A Fine Balance

So much has changed since we last posted! Ben had a great Christmas in Connecticut at my aunt and uncles house. Their house is big enough for the whole family to stay and wake up together on Christmas morning. Ben had lots of admirers between his “great aunt Laura” (GAL) and “great uncle Peter” (PAL) as well as his cousins, grandmother and great grandparents.

We rang in the new year together at my college friend Christina’s house where we wondered if Christina was going to let us leave with him. Baby obsession? Possibly but Ben loves the attention and told us we could go back and visit anytime. We stayed over as we were in the midst of a classic New England snowstorm and had a blast. Ben nodded off well before midnight but promises next year he will try and stay awake.

Right after new years Josh flew out to Cincinnati for an internal job interview within RBC on an energy trading desk. Its a great opportunity for him as very few companies are focusing on this “green” sector because of lack of funds but RBC is in a good place and intends to become a leader in carbon credit trading.

The night Josh was gone, Ben developed an infection in his leg that left him very unhappy. (and me as well!) After crying for about 24 hours straight, which is very un-Ben like, we headed to the doctor who had to drain the infection. Ben was brave and was sent home with antibiotics. We found out a few days later that he actually has MRSA staph (which is drug resistant…ugh) and had to switch antibiotics but it appears to be all cleared up. Poor kid. He has been much happier of late though so I think we are past that.

My dad came for a visit about a week and a half ago and we had fun shopping for some new toys for Ben. He is now the proud owner of a Bumbo (which, helps him sit up on his own…amazing) as well as an Activity Center! During the week of Dads visit we got word that Cincinnati wanted Josh to come out for a two month rotation which (if all goes well) will turn into a permanent placement.

Which means…off to Cincinnati we go. We are due out there February 9th…which…is crazy from a logistics standpoint. I am working with a realtor to find a furnished apartment that RBC will pay for for our two months out there. We really are only supposed to bring our clothes and personal items but, with a baby, that ends up turning into a lot of stuff. We considered shipping everything out but upon further thought, will just be bringing a Uhaul trailer. The drive is supposed to take about 10 hours, which means 2 days with Ben. So we will be leaving in a little over two weeks. If this turns permanent, RBC will pay to relocate us out there…paying off our lease, packing our furniture and shipping it out. But until then, we will keep out Jersey City apartment.

I have been trying to coordinate all of our doctors and getting second copies of all of Bens records so we have them on hand out in Ohio. We think it will be a fun adventure as I have never actually been to Ohio before (nor lived anywhere but the east cost except for a six month stint in London). Josh has warned me Ohio is very different than the east coast, people are nicer, friendlier and move at a generally slower pace. They don’t drive aggressively either…probably the biggest adjustment I will have to make…ugh. Also, they really like chain restaurants…

All in all, a lot going on. Ben now weighs 10lbs 12 oz and had his six month birthday last week. Hard to believe that in another six months he will be a year! I will post more recent pictures soon but wanted to let everyone know we were on the move!