies were worth the pain and suffering! Now he can eat all types of fun stuff....graham crackers being the overall favorite.

I sincerely hope you all are enjoying some free time and relaxation while we are not. It is absolute chaos here. Every time we move I swear it's going to be the last for awhile. Five moves in five years is no fun! Last year pregnant was really tough, but it's even harder to pack with a the monkey around. It seems like as soon as you get in the packing groove (meaning he's entertaining himself and you are done washing dishes, eating, etc.) he needs to eat, or take a nap, or just play with whatever you are trying to pack. So we've been trying to get work done in the evening after bedtime but the darn Olympics are on!!! It's way more fun to cheer Michael Phelps and the rest of the USA athletes on...and even more fun complaining about how young the Chinese 16 yr old (yeah right) gymnasts look! Our move is planned for the 25th of this month so postings will likely be scarce. I'll try to get a video on here though so you can see the little guy in action. Sending love - please send us some sanity back! xoxo