Doesn't really exist! We are still in our summer wear. We have had one or two rainy days where we had to bundle (put on pants), but other than that it is beautiful everyday. There are some trees that have leaves changing, but it just isn't the same. I kinda miss the seasons, but it is hard to be sad when the weather is so pretty all the time. I love being able to get outside everyday and go walking or picnic in the park, etc.
We HAVE however already seen snow this year! We were in Denver a few weeks ago for work and family and it snowed one of the days. We didn't really get out in it and it was mostly just on the cars, but it was still really fun. Madison seems to love the cold weather! She giggled every time the cold wind blew in her face. So cute! She got to see the whole Pollock family while we were there and meet all the extended family. It was a great trip and I am so glad Maddie and I were able to go.
This month has been a busy one and Patrick has had to do a lot of traveling for work. He left the week before we went to CO for 5 days and then got back in time to re-pack for CO. We were there for 7 days and then got back. We are both about to leave again at the end of the month for 6 days. He is going to Taiwan for work and I am going to Atlanta to spend time with my family. I am so happy to not be alone for another 6 days this month!
Madison update: she is 9.5 months now and it really just starting to get into everything and realize that she can leave her "toy area". It is funny! She pulled herself up for the first time in Denver and then figured out how to pull up in her crib this week (nap times have not been fun). She is cruising around furniture, still army crawling, babbling a lot, eating everything, and putting everything she find in her mouth. She also loves to pull all of the shoes out of the shoe basket or basically pull anything apart or out and spread it all around. It is kinda cute now, but I know soon it wont be.
As for me.... I spend my days with mom friends and TCB (taking care of business). Ha! But seriously, house business. So, I try to use nap times to do chores so when Madison is awake we can go to the park and meet other moms (new and old). It has been so great living here because just going to the park is a ministry. It is so easy to meet other mom, especially when you have a kid. ha! I have met a few moms outside of the church with babies about her age and it has been fun to start hanging out with them. It seems all new moms are in the same boat, the boat of needing friends. I am so thankful for the built in community of moms I have living all around me. Seriously, there are 4 families from church that are within a mile of us and we spend a LOT of time together - with kids and without :)
We are finally feeling settled and in a routine. We feel like we have some great friends, a great church, great small group, great apartment, neighborhood, etc. We are getting to know our neighbors and starting to get out and explore the area a little more too. We try to go hiking on the weekends when we can/ when USC isn't playing. We are just loving it out here! We are trying to embrace the fact that we haven't really found any babysitters yet (except friends) and trying to just enjoy this stage in life as a family, but I am actively being creepy and trying to work up the courage to talk to the high schooler I see in downtown Menlo Park. HA! But seriously... girls here don't really babysit. Don't worry though, Patrick and I get out on dates! I promise! We have some sweet friends at church that will come over and let us get out, but nothing on a weekly basis or anything. One Day!!!
Well I think this is about it for now... we are healthy, happy and enjoying watching Maddie grow!
