Sanibel Vacation

Just returned from a trip to Gramma & Grampa Reid's in Sanibel. The weather was nice, certainly better than in Va. Not only did we take over the house at large, but the dog's bed(s) as well. Behind us is a fine collection of sea shells that we were happy to let be...until daddy made mention of how good we had been the whole trip - on the next to last day no less - so we just had to play with them.

Three days we were able to get into the pool for a swim. The water was a lovely 90 degrees; we just wish the wind wasn't so chilly when we got out. Luckily a warm shower is not too far off.

Two days we walked to the neighbor's house for cocktails and puppies. While the event was only two houses down, by the time we got home we were exhausted. Each night one of the neighbors hosts anyone who wants to bring their dogs over to play. The adults have a cocktail and catch up on the news (you understand that we mean gossip) of the day. Our job was to look cute, entertain the grandparents in the group, and run our parents ragged chasing us around the driveway and street and yard.

While it was a shame that gramma got sick the last couple of days - we would have loved to have had more time with her - it was good to get a bit of extra grandpa and daddy time. They let us play in the yard, pick lemons, dig holes in the sandy dirt, and take walks with the dog a couple times per day. We did get to spend a whole day with gramma alone when grampa, mommy, and daddy went fishing.

17 Months

The bumps and bruises continue as we strive for greater economy and efficiency of movement...a real struggle for the mastery of locomotion.

Alexandra took a header off a lawn chair cushion she was playing on. Though the cushion was on the ground, the brick pavers were hard enough to cause the bruise you see on her forehead. My parents' dog, though sympathetic I'm sure, found opportunity in her misfortune to reclaim the cushion as a bed of his own.

Annellice has managed that fine shiner by tipping over her walking/riding toy. The first time she was trying to get off the toy by going over the handle bars. Turns out the toy wasn't designed for that much weight over the front and it tipped her over. The second time the toy slid out as she tried to take a wicked fast corner. Both times the toy popped her right in the eye.

Both girls manage to fall hard on their diaper padded bottoms. Sometimes the thud is so loud and the jolt looks so severe that I fear compression injuries to the spine...at least I know that is what it would mean for me. Luckily enough they are none the worse for wear. Matching skinned knees from running and stumbling outside complete the picture.

Clothes have become an interesting exercise of trial and error. In girth, both girls are quite comfortable in sizes as small as 6 months. In length, however, 24 months or bigger is most appropriate. If we match for length, the clothes won't stay on. If we match for girth, pants become shorts and dresses become belly shirts. Occasionally we pick the right combination and we feel like a winner for the day.

The girls have mastered some knew skills such as saying and waving bye-bye; they can locate their heads, eyes, mouth, and ears; they understand open and close, yes and know; they can carry their used diapers to the trash and throw them away. But no new skill is as funny or interesting to them as is the ability to put their finger(s) up their nose...and ours.