Happy SicksGiving

It has been determined that at least one person in the house should be sick on thanksgiving. It is pretty well assumed that someone (usually me) is not going to feel their best, though this interesting tradition started waaaay back about 10 years ago with Spike. Just for fun, he decided to get CHICKENPOX as an adult right around thanksgiving. We were still living in the basement at that time, pre-kids. I remember bringing a plate downstairs to him to eat. He couldn't be upstairs because he was so miserable, and we feared contagious.

We did have a good stretch in there, but since then...let's see...in 2005, I was recovering from delivering Aidan about 5 weeks prior and adjusting to life with 2 babies, also nursing for really the first time. In 2007, the day before Thanksgiving, Jake accidentally hit me in the eye with a paper plate, slicing my cornea. I wore a very attractive eye patch for the holiday, and was actually in quite a bit of pain. 2008 had me waddling around, convinced I was having Corinna early.And this year, well a viral infection tore apart my sinuses.

But of course we're still thankful for so many things. Jake said he was thankful "bugs" and Aidan said he was thankful for "Mommy". Corinna LOVED her first thanksgiving and ate more turkey than either of her brothers. Poor Aidan, he sat staring at his plate with the same scared and miserable look that I used to have each holiday when I was little. I used to DREAD coming to the table. I couldn't think of a worse holiday than one centered around food. I've come a long way, but looking into Aidan's eyes I was certainly brought back!!

The weather was so nice that the boys and Corinna went for a nice long walk just as the turkey was finishing. It is such a blessing that we have such a big yard, they explored all over. With the leaves down and the bugs away for the winter, it was pleasant and so much easier!

Happy 10 Months Corinna Bina

Corinna has grown up so much this last month! She's walking way more than crawling now, which really just equates to more mischief. She's sneaky! In addition to eating any piece of paper left innocently around, she'll also dive for a ratty ol' pair of shoes, too. It's pretty gross! She trick or treated for the first time in the last month and is pretty much eating regular food when she's not nursing. Corinna loves carbs as much as her mom and grandmother Gartner. She'll take you down for a piece of toast. And speaking of eating, guess who won't stay in her high chair if daddy is home? Yup! She is now obsessed with Spike and if he is home and not holding her or otherwise paying attention to her, there's heck to pay! She's developed quite a personality recently....loves slapstick humor--which thrill her brothers to no end. And we've caught her grooving to songs recently, wiggling her little diaper covered butt to the beat. She's gearing up for her first thanksgiving..stuffing, turkey, potatoes, the more carbs the better!!!

Oh, and check out the hand-on-hip attitude she's giving me in the bib picture!

The little scratch under her eye is from an accidental mis-directed Buster paw. He's so gentle around her always, but she kinda walked right into it. She still loves him so much and always slips him food. However, she remains terrified (literally shakes) when our cat comes around. Not sure what that's about.

Super Soggy Groggy Sloppy Halloweenie

Halloween was a two-day, candy-filled, whirlwind of a celebration. On friday, Aidan had a party at preschool, Jake had a parade and a party at the elementary school. Spike's company had a trick or treat fest, too.

Saturday morning began with a trip to the Spider Spook-tacular at a local nature preserve. Luckily I got to be inches away from a tarantula yet again. Actually mommy and Corinna spent most of the time in the gift shop.

Jake and mommy braved the drizzle for the first mommy/Jake soccer game. Disasterous. Of course Jake had a good time in the beginning and was a great goalie. Then it started to rain harder and I had to fight the urge to pack it in even though he was covered in mud and it was cold and wet.

FINALLY--it was trick or treating time!! Boy trick or treating in the rain presents a certain set of challenges--especially with a 9 month old. But, at least it wasn't freezing! We ended up driving around with friends and it was awesome. I plan to drive next year even if it doesn't rain! The kids were soaked, but they didn't care at all.

So much candy, so much fun. Aidan was a transformer from the movie, Bumblebee (there were 3 other Bumblebees in his preschool class). Jake went as Heatblast from Ben-10, and Corinna dressed as an adorable little bunny, and matched her BFF, Madelyn.