Apple tree

I love apples and have been on the hunt for some bare root apple trees since moving to Washington. I found a tree, but there were two problems. First, when we move this tree has to come with us. Consequently, it had to go in a big pot rather than the ground. Second, it is super windy here. So windy that we had to track down our garbage can after it blew across the street and half way down the block. The tree looks so skinny and fragile for such weather. So for now it sits happily growing blossoms in our kitchen. Bug loves watering it and although it is seriously in the way, I am so excited to get some fresh grown apples...even if I have to wait a year or two.

Dedication

I knew Andrew was a good dad when he got up with me at 3am to feed Little Bug when she was an infant. I also knew Andrew was a good dad when he sang and danced 'ring around the rosy' over and over and over again with Bug. But Andrew's excellent dad skills recently went above and beyond when he agreed, amidst Little Bug's 'pleases', to let her paint his toenails pink. It was fun walking around the kitchen corner witnessing the event. Not too bad for a two year old I might add. I think Andrew might really be wanting a boy now.

Big girl everything

I was dreading the day I would have to take potty training seriously. The idea of being confined to home, dealing with accidents, scoping out public restrooms, and taking Bug potty 50 times a day for all serious alerts and false alarms seemed like a big commitment. However, when we moved to Washington I knew the time had come.

This is how it really went. Bug excitedly picked out some "lady" aka princess underwear. I had no idea one could get so excited over underwear. It was at this exact moment I knew I had to be serious about this. I started panicking at the thought of my week long confinement and forever having to know where the nearest public restroom was. That night Andrew put on a show for her to watch while she sat on the potty and fifteen minutes later she went to the bathroom! She of course got handsomely rewarded with candy and lots of praise. Then off to bed she went. The next morning I did the same thing and she had numerous successes. After that, Bug flat out refused to wear anything but her lady underwear. No pull ups and certainly no diapers. Apparently, those are just insulting in comparison. She's only had one accident at home, no problem using public restrooms and most times goes to the bathroom on her own. I have no idea what I was worrying about and love the fact I haven't had to buy diapers in months!

After this, I quickly realized how odd it was having a potty trained child using a pacifier at night. That habit obviously had to go. Little Bug was more than willing to exchange her pacifier use for a big girl bed. She had a ball picking out her bedding and mattress and upheld her end of the bargain by handing over the pacifiers. She happily take naps in her big girl bed, but hasn't yet mustered up enough courage for an overnight in it. Since the potty training, no pacifier and big girl bed development all happened within a two week period, I am more than happy to put her to bed in the crib. It makes me feel like there is still a little baby in her after all.

Now the only problem is, since potty training, Bug has realized how freeing it is to be without clothes. It is hard to get clothes on this girl to leave the house and as soon as we're home, the clothes are off! Hence the top picture.

Miniature golf

We took Little Bug miniature golfing this weekend. She played a very strategic game, eying every shot through the many rock tunnels.

Little Tank

Due June 2011!

Saying Goodbye

It was not long after Andrew and I were married that he began strutting these shorts around the house. Granted there were a few less tares in them then, but hopefully you're getting the picture on how awful these shorts really are. I could do nothing to get Andrew to get rid of them. I even tried hiding them a few times to see if he noticed (that's how I end up getting rid of his worn through clothes). He noticed. However, when this move came around, Andrew announced all on his own, it was time to let these suckers go. This of course warranted a picture before the tragic throwing away took place. That's definitely something to enjoy about our move.

Speaking of what we are enjoying. We love the Tillamook ice cream they have here, not to mention the 3 pound Tillamook cheese blocks. We laughed when we saw it. Very yummy. Andrew is also pretty thrilled about finding Grandma Sycamore bread. Can you tell I've mostly just made it to grocery stores?

Disneyland

Before moving up north we decided to have a little fun and go to Disneyland! We were even able to convince others to join us for the adventure. Sure enough, Little Bug's favorite "ride" was the Tiki Room again. We went a total of 6 times in two days. She was also quite impressed by the Jungle Cruise, which she enthusiastically called the "animal boat."

The gang

Dumbo. Also a favorite.

They had a Christmas parade where Little Bug got to see Buzz, Woody, plenty of princesses and Santa. Her eyes were big with excitement and she couldn't help but to dance and clap during the festivities. But not for this picture. Apparently when the parade ended the fun died as well.

Sigh...Andrew and I are already talking about how fun it would be to go back. Not that that will happen soon. There is just something really fun about taking Little Bug to the world of magic.

Christmas

This past Christmas we celebrated by spending Christmas Eve and Day at my parents. Growing up my dad would read aloud the story of Christ's birth while my siblings and I acted it out. As we grew older, the acting began to have a sacrilegious tone to it. So, one Christmas my parents wisely decided we would just read the story. Now with Little Bug and Z around we have begun to act it out again. However, with just two kids we needed lots of adult recruits. I was lucky enough to just be able to watch this year.

This year's cast;

Our little angels who did a superb job this year.

And Little Bug's face running towards the tree Christmas morning. It was quite fun watching her discover the play kitchen Santa left her. She still proudly tells us about how Santa gave it to her. She also has been telling Andrew and I she wishes it was Christmas time again. Little does she know we all wish for that.

The Pacific Northwest

Well, we made it to Washington! Andrew has officially been working for a week now. People are asking if he likes the job. The answer is, I believe so. Last week he had a lot of paperwork to get through, but he did meet the gentleman he will be working with and likes him. So that's an important start. Meanwhile I've been unpacking. It is a much slower process with only one adult and a two year old running around pulling out what you just put away. But, I am happy to announce that at this exact moment our duplex finally feels like a home. The boxes have been carted out to the garage and most things have a place. Just a few odds and ends left. That is until I start going through the garage boxes, but that's a tiring thought I'm avoiding.

At the moment I'm taking in a little peace as I sit on our couch and gaze out the dinning room glass doors into the backyard. I love staring at the two trees in the distance. In fact, I've caught myself gazing at them for long periods of time while trying to unpack boxes. It has been quite sometime since I've been able to enjoy nature from my home. Somehow the beauty is a reminder for me to be grateful. I love having such a reminder as I transition to a new home and place.

December 19, 2010

I am so proud Andrew completed his graduate program and officially now has a PhD in Chemistry! Although Andrew would shrug off such an accomplishment, it was no small feat. I am amazed at his ability to focus on his school work while still being dedicated to his family, church callings, and apartment managing. He has made many sacrifices for me during his program and I will always remember such sacrifices made. I am so lucky to be married to such a hard working, loyal and kind man.

Now it is off to Washington state for us! Andrew will be working at the Pacific Northwest National lab. So if you have any recent complaints about the new x-rays they are using in airport security send them his way. Ok, so in actuality I am pretty sure that wasn't his department, but he will be working in national security using lasers.

And if anyone is interested, here is a snippet from Andrew's acknowledgements page from his dissertation (I thought some may like to read a thank you in his own words); To begin, I would like to thank my wonderful wife Melissa who’s encouragement and support sustained me throughout graduate school. Additionally, I would like to express gratitude to my parents, Mark and Laura, for being my life long advocates. As well, my appreciation goes to my wife’s parents, Doug and Kristin, for their reassurance in the process.

Congratulations Andrew!