the end of an era

Helen's wheels:

Our wheels!

Recent developments (*ahem*) have made it imperative for us to get a bigger vehicle. Three carseats just won't fit across the back of a Hyundai Elantra no matter how hard you try, and we need a three-carseat vehicle by, oh, around September 9th or so. So we did a little shopping a bought our first-ever brand new vehicle, the incredibly awesome and fabulous minivan. You don't have to tell me- I know it's a sexy beast. We've just been cruising around town, blowing smoke rings through the windows and gunning the engine at stoplights.

I will say, though, there is no getting around the eminently practical aspects of a minivan and we already feel that our life has gotten just that much easier!

Even more significant than the car we got was the car we traded in. Tim finally let go of his '98 Saturn, his beloved first and only. I had some worries, okay nightmares, that he would chicken out at the last minute and want to keep it but he was a grownup about the whole thing and just gave her one last little hug before sending her on her way.

A moment of silence, please.

he's 3!

ok I know I've been a horrible blogger...

but George turned 3 last month and we just happened to be in Florida over that weekend so he had a lovely birthday complete with a picnic on the beach and digging in the sand. For him it was the best birthday imaginable. He was having such an obviously wonderful time that when we were at the airport on the way home, a group of women saw him and recognized him as "George from Barefoot Beach!"

I can hardly believe he is so big! He sleeps in a big boy bed now (no small miracle given his sleep history), and is kinda-sorta potty trained. It all happened so fast I sometimes can't recognize this young man that lives in my house and can take care of himself in so many respects. Fortunately he is still the same snuggly kid he always was so I still get lots of hugs and kisses and cuddles, otherwise I'd be REALLY lost. One of my favorite things about this current stage is that he likes me to lie down next to him and sing lots of songs to help him fall asleep. His current favorites are "Come Thou Fount," "Jingle Bells" and "Old McDonald."

in other news...

We've been in Lansing nearly 3 1/2 years now. Tim's research has gone wonderfully and it was clearly the right thing career-wise for him to end up at MSU for his postdoc. However it's starting to be time for him to wind things up here- that's right, after 4 years of undergrad, 2 years of getting experience in industry, 5 years of grad school, and 4 years of postdoc, it might just be time for him to land an actual, honest-to-goodness job.

He's put in some applications for a number of positions. The process of hiring for professors/researchers is terribly, nail-bitingly slow. Though some of the apps have been in for two months, he just heard back today for the first time concerning any of the positions (some encouraging news on one spot but nothing earth shattering). Actually I am kind of glad because I would rather have this whole issue put to the side over the holidays.

We know just what we would like to happen for him and our family- a job in my hometown or at least somewhat nearby or maybe closer to family than where we are now. And we know just how much control we have over that actually happening- none- and what the statistical chances are- rather slim. So we are trying to pray with faith and trust for God to provide the kind of position we want, yet also to believe wholeheartedly that His will is perfect whatever the outcome, and to be prepared to accept that outcome thankfully and gracefully regardless. It's rather tricky to hold those things in juxtaposition, especially for as long as this is likely to go on- months, if not another year since it isn't a given that Tim will find something this year and we may have to repeat the whole process. Never before have I had some understanding of why you might get into prosperity gospel... it would be nice to name it and claim it here, but I think God is going for more of a character development approach with us this winter.

I'll be sure to update with any significant results!

things he's been doing lately

he never sings if he realizes we are watching!

and today... we did this.

with much sampling, of course.

walking!

we are experiencing a lack of photographic success..

Please be patient while we attempt to catch Helen walking on camera- we've got a huge series of sad little videos where she seems about to take off and then *bump* on her bottom she goes! I assure you she walks and can even stand up all by herself without pulling up. She says mama, bye bye, hello, and uh-oh. She's getting her first molars, all four at once, and the three of us have each gotten significant bites from her in recent weeks. Helen likes to color and rummage through drawers and cupboards, and prefers her food in non-bite-size format. I've just put away most of her 12 month clothes and put out 18 month. (*sniff*)

Not to leave out the big brother- he is in a learning about the world sort of stage. He wants to know what rainbows eat and where squirrels live. Dr. Seuss reigns supreme at bed time. He can put on his own socks and take off his own shirt. He's incredibly neat and tidy and sometimes goes around cleaning up behind Helen telling her "don't make a mess, baby! no no no no!" He likes the idea of being potty trained but sadly his ability stops short of his ambition. He's been through a series of shots lately- seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations- and every time he is very sweet about it, his lip maybe trembles for a second, then he announces "I'm so brave."

get ready to wiggle..