Home again, home again

To all of you who check this page frequently, I apologize for the extended silence. We moved, we unpacked, the semester started, and then we were off to America for family vacation. (This trip brought to you by Dietrich's generous grandparents.)

Now we're back, I've started working at the seminary a bit, and I just got up after the third straight night of baby jetlag. I have a mere two minutes before I must get going, so hopefully this photo will whet your appetite for more tales from Trip to America 2007.


Dietrich picks a baby elephant's nose at the San Francisco Zoo. We love zoos, and try never to go on a vacation without taking one in. The SF Zoo is a great size for strolling on a weekday morning, plus you get to drive along the ocean to get there and exotic birds roam freely around the grounds.

Today I'm thanking God for ...

... the fact that, 34 years ago today, my honey, the love of my life, was born. He was a tiny preemie, yet God allowed him to grow up into the strong, solid man with whom I get to share this adventure of a life. Thirty-three was a big year for Eric — new job, new apartment, new baby — and I pray that in his 34th year, we will remain keenly aware of God's numerous blessings in our lives.

We're moved

Thursday's move went really well! We had a team of people at each apartment, plus a cleaning team at the old apartment. We started at 8 a.m., and were done by 11:30, but some folks stuck around for pizza and to help us situate furniture in the new place. Once again, we rejoice to work with such wonderful people who are willing to sacrifice their day to scrub and to carry heavy stuff.

So far, the kitchen, living room and Dietrich's room are clean and set up. I'd wanted to get the bathroom done this weekend, but the stomach flu came for a visit last night, so today was spent primarily prone.

Dietrich's room turned out so cute. It was such a joy to finally set up a nursery for him. I'll post pictures later, when it doesn't hurt to stand.

Answering mom's query

The other day, my mom asked what's in season here. Well, Sunday, I went to the market and bought the pictured produce to get us through Moving Day. I resisted buying a tomato the size of Dietrich's head, because I knew I wouldn't eat it in time. I love summer in Ukraine!

Moving day approaches

It's chaos around here as we get closer to saying goodbye to this apartment. Earlier this week, we moved two guest beds, four bookshelves and about 30 boxes to the new place. And yet, much remains to be boxed.

This has been my least-organized move ever. I started packing about a months ago, before we found a place, so I started with things I wouldn't need for the month. Lots of boxes are filled with a random collection of items, like books, winter boots, tiny baby clothes and cake pans. And now I'm down to the stuff that didn't fit anywhere else. So, my next box is likely to include an ice bucket, a fish bowl, our wedding album and a hot-water bottle. This should make unpacking interesting.

This morning I found a stash of contact lenses that I never wear. Out of guilt for even buying them, I popped in a pair. The feeling of a thousand tiny pinpricks on my eyeballs, coupled with the irritating dryness, reminded my why I never should have bought them in the first place. My eyes simply don't like contacts.

Yesterday we tried to take care of all the paperwork associated with the new apartment. We actually made great progress, but one guy who has to sign off on the rental agreement wasn't working, so we'll be back to it on Monday.

Also, yesterday Dietrich started standing without holding on to anything. Quick, let's move before he starts walking!

Ah, how I look forward to the evening of August 2 (Moving Day), when all the packing and moving is done, and we just have the fun part (setting up a new home) to look forward to.

Dietrich's clearly excited about that, too:

A little friend for Dietrich

An update on Sergei and Natasha, the sweet pregnant couple who also are looking for an apartment. Well, they're no longer pregnant! They met their son yesterday, and mom and baby are doing just fine. Sergei is a very dedicated photographer; he's always got his camera out, documenting life. From the lovely pictures he's already posted, it's clear that this will be one beautifully photographed baby.

Happy birthday, Uncle Sam

From what we could tell from far away, you were really good at being 26. You earned a promotion, you put on a beautiful wedding, you asked good questions that will help you grow in your faith, you lavished love on your little nephew, you brought me candy in the hospital and you proved yourself to be a great husband. So, maybe you should just rest this year.

love,
sam miller's big sister