Adventures on Aberdeen.

I never thought that meeting a hungarian shepherd would have such an impact in my life.

That was James' contribution to the blog.

In less than three weeks, James, Jesse and I will be on our way to Ecuador. That is soon. And between now and then, there appears to be a lot on the 'to do' list that James created, such as

-- try to make enough money to get there,

-fix the 'lost wallet' situation by getting all new cards from all over hamilton

-socialize with anyone who wants a coffee

-pack up our home

-trip shop

-get our shots

-get Jesse his shots

-hand sew a protective cover for James' ipad (please note the sarcasm, James)

-visit my sis, and her adorable kids

-make sure James applies for teachers college

-attempt to finish my online TESOL course

-teach myself how to sleep train a 5 1/2 month old, teething, strong willed, forever hungry child, because if it doesn't happen soon, none of the above will get done, and October 13 will truly be an unlucky day for the Harskamps. But, James reminds me that since we are not superstitious people, the # 13 has been redeemed, and is now the blessed day of our departure, and whether we get sleep or not, we will in fact board our flights and leave all chaos behind us.

The future looks bright.

And now, an update on J- balls. Yes, the unfortunate nickname coined by his uncles has stuck, and I will refer to him as such, at least for this month's update--which, I admit, has been neglected to the point that our son is now almost 6 months old, and in which time he has sprouted two very distinct snaggle teeth, learned how to sit on his size 4 diaper for an apt amount of time, and tasted his first sweet slurps of lukewarm rice cereal with applesauce. He is a very good eater. It is not a stretch to say that food excites him, and so I am seeing a blossoming Harskamp take his place in the world, and at the table, and I will no doubt one day be surpassed in the kitchen by my boy. Let's hope it's sooner rather than later. I hate cooking. That's right-- let it be known that I both dislike, and suck at it, and nothing is ever further from my mind than what I will eat for dinner. My sincerest apologies to the foodies in the family who take offence at these blasphemies. I will learn, someday, I hope.

Back to J balls.

He is a joyful chore. Last night he joyfully awoke at 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. AM. I followed suit, a lot less joyfully, and James made it out for a few choice time slots... those a lot closer to the sun.

This is OK, considering he isn't equipped to handle all of Jesse's needs, but I am definitely getting ready for the next phase: bottles, pablem, and a place that at least has one room with a solid, soundproof door. Not too much to ask.

But all in all, we are growing into parenthood and loving it. Jesse brings a lot of joy to our table, and we love him.

And so, we are preparing to take our little baby abroad. Weird that he won't ever remember this place. Can't say it'll be the same for us. I won't ever forget it. Where James and Rebecca first built there home, and introduced it to a brand new person. It has been such an awesome adventure. But the pages keep turning...