We're back!

                                                                                      Jakob and super newborn Logan
Ok, I think I finally have some time to update this thing! Our trip to the states was awesome- that is as soon as we FINALLY got there. I'll try to make this story short but we find it humorous now. First check-in was smooth, we had plenty of time, loaded the plane and our troubles began. Frankfurt was having delays so our plane was late and then as we were leaving a screw was found in the tire. So since our next layover was the shortest we missed all of our connections.  The nice Lufthansa people gave Jakob a plane stuffed toy and while we sat on the plane not going anywhere for an hour they gave us gobs and gobs of nuts and toblerones. In Frankfurt, Lufthansa put us on a flight to Philly and that flight was amazing. Everyone was nice, accomodating, food was great, personal tvs, bulkhead seats with bassinets, the works. We arrive in Philly and customs takes FOR-E-VER plus we find out we have to take a bus to a different section of the airport and we only have placeholders for tickets- not actual tickets yet. So naturally we miss all of our 2nd chance flights. They amazingly get us tickets for PHL-ATL-TLH (still arriving that night) and once again we go through the metal detectors with our 4 carry ons and little man... challenging to say the least since they always want to search the diaper bag. We make it to Atlanta only to find that our 10:50pm flight is now a 12am flight which eventually turns into loading the plane before realizing the cargo door is broken, they look for another plane, and eventually send us to get hotels at 2am- talk about a dead airport. We reach our hotel at 4am and leave by 8am (getting up at 6am though since feeding my little guy takes awhile)- we had been up for over 24 hours at this point. We load up the plane that morning, only to find that now the flaps have gone awry- kinda a big deal. So reload a different plane and by the time we get to Tally around 1pm we are just happy our plane did not crash. Of course our bags couldnt keep up with the mess and eventually they are found and delivered the next evening. Notice none of my story involved craziness with Jakob. He was perfect. I am still so amazed at how he traveled. Smartly we brought the bassinet that slides into our stroller (minus the stroller) and during our late night craziness he just slept in that as we carried him everywhere and was adjusted to the time difference perfectly. The rest of the vacation he slept 11 hour nights- Hallelujiah!! Everyone was amazed that he never cried on the flights and was so content- so were we!

So the day we arrive (Saturday and Paul's birthday!) was my little brother's eagle ceremony. We were so exhausted and felt nasty but were happy to have made it in time. We spent time with our families (even my Aunt and Uncle from NJ were there to visit with!), had dentist appointments, haircuts, and did some shopping (I needed clothes that fit badly) and then Wed we headed to Jupiter, FL for my good friend's wedding. We stopped in Orlando overnight to see my Aunt, friends, and my best friend's 8 day old baby boy! Crazy perfect timing. The wedding was on the beach with perfect weather. Everything about it was beautiful. The bride's mom even babysat one night so I could go out with the girls and Paul with the boys. Little man had no problem being put to bed by different people through the whole vacation.

We came back to our families and friends for lunches, dinners, fishing, boating, beach, shopping, and a little bit of relaxing. That weekend we took a trip to Albany, GA to visit a lot of Paul's family. We had a great fish fry and loved visiting with everyone. It was sad when our 3 weeks was up. We love our family and Jakob was doing amazing with all the action. We just hate that our little guy will grow up so much inbetween visits with his grandparents. So many people though pitched in to help make our stay easier. We were able to borrow a car seat, stroller, crib, and even some baby clothes (because of our luggage) plus we were able to borrow a car for a couple weeks. We appreciated all of that soooooo much. We did buy a portable crib (the green thing below) though and that was awesome. It packs up so light and he took naps in it and used it when we went out of town. Best purchase yet- besides diapers! ;) Schmittles liked to take over it though when it was not being occupied.

Our flight back was almost uneventful. We found out when we tried to check in that our reservation had been canceled- probably since we missed all those flights that wasnt our fault. So we got on flights to go home but now we didnt have seats together which really pissed me off. People on every flight were nice though and it worked out. We didn't get bulkhead seats for our transatlantic flight but that was fine. US Airways people couldnt even find the bassinets to use. We were just literally stuck in our two seats since Jake was sleeping in his bassinet in our laps and the people in front leaned their seats back pushing the bassinet into our ribs. That and the flight attendants not turning off the lights for hours made our trip not very nice. But we were just happy to make it home with our bags. However, lugging our 3 (50lb) suitcases, 4 carry ons, and little man home from the airport on the trams was so hard at 7am but we did it! And what a vacation. Now I know what people mean when they need a vacation from their vacaton!

We had such a great time and miss everyone already. It was really hard to get back into the swing of things here but we did and even visited the Rheinfalls last weekend. They are only about an hour away and are so magnificent. Other than that we have slowed down. I try to get in a major fast walk everyday to try to lose some of this weight and Paul is trying to start running to train for the Sola Run. That was the same run that I did the first leg of last year and thought I was going to upchuck my breakfast the whole time- not knowing I was pregnant yet. Fun memories but I'll let Paul get the joy this year!

Oh, we think we got a place at a kinderkrippe (daycare) for August 1! We have to meet with the lady next month but supposedly we are all set. We had been looking for a place for this month or May but since I have yet to start looking for a job we decided on August (after Paul's parents visit us) and hopefully by then I'll have a job. I've just gotta start sending out resumes now. Im actually looking forward to finding a job. I love taking care of Jakob but I know he'll do alot more great things (and maybe learn German) in daycare and I'd love some smart adult contact. :) Never thought I would actually say that though. I think if I didnt think daycare in Switzerland would be such a great experience it would be harder for me to accept but I like the idea.

Anyway, now that the little guy is in bed I guess I'll finish this up. I can't believe we have a 3.5 month old. Time has flown. We have lots to look forward to including the high chair I am about to start putting together! My friend is coming next month and Paul's parents come in 3 months! So excited!