Thanksgiving is For Family, Dares, and Incarceration

Got your attention now, don't I? It's not that juicy, but read on...

While I was working my requisite holiday, Bill's family got together as most families do to celebrate our National holiday of Thanks. Great food and hilarity ensued. Thanks to Lauren and Janine for saving me a plate! Gina-mom had all her chicks in the nest: Ryan and Kristin drove in with Elizabeth and Ava and a surprise, baby #3 on the way! Andrew and Lauren brought us Milo to meet for the first time. And of course, the local favorites, Reina and Bill were on hand and I arrived for dessert.

Michael-dad and Gina-mom and their babies. Note mine hamming it up in the middle. Which apple tree did she fall from?

Nana M, Gina-mom, Bill and Reina. 4 generations, after somebody's bedtime.

Needing some respite from playing with "babies, babies, babies!" , mini-mother-goose-Katie and bad-influence-Billy entered into a dare to see if she would eat a piece of sushi for cash. She would. Easy money.

After receiving numerous threats, both verbal and internet in origin, regarding the pounding this ferocious duo would inflict upon her after they squashed Milo, Reina put her cousins in their place and showed them who's boss.

Kissy Lips

We've accomplished open mouth baby bite-kisses, now for some real smoochies. We were crying we were laughing so hard at her. She even made lip smacking noises...pucker up!

Miss Independent

Reina has a prematurely over developed sense of self. She's never been much of a cuddler, unless sick. She has definitely made her preferences known to "do it herself" when it comes to eating, or choosing not to eat, solid foods. She is an explorer and not afraid of anyone. The other day at the park with friends Ann and Brayden, Reina continued to do her own thing, including crawling about a mile away to check out the fall leaves on the ground, not once looking back for reassurance. This does not bode well for the teenage years...

Stop squeezing me Mom, I've got to keep moving!

See ya later, suckers

Reina and Brady: she's mad because she wanted to drive the dragon.

Reina's cousins will soon be arriving for Thanksgiving and her independent streak will be put to the test. Elizabeth and Ava can walk and Milo can apparently flatten her with his bulk. Asserting her uniqueness will need to come in handy because judging from their encounters without her, I think it might be a survival of the fittest weekend!

Old Block and Little Chip

Sorry to those of you who are "relieved" Reina takes after me. There's more than enough evidence to prove I'm not the only parent she resembles. It's amazing we're only a month away from her first birthday.

This was taken in January, note Reina's displeasure...and her itty bitty-ness.

More recent of Bill's mini-me, taken in October. Jedi is likely sulking somewhere. Hermes still looks psycho.


November blooming rose. In Ohio. Weird.

Playground Fun

Trying to take advantage of a sunny yet not too cold day, we trekked to the local park and playground for some fun. Reina was pining to go outside all week, going to the door or window every time the dogs were outside. So, not very original, but here's another video of my giggly-swingly girl. This time, Daddy was able to come, too. I'm not sure who had more fun...

this video might not work...it's taking all day to process...I'm posting this anyway!

Razzamatazz

I had my first real weekend away from Reina just after Halloween. We went with some friends to Las Vegas and although I didn't play one slot machine, I did eat some great meals, have a wonderful spa treatment and see a really cool show based on the Beatles music. Hanging out with friends and without baby duties was nice too. I'm glad to be home for a while, though. I brought this video with me on my camera in case I started to miss her. It reminded me just what a sweet little stinker she is! Enjoy!