18 Months

That's Corinne, complete with sunglasses and baby doll. She is (fittingly) pointing at and saying "dog" as she looks across the street at Ollie the dog. It's been 18 months since Little C joined us, and she is a riot! Lately she is putting fragments of sentences together to communicate her ideas, desires, and thoughts. Yesterday she walked around the house insistent on saying "daddy's shoes" which she previously spotted in the kitchen. Who knows why she randomly thought of them and told me "daddy's shoes" throughout the afternoon! Last week she came running into the kitchen saying, "milk, mom" and pointing into the other room. This was followed by "baby, milk". Believe it or not I was able to put together what she was saying and it was just as I suspected: she had spilled her cup of milk on the floor while trying to give her baby a drink in the family room-- and she was able to communicate just enough to get her point across! Amazing! Corinne spontaneously began climbing up onto the couch, chair, and ottoman today. No idea why she all of a sudden decided to try out this new game! But as I'm learning, sometimes things will all of a sudden "click" in kids' brains and they master a new skill in no time! She tried out all 3 couches with success and no help.

(Can you say mosquito bites?!?!?! Little C has FIVE on her right leg + one on her forehead...and they are all huge!)

63rd Annual Suncrest Block Party

The annual Block Party on Suncrest is definitely a force to be reckoned with! It's a serious event, complete with an elected chairperson, planning committee, and certified police street permit for blocking off the street. And Brett was this year's Chairman...needless to say we are glad it's over:) The day kicked off around lunch time with a chorus on the bagpipes. Followed by kids' kickball, adult softball, kids' bike races, a balloon toss, a pinata, a balloon artist, and face painting. Dinner is always the main event and festivities go well into the evening. Corinne had a great time and even got a "tatoo"(as opposed to face painting). She was hot, tired, sticky and very sweaty, but so cute! Little C even got to play in the street (hmm...I wonder how that will affect her tomorrow when she wants to do play there again?) with her baby stroller, farm animals, and the other kids. She also stayed up late for the 2nd night in a row.

A Word of Thanks

Last weekend in Florida was a big success for everyone, and I have many people to thank for that. First, Brett not only allowed me the chance to get away for a long weekend to the beach--but he encouraged me to go. I am incredibly thankful that I have a husband who is so supportive of me taking a little time for myself (in fact, he told me to go even when I was doubting that I should). What a gift! I'm also deeply appreciative of the grandmothers, who helped out a ton. They visited, made lunch, took walks with Corinne, helped with dinner, and allowed Brett a little down time, too. I wasn't worried one bit about things here, though I was thinking of Brett and Corinne the whole time. And actually Corinne had such a great time without me that when she saw me for the first time Tuesday morning, she asked for...daddy! A true indication that she was just fine with her daddy while I was away. Sigh. At least I know that I can do it again without a worry! And thanks to Marce for being my beach buddy for the weekend (the only thing missing was Laura!). I think Marcey deserved some R&R more than I did. At any rate, we enjoyed the sun, sand, and sleeping in. Wonderful!

Home Again

We celebrated by going to the zoo...and riding the train! (And taking lots of pictures of our morning together)

Daddy's Weekend Continued...

Well, it's been another boring day. First daddy and Corinne went for a walk, then Grammy came over and Corinne and Grammy played outside for hours. Then there was the trip over to Drakewood for some serious painting (Corinne wanted to keep an eye on her college fund, and she also had a word with one of the tenants who was late on their rent...Corinne played hard ball like daddy taught her)...okay, so the trip to Drakewood was just daddy, but some day....Then we went to Grandma's and Grandpa's for dinner and swimming and walking with the baby stroller. In short, a great day was had by all.

WE MISS YOU SO MUCH MOMMY! We hope you are having fun in Florida.

Daddy's Weekend Continued...

We're doing our best with mommy gone...Busken with daddy, the park with daddy, music class (daddy serving as the token father), walks with daddy, walks Grammy, Graeters with Grammy and daddy...We wish you were here Bets, but we are sooooo glad you are enjoying your time in Florida with Marcey. Both you and Marcey deserve some serious beach time.

Corinne and I dropped off Bets this morning at the airport, and despite an incredibly busy airport, Bets made her flight. We already miss her, but are sure that she will have a great time in Florida with Marcey. In the meantime, let the weekend begin...

Mommy's Vacation

A much deserved trip to the beach is upcomming for my mommy. She has done so much for me, and I love her soooooooo much. So, while I am going to have fun with daddy during "daddy's weekend," I am still going to miss mommy. If I am sad while mommy is gone, maybe she will call me on my cell phone. Daddy promised to take me to get a doughnut, so that will make things a little better too.

I love you mommy.
Lil' C

Do I Have To?

Pop Pop's Birthday

Unfortunately these pictures don't show it (unless you enlarge them), but Corinne gets her blue eyes from my dad. And here she is helping Pop Pop (as she calls him) eat his birthday dessert on our patio over the weekend. Happy Birthday, Dad! We're so glad we get to spend time with you!