Week 33

Hayes is exhibiting his new trick in this week's picture. He starts in the sitting position. While sitting and playing kept him occupied for a while before, he's no longer happy with just sitting. He wants to MOVE! He leans forward until he kind of flops over onto his belly. Then, he sort of backwards belly crawls around, which is made tremendously easier for him on the hardwood floors in the new house. It's quite funny to watch. Now, all I need to do is figure out how to attach some Swiffer sweeper pads to his belly so he can clean the floors for me....

Here is a video of the little floor duster:

So, obviously, we made it. Surprisingly, our trips went pretty well. Kyle left Lawrence last Wednesday morning with the three cats to make the 22 hour drive, spending the night in Ohio midway. Hayes and I left Lawrence Thursday morning after spending a couple nights at our wonderful neighbors' house (Ken and Carol's), who we will miss SOOOOOO much. We flew from Kansas City to Hartford with one connection. Hayes did really well. The mild stranger anxiety that he's developed lately was gone---he made friends with everyone on the flights---pilots, flight attendants, and people in front, behind, and beside us. Kyle met us at the airport and drove us to our new home.

We camped out in our house for the first four nights, sleeping on an air mattress on the living room floor. Our belongings were delivered on Monday and we've spent the last few days busily unpacking everything. I can't stand to see boxes everywhere---I want things put away in their rightful places. For example, the GUEST BEDROOM has been all put together, ready for someone (anyone) to come put it to good use anytime he/she wants! The house sits on three acres, mostly wooded. We've seen a deer in the yard and heard from the landlord that a flock of turkeys usually frequent the property in winter. We do have neighbors (I just couldn't see them when I was here before because the leaves were on the trees and obscured the view). Here are a few pictures of the house, including the front, side, and back of the house and the backyard:

I'll post some inside pics next week or so. Here is Hayes in his toasty warm "Connecticut PJ's" (fleece footie pajamas):