Category — Random Thoughts

As the sun set on our final day in California, we were awash with many different emotions and thoughts.  The radiant reds and oranges were a magnificent good-bye from the West and reminded me of the many beautiful sunsets we were able to enjoy with our beach community.  The plane went out over the Pacific and then banked back toward land, providing a clear view of the illuminated Pacific Wheel at the Santa Monica pier set against the bright lights of LA.  I recalled how we had felt when we touched down there only nine months ago.  We had dreamed about the perfect weather, the beach, surfing, hiking the mountains and the short drive to go snowboarding.  So why are we leaving all of this?  That is the question most people ask with a smirk.  Well, I’m excited about being closer to family and the many friends we have back east, especially those with kids; a career change that will allow me more satisfaction and time to focus on Dan & Reily; and the conveniences of the city that we had missed dearly on many nights.  California does have a lot to offer, but it will still be there on vacations.  So bring on the snow and rain and humid summers, we will make the most of any place…together.

First, we would like to thank everyone for their support on our decision to move back to Chicago.  The response has been over-whelming and helps to reaffirm our choice.  However, they’re are quite a few who seem to be questioning our sanity regarding our timing of the move!  So we can answer it with a resounding:  ‘Yes, we know its cold.  And, yes, we know there is loads of snow!’  And we can follow up with a ‘We will take it every day of the week and twice on Sunday as oppose to the earthquakes!’

Notice the plurality of that last statement – earthquakeS – as in multiple.  Obviously, there was the larger one that occurred this past summer prior to Reily’s birth in which marked our first California earthquake.  The experience was rather unnerving as I am a particular for having the ground be rather stable under my feet.  I suppose I just a stickler for certain things!  But everyone assured us that it will become second nature and you’ll learn to not even notice them.

This past Thursday just before I was putting Reily down for his nap, I noticed another little rumbling.  An event that was barely covered in the local news as it only measured 3.4 and originated in ‘the valley’ which I only explain to Midwesterners as a ‘who cares’ if Ann Arbor, Michigan would suddenly fall off the map.  But I felt in never the less.  Last night, having just returned from meeting some high school friends out, we experienced another one.  This time, it was more like a car drove into our apartment complex causing the entire foundation to jump for a brief second.  Prompting Christine to run from the kitchen into the living room asking me ‘what did you do?’  (See I’m married and have learned to where the sacred jacket of blame that seems to materialize shortly after your first year of marriage!)  After a few seconds, we realized what that probably was and had a quick laugh where Christine summed it best with ‘I’m so ready for the snow!’

Last night’s earthquake was centered in Marina Del Rey, a mere 3 miles from Santa Monica and registered 3.4 again.  A mild aftershock was actually centered in Santa Monica but wasn’t really felt (1.9).  It was enough for both of us to long for the sub-zero temperatures that seem to be gripping the midwest.  As we both agree that this is one thing that we don’t really want to ever adjust to – its not that we spend hours worrying about it but we certainly aren’t embracing it either.

So, we say ‘bring on the snow!’  And we’ll simply pack on the layers.  We are about 20 days out from our move and are feverishly putting the plans in motion; fully expecting some things to flop and others to be exactly as planned.  One thing that we’ve learned is to just focus on controlling the controllables…and nature isn’t one of those!

Its official – Reily’s cousin has arrived!  Liz & Caleb welcomed Jonah William Bush into this world early this morning.  He weighed in at 5lbs 11 oz and 18 inches long!  Liz and son are doing great.  So we would like to extend our congradulations to the Bush family and we can’t wait to meet the little guy on our trip to New Mexico for Christmas!

This is the first time in the past 7 years that we had trick or treaters!  Well, kind of.  We had one boy who came to the front door.  Then the back door where he took more candy and proceeded to ask for a “donation for his school”.  Dan asked him how and the boy replied “you know, like just give me five or ten dollars.”  To which Dan replied, “Maybe next time.”

Reily’s Halloween outfit lasted about three hours before he sprinkled all over it while Dan changed his diaper.  This is starting to be a little suspicious that he pees when his diaper comes off.  My favorite part is that this outfit is actually 6-9 months (Yes, he is only 2 months this week!) and check out how well these pants fit his waist, but not in length

Reily may get his ear lobes from his mom, but he gets a whole lot more from his dad!  Just take a look at these two watching Notre Dame last week to spot some similarities

Neither one has had a hair cut in weeks, both have a security item (nunnie for Reily, remote control for Dan) and both “watch” football with their eyes closed.  Best of all, they both have a great sense of humor and find themselves hysterical.  Although, I believe this originated with Rich.  Reily often laughs so hard in his sleep, that he does deep belly laughs that wake him out of his slumber!

Did I mention that they both have a great butt?  And enjoy bathtime?

The men in my life keep me on my toes, but I’m loving every minute of it!