January 4, 2010

 

Ahhh, a new year and a new series of stories to share. I’m really looking forward to how 2010 will play out, and if these first few days are any indication, we’re in for some real fun.

 

We closed out 2009 with a fantastic Christmas with our family. We spent a few days with the both the Henry and Harringa sides and enjoyed the very best of the season. We were fortunate to avoid any of the weather-related travel problems and made it home safe and sound. However, we’re currently experiencing one of the coldest, snowiest winters that most Kansans can remember. It’s just like Iowa for us, but the world around these parts basically shuts down with the appearance of the white stuff. Actually it is pretty crummy that it’s so cold, which makes it difficult to go outside and enjoy it. Alas, this too shall pass, and we’ll be out & about soon enough.

 

As I write this, Ryan is in Miami getting ready to watch the Hawkeyes demolish Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. A lesser woman might have less than positive feelings about being housebound with two kids in a freezing town; good thing I’m so dang upbeat. Like I’ve said before, any itty bitty bit of jealousy I have about Ryan’s jaunt down south is offset by witnessing how keyed up he is about the game. It’s a big deal, and our house will be rooting on the Hawks and watching TV to see Ryan in the stands. He’ll be the guy wearing a ball cap and Iowa jersey and screaming.

 

As for those left behind, we’re all great. Daniel continues to makes us proud with his tremendous sense of humor and quick adaptation to having a baby sister. His teachers at school comment on his wonderful imagination and stories, and we get a kick about hearing what he will come up with next. Recently, he’s been telling us about what he’s going to do when he starts kindergarten…baseball, then soccer, then football (apparently I’m going to be the coach…HA), and he’s swears he’ll always listen to his teacher. We’ll see if he remembers these goals when he actually does start kindergarten a loooong time from now.

 

Chelsea is a smiling machine and is working really hard on rolling over. We’re not quite there, but she appears determined; I have faith it will happen soon. She’s still tricking the diaper changers with what we affectionately refer to as “sneaky trinkies.” During a diaper change, the girl can soak her clothes and changing table without even a hint that she’s doing it. With Daniel we were always on high alert for the geyser, so in keeping with the geological theme, we believe Chelsea uses the folds in her thigh skin as underground fissures through which the trinkles sneak out. It keeps laundry day regular and Ryan and I on our toes.

 

As for the parents, we’re both good and just doing our thing. Ryan’s enjoying his job, and the higher ups at his company have been relying heavily on his expertise and experience to get to that much-desired “well-oiled machine” state of business. It’s certainly gratifying to see some appreciation for his brains as well as his brawn.

 

I’m counting the days until I go back to work. On some level, I miss it, but I’ve so thoroughly enjoyed the time with my family that it’s going to be hard to go back. I’ll survive and will tell the tale in the next installment.

 

With much love,

 

The Harringas