Name Calling

There's an interesting thing about Detroiters that I've noticed lately. Henry and I walk around a lot, and people here are friendly and often say hi. The difference between Detroit and anywhere else I've lived is that people call you what they think you are. For example, I have heard pretty, baby, beautiful, mama, girl. That last one may sound like stating the obvious, but there's something about the way they stretch it out into "giiiirrrrrl" that makes it sound more descriptive than it actually is.

The level of creepiness varies on the person saying it (as well as their tone of voice). I'm actually surprised by how many young men have said "Hey baby" to me and not creeped me out. I honestly think they're just being polite. But still, it often catches me off guard. And what should I respond to that? Good afternoon youth. Hello hoodlum. Good day wrinkly old man.

Food, birthdays, bedrooms

Well, our baby is now 9th months old. He's stopped growing quite so much, which has a lot to do with how mobile he is. He burns calories like nobody's business. The best part about him being 9 months is the wide array of foods he can now eat. We're talking lasagna, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, beef stroganoff. And boy does he love food.

Ben's birthday was this past week. His main birthday present was going to a Boise State game in August, but we had a few festivities here. My present to him was a martini glass full of gummy bears. Why? Because we saw a martini glass full of gummy bears on tv and he said, I want that. So I delivered.

I have also been extremely motivated in my housework lately. I'm hoping it's not just a passing phase. I've been slowly cleaning out Henry's room out since we have lived here. I've finally finished up, rearranged it, and hung all of the things I've made for him. I'm quite proud, and I feel very crafty.

Giggles

This kid is great. He obviously loves his dad. Lately, every time Ben walks into a room, Henry squeals in delight. No matter how long they've been apart, whether it's been all day or 2 minutes.

Work work work

So... I got a job. Yeah, it was just as much a surprise to us, since I wasn't even looking. I got an email last week from a transcribing company that I had applied to a year ago. They use the same software I have a license in and they do remote work, which is why I applied for them--We had just moved to Michigan and I thought, I'll do some typing while I'm huge and pregnant and don't have anything to do all day.

Since I never heard a response, I had completely forgotten about them until this email came. It was the ideal hire--no stress, no pressure and fast. By the end of the next day, I had been interviewed and was hired. Go figure, when I'm actually looking for a job it takes months of rejection, but when I'm not searching, something falls in my lap. Isn't that how life is...

What I do is very similar to what I did as a transcriber in Provo, except instead of going to classes with the students, I listen in from home via Skype. It's great, and so far I've been able to get a schedule that fits nicely with Henry's naps. Just an hour or two a day while he's sleeping. And I get to listen to college classes like British literature, liberal arts, research methods... without having to worry about the homework.

We decided to try it out for awhile, and as long as it doesn't interfere with my ability to tend to Henry, it's a great setup. It's a great blessing, and I think it will be good for me to do something that's all mine. And now I will end with a cute picture of me and Henry.

 

Compare/Contrast

I've been going through Henry's clothes this week and I found one of the hats he wore while he was in the hospital. I thought I'd have him try it on and see just how well it fits 8 months later.

Nananana

Lately it seems like all I do is pick things up. This is something that every mother has probably had to deal with, and I have yet to find a solution for it. At least, one that doesn't involve putting everything in our house at least 3 feet off the floor. I don't know what the appeal is of pulling things off shelves. But it seems to be very strategic and compulsive. A few minutes ago, while Henry was napping, our living room was clean. Now it looks like this.

Yes, that is a Batman shirt. Complete with cape.

Westward ho

We got back last night from a long vacation out west. And surprise, I'm actually really happy to be home.

We spent a couple of days in Idaho at Ben's parents' house. There was a big reunion for the Bernie Fisher family, plus I had my 24th birthday (which I was sick for--super lame). Henry particularly enjoyed the apricots from the orchard.

We also visited Ben's grandpa, who is Henry's middle name sake. If you notice Ben's dad in the background, you can see four generations of fathers and sons. Precious.

Next was our trip to Yellowstone with my brother Josh, who just finished up at BYU-I and is now getting ready to go on his mission to Brazil. It was our first time at the park. Lots of prettiness, like this ginormous hot spring.

We found ourselves in the middle of a buffalo stampede that was quite intense. Keep in mind that this was a one-way street that dropped off in a steep cliff.

Needless to say, it was a very long day.

Henry timed this just right--as we were taking our picture in front of Old Faithful, he leaned over and gave me a big kiss. My boy loves me.

We also saw my dad and spent some time with Ben's grandparents and some other family in Utah, but I don't have any pictures of that. All in all, it was a good trip. But thank goodness for Henry being able to sleep in his own room again....