Preface
It seems that the universe is bent on us not having a functional camera so all of those looking for cute new kid pictures are going to have to wait.
New Job
Life come in chapters and we found ourselves looking at a page that was only half full of text a couple months ago. We have very excitedly turned the page to find Doug working at a new job in the automotive industry and shortly there after, after lots of looking, we were under contract for a new (to us) house.
Dorman is ranked in the top 20 places to work in Philadelphia, they make a variety of aftermarket car parts that are sold in places like Advanced Auto, Auto Zone, Etc. Doug is starting a new line of car parts that they currently don't carry. More importantly they are near some rural areas where we have found a house we really like and expect a much shorter work week than Dougs last job for more money.
New House
The place we are under contract for is in a very rural area, it has a back yard and a beautiful view, it also has a fireplace.
It's a short sale, which means it's a long wait and a long shot, but after considering it carefully we felt directed here.
Same Old Us
Simon is getting heavy enough dissuade casual baby oglers, only the truly devoted carry him for any amount of time. He suffers from the same malady Jacob did when he was younger, namely, his cheeks are so fat that you can't tell his mood unless he is actively smiling or frowning (both of which are equally endearing). He is a very pleasant and easy baby, especially in the last month or more. He sleeps quickly, and is slow to anger =)
Jacob impresses us every day with new levels of functionality and obedience. He is currently in love with maps and (surprise) anything that involves activity, running, jumping, throwing rocks, and pretending. He is still a big talker and frequently surprises us by calling attention to details of life that we have long stopped noticing. He is in love with Simon who seems to love him back, Simon laughs easily at Jacobs antics and gives him complete attention which is a precious commodity when you are 3 years old.
Part of the reason that we are so impressed with our own kids right now is that not so long ago they were not doing as well. Simon had a stretch when he was well.. a newborn.. and Jacob had a stretch of a couple months where his behavior grew steadily worse. So this stuff is especially sweet.
Doug and Mimi are enjoying alot more time together. Even with 2.5 hours of commuting every day they have more time together as a family and less work stuff to worry about. Mimi has been devising new advanced methods of saving loads of money or the family and Doug has started fixing the family heaps (er...cars) with similar results. Jacob and Doug also went on their first Father and Sons camp-out an experience they will repeat this weekend. Jacob spent about a quarter of a microsecond adjusting to the idea of running around the forest with his friends and playing with the fire while Doug may have beat him while adjusting to the idea of talking to all of his church friends and eating hot dogs all night.
Hope this post has been worth your while, we love you all, hopefully we will be back soon with pictures.
-Doug
