Farewell Woodsboro

Big news on the Spurgeon side of the family... The Royal Oak family home SOLD - after about half a day on the market. Great news, but a bit anxiety-producing for still-employed-in-Southeast-Michigan-Grandpa Bill. While Lake City will serve as primary domicile, both Bill and Katie envision a part-time residence in the Royal Oak area. And with the house sale charging ahead, the search is on.

We went to the family digs last weekend, with Paul and Colleen, to call "dibs" on any furniture not going to Missaukee. 

Maizey spent the time cruising around with Paul and his phone, singing along to Frozen and Yummy in My Tummy.

Lucy chilled in her car seat and with her grandparents.

Although we knew this was coming, it's emotional. Can you imagine if Bob and Betty sold 1129? I think I'd have a coronary. So please, send happy thoughts for Gram and Gramps regarding their new chapter.

Immobile frustration

Lucy is obsessed with her sister. And her sister's stuff.
And she just can't come to terms with her immobility.

)

I see a crawler in our (nearer than I'd like) future.

Shamrocks and Shenanigans

As I mentioned a few posts ago - there is ALWAYS something to do in Ann Arbor. We source these family friendly excursions from a jackpot of a paper - The Ann Arbor Observer. My aunt (Big MR) has this little gem delivered monthly and attacks it with her neon yellow highlighter. I am proud to report that I (Little MR) have subbed in during her sojourn North, though admittedly am probably highlighting slightly different events.

Last Sunday's nugget? The Shamrocks and Shenanigans 5K, 1K and Kids Dash. Now, you many remember that Will and I (and Maizey) love participating in the Detroit St. Patrick's Day run. (See here and here.) Last year we skipped it - largely due to this. And this year we're realists. The weather forecast for Sunday's Detroit run is a high of 30. We have two kids. One jogging stroller. No place to pre or post-party... so the Patty's Day event last weekend, walking distance from home and featuring a 100 yard kids dash, was just the ticket.

It was Maizey's first race - not something to sniff at being a Spurgeon. 

And, it was FREEZING. 

 While Dad and Maizey took in the course,

 Lu and I tried to stay warm. (Coffee for me, soothie for her.)

 Then it was time to line up for the dash.

There was some hesitation so Dad joined her at the start...

Especially entertaining as there were serious warm-ups,

lead by this suited leprechaun/Darby O'Gill lass. 

(Yes, Lass.) 

Warmed up, or as warm as they were getting...

Then, it was time for the pep talk.  

 On your mark. Get set.

 GO!

Admittedly, though harboring the Spurgeon enthusiasm for running, she inherited the Breclaw attention for it. Note the sideways glance above. Definitely no eyes on the prize for Miss Maizey. Though I do think she got first in her division (3 and under). No matter she was the only entrant.

What followed were, sadly, a lot of tears. It was COLD. And not wanting to be late, we were way early = long time in frigid temps. Not to mention her after-race nosh: ice cream. Which she insisted on eating. So, no glorious pics of the party, or Will running the 5K, since the ladies and I hightailed it home for cocoa and heat.

Once inside, girlfriend was more than happy to show off her medal.

And I was more than happy to show off my counterparts.

Lovely ladies. 

(And yes. I look tired. I'm exhausted. But happy.)

Five months, thirteen days

The longest, shortest time...

Funny thing about these photos?

Lucy is a total ham. She is always smiling, laughing, oogling her sister or Kip. 

  And in many of these, she's Captain Serious. 

Or contemplative.

Though she did some grinning once my assistant Maizey was up from her nap.

  

 Loving her big sis.

And for those who ask whether she looks like Maizey did:

I'm not sure. What do you think?

As I always say, Lucy is awesome. For the most part she's a smiley, happy baby. Though lately, she gets very frustrated with her immobility. I don't think she'll be a roller/non-crawler for long.

She's constantly grabbing at our food (and plates, napkins, knives, my glasses, Maizey's hair, Kip's tail...) but isn't digging rice cereal or purees, still preferring a boob-only diet.

Last week she aged out of the cradle. Bob and Betty, after returning from their latest adventure, ferried it back to 1129's attic. We are convinced she holds the record for duration, though. Near the end she would "play" the spindles with her hands while kicking her feet. The cradle would swing wildly, sometimes into the wall. Restful, right? She is, however, very unhappy with her new Baby Bjorn travel crib. Lord help us when we're back in Milford and she has to settle into her own room.

Speaking of which - fingers crossed - re-entry in less than one month...

Library, oh library

As we cough, sneeze and nose-blow through our fourth month in Ann Arbor, I thought it would be good to pause and reflect on some of the good this city sojourn has brought. 

For one, there is always something to do. Today's spot? Libraries. Within a 8 minute drive of our house there are four libraries. One, a ten minute walk away. Each has a decent children's section and three of the four offer stellar story hours. In addition, many host weekend events, allowing Will to join us in experiencing Ann Arbor crazy. ("Six square miles surrounded by reality.") Three weekends ago we participated in a library drum circle. Last weekend, a 50-family sing-along. And two weekends ago, family yoga.

Looks fun? Right?