Early Fall 2009

Fall has officially (kind-of) begun. It rains more and instead of being grateful the temperature lows are the the 80's, we're grateful they're in the 70's.

Tor is working - still with roasting coffee, owning the coffee shop, but also is selling high end pools and backyard landscaping. He is insanely good at selling anything, especially expensive things. He makes Clare want a negative edge pool with a waterfall, flagstone deck, and a spa - and we live in an apartment. Hello. Clare has to remind herself of that when the visions of pools and spas flash before her eyes.
Part of our pre-engagement counseling was discussing how couples - instead of trying to come to a mutually beneficial solution - will try to "sell" the other spouse on how great their solution is. Clare just laughed and said,

"Ha! Tor excels at that skill."

He has since excelled in separating Clare from customers. For that she is grateful. Coming to solutions became much easier.
All said, he is an excellent salesman - and could sell literally anything.
He rocks.

We just initiated our "date nights." Last night was the first one since Josephine was born. We left her with a babysitter (ahhh!! small scary) and set out to enjoy the presence of only each other. We had a fantastic time and were again reminded how glad we were we found each other. We had a blast eating White River Fish Market's whole fried Flounder with the world's greatest hushpuppies, then followed fish with Dulce de Leche cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory. Josephine was quite alright when we arrived home (asleep!), and we found the babysitter watching Pride and Prejudice. Peaceful and fun night. We are looking forward to making this a tradition once or twice a month.
Clare is tremendously enjoying working part-time. It's amazing how much difference removing one day of work can make in the life our small family. Food is cooked and on the table, the refrigerator is full, the bills are paid, the laundry is always done and house stays decently clean. Clare is almost finished with all the projects she's had on the back burner...some for a long time! The baby book is almost completed, the garage mostly cleaned out and Josephine's 0-6 month clothes are packed away with 9 months clothes in the drawer. The wedding memory book is next to call out for completion. Maybe it will be finished before our 5th anniversary in March. :)

Josephine is crawling around everywhere - requiring all breakables to be removed from grasp- level. We had some close calls with the crystal vases before Mom caught on.
She stands next to the table and wants so much to go from hands and knees to standing position on her own. She has almost mastered the task.
She eats with her hands now, and she and Cheerios are fast friends.
She has had a blast visiting with the Miller grandparents in Arkansas and meeting the Miller Aunts Bekah and Tiffany and Uncle Neil.
We look forward to several fall trips:

-Seattle - for Nordstrom/Ilvedson family time.

-Apple Festival - Johnny Appleseed left a legacy in Lincoln, AR that is so much fun to enjoy.

-Branson - Mike, Corinne and cousin Anders will grace us with their presence down south for a fall vacation. The Ozark trees will be at their prime and Big Cedar Lodge is calling our name. Anders and Josephine will have a big time. We'll need a red wagon and some rockin' family pictures.