Nebraska and Missouri

When I left off, we were in Nebraska, heading to Missouri. We did indeed get to Missouri on Thursday, just not as far as we were hoping. Our goal had been St. Louis, specifically, meeting up with Gina and family but alas, it was not to be this trip. We made it as far as Columbiana (Columbia? something like that - my memory is shot!) but we knew we'd never make St. Louis so called it a day there. Nice enough hotel, just not right off the highway as we were hoping.

Friday we tried to get an earlier start, but as usual we didn't - although earlier than most days! We knew we were going to hit Memphis today (or else, I told Jeff) and we were all looking forward to two full days of NOT being in the car. I think that made the drive so much better. We hit rainstorm after rainstorm that day, but we just kept going! I forgot to take pictures, but we ended up stopping for a diaper change in a small town - that had lost all power. We changed the diaper, walked Max and .... jumped in mud puddles. Emi had the best time, even though she was wet clear through! So, after yet another diaper change (this time because of wetness outside the diaper), we dried off and climbed back into the car.

We hit Memphis in the middle of a down pouring of rain. I realized on this trip, and it was sincerely hit home in Memphis, I've gotten spoiled living in a city where there is no real traffic. What a wuss I've become. I used to zip around DC's beltway like nothing, now ... I inch along and am super super careful (not that I wasn't careful before). I think it has a lot to do with the ultra precious cargo that we have in our car now that we didn't have then (smile).

Speaking of ultra precious cargo ... I did get some pictures!

This was at the hotel in MO. I wanted to get a picture of Emi and Max together, she wanted one with all the animals in the photo (guess who won? yeah, story of my life these days - smile). Bear, Gwen the Unicorn, and Donkey (that we bought in Wyoming). Now that I think of it, he doesn't yet have a name, guess we will just call him Donkey - like in Shrek!

These were taken in the car somewhere in Missouri. The lap tray works well for some things, but not for others. Putting the webbing behind the car seat is the way to go. Putting it around the child's back is SO not. I can see where it would be uncomfortable and this really seems to be more stable. Also, easier to get on and off while the car is in motion. We don't always snap the side buckle closer to the door (as it's hard to reach while we are strapped in our own seat belts) but it doesn't really seem to matter all that much. Hey Gina, recognize the book? It's the ONLY book she wanted in the car the entire trip. If I count another dratted ladybug ....! (Haha, just kidding - mostly.)

And, this picture is for my mom. We stopped somewhere in MO for lunch - at a Steak and Shake. Mom loves that place, so I knew we had to stop there. Also, since we were there we had to get a shake - to share (hey, at least we only ordered one!). Yeah, as can be seen by the photo, Emi didn't like that shake at all. HA! We were lucky to get any of it. I can't remember what she ate that day for lunch, but it probably consisted of french fries and chocolate shake for the most part. Ah well, not every meal is going to be the perfect pyramid!

I think I have photos of our time in Memphis. Well, take that back, I have a very few but we did get the camera out now and then. But that, is another post.

Cheers!

Only in Nebraska . . .

So, Jeff finally got the Blackberry to email me the cool picture he took yesterday. Boy is there a learning curve on that thing. We should have gotten it weeks ago. Ah well, at least he has a toy for car time!

This is at a rest stop in central Nebraska - yes, they technically were in the 'pet area' so no one could say anything! Emi was beside herself, so excited. This sighting probably made the trip for her. Sure, we've seen tons of cows and horses, even a small herd of buffalo, but nothing quite this up close and personal. I guess it's not everywhere where you get to see someone walking their horses.


More pictures of our trip so far. First up are pic's from the last few days in Washington. We ordered the PeaPod Plus for Emi (rated 2-6 years) and it was QUITE the hit. However, we had a bit of unexpected sibling rivalry going on over it. Poor dear Max, having to share with Emi. We ordered this specifically for our time in temp housing. They don't have a crib that they can set up for us and Emi still rolls out of beds. We were hoping we'd be able to keep her zipped in, but that just led to playing as she was falling asleep - or rather, no falling asleep as she was far too busy zipping and unzipping. She did, however, finally fall asleep. (Just a note for those thinking this would be handy for air travel. It would be, but it does not fold up as small as they lead you to believe. It would be carry-on, and slung over the shoulder. There is no way it would fit into a suitcase - unless that's all that was in there. Also, I wouldn't want to check it as while the bag that holds it is quite handy for storing the bed, it is very thin {nylon?} and I am sure the baggage handlers wouldn't be as careful with it as we'd like. But, it will do the job for the next two months while we house-hunt and wait for closing and that was our goal in this purchase.)

The next photos are from Idaho. The very last thing we were expecting was to find 41 degree weather! I had to dig into the suitcase to find long pants for Emi, I had packed all of our light jackets (just in case, thank goodness!) into a separate bag. This is the zebra that we brought along for rest stop breaks. She was just beyond delighted with him, whew. You just never know what they will like and what they won't. She understood not fussing to get back into the car so she could walk him again the next time, and asks for him each time - in her own little way (pointing at the trunk until we figure it out!). It was cold and windy, but we had a great time even if the background for the photos weren't all one could hope for.

Okay, off to finish Nebraska and get into Missouri as far as we can today.

On the road ...

Well, forgot to take a picture yesterday before departure, will try to remember to get one today. Our little car is packed to the gills, holding more than it's ever held before. Every time we open the trunk it's best to jump back as you never know what's going to fall out! Looking at our car, I feel like the Clampett's!

Emi did so-so yesterday. I do feel that part of it is that we are so jam packed. She enjoyed her dvd's, of course, and played quite a bit with her new Aqua-Doodle (many thanks to Magi for that tip! --- BTW, if you haven't yet read her post on the whole 'Obama talking to the students debate' it's worth the read. She said everything I was thinking, and more). The trooper of the trip has been Max. Never really a car-loving dog, he's been pretty resigned to riding. He's done remarkably well in the hotel rooms and just hanging out with us. Poor ol' guy, he's probably getting used to his crazy people, moving all the time. I didn't even say to him this time that this was the last time. I keep saying that to him and then, poof, we move again. We are hoping, though, that this really is it.

We did Washington, Oregon and Idaho yesterday. Goal today is to finish Idaho (we are in Boise) and get into Utah. We have about another 300 miles of Idaho yet to do and only about 100 miles of Utah. Would be nice to get them both done today, but we will see how it goes.

If I can figure out the new Blackberry and remote posting, I will try to get some pictures up later.

Cheers!

Goodbye, Hello

The time has, finally, come that I feel safe in sharing our news. I've alluded to this a couple of times when I thought the time was quite near, not meaning to dangle. I've had emails and comments asking (1) if I am pregnant (it would seriously take an act of God), (2) are we adopting again (nope, Emi was our first and last, and really ... how could perfection be duplicated -- no pressure Emi, lol!), and (3) well, there is no three - those were the guesses.

What actually is happening is that we are moving. To South Carolina (anyone out there in Aiken, SC or Augusta, GA area? if so, drop me a line?!).

We have lived here two years and while we love it, we've come to realize that this is the wrong side of the States for us. Everyone we love is on the other side. Just to visit a grandparent takes at least a day of flying, and visiting friends is an annual thing, at best. We decided last summer that we needed to make a move. Jeff sent off applications and in February he was offered a job. And then, things started to drag out. I won't bore with the back and forth, but last week he finally got the official paperwork he had been waiting on. We can list the house (yikes, oh joy) and start the process of moving.

Jeff is still with the federal government, so while it's a job change, to them it's not. The really nice thing about this is that they move you (oh yeah, baby!). There is absolutely no way we would have moved so often if we had had to pack and move ourselves. The packers are due the week of September 7th, and we will be hitting the road on September 13th.

Hitting the road? Why yes, we were told that we were going to be driving. From Washington to South Carolina.

Yep, you read that right ... driving. Jeff, me, Emi (who will be 31 months) and Max (14 years and six pounds of car-hating Yorkie) in a really small car. Yeah, trip of a lifetime. Funny enough, I am looking forward to the drive. I think it will be fun, as long as we keep a sense of humor and realize that there will be good days and not-so-good days. We have a plan in place, but also know that we will have to punt from time to time. Emi and Max both can only take so long in a car. That is actually a good thing, as it will force Jeff and I to get out and walk around every couple of hours - something we are not good about doing for ourselves.

More details as we have them, just wanted to share our exciting news with everyone!

Catching up

Oh my, have I been lax in blogging this past week. I think it's this time of year. Yes, I am still whining about the cold, the gray, the yuck. The good news, the days are longer and it's not snowing. The bad, it's raining! Cats and dogs raining. But, if it was colder the amount of snow would be staggering. See, there's always a silver lining! (Did I mention the longer days? Sunshine? Well, when it's not raining.)


So, grab a nice cup of tea. It's time to catch-up!

We have had a few nice days here and there this past week. Every time we do Miss Emi and I scoot out of the house as fast as possible to enjoy it! One day last week we headed to our favorite park. They have a really nice toddler area and a super big kid area. Guess which area Emi likes to play in? Guess which one Mama does? Guess who won? No, I did! :)

This outing Emi finally conquered the swings! YAY EMI! Poor dear, last year they completely terrified her, she'd shake and tremble and reach for me the moment her cute little butt hit the seat. Now, while she's still nervous she wants to try it. Short periods of time, but still! I can gently push once or twice before it's time to get back down (and then, back in - over and over again). I am so proud of her. Emi also mastered the slide this past week. Little Miss Independent wants to climb up alone, fortunately these slides have a set of stairs instead of the traditional the ladder. She does want to hold hands going down, but I can already see that need waning. Danger Girl is looking for more adventure. I am looking for a hair color that will cover the gray for longer periods of time.

Needless to say, no photos of Emi in the swings as I needed both hands on her. But we will try to get Daddy to go with us, so one of us can snap some pics. Very cute. To hold folks over, here are some slide photos. (Oh, and before someone mentions it - yes, she has mittens/gloves. Yes, she wears them. When she wants to. That wasn't the day.)

We also moved Emi's kitchen into her bedroom. We had had it set up in the living room. Yes, we are odd but we actually have visions of having one room not be taken over by Emi. Silly of us! One evening last week, Emi made the whole family tea. Including Max. I think Max was hoping for cookies, and not the plastic kind that was offered. He was less than impressed.

Some fun moments from that evening (besides the hilarity of the whole tea party thing:

"Cheese!" (We have no idea where she learned that, we haven't started that yet!)

"What's on your pj's Emi?"

"Growl!" (I so wish I had thought to turn on the video for this, but who knew she'd do that? Jeff and I lost it, too funny!)

Story behind the cool pj's. My folks drove out from Michigan days after we received our referral for Emi (Sept 2007). They decided to make it a 'trip of a lifetime' and made quite a few stops. One was at Yellowstone and this is what they found for her. Finally, finally! She can wear it.

And now, one last hit of total sweetness:

My new fav picture of Miss Emi!

The Gated Community

* First off, a note. I owe about a million (okay, maybe about 10) emails to friends. Honestly, I haven't forgotten. Who knew a little tiny girl could take up so much time, and energy!? This weekend, for sure!

Jeff just returned today after being gone four days (work related trip). It was my first time 100% on my own with Miss Emi. Honestly, I am not sure who was happier to see him, me or Emi! She squealed with delight when she saw him walking towards us in the airport.

At least I hope that was her.

I think we did okay, us gals (and Max). The house is pretty much in shambles, but then it usually is. A housekeeper I will never be, but there are always plenty of hugs and kisses to be had. When she's in school I will clean my house, right now I will enjoy her and allow her the time to enjoy us. I don't want her 'stashed' in a playpen so Mama can clean all the time. Now, that said, we have ordered an early birthday present. It is a gift from Papa and Mimi (my folks) that we hope Emi will enjoy but that Mama can't wait to get her hands on. I am calling it the 'Gated Community'. Jeff calls it 'Baby Prison' and my folks are calling it 'The Cage'. Poor kid! *I* think she will like it, and Miss Emi and I are just going to ignore all those nay-sayers! We also ordered a set of extensions so that it will feel big and she can have lots to do in there (and have room for a visitor ... NOT Max).

We are hoping that she will like it so that she will be safe from Max, and that Max will be safe from her. They still cannot get enough of each other ... and Emi still insists on pulling his fur. He has been so good about it and we have been vigilant about watching them - her hands in ours so she can't pull - but it is still a worry. The idea is, is that while she is in it I could actually do the dishes (gasp!) before 9pm at night. Or even, whoa, toss in a load of laundry or sweep/mop the kitchen floor. Not sure I would feel comfortable running the vacuum, but I should be able to get some things done ... all while she is playing and can see me. Now, if it will work!

Only time will tell.

Home

Finally, home. Actually, we've now been home six nights ... and long nights they have been. We are all battling jet-lag, but Emi's is far worse. Actually, if you were to ask her, she'd tell you she's just fine it's these crazy adults in her life that insist on trying to change her sleep patterns.

She is still an amazingly happy baby, babbling, singing, dancing in her seat. Her personality blossoms daily. Almost hourly. I amazed at the love I already feel for this little gal. One of us can walk into a room, her face lights up, eyes crinkling, tongue pushed between her lips ... oh gosh, this is love.

She reached for me today for the first time, almost brought me to my knees.

The weekend passed in a blur of sleep, non-sleep, cuddling the baby, and trying to get some sleep. We did hit Target on Saturday afternoon (more like early evening) just to get out of the house and to finally buy that highchair. We didn't get the one I was so in love with as it's only available on-line but we did get one that will *contain* the wiggle worm that is Emi. I am not altogether sure where Monday and Tuesday went, but by yesterday we were actually able to function. Jeff ran some errands, I did some laundry and we worked on unpacking. This house is a disaster and while I will never ever (ever ever ever) be a good housekeeper, even I am going stark raving mad in the messiness. Actually, I just don't like the cleaning part of housekeeping (dusting, vacuuming, bathrooms, etc) but I like a NEAT house. To me, if things are in their places, the house *looks* clean. Just don't try to eat off my kitchen floor. Of course, now with a baby that is about to change. I am already seeing that my cleaning habits are changing.

We did, finally, run out and pick up Max from his wonderful border's. Lou at Sunshine's Doggy Resort has been a godsend. And while I, of course, worried about Max while we were gone, I also knew he is was in great hands. Poor Max, Emi saw him and immediately squealed with joy. Poor Max. :)

Here are a couple of photos from Tuesday of Emi and Max:

Today was the first time Emi and I ventured out of the house without Jeff. I thought maybe he could just a short break, so I bundled (and bundle I did ... brrrr, it's gotten cold here!) up Emi and we went to wander around Target for an hour or so. We picked up a few things we needed, and a couple of long-sleeved shirts jumped into our basket. I was so focused on 'before' China and didn't give a whole lot of thought to 'after' China. Our big plan tomorrow is to go to the library. Yes, I know. It's a fast-pace life we lead around here.

I will leave you with pictures from earlier today of Emi playing in the little exersaucer that my mom got her. We were worried she wouldn't like it (reminiscent of the walkers at the orphanage), but she loves this thing! So anyway, Jeff was out running errands, laundry was in the washer, Emi and I were in the office and she was happily playing and 'talking' to me. All of a sudden I turn around because it was just 'too' quiet in here. The last picture tells it all.

24 Hours

24 hours from now, Jeff and I will be sitting in the first of many airplanes.

Oh gosh. It's really, finally, happening.

We are doing okay, time-wise. We have a bunch of last minute things that just couldn't be done before today that we need to get finished, ie: take the doglet to the kennel.

That is probably one of the hardest things about this trip. Actually, it is THE hardest thing. He will be fine I know that, we took a lot of time to find a good place. But, when it comes right down to it he isn't home and he isn't with his 'pack'. It doesn't help that he's a bit of a mama's boy either. Or that the puppy mama is a tad over-protective and worries. We forget he's so small, as he really does have a big dog personality, until someone mentions how tiny he it or we see him near a big dog. He also thinks he is SuperDog and does not back down to larger dogs. So yeah, while I am so excited I am nauseous (sorry for sharing), I am also worried about my little guy. He's been my baby for 12 years and we got him when he was 6 months old and basically full grown (all 6-8 pounds of him) in size, so he has always looked like he does now. Never really stopped being a puppy to us, and we call him that frequently. So, we will leave him with Lou-the-great-kennel-lady and I will just have to trust she will take good care of our puppy. It's not easy, but it's not the first time we've left him. It doesn't get any easier.

After that, things we need to do are (1) install the baby seat (!!), (2) run to the post office, (3) finish packing, (4) sleep. Probably the hardest thing (after the whole Max thing) today will be that fourth thing. Our goal is in bed by nine, lights out by ten (we are readers).

We hope to be able to get onto Blogger while in China. Jeff has a couple of work arounds set up, so we are optimistic. However, we also are realistic about China blocking sites like Blogger. So, keep checking back if there are no updates ... we will keep trying!

The next time you hear from us, we will be in CHINA!!! Hold on baby girl, we're coming!

Happy Birthday!

Max in his new backyard, August 2007

Today is Max's birthday. Yes, Max-the-dog, aka: Maximum Underfoot. We were teasing him this morning about having a 'senior moment' and realized that today the ol' boy turns 12. Gosh, it doesn't seem possible. He's been a handful (and if anyone out there ever thinks about getting a Yorkie, *do your research*, they are a handful and take a LOT of time!).

He was born on August 31, 1995. Came home January 1996. He has been quite a trooper, living with us. Not counting the day he came to live with us, he has moved four times. But, we have also lived in three different places while making those moves, other places that he could possibly have thought of as 'home' as we stayed more than just a couple of days (ranging from 2 weeks to 2.5 months). He also made the trip to Japan traveling with me on the plane, both ways. He was SO good.

He is not much bigger now than when we got him, so has stayed a perpetual puppy all these years. (These days he tops out at about 8 pounds, although he could lose a pound or so ... couldn't we all!) In fact, he answers to 'puppy' (among other things like "Jaws" and "Elvis" ... he has a really hilarious lip curl, cracks us up!). He's been companionship for me when Jeff was traveling ALL the time, and likes to sit in my lap while I stitch. Actually, he'd prefer I'd just pet him instead of stitching! He also likes to chase after toys, but not for long (short attention span!), and likes milk bones. But not to eat, he carries them around the house and 'buries' them, usually right in the middle of the floor. (smile) These days he is enjoying lazying in the sun and bossing his people around.

We are a bit concerned how he is going to react to the baby. He is a terrier, and quite possessive of me (does not share well!). Drew enjoyed him, but Drew was about 10 years old and very careful with Max when we got him. A baby, a toddler ... not going to happen. So, our best bet will be to keep a very careful eye on them and never, ever, leave them alone for even one minute. We have been working with Max, with me carrying around the baby carrier (with a couple of sacks of rice in it!). No dolls yet and frankly, I think he would be able tell the difference between a doll and a real baby.

We can't imagine our life without Max. But we also realize that he's slowing down a bit. A healthy, well cared for Yorkshire Terrier has a life expectancy of about 12-14 years, we've heard of Yorkies living 16 and even 18 years. We hope for that, for his sake ... and ours.

Happy Birthday ol' boy, we love you.