Hey, Mister Postman...

As the parent of a constantly curious little boy, I am always surprised when he finds excitement in things that adults take for granted. Case in point: Mailboxes.

I know--I was just as baffled by this as you are.

I really had never thought about the concept of mailboxes. It seems like a pretty basic thing, right? I've known many types of mailboxes in my lifetime: from a custom-painted mailbox on a matching wooden post at the top of my parents' driveway to the communal mail station that every complex in America has to the vintage-looking metal mailbox attached to our house in Florida...I guess I've seen it all. But Ben hasn't. The only mailbox Ben knew was the latter--and I didn't really think it had made an impression on him. Sure, this was the depository for the Paci Fairy's gifts years ago (see previous blog), but other than that, Ben really had no need to familiarize himself with our mailbox. So, it genuinely floored me to see his confusion when we arrived at our house in Tennessee...and he asked, "Mommy? What is that stand at the end of our dwive-way?" He listened intently as I explained that, everyday, the mailman would drive up to our mailbox and leave mail...and then he asked if he could check for the mail. Little did I know that this would be the start of a routine.

Everyday since we have arrived, Ben gets excited to go get the mail. Rain or shine, people. Don't believe me? See for yourself.

(In case you can't tell, those are rainboots he's wearing and the only thing that keeps him inside is the fun-der.)

He got even more excited to know that the little red flag rises up when you have mail for the mailman to pick up...! He began to ask when he would get mail, so I told him that he could write letters to some friends and maybe they would write back--let's just say he's better at getting the mail out of the mailbox than he is at dictating letters...sorry, Girl Micah, Torun and Anooja--I had to improvise some. ;-) He was so thrilled to take his letters out to the mailbox and put the flag up...and then a few hours later...the flag was down!! YIPPEEE!!

It's refreshing sometimes when kids remind us that sometimes the truly simple things in life can bring excitement and joy...and I have to say that the surprise of receiving a sweet note from a friend in the mail (be it snail mail or virtual) is a pleasure at any age. :-)

Dear Future Self,

There will come a time--probably in the not-so-distant future--that you will begin to take things for granted in your not-so-new home. When you do, read this.

Remember that first morning walk you took in your new neighborhood. The appreciation you felt for an actual walkway along the Tennessee River just a block away from your house, the crisp, non-sweltering Tennessee morning air, Lucie in the jogging stroller...and then the sites around you...

You might now find this hard to believe, but this gave you goosebumps. The awe that this was what you were seeing on a morning walk was pretty incredible. The thought that this could be the site of some of Ben's first memories was exciting. The realization that this is a place that will become home set in...and although it was bittersweet, it was starting to get a little sweeter.

Remember, too, the joy of seeing this new place through your loved ones' eyes: Ben seeing mountains for the first time and exclaiming "This is awesome!" and Brad setting up his new office and catching him with smiling eyes as we drove past Neyland Stadium on a daily basis. Possibly, for the first time, you truly felt what it was like to put your family first and started to put down some roots.

Nothing can fill the void of missing Orlando and all your friends there, but I know that you won't have a problem remembering them because I know they will always be a big part of your life. I just didn't want you to forget the first feelings of your new friend...Knoxville.

Love,

Today's Nicki

Back by popular* demand...

WOW. Looking back through these blog posts, I can't believe it has been so long since my last post! Well, if you know us, you know that we've had a few things on our plates. We have added another Doodles to the family: Lucie is now 7 months old! AND we've moved our Doodle Pad to good ol' Rocky Top...Woo!

Leaving our Orlando home and friends was very difficult, and we're still adjusting and getting settled. One of the first things we decided to do was paint the kids' rooms. We went with the same colors as their rooms were in Florida, and they turned out great. Ben really loves "the green house" and the fact that the Tennessee River is a block south and the playground is 2 blocks north definitely makes our little neighborhood A-OK in his book.

There are a few things that have already set this place apart from Orlando...and I'm sure I'll run across a few more:

• While at Bed Bath & Beyond, I was looking for a new doormat. There was a young couple next to me, doing the same. Pretty sure I wouldn't have heard this in O-town: "Yeah, but the other one would be great for me to set my boots on."
• Publix might have sold their green bags for much less than the $2.99 that Kroger charges for theirs, but take a guess as to who has a pickling and homemade jelly supply aisle...not to mention Graeter's pints and cans of Skyline. Advantage: Kroger.
• Knoxville has Zaxby's. Not sure if Central Florida has one--I had never been there. And I must say that the lovely young woman behind the counter, Starlandia, made my first trip to the chicken joint quite pleasant.
• Ben's name officially is pronounced "Bin." I knew that was coming.
• I have to say that the southern hospitality is really refreshing--we have been to the playground many times, and every single time, there is someone new to meet and talk to. Even driving is different here--people don't run red lights and drive like maniacs...or tourists. ;-)

Like I said, we're still adjusting, but so far...so good.

* by "popular", I mean that one person (Kristy) said she missed my blog. This one's for you, Mrs. Walson. ;-)