Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Final countdown

We made it to Paris and back without a hitch. I have to admit, it was harder to be a tourist this time. I was really tired! We took the metro more than we'd planned, took it easy the last few days, and had fun. The weather was beautiful, in the 70s and 80s. I rarely breaks 72 here in Ã…rhus, so that felt spectacular. It was a good last trip.

Now we're back in Denmark, and counting the days until the Big Move Home. I've shipped one large box home, and several more should follow. Post-docs don't get moving expenses, so I'm trying to sort through as much of our stuff as possible, and bring only what we really need. Old socks, underwear and t-shirts will be left behind!

Our plane tickets are for July 20. We should fly into Buffalo at midnight, and we'll be with my parents until August 1. Either that day or the first weekend of the month, we'll move to Rochester. We have an apartment by Locust Hill Golf Course. It's not where I wanted, or exactly what I wanted, but at least we'll have an apartment for the next year. We're currently hoping to aquire the PT Cruiser from my Aunt's estate (not what I'd chose, but the price is right), so we should have one pair of wheels for the both of us. It's enough to get started.

I'm anxiously waiting to get my Hunny back. She's still going strong, even on three legs. She has to take steroids every day, but if we can't be home for several days at a time we can give her an injection. She has had some problems with her teeth, so we've had to switch her to soft cat food some of the time, but she seems to be able to go back at forth. All the better for her. According to my parents, she's become quite the lap cat, and spends her days following my dad around or sleeping in the sun. I think she'll make the adjustment to life with us fine. Our new apartment will have a balcony for her to snooze on.

I'm a little more worried about John's cat. He's been living the farm life for three years, and is accustomed to going outisde. He can't do that where we'll be living, and he can't cry to go out, and he's a realy whiner. I'm hoping we can make this work.

Next week I have my first (and last) prenatal appointment in Denmark, and a sonongram scheduled at the hospital. We should know the gender then. I can't wait. John and I are sick of saying "she . . . or he" every time we refer to The Baby. I can't wait to find out.

Everyone enjoy a little sun for me! I certainly won't miss these cool Danish summers!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Wilber update

Hi all, just figured I would let you know what was happening here in Gananda. Well as you can see from the picture, Connor is thoroughly enjoying all the benefits of outdoor summer life. The dirt pile Matt had left back behind the garden has been completely leveled by the Tonka Bulldozer. What hasn't been spread beyond the pile has been washed down the drain in the nightly bath. He is all boy! He loves dirt, climbing, jumping and anything else reckless. Despite his strong will, he can be a real sweetheart and his eyes just melt your heart.


Lucas is almost as active. When his legs aren't moving, his lips are! He's very inquisitive and is always asking questions. I know its a good sign but sometimes, I'd love to hit 'pause' for about an hour. He enjoys riding his new bike he got for his birthday and playing baseball. I'm glad we got him a small pitching machine because I don't like to pitch to him anymore. He can really hit the ball and I've taken too many line drives to take the pitchers mound anymore. He still also likes his Preschool workbooks, and playing the drums and guitar.


Aidan is 6 months old now and still as happy as a clam. He's a real easy, content baby. With all the action around, he has plenty to keep his attention and he can nap right through the worst of it. He's almost sitting by himself; he could sit longer is he sat more still. He scoots all over the floor and even gets up on his hands and knees. He's a great kisser! He grabs your whole head and plants a great big slobbery, full mouth, tongue 'n all kiss right on your cheek. He's a sweetie and I think looks just like Matt did at that age.


Matt and I are doing well. The church softball league is on Tuesday nights and Matt is the resident 3rd baseman. I keep the scorebook and do the player stats. We bring our babysitter with us to entertain the older two and after the game, the boys get to run the bases and play a little game with daddy. It makes for a fun night for everyone. Life sometimes feels like a whirlwind but with some humor and patience, it can be a great ride! Peace to you and your families~

Monday, June 19, 2006

The Youth of Today


I didn't want to let all of June pass by without adding my little observations. I'm sitting next to Naty while he edits his latest video project.. a B'nai Mitzvah. Did I spell that right? The "B'nai" is for twins. Anyway, I wonder when these extreemly significant religious events turned into parties with rap music, provocativly dressed teenage girls and wacky games. I guess most weddings are about the same. What has become of the youth of today?

For Father's Day Nate installed an air conditioner upstairs. That thing puts out a lot of cool air! We also went to a light house and ate ice cream over looking Casco Bay. What fun! Jane was SO excited. Her eyes popped open when she saw the water. For about ten minutes she kept shouting "Ocean, Boat, Kite, Ice Cream, Baby, Dog!"