Reunion

We had a great time with friends over the weekend. Josh and Touch met Nathan for the first time. Nathan did well despite catching a nasty cold. He's feeling better now, and daycare is actually going quite well. It makes us happy that he's having good days. Knock on wood, he's also been having decent nights. Nathan has slept in longer stretches lately (5 hours last night!). We're REALLY happy about that and hope it continues to get better.

A few pics from the weekend (courtesy Touch):

w/Touch:



w/Josh


w/Josh and Graham


happy guy

last gasps of summer

We continue to survive these first new days apart. All three of us are adjusting to very early mornings. Nathan is sporting a rash and his bottom teeth are just starting to poke through his gum, so he's not his happiest self. Chris and I struggle to know what to do as parents with his symptoms that are not serious, but not resolving. We'll see the pediatrician tomorrow, since he probably knows better than us what might be going on.

We've had a few fall-like days here, and with the start of my classes just one week away, it feels like the end of summer. Part of me is so sad to let go of my summer. It was just wonderful to get this time at home with Nathan. Yes some days were hard, but what could beat slow walks and naps together with no schedule? I am trying not to dwell on the fact it's over, but be happy that the time simply was. This is not a strong point of mine, but I do try. Here are a few more pictures from our vacation.

One hippo, alone once more...

Nathan is at daycare now for a short first day. Believe it or not, the dropoff went really well! He started playing immediately on the floor with new toys and went to the teachers happily. This was after a rough cranky start at home so we were relieved beyond words. We were pleased to find the staff really friendly and kind; we feel that he's in good hands. What else can I say besides I miss him desperately.

We read "Hippos Go Berserk" to Nathan at night, which ends with the line "one hippo, alone once more, misses the other forty-four." That's how I feel, except I miss my two boys. Now I must do some actual work to make this whole thing worth it!

Nathan's second visit to the Twin Cities

We've been in Minnesota for almost a week now, and Nathan has had a lot of time to visit with his cousins, aunts and uncles, and Grandma and Grandpa.

Grandma with Suzy and Nathan, her two youngest grandchildren at the time of this picture...


...but that changed pretty quickly.

We were lucky enough to be here for the birth of Nathan's 11th cousin, Amaya Lynn.

Amaya at 1 day old with her parents, all of her cousins, and most of her aunts and uncles:


...and at 3 days old:


Here are some shots of Nathan and his cousins Jasper and Suzy on our trip to a local park:



























A nice shot of Nathan with Mommy :)


Nathan and Suzy playing...

...and holding hands (in matching, super-stylish outfits).


Nathan's aunt Julie with Jasper and Suzy: