Confessions of a Cookie-holic

It all started out innocently enough. Next to a window in my mother's kitchen there stands a squat little table upon which she had placed a large, glass cookie jar. This jar held a large number of Teddy Grahams which, with their innocuous grins and mild sweetness, quickly became a favorite with Eliot. It didn't take long for Eliot to understanding that by pulling himself up at the table, giving it a few smacks with the palm of his hand, and beaming at the nearest adult he would receive a few of the cookies. The limit was set at 4-5 cookies per day and life went merrily along.

As time passed however, he was not satisfied with 4-5 cookies and growing at a rate that made it necessary to remove the cookie jar to a safer place. A much higher table that also housed the cage (and last refuge) of the much beleaguered yorkie, Ernie. Needless to say, Eliot was soon wise to the move and it wasn't long before he was reaching up to the table many times a day, pounding his little fists, letting out squeals, and otherwise terrifying the dog who cowered in his cage, sure the end had come at last. So, the cookie jar found a new home, this time high up on one of the counters atop an old tin bread box. Yet again, Eliot was not to be fooled. Finally the cookie jar was placed inside a cupboard. A few mornings later when Eliot was frantically searching for his beloved Teddy Grahams, my mother and I felt it was time to stage an intervention. Eliot knew where the cookies had been and stretched out his dimpled hands in their direction, screaming his protest all the while. We stood our ground, though, and we have now been cookie-free for three days. Perhaps we'll celebrate by treating him to some Graham Crackers.

Heading North

Many of you are already aware that Spencer obtained a post-doctoral fellowship at the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies in Toronto, Ontario. We are so excited about it for several reasons. First off, it's a huge deal in the world of medievalists; secondly, it means that we will be spending a year in Toronto; and thirdly Hockey Night in Canada won't require a special cable package. While we are thrilled for the opportunity, it has also meant confronting layer upon layer of red tape. From health insurance to car warranty, almost no aspect of our life has escaped investigation as far as moving across the border is concerned. As Spencer put it, it's a nice problem to have. Our many phone calls and emails have paid off and things are really starting to come together. We won't be moving up there until the end of summer so there's still time to get everything squared away.

I have to be honest, it is going to be sad to say goodbye to Milwaukee. We've really enjoyed our time here and there are so many things about this area that I love. I've always told Spencer that of all things about my home town that I'd miss (with the exception of my family), Lake Michigan would be the hardest to leave. But with Toronto's spot on Lake Ontario I should feel right at home :)

Doing laps

This clip speaks for itself.

Mister Eliot's First Birthday!

Was it just 12 short months ago that Spencer and I brought home a little warm bundle named Eliot Arthur? There's a Christmas song that refers to the Christ Child as a "wondrous little stranger", and that is exactly what Eliot was to us. A precious little stranger. His personality has been blossoming ever since, and we've come to know him as Mister Mister, This Boy, Mister Machine, The Colossus, Sweet Little Pumpkin Boy, Little Big Guy, and of course, Lovee. He has effortlessly wrapped us around his dimpled little finger and as he embarks on his second year on this planet we wish him the very best and hope that one day he realizes how much joy he has brought into our lives in just the short space of this first year.

Happy Birthday Mister Eliot!

Eliot was joined by family and friends from far and near to celebrate. He was very thankful for his gifts but he was more thankful still for all the little children who'd come to play with him! Can you find him in the photos below?

The birthday cake was a wonderful treat once he got started, but the best discovery was the strawberries! He smelled like frosting the next day, even after a bath!

Here's to one fantastic year!

Visiting the Visiting Scholar

It's hard to believe that a month has passed since we got Spencer settled into the little house in South Bend, Indiana. Eliot and I have been installed at my parents' place here in Milwaukee (I'm still working at Froedtert) and we have been driving down to South Bend on the weekends. Most people who hear of the arrangement are all sympathy and say "how awful for you!" All I can say is, South Bend is a lot closer than Paris--though not quite as fun to visit. However, I have heard they have a chocolate factory that gives tours! We'll have to visit it one of these weekends and risk being carried off by oompa-loompas.

I actually kind of enjoy the drives down. Especially on Friday evening after work. Eliot falls right to sleep in the back seat and sleeps almost the entire way. I love driving through Chicago at that time. You get a beautiful view of the sky line, all lit up and glittering. I've also been listening to an audio book (Adam Bede, by George Eliot) and it really makes the time go quickly. We've been blessed with good weather for the drive so far and with spring just around the corner we're hoping it will hold.

Spencer has been enjoying his time at Notre Dame. He is essentially working his way through reams of Latin text that have been transcribed from an original document. This weekend he also had the opportunity to go to Pheonix (poor dear, and in middle of winter too) to attend a conference where he presented a paper, did some networking, and caught up with our friends, the Lundgrens. Eliot and I are glad he could go but we'll be glad to have him back again.

Twas a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Our's was one to remember. Eliot's first Christmas was white (!) and he had his first experience unwrapping presents, next year he'll have a much better idea what to do.

Just after Christmas we were a treated to a visit from the Youngs, including Aaron and Patti. It was a visit that, alas, ended almost before it had begun due to a case of the stomach flu that I came down with--which was as violent as it was poorly timed. It's amazing how the tiniest little bug can lay waste to even the most careful planning. In spite of my illness, the family was able to spend some quality time catching up with Eliot and seeing all of his new tricks.

My sister, Janet, arrived in town shortly thereafter with Madeline and James in tow. So Eliot also had the chance to share toys, and germs, with his little cousins. James and Eliot were like two little bear cubs (as my dad put it) crawling about and wrestling. Madeline is almost three now and it's so fun to see her personality starting to come into its own. She has a fascination with Spencer that was lessened not a bit by the fact that he juggled three oranges right before her very eyes! It was so good to see Janet again. We worked on sewing projects and stayed up later than we should have watching an old VHS recording of Pride and Prejudice. It was just like the old days, but with the occasional peep from the baby monitor to remind us just how much things have changed.In spite of the set-backs and abbreviated visits it was certainly good to see family again. I'm looking forward to 2010 with all the new adventures in store!

Congratulations Dr. Spencer Young!

This past Sunday we celebrated the end of an era. I can personally vouch for the amount of work and dedication that has gone into Spencer's doctorate. It would have been a tremendous accomplishment even if it hadn't been one of several major projects he's had on his plate lately. I'm so proud of him!

The last time I was in Madison for graduation it was for Spencer's MA degree and we were still dating. It is amazing to think of everything that has changed since that time. Spencer and I married, moved to Milwaukee (requiring Spencer to commute to Madison--which he did without complaint) and welcomed Eliot into our family. So much has happened, and yet in those three short years Spencer produced a doctoral dissertation that drew gushing praise from his defense committee. Spencer has always been a good example to me of someone who seeks knowledge and looks for it everywhere. Whether he's deciphering a 13th century Latin text or reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Eliot, Spencer is always interested in learning something new.