New Year Reflections

Whew, the kids are asleep and there is too much snow outside to do much of anything, so I can finally catch up with a blog post. (Can I get a what-what from all the parents out there!)

Anyway, as you may well know, or are about to find out, we’ve successfully relocated to Springfield, MO as D has begun a new chapter in her professional career. She’s completed her first semester in her new role and was fortunate to work with many wonderful people who have made her transition smooth. Though busy figuring out the nuances of her new position as well as instructing a methods course for pre-professional English teachers, she managed to find time to explore our new area and introduce E and G to new parks and recreational activities.

I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be home with E and G full-time. Though my schooling did not fully prepare me for the rigors of being a “household engineer” (my attempt to be cunning when people ask what I do for employment) both E and G are doing well (physically at least). I am looking forward to teaching two courses in kinesiology starting this coming spring, and have enjoyed getting out and about with D and/or the kids to discover new intricacies of Springfield.

E will be two at the beginning of February and seems at times to be going on 13. She certainly has developed her independent spirit and loves exploring new things and trying to accomplish more and more tasks on her own. Though her verbal communication has not begun to flourish as of yet, she has an array of signs which she uses to let us know exactly what she is thinking… or more likely, wanting. She continues to be a healthy one year-old and will be visiting her new pediatric cardiologist toward the end of January for her annual check-up.

E loves playing the piano and insists on having the music visible. She likes to listen to Mommy play, but is much more eager to "gently" touch the keys herself. As much as we enjoy her tunes, we're waiting to tune the piano until she's a bit more proficient. (Sept. 15)

One of her other favorite pastimes is stirring in the kitchen, especially waffle mix. (Sept. 15)

Why we spent the money on a house is beyond E. Cardboard boxes are so much more utilitarian--and fun! (Oct. 15)

Mommy spends a lot of time on her computer and so too does E. (If only she could grade papers as well!) (Oct. 15)

(Halloween 15)

G has begun to explore his continually developing muscles as he crawls everywhere and pulls himself up onto anything that does not immediately scoot away from him. He’s nine months old now and is already trying to eat us out of house and home (we are pretty sure eating is his favorite pastime). We, in one short year, forgot how ridiculously fast children develop at this age and enjoy trying to keep up with his changing needs and watching his progressions. He loves to laugh and very much enjoys having a big sister to follow around.

E makes G laugh often, especially when she tickles his belly. (Aug. 15)

Our diner, extraordinaire. (Sept. 15)

Our Green Bay Packer Backer (American Footballer, for our international friends) (Oct. 15)

(Halloween 15)

We felt fortunate to be able to spend some time visiting with friends and family in WI during the holidays, and would love to hear from or even see you as we begin 2016. Branson, home to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, is only a short 30-minute drive from us, so if you are planning your spring break and will have time for us, stop on by y'all.