The Ridgeback Review: March Madness

Kyle and I purchased new computers recently, and to get the GM discount for both my Macbook and his Dell, we had to ship to the US. Ok, no problem, can't be that hard to ship to Germany, right? We began to learn about the cost of shipping (not to mention the many, many methods available) both machines as well as their accessories: Forms, customs declarations and insurance--oh my!

Kyle turned to me, "Do you have an interest in taking Natey to the US for a brief visit?"

And that's how our unexpected trip to the States this March happened. We used our miles so the trip was "free," and Natey and I (and my RAGING first trimester) got a reprieve from our seemingly never-ending temporary living situations.

It was a win-win: Kyle got to really sink his teeth into his new work situation without worrying about being home in time for Nate's bath, and we got to visit family, celebrate my birthday, my mom's birthday and watch NCAA basketball. Go Blue!

Jess decided to surprise her girls--they had no idea we were making the trip, and the looks on their faces were priceless!

Surprise!

Reunited!

My 38th birthday cake (I was expecting spring. I was wrong. So, I had to rock the Granholm fleece)

On St. Patrick's Day Sunday, we watched basketball and had some fun around the house before I left to see Michelle, Luke, Graham and Cece for Graham's third birthday! I had to eat my cake and run, though, because we had a big family dinner of corned beef and cabbage in DeWitt. Sorry for my brief appearance, Michelle!

Hadi clearly has the luck o' the Irish

A litte St. Patrick's Day fun

Graham and Michelle Tobin at Graham's third birthday party--Make a wish!

All hail the power of the iPad

On Tuesday, March 19, I had my doc appointment in Royal Oak and afterward was able to stop in Northville (thanks for taking the detour, Hadi) to meet many of my Seoul friends that have repatriated to Michigan in the last year or so. It was so nice to see them and even more fun to say, "I didn't bring pics of Natey, but I have this new picture..." as I showed them the ultrasound! Thanks for hosting a great lunch, Carla!

L to R: Carla Thomas, Dorie Maugh, Leslie Madden, me and Susan Farrar

Most of the Crockett family joined us for my birthday dinner and we got together several other times for some food and fun.

Natey and Grandpa doing a balancing act

Natey showing off his dance moves for Nana :)

Natey and Claire: Two peas in a pod!

A big thanks to everybody on both sides of the family--we appreciate them taking time away from their lives to spend some time hanging out with Nathan and me!