A Homecoming- Part 2

It was kind of an anti-climactic experience signing our papers on Wednesday afternoon (the former residents requested to stay for two days after closing as part of our contract), so I will begin our story on Friday.

At about noon. I received a call that our POD's from storage were arriving at the new house. Luke and I drove over to meet the truck and watch them drop the POD's in front of our new house. A few neighbor kids and their parents watched as well.

I met several of the neighbors that afternoon, and more the next day. I think that the new neighbors are our real treasure. We were wowed by their hospitality, and are excited to get to know them better. Also, it seems that everyone stays at home here. Next door to us is an elderly lady who is an original owner. Next to her is a empty-nest couple who were originally from Canada. He works from home. They brought over a cooler full of drinks on moving day. Next to them is a Catholic domestic missionary family just a few years older than us. They have 4 charming children and brought us the most delicious brownies. I could go on.... Life on a culdesac seems like it makes for a nice community.

Friday night was a terror. Luke was in the throes of the worst teething pain he has had yet and was up between 12am-4am. Bethany showed us the trick of watching the Sound of Music with Luke. He didn't sleep, but at least he didn't cry the whole time. Poor baby, molars are not fun!

Saturday went very smoothly. We had so many people to help and everything was unloaded by 2pm. It will take a bit longer for everything to find a place, but that is what happened. At least I have lots of closets to put boxes until I can get to them.

Sunday, Luke and I went to church while Nathan recovered. He had done a lot of heavy lifting and his back has been giving him trouble. Church was so refreshing, and it was only a 15 minute drive.

So there is the narrative. Besides that, I will say that I LOVE this house. It is the ideal family home. Thanks to all who helped out!

A Homecoming- Part 1

A few pictures to serve as an overview of our journey:

Luke on the ride over:



Enjoying a cold drink with Daddy:
The classic new homeowner picture:


Clara and her friend making use of our new back yard playground:
We love our house!

Auntie

Luke loves his Auntie just about as much as he loves Clara. Auntie gives him hugs and kisses and gives him pony rides on her knee. She has also taken care of him a bit in recent weeks as we worked on our house closing and while I had yet another bout of trouble with my teeth.

This afternoon as I was putting Luke down for a nap, I noticed him saying something different. He was saying, "say, Auntie." It was remarkably clear! Bethany has been trying to teach him to say "Auntie." I guess he thought "say Auntie" was all one thing. :) So cute.

Rub a Dub Dub, Two Kids in a Tub

One molar in...

three to go!

WALKING!!

Good Muffins for kids

Oatmeal Pumpkin Muffins:

This is a good recipe for kids because there is no refined sugar and it helps them eat good fruits and vegetables.

• 1 1/2 cups flour (I used a whole wheat pastry/ white combo)
• 1/3 cup honey/molasses or combo
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup oats
• 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/4 cup applesauce
  
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup raisins

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Oil or spray muffin tins with cooking spray.

3. Sift together the dry ingredients.

4. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until just moistened.

5. Divide into 12 muffins and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked in centre.

6. Remove from pan after 5-10 minutes and let cool.

Since I have the time...

I love the new child-sharing program that we have going. Bethany is out grocery shopping and taking the kids to the park, so I have had time to get some things done. I worked for 1 and 1/2 hours and took care of a few things around the house. Oh, and I got a shower!

The kids seem to like it too. Yesterday, I took Clara and Luke to play at the Indoor Castle Playground at Memorial City Mall. If you go before the mall opens, there are only a few kids. They enjoyed themselves tremendously. Luke crawled and cruised around the whole place. I am continually amazed at what he will do. He crawls up and down steps all on his own. He went down the tunnel slide (with mamma). It is made of a squishy plastic material to prevent serious bumps.

Tomorrow, its my turn again, and we are headed to the Children's Museum. I LOVE the museum. It is amazing! Luke could live there if I brought enough snacks. :) I'll try to bring a camera. The problem is, that with two kids, my hands are usually full. :) This is really getting me ready for what things might be like with two little ones!

Also, Luke is really beginning to talk. When I get him up in the morning, he looks at me seriously and says "Mama, gum-a-gum." I wonder what that will turn into. Maybe Mama, good morning?

He also says "here-you-go" when he hands me an object, or when I give him an object. It sounds more like "heru-go." He usually couples this with "mama" when he is addressing me.

One more Luke note- just for kicks! When we got in the car the other day to go somewhere by ourselves, Luke looked over to the other side of the back seat and said "mara?" "Mara" is his word for Clara. He wanted to know where she was. So cute! :)

I love the new noises!

Official First Steps

Luke took his official first step this morning. Nathan, Evan and I were sitting around discussing school vouchers while Luke played on the ground. He stood up with the aid of the coffee table, turned around, and took two steps before falling into my arms. He was sooo excited and tried to do it again and again.

I will keep the camera handy. :)

Luke Misses His Daddy

Since coming to Texas, Nathan and I have tried to be very consistent with a bedtime routine in order to help him feel more comfortable about sleeping. At the end of our routine, I usually take Luke to the glider to rock him to sleep, while Nathan stands at the bedroom door and waves "night-night." Last night when I put Luke down, he looked toward the empty door and vigorously waved "night-night." He seemed a little confused that no one was there. He sure misses Nathan.

I also know that he misses Nathan because he has pretty much been inseparable from me these past few days. He whines if I put him down and climbs up my legs wherever I am.

In general life has been tough for Luke lately. It is good for me to pay attention to his behavioral changes and to remember to have extra patience for him right now. His life is in flux right now and needs a little extra comfort. I laid in bed last night remorseful for how impatient I have been with his night-wakings, and need for extra attention.

Sorry Luke, I am trying.