The Great Outdoors

Now that Tom is back at work (we did love having him around for two weeks), Patrick and I have been enjoying the fabulous fall weather and spending some time outdoors. Mississippi was just too hot this summer to be outside, so it has been fun to see Patrick enjoying something as simple as grass (and of course, still his feet). Lounging on our lawn has also given me a chance to meet more of our neighbors and once I again I can't believe how fortunate we are to be surrounded by good company.

Patrick gives a special shout out to our friends in MS:

This Little Piggy

At 3 1/2 months, Patrick has discovered his ten little piggies! He has noticed them before, but must never have fully grasped what greatness he had all along until this week. Wednesday he seemed captivated by his feet, and by Friday, he was infatuated. Thursday evening after we put him to bed, he rolled around for an hour and a half playing with them. If only we were all so happy with so little.

Road Trip!

Two very important things happened this week- 1) I found the camera that I had "misplaced" and 2) I found the cable needed to transfer the images onto my computer. Now if only we could find our cordless phones that remain hidden in some unopened box...

These pictures are from our stay over in Nashville, TN at Aunt M.E. and Uncle Tom's house, which turned out to be a good stopping point for the first day of our drive to Pennsylvania. We couldn't pass up a chance to introduce them to Patrick, but then it was back in the car for the last leg of our journey home. Thanks for the hospitality!

Good to be Home

Yes, Tom, Patrick and I are finally settling into our new life in Pittsburgh, PA. We moved into our house on September 5th and I LOVE our temporary home which is loaded with character (it was built in 1926!). Patrick's nursery is really the only room in the house put together at the moment, but is my favorite- bright and cheerful with pretty blue walls for our growing boy. Patrick was an amazing travel buddy-of the total 18 1/2 hours it took us to travel from Mississippi to Pittsburgh, Patrick slept about 12 of those and cried only the last 30 minutes of the trip.

It has been great seeing our families- here are a few photos of Grandpa Leyden, Aunt Karen, and cousins Nathan and Jack visiting our home the day we moved in. Missing our friends in Mississippi though...

Cousin Nathan holding Patrick for the first time.

Grandpa Leyden and Patrick Sept 5, 2009

Happy 3 Month Birthday!

Patrick turned 3 months old today and I can hardly believe how much he has grown. Just today, with daddy watching, Patrick rolled over from his stomach to his back! He is gooing and gaaing and bringing us so much joy each day. Happy birthday little man. . .

Friends, Farewells & Fajitas

Bidding a dear friend goodbye is somehow made a little easier over a frozen margarita and an endless bowl of chips and salsa. Patrick and I had our final playdate today at Papitos with Tresa and Biven (born 3 weeks before Patrick). Tresa is one of those kindred spirit types who always seems to get me, and she will be sorely missed (but not forgotten!!!). Perhaps our next playdate will in some Pennsylvania snow???

One Box Forward, Two Back

I'd like to say that we made a lot of progress in the packing department this past weekend, but Patrick seemed to want to be entertained and held most of Saturday and Sunday. Oh well- playing with him is more fun than packing. Also, it is hard to be frustrated when he continues to sleep through the night. No more exhaustion for me (at least right now), just in time to be able to enjoy catching up with family and friends back in Pittsburgh!