I Live in Texas

I still have these moments that creep up at odd times as I go about my daily life where I stop and remember that I live in Texas. A statement of the obvious, yes, but one that is still sort of hard for me to believe. Andy left for a short trip to Chicago today, which has me thinking about what he's seeing and doing or, rather, what I am not seeing and doing. Unlike me, he can go back, unfazed. He doesn't spend a lot of time thinking about the oddities of visiting a place where he used to live. I, on the other hand, can't get past the way the city exists both changing and unchanged, in spite of my absence. Most of the time, I am happy here. We're making friends and finding our way. But, I still don't feel like this is home. I am not sure I want it to feel like home, if that makes sense. Although, it sure would be easier if I just let it. Maybe I am a bit homesick. Maybe all this nesting I have been doing, this attempt to create a home for this new baby, highlights how I have not made the jump to calling this "house" my "home." And while I love having the space and the ease of lifestyle that living here affords me, I miss the City of Big Shoulders, the promise of Spring after a long winter, and the 1600 square feet of home I left back on Racine.

Nursery Time

Nesting has hit me full-force, and Baby Zone's nursery is just about done. It's hard to imagine we'll meet our new little one in a couple of months!

Finger Painting Fun

It's been beautiful here, so I decided to let Henry have at it with some backyard finger painting!

Bass Master

Andy is determined to make Henry a Bass Master. Luckily, we live mere blocks from a great catch and release pond. Here is Henry showing off his first Bass with Daddy!

February in Houston

Andy and I have to keep reminding ourselves that it is February! It feels like Spring. We've had a few outdoor playdates lately. Here are a couple of pics of our fun!

Shaggy McGoo

Henry's hair was getting pretty shaggy, so we recently went for a haircut. He are a couple of pre-cut shots of our Shaggy McGoo!

From the Mouths of Babes...

So, I guess my fear of living "in the Red" down here in Texas is unwarranted. Here is a recent conversation I had with Henry:

Mommy: "What's your name?"

Henry: "Henry!"

Mommy: "'Henry' what?"

Henry: "Henry Ohhhh-BAMA!"

Grin.