Rub-a-Dub-Dub, a Luca in a Tub!

First Tooth, First Snow

Miss Bean cut her first tooth! She was chewing away on my finger when I realized that something was different. She wasn’t noticeably fussier but with her cousin to entertain her, I’m not sure that fussiness is the barometer to use. I did hear her up at night more than usual; that may have been my sign. She’s growing up! Crackers, fruit segments, healthy “cheetos” and puffs have been added to the daily fare even though most of them end up sticking to her cheeks and fists, not in her tummy. We’re still working on the finer points of finger play. Oh, and the seriousness of bed-head. As you can see we have some scary mornings. ;-)

Puppies are one of Luca's new favorite things. Big or small, mellow or rambunctious, she LOVES them. This is Henry Hank, Grandma's dog who was very sweet with Luca. Cooper, (also known as Moose) a giant Golden Retriever, is the other dog she's met. Of course we missed the adorable photo-op of her giving him kisses on the nose. Ms. Bean is wary of adults but I think she would love a canine babysitter...wasn't that in Peter Pan? A Saint Bernard? Anyway...
We awoke to blowing snow and twenty degree temps today! Welcome to spring in Nebraska, Luca. :) She stood at the window and stared for a while…I wonder what goes on in that little mind? This morning was her second Sunday in the church nursery and it went really well. The secret seems to be Isaiah! Three hours are fine as long as she can see him. I think it’s so sweet how they recognize each other and how much Luca loves her cousin.
After a shopping run, we had baby serenades the whole way home. ;-) Super cute!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane...

Luca and I flew into Nebraska on Tuesday at 11pm. We chose the late flight not only because of the price but also in hopes that Ms. Bean would sleep through it. She did not! However, she was a little angel. Our flight wasn’t full so I did some strategizing hoping to have an empty seat next to us. We went to the back of the plane (no one likes the back) and I kept my bag in the middle seat as extra discouragement. It worked! Luca had her own seat for the flight in which to enjoy her complimentary beverage (no, she didn’t get Diet Coke, just the can) and peanuts (fun crinkly package!). The pictures are a little fuzzy; I didn’t want to be the person who uses a flash on a dark plane.

We are settled in at my Brother and Sister-in-Law’s (They’ve turned their basement into an apartment for us!) and are enjoying our time with friends and family. Joe is re-acclimating to working in cold weather; the last two mornings have been in the 30’s! The cousins are working on rapport, Luca trying to be less aggressive and loud, Isaiah being longsuffering. ;-) Spring is just around the corner here and we are looking forward to being outside in the yard and taking walks to the park. I can’t wait to see Luca’s reaction to grass, a fun, new texture! We miss our Arizona friends but are so thankful that God has given us this time in Nebraska. Thanks for the prayers!

Digging

Yes, I know it's sideways but it's the best one of Luca. She was very into scraping her fingers through the dirt and of course, trying to eat rocks. :)