Ryter is 1!

Whew, what a crazy week!  Vain finally made it to Wisconsin on Monday night at about midnight after driving for about 26 hours with only a couple of hours of sleep.  The truck packing took much longer than anticipated, but he made it.  We took the day on Tuesday to figure out what to do with everything. We ultimately decided to gather the troops and unload on Tuesday night.  Kelly watched Ryter who cried for almost 45 minutes before going to sleep which he never does (that's what all parents tell the baby sitter :) and Paul, Sandy, Matt, Michael, Mom, Dad, Vain, and I unloaded.  It took us 2 hours so I can't even imagine how long it would have taken the two guys I was planning on hiring. After that we headed for Mexican and the much needed very strong margaritas.

THANK YOU!!!

So, since the move we've been in total disorder, but things are getting better.  The best part is that Ryter fell right in line with everything and slept in the pack-n-play like a champ while we waited to uncover all of the pieces of the crib.  His sleeping habits were not interrupted which has made everything easier. He's a curious little guy and there are so many new things for him to discover including the steps which he can go up very easily, but coming down is another story.

 He had his first birthday on Saturday and we had a little party to celebrate.  I think he had a good time playing with the kids.  He steals sippy cups and stuff so I guess we're working on manners next.  The birthday cake was interesting because he wasn't too fond of the stickyness on his fingers, oh but he did love the taste.  His tongue was blue afterward.

Yesterday was the dreaded immunizations and blood draw day.  All normal, but still stressful.  He's 91% in height and 63% in weight. We also liked our new doctor, he's a keeper!

The craziness continues as we work on registering vehicles, opening bank accounts, changing addresses, finding jobs, and taking our trip to Iowa next week.

Let's Dance!

Partial Arrival

Well, we have partially arrived in Wisconsin. Last week was so rough from saying goodbye to friends almost every day to saying goodbye to family and my beloved cat NJ.

We sold my car on Wednesday and started packing and loading the truck on Thursday. Our plan to be on the road by Saturday was totally unaccomplished. Ryter and I had flight reservations for Saturday so Vain dropped us at the airport and finished the Goodwill/city dump/Time Warner equipment return runs.  The final loading was Tetris basically and Vain had to choose to leave some things behind.  Poor Vain finally left Austin last night and will arrive hopefully by Wednesday morning pulling his Penske train behind him.

I will say that I am NEVER moving again until my child/children are old enough to help! My parents may be surprised to hear that we will be living here for the next 15 years :)

Kelly and Teagan met Ryter and me at the airport for our arrival "home" with balloons and a sign.  When you see those people at the airport don't you always wish they were there for you?  They always look like they're about to have so much fun!  This time that was me :)  We arrived at my parents house where my Grandmother had decorated with balloons and had leis and cake waiting for all of us.

For now, we're exploring the grass over and over, checking out the feeling of pine needles under our toes, and seeing just exactly what Bunchie has below 3 feet that can be touched, pushed, or tossed.

Smudge

Well, the move is in full force now.  The walls are empty, the furniture is being donated on Thursday, and the everything will be in the moving truck by Friday.  I've said goodbye to my friends once and we're prolonging the pain by doing it again on Thursday for Magic Mike.  I still have to face the family on Wednesday so by Thursday I'll be so dehydrated I won't be able to cry :( 

The one thing I'm struggling with more than anything is my kitty cat N.J.  We call her Smudge.  I don't know where it came from, but it's here to stay.  I rescued her when she was 7 years old and she's really been nothing but trouble since.  She has marking issues and often bites.  She's 15 years old now and has ruined mattresses, couches, office chairs, and motorcycle jackets, but I can't stand the thought of being without her. In addition to the things she has ruined, Vain doesn't like her and she doesn't like Ryter. Unfortunately I cannot take her with me when we leave and I do not know what to do.