Idaho or Bust!

Since we moved back to the US from Ireland in September (8 months ago!), we had no idea where our next step would take us. We were hoping to return to Dublin, or make a jump to England. Justin submitted about 45 applications for post-doctoral fellowships and lectureships in America and back in Europe. Completing these applications was a full time job in itself; each had to be specifically tailored to the position. And as the rejections started rolling in, he kept applying for new positions that cropped up. I'm sure many can relate to the stress of not knowing where you're going to be, or where the money will come from when it runs out. It takes a toll on a person, and a family!

But(!), the waiting and persistence has finally paid off. A couple of weeks ago Justin was called to interview for the position of Lecturer in Modern European History at Idaho State University. He got the job! The paperwork is signed and we'll be shipping off to Idaho Falls in mid-August. It's amazing the life that has been breathed into us since we've received this news. Only now do I realize how downtrodden we felt, and probably acted. I have to say, though, that through the 8 months I knew in my heart that something would work out. I got so used to the not knowing that the only time it bothered me was when someone pointed out how difficult it must be to be living in limbo-land.

Idaho Falls

With Justin going to Manhattan for a fellowship for the month of July, we've got our work cut out for us with this big move in just a couple of months. It will all be worth it! So looking forward to our next great adventure!

Liam's Two Year Stats

We'll start with the measurements:
He is 36.5 inches tall (90th percentile)
25.5 lbs (25th percentile)
Head circumference: 19 in (50th percentile)

Taking a swim in the Lake in Lewiston, MI (June, 2011)

So, he's tall and slender, no surprise there! He is like the energizer bunny all day long and is a great (though VERY messy) eater. I think all that nutrition is going into making him grow up and not out! He has these adorable little chicken legs, which he certainly does not get from my side of the family (I wish!). His hair is starting to curl and he's got a light dusting of freckles across his nose.

Grandpaddy & Liam at cousin Shelley's Wedding (June, 2011)

He can count to ten (skipping a number every now and then, mostly because he wants to say them to fast). And though he doesn't say his ABCs all the way through he recognizes each letter and a word or two that start with it. He's very good at classifying colors, and has been since he was about 18 months old. He's talking in full sentences, though he kind of sound like a robot when he talks - like there's a period after each word... "Daddy. Go. Downstairs!" or "I. Make. Mommy. Coffee!"

A Visit to the local dairy farm, on a very warm March day (2012)

He loves pretend play now - likes to pretend he's a dog or a cat and asks us to pet him. Makes us food in his kitchen and gives us bites. When he's busy doing something he makes the funniest commentary... Like "Hmmm, um, yes." With a look of complete concentration - it cracks us up! He'd rather be outside than anywhere else. A favorite activity is walking on the trail behind the house (which is actually a road with undeveloped land). There are a few sewer drains and he could spend forever throwing rocks down the holes. He still loves to read - loves cuddling up to mommy or daddy at bedtime for his three stories. His favorite show is Super-Why (he is OBSESSED!) I think Peppa Pig has been replaced - he still loves the show but doesn't ask for it as much.

Easter, 2012

We're currently co-sleeping. When we moved back to the States it was such a big change for all of us, we just kept him in our bed. It's been fine so we haven't made an effort to change it yet. But when we move again we're going to introduce the toddler bed and make the transition. I have a feeling it could get a little ugly - he relies on us to fall asleep so he's going to have to learn how to self soothe. I'm sure the process will take a while, since I'm not interested in letting him cry it out at this point in time. I'll probably write a post about how it goes when it happens.

With new pal, Woody

Potty training will probably be happening soon, even though I wouldn't mind if he were in diapers for a while longer! He's showing the tell-tale signs that he's ready so that'll be another project after we move.... boy what a fun summer we have planned! Ha!

Enjoying his birthday cake!

I have to say, I am so proud of him to adapting to all the change in our lives - one thing has remained constant - his parents are always there, which I think it the most important thing right now. There is more change to come... moving next week across the state to the burrow and then another move at the end of the summer. Hopefully at that point we can lay down roots for at least a couple of years. I think we would all benefit from a little consistency!

I am looking so forward to watching Liam grow and learn in his third year of life :-)

Props to the Husband

I just read his latest publication. Chapter 13 in the book: Terror in Ireland. And it was gooood (five 'o's' in good, good.). I'm a girl that appreciates history and admires the heck out of my husband for making it his life's work, but I wouldn't pick up a history book to read for fun. Unless it's historical fiction - but Justin says that doesn't count - ha! Here's the cover:

(if you want to buy it)

J's portion of the book covers prison violence during the Irish Revolution, and the nasty stuff that the political prisoners initiated. The men who were imprisoned wanted, needed the title of political prisoner. What's better than being a martyr for your cause? 

The research JDS did for this chapter was actually inspired by my dad, who started out as a prison officer and over 25 years, worked his way up to lieutenant and master weapons trainer. I know my dad would have been the first (behind his mom) to read, and congratulate him on a job well done. 

I'll take a pair in every color, please!

Guest Blog: Golf on Liam's Birthday

With Mom at work Liam and I headed across the road for nine holes at Rolling Hills Golf Course. It was a windy morning, but Liam managed to instruct me on the proper clubs and approach to my shots. He was also interested in the different colored starting blocks, and the flagstick.

As you can see he helped driving the cart and was not shy about putting. I would like to say that Liam's putting contributed to our terrible score, but I must take full responsibility for that.

 A great morning, and excellent start to a second birthday. Now off to our special birthday dinner. Love you Liam!

-Justin/Daddy

Rainy Day Drawing

Complete with cotton rounds for storm clouds. There's 15 minutes of a rainy day covered! Now for the rest of the 12.5 waking hours...

Bunny & Liam: 2 Years On

Left to right: 1 month old, 5 months old

10 months old, 2 years old.

Where did my baby go?!