Life from a to z
Hmmm. A quick check of our files shows that we haven't written an update since before we moved. Let's see:
We've Moved
Selling the old place and buying the new both went so smoothly we almost can't believe it. Both closings were incredibly friendly affairs. Besides the move itself being easy, it was wonderful to move to a street where we know some neighbors and the rest seem to all be friendly and welcoming. We constantly remark with pleasure that we live in a NICE neighborhood, both environmentally and socially. Everyone getting this update should come visit sometime and we'll show you what we mean.
Arden became an immediate fan of Beachcomber, the swim club and community that the Kolodners have gone to for years. (In fact, our joining made the Lichtenstein-Kolodner clan the first family with four generations of contiguous members in the club's history.) Nearly every summer day after our move we spent some time at Beachcomber, where Arden could run, swim, splash, climb, and just enjoy the outdoors. It was a particular asset for Michael, who could have something to do during the days that always made Arden happy and where other people watch out for him without even needing to be asked. The lifeguards knew Arden by name and watched for him at the baby pool and smiled when he sauntered into the office to rummage through the ball bin.
Jen's New Job
Jen is now the Upper School Technology Coordinator at Episcopal Academy. She is helping teachers in the high school to better use technology in their classrooms. The school's faculty is made up of some very warm and friendly folks, and they're very appreciative of the support she gives them in using the school's computer, software and web resources.
Renovations
Though we moved into a wonderful house, there are always projects to do. Our house was built in the 50's and had a family room/master bedroom addition in the 70's. Though the place was maintained very well, there is a lot that cries out for updating. Fortunately, we sold a townhouse in one of the country's hottest real estate markets, so we are able to do what we want, including redoing the kitchen and master bath, and adding a carport.
We have met with an architect who we really like working with. He listens well to what we want, but also isn't afraid to steer us towards staying with the style and spirit of our 1950's split level. And though splits have a bad reputation because of their crimes in the 1970's, our Œ50's version is actually quite charming. That said, some of the "charm" needs to go away in favor of modern amenities and sensibilities, and we're working on that as fast as we can.
Around the rest of the property, major changes have already begun. As with the interior, the grounds need some changes. We have some wonderful trees and shrubs, but they're not all exactly where we might want them. Starting Monday major landscaping work begins. Almost all of our existing plants will be saved, but many will be relocated. The result will be beautiful and inviting, and will put our personal stamp on the property.
Seizing the opportunity for constructive destruction, Michael and his friend Chris took a day in the late summer and played with chainsaws. The resulting yew tree massacre was dubbed Hurricane Yarr. Our screen porch was a very sad place when we moved in. Surrounded by nine foot yew trees, it was dark and cavelike. Besides blocking light to the screen porch, they blocked light from the living room and dining room and kept us from seeing our back yard. They just had to go. So Chris, Michael, and a chainsaw named Zod, forced them to kneel. Permanently.
The result has transformed the main level of our house and made the screen porch into an outdoor room that we'll actually use!
Arden's Developments
There's almost too much to cover here. In the past two weeks alone, Arden's language use has literally begun to snowball. He doesn't use a lot of words to actually accomplish anything, but he's using lots of them for fun. Among the fun words are choo-choo (what a train says), ah-choo (what the Bear says in "Bear Snores On"), arrow (he likes to point them out), oo-oo-oo-ah-ah (what a monkey says), and beep-beep.
Among the actually useful words are hi, no (but that sometimes means yes), apple (which also can mean other foods), ball, and bye.
He pretty much understands anything we say, but that doesn't mean he does what we tell him to. In fact, this past week, he's started to laugh and say "Nooooo" when he doesn't want to give us a kiss or have his diaper changed. It's pretty funny and truly adorable. He's full of giggles and is starting to do make-believe play. Last night we were treated to "truck soup" as he stirred inside his toy truck with a wooden spoon and held it to our lips. And sometimes he made us blow on it first to cool it down. Ah, but we could go on and on.
Post-Move
Saturday, October 16, 2004
