Well, the whole family has been in Texas for about 2 months, but it has flown by. We are enjoying the weather and the new bonds we're forming with Gene's co-workers and neighbors. I am still looking for a teaching job. I've gone on 4 interviews, so I hope to hear from one of those in the next month or so. They hire teachers late in Texas, so I might not hear anything until late June! That makes me nervous, so please pray for me.
Gene still loves his job. He also enjoys playing softball about 2 times a week, and he even subbed on the USBC soccer team. He bought a lawnmower (a push, not automatic) which he enjoys (lol) using on the weekends. Gene is still a wonderful father, helping me so much with Geno's nighttime feedings as well as giving Mary tons of extra attention, so she doesn't feel left out. Currently, Gene is part of an USBC experiment dealing with two-handed bowling. In the bowling world, it's all the rage.
Mary is her usual self after quite an adjustment with Geno coming home. She had a bit of a relapse in potty training when Geno first came home. Our pediatrician said that was completely normal and would go away in about a month--he was right on target. Mary has had a few more play dates with neighborhood kids. She especially enjoys playing with Natalie, Eli, Braelynn, and Avery. She's meeting new friends everyday--though she still misses home. She often asks where her cousins and Carter are. It makes me sad when she asks such questions, but I know it's all part of the change. Lately, she LOVES Dr. Seuss books, particularly The Lorax, Green Eggs and Ham, Mulberry Street, and I Can Read with my Eyes Shut. We all have them memorized. In fact, Mary often picks them up on her own and "reads" sections by herself. Mary loves going to Gene's softball games because there is a great park, and her new friends Cindy and Shannon (very nice people whom Gene works with) often give her tons of attention. Mary enjoys playing with water balloons, her babies (as always), hopscotch, basketball hoop, musical instruments, dancing to music (her favorite song is "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"), and much more!
Geno is growing by the minute! He gained 2 1/2 pounds the first month. His Dr. was VERY impressed, especially because he spent some time in the NICU. He's already rolled over! He coos at times, but mostly he cries--just like his sister did. He's difficult to console, so we often turn on fans and air vents to keep him calm. He also only likes to be held one way, which is a bit uncomfortable for us. He likes his swing, but will only take so much before he lets you know that HE WANTS OUT! He loves being outside. In fact, he's super calm at Gene's softball games. A new development...Gene swears Geno smiled this morning (real smile--not the gassy ones). I know it's early, but we'll see.
A special event for us was Auntie Amy's visit. Mary had a blast with her: they painted their nails, played at the park, played at McDonald's, and played at home...tons of playing! I really think Mary needed that individual attention. We loved having a familiar face around, and we already miss her terribly.
I hope you are doing well too! We miss you all!
Love,
Angie
