Long Overdue Update...

I realize that at the end of my last post, approximately nine and a half months ago, I promised to post updates "soon". In my defense, "soon" is a relative term, and, up until a couple weeks ago, we didn't have internet at home. Since we finally broke down and decided to join the rest of modern civilization in cyberspace, I feel that I should follow through and post an update. Not that anyone probably reads this anymore, but still...for those of you who may happen to check up on us every once in a while, here are some highlights from where I left off...which was actually the day we arrived back home in Ann Arbor with Juan Pablo.

July 16, 2008: Juan Pablo baptized by our good friend Fr. Gerald, becomes cutest little Catholic in the world.

August 8, 2008: First birthday!


August 10, 2008: First birthday party. We celebrated in our backyard with family, friends, and of course, a pinata.

August 29, 2008: First solo steps, from coffee table to Tio Chad. Since we don't have a picture of the first steps, we'll substitute a picture that includes Juan Pablo and Tio Chad.

September 7, 2008: First trip to Zingerman's. And yes, I consider this an important milestone.

September 27, 2008: Watches his first Michigan football game. Not the best season to be introduced to Michigan football, but becomes a fan nonetheless. Yells "Touchdown!" anytime he sees a block M and sings a hilarious version of Hail to the Victors.

October 5, 2008: First of many trips to Jenny's Pumpkin Patch in Dexter. Officially becomes obsessed with horses (or "Neighs") as a result.

October 31, 2008: Celebrates Halloween in style as a little pumpkin. Goes trick or treating downtown in the morning, and in our neighborhood in the evening. Total pieces of candy eaten: 0.

November 16, 2008: Experiences snow for the first time.

November 27, 2008: First Thanksgiving. Good opportunity to dress up really cute and hang out with his favorite person in the entire world, Abuelo.

November 28, 2008: First trip to Oma and Opa's (Jeff's parents) house in South Haven. Sleeps like an angel in the car on the way there and back. Meets his cousins and several of his aunts and uncles for the first time.

December 19, 2008: Attempts to play in the snow...seriously, what IS this stuff?

December 25, 2008: First Christmas. Enjoys opening gifts from Santa, but even more so, enjoys dance parties to "Feliz Navidad" at Abuelo and Abuela's house. Won't let anybody sit down while the music is playing.

December 31, 2008: Since there is no way that he is going to be allowed to stay up until midnight, or that we will allow ourselves to stay up until midnight, we celebrate "New Year's in Rome" at a more decent hour with a few good friends.

January 28-30, 2009: First trip away from home, for a mini-vacation to the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Ingests about 30 gallons of chlorinated pool water, but enjoys every minute.

February 14, 2009: First ear infection. Not being a fan of doctors office visits, decides to try the "apple a day" thing. Valentine's Day plans postponed for another weekend.

March 2009: Spring returns to Michigan. Happy to be playing at the park and biking again!

April 12, 2009: First Easter. Total pieces of candy eaten: lost count. He's learned a thing or two since Halloween.

May 2, 2009: Gets his first haircut. Doesn't realize it because he's too busy eating waffles. Suddenly looks like a little boy, not a toddler.

May 15-17, 2009: First trip to Chicago. Visits Shedd Aquarium, as he is currently obsessed with seahorses, or "Sea Neighs".

And that should help you get caught up for now! Juan Pablo is growing up fast, learning new things every day, and constantly amazing us. With that, I'll wrap up this post, and now that I have easier access to internet, I will try to post updates more regularly :)