Back from Summer 2013

     Bri and I have been back from summer for about three weeks now.  The heat of Shanghai in August is starting to pass.  When we arrived near the beginning of August we were regularly having heat indexes around 115F.  A couple mornings I'd go for a run to help with jet lag around 5am and come back soaked due to the 90 degree temps and 90 percent humidity.  Last night when I checked the weather our next days was scattered between upper eighties and low nineties.  This seems completely bearable when compared to the recent extremes.

    Settling in this August was easier than ever.  With established friendships personally and continuity professionally we both have been able ease back into a routine.  That said, we have big changes coming soon.  Most of our free time now is spent discussing and planning the job application process which will pick up steam in October and November or more likely discussing the arrival of our little boy in October.  It is a bit of unknown feeling for both of us.  In some aspects our life has roots and continuity where other aspects of our life are completely unknown right now.  Its an exciting place to be.

     In regards to the baby all is well.  A recent doctor appointment showed everything seeming normal.  Bri was happy when the doctor confirmed via ultrasound that he was in the position she had predicted using clues from bumps and kicks.  A funny moment occurred when Bri asked the doctor if it was still a boy.  Dr. Xu looked up with her always serious look and said, "Last time we told you it was a boy?".  Bri and I both felt our stomachs drop before Dr. Xu clarified that they couldn't see the gender today due to the positioning.  She laughed at our reactions and reassured us if they saw it with a good view last time that it would be a shock to her as well if it changed.

Soon we'll be updating the blog with a April vacation that we haven't shared yet, more of the usual life in Shanghai and when the time comes, baby updates.  Thanks to those of you who read faithfully and those of you that check in from time to time.  It is rewarding to hear people at home ask for more updates and share stories with us regarding the blog.  We'll work to keep it up in year three.