Reporting Live from the Heartland

Life is good in the great state of Kansas. We have been visiting with Smoochy's Dad's family for the first half of our trip. The picture you see here is four generations of W. men. Of course Normy wouldn't cooperate for the shot but it is still wonderful that we have the moment captured. Tracy (Smooch's step mom) has a great picture of this where Normy's screaming looks like a giant grin.

I tell you, life is good with the Grandparents. (Don't worry Nanny Jannie and Grampy N., I'll make sure your ducky bathroom gets use after the first of the year!) Chuck and Tracy have really gone out of their way to make their house baby-friendly. They have borrowed all of the necessities from relatives (crib, monitor, baby seat...the WORKS!) so that Normy has wanted for nothing. It has made this visit so easy!!! I was all set to bare-bones it; as that's what we'll be doing in Korea at first. Normy doesn't really need that much. As long as he has the boob and a spot between Mom and Dad to sleep he's OK. But having all the baby extras to use is so nice.

Last night Tracy and Chuck hosted a family gathering to introduce Normy to all of his Great Grandparents and Great Aunts and Uncles. It was quite the experience. Normy, unfortunately, was pretty crabby, but everyone still enjoyed pinching his chubby cheeks and squeezing his chunky thighs. I must admit, I was full of pride at my heavy-weight baby. He is 19 pounds of crabby joy. I had so much fun comparing family features and trying to place what Normy got from where. Grampa W. pointed out the following comparison...

Maybe we should start calling him Alfred.

The next leg of our trip starts Friday when we head off to Topeka to visit with the other half of Smoochy's clan. Normy's looking forward to seeing everyone, but he's especially excited to see his Aunt Betsy; it's all he talks about.

In less then a week our Korean adventure will be underway. Rest assured our hotel studio will have an Internet connection and I will continue to post about our comings and goings in Seoul. Actually, I will probably have plenty of time for such persuites and I plan on thoroughly enjoying housekeeping and room service for three months! (However, we will have a furnished kitchen so I WILL be cooking, as desired!!!) AHHHHH! Korea, here we come!!!