Midwest Heat

Well, I made here to good ol' Michigan. Isabelle and I left on Wednesday evening on a non stop flight and made it in record time. The plane actually left a few minutes early and we landed about 20 minutes early. Isabelle did great on the plane! I was able to snag a seat with no one sitting next to me and that helped out a lot. The man who was sitting in the same row and us was also very nice and understanding. There were two ladies behind us who just ate up Isabelle and all of the cute things she does. They played peak a boo with her and even held here while I went to the bathroom. I couldn't have asked for a better flight.

Laura was still up when we got to the house. We had a snack and then we all went to bed, since was nearly 4 am (with the time change and all). She showed us our new room that they have been working on for months now and it is beautiful. It doesn't even look like the same room. They did a great job. It feels like my own little space which is nice seeing as how I am going to be here for a little while.

I forgot how humid it gets here in the mid west. I feel like I need to take a shower all the time. It doesn't help to have a baby who wants to be held half the time either. I think we are going to set up the little pool that Dan got her tomorrow so hopefully that will help a little. Matthew is so excited to have Isabelle here. They played ball tonight and they both had a blast. I didn't get any pictures of it but she was clapping and having a gay ol' time.

I miss Josh. I know he is only a few more days behind me but still I wish he was here. Especially, since it still kinda feels like this is his family. Things are better between us all but I still have that feeling. So far I have only gotten one "slap on the wrist" from Laura about my parenting skills. I guess it could be worse. I just need to let it roll off my back but it still stings a little. I don't have a mom and in some ways I look to her for encouragement not criticism.

Well, I should get to bed. I am still trying to get Isabelle back on schedule. With the 3 hour time difference it has taken a few days. She had a bit of a rough night so hopefully tonight will be better.

3 Days and Counting

There are only a few more days before we start our big move across the country. Isabelle and I leave on Wednesday and Josh will follow out on Sunday. I have spent the better part of today getting things in order for the packers, who come on Tuesday. Even though I have repeatedly stated how much I dislike this place, it has had its fair share of unforgettable memories. This is where we brought our baby girl home from the hospital and this is where she learned to be the big girl that she is today. There isn't much here that I will miss (our neighbors and the farmers market come to mind) but I will always look back and remember the fun times we spent here as a family. Granted, I will also look back and remember that ... Josh wrecked the Jag, the car accident on I-5 that totaled the Mitsubishi, the time Armond and Rachel had to take Isabelle and I to the ER because I cut my hand, and of course all of the dark gloomy depressing rainy days. But I'm not complaining ... much. :)

I sold Isabelle's changing table (for a profit I might add) and it was kinda sad. Josh made fun of me of course but it was like losing part of her childhood ... or something like that. Josh keeps telling me I am corny but oh well.

Josh is currently counting all the DVDs, CDs, games and what-nots while I sit here typing and of course it is making me feel bad for not helping. Even though I have spent pretty much all day working on stuff. Why does that happen? Maybe its only me. Oh well. Only 3 more nights here!

Hiding Places

Just like any child her age, and beyond, Isabelle gets herself into some funny places. Yesterday while doing chores she was crawling about all over the house. Once Josh found her under the kitchen table, I found her in one of our bedroom closets taking things out of a Rubbermaid and one time I turned around to find her brushing her teeth with Josh's toothbrush. I didn't feel bad for him since he had left it in the living room after unpacking from a trip. I think Riley is starting to see the benefits of having her around. I was watching tv today and noticed Riley stand up and stand right next to Isabelle. Curious, I leaned over and starting laughing. Isabelle had found the bin that we keep Riley's treats in and had opened it. Being the helper baby that she is she then gave Riley a treat. I guess that was her way of making up for playing with his ball. Somehow, I don't think he minded one bit.

Weekend Fun

My goodness, time is flying by. At this point, that is a good thing. I am ready to move and be done with Washington. Anyways, we have been keeping busy. On Friday Emily and baby Trey came over for a little play date. It was so much fun seeing them interact with each other. If one is playing with the drums then the other must as well. Trey is getting big and it makes me kinda sad that Isabelle is no longer a "baby" baby.

Saturday we went to the Farmers Market with the Laws family (Carl, Emily and Trey). I love the Farmers Market. It is one of two things that I will miss when we leave (the other being our neighbors). We walked around enjoying the nice weather that had finally come our way. After picking up some fresh fruits and veggies ... and a oh so cute hat for Isabelle ... we headed home. Isabelle conked out on the drive back and I soon followed her lead when we got back.

Today (Sunday) was Josh's first fathers day. He scored big time with a Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers (his new passion), a poker set, a Chef Dad apron for BBQing and the big gift ... the complete James Bond series. After our waffle breakfast we headed to Olive Garden where we met up with the Law's again. Usually our meals out aren't that interesting but this one had its moments. Carl set out Trey's juice cup for him to have and Isabelle saw it and screamed bloody murder. They have the same cups so poor Isabelle thought that Trey was going to drink her beloved juice and she wasn't going to have any of that. Luckily I had brought a cup for her as well so I quickly gave her her own and she settled right down. That was the first display of jealousy that she has shown. I am starting to see a pattern here ... she is pretty possessive of her stuff. I am afraid that this might cause some problems down the road. I guess we will see. All in all it has been a good couple of days. Josh has been off so an extra set of hands is always helpful. Now, all I have to do it get through the next ten days and we are outta here baby!!

But that's MY Ball

While crawling around the house today, Isabelle came across Riley's favorite ball and started to play with it. Riley got pretty excited because he thought that she was going to play with him but unfortunately for him, she just wanted the ball. So being the good dog that he is, he let her. When she seemed to be done he nicely picked up his ball and moved to the other side of the room. A few minutes later Isabelle saw the ball again and went strait for it. Poor Riley just looked at me like he was saying "but that's my ball". Even though I swear sometimes has rocks for brains; he is great with her. He lets her crawl all over him, poke at him and now play with his beloved ball. Good Boy Riley!!

That's MY spoon dad

Tonight while eating dinner Josh was helping Isabelle get some actual food in her mouth. He had a spoon full of sweet potatoes when all of a sudden she grabbed at it and the food went flying; landing on the floor with a loud smack. We all laughed but Josh was now in need of a clean spoon so instead of getting a new one he took the one she was "using" as her own. This did not go over to well. On the first attempt to give her another bite, Isabelle forcefully grabbed the spoon and pulled with all her might to get it back. She did NOT like the idea of dad using her spoon. Once he let go and she had it all to herself again she was perfectly happy. I guess the lesson was learned ... don't take Isabelle's spoon!