Neighborhood Shower

I love our neighbors.  Last month all of the ladies on the street gathered to celebrate the births of Audrey and Neil, a neighbor's baby that was born three days before her.  When we first moved in there were only three little girls that lived two doors down.  Now we have little Cali next door, Qwen and Kayden across the street, and Neil in the old firehouse.  It's fun to watch these families grow and we are thankful for their new friendships.

I really enjoyed my time with these ladies.  I was overwhelmed by their willingness to give up their Saturday evening to meet Audrey and Neil and celebrate these little lives.

Sweet little Cali joined us that evening and I would love to tell you a bit about her.  She was born in January with heart problems (I'd love to explain, but I honestly wouldn't do a good job).  She also swallowed a large amount of meconium during birth, damaging her lungs.  She has been through many surgeries since she was born and she's in the hospital recovering from her latest heart surgery right now.  Her mom says that she's doing better and is recovering well, but she'll probably be in the hospital for a few more weeks.  If you think about it, pray that she continues to heal and that her little heart and lungs heal perfectly.

Cali and Audrey - neighbors and future buddies

Rose

Fran, Lois, and Shirley

Mae Terpenning, our wonderful host

Mae with Julie and baby Neil

Enjoying the weather

Jack and I have decided to take full advantage of the unseasonably warm weather these past two days.   Yesterday we took a quick trip to the zoo, and today we enjoyed a long walk around College Hill.  We hit all of the hot-spots:  the post office, the bank, a peak into the fire house, and of course the park.

Here's a picture of Jack standing up at the reptile house.  (In reality, he's just propped up against the railing - but it counts, right?)  I think he's wondering when I'm coming back to rescue him from standing alone.

He wasn't 100% sure about the swing at the playground.  One second he loved it, and the next he was about to cry.  Literally.  It was as if he had a split second to think about being scared on the way back, and on the swing forward he was having to much fun to be frightened.   

Quick update

To say that we've had a busy week would be an understatement.  I'm way behind on blogging (and pretty much everything else), so here's a quick recap of where we've been:

Last week started with Jacob  preparing side dishes and desserts for 120 people for CHCURC's 1st annual Pig Roast and Square Dance. The event was held in the carriage house at Laurel Court (the former Buddy LaRosa's Mansion).  The food was great and I absolutely love how people in College Hill Support their community.

Job well done, Jacob.  Sorry I didn't get a better picture!

Square dancing

On Tuesday Jack and I took advantage of the beautiful fall weather and walked to our new polling place to vote.

Check out that tongue!

I was considering making Jack a Weeble Wobble cake for his birthday.  Jack was excited to practice with me:

Happy baker

On Wednesday we had the privilege to babysit sweet Levi Jumper while his parents went to see Wicked.  Jack liked having a buddy around but did not like it when Levi cried.  Jack tried to make Levi smile, but when it didn't work, Jack cried too.  He's a sensitive kid.

Jack and Levi (eight weeks)

Levi's better here, but Jack was still sad.

Thursday was pureHOPE's annual Silent Auction and Fundraising banquet at Manor House in Mason. I didn't get any pictures of the evening, but it was a great night.  Jack stayed home with my mom and got a special treat:

Jack's first pet

Friday was spent preparing for Jack's big birthday party.  He helped me to make his birthday cake and cupcakes.  Yes, he helped with his own cake... And I used a box cake mix.  I love to bake, but you really can't beat a good boxed cake!

I haven't forgotten about you, loyal blog readers!  I promise to work on getting birthday pictures soon.  

Rhythm Race

Our family recently took part in the 8th Annual Rhythm Race and after party right here in College Hill. Jacob is on the board of CHCURC - College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Cooperation - so we were busy most of the weekend helping to get ready for the race.

Jack helped hang No Parking signs on Friday  night

This year the after party moved to the parking lot behind the restaurants and shops in the business district of College Hill.  Many of the neighborhood restaurants participated and we were able to showcase the local fare.

Aunt Christy and Nana

Jack with Carl

Nana and Carl were kind enough to watch Jack after the race so that we were able to stick around and be a part of the after party.  

Fourth of July weekend

Our little family decided to stay home and enjoy the holiday weekend here in Cincinnati.  Norris Lake with the family was a really, really, tempting offer, but we decided that Jack might have more fun here.  (Tubing, tanning, beer drinking, card playing, and eating at the marinas just isn't what he enjoys quite yet.)

The weekend started of slowly and I started wishing that we had gone to Tennessee after all.  But Jacob had a plan and we had a great time right here at home.  

On Saturday we got to spend a lot of quality time together as a family.  We didn't have any plans, didn't feel pressure to work in the yard, and were able to spend time together enjoying our lack of obligations.  We took a walk, took a nap, ran some errands, and purchased a small pool for Jack.  He wasn't phased by the cold water and love splashing and chewing on his toys.

Only at Walmart...

 

On Sunday afternoon we got the chance to celebrate the 4th with wonderful friends.   My friend Susan was kind enough to host a party at her parent's house and we all got to go swimming.  Jack and I actually spent our time in the hot tub and he got passed back and forth between Gus, Samantha, and Corrie Guckenburger.  He loved it.  I am so thankful that I have a wonderful group of friends that have kids close to Jack's age,  who love the Lord, who are generous with their time and resources, and have husbands that Jacob loves too!
I failed to take ANY pictures of our time together, so if anyone has some, please share!

This morning we walked in a small parade in our neighborhood.  As people were walking and riding bikes many bystanders were passing out beer and some families were offering popsicles.  The whole parade ended at a yard party complete with hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, and lots of neighbors.  I love College Hill!

Jack with his buddy Cooper Maune - born three days after Jack

Some of the newest additions to College Hill - the boys with Katelyn Hodapp

Who Are The People in Your Neighborhood?

Jack and I had a few errands to run around College Hill today, and it was nice enough to walk.  The sun was shining and people were smiling on the streets.  I was hoping to get in a bit of exercise, but our pace never picked up long enough since we were stopping to talk to neighbors, people at the bus stop, and friendly passers-by.

I couldn't help singing the familiar Sesame Street song, The People in Your Neighborhood.  You know the one - "Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood? In your neighborhood?  In your neighborhood? Say, who are the people in your neighborhood?  The people that you meet each day."

It was a perfect song for today's walk since we saw so many different people.  It all started with a friendly conversation with the garbage lady.  She stopped to comment on how big Jack was and wished me a Happy First Mother's Day.  How sweet!

As we continued our walk we encountered many people.  These are the people living and working in our neighborhood:

• garbage collectors
• firemen
• bankers
• postal workers
• crossing guards
• police man
• restaurant workers (yes, I stopped at Goodies for a regular pig sandwich)
• a suspect wearing a blue hoodie last seen heading south on Hamilton Avenue

Hey - it happens.  We live in the Hill!  I do have to say that the police were great and we never seemed to be in harms way.  This is just a small part of what day to day life is like in College Hill.  We live with the bad to take the good -- the crossing guards that stop to meet Jack, since they remembered me when I was pregnant. Or the old lady walking down the street who stopped to talk to us and shared stories about when her kids were Jack's size.  Or the friendly mailman that remembers Jacob from when he lived two streets down as a child.  Or the big group of teenagers hanging out on the street who politely said good afternoon and moved out of our way to make space on the sidewalk.

It's not picture-perfect here in College Hill, but it is home.  The people working at the bank know my name when I walk in the door - and so do the people at the coffee shop, the wine shop, and the jeweler.  I can walk to all of those places, and soon Jack and I will be walking to the library, too.  We know most of the people who live on our street and many of the people who live in the community.  College Hill is a great place for us and we are invested, involved, and encouraged about the changes the community is making to create a safe place for families.