And, We're Back ...

I know you've been wondering where we've been. Anywhere and everywhere is the answer.

The movers packed us out of Pensacola Jan. 2-5. Dennis started work the next Monday in Orlando. Alex, Lili and I hit the road-- we visited Aunt Kathy, Uncle Dan and Sarah and spent 3 full weeks at the Garcia Grandparents' rental house in SC. During that time, we also visited Dennis in Orlando for a long weekend. At the end of the three weeks, when our house was finally ready, the three of us made the drive from SC to Orlando, stopping along the way to visit our cousin Hilary and her dog Lily.

We've been in the house now almost three weeks. We made incredible progress unpacking during the first week, due much to a week-long visit by Grandma Garcia. She washed every glass, china or ceramic object in the house. Those of you who know me know that's quite a feat! And, she held a baby a good part of the day everyday too. Thanks, Mom! Since Mom left, though, things have kind of stalled out. It's hard to get much done between bottles, meals, diaper changes & chasing a crawler.

We have made progress on the social front-- we're attending church and have met some really nice neighbors. Alex and I are regulars at the playground a block from our house. And, we start swim lessons this evening.

I'm attaching a few pictures of the last two months. The first is of our last day in Pensacola. The second of Alex's reaction on moving day, when the movers unloaded his Exersaucer. The last two are of what we're doing these days-- going to the park and playing with Lili.

Goodbye 2007!

Well, it's been an eventful year. Alex's birth, Dennis leaving the Navy, and now the pending move to Orlando. We are so blessed to have had so many positive changes this year. We're exhilirated by them (and tired too).

We had a great December-- a couple of weeks at home together in Pensacola after Dennis finished at the hospital; then a great trip to the Beaches Boscobel resort in Jamaica where Alex had a great time in the pool and Dennis and I were able to get certified as PADI scuba divers; then good family time with the Garcia clan at Aunt Kathy & Uncle Dan's house over Christmas.

Alex is really developing quite a personality. He laughs a lot and wants our attention all the time. We had the first indication that he understands words the other day when we started a new game. Dennis or I says, "Stand Up!" and he pulls up on our fingers to a standing position. We say, "Sit Down!" and he bends his knees to sit on our lap. We're getting lots of laughs out of our little game, and I am so excited to see that he understands some words.

The movers come Wed., Jan. 2 to start packing us out, so our time in P'cola is really short. I'm conflicted about that-- happy to start the new life but melancholy about leaving our friends here.

Ch-ch-changes

Today is Dennis's last day at work in the Navy. What a big change. He seems nonchalant about it, but I think it's worth noting. After all, it's been almost 10 years that we've been living this military life. We've had 6 residences (including the 3 in San Diego), and lived in two foreign countries. We've seen much of Europe, Kenya, and Egypt. And we've made some incredible friends. We are so lucky to have friends all over now. I can't wait for them to bring their kids to see Disney and visit us in Orlando!

We'll be moving away from Pensacola in early Jan. Dennis will start work in Orlando on 1/7. Alex and I will arrive there shortly before the closing on our new home.

In other news, Alex is working on his first tooth. I was surprised by its emergence, as it seems a little early to me. And, it makes me a little sad. I want to see that toothless grin for a while longer. :)

The pictures today are of what we've been doing lately-- just hanging around the house playing.

Busy Little Boy

Alex has been super busy over the last couple of weeks.

First, it was Halloween. He spent the day dressed as "Mummy's Little Pumpkin," attending Mom & Me exercise class and playing in his exersaucer (his favorite toy these days). Then, in the evening, he sat on the front porch with Mommy and gave out the candy to the other neighborhood kids. Dad was on call at the hospital, so we decided not to trick-or-treat this year. Besides, it's difficult to get that in when you have to be in bed by 7 p.m.

Just after Halloween, we drove to Orlando as a family to look for a house in what will be our new home city. We're really excited, as we found a new construction home in Baldwin Park. It should be finished by mid-Jan, and we'll move in ASAP. Baldwin Park is a planned community built on the former NTC grounds near downtown Orlando and Winter Park. We love the neighborhood-- miles of running/walking/biking trails, parks, pools, and a commercial center with restaurants, shops and a Publix to which we can bike! It can be seen at www.baldwinparkfl.com. And the house is plenty big enough for a long stay (not another 3-year stint, please!). On that website, our plan is the Halsey Craftsman.

By the time we returned from Orlando, Alex had really grown up! He is sleeping through the night consistently and sat up yesterday! He's very proud of himself, and we're real excited to see our little boy acting so big!

Rice Cereal-- Blech!! I'd rather eat my bib!

We Are Family

We spent a week at the beginning of October visiting with the Drury and Garcia families. Alex had a great time seeing his cousin Sarah. It was the first time he really noticed her, and the two of them laughed a lot together. Alex also loved playing with Sarah's toys (for some reason, these are much more interesting than his own) and having "happy hour" outside (in the exersaucer) with Sarah (in the walker), his mom, dad, aunt and uncle.

Alex also enjoyed the attention he got from Grandma, Grandpa and Abuelita. In fact, starting on the second day we were at their house and for several days after we returned home, he was unable to be in a room by himself without fussing. Apparently, they are spoiling him already. I guess that's their job. :)

I'm attaching some photos of Alex with his grandparents-- playing at their house and enjoying a picnic by Lake Keeowee.

Now, That's Love

I was folding Alex's laundry last week (before the cast came off, even) and started thinking that I was really enjoying it. And, it wasn't even special laundry-- no dress outfits or anything, just a bunch of tiny, blue, stretchy onesies and pjs and more burp rags than you can imagine.

Then I started thinking that a mother's love is really amazing. I mean, you really have to love someone to the depths of your soul to enjoy folding their laundry, especially when you did it yesterday and will do it again tomorrow.

What a wonderful experience being a mom is. :)