First Tailgate!

Our good friends, Kirsty and Bill, came into town this past weekend. It was also Michigan/Michigan State game weekend so tailgating was a must. Tailgating out here is a "different animal." Growing up on the west coast does not yield the same type of experience you get at the pre-game festivities out here. Especially for this game. It was a cold autumn day but not too cold. We were expecting rain but did not get any which was great. I was impressed by the effort and expertise of the overall group. There was a row of giant Madden style cruisers set up at the high school across from the stadium. Each one flying a flag for their team. They show up on Friday afternoon after school is out. That's commitment. Most people had grills and some type of backyard game going. The real pros had giant generators running any type of appliance that could be needed. We were at the golf course across from Michigan Stadium and there were more people that I expected. The stadium holds 105,000 or so and not everyone goes into the game. So this is a LARGE event. And everyone is friendly. Really friendly. I guess when you break open the coolers that early, most people are especially friendly by 2pm. Either way, it was an awesome atmosphere. Young or old, big or small, maize and blue or green and white, everyone was having a great time just being out for gameday in Ann Arbor. We got to see four F-18's gear up for the flyover of the stadium.

Jackson was a hit with everyone around us. The ladies love him and the guys think he's pretty studly. He desperately wanted to play football with the older kids nearby but he had to watch from a distance. Some day kiddo, some day. At least he was out on the grass running around, not afraid of anyone or anything. He is getting faster each day and was showing his moves. He has learned to kick really well so anything on the ground was getting the boot. Cans, footballs, wadded up napkins. The kid loves being outside and playing. This was definitely his scene.

As you can see, J had a fabulous time. He was definitely up for a nap that afternoon!

Sleep

I don't think I've ever appreciated sleep more than I do now. It's been almost a year and Jackson has slept through the night (meaning 10 hrs) a maximum of 50 times... and that's being generous. He doesn't wake up multiple times every night, but with teething and learning how to put himself back to sleep, I can easily say that it's been our greatest challenge so far as parents. We aren't complaining though because he does take naps and is such a great kid. So you'd think we would take naps when he does or go to sleep as soon as he does so we can get our sleep in right? Nope. As soon as he's down, we are eating dinner, catching up on tv, talking on the phone, emailing, exercising...the list goes on and on. So in honor of sleep - here's the sweetest picture...taken just the other morning when I walked into Jackson's room - they were still tired I guess :)

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!!