Writing from Denver

I'm on another trip to Denver for work and managed to get hooked up to the Internet this time. Unfortunately I still can't access my work e-mail (except through the web which is a pain) and files through VPN. Oh, well. I'm hoping to connect at the store tomorrow. ANYWAY, at least I have Internet access and can entertain myself, even if for a brief time. And, I can read and respond to messages on a basic level. That helps. It's no fun to return from traveling to a mountain of e-mail messages.

We had a fun weekend. Keira especially liked the park/playground near our house. It's a nice walk for us and she has a fun time. She generally bypasses the toys and equipment and likes to go straight to the rocks - interesting girl, our daughter. I also got her on camera dancing (finally). It's so funny and sometimes she gets really into it. She's quite the entertainer. Check it out. (There is volume on the video so just a warning to turn your volume down if you're at work.)

Some have asked what Keira's doing these days, so hope this gives you an idea. She's so much fun and cracks us up all the time.

• Words (not always discernable): Uh-oh, bye, hi, ball, dad (da)...but, no mom - so sad
• She understands a lot. If you ask her, she'll get her blankie, baby, duck, ball or book for you.
• She's finally eating table foods though she still only eats when she wants to, but we're making progress. She ate almost an entire slice of pizza the other day. I jumped for joy.
• She's got 6 visible teeth so far and we think she's been teething the past week, but aren't sure - I don't see anything else popping through just yet
• She runs all over the place and enjoys playing games - chasing her, singing, tickling - some of her faves
• She's actually fitting into 12 month clothing, mind you she's almost 14 months old

The 4th and Our Future Fire Fighter

Keira spent the 4th of July weekend with her grandparents. That worked out really well for everyone. I desperately needed to rest and am still recovering from the most vicious cold I've had in a long time. Keira was able to spend time with her grandparents before they head off to Georgia for the upcoming year. She had a great time! Here she is at breakfast at the local Panera. She's a regular whenever she's in Rochester.

The kids played dress up at daycare today. Check out our little fire fighter. It's never too early to start planning for the future!

Sick

After a little over a year of not getting anything more than the sniffles, I am full blown sick and am so cranky! I can't take time off work right now b/c we're in the middle of some MAJOR projects. You all know that I'm the first to stay home when sick not wanting to infect people, but unfortunately my projects involve working sessions and meetings that are just too difficult to conduct over the phone. So, I'm going to grin and bear it through my chills, sore throat, cough, etc. Please send some pity my way!

I just hope I don't get Keira sick (though she does have a cough she can't seem to get rid of) b/c her grandparents are going to take her this Fri-Sat to spend time with her before they go on their next adventure with Americorp in Georgia. Mark and I will definitely take advantage of the freedom that gives us. I'm just bummed about the prospect of resting more than actively enjoying the time off, but I need to shake this cold. Poor Mark has had to deal with my crankiness for a couple of days now.

Next week wraps up some major projects, but then I'm off to Denver again July 14-17 for another big project. Mark's been such a trooper with holding the fort down and taking care of Keira. I guess I can't complain when it's his time to travel for work. That's all for now.