A Few Recent Favorites...

Jim has most of our photos on his computer and he is in the midst of marking, marking and more marking so I will share a few recent favorites that I have snapped with my iPhone. It has been a while since there has been a proper Amelia update and now that my course work is finished, I have no excuse!

So what's new and exciting in our parenting adventure? Well, we are having a wonderful time with eating. I cannot say enough good things about Baby Led Weaning. I am so glad that we went this route. Amelia really does know how much she needs and when to stop. It is really remarkable how well she is eating and willing to try anything, especially since she is in control. She hasn't really refused anything, but definitely shows preferences. It has also been easier to feed on the road because she eats what we do. I don't have to cart along a bunch of jars, etc. Once the marking slows down I will hijack Jim's computer and do an "Adventures in Eating" photo blitz.

Amelia has been sitting up on her own for quite some time. She is starting to shift a bit on her belly, but crawling appears to be a ways off. Who knows though, every week brings something new and exciting. She now plays peek-a-boo and gives open mouth kisses randomly. She is the happiest little monkey and squeals with delight when I come through the door after school. I cannot wait to have all summer at home with her and Jim. The infant life jacket has been ordered and the kayaks are calling! She is going to love life on the bay. We fly home on June 10th and will make our Cedar Rapids debut on July 7th. Hopefully we can connect with lots of you!

And now for the photos...

I didn't even have to pose this one!

Amelia testing out the backpack before our trip to Yogjakarta.

Can you say, "Royal Wedding?"

Enjoying bits of apple in the Yogjakarta airport

Speechless for Once...

Finito, basta, hlas, finis...my last paper is D-O-N-E! Everything is turned in and I received my Master's in Literacy Education from the University of Missouri last weekend. Wahooo!!! Because we were going away, I thought it was going to be an unmarked occasion...boy, was I wrong!


Jim managed to organize a surprise ceremony and celebration with our neighbors and friends. He had everyone doing something and they all managed to keep everything a secret! I had no idea!


I was tricked into a play date and then a walk, which ended up at our community club house. I saw a banner from afar and even said, "Hey, there's a party. Let's go see if they have cake." We walked through the gates and I was stunned to see everyone sitting in formation, ready for my commencement to begin. Of course I immediately burst in to tears as Jim said, "Liz this is for you...Happy graduation." Next thing I knew I was suited up with a cap and a gown that I couldn't figure out how to put my hands through - how I managed to get a Master's remains to be explained!

Jim had organized every detail in a way that totally blew me away. It was so touching to see how much he cared about making something he knew was so important to me a big deal. I guess that is why he is my best friend, husband, father to our child, and the man I share this blog with! It seemed that there was one surprise after another - even a card shower from loved ones at home. (Thank you family and friends for being there in spirit!) A special thank you also to Tessa for helping to set-up and decorating and to my sister-in-law, Margaret, who created Super Liz posters!

Here is a video our neighbor shot (thanks John!) and passed on to us. You can tell I had no idea because I am pretty much wearing sleep wear...I was tired after a staff vs. students soccer match.

http://www.youtube.com/user/holmesjw

And the winners are...

As you know, we held a contest last week asking for your creative captions.  After spending hours sifting through all the entries we have selected our winners.  Remember, if your name is chosen you are entitled to the following:

An all expense paid trip to Jakarta, Indonesia which will include a stay in our private guest room with queen bed and your very own adjacent bath. All meals are included, and prepared to your liking by our very own, local Indonesian chef. Your prize also includes airport pick-up and drop off, all beverages, wireless Internet, satellite TV and pool. You may claim your prize up until the month prior to us leaving which may be in approximately 3 - 10 years. Airfare not included.

If your caption was not chosen we do appreciate your participation.  We will be holding another creative caption contest where the winner or winners will be entitled to a free crab lunch OR dinner at our home in Mathews, Virginia.  Drinks and sides included.

Drum roll please...

  Just another day at the bouncing baby farm. – Molly Herr Gartlan
 

No more margaritas for now. – Steve Sandstrom

Hey where is my cabana boy with my cocktail? – Joni Kerr

  Hey Mom, do you realize that when we go outside of this nice air-conditioned store into the heat that my balloon will expand proportionally! – Barry Leslie

What are you looking at? Do I have something on my face? – “T” - Not sure who this is, but a valid ID will need to be presented in order to gain entry into our home.

Dinner Time!

Happy Easter...

Scarf Fun

Jumping with John