We bought Jude a new ball

Presented without commentary.

First in flight

We spent a whirlwind 4 days in Louisville this week, and let me apologize to anyone we didn't get to see. I wanted to visit you, but we were primarily visiting close family and trying to keep Jude on his schedule as much as possible. As he gets older, we will have more flexibility, and I promise you'll meet him before he turns 16!

We had a great time, and we were worn out by the time we flew home on Saturday. It was Jude's first flight, and though he is a happy kid when not hungry or tired, I was still concerned. We had to fly from Louisville to Baltimore, change planes, and then from Baltimore to RDU. Mom helped us at the airport in Louisville to get our bags checked and get to the security line. Both flights were on time and the weather was perfect. I want to send a shout out to the Dad and 6-year old we shared a row with on the first flight and the lady who worked for the Humane Society and man who was building a house on the coast on the second flight. All of you were wonderful, helpful, entertaining, and kind.

Jude was fantastic on both flights and even fell asleep during the first. He earned his wings, which, by the way, are now adhesive rather than a pin. I find this an unfortunate cutback because keeping adhesive-backed wings on the shirt of a 10-month old is impossible. The pic above is of Jude at the airport.

On our first flight was some 5-piece band that I did not recognize. Any ideas who they could be? They had many tattoos and were definitely too cool for school! They flew Louisville to Baltimore.

GCHS C/O '99 KIT LYLAS

With the opportunity for a night out, new dress, and a steak dinner I was lured to Paducah for Jon's 10-year high school reunion. No, Jon isn't from Paducah, and no, he didn't go to school there either. Jon spent his high school years living in the tiny hamlet of Fulton, Ky. Wanting to spread his wings, Jon attended high school out of county at the Graves County High School, home of the eagles (get it? "spread his wings"). Needing an appropriate location for more than 100 people to gather, drink, and reminisce, Paducah was chosen as the gathering spot for the reunion.

I had a really nice time and enjoyed meeting Jon's friends who star in so many of his high school stories. It was interesting to watch the evening go from awkward to nostalgic to settling somewhere near comfortable. Once you get married, have kids, get a job, serve the country, get divorced, and pay some bills it's hard not to find something in common with folks you went to high school with even if you never talked back then. Chances are someone in the room has shared the same worries and joys that you have.

One person I talked too seemed a little embarrassed of her current occupation and location, "still" doing this, "still" living there. I hated to hear it, and I just wanted to say, "Haven't you ever seen the Wizard of Oz?!" You may get more than you bargained for!

Some people leave small towns, and some people stay. People have to leave to keep them small, and people have to stay if the town is to survive. I'll never be a supporter of living in your parent's basement until your children start college, but deciding to stay put in a town of 10,000 and contributing to its economy and its well-being and raising your kids where you were raised with the help and support of the people who raised you is sure nothing to be ashamed of.

There's probably more to than this. Folks who feel they never decided anything, or who feel obligated to stay despite their goals being located elsewhere. I just hope the person didn't feel like anyone was disappointed because we were all just happy to see you.

Jude took his first step!!

After I changed Jude's diaper today, I stood him up, and he took a step with his right foot and a step with his left! A complete step! Happiness!

Save the Date

We will be celebrating Jude's 1st birthday on his actual birthday, Saturday, July 25, 2009 in Raleigh! If you need more details now, just email me or leave your request in the comments!

The location is reserved and the theme has been chosen--all we need is you!