Updates

Update #1

Did you know we're moving to England? A month ago there was not even a whisper of a hint of a prospect that this could ever happen. We were living contentedly in Houston. Paying our mortgage. Hanging curtains. Bracing for summer. We even bought a nice new bookcase to fill the empty wall in the living room so we could clear out all our packed up books. And I believe it was the same day we placed the final book on the bookshelf, stood back, and admired our commitment to this place that the opportunity to leave it all behind showed up unexpectedly.

Roo had the chance to either take a new job at a new company here in Houston or stay with the current company and transfer to England. For about a week and a half we talked pros and cons and I tried to wrap my mind around even the thought of living abroad. But I think the decision was already made the second the opportunity presented itself. We chose England. This will be our ninth move in eight years, ending our longest streak of permanent residence anywhere of almost two years.  Yet another uprooting, especially one so unexpected, is going to be a bit tough for me. And we have mountains of logistics when it comes to travel arrangements (obtaining visas, passports for kids, etc.) and selling our house and everything else that goes along with a foreign move to deal with.

By all rights, I should be overwhelmed, and most of the time when I think about it, I am. However, all stressful logistics aside, I think we all know that not going for this would have only left us with a long, hot Houston summer of wondering "what if?"

We plan to leave the US in the middle of June and live about 30 miles south of London for three years. And we plan to love it.

Update #2

At my 36 week appointment this week, Baby Girl was tipping the scales at 8 lbs already. I should have known based on how many people exclaim how huge I look, and on how I feel like I'm going to tip over all the time. The ultrasound technician had to make sure there weren't actually two people in there (there weren't...just one jumbo baby). But I've still got almost four weeks to go, and Baby has four weeks to grow even bigger. What this means is that we're all hoping she decides to make a sudden appearance very soon, otherwise she'll be so big that we may either have to coax her out (via induction) or cut her out (via c-section).

Update #3

Esmé has moved on from her crib and now sleeps in a pink plastic bed that has princesses on it. We're very proud.

8 Months

Just two months to go! And we still don't have a name for sure (any suggestions??) Nor do I have any idea how to manage two kids at once. If you have any advice, I'll take it!

Rainy Days

Happy (late) Valentine's Day!

My New Product

Dear Razor developers,

On behalf of all pregnant women who would like to shave their legs, please consider my idea for a new product:

I call it the "Extendo-razor"

I want one.

An Unexpected Party

When I came home from work last Friday I was instantly transported back to the Third Age of Middle Earth. Annie surprised me with earth toned balloons at the granite counter-topped Prancing Pony. Some close ups below show the details of her knowledge (and love) of not only me, but all things Tolkien. The food was enjoyed with one of my best birthday presents....a Lord of the Rings movie marathon. Thanks Annie for the best birthday party ever!! 

In addition to the party, Annie wrote a special card for my 30th birthday...

30 Reasons We Love Roo:
1. No one else gets my Lord of the Rings jokes
2. You are so handsome
3. You play sports like a pro
4. You get us to have fun
5. You have adorable eye wrinkles
6. You eat my cookies
7. You make us cookies
8. You can swing Esmé onto the bed
9. You are an amazing father
10. Your sense of humor is impeccabe
11. You know how to get what you want in life
12. You always come to a complete stop at stops signs
13. You honor your priesthood
14. You're good at raking leaves
15. I know you'd do anything for me and Esmé
16. You help me feel brave
17. You draw funny (see earlier post)
18. You're unlike anyone else
19. Even though you have a crush on "Vanessa" from Selling LA, I know you still love me best
20. You can fix things
21. You're ambitious
22. I can trust you
23. You are a loyal friend
24. If you had a chance to take the One Ring, I don't think you'd do it
25. If you did take the One Ring for yourself, you'd use it for good
26. You're smart
27. You have tact
28. I feel safe with you
29. You're my soul mate
30. You know who McKennas Cole is (Alias)

Welcome to Tantrum Town

Population: Annie and Roo

The Mayor: