May Check-In

Now that Z is a year old, it's time to make a change to the blog. It will be a little more family-centric and instead of 13, 14, 15 month etc. updates for Z, it will be monthly check-ins for the family and random posts should we do something interesting. I figure that will be jolly for all of you to know about our new adventure moving to and settling in WI.

The Family:
Joe has wrapped up his last class teaching at SU. The staff of Newhouse has been very kind wishing him a fond farewell, along with students and well, basically anyone who he came in contact with because he is awesome. (Since his wife is doing the writing, I get to be braggy. It's my right.)

Joe also had his last improv show here in Syracuse. That was a really emotional night for all of us. Our very best friends in Syracuse have come to us through Joe's involvement with improv. Joe never gave up on the improv community and built what we hope will be a lasting foundation here. My heart almost burst with pride while watching that show and I also was incredibly sad to think about leaving this wonderful, welcoming, loving community behind. It's hard to believe we will ever find something like that again.

I am wrapping up my time at work after 6 years with my company (on and off, mostly on :) ). Crazy! It's been a roller coaster ride but I've been so thankful for the work experience I've gained and hope it will serve me well as I hit the figurative pavement in search of new employment.

An era ended for me when I sold my Saturn. I know everyone thought it was crappy and couldn't believe I was still driving it around, but it was a good little car and I've loved driving it the last 9 years. We had good times and we drove on almost every mile of interstate 90 from Massachusetts to Washington as well as through 29 states. We've literally crossed deserts and mountain ranges together. Farewell my faithful companion.

Finally, we've been packing like insane people, trying to sell stuff on Craigslist, barely sleeping, and squeezing in as much hang out time with all those we love before we go. Moving is the worst and June is going to be rough.

The Boy:

Likes - Things that are round, especially screws (in furniture) and knobs. Things that he can twirl.  Not waving on command. Eating infinity coco pop cakes. Doing things he knows he shouldn't so we will tell him no (this is hilarious). Screeching as loud as possible to express the following emotions: glee, pride, anger, frustration. Throwing things out of his crib. Hippos Go Beserk. His bead mazes. Untying the knots in the string tying his bumper to his crib. Milk.

Dislikes - TEETHING. Being made to go to bed. Not being allowed to stand in the bathtub. Things that don't allow him to stick magnets to them. Learning to walk (apparently, it's very scary). Not being picked up while Mama is cooking. Having his teeth brushed (He now has 12).

New tricks - Down dog, 24/7. Climbing on and off the futon (before we sold it). Trying to climb the couch. Sliding off the bed by himself. Standing alone (until he notices, scolds us for letting this happen, and promptly sits). Saying "Mama" consistently. Waving good-bye when he feels like it. Putting things into buckets and placing things on tables, shelves, beds, couches, with extreme care and then removing them with equal dexterity.