Puppy Love

Four years ago today I brought this guy home...and our lives have never been the same. I thought I was pretty slick when I "conned" Adam into getting him. I used the "we won't need to have a baby for a couple years" argument. It worked. But the con was on me. We had Jack a few years later, and I quickly realized that having a baby was a MILLION times easier than having a dog. At least our dog. Now that the movie Marley and Me is out, you can get a glimpse of what our day to day life is like with "Crazy Carl". He is exactly like that dog. But for all the times I've screamed, "I'm going to kill you DOG," I've whispered twice as many, "I love you dogger." And I really do. I could not imagine life without him. It has been a crazy four years for our family- career changes,a baby (and one on the way), a cross-country move, and Carl has been there through it all. A late night study partner for Adam, a comforting friend for a tired mom, a daily playdate for Jack and co-pilot on the road. That dog truly is man's/mom's/boy's best friend.

Snow Day

We woke this morning to SNOW! Snow is not typical here (I'm not sure I would have agreed to the move if it was). But how is it, that the Winters I have spent on the East Coast have been unusually cold?! Back in 2003 when we lived in Virginia, the area saw the lowest temps and largest snow storms it had in a decade! Chapel Hill sees very little snow, but unlike Virginia-the town stops to enjoy the winter weather surprise. Schools close (not Adam's school-of course), and many business delay opening until later in the day. Luckily I am not expected to be anywhere (got to love working from home) and can enjoy the white stuff from the comforts of my living room window with a cup of hot cocoa. This was, of course Jack's first snowy experience so I bit the bullet, bundled up and took him out to play. This morning was more of a lesson in learning to walk in it - later today, snowballs and snowmen!

Big Boy Room

FINALLY! We got the whole house painted! FINALLY! Pictures are going up on the walls! FINALLY! The place is starting to feel like home! The only completed room is Jack's, and boy is he proud of it! My favorite part is the white case that houses all the kid crap you obliviously accumulate the minute you have a child. Of all that you see on the shelf, the shelf itself is the only thing I can honestly say I bought (oh, and the lamp too). The lamp. What a god-send. Jack is fascinated with turning it on and off, and in the mornings that he wakes especially early, he takes it upon himself to hop out of bed, turn the light on and play for a bit. This simple accomplishment has allowed up to 45 minutes extra sleep time on more than one occasion. Bless the lamp!

Ba Humbug

Jack is not a morning person-not even on Christmas. Even the great 49er football from Santa was slow to lift his spirits. It took a little while, but eventually Jack got on the Christmas train and had a good time. Not to our surprise, most everyone ignored our "no gift" request (don't you people watch TV, airlines charge an arm and a leg for extra baggage)and Jack was flooded with tractors, balls, clothes and a few great books. He is at such a fun age. He understands Santa (and loves to say "ho, ho, ho") and was even into 'twas the Night Before Christmas and leaving cookies and milk out. This Christmas was 10 times more exciting than last year- I can't wait to see what next year has in store with two little bugs running around!

I'll be home for Christmas

We had such a great time in California for Christmas! We kicked off our holiday trip with the Williams Light Parade. Jack was so excited to see his cousin Lynda. The two held hands throughout the entire parade...it was the cutest thing ever!

What up, Crush?

While visiting friends and family in Virginia over the Thanksgiving holiday we took Jack to the National Aquarium in Washington DC. He especially loved the turtles. Thanks Jaime and Brooks for the wonderful idea! It was so great to see you two!

Happy Holidays

We are off to Virginia for Thanksgiving and in a few weeks California for Christmas!

Saturday's Game: Wolfpack or Tarheels?

Though we've only been in NC a few months, we've been here long enough to know about the rivalry between State (NC State in Raleigh)and Carolina. Many of Adam's classmates are either State or UNC undergrad alums and group dinner gatherings often turn into "my team is better than your team" debates. The degree of the rivalry is best described by this local boy...

Bun in the oven

Everything looks great and we are still on schedule for a 03/31/2009 debut! It looks like Jack isn't the only Tar Heel!

Halloween

After much bribing (before we even hit the pavement for yet more candy) we got Jack into his costume. He was terrified of having it on his body! How do you explain to a one year old that you spent hours (not really) hand stitching and dying fabric to make him the sweetest little chicken? You can't; and therefore licorice will do the trick...or treat. I think terrifying a young boy was worth it. Doesn't he look adorable?

Helper

That’s not what I meant by, “Help mommy with Halloween cookies”!

Tar Pit

Jack is a HUGE football fan. He can sit and watch an entire game on TV with Adam, and he lives for running through the house with his stuffed football. I think his new favorite thing is watching the Tar Heels kick butt live. He takes it easy during the first half (i.e. naps), and cheers and high-fives the entire second, (but you better believe he didn’t touch the hands of those clowns behind him.) I think CH would be a fun place to grow up. Home-game Saturdays (especially when Notre Dame is involved) are so exciting! The town is abuzz with current students, alumni and rival fans tailgating and having a great time. I can’t even imagine what basketball season has in store!

Farm=Home

It was less than a year ago that we came to Chapel Hill for Adam’s interview. It was during autumn, and I couldn't’t help but imagine what it would be like to live there during that time of year. So here we are, roughly 10 months later kicking off the fall season with a trip to Ganyard Hill Farm in North Carolina. Truth be told, not much different than our trips to Book’s (except for one important component – The Raftery’s). Having grown up on a farm, I take comfort in the customary institution of farm life. I felt closer to my own family that day than I have in a few months. Being 3000 miles away really isen't that far and as long as a farm is close by, I can be home.

baby, baby, baby

Jack has really taken to this baby doll. On mornings when baby doesn’t spend the night with him, Jack searches for her. At first, he would immediately bring her to me (he knew that babies belong with mommies), but now, he likes to share his morning milk and banana with her. After breakfast, baby is usually forgotten and replaced with a hot wheel (much to daddy’s delight). I hope the love for babies will continue since Jack will be getting a real life version around 03/31/2009.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains..”

The most surprising thing about North Carolina so far is all the rain! When Adam and I visited in June we were told the state was in a drought. Well since arriving, we have seen so much rain - and not the drizzly stuff either - I'm talking tropical storms. I can't say that I really mind, it is very lush and beautiful here. Every one's yards are exactly what you would imagine in the South: Large, green, azaleas, ferns big front porches with wooden rocking chairs. I just love it.

Chapel Hill is a great town. Lots of restaurants, a cute downtown (similar to Chico - with less bars) and always something to do. Of course the college offers a ton of great sporting events and in neighboring Durham we can cheer on the Bulls.

North Carolina

Well, we made it. We are official Tar Heels in the great state of North Carolina! We arrived on August 8th and thankfully all the planning really paid off. Thirty minutes before Jack and I landed, Adam and John (the best best friend in the world) rolled into town. The next morning we closed on our house without a hitch and within an hour of getting our keys, the moving truck was parked in front of the house. John and Adam worked like dogs (not like our dog, of course) and had everything in its place by dinner. By days end, Adam and I swore to have only one more big move in our lifetime.

Our Chico

We have had a pretty busy Summer so far and it's only June! We have been taking in as much "Chico" as we possibly can as we will be heading back East this August. Yes folks, Adam is a member of the Class of 2012 UNC School of Dentistry!!! We could not be more excited for this new adventure. I am so proud of all the hard work it has taken Adam to get to this point. He is so honored that such a prestigious school with a proud history (March Madness, anyone?) asked him to join the long list of great alumni.

A few weeks ago we spent our first overnight (4 nights actually) without the little guy. It proved to be pretty difficult for both of us (however, long overdue). Adam and I spent a whirlwind 4 days visiting the campus in Chapel Hill and 22 (yes, 22!) homes worthy enough to call our first house. We decided on a townhouse (the first we viewed, of course) and put in an offer earlier this week. And to really ice the cake, I get to keep my fabulous job! You've got to love modern technology! I will remotely work for the same company 3000 miles away.

For now, we are working on arrangements for the big move and spending time with family and friends. We will miss our Chico and all here...friends, farmer's market, Bidwell Park, downtown, Broadway Heights...the list could go on forever.

Spring Fling

Boy's best friend

It took some courting, but Jack finally won Carl over, (or could it be that Jack = yummy bits of food from the highchair?)

birthday boy

We did a little monkeying around for Jacks's 1st birthday!