Our Family Tree...err... Christmas Tree

** I haven't posted in weeks - sorry for that - life has been really busy - if you scroll down to the 10 month post you can get your updates in order***




Every year Chris and I cut down a christmas tree. We usually get a virginia pine but this year we cut a tree down while were in the mountains so we got a fur. This was different as the field of trees was on the side of a mountain but it was beautiful.
Cort really enjoyed it even though he was sick. He loved all the trees and was in awe of the chain saw that the workers would use to cut your tree down if you wanted.
I can't believe we got the tree tied to the top of our tiny jetta!!
We lost Cort's shoe out in the field and after about a half hour of searching Chris was about to give up when he saw on the very edge. We didn't really go over there so i don't know how it got there but we are very thankful we didn't lose it.

Cort helping Daddy Cut down the tree




Our Family Tree


The sweet cuddles I got all week

Thanksgiving at Ruby Lodge

We went to the mountains with Chris's family for Thanksgiving. They rented a beautiful log cabin in Waynesville, NC. The trip was great and very relaxing. Chris and I were able to get away one afternoon and shop in the quaint little down town and have lunch. There was a hot tub, pool table, beautiful views, walking trails, and just lots of peacefulness to go around. We all had a good time hanging out, eating ;), playing games, and playing with the kids.
The downside of the trip is that Cort started running a fever late afternnoon on our 2nd day there( wed.) of between 102 and 103. He was really such a good sport but he was just not his usual self. He wanted to be held and cuddled a lot(which was really sweet) so friday I took him to a doctor up there and he had an ear infection in both ears!!! He is doing much better now but so sad he was sick on this first Thanksgiving. He still seemed to enjoy the traditional dinner. He also cut two more teeth while we were ther!!! Now he has 7 teeth!!

His First Thanksgiving dinner




The other downside is that I may have won the award for the worst mother in the world. On Saturday, as we were packing up, Cort came out on the porch with me. I was standing right next to him and Chris was at the bottom of the stairs packing the car. Somehow, I looked away for one second and Cort fell down the porch stairs!!!! I know, it's terrible. There were only three stairs and the fall was quite graceful all things considered but I just couldn't get to him. Thankfully, he is totally okay but We both cried for quite some time. I still don't really know how it happened.
Def. a memorable first Thanksgiving.

Some fun pictures from the week:
Cort and Nicolas in the wagon


no more pictures please


Little drummer boys


A little pool table action


Cort and Aunt Jessica


All Bundled up


Nicolas and Cort wathing a video before bed


Chris, Jessica, and Sean on a hike


Cort cuddling with Daddy

Home Visit

Cort and I went to Columbia to visit family and friends that we do not get to see often. We were gone from Monday night until Saturday night. This was by far the longest Chris has ever been away from Cort. He stayed busy as he was installing new floors in our kitchen, dining area, foyer and hallway ( it looks soo good!) when he wasn't at work so the week went fast but still. So much can happen in a week.
The weekend before we left Cort began to stand on his own for a few seconds and while we were in Columbia he began to point, clap( he LOVES pat-a-cake), and said his second word, "hot" (for fire). He also got another tooth!!
We had a wonderful time. I was able to see a few friends , some who had not met Cort before. I also took Cort to my grandparents house in Aiken. They really enjoyed having him there. It was a precious to time to see Cort play int he house that I so fondly remember visiting while I was growing up.

Cort and Grandaddy


Me- Me, Cort, and Granddaddy


Cort playing peek-a boo with Me- Me


My other grandparents came to my parents house for a day and really enjoyed there time with Cort too. Cort kept going back and forth reaching between the two of them. I think it made their day...maybe their month!

Cort with Me- Maw


Cort trying to decide between Paw- Paw and Me-Maw


My parents equally enjoyed having Cort around so much. He settled right in to their house and had such a blast exploring and having never ending attention. He loved their gas fireplace, the little rocking chair that my mom has had since we were little( which Cort just wanted to stand up and rock in!!!!) and for some reason the foyer rug. :)


Cort with Grammie(my mom) at Work


Cort pointing to the fire


Oh, the things that entertain him - he crawled back and forth
on this rug for 30 minutes!!


A terrible case of take the cute picture before you teach



Playing with Papa( my dad)


PS we got Cort's "big boy" carseat. He loved the box - just hope he loves the carseat!!! We had to get the Britax roundabout because it was the only one that would fit in our car comfortably in the rear facing position and at his rate he will still be rear facing for long time!!!!!!!!

10 Months old

Time as never flown by so quickly. I just can't believe that my little baby is quickly approaching his one year birthday. This past month has been full of sooo much fun and so much hardship. Cort has grown up so much and can do so many new things. I just love watching him discover new things and new abilities. So me of his new things this month include:
* cruising really well all over the house
* standing for a few seconds on his own
* pointing
* clapping
* waving
* saying cat and hot
* cut 2 more teeth( one top and side bottom tooth)
* mimics more and more
* signing more and all done but not consistent
* climbing the stairs
I just can't believe everything that has changed this month. I love him more and more everyday. He finds so much joy in the little things. With all of this changes some things remain the same...he still adores music and it just gets cuter and cuter how he responds to songs that he likes. He still loves being outside, chasing our cat, horseplay, solid foods, elmo, and being around people. He about jumps out of my arms when we are out and about and he sees other little kids. He is going to be so much fun to watch as he is able to interact more and more with other kids.
He is still eating three meals a day and taking 4 bottles. The only babyfood he will still really eating is the fruit but he gobbles up "real" food. The hardships have come in the sleeping. Night time sleep is back on track but naps are terrible. We tried extending the 2nd nap and it is not working. Instead he is now taking 2 short naps instead of 3 short naps and continues to get up earlier in the morning. So, he is getting about 2- 3 hours less sleep a day right now. Not fun. He is handling it pretty well but I can tell he is sooo tired. I just pray this passes soon and that I will have the wisdom to know how to help him.
In spite of the lack of sleep, this has been such a fun month. I just love this little baby that is turning into a little boy right before my eyes!!

First Haircut

I took Cort to get his haircut today. :( It was just getting a little too long in the back and it has always been longer on one side then the other and I guess it was just time. I took him to this little place that does the first haircut for a penny and gives you a certificate and lock of hair and everything. He did so well sitting in the chair. I was sad to see some of his little curls go but I know they'll grow back and it does look better being a little more evened out. No more mullet for this boy.










His favorite part was the balloon they gave him. He played with it all day long!!!

Trick or Treat

Cort's first Halloween was fun. We went to a few neighbor's houses and picked some of our favorite candy:) and showed off our little lion. Cort was fine with that part but really enjoyed watching all the trick or treaters come to our door. He was such a cute little lion - I loved watching him crawl all around in his little costume. Mowgli found it very interesting, as well. They even played a little game of peek-a-boo around the coffee table.




oooh, fire.....





A friendlyl game of peek-a-boo



not quite as friendly of a game... but cort thinks it's funny