New Year

Yes, it has been awhile. We spent three weeks on vacation out in Idaho/Utah and while we were there, our computer died. So we had to get a new one, and now I'm having to learn how to use Window's 8. I finally know how old people have always felt about computers.

Our vacation was loooong, but we had a lot of fun. Henry got to play with a lot of cousins and cousins once removed. Not to mention the dogs and cats he followed around/ran away from. And he sure did love to play the piano.

We spent Christmas at Ben's parents' in Idaho. Ben and Henry got matching pajamas from my Mom. They are awesome. And it was a white Christmas, which is always wonderful.

New Year's was celebrated at Russell and Kim's in Utah, with the usual (and delicious) fancy dinner. I can't take credit for the whole thing, but I did make some amazing ravioli.

We completed the evening by releasing a paper lantern. Ben wanted to sing the words to the song from Tangled as we did it, but he couldn't remember the words.

Ben had an annual training in Florida for work the first week of January. I don't think he did much there other than eat candy and go to Disneyworld. We're already planning a return trip before Henry turns 3 and is no longer free.

Henry and I stayed out west the week that Ben was gone. We spent time with Ben's parents (who get funnier the later at night it is) and went down to Provo and saw some old friends there. I was a big fan of the new train that runs from Ogden to Provo. Good job, Utah. Henry had fun too, not having to sit in his car seat for the whole trip.

While we were on vacation, we got good news. We're moving! (You thought I was going to say we're pregnant, didn't you?) We're staying in the area, we're just moving out of the city, to a house in Grosse Pointe Park. Woot woot. We are excited--it's a great deal and a great house for us. And still really close to Ben's work. We move the first week of February. We'll have a garage, a yard, a full-sized washer and dryer, a bigger kitchen.....

It's good to be back to our home and our normal schedules. Except Henry is now a one-napper. Gross. But I'm glad to have my own space, my own bed, and a computer again. I can finally blog and remind everyone how funny I am.

One

Henry is one! So hard to believe. All of the email updates I get on his development congratulate me that he is now a toddler. It's a bittersweet moment, and I have this odd feeling that I'm entering a new stage of my life (that's right, I am turning my son's birthday into a discussion about me).
For the past year, Henry has been forming his basic developments, like sitting up, crawling, learning about food and what his hands do. And now it's his independence and communication skills that are developing (quickly, and with a lot of attitude, I might add). But he is still my wonderful little buddy, and I am thankful for him every day.

Henry got some awesome presents, and we (especially Ben and I) have enjoyed playing with them. Henry's interest in toys is sporadic. We got him bath toys, and he much prefers to play with the bucket they came in. He has quite a thing for buckets.

We had some people over for cake yesterday, and Henry got his own little cake to tear into. His method was slightly hesitant at first, and primarily frosting-focused. But as he became more comfortable with the cake, he settled into a slow, steady destruction.

Basically, I love this kid.

Lighting up (a tree)

The Detroit Christmas tree was lit up this weekend, and because of Ben's work, we got into an event held by United Way. It was great--good food, lots of desserts, fancy dinner for professionals and a fun room for kids. There were all kinds of activities like coloring, cookie decorating, and a photo booth. We mostly stayed in the kids room...

We tried to get Henry's face painted, but every time the brush went near his face, he turned to look at it. We gave up after a few attempts.

He picked up these two rolls and it was awhile before he paid attention to anything else.

There was a man doing balloon animals. Henry got a candy cane, though we had to carry it around until he was done eating.

Still eating a roll...

Ben guarded the candy cane while Henry's hands were full of bread.

Henry was very popular with the adults and kids. Young kids about his size (but usually six months to a year older) would walk up to him and point at him or talk to him. One little girl kept giving him hugs.

Last year we took a picture in front of this tree, but we were outside and it was freezing. And I was 8 months pregnant. And Ben had a mustache. This year was much better.

The tree lighting festival is by far the best thing Detroit does. The city is all lit up and alive. It's one of the very few times that it's actually full of people (despite how it looks in this picture)

Touchdown!

Morning routine

Being a mom is stressful. But there are little moments that I know I'll remember for a long time that make it so rewarding. This morning Henry woke us up and "snuggled" with us in bed, like he usually does. To paint a picture, his snuggling usually involves laying his head right on your face, putting cold hands on any exposed bit of skin he can find, and crawling all over the bed (and us) while talking loudly. Oh, and since he's been sick, wiping his nose all over us and the bed. It's one of the best parts of the day.

This morning, I had a hard time waking up, so wonderful Ben took over Henry and let me doze as much as was possible with a hair-pulling almost-one year old. Henry spent most of the morning following his dad around. They took a shower, which is always a fun interaction to see. Ben teaches Henry how to flick water in other people's faces and Henry sucks the water off Ben's shoulder and giggles. When it came time to pull Henry out and get him dressed, both Henry and Ben pouted quite a bit.

As soon as I had Henry dried and diapered, he took off back down the hallway toward his dad. He loves watching Ben and he especially enjoys mimicking him. Henry has his own toothbrush, and when Dad brushes, he brushes (even if it's with the wrong end). Same with brushing hair--Henry wants to have his hair brushed if that's what Ben is doing. On mornings when Ben just wets his hair down, so does Henry.

Lately, when it comes time for Ben to leave for work, Henry can tell. He starts crying as soon as Ben puts his jacket on. Poor kid. This morning was no exception. We have to distract him when Ben walks out the door, because he's so sad to see him go. I love that about him. Then in the evening when Ben comes home, it's awhile before Henry wants anything to do with me again. I love my boys. One of the things I love most about them is how much they love each other.

Fall

Uncle Josh spent the week with us, since he is going on his mission to Brazil in two weeks. We tried to keep him busy and show him the good sights of south eastern Michigan.

Henry has been practicing walking with shoes. He likes to stretch first so he doesn't pull any muscles

Henry also enjoyed his first doughnut and apple cider at the Cider Mill. I should say he gobbled down two bites and then became indignant when we didn't give him more. Mmm sugar.

Part of the Cider Mill was a nature walk. Josh and I kept asking what it was leading to and Ben had to explain that nature walks don't necessarily go anywhere.

Pumpkin carving. Always a good fall activity. I won't bias you by pointing out that the one on the bottom is the best. (Editor's note: The awesome one in the top left is a man with suspenders and a bowtie).

It's Happening...

Henry is walking. He's not very steady--he mostly does it to show off. His preferred method of transport is still crawling or being carried by Mom. But it's still amazing. My little baby is becoming a toddler....

In other, equally exciting news (maybe), Ben fixed our car this weekend! The driver's window wouldn't roll down. It's always slightly embarrassing going through a drive-thru and having to open your door to hand them your money. He did an excellent job, it works perfectly. Henry helped by holding a screwdriver and eating rocks.

Last of all, today is my little brother's 22nd birthday. Happy birthday Elder Fernquist. You're the best present Mom and Dad ever gave me.