Pumpkin Patch

C and I have been out and about exploring our neighborhood and the surrounding areas. We went to a play place on Friday with a new friend and her two kiddos. Of course I forgot my camera so I have no photos to show for it. But I can tell you that C had the best time. She took an art class in the morning where they painted with apples. Then she moved on to the open play where there was all sorts of fun things to do. She walked the balance beams, rode on a little car track, and jumped on the trampolines. She also liked playing with the soft squishy shapes in the pit area.

Today we ventured out to a pumpkin patch. C sang a little song the whole way out that she made up about the pumpkin patch. Don't ask me what the lyrics were, all I know is that every once and a while she shouted out, "pumpkin patch, yeah!" I don't think she even knew what a pumpkin patch was until we got there.

She had fun picking out the little pumpkins and gourds. She was a bit more timid when it came to the bigger ones. Although she did say she really liked the one mommy picked out. However, she would have preferred to take home the gigantic one with bumps all over it. I tried to tell her that mommy couldn't possibly carry it. She seemed to understand and gave up trying.

After the hayride and pumpkin picking, C got her face painted, played on a tractor, and then we sat down for some lunch. Our new friends from the play place happened to be there too. We were able to say a quick hello before it was time for us to head home. I must say it was nice to have someone shout out my name in a crowd of strangers. It helps cut out a bit of the loneliness.

Here is a shot of our loot from the day. We will wait until tomorrow to clean out the pumpkin, make baked seeds to eat and do any carving so M can join in on the fun.

New House...Together At Long Last

Thanks for all the wonderful well wishes, text messages and emails. We had a lovely send off party on September 12th and set off on our journey on the 14th. We stopped one night in Indianapolis to break up the road trip and spend some time with S’s cousins. It was so nice to meet the twins (now 7 months old—I can’t believe it), see the girls and visit with Cousin Andy and Amy.

The next day we drove to Atlanta and camped out in our new house. Thursday M’s parents arrived as did the painters, washing machine installer, and Comcast technician. Friday our truck came with our household belongings. It took them about 6 hours to unload (without taking any breaks!!)—very hard workers. We were quite impressed.

The next two days we worked hard unpacking all the boxes, breaking them down and bundling up all the paper. By Sunday afternoon we managed to set up the entire main level including the kitchen, dining room and curio cabinet, and the family room. M and his dad hung our large African drumming painting over the sofa which makes the room feel so much like home.

M and S even managed to sneak away for a few hours to have dinner and celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary on Saturday night. What a present…new house, new baby, new city.

We had to say goodbye to our amazing helpers, Hugo and Renee, Sunday evening. Then M set off for California on Monday the 20th (his birthday). So for a little while longer it is just the girls hanging out in the new house, finishing setting up the bedrooms and organizing the clothes in the closets upstairs.

Deciding to take a break and take advantage of the cooler morning air, C and S took a walk to check out the aquatic center and library on Tuesday. They even got a library card, checked out some books and managed to make it to story time for toddlers.

Everyone seems so nice in our new neighborhood. We’ve already met four families in our cul-de-sac, got some of their contact information and helpful tips for living and getting around in this area.

Here are a few photos for you to browse through. We ended up getting a new car for C so she would have something fun to play with at the new house. She loved it so much we couldn't tear her away.

A Glimpse of The Baby

Today we had our Level II ultrasound. At this appointment they check out the baby to make sure everything is developing as it should. They spend time measuring things like the arms, legs, head, and stomach. They check for proper blood flow from mom to baby and within the baby's system as well. They look at the brain, the heart, and the spine amongst other things. They can also tell, at this half way point in the pregnancy, what the gender is. It was very clear to all of us looking at the screen that we are having a baby boy. The doctor said, "Well there you have it. You can bet the bank on this one."

He also said that the baby looks really good. That he has a "beautiful brain" and "excellent heart." Phew. That's a relief.

Now we just need to keep up a healthy pregnancy and pick out a name. Any suggestions? I already got one from my dad... "Richard John." Any others?

Here is a profile shot of the little guy.

And here he is giving the peace sign--already showing a bit of personality.