Doin' Great at Eight (months)

Well, Corinne is eight months old today. She is jibber-jabbering away all the time now, smiling at her toys, her family, Lilly, and sometimes nothing at all, and her sweet little voice is beautiful to listen to. She says "ma-ma-ma-ma-ma" quite often now, though I haven't been able to convince anyone that she actually does mean me when she says it. Corinne also understands several things that we say to her or in conversation: Lilly, cat, look, books, car, eat, water, and a few more. She has perfected her game of initiating and playing peek-a-boo and she loves to put her hands and feet under any faucet in anticipation of water coming out. Corinne is working on pulling up on whatever she can, and pulling things out of whatever she can, like the bucket of toys in the photo above. She still has no teeth--not even a hint of some coming soon. And she's not crawling but loves to stand up while holding onto furniture. We're wondering if she'll bypass crawling for now? It's hard to believe summer is over and we have an eight month old daughter! She is such a great measuring stick of just how quickly time changes things, people, life and even one's perspective. So many people love you, Corinne! But most of all, Mommy and Daddy do. Happy eight month birthday, little one!

Back to the Big Apple

Aunt Marcey spent most of last week with us before she got on the road to head back to New York City. Her clerkship in Memphis came to a close and now it's back to life as usual in NY--new apartment but same job. We have LOVED having her in this part of the country for the last year, and better yet getting to see her every month or so when she was required to be in Cincinnati with Judge G and the other clerks. But we are also glad that she gets to move back to a city that has become home to her over the last nine or so years. She knows she is welcome anytime (and as often as she can manage)! Corinne and I had an especially nice week with Marce. Corinne took to her right away and the two of them are fun to watch together (next time you see her, ask Marcey about her special song for Corinne). As always Marce and I enjoyed our time hanging out with one another, just being ourselves. Lots of good conversation and lots of fun, too.
One day we went to the zoo with Marcey and my mom (a.k.a. Grammy), who took an afternoon off of work for the occasion. Besides it being extremely hot, we had a great time. Corinne was fascinated with the peacock that wanted to join our family that day--you can see she nearly climbed out of her stroller.We also saw the giraffes up close and heard the lions roar!

We went out for lunch a few times and this photo shows us waiting for our food at Zip's. We love having this little hamburger dive right around the corner from our house, and we were able to walk there for lunch one day. Corinne loved the train that goes around the restaurant way above the floor. The train, along with playing with Aunt Marcey's hands, kept her happy the entire time!

Swimming

Earlier this week we went swimming at Grandma and Grandpa Schatz's! I think Brett and I had more fun watching Corinne in her bathing suit and her little floaty inner tube than Corinne had actually doing the swimming. She didn't really react at all to the water, which I think is kind of surprising. But then again she tends to be somewhat laid back about these kind of new experiences. For instance, the same thing is true when we put her in a "bucket" swing at the park. Other kids squeal with delight, but Corinne just hangs out in the swing without any visible expression. So it will be interesting to see her personality as it continues to develop. For now, we think she is just perfect.

Nap Strike

I know, I know, what an innocent face! However, this little one has recently been on a bit of a morning nap strike. I don't understand it, and I must confess it's driving me a little nutty. Corinne has been taking extremely short morning naps all of a sudden. Since her morning nap used to be a marathon nap this is quite new to us. I'm not sure what's going on--it very well may be some quirky phase. Or the culprit could be any number of normal developmental stages such as: teeth, growth spurt, etc. But to Corinne's credit, she does not mind being in her crib awake! She will talk and play happily by herself for long periods -- even as long as a half hour or 40 minutes! It is super cute to listen to, and does afford me some extra time if I'm in the middle of cleaning or laundry when her too-short-nap ends. And I figure it still counts as "rest" even if she's not actually sleeping. Afterwards, we usually take advantage of the extra time by running errands or going on long walks. For me this has been a lesson in being flexible and taking it all in stride. I am learning more and more that kids are unpredictable (yet so resilient). I also know that I have nothing to complain about because Corinne is the happiest baby ever, according to Grandma Schatz! Not to mention she sleeps from 7:30 pm until 7am each and every night. That in and of itself more than makes up for any unexplainable occurences such as nap strikes!

On a sidenote, Brett thinks I should send this picture of Corinne into a baby photo contest. Do you think it would win?

New Cousins...One Down and One To Go

We are so excited that the number of grandchildren on the Schatz side is growing like crazy!

Corinne led off this second wave of grandkids when she arrived last December, and it continued when little Ella Schatz was just born on July 22nd to Mark (Brett's older brother) and his wife, Leah (and their girls: Anna, Kara, and Emma). Up next: Tim (Brett's younger brother) and Sarah will be welcoming their first child at the end of October! So, in just 10 months the number of grandchildren pretty much will have doubled. One thing is for sure--it should make next summer's Hilton Head vacation very fun when we all venture back as one giant Schatz family. (Is everyone in?)

So this is a picture of Corinne with Tim and Sarah taken just the other day. Noteworthy is that they have the chance to have the first BOY on the Schatz side! But, only time will tell...they chose not to find out what this little one is. Sigh. The suspense is killing us all:) Only about 10 more weeks to go, right Sarah?!

Happy Anniversary!

Brett and I were married three years ago today at the beach on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It was a picture perfect day in my mind--the beautiful wedding I dreamed of in an intimate setting with just family and close friends. But more important than that day, and even more wonderful, have been these three years of our marriage. Each day I am blessed beyond words by Brett, who loves and supports me so unconditionally. Happy Anniversary, Brett. I love you so very much. We make a great team.

This picture was taken on our first anniversary at the same beach resort where we were married. Brett surprised me by taking me back there (during a Schatz family vacation) and arranging a private dinner and beautiful red roses to celebrate. It was so thoughtful and incredibly special. And, it's one of my favorite pictures of us, too!

Happy Birthday, Brett!

Today is Brett's birthday! Won't you join me in wishing him a very Happy Birthday??!! We won't mention how old, I mean young, he's turning:) Happy Birthday, Brett. I love you.

Just Plain Happy

A Few More Firsts...

I love this picture of Corinne sitting (read leaning) in her newly assembled high chair while hanging onto her sippy cup! Corinne is reaching out for the tree in our living room (see post entitled "Corinne's Tree" from way back when Corinne was a "baby")
Trips to the store have been lots more fun lately (for both of us) since Corinne can sit in the grocery cart. She very thoughtfully studies the people and places on our errands. Here is Corinne trying some zwieback toast while I cooked dinner the other night. (BTW I think I found crumbs in every roll, wrinkle, crease, and orifice on Corinne's body later that evening)

So Much Fun

Corinne loves her pac'n play that sits under the window in our living room. She loves to play in it, and lately loves to sit up holding on to the sides. We're waiting for her to pull herself all the way up...it won't be long.Did I mention that she also loves to "eat" the sides?
And Lilly loves the pac'n play too! Corinne laughs and squeals when Lilly comes up and paws at the sides. (Lilly loves it for other reasons, too, like taking naps there and basking in the sun when Corinne is playing elsewhere) Such a sense of power...Corinne is safely above Lilly.
But don't be mistaken--this is a tiring game! And when Corinne is tired she goes for her thumb.