Doubting No More....

So I have been arguing for weeks with Marion over whether or not Michael is talking yet. I always figured that when Michael said his first word it would be completely obvious. Not so much. He babbles constantly...who is to say he's not embedding something meaningful in there? He has been going around saying 'mamama' and 'dadada' for months, but it's not only when he is referring to us so it seems. Then, a couple weeks ago, I noticed that he would bring me a book off his shelf, and would always say 'but'. Now to me, that counts. But of course, Marion didn't hear this, and still doesn't believe me.

Today, all my doubts have been put to rest. I asked Michael to get his ball, and he looked around for it. When he found it, he picked it up and threw it to me. I picked it up and said, 'ball'. He looked at me, thought for a second, and VERY deliberately said 'ba'. Every time he threw me the ball, I would say it, and he would repeat. Now THAT is a word!

But guess who was at work? Poor old Daddy. Guess I still haven't won the battle.

Congrats Marion!

So as much as he complained and as many hours as he worked, Marion has finally finished his intern year. He got to walk across the stage once again as a graduate once again. Although he still has a couple weeks of work left, the end is now officially in sight! You made it!

First Baseball Game!

I haven't been to a real baseball game since I was a little kid, and Marion couldn't ever remember going to one, so we thought it would be fun to go to one and support the local minor league team - the Dayton Dragons. We met up with a few friends and their kids and grabbed a spot on the lawn. It was a gorgeous night and a great excuse to get out. Michael actually did really well at the game (I'm sure a lot of it had to do with the fact he could move around and play instead of being confined to a seat). The other 2 babies with us even got up on the big screen! Maybe next time for you, Michael....

Congrats Sarah!

We got a nice surprise before we left the ol' KY this morning. Sarah, my good friend from high school, was driving through Etown on her way to a family bbq and offered to stop and visit for a little bit. What was even better about the visit was that she had just had her 3rd baby 2 weeks before...and we got to see him! Congratulations Sarah....you are AWESOME!!!! Here's a few pics of the clan:

Dad and Frank enjoying a book

Ben with Frank and Karis

Mom with the new addition, Daniel Evan. He's so tiny, but so cute!

Memorial Day Cookout

Today we celebrated Memorial Day early by going to Barb and Barry's new house for a cookout. Luckily, the rain held off and it turned into a beautiful day. We got to see the Powell's awesome new house, eat good food, and take it easy in the sun. Barb even got Michael a pool so he could go swimming! He had fun in there!

Yet ANOTHER Birthday Present!

Ok, so I guess Michael's birthday never ends. That boy is so spoiled. First thing when we got to Kentucky, he got a custom-made board book from Mom and Dad with everyone's picture in it. He loves it! But if that wasn't it, it just kept coming....

Dad came in that night while we were discussing our plans of how we were supposed to go hiking the next day if Michael didn't have his carrier. Well, ask and you shall receive! He whips out a brand new baby backpack carrier! FAR superior to our $4 yard sale find (although it has served us well). This thing is like the Cadillac of backpacks, so of course we had to try it out this morning. Here are some shots out on the trail:

A Weekend In KY

This weekend we went to Kentucky to visit Grandma, Grandpa, Mamaw and Papaw. Michael's already been busy helping Grandma cook, checking out Mamaw's new house, and playing outside. Here's a few candid shots from day 1:

Ok, so maybe he didn't help her cook. Maybe he just helped lick the bowl. :)

So Many Changes...

For those of you who don't know, there is tons going on over here in the great state of Ohio right now. We have gotten word that, since Marion has resigned from his surgical internship after determining it just wasn't the life for him, we are being restationed once again this summer. We will be moving to McGuire AFB in New Jersey this July and will be there for 2 years. Marion will basically be working as a Family Practice doc for that time, and then will reapply to a different residency.

Initially, we were very shocked at the news...New Jersey??? Really??? This time, we didn't get any say in the matter either, they just kinda told us where we were going to go. But after the news sank in, I think it will actually be ok. We will be less than an hr. from the beach, 30 min. from Philadelphia, 1.5 hrs from NYC, and 3 hrs from our old stomping ground in DC. If we get bored out there, it will be our own fault. AND Marion will have the weekends off up there...YAY!!!

Change #2: Selling our house in DC

We are still sitting on the townhouse in DC that we were unable to sell before we moved. We have since put it back on the market, and have an offer on it!! However, we are fighting with the Homeowner's Assistance Program, who is assisting us in getting rid of this house, on timelines, so keep your fingers crossed for us!!

Newport Aquarium

As always, moving makes you try and squeeze in everything that you had not gotten around to doing yet in the area before you leave. I had always wanted to go to the Newport Aquarium since I heard so many good things about it, so I convinced Marion to take the little man and I down there on Sunday.

We discovered that the aquarium is acutally part of a bigger area in Newport called Newport on the Levee that has lots of neat shops and restaurants. So we decided to stop and grab lunch at Johnny Rocket's before we headed to the aquarium. (Best chocolate peanut butter shakes EVER by the way!) The waitress gave Michael a cook's hat to wear while we were there, and he at least kept it on long enough so we could get pictures!

After all our stomachs were full, we headed to the main attraction. It was fun watching Michael just stare at the fish in the first few rooms with those huge eyes. I don't think he knew what to think of them! Once he got tired of looking at the fish, back to his stroller he went and actually behaved very well while Marion and I enjoyed the rest of the exhibits.

After we were done at the aquarium, we walked around the levee for a little bit enjoying the little bit of sunshine that day. There were street performers playing some instruments in the square, and Michael even went and joined them for a few minutes!!

Gotta love family days....we don't get many.

Yes, We have joined the world of blogging.

Yes, it is true. We have succumbed to temptation and joined the ever-growing world of bloggers.

Actually, I am going to switch over to posting on this site, since it is free. For those of you who have missed Michael's first year, be sure to catch up by visiting our current site: www.totsites.com/tot/powelljr
The subscription is getting ready to expire and I'm too cheap to renew it when I can use this one. :)

So change your bookmarks on your computers (I know you check on us everyday!)...and be sure to check in regularly at our new site...there's TONS going on right now!