Ordinary (is anything but ordinary) Time

We've been living in the beautiful state of Michigan for two months now. It seems almost impossible that this is home. As we were driving back from Mass on Sunday, I told Matt that it felt almost like we had taken a trip and we were all waiting for our return to Syracuse. 

These Michigan gifts from the Edwards and Sterners, our new friends at church, were such a lovely welcome.

The children are back into the swing of school...after MUCH prodding. Everyone appears to be taking the return to normalcy in positive ways. 

Except Esther. But she's usually pretty oppositional, even in good times. 

The children have been loving every single second they get with their dad. Matt is getting back into the swing of things and especially dreading loving helping out at bedtime.

We spend a lot of time making messes and playing together. It has been a delicious reprieve after months of cleaning, staging and time apart.

Charlie is definitely making up for lost time by cruising along as quickly as possible, leaving a trail of toddler mess behind him. He can often be found with a stool in his hand, so that he can reach about 6 inches higher than the average two-year-old. His range thus extended, Matt and I have a great deal of elevated babyproofing to do around here.

Charlie found my drawer of bath bombs and quickly detonated as many as possible. The bathroom still smells lovely.

I have now reached the "Aircraft Carrier" stage of pregnancy. It takes me a full room to turn around, an entire bed to roll over, and a fridge stocked with seltzer water to keep me hydrated. It's perfect and wonderful and we cannot wait for the new babe!

Lois and Dale came over on New Year's to help us celebrate! We had a great time playing cards and laughing. We are so grateful for each friend we have here in Michigan.