The Pillow Game

Corinne likes to fall down on pillows...or anything soft, really. She invented her very own game with pillows and this kept her occupied for a quite a while the other day. She was also saying "down" and "boom" each time she hit the deck (though her version of down is actually more like "dow"). It's very endearing to watch her have so much fun! I love seeing her little mind at work and at play--and in this case, simultaneously!

A New Button

Corinne likes to find her belly button these days. She also likes to find other people's belly buttons, too! (Just a fair warning) And we have a wonderful book on the subject by Sandra Boynton called The Belly Button Book.

Toys

I love this shot, and I'm posting it even though it's also over here on our sisters blog. Corinne has this wonderful toy chest that someone made for her and it houses all of her old "baby" toys. However, she has recently rediscovered them and enjoys them in new ways. (It's worth mentioning that she still hasn't played with all the toys she got for Christmas/birthday. They are still in their packages:) But one of the coolest things is watching Little C play in her own way, totally self directed. I usually try to be as quiet as I can just because I enjoy hearing her talk and play on her own without ruining her thoughts or creativity. This photo captures some of these very precious moments. Corinne talking and playing amongst her toys: priceless!

My Valentines

Corinne's shirt says "Bee Mine" with a little bumblebee. Thanks, Grandma Schatz!

Thanks to Grammy and Aunt Laura, Brett and I got to go out to dinner and a movie for Valentine's Day. And while it's nice to celebrate, I think V Day is a little overdone and kind of silly. (On a funny side note, when Brett and I went out to dinner we chuckled at how many families were out to dinner all together. Not as many "dates" in the restaurant as one might think!)

Laura's Visit

My oldest sister, Laura, flew in from Califorina for a visit this past week/weekend. It was terrific to see her and even better to just hang out and spend time together. We made it pretty low key, but managed to find entertainment just by watching Corinne! Among the highlights: dinner out-- just the two of us, a Saturday morning trip to Busken Bakery with Brett and Little C, a 3 mile run together, and (of course) LaRosa's pizza for lunch one day. Plus, Laura is an excellent cook and she made an incredible meatloaf for us on Friday night (okay, it was actually made with turkey). She's also known for her homeade guacamole--absolutely delicious!! (We blew through that in no time and now I'm craving more!) Corinne had a good time with Aunt Laura, too. They bonded over books, toys, and peek-a-boo. I'm so thankful for our time together, and though I wish we lived closer I'm so glad that the miles don't matter and it's easy to be together no matter how long it's been or where life has taken us. I'm proud of my sister, Laura, for all that she has accomplished (and all that's yet to come--did I mention she's opening her own business in San Fransisco?!?) and for the wonderful person that she is. I'm not sure I could have come through the last year as strong as she has. I love you, Laura! I can't wait for our '09 Sisters Trip!

And just for reference, below is a picture of Laura and Corinne from her last visit. What a difference a year makes!

Corinne Walking (!) & Dancing, Too

Going Someplace

Corinne started walking over the weekend!! She loves it, and is so proud of herself that she smiles and sometimes claps! Little C also likes to carry toys with her as she walks...I think I read somewhere that it makes toddlers feel more secure when they begin walking to have something to hold. I'm working on getting some video, so I'll try to post one soon. Way to go, Corinne!!! We're so proud of you.

New Do

What do our fans think of the new hairdo? One day I tried a rubber band to make a little pony tail for some of Corinne's longer hair...kinda cute, huh??!

Where's Corinne?

Corinne loves the game peek-a-boo, as does every other kid! She initiates it with just about anything: using her shirt while I'm changing her diaper, her blanket, and even with the big bunny chair in her room which has HUGE ears to hide behind. In this photo, you can see she was using the curtains for her game.

Here she is, proud of herself after her little game...

Balloons Are Fun

Growing Up

It's been a while now since Corinne first discovered that she can get her own drink from the fridge when she wants it (as long as I open the big door, first). Someone is becoming independent!

Watching

Our street has been a mess--torn up and crowded with very large trucks and equipment on and off since around Thanksgiving. Apparently "they" have been putting in a new water mane line and I've come to learn that this is done every 100 years. Hmm. Aren't we lucky?!? I will say it has made for some interesting entertainment at times. And some frustrating days, too, when we can't get in our out of our driveway, and when the noise is so deafening that Little C. can't take a nap. But here is Corinne watching from the window one morning, and she's quite content!