Baby blog updated

Teeth pictures.

Do as I say, not as I do

There are many things I want to instill in my child(ren). Things I learned from experience, from observance, and from obedience. One thing I really hope my children have is compassion for and a defense of the underdog. I don't know why I've thought of the following experience recently, but it's actually been on my mind a lot.

Because I grew up in a relatively small city, I went to school with many of the same people for 12 years. One of the girls in my grade got picked on in junior high (it mortifies me I can't recall whether high school was easier for her). She was picked on a lot. One incident is vivid in my memory: the teacher's back was turned and a boy kicked her. The whole class erupted in laughter. She crawled under a table and accused, "You kicked me!", which only prompted more laughter from her classmates and tears from herself.

I can't remember why she was picked on. Who knows how bullies choose their victims. As I look at this girl with adult eyes, though, I realize there were probably things going on in her life that made her a target--abuse, neglect, money issues, etc. The adult in me cringes that my little 12ish-year-old self didn't even think about walking in her shoes and never came to her defense.

In school I was fortunately insulated from the nasty kids. I don't know why. Was it my type-A, take-no-crap personality? Was my confidence a deterrent because I wouldn't be a fun victim? Did my sassy attitude show I could take it and dish it back worse? I don't know. But I wish I had taken that blanket of social safety and wrapped it around that poor girl. I wish I had, at least once, told the kids to leave her alone.

I know why I did nothing: I didn't want to become the focus of the nasty little junior high hecklers. Isn't that horrible? Because I was afraid of being negatively noticed, I let it go. Granted, I never participated in being mean (I'm so glad I wasn't one of those kids), but I also never befriended or defended the friendless picked-on girl.

I hope I can teach Nadine the importance of defending those who are unable or unwilling to defend themselves. And I hope she's the kind of person who will do so, no matter the perceived cost.

Our house, in the middle of our street

Because very few family members have been in our house, this post is nothing but photos of the house we're renting in Maryland. I love this house; it is definitely the bright spot of the move. We're so blessed to be in it.

We no longer look like college bachelors (minus the Ramen noodles in the corner), sitting on a blow-up mattress and eating off plastic plates; and we're not swimming in a sea of boxes (because my mom and sister Kelsey basically unloaded every box when they were out here dropping Whitney off at law school; I am so grateful for their help).

Here are the "befores" in July. The living and dining rooms were quite empty.

Here is a "transit" in August. This was such an overwhelming amount of boxes.

And here's now. Even the pictures are up!

Nadine has her Seussical Experience room again. It was so nice to get her out of the Pack & Play, her bed for 7 weeks, and back into her crib.

Notice the built-in dresser and mirror. Most of the bedrooms have this. It's so cool.

The basement is also fantastic; do you see the wall on the right that is nothing but shelving?! I love having so much space for our books.

Peekaboo

Cute video on the baby blog.