Turns Out That Home = Florida

When Anh & I landed in Wichita on Friday, we were amazed by how much the city had grown. Apparently, there is no recession in Wichita. There are new restaurants and shopping centers EVERYWHERE! I just can't believe the rapid expansion. We've only been gone 3 1/2 years, but the city has progressed so much.

It was great to spend time with some of the old gang. We stayed with our friends, Dwayne & Carol. They are the best hosts! Good food + good wine + good friends = 1 awesome visit. We also spent a lot of quality time with our dear friend, Diane, which was actually the primary purpose behind the visit. She's had one hell of year, and it was nice to be there to give her some support in person. Sometimes you just need a hug, ya' know?

Anh & I couldn't help feeling a little nostalgic during our stay. We drove by our old house and were a little disappointed with some of the changes that the new owners have made. They had replaced the mission-style porch light and mailbox that we installed with ornate Victorian ones that just don't compliment the house. They also installed a new front door which I also don't really care for. Oh well. It's their house now. As long as they're happy, I guess.

By the end of the weekend, And & I were discussing whether we had made the right choice when we moved to Florida. We had seriously considered moving back to Kansas to be near our friends, and seeing how nice Wichita has become made us ponder the "what if's." Ultimately though, we got our answer when we landed in Florida. Despite how easily we fell back into familiar routines in Wichita, this is our home now. We felt it when we stepped off the plane. We are right where we are supposed to be.

A Sign of Issues to Come

Ding Dong! Do you recognize that sound? Well, it's the sound of presents! That's what I worry Jax is beginning to think. You see, every time the doorbell rings lately, there's a delivery person standing on the other side of the door bearing a gift. The week started with a present for Jax. His Aunt Emily in San Francisco sent him a new flashy backpack. Thanks for thinking of him, Emily!

Yesterday, the doorbell rang again. This time, it was a baby present from our dear friend, Diane, in Wichita. Jax, of course, came running and helped me open the package to reveal the cutest little baby seat. It's a Bumbo seat designed to help the baby sit upright. However, Jax thought it resembled something else. Once unwrapping it, he shouted, "A potty!" Then he ran and put it next to his potty. He said, "The baby has a potty like me!" I had to explain that although it looked like his potty, it was really a chair. Funny that I never saw the potty resemblance until he pointed it out. Now, I fear what I may find in the chair in the future!

Continuing the gift giving, Anh came home with an early Mother's Day present, a new set of designer luggage that I had been eyeing, but would never buy because I we didn't really need it. It's what I call "weekend luggage." Basically, it's two duffel bags and a matching tote, just enough for a weekend get-a-way. I can't wait to go somewhere now!


As I was opening each piece, I noticed someone wasn't smiling. Not only weren't they smiling, their eyes were starting to water. Then the corners of their mouth started to turn downward, and I knew what was next. Tears! Jax was bawling. He had gone from happily helping Mommy unwrap her Mother's Day present to tears in a matter of seconds.

I realized that he was probably upset over being left out of the gift giving. Obviously, he had forgotten his present from Aunt Emily earlier in the week. Obviously, the baby and Mommy getting presents on the same day made him feel left out and hurt his feelings. Well, there went my excitement over my new luggage. I switched back into parent mode and tried to explain to Jax that presents weren't always for him, that now he would have to share presents with the baby. He stopped crying, but wasn't ready to forgive Daddy for not bringing him a present. He held that grudge for a little bit, but all was forgiven by the time we sat down for dinner. I think the walkie-talkies from the secret gift closet might have done the trick. I know, not the best way to teach him that it's not all about him, but he was so sad. I had to do something!

It's Felt Like Christmas Around Here Lately

Not that there was ever any doubt in our minds, but this past week has definitely convinced us that we are loved. It has seriously felt like Christmas around here because we've been showered with gifts! I have no explanation for our friends' and family's generosity, except for that they love us.

It all started with the arrival of brand new KU gear from Diane in Wichita. She treated us to some Final Four Champion t-shirts, which I know was tough because she's a loyal K-State Wildcat. Talk about a treat and going out of her way! Then, as if they sensed they were possibly being outdone, more KU gear arrived from Jim and Allison in Lawrence. They sent us Orange Bowl Champion shirts and Final Four Champion shirts. They even included an outfit for the baby. We are seriously spoiled! I don't think I've seen Anh this excited about gifts in a while. His Jayhawk pride was apparent.

By midweek, yet another package had arrived. This surprise was specifically for Jax. His Great Aunt Glenda and Great Uncle Robert in Texas had sent some super cute animal-themed water toys. Jax was so excited he immediately wanted to take a bath to use them. Only then did he discover just how much fun they could be. Who knew soaking Mommy & Daddy with squirt toys could be so funny.

Then Grandfather and Grandma arrived later in the week and, as usual, treated Jax to some presents, but you already know most of this from my previous post. I should mention though that his favorite gifts from them were the Cars characters Darrell Cartrip and Bob Cutlass. As a special treat, they shared the news that Aunt Glenda and Uncle Robert had decided that we all needed special treats.

As you already know, Jax got a Cars video game that he is still completely obsessed with. The baby was treated to his very first swimsuits (pictures to follow this summer), and we were treated to a brand new point-and-shoot Canon camera. I was beyond thrilled because we have two cameras, another Canon point-and-shoot and then a digital SLR, but both are used by Anh during the day for work. This makes it hard for me to take pictures for the blog. So the new camera is kind of a present for everyone that reads too (okay, I realize that's a stretch)!

I thought it only appropriate to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone for thinking of us! We didn't need any of it, but we LOVE all of it and love you for thinking of us!