gj visits

Last week Roman worked in Kentucky leaving me to face life as a single mom for a week. I wasn't too keen on the idea, and lucky for me, gj wanted to visit and help out. Mom stepped out of her comfort zone and drove the distance with Sayla riding shotgun. Way to go, Jane! She quickly found out how fast Corinne can make it to the dogs' water bowl, to the toliet paper under the bathroom sink, and to your pant legs begging to be picked up.

Mom got to witness the arrival of Corinne's 5th tooth and help her master the art of sipping from a sippy cup. Corinne loved the apple juice and began smacking her lips together in delight. She now smacks her lips in anticipation of her next meal or snack. Now we're introducing the toothbrush. She loves how it feels on her gums. I always check to see if there is a gnoothbrush on her toothbrush. Any Suess fans out there?

We had a grand week dining out several nights and shopping for fall clothes. I don't know how I could have managed without the extra hands. Thanks so much, gj, for all of your hard work. Hopefully, we didn't wear her out too badly. She needs her strength as she heads north...On the road again...to the other grandchildren!

Firsts of the Season

It's that year again. The year of the pecans. Every other year our pecan trees provide us with bushels and bushels of yummy pecans. It usually takes us all winter to pick up the backyard. The neighbor kids down the street that used to help us out moved last year. Corinne, can you say "child labor?" Ha. Chloe and Terra join in the fun and choose to eat the pecans that we've already picked up and placed in the wheel barrow. They could at least help us out with the ones on the ground! Chloe particularly dines on pecans as long as you'll let her stay outside.


Now that the weather has finally turned cooler, we can break out the sweaters and afghans. Mimi just sent a fun package with a beautiful new crocheted sweater & hat set. She needed it today as our high reached a mere 62. Perfect timing and perfect stitching, Mimi! They both fit just right.

Corinne would like to introduce you to her first pumpkin. Mom and Dad carved away this weekend making sure that the teeth in the pumpkin reflected Corinne's mouth. She's now cutting her fifth tooth.
Next up...Halloween pics. Trick or treat, folks!

Finished Floors

Roman finished the final trimwork on the fl0ors last week. Whew! Are we glad to be done with this project. He did such a great job. We spend most of our time on the floor now with Corinne and it's so nice to scoot around on a clean, new floor. Here are a few samples of his handiwork:

What's Your Vector, Victor?

Corinne is progressing at unbelievable rates!!! She is free standing, and happy about it. This video shows some of her new tricks

Cute, huh?

Corinne has also earned a new nickname; Vector. That is she carries everything contagious back home from daycare. There's been multiple cases of the common cold, thrush, etc... Most recently when dropping her off in the morning the teachers warned Melanie of a new pathogen infecting not only kids but the 'rents too. Interestingly, in a matter of 24 hours Mel had caught the bug: vomiting, nausea, tired, etc. At the same time Dad caught another version of the common cold (we'll call it 4.0). While Mel's illness only lasted 24 hours, Dad is still battling his and Corinne managed to defeat all! Go figure!?!?

This photo was taken the night Dad began feeling sick-wonder why?

Corinne, happy and feelin' good

Energizer Bunny

Eventually that bunny has to sleep! Corinne enjoys daycare so much that she is exhausted when we arrive home each day. I watch for the window of opportunity to feed her or we end up with a high chair zombie like this.

Corinne enjoys feeding herself contrary to this picture. We're using sign language to encourage her to ask for more food. It could be she's learned a little because she claps (indicative for our 'more' sign) when she's ready for more. Of course, she's also slamming both palms onto the high chair tray which usually ends up slapping the spoon full of food out of our hands all over everywhere. Chloe stands post the minute we move her chair over to begin. At least I don't have to sweep the floor each meal. :-)

Corinne just received a good report card from her 9 month check-up. We are really trying to keep exposing her to new situations. She's had some fun playdates with new friends lately. Chrissy and her little Isabella stopped in one afternoon.

We also head to various state and county parks to walk and play with Michelle and young Cieley. This afternoon at Charles Towne Landing was one of the first cool ones this fall.

Roman and I are so over the heat down here. A few cool days this weekend teased us. The mosquitos aren't dead yet, so it's not cold enough for me. Roman has officially finished the floors and the trimwork. We'll get some photos of his handywork up soon.

Make it a great week! Melanie

Goin' Mobile

Sorry for the delay in posts-but do we have a treat for you, faithful followers of Corinne's cult.








So, as you can see Corinne is becoming quite agile. She's quick like lightning and can manage the small step down in the house just fine. She is a complete JOY!!!!!
Oh yeah-She's cut her third tooth (top).
Hope everyone has enjoyed!