Ewwwwww!

That's one of Leo's favorite words lately. I think because he's had a bit of a cold and a runny nose. Every time he blows or wipes his nose he says "Ewwww" repeatedly.

He's been waking up every night for the last 3-4 nights running--we bring him into our bed for a while where he tosses and kicks, and then we take him back to his crib--where he falls right back asleep. He's also been clingier than usual and crying when we leave him at daycare. He's also very much the Papa's boy lately--wondering where Papa is if he leaves the house or even leaves the room for a bit. Poor little guy. Do you think the mountain of boxes have tipped him off that something is going on?

sweetie boy

What a busy weekend--we went to the pool where Leo learned how to splash lots; to the Museum of Life and Science, where he had fun with all of the farm animals; and generally had a good time. We also read Harry Potter of course--yay!

Here are a few pics from the house-hunting trip to IL earlier this month--Jeff's parents came along and helped corral Leo, and took lots of pictures to boot. From this selection you get the idea that he concentrates very intently on whatever he is doing. There were a few other really cute ones of him with his cousin, but I haven't asked her (mom's) permission to post her picture online.

At the play area at the C-U mall.
Family portrait-at the play area at the C-U mall.
Discovering the joys of sidewalk chalk at a relative's house.
On the way to the pool--"heh-heh, I've almost got this buckle figured out!"

"..and that's all about Cowboy Small"

Dear Leo,

I am really tired of reading Cowboy Small. Can we please read something else now? Maybe Policeman Small or The Little Sailboat? Or any one of the 151 million other books you have at home?

Thank you--Mama

P.S. it is really pretty cute when we finish a book and you crane your neck around to look at me with a big grin and say "Gee?" (for again)

the new chez us

Here's a first glimpse at the reason for the protracted silence:















The front door.















Welcome!















The food-making room. :)















The family room, and...















Our room.

Two and a half caveats: first, my pictures, although better than those that were part of the original MLS listing, don't really do the house justice. Second, we know there's a little updating or redecorating that needs to be done in a few places, like painting over the little bamboo mural that you can see in the picture of our room above.

And a half: The stuff isn't ours. It'll look different with our stuff.

change

Sorry to have been so quiet for the last several weeks--as most of you know, our little family is getting ready for a big change. We are moving to IL in a few weeks and are in the midst of packing and planning and breathing--mustn't forget the breathing.

Leo is taking it all very well--he did great on our house-hunting trip two weekends ago, and seems to approve of the new house. He spent lots of time going up and down the two little steps between the kitchen and living room repeatedly. He will love the fenced back yard with no poison ivy or other things he can't play with. He will love the nearby parks and pool and sidewalks to ride a bike on. How he will do with the actual move trip and the realization that he won't see his friends and teachers from daycare, etc, I don't know.

More to come...