I'm back! Nesting has given me insight and inspiration. Insight to realize I will not catch up on my absence from blogging over the last year any time soon but inspiration to move forward and post again.
This year has brought many changes for our family. A new job for Patrick, a move half way across the country, a new house, and a baby girl due September 1.
Patrick moved to Michigan at the end of February to begin his position as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan. We are so proud of him for this accomplishment in attaining this position and serving our country. This move for him and our family, without hesitation, has been the best decision. Patrick absolutely LOVES his job. It has also changed the landscape of our family's day to day life. We are now able to have dinner together as a family most nights and Patrick is home nearly every night for bedtime. As simple as this seems, these things were almost unheard of in New York unless it was a special occasion.
March and April were tricky and entertaining months at the NY Hurford homestead. I was working full-time, pregnant, and entertaining the boys 24/7. My hat goes off to all the single parents out there. Although we had a lot of fun, it was an exciting nine weeks filled with many home showings (cleanings), stomach flu for everyone, and three cycles of pink eye for everyone. I know there were many amusing stories from those weeks but I purposely did not catalog them. Sorry.
When the house finally sold in April and my doctor put me on bed rest for preterm labor, we decided to make the move to Michigan to be with Patrick. Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Hurford for tolerating us all for the month of May. We were fortunate to find our new house almost immediately and schedule the closing for the first week of June. Although we experienced the movers from hell- never use Stevens Van Lines- we moved into our new house the second week of June.
This summer has brought many firsts for our family and so many great memories. Having Patrick home has been so great for the kids. They just love having time with their Daddy. I have to admit, the first month was an adjustment for Patrick and I. After having such little time together over the past few years and for me having nearly all control over every household function and parenting issue it was quite an adjustment to have a "present" husband, not to suggest he was ever absent. After hesitantly relinquishing control of a few things we have adjusted, alright, I've adjusted, and life couldn't be better.
Ethan celebrated his 4th birthday in April. He learned to ride his new bike (with training wheels), played on his first t-ball team this spring, played spring and summer soccer, and began tennis lessons. His biggest accomplishment has been his swimming skills. At the beginning of the summer he would not go under water and would only go in the "deep" water with his swim vest on the steps. After private swim lessons and spending every possible day we could at the pool, (our new community has a private park with pool included in our taxes, super bonus!) Ethan is now swimming unassisted and jumping off the diving board into 12ft water! It is amazing although we shouldn't be surprised. This little guy continues to amaze us with his skills, intellect, bravery, and outgoing personality.
Four year old attitude
IT'S A BIKE!
The "Great White Shark" as he likes to call himself
Alex celebrated his 2nd birthday in June. His health has gotten so much better since we have moved! He has only been sick twice since the move and his development has exploded! What a personality! Alex is the calculating funny guy. He is absolutely into everything and undeniably hysterical! He is very musical, if there is such a thing. He loves to sing and dance and play any instrument. He is extremely stubborn, must get that from his father, yet very easy going and self entertaining. Alex loves order. A prime example is his playtime at the pool. The lifeguards love him. At the kiddie pool he immediately goes to work. Any toy in the pool is instantly removed and piled on the side. He maintains this order until he leaves and has no tolerance for unattended toys or children who throw toys into the pool with no intention of playing with them. And this little boy can give one nasty look that speaks for itself. He is also riding his tricycle, now sleeps in his big bed, finally gave up his "bubba" (pacifier), and talks a mile a minute. Just what we were waiting for, another opinion in this house. Alex is extremely compassionate and caring and is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his baby sister. We shall see if he has the same enthusiasm after she arrives.
The house is nearly in order. Only two more office boxes to unpack. These have been the most difficult since we lost our home office. I'm not as concerned about these though. They only have more work in them and who needs that? We were also able to complete most of our "must do" projects. Partridge and a pear tree wallpaper removed, check, floral wallpaper bathroom and ceilings removed, check, brown and red ceilings repainted, check, bedrooms painted, check, nursery completed... well it will do. Missing decor but still adorable and ready for baby girl.
This summer we were able to make several trips to Grand Rapids to visit family. We are so excited to be able to take day trips now and attend family functions. We have also been blessed to have wonderful new neighbors who invited us to their lake cottage for a weekend. The kids loved the lake, fishing, and the boat rides. Our biggest trip for the summer was to Niagara Falls with Grandma Lucy. We had a great weekend and are happy to report that Grandma Lucy had no accidents with her scooter.
So, now we are enjoying the remainder of the summer and waiting for baby.
