Life in NJ has been good. So much has happened here for us these past two years, it will be bittersweet to say goodbye. We have celebrated all three of Kyalo's birthday's here, made friends, joined a church, etc. Starting over once again (and for me, the 5th move since 2005!) seems a little daunting.
There's a lot that's been going on, and a lot yet to do before we settle into Maine. Let me try to recap the last month. . .
In early April we had a little 'party' for Kyalo for his birthday - basically some friends of mine and their kids came over for snacks and cupcakes for a couple of hours one morning. It was pure chaos, the kids generally only ate the icing off the cupcakes and then played in the crumbs after, but it was a sweet time...too sweet to have any pictures, unfortunately.
The next week, we went to celebrate his friend Griffin's 3rd birthday. After the party, I managed to get a photo with Kyalo and Ellen, who was also there. Since neither really sits still, or looks at the camera, this was the best I could do!
Dave, Allison (3 months in this pic), Jenny & Ellen
Mulandis! Grabbed a chance for a family photo.
After Griffin's party we dashed off to another gathering, this time, with the "Fab Four" - our little dental school group. Without even realizing it, that may have been the last time we're all together! In just a few months, we'll all be scattered. The evening was great because Sirisha hosted and filled us with spectacular Indian food. She makes it look easy and effortless, when I know that there are a ridiculous amount of steps involved (soaking grains, grinding them, etc). Mmm...just thinking about it makes me want more!
Then, there was Easter up in Essex - which was also the weekend of the Boston Marathon, so my parents had other guests who would be either running or watching it. The weekend included:
Painting with Judy. When she visited us back in November, Kyalo was in a really big water color kick. She remembered that and brought the real deal water colors (not the $2.00 Target brand that I get!) and nice paper. She and Kyalo braved strong winds for a long time painting outside.
helping Grandpa shuck the oysters that Judy & Neil brought from Maine.
I was sad to miss out on them! Next summer, I guess.
Kyalo discovered a new favorite activity. . . peeing outside. He said one afternoon, "I'll be right back. I have to go do sumpting" and about 2 seconds later Dexter says, "Oh, Kyalo!" and grabs the camera. Because there was Kyalo, peeing on Grandma and Grandpa's front lawn. (I'll spare you the naked pictures - I just couldn't resist the joy on his face here. Sorry for the fuzziness...it was taken quickly, thru a window.) I think since then we've trained him now to pee behind the garage.
There have been other things...like a walk in the Cherry Blossom Park one Sunday after church. Another trip to MA and ME -- this time for house hunting which was an utter fail. One month to go and no housing yet. I'm a *tad* worried about this. The trip to MA also included a visit with friends Matt and Erica from TN. They were in Boston for a conference and came up to see us after. A sweet visit with friends!
And then lastly, I had the big 20 week anatomy ultrasound.
precious hand!
(I was looking at ultrasounds of Kyalo yesterday, and was amazed at how much better the ones I've gotten in the US are. I shouldn't be surprised, I know, but I was.)
The technician said baby's anatomy looked 'perfect' and 'right on track' but then when the doctor saw my blood work from my OB and realized that I have some trait in my blood that can lead to a rare disorder (I forget what it is!), he had me go back to have the baby more closely scrutinized - esp to make sure that there were 5 - and only 5 - digits on all hands and toes. Thankfully all checked out OK. I go back to my OB next week so will see if there's anything else I'm supposed to do. The condition is a) very rare, and b) I think Dexter has to have the same gene mutation (or something) as me for the baby to actually have it, so I'm not toooo worried. BUT - it could mean baby could have a degenerative eye condition which would lead to blindness by pre-adolescents and some mild to severe mental retardation. I try not to dwell on this too much, and trust in God that all will be well!
So that's what we've been up to. Here's what remains:
Graduation next Tuesday. Packing, packing, packing. Back to MA - and ME for more house hunting on the 27th (say a prayer we find something livable, in our price range, and, preferably 3 bedroom!), a quick trip to CA to see my brother and his family, back to NJ to pack up and actually move out (7th, I think?), and we hope, move into our new place in Maine.
Whew.
That has us pretty much all caught up. Hope it isn't another month before I pop in here!
2 comments:
Superb as usual!
life is on the fast lane now uh!! Congratulations Dex on graduation :) Good luck finding a home and settling well in Maine- you guys will do just fine:) love!!
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