The School Year Has Started

My boys. They had to part ways after their summer together. We were so fortunate that Ryan got to have that time with the baby early on. I say “the baby” because I really do mean it generically. That’s something most dads don’t get to experience. There were many times this summer that I turned to Ryan when I had questions about Wade’s schedule. It was an odd position to be in, but one that I think was good for everyone.

And with that, our new normal is here. Ryan’s back in school and Wade’s going to the babysitter every day. Even though I have been back at work since June 1, things are different for me too. I have been working teacher’s hours for the last five years or so, and am now working more of an 8-4 schedule. (Yes, still relatively early, I realize, but an adjustment for me nonetheless.)  I walk Wade to the babysitter at 7:30 in the morning and Ryan walks him home around 3 or 3:30.  Yes, walk!  It’s a 3 minute walk to the babysitter’s house!

I am really valuing our time with Wade more than ever – perhaps because someone else gets to spend 8 hours a day with him. A coworker offered to watch him one evening so I could relax (after a stressful moment at work) and that was the last thing I wanted. I have 3 hours with Wade from the time I get home from work until the time he falls asleep (and there’s usually a short nap in the middle) and I want to be at home spending that time with Ryan and Wade. It makes me have sympathy for all the parents who are not able to leave work as early as Ryan and I are able to do.

So, how is the babysitter going? Well, I think. Of course, Wade can’t tell us. Pam gives us detailed reports every afternoon. Wade has become more experienced at both the jumper and exersaucer, as he “bounces” around from various activities all day long. This has motivated us to put our jumper together and try our exersaucer more often. Turns out, he loves the exersaucer and is really getting good at certain features on it! Oh, I did cry after the first drop off, but I think that was just sort of a rite of passage.

Happy 4 Month Birthday Wade!

Wade is four months old today.  He had his four-month check-up this week.  He's 27.5 inches long and weighs 20 pounds,15 3/4 ounces which keeps him in the greater than 97th percentile. 

 The doctor gave us the okay to start him on solid food.  I want to make homemade baby food, so today I whipped up a batch of rice cereal.  We have zucchini and peas in the freezer for later.  I thought things went really well but he threw up on my shoulder afterwards.  Better luck tomorrow!

Wade rolled over for the first time on Tuesday - just in time to give the doctor a good report.  Now he is rolling over often, except he's not sure what to do when he gets to his stomach.  He'll get a little more comfortable with going back and forth soon.

Megan & Jon's Wedding/Our Trip to Iowa

My good friend, Megan married Jon Ferchen on Saturday, July 31.  They had a short engagement but you never would have guessed it - there were still all the great personal details that take most of us a year to pull off.  It was an exhausting and fun day and I was thrilled to be part of it.

Wade attended the rehearsal dinner but stayed with a babysitter during the wedding and reception.  He may be ready for some real family vacations soon because once again, he did great in the car!  This was also his first hotel stay and that went pretty well too.  I don't think we'll be able to keep up with his current travel schedule though - 4 states (and 3 state capitals) in less than 4 months!

We drove through Kirksville (and memory lane?) on the way home.  We had lunch at Pagliai's, which still has good food but has a horrible bathroom for diaper changing.

And we drove by the ol' fraternity house.  There was a beaver on the front porch when we got there.  What in the world?  I think we can all agree that the decision to tear the house down is a good one.